Windy
Last night the rain came. Steady. Driven. Cold.
Today the wind came. Up to sixty miles per hour. Sometimes not gusts. Just steady, like howling big bellows. The trees leaned over and just stayed that way – bent beneath the force of wind
I thought to listen to the world news on TV. It took less than thirty seconds to realize the real storm was on TV. Politicians and spinsters. Odd how all of them are so wise and knowing, yet their opponents believe directly the opposite and are wiser.
How can two persons believe exactly the opposite and both be right?
Another time. Another place. I grew up with teachers insisting on basic rules of fair play and politeness. “Turnabout” meant that every student had a chance to play before any student could play twice. Speaking respectfully to teachers and parents was not an option. “Yes Sir,” and “Yes Ma’am,” impressed folks that parents had taught manners. Children did not interrupt adults.
In the long ago, adults did not try to over-talk other adults. TV talk-shows have introduced a new culture. Self-proclaimed scholars about every subject in the universe confront each other in shouting matches. Two or three commentators, at the same time, attempt to shout down their opponents.
I don’t think they went to the same school I attended. My teachers would give them a “D” for Conduct and insist they write 100 times: “I will not rudely interrupt others.” [Personally, I think they ought to have to write it a 1000 times and not be allowed back on TV]]
When the wind is blowing real hard it is difficult to hear. The roar of the wind distorts or mutes all other sounds, eliminating them.
Did I not preach a few months ago and prophesy that this election in the United States would attempt to drag us into the quick-sand of despondency and division?
Here is what I am sure of: history validates that nations that allow sexual perversion, polygamy, child and adult pornography, etc., experience an increase in sexual crimes. Women and children are devalued, making them the playthings of men.
He is what I am sure of: those who advocate same-sex marriage, etc., include in their numbers advocates with lots of money that ambition the day when sex with children will not be a crime.
Here is what I am sure of: terrorism is a fulfillment of biblical prophecy (II Timothy 3). This does not mean that we must accept it. It means that Christians are to be alerted to the evil of our times and resist the devil and all his henchmen.
Here is what I am sure of: if the United States falls, the world will enter a period of violence and evil that will make the Dark Ages look like Sunday school. Forces of evil in our world have no qualms about killing hundreds of millions of people to return the world to the sword of Allah and other regressive regimes where a few rule the many, as per North Korea.
Why do we not open our eyes? Why do we not see the evil? Why do we as a nation not separate the issues? Because the wind is blowing too hard for us to think and use common sense.
But be not dismayed. If I understand the Bible, evil will not be unleashed until after Jesus comes for His Church. Yes, it is true: I am one of those who believe Jesus will come before the anti-Christ sets up his kingdom. The anti-Christ will conquer terrorism with a merciless hand. He will blame Jesus for all the troubles and insist that Jesus was an imposter. His ruthlessness will bring about God’s judgment on the earth.
Here is what I suggest: get out of the wind. Find a quiet place. Leave technology behind. Go for a walk in the forest. Sit alone in a church. Turn every sound off in your home. Sit. Think. Meditate. Listen. Listen to what God is saying.
Here is what I know: regardless of what happens on November 7 in U.S. elections, God is on His throne! Jesus is Lord. Hell is defeated. The blood of Jesus still saves from sin.
In the quietness peace comes to the heart. We stop interrupting Jesus. We stop trying to out-talk Jesus. We listen as the Holy Spirit instructs. Fear beats a hasty retreat. Hate is melted in His Presence. Holy boldness to take up our cross and follow Jesus strengthens us.
Quiet, please. Listen. Get out of the wind. Take time with God.
In His Cause,
Pastor Bare
I Kings 19:12