The Awesome and Amazing God I Know by Rev. Jess Foglesong Touched By God (On-line) World Church Ministry Signs and Illustrations Everywhere! There are various ways our Creator discloses who He is -- His ways and purposes. One just need to open one’s eyes! Illustrations are in Nature: In the natural actions of the physical world. In the grandeur of the mountains and oceans. In the day to day lives of human beings. You see His touch, His mark, His foot print everywhere. Sights and sounds; visuals and aromas; textures and palpations. He never ceases to shine His light, out of the darkness, continually providing us with the promise of total provision. Take a gaze at the evening sky. The millions of glittering stars that shine so bright and bold in various designs and shapes. What is God illustrating to us when we view such grandeur and magnificence? He tells us that He is constantly with us, that He encompasses every aspect of our world, of our Universe. His presence is confirmed by His light -- shone out of the darkness and Chaos. Nearly all species of the animal world migrate. Some migrate thousands of miles back to their original place of birth. Whales, various species of fish such as salmon; birds, and even snakes and ocean crabs migrate. There seem to be this continuous movement back to its place of creation. Why do salmon, after hatching in shallow streams of various rivers, swim down river into the vast ocean where it matures for several years (3 to 4 years), then miraculously finding the exact same river, swim upstream -- against great odds and obstacles -- returning to the same spawning ground and die, after depositing it’s eggs or sperm for a new generation of off-spring. Why do swift Swallows travel endless, difficult miles to return to Capistrano? Why do millions of beautiful Monarch Butterflies flutter thousands of treacherous distances back to their place of birth? What is it that God is illustrating to us? Is it that He is describing our own migration? Our migration back home to the Father? To Him? We were created by Him, and along the way was lost (in Sin -- Separation), only to be found again and invited back into his realm; His loving arms. God Illustrates this story -- over and over again in the multitude of species that migrate: Butterflies, geese, ducks; swallows and many birds; thousands of animals make that trip. And it turns out that we are in the process of making our way “home,” as well. Just as the Israelites did (in the Old Testament) when they left their homeland and went to Egypt; enslaved for centuries by the Pharaohs; released through a savior named Moses; traveled through the great wilderness and the desolate desert; and finally crossing the meandering Jordan River, to the Land of Milk and Honey -- a land set forth by the True Savior: God Himself. An Illustration by God … of humanity lost, but found again … His Amazing, Amazing Grace. What is being Touched By God? How many of us have been “touched by God?” Well, I am guessing, that many of you have already -- and not realizing it. And so, what is -- being touched by God? Is it an emotional, spiritual experience? Is it a vision? How about an event: perhaps a close call with death; or even an epiphany (an awakening of sort). Well, very true … there are many people who do experience such events in their lives that count as being touched by God. But really, it’s not always the unusual event that is considered being touched; actually it is the normal everyday things that will touch you -- whether you know it or not. It’s waking up in the morning and greeting the day with exuberance and enthusiasm -- and delight. Knowing that all you see before you is a gift! Provided for you by a loving and generous Father, who has carefully managed this world with you in mind. We are touched by the beautiful sunrise, each morning. The crisp feeling of the breeze that bathe your face as you head off to your daily duties. As you gaze at the terrain: the trees, the sky, the mountains, the vegetation, the waterways, and so much more. You are in awe of the wonders of man’s creations: buildings, vehicles, bridges, ships, and many more. You are touched by the variety of faces; of smiles, and laughter, and expressions, and busyness … everywhere. You are astonished by the complexity of life. So much to absorb, in just what you see in a day. But all of it is only possible because we are connected to someone who cares for us; who created all of what we see before our eyes. And if we simply realize this --- that is when we actually start believing that we are “touched by God.” Being ‘touched by God’ therefore is a “realization.” Not an event or an epiphany (for example what Paul experienced). It is a realization that without God’s presence: His creative hands; His provision; His promise; His love … all of what we see and enjoy is null and void. We are touched by His presence daily … and without Him -- we might as well be living on Mars … void of any kind of life! God’s presence assures and guarantees a second by second continuum. Without His touch; His power; His awesomeness: His light … our balloon would simply deflate! Another analogy would be Superman: one of my favorite movie super heroes. I recall in a scene when Superman flies in to visit Lois Lane; they are outdoors on her terrace when she ask him how does it feel to fly without wings … and he says well, why don’t we find out. And he takes her hand, and off they go … higher and higher, over the city lights and up above the clouds. And while they are hovering high above the earth (close to heaven), Lois -- still holding on to Superman’s hand -- moves, little by little, away from him, with her arms apart -- flying! Until finally they are only touching each other by their finger tips. Then in an “instant” … there is a miniscule separation, and … HELP ME!!!!!!!! I’M FALLING!!! It was Superman’s presence; His power, that kept her from crashing to the ground. And of course before she hit the ground, he sweeps her back up into his arms and safety. I submit that without God’s presence, the same would happen to mankind. That is, He is in constant contact with us. And if for any reason we lose touch (contact) with Him -- we fall! Which is what happened to the Arch Angel: Lucifer. He fell (or was banished) to Earth, where He is today. God is our Superman! He is our Super Hero! We too fell -- at one time -- but He chose to gather us back up, into His arms … to be totally in touch with us. And today, we enjoy His unmistakable presence: His mark; His signature; His spirit; His footprint is everywhere! Now -- do you feel touched by God? God is the Ultimate Designer Some of our favorite TV shows are those on the TLC and HGTV channels: namely Trading Spaces, While you were out, Design on a Dime, Devine Design and many more. Great shows, all of which take a room that is very drab, or sometimes completely void of color or décor, and in just a day or two transforming it in to something gorgeous and attractive. A designer goes to school to learn the techniques of how to create, re-create and re-fashion a piece of space (a room, an area, a yard, a building); how to beautify, how to fill that space with viable objects and items. They learn the short-cuts and tricks-of-the-trade on how to stimulate and bring out the beauty and all the elements of a room, or space. It takes someone (of intelligence) to instigate a change, or bring out the dynamics of an object, or a space. These designers are in a small way, an illustration of the Ultimate Designer: the Designer of our Universe; our Solar System; our Earth. God created all of it! He took something out of nothing, and expanded it -- in an instant -- forming our universe. He watched it, as it developed, making subtle, or major changes -- as needed. Soon Life emerged: forming the foundations of all that we are today. When time came to move on to the next level, He intervened to either change it’s direction, or guide it toward a more perfect, harmonious flow. Animal life soon developed into larger and larger species, so much so that something had to be done to “stop” its progress. God stepped in -- just at the right time -- with a thorough and total annihilation and extinction of all large species (Dinosaurs); ensuring the survival and eventual emergence of human kind -- His ultimate goal. God (the Ultimate Designer) was busy at work from the start. He has been actively working and dynamically creating and re-creating -- through the millennia of time: Genesis 1 & 2: And the earth was without form, and void; and the darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. Genesis 3 & 4: And God said, Let there be Light: and there was Light. And God saw the Light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. The Ultimate Designer literally had to create and re-create several times: after seeing that His design had taken wrong turns (or detours); He has been actively re-organizing and revamping this world, from the beginning, as needed. One major event that caused a total disruption of life and -- frankly everything! Was Sin! I’ll bet you are thinking that it was Adam and Eve, causing the sinful thing? No … it was a spiritual being -- an Angel … an ex-angel now! Lucifer (an Arch-angel) that caused everything to halt; to stop; to cease! It was his disobedience; his ego … that got in the way; he wanted to be God himself. And so, God had to redesign; re-create the world again -- from chaos; from something void of form and shape. God had to use His creative “mind” … intelligence; His knowledge … as our designers of today do (learned, knowledgeable people). Our designers of today will go into a house that has been ram shackled, literally destroyed … take a look at it, and somehow come up with a plan ... to re-design, to salvage; to re-create, to redeem what was damaged or lost … does that sound familiar? Yes, God (the Ultimate Designer) was faced with the same situation. He did not have to, but through His grace and forgiving nature and character, He chose to salvage us … and all of Life itself. Choosing to re-create and re-fashion everything that was lost -- due to Sin. He recreated man-kind: Adam was the first. But, as we know, he failed; thanks to -- you guess it! The devil: Satan (aka: Lucifer). And there were many after Adam; until finally: came Jesus-- the Christ: The Son of God. The Ultimate Creator and Designer never let his guard down. He was there every step of the way: guiding humanity through generations and lineage … for the day when He Himself would interject Himself into the human stream, emerging as a man -- a God-Man: The Christ: the Disclosure of Himself; The Father (God). So things just do not appear on there own, out of the blue; out of nothing. There must be a designer; a creator; a planner; a thinker; an instigator; an active, enthusiastic, dynamic architect, painter, artist, illustrator, plumber …. I could go on forever. Our creator is every job description known on earth: aside from the Ultimate Designer, He is the Ultimate doctor, lawyer, judge, businessman, care-giver, garbage man, husband, you name it: we all illustrate Him (His Character)every day. We are made in His image! May God’s presence shine over you and yours ... Trees Illustrate God’s Plan and Purposes God reveals His character and ways in a variety forms. One very obvious form are through -- Trees. And of course there are a million varieties and shapes. My favorite tree is the Monterey Cypress: the way it grows … shaped by the wind into a un-even balanced work of naturally created art. Another are the man-shaped Bonsai trees: formed by the creativity of an artist -- snipping away at branches to form that low lying, sleek, wind swept-like thing of beauty. My wife’s favorite is the “lone” Oak sitting high on top of a knoll. The Oak tree is a solid, hard wood, deep rooted tree that grows outwardly, with many, many crooked branches forming a geometrically round shape, surrounding it’s thick trunk. They are magnificent, no doubt. Quite opposite are the majestic Redwood trees. They are tall, straight with branches that are evenly spaces and perfectly staggered from bottom to top. They are an example of a perfect tree. They are ever-green, never losing there leaves and color annually. They are some of the oldest trees on earth -- living hundreds of years. And to top it off: they even have the ability to “clone” themselves, by providing seedlings near their trunk-base assuring an exact copy of itself. Therefore, like father tree … like son tree. Like God (the Father)…Like Christ (His Son). What is God illustrating to us? I suggest to you that God creates and forms every object -- whether animate or inanimate -- in our universe as an illustration or sign of His Character, His plan, as well as His purposes. When I look at the Oak tree: its disorganized, wildly crooked shape … I think of a fallen universe; an imperfect, but still growing and living entity. There is Life, but it has been hampered, tainted, impeded. Have you ever gazed at an oak tree in the winter months without its leaves … it looks like an ugly, even ghostly, spooky, crooked tree. And one wonders why did God create such a tree? When I look at a tall, magnificent Redwood: I think of beauty, of majesty, of power, of perfection, of symmetry, of serenity, of pristine glory … and so much more. I think of everlasting life! The Oak tree has roots that go deep into the earth; therefore it is tied to this realm, this earth. But the Redwood has shallow roots; and therefore it is NOT anchored, or tied to the earth. Symbolically, the entire creation of the Redwood tree seems to be that it is pointing it’s way “Home” -- like a rocket ship ready to blast off! Illustrating that God’s people -- humanity -- is also on its way home…. Home to the Father; to an Everlasting, peaceful Life. So, the next time you are out for a drive -- look around and see if you can decipher God’s lessons -- His illustrations and Signs. Look at the Oak tree, then look at the magnificent Redwood tree. You will be astounded. And if you are a believer (or still undecided) -- you will be uplifted, in the realization that you are Special; that He is in touch with you (with us). WE all are Touched By God! Why Are We Alone? I was just sitting here at the “Touched By God (On-line) Church Ministry” computer desk, and I just wanted to say greetings to all of you … on this tiny little ball we call Earth, just floating on a sea of darkness, within a colony of other balls of planets circling a much larger fireball called the Sun. And as we pull back a little more we see that we are amongst a sea of other “fireballs” called Stars (millions of them) that actually are, as well, circling a very bright core of a spherical galaxy called the “Milky Way.” Which in turn is neighbored by a band of similar looking -- Cluster of Galaxies … all floating effortlessly in a sea of blackness … which stretches out as far as the eye can see -- or should I say a telescope can see. The Universe is a vast, thing of beauty -- created by our God. It is there because God wanted it and Willed it to be … through His Word. We will most likely never ever approach the point of discovering it’s full magnificence and mystery. We are just a tiny fraction of it’s immenseness. I am very content to be just a humble human being on this lonely ’piece of rock’ dangling precariously within an awesome universe. And yet I wonder … are we really all … alone? And if we are alone … why are we alone? Scientist have peered through the universe with the most powerful telescopes and have found nothing. They have even sent messages -- via very advanced radio telescopes -- to the far reaches of the distant galaxies, and have (so far) made zero contact. There have been absolutely no messages from any where in the deepness of “space.” Is the answer to this question related to many of the stories and lessons of the Old Testament? Perhaps. We know that the Bible is based on the Salvation and Restoration of a lost humanity -- due to original Sin. And this original Sin seems to be the key to why we have been placed apart, separated, and even labeled as “castaways.” Original Sin -- may it be from the Arch Angel Lucifer (for his disobedience toward God); leading to the earthly committed Sin of Adam and Eve. God is a righteous God … demanding full obedience from all of His creations. He placed Adam in an environment of perfection, with a “nature” that was pure, not knowing the perils of evil … until Satan intervened and influenced that nature -- creating the “fall.” The Garden of Eden -- a place of safety, a place of harmony, of light, of equality, of goodness, was lost. And we ask why are we -- seemingly -- all alone in this vast Universe? Well perhaps we are not alone; perhaps we have been “blinded.” Because of Sin … perhaps we have been set “outside” of the “ camp.” As were the “outcast” (lepers, and downtrodden) of Old Testament history. Well, there is “Good News” !!! We have been uplifted and redeemed -- and most importantly: Restored to perfection. But not, certainly, within ourselves but from the One they call: Jesus The Christ! God’s incarnate; Our Representative and Bail Bondsman; God’s ‘Ace in the hole’ … without God’s Plan of Salvation and Restoration, we would continue to be left out “in the rain.” In God’s eyes we are perfect , but only perfect through the perfection of One … and this is through Grace and Forgiveness -- of our Creator. And so … when I do look into the heavens, at the vastness of stars and wonder why this … and why that? I think of God’s Gift of Life; of His continuous Presence; of His everlasting Light -- always Shining down toward this lonely little Gem of a planet called … earth! God does bless All of You! God is Everywhere! We find our God wherever you look! You may be hiking along a mountain ridge; or perhaps driving along a very busy freeway -- anywhere … He is there -- like a movie camera following your every step. And this camera is on automatic setting … God does not rest; He does not put the camera down … no, He constantly has His eyes on you … as a matter of fact: He has His eyes on you; at the same time He has His eyes on every human being on this planet. He sees all of us! He is Omnipresent! He is an active , dynamic Being; very involved and concerned as to our well-being; our situation; our problems, as well as our security and fate. Our Creator is on top of it all … at every moment of the time. He was there at the beginning (at the Bang: at the Point of Expansion of our Universe). He was there insuring that the proper course of events (through the millennia) occur; that life eventually emerged to what it is today. We are not seeing the events of today as something that just “happened” … not at all. God was there at every step of the way: guiding, leading, instigating, directing, re-directing, every aspect of our environment; our lives; our experiences; our ups and downs; our relationships; our outcomes. He is here “with us” today ……. He is here with us, just as He was “with” Noah, Abraham, Isaac Jacob, Moses, Joseph, King David, King Solomon -- and of course (His Son) Jesus: who became The Christ. He was with them -- to insure that one day in the future His one and only begotten son would lead the world of believers to His New Kingdom. And He is ’With You’ … today … no matter what the circumstance. He will stand by you! He will stand by all of us … that is His promise: that He will stand by all of humanity -- no questions asked. He is “with us” … and not because we are a special bunch, but because we have been redeemed by one who is special … so special that he is now seated at His right side … the right side of an All-Sufficient God. A God who is loving, who is caring, who is benevolent, who is honorable, who is trust-worthy, who is righteous and divine, yet gracious and forgiving. This ministry -- this church -- is all about revealing and disclosing our Creator, our God -- our one and only God! There is no other! God’s best is always for you -- today! Life is Automatic May God’s presence comfort you in your day to day endeavors and situations. His presence is confirmed by His light. Just as He promised the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. He said I will be “with you” no matter what; and I will provide you with food daily -- in the form of “manna” … and it became automatic: every morning for 40 years (during an entire generation) God provided this very special food. And the chosen people of God were grateful -- at least for the most part … And as I stated: it became expected (or automatic) for the Manna to be there in the morning. God had stated to them in a covenant, to trust who He was: their Provider and Protector, for as long as they followed the established laws that were put in place. Within the law, there was order and peace. Outside the law was chaos and death. And so the children of Israel, technically, had to be the “role models” for all of humanity. God, came down to earth and chose a group of people and in a way counted on them to fulfill a broken law. Not an easy task for a stubborn and restless bunch. And food and water were not a problem as the 12 Tribes of Israel meandered through the desolate desert. And I often wonder, of all the things that we -- the people of today -- take for granted. We take for granted that the Sun will rise in the east every morning. And that there will always be Stars in the evening sky (weather permitting, of course). And how about the seasons? We take it for granted that winter will arrive and some of the trees will drop their leaves; and there will be a Springtime, Summer and Autumn. It’s automatic; it’s expected. What about a baby? A mother is pregnant for nine months and naturally she is careful during those months, not to aggravate the situation, stay in good health, etc., but really pregnancy is also -- automatic. Even the birth of the infant: whether you like it or not, it will be born. And surely it is advantageous to have a doctor there to manage the wonderful event; but again, it is (generally) an automatic transformation. When you cut yourself: blood naturally start to flow to the wound opening, and you may or may not cover the wound to stop the bleeding. But really even if you did not cover it with a gauze, the bleeding would eventually stop automatically due to coagulation of the blood. And in turn the healing process automatically begins as the white blood cells rush to the area, while the anti-bodies attack the invasion of germs -- and before you know it, in just a few days the wound automatically disappears. Plant life are plentiful and automatically flourish in just about all parts of the earth. You go to the store and buy seed or a bulb, or even a small plant; take it home and dig a hole in the ground, and place them just a few inches below; give it a little water and in just a few days -- automatically -- a stem or plant or flower emerges … and sometimes a thing of beauty blossoms. It is the mystery of life! The wonder of life! God is an “Automatic” God! He puts into place, within nature; within all of matter and the physical properties of this earth and universe, an automatic system that helps us and protects us from the “Chaos” of life. Unfortunately, life is not perfect. There are times in nature (just as in things that are made by man) that have flaws; and therefore the automatic process flounders: Cancer, Alzheimer, malformations, SIDS infant death, and so many diseases. And as well, we wishfully would always want pleasant weather, but instead we have the flaws of nature: hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes. God cannot protect us in every aspect of life. But His “automatic system” certainly diminishes the hardship and turmoil. His simple presence, His “light” alone pushes away the darkness that ever constantly encroaches all around us -- everywhere. The dark forces of evil hover close by, wanting to devour us and send us into oblivion … but only God (our Father and Creator) stands in their way: shrouding us, holding us up, keeping us safe. And within God’s plans and purposes: the complete annihilation of those forces is certain -- as we make our way home to our eternal place of residence: the New Jerusalem -- coming out of the wilderness, and finding the Land of Milk and Honey: the Kingdom of God. Justice and Righteousness No doubt we live on a remarkable Earth. Pristine, gleaming, shining in marvelous shades of blue, teeming with life through and through (see video: The Blue Earth, here on this church site). It is a work of Art: The swirling clouds spinning and circulating freely in the atmosphere. No other planet or domain seem to come close to it‘s glory. It is exclusive; seemingly made just for us by the creative hands of God. And it is sometimes very hard to appreciate the fact that we are special to The Father. But we are … He had us in mind (so to speak …) from the beginning. From the beginning of time. We were in His plans … on His blueprint. I would imagine God -- who is not confined by time or space -- conjured up a plan of creating a universe full of heavenly bodies, and a place where He could establish a colony of humans, made and created in His image, and character. A being, such as God, who is not shackled by time and space can invariably think of something, and presto ... it is created - in an instant! But if one is within the limitations of time and space -- Millions and Billions of years go by in an orderly manner; stage by stage, little by little, generations of existence pass by. Until finally the emergence of Mankind. What God has wanted all along. A group of beings that He can share and relate with; a colony of righteous beings that live on the same level, on the same plane as the Father. A group of people that He can identify and communicate with. And these special perfect, righteous human beings in time were created and existed -- for a while -- until unrighteousness entered. Until evil enveloped their domain; and all was lost, life and the will of mankind was tarnished. Genesis 2: “And the earth was formless and void, and the darkness was over the surface of the deep; and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.” God Created the universe -- the wondrous and beautiful universe -- and He created a righteous, bountiful and fruitful, exuberant people: human beings, evolving gracefully through a process of millennial time. Only to be curtailed by the breaking of the will of Man, by the celestial steward of the planet earth: Archangel Lucifer. His outright disobedience and arrogance -- causing all to be lost within His domain … which included newly created, righteous and pure: Mankind. Genesis 1 is God’s full creative power at work culminating in the arrival and existence of human beings; and in Genesis 2, as well as Revelation 12: 7 through 9 (... there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon ... and they were not strong enough, and there was no longer a place for them in heaven ... And the great dragon was thrown down to earth ... and his angels were thrown down with him), the “Fall” of the great dragon (Lucifer), as well as the “fall” of mankind … happening simultaneously, sealing our demise. We lived in righteousness with the Father -- all of His created beings within One sphere (or one plane). And it only takes one to upset the status quo. In turn, we were banished and left out of God’s Kingdom and His Main Camp. But God remembered us and in Genesis 3: “Then God said, Let there be Light, and there was light. Genesis 4: “And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness.” And this is the new beginning; the re-creation, the re-fashioning of the universe and of mankind. In an instant God’s love and grace found a way to recast humankind -- through time and generations -- salvaged us; promising a redeemer -- a sacrificial lamb -- to justify our fall from righteousness, from grace. God Himself chose to enter into the human stream, to become one of us. He sent His one and only Son to show us the way to everlasting life. He became The Christ, the Redeemer, The Savior of all the universe and of humankind. God’s venture into human life was an astounding event in history. He thought so much of us as to come to earth as an infant; be raised by parents of a special group of people who fought Him at every step of the way. He grew into a boy of un-canning wisdom; then took His place as a man, as a God-Man, to be: The Christ: The full disclosure of His Father: God: YAHWEH: The All-Sufficient Creator of Everything. And so -- in God’s eye’s we are Justified and fully Righteous -- just as we were in the beginning, before the Fall -- but only through the one who fought and sacrificed His life for us. God sees Us through the Redeemer, the Lamb: Jesus, The Christ. We are truly grateful to our Father, and His Son! The Hand of God From the beginning of time, God has had His hand in everything. Like a musical conductor, He raised the baton and with a downbeat, the symphony began. Everything had to be perfect, in-order that we may be here today. This universe, as vast and immense as it is … has been, and is only a backdrop of all that we exist. God had created a marvelous show piece, a canopy made up of trillions of stars and galaxies. He painted the skies from a backdrop of pure darkness and nothing-ness. Slowly, with the gentle waving of His brush, dotting the heavens with wonderful and indescribable things of beauty. Finally focusing on one tiny little area of the canvas (of the universe) -- a planet that He could place a colony of beings that He could love and provide forever and ever. A colony of humans that He could make a covenant with, to live in perfect harmony, free to enjoy the total provision bestowed to them. God’s hand -- His creative hands -- brought forth all that was needed for a true relationship with this colony of righteous human beings. The world was all within the same “Sphere” … there was no separation or barriers. Communication between God, the angels and humans were on the same plane. Evil (Chaos) was unknown -- not part of the vocabulary. God had, with His mighty hand, designed life to be open, free of distractions; instilled into nature a zest for living; a sense of appreciation for all; a gentleness; a caring regard for all. God’s purpose … His hand in creating a utopia, a paradise, a comfortable and secure domain on Planet Earth was realized. He also -- as part of His nature and His true character -- instilled “free will” to all of his creations: humans and angels. This was His only “glitch” in the mesh of a life-giver: that creating living souls -- even though on a spiritual level ‘above’ of what we are today -- could come back to cause chaos. God -- as part of His nature -- actively works from the background of darkness (or chaos). With His creative hands, he intuitively will step up to bring forth goodness (righteousness). God is holy, God is Good -- therefore He will always seek the 'positive' side of the situation. But He cannot do this without the ‘negative’ side. Before the universe was a universe, there was darkness -- there was nothing. God hovered over the darkness … then stepped up and said “let there be light.” And time began and history was recorded. God created that paradise (also called heaven) before the “fall” (original sin). With His hand, He formed human beings and place them on this earth to live in perfect harmony -- all from a backdrop of Chaos … which continually lurks just outside of our reach (just outside of that imaginary door). God’s tenacity; His constant attention to keeping all that He had created was abruptly halted by a ‘trusted’ Angel (a created being), who wanted nothing less than to be God. He committed the ultimate “Sin” … he turned away from his provider, his father … he decided to take things into his own hands. He felt that he did not need God’s attention, and decided to run things his way. And so … Chaos entered into the created world … the door opened and the darkness crept in! Paradise, utopia, heaven, was no more … created humans in a perfect place was deleted … erased … gone! This angel’s name was Lucifer. An archangel of God; a trusted angel -- steward of a domain which included: Earth and all of its inhabitants. Human beings disappeared. God now had to make an executive decision: whether to move on and go elsewhere … or to salvage what was lost. And due to His nature; His giving and caring character: He made the decision to somehow redeem and (yes) salvage what had been something good -- to make good again. He by nature stepped in to the chaos -- a world that was devastated, and without form -- to recast, re-create, re-fashion all that was lost, again. With His all-Powerful hand, He re-formed and literally re-made (from what was left) a banished world. And he made it all against a background of chaos … another words: evil (Satan) was still part of the scheme. He allowed the devil to influence all of nature, from the very beginning: influencing Adam and Eve; the children of Israel, and all us today. Our world today in the most part is peaceful and calm … our daily lives in general is like clock work: we have families, we go to work, we have friends, we take vacations, we enjoy the pleasantries of what seem like a wonderful world -- for most of us! But as we know: it is not like this in everyone’s lives: there is despair, there is ugliness, there is strife, and there is death. It is not paradise; utopia, as we would like it to be. God’s hand is still directing the total ‘symphony’ of life, but within the backdrop of chaos -- of the darkness -- ever so present, just lurking in the near distance, trying to take over. But our Rock, our Savior, our Cornerstone, our Creator, our Father -- who is always “with us” -- is here to prevent the total take over of evil. He has assured us the evil (Satan) will be deleted -- gone -- from the premises, in the days to come. It is a “promise” that He has proclaimed: “I will make a covenant with you” … “Thus says the Lord, who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth, who breathed the spirit into human creatures” … “and on that day I will bring you home” … “and on that day you will be saved, for you are the flock, and like the jewels of a crown you shall shine on my land.” … “and on that day I, with opened arms, will welcome you home.” With the sweep of God’s creative hand, He created us; lost us; then re-created us -- redeemed us -- and now is calling us home. The Hand of God is everywhere! The Lamb of God One day many years ago on my day off from work I decided to take a drive, and found myself stopping at an animal auction (bidding) station. I had driven by it many times after work and had always wondered what went on there. On that day, they were auctioning off Lamb. When I got there they had just unloaded a truck full of young lamb; they had simply pushed them off the truck and two of the lamb were probably too weak for the trip and became injured and died. Their carcasses lay on the ground to the rear of the truck. I gazed at those two poor, unfortunate innocent little lamb and thought, “my God, what a cruel way to die” … they didn’t have a chance in the world to grow up to be adult sheep and enjoy running and frolicking through the fields and meadowland. I felt this deep pain and sorrow. Those thoughts have stayed with me all these years. And as I think of a lamb I think of how cute and cuddly they are. I think of how innocent and free they are; although, how helpless, they can be. And at the same time how energetic and vibrant they are -- full of spirit and enthusiasm. And I have always wondered “why” do we humans eat lamb; it has become a favorite for many throughout the world. Perhaps we favor lamb because of the Old Testament Nation of Israelite sacrificial Lamb. That is: by law … if someone committed a sin, it could be forgiven through the offering and the pouring out of blood of an “unblemished” lamb -- a “sacrificial” lamb. Also, ancient Jewish Temple sacrifices in which a lamb was slain during Passover. The blood was sprinkled along the door -- and the whole lamb was eaten. In the New Testament Jesus becomes the true Innocent Lamb and takes on the role as a “Sacrificial Lamb” (unblemished) to atone the Sins of man. He became the Lamb of God. Till this day I will not eat lamb. Thoughts of slaughtering such young beautiful, innocent little animals make me wonder -- why? The true Sacrificial Lamb has been offered (in Jesus, The Christ). It is finished! No more sacrifices are needed. The bounty, the price has been paid. Humanity has been redeemed; but more importantly: the Name and Character of His Father (our Father) has been vindicated. The Verdict is in: Satan has been found Guilty; and God (through His Son The Christ) is cleared of all charges (instigated by the devil). So we (as human beings) do not need to perform this ritual any more … perhaps we can spare the lamb? What do you think? Just my opinion! The Passion of Christ We thank God for His presence, and for His Light. The Earth is somewhat in chaos -- strife and discourse in various parts of the world. But we continue to press on -- as we must. And we thank you God, for your Grace, in allowing us to come into your presence -- through the accomplishments and sacrifice of your Son. Let’s take a look at a place called Gethsemane. From Matthew 26: 36-45. Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death, stay here and keep watch with me.” Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?” …. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” He went away a second time and prayed. “My Father , if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done?’’ When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were once more heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting?” Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!” This is the recapitulation of the first Garden scene: the Garden of Eden. Adam, the first Steward and Rep. of Mankind was tempted and gave in to Satan. Mankind -- humanity -- became lost, and therefore needed another Savior to take his place. And so when Jesus took his disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane and told them to watch and wait, while he went to pray … he was again tempted (some say that this was the 4th temptation of Christ). The first 3 were at the beginning of his ministry: 1) The temptation to feed himself; to change stone into bread, during his 40 days and 40 nights without food. 2) The temptation to allow himself to fall to strike the ground, and to be held up by angels, then become famous, to become an Idol. And 3) The temptation to fall down and worship the devil (materialism) and in so doing have control of all the world. Jesus said to Satan, “Away from me, for it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’ Then the devil left him, and the angels came and attended him." At Gethsemane, again (the 4th time) he was tempted, but he prayed to his Father in Heaven, saying, “if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Jesus makes a decision to allow his soul, his will … to become his Father’s will. His fears of knowing what would come next: his arrest, his condemnation by his own people, his mocking and beating by his captures, his crucifixion and his death. All of these had overwhelmed him, at that point. The temptation -- by Satan -- was that he could just walk away from it all. Blend in to society and become just a man -- not a God-man -- but just a man. Well, he did NOT follow Adam’s footsteps! He was (is) the true (New Adam) Representative of humanity -- of Mankind. His “will” -- his Self -- became his Father’s “Will” … Jesus went back to awaken his followers (symbolically: people of the world, humanity). He said to them, “… look the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us go!" And he put his entire faith and soul into the guiding hands of his Father -- The loving God. He had broken the spell of death; of disobedience; of separation from the Father; of alienation. God at that point -- had found a new Representative, for the human race. Jesus’ passion was to lead us and show us “The Way” to salvation -- through His Father’s Will; through his Father’s glory and power. All there was left was to go through what was written in Isaiah: of the One, who would die for all, and who would sit to the right side of The Father -- in Heaven. The Christ -- God’s Savior, All of Our Savior God is always with us! If He wasn’t, we would not be here now; we would not exist … it is just that simple! We should not lose the fact that we are totally attached or tied to our Creator. He chose to salvage us from total annihilation -- due to Sin. He brought us back from death, recreating us, and implementing a plan of salvation through a future representative. Adam was the first. He placed him in a garden with a new nature and gave him the rules. But Adam (along with Eve), failed; and God was forced to look further into the future. And I believe most you know the rest of the story, and who finally became our true representative -- God’s Christ: His Son: Jesus. Now did I just say God’s Christ? Yes, Jesus was (IS) God’s Christ! His disclosure, His tool, His right hand man, His rep, His Vice President, His Secretary of State, His Savior. Yes, I said His Savior. I want to emphasize one thing: that the focus all along has not been us … it has been God. God and His Government have been accused of breaking His own law by one of His creations: Lucifer (Aka: Satan). God needed someone to prove Him innocent. Someone to represent Him in a Universal court of Law. In a sense -- someone to represent Him (a super lawyer). There had been turmoil in the Spiritual world; God’s government was compromised and He needed to act fast. He gave a group of created beings (humans) a second chance to live -- within His Kingdom. And because God’s government is also based on love and grace, He chose to redeem and salvage mankind anyway. His love is pure, but not at the cost of justice. There had to be a Christ, a savior -- a savior of God’s government. And by saving His government he saved humanity as well. So yes, Jesus -- The Christ -- is our savior; but most of all he took part in an experiment -- conducted by His Father (God) -- that was totally successful; that saved all of us … including the entire universe. The Will of the Father was implemented -- under very harsh, difficult conditions -- and success was the final outcome. We are the by-product of God’s grace and love; as well as justice and truth. He chose to create us, because He wanted to; He lost us (due to Sin) … caused by Satan; He chose to redeem us (through His Son: Jesus, The Christ); and now we have been freed by the vice of the prince of darkness (Satan). Our ransom has been paid in full. Fulfilling God’s laws of righteousness and justice. The verdict is in: God (and His government) has been vindicated. Thanks to a sacrificial lamb -- The Christ! We are enormously grateful; and will never forget. God and His wisdom has solved an immense problem. Through Himself becoming a man and interceding into the human stream, and emerging triumphant. And all there is now is to await the final order: the harvesting of true believers; the maturing and ripening of the grapes; the bringing in of His New Kingdom -- a New Jerusalem! The Lost Years We thank God for His persistence in securing our standing in the community of the living. We had been lost -- due to Sin (separation from the Father) -- but since then our ransom has been paid by a redeemer (the Christ of God). And we are now back in the running -- to the finish line. Our goal is -- like many of God’s illustrations: animals migrating home to their place of creation, of birth -- to come home to the Father, and the security of His loving Kingdom. We are grateful for His grace, and for His ultimate desire to save us from annihilation. Satan had intended to contaminate and lead the human race to certain demise and doom. Not so! The tide was turned and we are back on the road to the “Promised Land.” God knew it was not going to be easy. A plan had to be devised to satisfy His Laws and at the same time redeem a lost group of people - the human race. He decided to come to earth and blend in with humans. He chose a group of people in the middle of a desert and gave them rules to follow. And one day, after thousands of years of showing and illustrating His ways and character. He chose one couple, and announced to them -- through His trusted Arch Angel, Gabriel -- that an infant would be born out of immaculate conception; to name Him Jesus. He placed His seed into the woman’s womb and from that moment was part of the human stream of life. He grew up as a normal child in a Jewish community and studied and learned all of the traditions and rituals of the land; especially the Torah (The Jewish Bible). His early life was not eventful. He did not realize who he was -- the Son of God. He knew that he was different from the rest of the children; and as he grew into a young man, he could feel the calling of His Father. There was a sense of journey, of wanting to see the world around him; and visit the people near and in distant lands. By the time he became a man, he had already become well versed in carpentry, and made a good living in his community (Jesus the carpenter). As the years went by, though, he very quietly and silently, traveled and moved throughout the region, observing and listening to the people of the world. At the same time he was discovering who he really was: part of the Father in heaven. He came to the realization that he was special; that he was on earth for a specific reason; that he was what God has been showing and illustrating to all for thousands of years, in the ceremony of the “sacrificial lamb.” He realized that he was who Isaiah wrote about: He was the true Sacrificial Lamb; a servant of the Father and to mankind: Isaiah 42:1 "Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations." It made him even more focused. Knowing and understanding his responsibilities to His Father; as well as to the entire human race. And as He traveled, meeting and engaging with a multitude of nations, cities, communities and ordinary people, he knew that the time would come when he would have to return to his place of origin; to face his own countrymen; to begin to do the will of the Father. First of all, to be baptized by water, by his cousin John. To be officially welcomed by the Father as The Christ. After which he immediately removed himself from the scene by entering the remote desert to deal with Satan; to be tempted. Just as the People of Israel did 400 years earlier. He now would assume all of the responsibilities of an entire nation, in himself. He became the Christ. And after 40 days and nights dealing with the devil, he returned to the region to begin His ministry of showing, disclosing and revealing the true character of His Father in heaven. By then he had reached the age of 30. He was ready! The will of the Father was imprinted in his mind. He became the teacher, the counselor, the miracle worker, the healer, the fisher of men, a Rabbi of Rabbi’s. He traveled through the land of Israel, announcing that the Kingdom of God is within the midst of all who believed. And as he traveled he slowly won the trust of many. He formed a group of 12 men and called them His disciples (one for each 12 tribe of Israel). And they traveled with him, learning and gaining knowledge of who he was and most of all: who really, was His Father in heaven. And finally the day came when He entered the temple as the servant of The Father and of the people of the world. And soon was arrested for blasphemy, was tried, beaten, and sentenced to death on a cross -- a crucifixion story well chronicled. And we are also told that this was not the end to the story. God, His Father in heaven was pleased with His Son. And after 40 days reminding and giving instructions to the apostles, was taken up into heaven; where one day in the future, returning to implement, the creation of a New Kingdom, and a New Jerusalem. And so we are reminded of the immense importance of this entire event. God, with a vast universe and worlds beyond to manage; within a sphere of magnanimous proportions, had to “fix” this problem or -- simply speaking: not be able to rule. Satan (Lucifer) had challenged Him; and accused Him of being arbitrary and soft … But through His wisdom; and through the concept of a sacrificial lamb, the problem was rectified; and the accuser was silenced. The verdict was in: God was found innocent; assuring His right to continue to rule the Realm of Heaven, and all that is connected to it. And because God has been vindicated, all of His creations were as well -- including mankind. Thanks to His Love, and grace … and to His profound emphasize to Truth, Justice, Freedom and Righteousness. Spiritual -- To The Bang! (I wrote this in the mid 80’s, and I am including it in this book) The Universe, since the Big Bang is composed of “Matter.” Everything can be seen or felt. It is not “Spiritual” -- as Spirit is not matter. We live in a Literal world. At the point of creation (in scientific term -- at the Big Bang) God was there! He was the cause of creation -- (earth time) 15 billion years ago. Scientist have calculated the “cause and effect” back to 1/100,000th of a second after the “Point of Creation” (The Big Bang). They are perplexed as to what caused the (Point of Expansion). They also ask: What was before the Big Bang? Well, I suggest to you that the answer was -- Pure Darkness, void of Light, Chaos -- Nothing. One must realize that there are two worlds. One spiritual, one material. Therefore, when I say there was pure darkness before the Big Bang -- I really mean it. There literally was an emptiness, a massive, pure darkness. Void of material, matter. Now if you ask Spiritually: Well -- yes! God is a Spirit. He is not matter. He is Divine. He is Pure. He dwells in a spiritual world; as does His created Angels. The world (Realm or Sphere) they exist in is non-material -- unseen by humans. We are bound to the material world (like a bird confined to a cage). Spiritual beings have the freedom to enter and leave. We are not. We are forbidden to enter -- the Sphere of Angels … God’s domain. One might think that the material world is normal. But in reality, it is spiritual that is the norm. The material Sphere, the world we live in, finds itself outside of the realm of Angels: the domain of total harmony and normalcy. Those who do not comprehend this will totally misunderstand the existence of humanity, the earth, and the entire literal, material universe concept. God is the Creator of both the Spiritual and the Material. We -- as created beings -- were not meant to exist outside of the domain of the living. But because of “Sin” (rebellion, disobedience), we have become castaways within an immense, vast, and seemingly endless universe. God, through His willingness and Grace, chose to re-create and re-fashion a New Earth and a New Universe; assuring, and giving us a second chance to be redeemed from castaway status; to the realm of the living. And to be once again: part of the spiritually created beings we had previously been. Again, we must understand that we were -- as in Old Testament terminology -- living outside of the “main camp;” as were the “Lepers” and the outcast. We were -- as “filthy rags” …. needing to be redeemed. Thanks to God! He has interceded: A Redeemer has been provided in the name of Jesus the Christ -- our Representative; and the true Disclosure of God’s Character. Let us keep in mind of the “little bird” who has lived all of his short life within the confines of the (seemingly) secure boundaries of the cage; unknowingly, and unaware of the wonderful, free, beautiful, harmonious world just beyond. We were once part of that beautiful world. God had created us and placed us there to live -- in harmony: no sickness, no death….. total provision. We were among the “living” -- within the “main” camp. God remembered us -- and has given us a second chance to return home. He illustrates this through nature: through the many migratory animals that annually return to their place of birth (Whales, birds, butterflies, fish, etc.). We too -- are also on a journey home to our place of birth. We have been lost souls -- and our “Father” (our Creator) yearns for our return to the confines and safety of His protection and love. Just as the “Prodigal Son” was greeted with open arms: We, His created (human) beings have been lost and indeed, among the dead; and soon will return to be among the living -- once again. To understand that this is the true and real gospel -- will free you from the restrictive, hopeless world of the “Self.” We really have someone to lean on: A Supreme, Benevolent and Loving Creator; who does care and who does worry about us. His Character, our ultimate Parent has been instilled in “all” of us. He cares and will always be there for us. It is your choice to accept His gift of life and love. It is free! It cost nothing! Through the Redeemer and Representative (The Christ); our Father and Creator has provided a way for all of us to return to the place of our birth -- why not accept the invitation! It will be glorious … It will be a grand “Homecoming” celebration! A toast to The one (The Only One) who made us!! New Israelites and New Jerusalem The Sky was bright and sunny today as my wife and I drove about 50 miles away to the pleasant City of Santa Rosa, Ca. to visit long time dear friends. It was quite nice to travel south along the waterways of the Napa River (which eventually meanders north through the glorious Napa Valley Wine Country). We were not heading in that direction this time, but south through the small town of Petaluma, California; then north, passing beautiful rolling hills and meadows of the Sonoma County (southern portion) vineyard region. Eventually we arrived at the outskirts of metropolis -- Santa Rosa. As we approached the city, I could not help but think of the day that Jesus had approached the Great City of Jerusalem. (Matthew 21:1-11) He had been ministering to the people for 3 ½ years by then. During that time he preached to the people that they should seek God and His Kingdom, performed miracles and healed many people. Now he realized the time had come to lay down his life for the world as their savior. He wished to go to Jerusalem for the Passover and he knew that if he did, he would put himself in danger. The people loved Jesus, and as he approached Jerusalem on the back of a donkey colt, they rejoiced to see him. Jesus was greeted by a multitude of followers … indeed many asked: Who is this? And the multitude said, “This is Jesus the Prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.” And Jesus went into the temple of God, and immediately cast out all of them that sold and bought; and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers and the seats of those who sold doves. And said unto them, “It is written, ‘my house shall be called the house of prayer; but you have made it a den of thieves.” And Jesus went on his way … and the blind and the lame came to him in the temple and he healed them. I caught myself -- thinking so deeply … a very dangerous thing to do while driving. But the thoughts persisted: in the eyes of Jesus, knowing what had to be done -- what the prophets proclaimed: All this was done, that it might fulfill … Behold , thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. So, instead of the Messiah entering the Great City of Jerusalem in glory and fanfare, he entered on a lowly donkey, without fanfare, but meek and insignificant. Certainly a Messiah … this man is not (many agreed). But Jesus had his followers, who stood by him -- and were amazed as to his powers. In the New Testament Jesus had become the “new temple.” Just as the Old Testament Nation of Israel was and established; he had become the New Testament (in one man, and Saviour)) New Israel, and New Jerusalem. We -- within the entire world -- as the believers of today, are the New Israelites -- the 144,000 (a perfect number, equaling all believers). Jesus amplified his new position when he upset the sellers and moneychangers as he entered the temple. God was hovering close by at his every move; His presence and love was always at His Son’s side. Just as He is at our side today. His presence continually shines on us, and our world. And as we pulled up into the driveway of our dear friends, my wife and I waved and smiled with immense joy and satisfaction that we were part of a greater body of believers (as the New Israelites and the New Jerusalem - Revelations 21:1 - 27) with glorious appreciation of the sacrifice of one: The Christ, Jesus; and of the Father in Heaven: God, Jehovah. We thank you for your presence, and for your eternal "Light." We thank you for your strength and guidance; we are in awe of your graciousness. Father, we ask that you send your angels to comfort the many that have fallen into the devastation of sickness and affliction. We honour your wisdom and majesty ... through Jesus Christ, our Representative ... Amen! How Does God Communicate With Us? God has a very difficult problem! That is: trying to communicate with mortals -- us! How does he! And how has He? When He decided to create human beings, he did not anticipate that “free will” would be a problem. That having a choice; the free will to choose one’s fate, would cause mankind to be alienated from Him. Resulting in a barrier, preventing the free flow of communication with Him -- hindering our understanding and comprehension of His purposes. God is a Super Being that is so awesome; so beyond us; so above our capacity to understand, that makes it very difficult for us to relate. Can you imagine God coming down to earth today and visiting a McDonalds and ordering a cheeseburger, and instead of paying with a $5 bill, He would put down a 5 million dollar bill. That is the problem -- He has a difficulty in being at our level. To put down a $5 dollar bill would be impossible for Him; just as us trying to change a million dollar bill. So, he has to communicate with us by displaying clues, illustrations, signs and codes here and there. Some of these clues are obvious (to the sharp eye); and some are discrete -- only revealed and discernable to the interested or passionate (seek and you shall find). Certainly one way of understanding God’s Character and purpose is to study His Word. And the best information known to mankind is The Book … or The Bible. And in the Bible he inspired mortal men to chronicle and write about how He was to bring about Salvation to mankind through a special chosen group of people. And within these people He picked out special men and women to lead this clan -- through ups and downs, difficulties, strife, despair … and gave them a set of rules and guidelines to follow. And if all was fulfilled properly, salvation would be promised in a land of milk and honey. But unfortunately, due to the imperfection and the fragmentation of these people, alienation and separation continued. God finally chose to come to earth in the name of a Son. Choosing one woman to bear a child -- born through an immaculate conception. And through this arrangement, God finally found a way that He could actually communicate with mankind: by being part of the human race: by being a God-Man: in the name of Jesus - The Christ. He found Himself being part of human-kind as a man, as a special man who’s purpose was to disclose Himself: The Father of all Creation. He communicated with a special group of men: men that were part of the original 12 tribes of Israel. Declaring them as Apostles to speak for Him; to teach all the world that The Father did exist, and does have a plan of Salvation for all -- Jews and Gentiles. And so the message of salvation was given to mankind through the Death and Resurrection of The Christ. An illustration of this sacrifice was through the ceremony of the sacrificial lamb; which was part of Jewish ritual for centuries: Hundreds of thousands of innocent lamb were brought to the temple yearly to be sacrificed -- as a symbol of the coming Messiah: the ultimate sacrificial Lamb. This was a huge illustration of His plan of Salvation: proclaimed for years and years before. All of this has been chronicled in the Old and New Testament of The Word of God: The Bible. And so, how does God communicate with us? Well again, it can be through a very long period of time (Bible History); or it can be simply by opening your eyes, and seeing all of His wonders and beauty. How He carefully formed the universe, the solar system, and the earth. These glorious handy-works are unmistakably His signature; His magnificence; His awesomeness; His All-Supreme Power. Just open your eyes and glance at the beauty of the Big Blue Earth gingerly floating in a sea of darkness and space. A planet specially and specifically made for human kind; for His children. One should only take heart at His illustrations and signs: they are everywhere! Look and you will see! Seek and you will find! He is communicating with us … One need to wake a up and smell the roses! In some of my other articles, I describe the multiple ways of discovering God’s Signature: In the animals; in the trees and nature in general; in the behavior of people (His Character is instilled in all of us); in the sky and the heavens; in the anatomy of our body (the formation of our body systems and functions); in the interaction of our planet, moon and Sun (it really is God’s ace in the hole). He has designed and is maintaining all of it. He is in charge and in sole control. We are miniscule in assuming that we can change who we are or where we live. We must realize that we are within His creative powers, and that all we view and see around us has been put here for us to utilize and enjoy. This is our playground -- for a time. As His plan of Salvation will be implemented -- soon … “when the grain is ripe … He will reap the harvest” …. Then it will be too late! So open your eyes, and look for Him … He desires your attention! Don’t ignore Him … He made us because He wanted to… and He desires us to be free, secure and happy! We thank Him for all that He has provided! God is keeping an Eye on Us! Do you think God is involved with world politics? Do you think He has a hand in guiding the outcome of a Presidential race; whether it is here in the USA, or any country? Does God really care how we govern our individual countries? Is He at all -- involved? How are we to know what He thinks! Well, we don’t. What we do know, is what we have studied and read about in human history -- and especially, what we have read in the Bible. And of course, we will never, ever totally comprehend who He totally is and thinks about. God’s character is constant. He sees everything all at once. He is omnipresent; He is everywhere at the same time. Therefore He has to deal with the “whole” -- as well as with one eye on the subjective. So why would he want to focus on how we (humans) run our government? Well, I do believe that he does -- and is -- watching us at this moment. He has an eye on us, as illustrated by the eye of a fly: within the eye of a fly are thousands of little eyes that peer and gaze nearly 360 degrees (that’s why it’s very difficult to catch or swat the little buggers). God is keeping “an eye” on us … it is in His interest to watch and be involved in what we are up to; and has been from the beginning of (our) time. No doubt He has interceded at various moments to lead us in this or that direction -- mainly (in history) to ensure a redeemer (Jesus, The Christ). But since that time (and by the way … a successful series of events), we are now within the interval of time, after the redemption; and before the restoration of the New Kingdom. And so all that is happening to us now is merely leading up to the moment -- of His returning. And although in human terms: every day and every event is important, and seem totally relevant and meaningful … to God: it is a time of harvest; a time of maturing; a time of weeding out the good and the bad. It is a time for helping us make a decision to believe in the good -- in the Father; or (simply speaking) believe in only one’s self … and certainly, the devil will help you in that category. The Character of God is unchanging. It is solid. It is ever steady. God is not emotional. He is not arbitrary, or unfair. He is who He is … and there is no other like Him. Evil cannot exist in His presence! Although He works within the backdrop of evil … He constantly pushes and wards off the forces of evil; the darkness; chaos. And you can be sure that He is there, very close by, sheltering us from such intrusion. And so … in such a tumultuous political year as we (here in America) are experiencing, some of us are intuitively recognizing that there seem to be forces out there that are pulling and pushing us in this and that direction. And we wonder if such unknown forces are coming from the good or the bad. All we know is how we feel … and many of us are feeling and sensing an all out gravitation: The forces of good and evil are working full time … leading us down toward its preferred pathway. And I know that a multitude of us are praying that we are mature and sensible enough to know the difference between evil and goodness We pray that God (our Father in heaven) keeps that one ‘eye’ on us, and hopefully finds it in His heart and reasoning to steer us toward Him -- toward the Light, toward the good … as we head into this election and a transition of a new era for America. In God We Trust! The Ten Commandments Revealed How many of you have read the Ten Commandments and thought -- my God, there’s no way I can follow those rules! What kind of God expects us to abide by such regulations; no wonder we have so much problems … The only person who could adhere to every command is a perfect person. Certainly, no body I know … Oh wait a minute … there is one person that we’ve heard of … was it Buddha? No … he died, and never did re-appear to his followers. Wait a minute … there was a Jesus! They called Him The Christ! The Savior … The Son of God! Well, thank heavens! At least there was ONE! God certainly understood that humanity could not follow all of His rules and regulations -- which really describes His “Character.” The Character of God is described in The Ten Commandments. So if the Character of God’s is written as the Ten Commandments, then why is it presented to humanity as “the Right way to be.” Thou shalt NOT do this and that? Well, as we know from reading of the Bible (and through the articles in this church website), humanity fell under the spell (through lies and deceit) of the prince of Darkness. Plunging all of humanity into darkness; into the “negative.” Knowing that God is of a Righteous Being; of a righteous realm, He can only communicate with us (humanity) from that point of view. He views us as a negative -- bound by “Sin.” Therefore when God -- Jehovah -- declares (or writes something) as in The Ten Commandments (written on stone and given to Moses), He wrote it in the negative: Thou Shalt not … etc. What he is really stating (declaring) are “positives.” God is declaring what and who He is … what His true Character is! Who His true Self is! And since he is directing the declarations to a fallen (Sinful) humanity -- he describes “Himself” -- a Positive Righteous Being -- in the negative. Let’s look at the Commandments one by one: ..............In the Negative:......................................................In the Positive.... 1) Thou shalt have No other gods before me..........................God is All-Sufficient 2) Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image..................God is Genuine 3) Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord in vain...........God is Righteous & Just 4) Remember the Sabbath day, keep it holy.................................God is Holy 5) Honour thy father and thy mother..........................................God is Respect 6) Thou shalt not kill...........................................................God is the Life-giver 7) Thou shalt not commit adultery............................................God is Honorable 8) Thou shalt not steal.............................................................God is Trustworthy 9) Thou shalt not bear false witness against they neighbor..........God is Truthful 10) Thou shalt not covet.........................................................,,,,God is Humble There you go … God wrote it in the negative, but what He really was implying was exactly the Opposite. God views humanity only through the eyes of the perfect one -- The Christ! And His Son -- in the Father’s eyes -- is Good, and shameless. Therefore in the Old Testament, when He gave Moses (who was a type of Jesus -- a savior), the spiritually written Ten Commandments, He wrote it in the “negative.” And of course having to work with a restless and extremely difficult group of people -- the Israelites -- God could only view them in the Negative. But what He really wanted to get across to them (and all of humanity) was who He was. He is all-Sufficient, Genuine , Righteous & Just, Holy, Respectable, The Life-giver, Honorable, Trustworthy, Truthful, and certainly -- Humble. So the focus is not on you (us); the focus is on His Character. It is Not about us! He wants us -- His created human beings to look up at Him, trust Him, rely on Him, depend on Him, try to be like Him … and so much more. Another note: The Old Testament Ten Commandments becomes the true Testament of Love in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount -- the Beatitudes -- in The New Testament Easter Sunday! Jesus -- The Christ: The Disclosure of God (Written in the latter 80's) Easter Sunday! What does it mean to all of us? Is it a day we should celebrate? In my mind -- it is the most important day in Human History. Do we as human beings understand that we are here because another being so much more greater, placed us here? Are we so self-centered as to think we merely evolved by chance? Easter Sunday! Again, what does it mean to all of us! Who was this wonderful man called Jesus? Over 2,000 years ago He accomplished something no one else had ever done. He literally died on a Cross and then came back from death. How did He accomplish this impossible task? Was He in on it all alone or did He have an accomplice? Was the Easter Story a culmination of centuries of careful divine direction by a Supreme Being? Was Jesus an extension, an instrument of someone Greater? Was he a way to disclose his heavenly Father's true character, His wishes and desires, as an all encompassing Creator? A Force, a Being that we have come to know as -- God? Easter Sunday! As a man, as a human being, I ask these questions. I think it is ultimately important that we understand how enormous this day is ...Easter ... I believe is the most important day in human history! There is a world out there that is literally unseen. It is a world teeming with beings coming and going. It is a world that operates in perfect ‘harmony.’ It functions with a type of “nature” unattainable to us. As a matter of fact it is a “sphere” inconceivable to our own. We are the ultimate castaways: misfits, rebels, contaminated, outcast, lost. In the Old Testament we were the “lepers” who were forced to live outside of the main camp. In the New Testament we were portrayed as the lost prodigal son who was eventually accepted (with open arms) back by his father -- who yearned for his return. And that’s the whole point of it. The Creator, as we know as “God” desires that we return back into the main camp, into his loving care -- into his sphere or realm. He had originally created us as perfect human beings to live in harmony with each other and all of his creations. But something happened that condemned all of us -- instantly. And what was this that threw us into a tailspin, beyond the boundaries of the living? You guessed it! SIN. Brought on by an Angel named Lucifer, an Arch Angel, who God chose as chief steward, and therefore representing our domain and world -- Earth … and the Universe beyond. Angels are special beings, no doubt much higher than humans, within the spiritual realm. They are able to communicate with God directly. Some of them are assigned to certain task such as stewards of a colony of humans (which includes all physical matter within the universe) and are designated “Arch Angels.” These higher ranking angels report directly to the great council of heavenly angels which God is the (so call) “Chair Being” or Chair Person in charge (an illustration here on earth: is a corporate CEO or President). And of course God counts on these meetings to keep track of all His creations and domains throughout all the “worlds” and beyond. One might say that angels are the life line between the “Life Giver” and all that He has created. Like millions of nerve fibers connecting our brain to all other parts of our body -- messengers. No message, no function, no life! God is the Life Giver! He projects Himself into the darkness (or Chaos) to bring forth Light. He is an active being, constantly interacting and projecting; expiring and inspiring -- breathing life; constantly pushing away the darkness, the chaos. Well, The Arch Angel Lucifer one day decided that he wanted to play God (or -- be God) and had convinced many of his fellow angels to follow him. He surely didn’t dare show his face at the Council Table. He simply ignored God. And God had ask the members of the Heavenly Council, what’s going on with Lucifer? They related that they had heard from the grapevine that he was ‘setting up shop’ of his own -- to challenge the authority of God Himself. Now due to the fact that this colony of humans were under the stewardship of Lucifer, and actually represented them at the Council Table, it follows that every condemnation imparted to him, was also bestowed upon them. Lucifer’s “SIN” (disobedience) became “SIN” for all humans. Which is why it is written, ”you are born a sinner.” … “they know not what they do.” Life simply ceased on earth. “The earth was without form and void, with darkness over the face of the abyss, and a mighty wind swept over the surface of the water” (Genesis 2). Humans disappeared from the surface of the earth. Darkness had set in. Lucifer really had done it this time. He was a steward of an empty world void of all life. But God did not give up on us. He could have. He gave us a second chance. He said, “Let there be light, and there was light, and it was good” (Genesis 3 & 4. God entered into the darkness (chaos) and the darkness was pushed aside and there was “light.” God understood that it was the mistake (the disobedience) of another that caused the separation of life to death. He devised a plan that would bring us, His beloved, created human beings back to the living, and into the “main camp” -- back into God’s sphere. It was a long process (in earth time), re-creating and re-fashioning a world where imperfect humans could survive until such a day a new steward and a new representative could finally immerge to take His seat at the Heavenly Council Table. The process of producing a human being through millions of years (earth time) was to say the least quite a fete. But finally humans did begin to rule the earth approximately 40,000 years ago (Homo Saipan - one that is wise). Soon modern man emerged and the first attempt as steward of the earth was Adam (placed in a Garden of Eden). But because he became “tainted” (through lies and deception by Lucifer, who became Satan), he himself could not represent humanity in the presence of God -- he failed. The only way, and God knew it, was to interject or extend part of Himself, at the proper time, into the human stream. God chose a small group of people in the middle east (led by Abraham) and said, “I will make you into a great nation.” Through which God promised a place of peace for all. And many generations passed until one day God sent another Arch Angel named “Michael” to announce to Mary and Joseph of a Son to be born and to name Him “Jesus” (meaning Savior). Jesus grew up as a young Jewish boy studying books of the Old Testament. He became well versed in the duties and laws of his people. By the time he had reached his thirtieth year God had announced to him what needed to be done. Jesus became an extension or the “disclosure” of God Himself, performing many miracles and announcing that the new Kingdom was at hand, and was within their midst. Finally after 3 1/2 years of teaching and of redefining the purpose of humanity as The Christ -- Jesus was rejected by His own people and sentenced to die on a cross. Gods plan of redemption was finally (after millions of earth time years) coming to a culmination. On Friday morning, He was made to carry his own cross to Golgotha where He was crucified. At noon the skies darkened, the sun and light had disappeared and Jesus’ body hung on the cross, abandoned. Darkness had re-entered the world. The light had receded for 3 hours. It was a recapitulation of the primal chaos: “In the beginning,” … “as the land became formless and empty, and darkness was over the surface” And from this chaos and darkness the Spirit of God hovered over the land, and projected His light. And after 3 hours the light had re-appeared. God’s re-creating power had re-entered in preparation for Jesus’ resurrection. All along of course Lucifer had anticipated a ‘Savior’ and was very hard at work deceiving the people. His domain would certainly come to an end if Jesus succeeded. No more would he be ruler of the earth and it’s surrounding universe. A change of ownership would certainly take place. So, when he saw that Jesus was on the verge of death, he was pleased and wanted to celebrate. Then the moment came when he heard Jesus cry out, “Oh my God, why hast Thou forsaken me.” He knew that he had beaten God! Time to really celebrate! Jesus was hastily taken down and placed in a tomb (a cave). And on the third day (Sunday) the tomb was found opened -- Jesus had disappeared and then reappeared later to the disciples. Lucifer -- now Satan --was in shock! He knew what had taken place. He couldn’t believe it. Jesus had risen from death. It was a stunning blow! He had lost his domain. Humanity was now under the ownership and care of GOD. Through expiation by His Son -- Jesus The Christ. Who now is the total fulfillment of the Promise of Salvation. He is the new Steward and Representative -- paying the ransom, for all of (lost) humanity. We had been bought and paid for (an Illustration of Old Testament Israel … freed by the actions of Moses -- an earlier type of the true Savior). God has allowed Satan to stay on during the interim of time until the return of The Christ to instigate the full transition of believers and establish the full Kingdom of God. During this interim period Satan will have a opportunity to sway us one way or another: to accept God’s gift of continuous relationship with Him -- the source of life; OR to disbelieve everything about God; to trust only in oneself. And so, why is Easter the most important day in history? Well think about! Do you think a benevolent God would leave us to fend for ourselves? No, He cares for all of His creations. His government is based on “Love.” Jesus (The Christ) is the full disclosure of God’s undying devotion to life and love -- emphasizing to all, of the importance of respect for one another. Easter … is the most important day in human history! God Was There! Spring was upon us and it was a very busy month with four events occurring: daylight savings time -- spring forwarded the clocks, except for our two “Atomic” clocks (it does it automatically); St. Patrick’s Day -- my wife cooked (actually crock potted it) corned beef and cabbage (delicious,) she‘s the Irish; Spring began on the 20th -- with a new beginning, a change in the landscape and terrain, the blossoms start blooming and falling; And lastly, Good Friday, followed by Easter Sunday … quite an eventful month. My wife and I went to Easter Sunday services with her daughter’s family near the City of Benicia, Ca. This was our first time at this Christian Church, it was standing room only. And I was somewhat surprised that everyone was dressed in very casual attire. We had expected the usual “Easter” dress up; but it was just the opposite. There were lots of smiles and laughter … you might say -- lots of energy … flowing in the air. We found our way to the pews and right away a rock style band commenced to singing very upbeat Christian rock songs -- very good music, but not quite to what I had been used to … you know: the traditional stuff -- the choir or group singing “Jesus Loves You” songs and hymns. I looked around and saw that most of the congregation were on the “younger” side. Not too many older or middle-aged; and certainly not too many of the Senior population. Nope, this was a vivacious younger crowd. But a very happy, content group. How time has changed the identity of going to Church: It has evolved to accommodate today’s upbeat, faster, yet more relaxed, casual, youthful generation. And they seem to like it! And you know what? God was there! He was there -- on every child and adult’s faces, on every smile and laughter; in every song and music; in the enthusiasm and energy; in the atmosphere, and in the entire campus grounds and surrounding green pastured hills and crystal clear blue skied morning. God was there! His presence was heard; His light shone with immense brightness; His message , His Character, His love and graciousness, His breath permeated throughout, and His radiance illuminated all that gave praise of His awesomeness. God was there … as He is here with me now … as He is with you at this moment. You will find God, not just at a Church gathering (on an Easter Sunday) as we experienced this past Sunday, but you will find Him where-ever you open your eyes, your thoughts, your mind. He is an active God. Constantly on the move -- Dynamic to the highest! He is always there (and here) for us … for you. Accept Him into your heart -- just as you are … there is no application to fill out … His gift is “free.” It has been paid for: you were held for ransom (by the evil one), and our Creator (our true Father) stepped up and found a way to redeem all of us. He enter into the human stream through the name of Jesus, The Christ. Lived as a human being -- as His one and only Son. Professed the message of Salvation. Disclosed the Father in Heaven as the Yahweh or the I am (also the I Will Be) … died on a cross … then was resurrected back home to the right side of the Father. The Restoration of Humanity was completed; and the Vindication (of the Father) was finalized: The verdict? Innocent. And for Satan? Found Guilty … and to be sentence and put to death. For the moment, until The Christ returns for the full transformation of the “believers” -- God (in the interim) has allowed Satan to continue his influence on our will and try to convince us to look the other way; to misunderstand; to lose faith; to let the darkness move in. I submit to you that -- GOD -- is worth it! That God is true to His word. That God is Loving, honorable, dependable, gracious … and so much more … I cannot describe all the words. His is actually -- Indescribable! We thank Him for His presence and His ever so shinning -- Light! God’s best is always for you! God is In Control Sometimes humans are so arrogant as to think that we have the last word on what happens to this planet. That we are the ultimate Steward of this world. That we must keep it free of toxins and every environmental disturbances known. That we must make use of environmentally clean elements, such as: wind power, solar energy, battery operated machinery and bio-friendly fuel. Anything but utilizing Mother Earth’s seemingly, damaging energy -- such as, Oil, Coal or Nuclear. Many of us are under the impression that we are the “savior” of our planet; that we must reject the dreaded thing: Fossil Fuel! Fossil Fuel -- that thing that lies deep within our earth that sometimes ‘seep’ to the surface creating havoc. Fossil fuel is “Crude Oil” (dinosaur remains) created (through millions of years) specifically for our use, by Our Creator! It is part of His provision; His plan of Salvation; His Gift; His Grace: His Love ... read in Deuteronomy 32:13 "He made him (speaking of Joseph) ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields; and he made him to suck honey out of the rocks, and oil out of the flinty rock". He expects us to utilize it in our day to day affairs: for Energy, for warmth, for fuel, for industrialization -- for all of our needs. Joseph is expanded to become the entire children of God, in need. And provision is granted. Also in Job 29:6 ... "When I washed my steps with butter, and the rock poured me out rivers of oil" ... Again, it is there for us to use. God understands that we may accidentally, from time to time, spill the substance into our environment, but He has provided for such events, with an “automatic” cleaning process: He has, as part of replenishing the earth, installed a reclaiming, recycling system. He understands that animals may perish but that too is part of the cycle of life: things die and things are replenished and restored. As I mentioned earlier: Fossil Fuel (Oil) is so abundant within the earth’s crust that it seeps to the surface -- everywhere. Statistics has established that of all the Oil that is found freely in the environment, 92% comes from Nature's seepage. On the other hand 6% comes from human use and discard from industrialization; and least of all: only 1% comes from spillage from Oil Drilling Rigs from off shore sites. So who is to blame for most of the environmental contamination and disturbances? God! Nature! Well, as it is, many people do not take God seriously anyhow, so blaming Him would be foolish. People simply don’t want to listen to the facts. And they certainly don’t want to admit that they are under the direction and command of a Creator! No -- people want to, instead, be God. By demanding that they are the only ones that can keep our earth, our environment, safe and clean, by denying any access to what our Creator has “provided” -- the sole Energy from within our earth! The Crude! Fossil Energy! It is like “Mother’s Milk” … that swells the breasts with richness and nourishment, providing life giving food for the newborn infant. Likewise: Mother Earth has given birth to us and providing us with the “Milk of Life”: liquid crude … bursting and seeping from the hallows of her veins. The infant seeks the milk; as well, we must seek the Crude! Like Mother’s Milk … it demands to be taken out! And accessible! And so it is my opinion that we take a look at who we really are! Are we playing God? Should we instead, let God take care of our planet? Rather, live our lives as if we are “renting,” and not owning? Knowing that the landlord will someday come and say: “I am sorry but I am going to bulldoze this entire property and rebuild the land. You will have to leave …” This earth, this planet was created by God … and it is maintained and managed by God … He is the true Steward of this world. He is “In Control!” Let’s not fool our selves. God does not take other’s being who He really is -- too well! … that’s why He says: There is no other God, I AM the I AM! And I Will Be, and Always Will Be … It is my Will! That’s how we got into trouble in the first place! So let’s live our lives as we should: sharing all that has been provided: an abundance of food; of air (oxygen); of water; of fire; of light (and warmth); and of Raw Energy (Crude, Coal and Nuclear, from within). Let’s utilize it! We thank you God for all that you have “provided” -- just for us! God’s Provision: Dinosaurs & Oil When I was a young fellow in high school I was always interested in science: Biology, Anthropology, Anatomy, Zoology, Astronomy … just about all the sciences. And of course like most kids (especially boys), there was that special interest in Dinosaurs. I had that super curiosity as to their Gigantic size. The Brontosaurus, T-Rex, Stegosaurus, Brachiosaurus … and the larger Supersaurus which grew to 130ft long and 60ft. Tall (that is a Big Mama)! These Giants of long ago were in existence for about 160 million years, beginning somewhere close to 230 million years ago. They lived and survived with nothing to stop their robust progression and development. They just got larger and larger. Until one day, about 65 million years ago a cataclysmic event happened: A giant Meteor (a space rock), large enough to survive the searing heat of our earth’s atmosphere crashed into the Yucatan Peninsula creating a super explosion that affected the entire earth. The sun was blocked out for days and weeks. The atmosphere and air was thick with a deadly, toxic debris that permeated every inch of earth's surface. -- every animal specie that breathed air began to suffocate, and soon died -- especially the larger animals: The great Dinosaurs took their last breath; they died basically where they stood. There was no place to run for cover. The toxic cloud over came all of them -- all perished … forever. This was a sudden change in earth’s dominant inhabitants: the cold blooded group of animals (Reptiles and Dinosaurs), and made way for the emergence of warm blooded animals: Mammals … and eventually homo sapiens. God was there! He created all things. Including the Great Dinosaurs. And when it was time -- He removed them, to make way for our emergence many millions of years later. God’s plan of salvation and restoration was in the works -- back then. As I mentioned earlier: when I was in high school, there was interest in the sciences, especially Zoology. One day I was at a good friends house having a coke, and my friend’s father (who worked for the local gas and electric company) stopped by for his regular lunch break. He was a “gas meter service man” … and soon we were all in conversation, and I asked him, “where did all the oil come from?” And he laugh and said -- you won’t believe it but it comes from dead dinosaurs. I go What? “Dinosaurs” … how in the heck do dinosaurs become our oil (and gasoline) to keep our cars running and homes heated, warm and cozy? And of course he explained -- well I think that when they all died millions of years ago, their bodies blended into the ground and sat there in the deep hallows of earth until one day they turned into Oil . The fuel that provides us with the means to survive in the cold, the means to transport ourselves and our goods to where-ever need be, and the means to protect ourselves via vehicles and vessels. It is a wonderful gift from our creator! My friend’s father knew the full meaning and dimension of the product that he was working with. He knew the importance of Oil. Ever since then I have understood the value of God’s provisions and gifts. The most important gift of all of course is “Life” itself. But part of living on this little ball called Earth, floating daintily in a vast vacuum of space, are the provisions that God has provided. Aside from the abundance of food, from the earth and sea; He has provided a vast amount of fuel within the earth called Oil --- or I should say: Dinosaur carcasses! Oil is everywhere, and God expects us to utilize this “gift” that He provided -- through an accumulation of animal product for 160 million years. Like our body's blood flowing through our veins and arteries, Oil, as well, pools just below the surface of our earth, available for us to tap and utilize. He viewed our future; He knew the predicament of humanity -- of having a need, a way of transporting ourselves via vehicles and airplanes to the far corners of the world. He has provided this product for us to use; to discover it where-ever it is found and available. We should accept His gift -- graciously -- and not let our arrogance and ego get in our way. God is the creator of the universe and of this earth. He is the true Steward of this earth. It is not us that decides the future of what may or may not happen to our planet. It is God’s option. He is in charge! We are the renters! The users. We cannot play God! We need to just be ourselves … and Live, and utilized what has been provided for us -- through the millennia. God has created a beautiful planet we call earth. And has provided everything we need to survive. The earth will not melt due to global warming, it will not freeze due to a sudden chill. God has promised to provide for us through the ups and downs of life on earth. He could have (in the beginning) forgotten about us. But he remembered us and when earth fell into darkness, He hovered over the face of the deep and said “let there be light” … and there was Light! He took the time to re-create and re-fashion earth to ensure the emergence of Human Life, culminating in the redeeming perfect nature of His Son Jesus The Christ, on the cross at Golgotha -- dying for our expiation (paying our ransom), and vindicating his Father in Heaven -- Our Creator and true Savior. God is our ultimate eternal provider. Earth: Arena of War By Roger Patzer, Pastor (Concepts in Faith, Faith Family Church) (Roger was my old Church Pastor many years ago and this is one of his articles that really make sense -- at least in my view) If you think life on this planet is at best a mixture of pleasures with pain, happiness with sorrow, health with sickness you are not imagining things. Though earth was initially created as a paradisiacal playground where we were to enjoy personal fellowship with God, that was all changed when the struggle of two wills took place. It is on this stage that the major issues affecting our very lives takes place: And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon. And the dragon and his angel waged war, and they were not strong enough, and there was no longer a place found for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceived the whole world; he was thrown down to earth, and his angels were thrown down with him ---- Revelation 12:7--9 This passage explains that following the initial flare-up in heaven Satan was cast to the earth. What began as one created being’s attempt to usurp God’s throne has now spread and evolved into a major holocaust. It is not, however, a war limited to any one place. Rather, it is universal in scope, and that includes earth itself. This earth has become an arena of war. Stage 1. Heaven. the above quoted passage from revelation 12:7-9 presents the picture. Heaven became the very first battleground as Lucifer took his attempt to rule this universe to the very throne of God. If he could upset the government of God he could take over. And so he gave God a challenge right at the very heart of His government. There was an attempt to undermine; to seduce the allegiance of the innocent. Indeed, many of the angelic forces joined sides with him through his convincing arguments. He convinced them he was right, Why did he do this? Because of the very nature of God, sin and rebellion cannot exist in His presence. It was inevitable that there would be an expansion of the war following this first attempt at take-over. That is exactly what happened Stage II. Earth. Luke 10:18 gives an important perspective to this drama. Here the expulsion of the rebel forces is spoken of. And He said to them, ‘I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightening.’ It is another angle on Revelation 12:7-9. The drama of all ages was now going to shift to a new arena. Stage 1 was heaven itself where the government of God was attacked. Stage II is the planet earth where Satan would be allowed to demonstrate his claims. That which we know as the Bible is the account of the struggle between God and Satan in this new arena of war. The beginning of the Bible portrays life in full harmony with God’s plan to restore that broken relationship and concludes with life restored to harmony with God. But even here on the battleground of earth there are several war zones: (1) God’s perfect creation, Eden. Though this information in Scripture is not taken seriously by very many people it is significant in what it says about God. Satan’s attempt to destroy the creation of God and undermine His government here on earth began in Eden. This is the essence of Genesis 1 & 2. It is here he challenged God for the allegiance of earth’s inhabitants. It is here he watched as his purposes were to be realized. He succeeded in having the human will severed from full allegiance to God through his lies and deceptions. The perfect harmony between God and His creation was broken. The balance of nature shifted and it was not long before Satan and his troops were firmly entrenched on the planet earth. He became the prince of this world. …now the ruler of this world shall be cast out. --- John 12:31 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air. Of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. ---- Ephesians 2:1,2 God had designed that Adam, His very own creation, would be the prince of this world, Adam was to have dominion over everything. Adam was the steward of God’s creation. But along came Satan who used deception (Genesis 3) to undermine this relationship and bring about a tremendous change. Satan stole Adam’s right of dominion and therefore became the one who dominated the affairs of this world. But it was not just geographic capture. He did not simply capture Eden. He conquered the human will and it is here that the fiercest of all battles rages. 2) The Battle of the Will. Genesis 3:15 indicates something about this battle zone. There is a struggle of the will. And I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, and you shall bruise him on the heel. ----Genesis 3:15 There is a struggle of the will. This verse reveals several significant things. One, the announcement of victory for God. Two, an announcement of hope for mankind and three, an announcement of doom for the government of Satan. God told Satan that he had lied his way to power and that it would not always continue. He warned Satan that He would win back the right to rule and that it would be played out under fair conditions. The very thought that God would work through the defeated human race to accomplish is purposes infuriated Satan to such an extent that he concentrated his efforts on sabotaging this plan. Think of it! God would bring a drama to the planet earth, involving mankind, which would re-establish His government of love. It became Satan’s studied effort to coerce the will of man and see that his cooperation was impossible. Satan has pulled out all the stops to see to it that God is made out to be arbitrary, malicious, greedy and unattractive. Satan makes every attempt to see to it that God does not command the respect of His subjects. He mounted a tremendous smear campaign which was a assault upon the very character of God. His usurped power as prince of this world was used to sabotage the rebuilding effort by God concerning a lost human race. The very thought that God would work through this conquered human race plunged Satan into frenzied activity. Satan heard God’s announcement of a promised deliverer and his hatred for the human race increased. He heard God promise there would be a redeemer for this lost race. He hated the human race all the more. He did not know which baby might be the redeemer so he worked feverishly right from the start to see this redeemer plan was not a success. The very first child born on this planet became a murderer. No doubt his parents thought the promised redeemer had arrived but that hope was soon shattered. Imagine it. Cain, the first child born on this planet, murdered his brother, Abel. Satan was taking no chances that one of these children might be the Savior. He moved in with his tremendous power and succeeded in capturing the will of the one who turned unbridled jealousy and hatred into murder. Not as Cain, who was of the evil one, and slew his brother. And for what reason did he slay him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother’s were righteous. ----1 John 3:12 Satan was now on his way to implementing his plan of sabotage and destruction. He considered that he had killed the redeemer, the promised Savior. Sin, finding root in Cain’s heart, eliminated him from being the Redeemer. Death eliminated Abel. There would be no redeemer at this point in history. He would do it. Instead of a beautiful place where God’s love could be appreciated earth had become an arena of war. But God’s plans are not so easily frustrated and He gave Adam and Eve other children, thus enabling the line of the Promised One to be established. It was set up through Seth, the third child. Luke’s genealogy records this fact in Luke 3:38. What is significant about all of this is that we are part of this drama. We can all testify to the fact that our wills are very much a part of this struggle. Certainly it is true that there is a tremendous battle within our own beings concerning one to whom we offer allegiance. Everyday we are confronted with the lies and deceptions of Satan and now, because of our sinful natures, the decisions we make are not always the ones we absolutely want to. For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. For that which I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. But if I do the very thing I do not wish to do, I agree with the law, confessing that it is good. So now, no longer am I the one doing it but sin which indwells me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the wishing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I wish, I do not do; but I practice the very thing I do not wish, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. ---- Romans 7:14-21 If it not been for the promise God made that He would not allow Satan to dominate our wills we would be out of the race with no choice but to serve Satan. When Satan was expelled from heaven and found fertile ground for his lies here on earth he knew it was his final opportunity to get it all. He needed proof that his plan was the best and he spared nothing to get it. Enslaving earth’s subjects was his first move. All you have to do is go through the Bible only a short distance before you realize the near-success of Satan and his plan. In just a few short years Satan so totally dominated the course of history that the wickedness of man was at a saturation point. Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. --- genesis 6:5. Had the course of history followed as it was going there would have been an impossibility for the redeemer to be born. All of mankind would have been lost. But God is not indifferent to our needs. He did not simply create a wonderful universe and then, like an absentee landlord, leave it to our ruling. Earth is not like a giant clock with a mainspring that is slowly winding down. God is personally involved with our needs. He is concerned. Knowing the course of events, and seeing what Satan was doing, He extended His grace. That which the Bible records as the flood is the historical way of revealing this love and grace of God. Had God not intervened mankind would have totally surrendered to the power of Satan and all hope of a restoration with God would have been lost. The promise of Genesis 3:15 would yet find fulfillment after the new beginning recorded in Genesis 6. Not long after this God worked with one the bible calls Abraham to develop a people allegiant to the will of God. Genesis 12 begins this account. The special relationship with Israel came out of this. Satan watched as this new relationship developed. He stepped up his campaign against God and put even greater pressure upon the human race. That which he introduced at this point in history because he was nervous about this special relationship with Abraham and Israel, has not subsided to this very day. Anti-Semitism was born out of Satan’s fear that this promised Redeemer would soon arrive through the lineage of Abraham. Today’s feelings of anti-Semitism are not accidental as Satan concentrated upon destroying the purposes of God through destroying the people of God called to be His. It is important to understand that because God worked with this group of people in a special way does not mean they are better than or of greater value than any others. The Lord did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were in number than any of the peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but because the Lord loved you and kept the oath which He swore to your forefathers, the Lord brought you out by a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Deuteronomy 7:7,8. God chose Abraham and his descendents to be instruments of His grace. The people were ordinary but relationship was special. God needed a foothold in the human race from which He could operate. The descendents of Abraham became this foothold. Not better than, not greater than but unique because of the relationship with God. The course of Old testament history is the course of a gigantic struggle between the forces of good and evil and it is illustrated in the everyday lives of these people. If the Bible says anything it says the struggle between Christ and Satan over mankind’s allegiance is a real one. Repeatedly the nation of Israel is in a crisis situation because it refused to follow the will of God. The pages of Old Testament history are complete with the folly of human independence from God. Battle after battle, problem after problem, reveal this struggle. Satan worked feverishly to destroy our allegiance with God. Earth had indeed become an arena of war. Somewhere in this line of people there would come a redeemer that would crush and destroy the power of Satan. He would vindicate and exonerate God. Because Satan did not know exactly when this Redeemer would arrive he intensified his charges against God and especially through Israel’s relationship with God. He worked from both the inside and outside bringing pressure points. He tried desperately to break the covenant relationship that God set up. Had tried to break them as a nation and a people as several times the were in subjection to other nations. He would do anything to sidetrack them from preparing for the Redeemer. He led the people to follow false gods, sparking one of the greatest tragedies for Israel -- the captivity of God’s people by an oppressive power. The book of Daniel reflects this tragedy. Idolatry and revolt including a dividing of the very nation of Israel itself were other problems with which the had to contend. The ten tribes of the north (Israel) and the two tribes of the south (Judah) became scattered and dispersed people. This would better serve Satan’s purposes for it would isolate them from their central purposes. They would no longer be one people with one objection. A fight for survival would occupy their attention and this hope-for redeemer would not be able to get that necessary foothold. Perhaps Satan had a chance. The Old testament is really the story of how Satan has infiltrated this nation which God has called to be in special relationship with Himself. Not because the nation is itself top-notch but because it was the nation through which God promised the Redeemer. That is the central focus of attention in reading the Bible. At a couple points in history Satan was within almost a single person of exterminating this people through whom the restorer of fellowship and the redeemer of His people would come. The book of Esther should be read this light. His plan for wiping out this nation was so successful that it was only a miracle of God which saved this people at this time. And then Jesus the Christ was born and battle zone number 3 was created. (3) An attack upon the Redeemer Himself. When Jesus was born Satan’s hatred reached a new zenith. His anger was white-heat. The entire human life of Christ is Satan’s attempt to murder him and keep Him from being the deliverer of His people. If the plan of Christ succeeds Satan fails. A lot was at stake in the life and ministry of Christ. King Herod became an instrument of Satan to murder all children two years of age an younger -- in an attempt to get Christ in this mass murder. This plan was foiled. At the first public manifestation of Jesus’ ministry Satan personally undertook the task of causing Jesus to fail. Matthew 4 is that account of this grueling ordeal for Jesus. The focal point of the temptations of Satan was to get Jesus to turn from the will of the Father an exercise independence -- the same cause of sin in the first place, both with Lucifer (Satan) in heaven an Adam and Eve on this planet. If Satan could get Jesus to exercise an independent will the covenant with God the Father would be broken and all hope for lost mankind would disappear. Simply stated, Jesus was a success and Satan a failure. Failing in this direct approach upon Jesus, Satan changed his guise. He worked through the self-centered religious leaders and infiltrated the church itself. So it wasn’t going to work to get rid of Christ, then he would make sure that church itself would be reduced to rituals, liturgy and rules. The heart and spirit of church would be crushed out . It would be okay for people to attend, as long as there was no gospel being taught there. The first four gospels of the Bible -- Matthew, Mark, Luke and John -- reveal the struggle between Jesus and the church itself. Satan had indeed captured the minds of the church leaders, so that they themselves plotted the murder of Christ. But even Calvary, which they thought was the accomplishment of this devilish plot was a victory for God. Jesus was not killed, He gave His life as a ransom for the world. Throughout the ministry of Christ Satan became increasingly desperate and increased his intensity. Finally, from his vantage point, his purposes were accomplished at Calvary. He was absolutely certain he had won the battle for this universe. The One who was the Redeemer, the Savior of His people, was now brutally murdered -- and by the church leaders themselves. What a twist of irony. But in that death, shock as it must have been to Satan, the fulfillment of Genesis 3:15 came to pass. Calvary totally exposed Satan for who and what he was. Thanks to Calvary all doubts about the good intentions Lucifer-became-Satan were removed. There was no longer any question about his character and purposes. The allegiance of the angelic forces and the unfallen worlds was made secure thanks to Calvary. Satan tipped his hand at Calvary guaranteeing the triumph of the forces of God. Thanks to Calvary the allegiance of the human family towards the government of God would be a reality. Today we are living in the middle of this controversy but thanks to Calvary the bottom line has been written. The final chapter has been added in life’s great book. Jesus Christ is the victor. Satan’s kingdom has already been destroyed. There still remains, however, the outplay of this struggle. This is where we live. This is why we have problems and difficulties. That’s why there is suffering, sickness, adversity and death. While all the evidence is indeed in there has not yet sounded the bell for the end of the contest. Until that bell sounds we will have struggles and conflicts. But if we understand the framework it will give us a perspective which provides our lives with meaningful answers. Why do we have Tornadoes, Hurricanes and Earthquakes? You hear people say: why does God allow such devastation? Why do so many people have to die after a category 4 Hurricane sweeps a region; or why a slew of tornadoes ravish communities and towns? And powerful Earthquakes create seismic havoc in parts of the world. Why do we have to endure such terrible loss of life and property? It seems like it’s a never ending cycle of death and destruction. Why do we have such powerful forces that overcome us, and hundreds and even thousands perish? I just happened to see live coverage of a helicopter hovering high above a countryside in rural Oklahoma; they were simply filming and observing approaching thunderstorms, and hoping to catch footage of funnel clouds dropping down. When out of a very deep, dark grey cloud one did form and eventually touched ground forming a snake-like vortex -- a Tornado! I eagerly watched this very evil, looking, long funnel cloud touch the earth, spinning and tearing what ever was in its way. I saw it skip over objects, then down again, grinding and devouring trees, fences, buildings, meandering across the terrain as if it had a mind of its own. It seem quite frightening! It was as if Mother Nature was cleaning and vacuuming; it was absolutely amazing to view and see the shear force of the weather. And I asked myself: isn’t it interesting that our Creator has put in place such forces; forces that have been the process of earth’s weather from the beginning. Hurricanes, Tornadoes and Earthquakes are part of what make up our environment and climate. Another words, our earth would not function properly without these interactions of nature. These are release mechanisms: Energy within the atmosphere slowly builds up and has to be vented somehow, therefore the release of pure energy by these magnificent, awesome forces ensure that our earth maintain an equilibrium -- stability. This releasing of energy happens throughout the world, and in various ways and forms. Unfortunately, we populate many of these regions and landscape. It would be nice to be able to predict when these forces would strike. To have time to get out of harms way … but for many in the world, it strikes without warning, without a sound or a whistle. Leading to total devastation and catastrophe: sometimes tens of thousands perish. And, again, why does God allow such trepidation? Well, it is not His wish that His beloved human beings perish -- in any manner! His desire for us is everlasting life; free of sickness, free of environmental devastation, free of having to face death. Our Creator’s wish is to have us live in peace and tranquility forever. But due to original Sin, committed by one of His creations, that Utopia was put on hold. Sin -- disobedience, alienation -- plunged the entire world (humanity) into chaos; we became castaways. We as human beings became completely lost; deleted from the planet. But because of His grace and forgiving nature, He devised a way to bring us back into relationship with Him. He re-created and re-fashioned all of life; our earth; our entire universe, in-order that we may have a place to dwell -- although tainted -- as functional human beings. And so through time (millions of earth years), we have come to where we are able to exist, and function somewhat harmoniously -- although we are continually hampered and affected by the burden of the great forces of nature. At times unable to withstand the devastation and death toll that comes with it. We are part of an incomplete nature; a realm or sphere that is fractured by the presence of evil. And now we exist within a combination of the darkness and the light -- the light of God; the light of the life-giver. The day will arrive when all of life will be eternal. Where relationship with the father is constant and personal -- as it is with the Angels. God will bring us home to a place where there will be no death and destruction -- from Hurricanes, Tornadoes and Earthquakes. His presence is confirmed, again, by His light -- which greets us every day. When you open your eyes each morning you see God, you see Him in every living thing; and (I might add) in every inanimate thing. As the ultimate life-giver, without His presence -- there is “nothing.” There is chaos; there is darkness. So thank heavens -- lucky us -- that we are blessed with a gracious and benevolent leader of the universe (and beyond). And that we can always count on Him -- no matter what. All we have to do is? Believe in Him; believe in His presence; believe in His plan for us. Believe, believe, believe! Happy Mother’s Day - God! The Woman, the Mother, the bride, the feminine side of theology is a very large part of who we as human beings are. We were created by God -- our Father. But does God have a “wife?” Does God have a female counter part? The answer to both questions is -- no. God himself is both masculine and feminine. He is our Father and -- yes -- our Mother! Therefore we could say: Happy Mother’s Day -- God! And I express this, not because I am a minister and bias to everything about God, but because it is a fact that our God is so intertwined with all of His creations, that His character demands that He plays both parents, in the larger universal scheme of things. He is our ultimate Mother who -- like our earthly mom -- loves us, cares for us, guides us … He does so much for us; just like mothers all over the world. In fact -- He is the perfect Mother! Heaven forbid … I hope God understands what I am trying to expound. And of course He does … In the grand view of things, we are children, dependent on our celestial parents -- that is -- God. He is our true duo parent. He has promised to provide us with everything needed to exist. Just like our own mom has through all of our lives as children and adults. God’s presence is constant: watching over us, feeding us, teaching us, guiding us, healing us … His "mothering" is encompassing and complete. Illustrated by the way all animals treat and care for their off-spring: birds, bears, cats, horses, dogs, sheep, cows … all have the instinctual knowledge instilled by the Creator to be the best mother and care-giver. We as human parents are no different. We also have been instilled with the same desire to nourish and care, and comfort. All coming from our All-Supreme care-giver in the sky; in heaven. Our God … Our Father … Our Mother … is truly -- worth honoring ! Provider of Human Life: Happy Father’s Day: God! God is truly our ultimate Father! He created us, formed us, and shaped us. He not only created us, but He also watches over us -- daily. We know this by the presence of His “Light.” -- shining out of the darkness … continually illuminating our pathway; continually showing us “The Way.” God -- The Father -- has provided us with all that we need, on this imperfect planet. He has provide the ’air’ that we need to breathe and exist. He also has provide the trees to continually replenish the Oxygen (the air) as all of animal life exhales carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. He has set up an automatic system of keeping this earth and surrounding atmosphere pure and clean -- no matter what we expel, or contaminate . Like our earthly father, God keeps His house clean by constantly being attentive to all of our needs -- and flaws. He knows that as imperfect human beings we at times are arrogant and tend to think that we alone are the keeper of this planet -- this domain. He may even ’chuckle’ in seeing that we have a desire to be God-like; to be king of our own realm. Our Father in Heaven is kind and patient with us. Understanding that we can easily lose our way. Turning to “ourselves” for answers. Becoming our own “savior” … relying on our own intellect and knowledge. Forgetting that all of life comes from -- The Father! There is no one else! He has provided all that we need here on earth! He created it from the beginning: slowly, methodically, perfectly … not a stone out of place. He instinctively knew when to step in, to change direction (Great leaps or changes), in order that we may be here today! He did this! And now he invites us to enjoy what He has -- Provided: The abundance of food and water; the plentiful of resources that make our daily lives comfortable, such as gas and oil -- they are gifts from Nature (From God, The Father). He gave us the intelligence to reason, to calculate, to formulate … He gave us the “free will” to understand; to be who we are; to live freely, without vices or tyranny. He gave us the knowledge of faith … of the realization that we were created by someone much greater. God -- The Father -- has provided so much … from the beginning of time. All for us -- humanity. And He expects us to utilize all of it. Do not waste it, or preserve it. But use it! He put us here on this earth, simply because He desired our presence … He took pleasure in creating us and placing us in this domain. We are His children. Just like we enjoy our own children; and provide for them. Our true Father takes great pleasure in watching over us; guiding us; and caring for us. He is the ultimate; He is the Father that knows best! There is no other! And as we enjoy this great time of transition; as we leave springtime and enter the fun-filled summer months, we take time in giving thanks to our Creator and All-Sufficient Father in Heaven. Happy Father’s Day -- God! Young at Heart I drove to the City of Napa this afternoon for my usual 2:00 PM singing “gig” at an Assisted Living community … and as I walked through the outdoor patio area I was greeted by one of the Senior residents, “hi Jess, beautiful, sunny day, isn’t it?” And I responded with a likewise acknowledgement. It was a gorgeous , sunny, bright day -- which always reminds me of the true “Light” of God … shining on His children, His people, His likeness. This elderly man (George) was drawn to the sunshine, and the sunrays of the day. Knowing certainly that any day now, his true Father, his maker would be calling. And as I acknowledged his greeting, I was uplifted by his expression of peace and serenity -- and his love of life. All of us will face the golden years; and of course it would be more comforting to be prepared -- mentally -- for those (so call) final days of our lives. Whether we like it or not -- they will come. During my performance, I came to a song that I enjoy singing -- a song called “Young at Heart” … the lyrics go something like this: “Fairy tales can come true, it can happen to you, if you’re young at heart” … and so forth. No doubt, we age, physically, day after day, and like clock-work, the years go by … and before you know it you’re middle age, and beyond. We try to slow the process down, but it’s impossible -- and we know it! The only way we can combat this never-ending wave of time is to mentally stay alert -- and be “young at heart.” It is a God given absolute! The devil has caused all of us NOT to have everlasting Life (of course -- as believers, we will, through the return of The Christ). But for now, our bodies, although young and resilient when we start off; after years, and years of (for many of us) self abuse: over eating, over medication, over indulging of various liquids and toxins, lack of proper recreation and exercise and so much more … physically, end up losing the battle. It's inevitable; eventually death is at our door -- the influence of Satan (Sin), condemning all of us. Our alternative? While we are on this earth? Stay “young at heart” … as the song says, “don’t you know that it’s worth, every treasure on earth, to be young at heart” …. “and if you should survive, to a hundred and five, think of all you’ll derive, out of being alive … here is the best part … you have a head start … If you are among the very Young at Heart.” Although death is a sure thing … God provides us with a way to fulfill, and extend our lives -- in an inspirational, uplifting way: through our “hearts” … our enthusiasm, tenacity, exuberance, positivism , Love of Life. It’s a tool that is guaranteed to work. Try it! We thank you Father for your absolute interest in maintaining our world and our existence as members and children of your family. Although we have fallen (thanks to Satan), we thank you for your patience in redeeming us by interceding into our lives, through your Son -- Jesus, The Christ. Your Kingdom is within our midst, and we thank you for accepting us with open arms. Amen! To Freedom and Justice 4th of July Holiday we celebrated the Declaration of Independence of our Country. The year: 1776. We wanted to break away from the rule of the British Empire. The Order was signed 232 years ago. We desired to be Free to determine our own future. But you know, it wasn’t as easy as that. Although the founding fathers establish this Declaration, the British had other plans. They continued to make their presence known by attacking us from all sides. Under the command of General George Washington, our Continental Army had their hands full. Winning and losing battles through years and years of War with the British. At one point we lost the Capital City of Philadelphia (writers of the Constitution had to flee nearly 100 miles, out of harms way). Then in 1812 the British (still pursuing victory in recapturing the colonies), literally burned the City of Washington D.C. down to the ground. Freedom, and true independence was not easy. It took many, many years of war with the British (many sacrifices by men and women), before our country was finally free of British rule. Freedom and Independence is not an over night affair. It takes dedication and the will to be free. “Freedom” is instilled in us by our Creator -- as written in the Declaration of Independence preamble: All men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Inspiring words written by Thomas Jefferson -- author of the document of Independence and Freedom. Our Creator -- God -- assures that all of humanity has this right, this “Free Will” to pursue happiness, free of strife and turmoil. He promises and guarantees everlasting life in His Kingdom of Heaven. It is not news to the ‘believer” … no, it has always been the “Good News.” But it takes “faith” in this belief that drives us. Freedom and Liberty is something that is instilled, endowed in our lives from birth. We pursue it naturally, and cherish it to the death. Our founding fathers understood the deep meaning of liberty, that it is part of who we are; part of a nation; part of one nation under God. And so it did take nearly 50 years to finally acquire our true independence and freedom; but it was certainly worth the effort, the sacrifices, the pursuit, and determination. We are a blessed people … unlike any in the world. In just a few short years, we have fought for our freedom and independence; through justice and honor (all part of the Character of God -- instilled in us), and 232 years later we are strong and viable; leader of the free world; promoting others to join us in pursuing the right to be happy and to be free. Let us not forget -- 232 years after our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence -- that we are still in the battle to stay free as a Democratic Republic, Nation of People … where it is truly a Nation Governed by the People … through our elected representatives in Congress. God has also ensured that our “freedom” is guaranteed by giving us Representation as well: In His one and only Son: Jesus, The Christ. On earth we are endowed by our Creator to pursue Freedom and Justice. And in Heaven it is the normalcy, promised to us -- through our faith and belief in God -- our true Founding Father! Is there Healing in Being, and Thinking Positive? If God is a force that is truly a Rock of Gibraltar, a Symbol of Stability and Truth, a Motto for Positivism … then why wouldn’t part of Him, be part of, or ingrained in us? Many bad things happen to us every day: accidents, sickness, disasters -- we are so lucky to survive day to day. Unfortunately -- some of us don’t. Because of Sin, humans are bound to an imperfect world (or Sphere). Although most of the time, we experience life without many problems; we in time learn to stay on the right side of badness, preferring to live a life of happiness and good health. Some may call that -- having “freedom” to come and go, to choose right from wrong, to feel the way we 'want' to feel. It is a God given gift to be able to feel comfortable within one’s self. But only in an open or free society; or realm, or sphere -- can this happen! Doesn’t this sounds like heaven to you? Well, it certainly would be ‘heaven’ to be able to feel totally comfortable with one’s self -- free of threats and possible annihilation. Unfortunately, due to disobedience (Sin), we were (symbolically, in the Old Testament) considered castaways, lost, outsiders, wayward souls -- and we basically still are today, at least through this interim of time. And thanks for God’s forgiving nature: His grace, insuring us that we would be welcomed back into the main camp; among the living, and redeemed status. Thanks also to Jesus, The Christ in choosing God’s “Will” … in cementing forever, for those of us who believe, an everlasting life in His New Kingdom. Believing and knowing that God has provided everything for us and all of nature on Earth, and throughout the Universe, is crucial in the process of being positive -- no matter what confronts you. It can be an illness, an injury, even a terminally diagnosed sickness. Aside from all of the treatments that your doctors prescribe for you ... go beyond that: Believing in the knowledge that God (our Creator) has provided a place for you; that He is “with you” every second of the time; that His healing power is within you: all you have to do is acknowledge His presence: that your existence is in His hands (His healing hands). Being positive; being certain; being upbeat; being elated in the fact that God is the true and supreme healer; the ultimate doctor of all life throughout time and space -- is the most powerful way to express one’s self. You will be surprised as to how much quicker you will recover -- even from a grave illness. Believing in His healing “touch” is the apex in being “positive.” He is worthy, and He does care for you -- and me -- and all of His creation. Does God Forgive Your Alcoholism? Like the flame of a gentle, glowing candle in your dining room, as you anticipate a cozy, loving meal with your favorite person. It sets the ambiance; a gentle, soft warm feeling of goodness, tranquility and peacefulness. It is the way it should be. But that same single flame if left unattended could spread, and grow into an uncontrollable beast, devouring everything in its path. In some cases: killing and crippling, and destroying peoples lives. In comparison, they say that drinking one or two glasses of red wine a day can extend your lifespan; certainly, they proclaim, it will enhance one’s over-all health and well-being. But, if you go beyond that prescribed limit, then look out! You’re going down a path that you may never be able to correct: a path of gloom and doom, and -- like the gentle flame, growing into a raging demon -- the addiction of alcohol can bring you to your knees … and in some cases (like an out of control fire) taking everything that you’ve worked for; affecting all those around you: family, friends and, certainly -- your personal life. We ask: What does God think about all of this? Does He forgive those who indulge excessively … who end up losing everything? Who let him or herself be controlled by hopelessness and self-pity … turning to the evils and satisfaction of the liquid spirits? The character of God is unchanging. He is who He is … He is totally Righteous and Holy, but at the same time -- gracious, kind, loving, and fair. His world is a perfect world … no sickness, no despair, no vices, no sorrow, no death. It is HIS Kingdom. And He demands that we abide by His laws. Fortunately, God’s laws would be nearly impossible for us to follow, if it wasn’t for one man in history: Jesus - The Christ: The Son of God Himself. God forgives all of us for all of our inequities; for all of our nasty habits; for all of our bad qualities. The original Sin has been rectified in a expiation (the payment) of the ransom -- The Christ has done his job (in full obedience), representing us (humans) and all of our interest; and covering all of our misgivings and faults. The only condition? Believe in Him. Believe that He induced Himself into the human stream and became part of us: an off-spring -- a child -- of human kind: the bride of the husband in heaven: our one and only true Savior and true Father. Yes, God does forgive all of us - no matter what we do. He gives us the “freewill” to choose our fate and demise. And know, that He is, and will always be With Us! With YOU! His presence is continually confirmed by His Light! You are not alone! Even in your loneliness, He is there … ask Him to raise you up, to hold on to you. He wants you to come out of your disparity and your gloom. He wants you to be free of all vices, and addictions. He wants you to come home: like the wayward prodigal son (of the New Testament), the father saw him from a distance, and he called out to him and welcomed him home with opened arms. Our Father is rooting for you! And He will always be rooting for you. His love is eternal and everlasting. We have (you have) been freed from the original “vice” of sin. Freed by the One: The Christ: He is your alcoholism, your inequity, your bend in the road. We as human beings can now leave all of that behind. We are “Born Again” ... we have new life -- within our Representative, our sacrificial Lamb. He wants you to choose life! Which is: Having a day to day relationship with your true Father. Know Him, lean on Him: He is trustworthy, and keeps His promises. Life is precious! Live it, love it! Don't waste it! Enjoy it! Does God Forgive Infidelity? We’ve all known someone who has committed infidelity -- adultery. It’s a very common problem in literally all societies. From the little village in Timbuktu, to a modern, fast pace country -- such as here in the USA! Theologically, it is a type of -- falling: out of harmony, cohesiveness; out of trustworthiness; of respectability; of honor. And most of all, it is also a type of falling away -- from the Creator. It is being separated from Him -- from the Father. When someone breaks the bond of trust in a relationship, he (or she) has lost his way. He has taken his eyes of the mark. He loses his way and decides to look outside of the circle: the realm of marriage (relationship) between two. He divorces himself from reality. He steps into the “darkness” … into Chaos. Theologically speaking, once more: when someone commits infidelity (adultery), it is the same -- as committing the original Sin. That is: to divorce (separate) oneself from the life-giver: from harmony, to disharmony or Chaos. In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And because God only creates good, the heaven and earth was good. But then the earth became void, and without form; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. Therefore, the Good that God created became separated, due to Sin. Who Sinned? Who committed adultery, infidelity? Who was dishonorable, distrustful. disobedient? Well, the reason why all of us, at times, find ourselves being in a situation we wish we did not commit … Lucifer -- AKA: Satan! God -- through His unconditional love and grace -- immediately began the process of Salvation (which is what the bible is all about) ... And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be Light: and there was Light. And God saw the Light, that it was good; and God separated the light from darkness….. God created human-kind and created us to be good; and therefore all we knew was good: as illustrated in Adam and Eve. He place them in a Garden, where everything was good. Unfortunately evil (the darkness, chaos) lurked nearby … and eventually infiltrated into the goodness. The will of man and woman gave in to the darkness … and instantly, God’s first experiment in Salvaging humanity failed. The separation (the divorce) from the Father (the Creator) continued. And through the centuries God never gave up. His tenacity and drive was constant -- as shown through the countless stories depicted in the Old Testament. Our infidelity, and adulterous ways, leading to separation and divorce is an illustration of the ultimate Separation: the separation (and divorce) from the Father: who is (again, theologically) our ultimate husband. In the New Testament, it is understood that the “Woman” (or the bride) is all of human kind -- who is married to the Father (the Creator -- or the Groom). And when the Woman commits adultery, infidelity -- which is being disrespectful, deceitful, disobedient, dishonorable, perfidious …. (you name it!) -- you separate yourself from the Creator: the Father; therefore you “fall” into chaos; into the abyss. Symbolically -- we, in our day to day relationships find ourselves caught-up in the same web -- the same situation. And when we are discovered, we are sorry and want to be forgiven -- and perhaps want to redeem ourselves, or repent. Same story with humanity: to be forgiven; to be redeemed. Jesus, at the cross said, Father forgive them, they know not what they do. Does the Father forgive us? Yes! He does forgive all who commit such things. Although, another human being might not: your wife (or husband); your family; society …… But your Father in heaven, who has been with you all along -- does forgive you! He forgives you … and all who have committed adultery and infidelity; through His Son: The Christ, who gave his life for all of our inequities. All you need to do is to “Believe” in Him -- and the sacrifice of His Son (the Lamb). His Gift is Life! And it is Free! You will be free! He took the steps to bring us home from being cast-aways, lost to the darkness; to evil; to the void and the emptiness. He took the steps to bring us home to the goodness; to Him. Does God Tolerate Homosexuality? Well obviously due to the fact that God‘s government is based on Righteousness, Justice, Love and Perfection … the answer is -- no; and certainly no if we were within His kingdom living on the same sphere or plane. But at this moment of time , we are not. Technically we are still existing outside of his sphere, or “main camp.” But He allows us to follow along just outside of the “Big Top” (so to speak). And He allows this alternative existence because of the sacrifice of the Lamb; of His Son, Jesus: who is The Christ. We would be a lost people otherwise. Therefore, does God tolerate homosexuality? Yes He does. It falls under the many inequities of sinful mankind. If one looks in the Old Testament: Genesis 6:5: … And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Therefore he made a decision to destroy the earth -- by water. Without hesitation He completely remade mankind: through Noah and his family. To say the least, God does not tolerate “total” evil. He will and did step in to redirect the path of man. Later, during the time of Abram (Abraham), a city called Sodom (Genesis 18:20 - 32; 19:1, 5 - 17) became so wicked that God sent two angels into the city to rescue Lot, the brother of Abram, and his entire clan. After which the cities -- Sodom and Gomorrah -- were destroyed by searing fire. Homosexuality was rampant. His plan all along was to generate a Redeemer; and He needed time on earth. And when He saw that things were going in the wrong direction -- he interceded. God is pure; He is divine; He is All-Righteous. His Character is unchangeable, un-wavering. His government is based on Love and Justice. He created mankind because He wanted to … He had the desire to have a relationship with beings that could interact with him; to share the same realm or sphere. A pure and righteous domain. Obviously a homosexual way of life would be unknown and foreign to such existence. Life within the Kingdom of God (Isaiah 65:25) is a place beyond comprehension. Total provision is assured. Justice and Righteousness is an absolute. Love is the norm. On the other hand, here on earth, it is a different story. Life -- although somewhat organized and harmonious -- is far from perfect. Mankind has come a long way since the beginning of civilization. Certainly we are an imperfect bunch; fragmented throughout; taking the side of evil in most cases. We have fallen at times in history, so low, that God had to step in to change directions; in order to assure the lineage of a sacrificial lamb, a servant, a leader, co-savior, a redeemer (Isaiah: 9:5,6; 42:1-25; 49:7; 52:13; 53:7,11,13) -- the Son of God. Our life is complex. Full of problems and intricacies: including the situation of homosexuality. It has been a characteristic of mankind from the beginning. It is not the norm in human behavior. It is an anomaly of nature. It is part of the many Sins of a fragmented and flawed mankind. It will not be part of the realm of Heaven -- the New Jerusalem (Isaiah 65:17). God allows it to dwell here on earth, because He respects man’s ‘freewill’ and choices. God has solved the problem of mankind’s inequities (Isaiah 59:2,9,14, 20), in the name of the Christ, Jesus -- Son of God. God had to find a way to wash away all of our sins through the process of a sacrificial lamb. The Christ is God’s love and grace in full color. God has taken the time to come to earth, to be with us, to be like us, and to die like us, in order to fulfill the law: of Justice and Righteousness. And so, I do hope we understand God’s position; God’s character. He is the Creator and Ruler of the Universe. He is our maker! He exist in the Positive, we exist in the negative. He is Supreme and is fully in Charge of all. We should never forget that. His grace and love assures that we have a place in His house, in His Kingdom. The day will come when His government -- based on love -- will be ushered in. Are you ready? No matter what your orientation … Believe in Him … have faith in Him. The Earth -- Created by God for Humans … “You alone are the Lord; You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, The Earth and everything on it, The Seas and all that is in them. And You preserve them all. The host of heaven worships You.” Nehemiah 9:6 One would wonder … what would have happened if the world was just slightly different? If the universe was changed in the slightest way? Scientist say: no human life could exist! Now, do you really believe that? My gosh, there must be some variability to our planet, to our universe, to our existence. Surely if things were off just a bit, life would still go on? (1) What if the distance between the earth and the sun were a bit closer or even farther? Surely it would not effect us that much -- would it? Well it turns out that yes it would -- life would cease to exist. Have we found life on Venus, or Mars? None what so ever. (2) If the magnetic forces were stronger or weaker would we be able to survive? Not at all -- these forces protect us from the very harsh radiations from the sun. (3) Do we have to revolve every 24 hours, day to day? Certainly, otherwise only half the earth would receive the life giving light of the sun, and the other half would be in constant darkness and a non-livable environment without vegetation. (4) Why does our planet have to be “tilted” on it’s own axis? Surely it would be much better if it were perpendicular? No, no! If our earth were not tilted at 23 degrees, we would not have the seasonal variations that produces abundance of crops to feed our planet’s huge population. (5) Why do we have to have a Moon? What really is its purpose? The Moon produces the tides that continually replenish the oceans with oxygen allowing the fish to breathe. (6) Does the earth have to be so large,? Can’t it be smaller so we could get around it faster? Not really … If the earth were much smaller, the lessened gravity would make it incapable of holding the atmosphere that is essential for breathing. (7) Why is it so hard for us to fly out of and back into our atmosphere? Can’t it be a bit thinner? Not so … if our atmosphere is much thinner it would not provide enough protection from 25,000 meteors that burn up over the earth every day. Also, it would be incapable of retaining the higher temperatures in order for human and animal life to exist. (8) On the other hand, why couldn’t our planet be twice as large? We would have more space to live on, and grow more food? Not a good idea … if our planet were twice as large, the effect of the increased gravity would make everything on the planet 8 times heavier. This increased weight would destroy many forms of animal and human life. So you see -- our planet (Earth) was created specifically for us to exist. The smallest change in any of the circumstances of the natural world (says Scientist and Professor Robert Jastrow) such as the relative strength of the forces of nature, or the properties of the elementary particles, would have led to a universe in which there would be no life and no man. A decrease of a few percent here or there along the way -- and there would only be “stuff”-- dirt, debris … things we’ve only found in other planets, of our own Solar System. Exception: here on our planet earth: life abounds! The ultimate conclusion of many scientist is that: it seems like we have caught the eye of a very special, powerful, intelligence, that has purposely constructed our Universe / Solar System and especially our Earth within very “narrow” scientific parameters to allow human life to flourish. And heaven knows there are much, much more evidence of who this All-Powerful, Being is … Whether scientist think of Him as merely a force in nature of supreme intelligence … we can only hope that through continuous gathering of information … that all will come to the understanding and knowledge that there is an Ultimate Creator of all of this: The Universe, The Solar System and the planet we live on: our Earth. We thank you -- our God, our Creator -- for preparing a very special place for us to exist, and live … we know that we live within a very fine line of existence; that without your constant “Presence” ; your continual light -- life would be impossible. God’s Name has been Suppressed and Ridiculed! It’s is November, and my wife and I have returned from our rest and recuperation -- our own Sabbath (see article on The Sabbath) -- and we do feel somewhat refreshed, and rejuvenated. Ready for what is ahead; of course, the holidays and all of its challenges. The presidential elections our over; so are the constant barrage of political advertisements. Our President is a “lame duct,” will finish out his term; and on January 20th a new regime, a new leader will take the helm. And we will see how his steering and navigating will be, especially through these very rough waters of economic uneasiness. It will be an interesting next 4 years. God (patiently) is in the background as he always is, watching the human race; allowing our “free will” to govern in whatever direction we choose. For those who believe and include His “Name” in their everyday lives … He is grateful and appreciative. And of course for those who suppress His “Name” preferring to instead promote one selves, declaring that He is not relevant; well, He tolerates those actions. And through His grace has implemented a solution: in the name of His Son: Christ, Jesus. During the final days of the election I kept hearing many say, “ if you want to get anywhere in politics … don’t mention the word God.” And of course that really took me back. How obvious can that be! I had always thought that Satan was working in a slow and subtle manner. Evidently not ….. The scene has been down right treachery, and certainly abhorrent. Our founding fathers -- during the forming of this great country -- put God’s name first, above all. Written and stating that without his presence -- all was not possible. And, as I have written and stated in many of my articles: absolutely true: without God there is NO life! Without His maintenance and provisions, none of this would be possible! We -- as His created human beings -- are far from perfect. Although we have been created in His image, we are -- due to Sin -- tainted goods. We are like filthy rags -- in His presence. We are only made new again by the sacrificial “blood” of the lamb. No ways around it! Through study and illustrations, God has revealed this to us. His character is known, mainly through the teachings and disclosure of His one and only Son. God’s government is based on “Love and Justice.” Without these characteristics, there is only chaos and doom. He is steadfast in maintaining the equilibrium. His character assures us that all of His creations have “free will." And that is to choose His government of life and total provision. To choose goodness over sadness. To choose respect and dignity over deceit and adulterous ways. He has set guidelines for all of us to utilize and follow in the Ten Commandments. They are written in the “negative” … as God see’s us in the negative. Thou shalt not do this and that …. Really means “I Am” and I stand for all of these (see my article on “What the Ten Commandments Really Mean”). He wants us to follow His example. He knows we have been tarnished and could not implement every law in our daily living. Through His grace and understanding, He allowed Himself to come to earth, to be a human being, to experience all that we endure; then to conquer evil as a perfect subject. God expects us to be perfect, but understands that, as we are, that cannot be; devised a plan to make us perfect -- under the representative leadership of The Christ. Through the past few years and months, I have noticed that as a country, we have become more indignant and abhorrent to His “Name.” We have suppressed and ridiculed His name. We have fallen into the clutches of the evil one. He has polluted all aspects of our Creator. He has tainted His ‘Name” so much that if one mentions His name during a political campaign -- he is touted by all sides of the spectrum. This has happened many times in history. Satan has been subtly working against the tide for centuries; mocking God’s ways and purposes at every corner. And yes, it seems to be intensifying. But no matter how bad and intense things become, God is always In Control. And whether one (Satan) likes it or not; His (God) Kingdom of free beings will come forth. The good news is that Satan doesn’t stand a chance. He may be manipulating all of us now -- during this interim time -- but the day will come when all will be lifted, up and away (those who choose their destiny), into a new and perfect world (Sphere). So why not mention God’s name, in our everyday lives and actions. Let’s stop suppressing and ridiculing -- God! What Does The Sabbath Really Mean? After a very long, but interesting and exciting year, my wife and I are taking a few days off. We are boarding a grand cruise ship (The Star Princess) out of San Francisco, and lazily making our way down the California and Baja/Mexican coast. We have been looking forward to this for months. It is very important to take the time to just get away, and enjoy God’s glorious creations; no matter where you live. Put it on your schedule to take a week or two each year to pause and reflect. And the best way is to step away from the everyday hustle and bustle. Even if it is just a drive somewhere for an overnight stay, or better yet -- longer. It does the human soul good! It refreshes and restores the mind -- and perhaps the body as well. Symbolically, the Sabbath is a time to rest; a time to reflect; and a time of peace. God created the heavens and earth in 6 days, but on the 7th day He rested. He -- as part of His true character -- has placed into His standing Law: a day of rest called: The Sabbath. It is written in the Ten Commandments (4th Commandment): "Remember the Sabbath Day, Keep it Holy." But what does the Sabbath really mean? Because God announces that it is a "holy" day … then what He really means is that it is holy because He is holy; and if He is holy, then wouldn’t the Sabbath really describe Himself? Isn’t God saying that we should all put our trust “in” Him; that we should “rest” in Him? Now we are understanding the character of God much better. He is really saying: Let Me do the Work, then let’s all celebrate what I have done … rest “in Me.” Therefore, let’s leave all of our works behind, and let us be in peace within the Father; with God. Let’s honor God for His grace, for His provision, attentiveness, for His love and for His willingness to save us from certain death; and for bringing us home to Him. Now isn’t that something? There was a time when it was part of the Hebrew Law (and of course it still is, to Orthodox Jews), but since the onset of the Christ, Jesus … The Cross and Resurrection, the Sabbath since has taken on a new meaning: The Christ is the Sabbath! We are to put all of our trust and rest in our Sacrificial Lamb; our redeemer and representative. He becomes the Sabbath; and within His “rest” … we are accepted as Free People (Born Again) of the New Kingdom of God. It is truly a remarkable concept: we were lost; then we were redeemed (by His works);and now we can “rest” in His Sabbath; in His abode. Wow!! Actually, the Sabbath comes in many different forms, as illustrations: When each of us go to sleep at night: that is the Sabbath. When winter comes and the trees and plants lose their leaves and become bare and dormant: that is the Sabbath. When animals hibernate in the winter: that is the Sabbath … and when we finally take a break and go on a vacation: that certainly is the Sabbath! All are illustrations of God’s Rest, and part of His Character. And He wants all of us to remember His rest (His Sabbath); for us to honor Him by taking time for ourselves in that "rest." And so as I mentioned, off we go on a vacation; and we will treat ourselves in many days of rest and recuperation -- symbolically, we will let ourselves go, knowing and understanding that we (who believe in Him) have placed our entire soul and self within His hands and total care; and knowing that the Father and the Son are our -- Sabbath. This … gives us total pleasure and complete rest and satisfaction. “Let’s Not Lose Focus …” As a revealer of the Nature and Character of God, I try to keep focused on His purposes and presence. In my mind there is no other subject more important, than the dealings of our Creator. And I realize that most of us simply cannot continually, on a day to day basis, focus on a being that is not visibly present; that does not show himself outright, or even makes himself obviously known. In order to understand who and what He is … we have to read and study books of history or of faith that reveal his presence. But that is time consuming, and not an easy task. Most of us are so busy in our day to day living that we put Him on a side burner. It is a difficult task to stay on point -- focused. We are after-all normal human beings and as normal beings we do what we do: we live life. And our Creator made us exactly just this way. He wants us to enjoy life; be free to think and do the things we love and cherish, without vices and restrictions. But how do we keep from losing focus on where we came from and who made us? How do we understand that we have a “Father” that is always there observing, waiting in the wings, ready to give a hand if we stumble; assuring that we have a clear avenue for when we are ready to come home; leading us toward the right path, whenever we ask for directions. How do we keep our minds open to the fact that we cannot exist without the Creator- -- without God! Some of us think that everything in our world can be controlled -- by us, mankind. Not the case! We like to think that we are in charge of our existence, of our future. But it is simply foolish on our part to think that we are in control of every aspect of life, of nature. We must understand that we are the culmination of a long process: of a plan that encompassed billions of years of creation. Of careful fine-tuning and adjustments (like a watchmaker) in-order that we emerge, intact -- as fully functional, intelligent human beings. A process that would have not survived without a designer that was there at every step and stage of the way. We must realize that we are not on this earth alone, fending for ourselves. We have someone that is nearby rooting for us, encouraging us, inspiring us -- invisibly, unknowingly. And He desires for us to recognize that He is our Father, our Creator, our Designer, our true Craftsman. All He ask is that we take a moment to remember that He is the Father who made us and sustains us. To take time to acknowledge that we are “ Under God” … that there would be NO life without His Care, and His Love. As human beings, we have been instilled with a “Moral Law” … a law of right behavior. A Law that gives us a higher standard of behavior. Separating us from all other creatures. A reflection of the Character of God. A behavior that ask us to respect our fellow human beings; to treat others as you would want them to treat you. To be kind and loving … attributes that are given to us; instilled in us … in our DNA; our chromosomes. So let’s not let a day go by when we don’t take just a second to reflect on who God is: our Father, our Creator, our comforter, our redeemer (through His Son) and Savior, our caregiver, our nanny … He is, and will be forever on the wings -- 24/7 -- observing humanity -- you! Choose God! The universe is so vast and endless; one wonders how can there not be other intelligent life out there. Common sense suggest that amongst the billions of stars, there should be at least a hand full of “blue” planets just like ours? That no doubt, God has scattered many, many more, out there, just like us. What do you think? Look at our planet. For thousands of years, the eastern hemisphere did not know the western hemisphere existed. No one dared to venture too far beyond the horizon, fearing the end of world -- falling over the edge. Until explores like Christopher Columbus, Magellan, and Leaf Erickson, had the audacity to travel the long distances, risking all the dangers of the unknown. But through their tenacity and adventurous spirit, they succeeded in discovering a new land; and with this strange geography: human beings: the Indians. God created this wonderful, beautiful world and instilled in all, the will to seek and explore. And this desire to explore continues to fill the souls of many. Scientist eagerly search the heavens and the universe for signs of “life.” They argue that it is improbable that we are the only living beings, out of the vastness of space. But so far … it looks like we are unique. No sign of life yet ... our “blue” planet is quite special. It is nearly perfect; perfectly balanced; and seemingly in perfect harmony. Now many wonder how in the heck is this possible? What is keeping this balance -- in balance. It basically goes against the laws of physics and nature. They are perplexed as to why “chaos” has not consumed this perfect balance. They understand that given time, matter will eventually fall into disunity and disorder. But our universe, our solar system, and namely our earth has defied those theories; instead, we live in, basically, near perfect harmony with nature.. Like a well tuned engine, or a well calibrated watch. Do you think God has anything to do with it? Yup! Without the intelligence of the watchmaker or the mechanic, the pieces eventually would fall apart; deteriorate, collapse. And too, our earth would fall apart; deteriorate, collapse, disintegrate … all within a chaotic universe as well. We are bound to our Creator. He is our life giver; our energy; our engine; our generator; our spark … It would be foolish not to think so! It would be arrogant to think otherwise! To think such thoughts would fall into the world of the original “fallen” angel: Satan (Lucifer), who still lurks and malingers through the souls of our lives, constantly trying to win us over to his side, persuading us (as he did with Adam and Eve) to see things his way: believe in oneself (only); that God is too arbitrary and vague. Satan's power is great, now, during this interim of time, but as the moments get closer to the onset of God’s New Kingdom, his power will deteriorate and finally in the end, will totally collapse into oblivion (a fiery furnace). A decision must be made before that time. All have the “free will” to choose; to make a choice: either to choose your “self” (Satan’s choice); or to choose your true Father in heaven: The one and only God: who made you, and all that dwells around you -- including the entire universe. So as we gaze up to the heavens and the millions of Stars, we should give thanks to His work, and most of all to His persistence ( His love, grace and goodness) in maintaining the balance of life, that we (human beings) require for existence. Please, I recommend you to choose -- our God! You have nothing to lose, but all to gain! Visit our website: http://www.touchedbygodchurch.com