A time of Darkness

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 

Prostitution, idols to other gods, incense burning to a multitude of  gods, priest dedicated to the worship of strange gods in the temple, the practice of witchcraft,  channeling (also known as mediumship or spiritism) and the sacrificing of children, by burning them, were among the horrific practices of Israel when Josiah became king. (2 kings 22-23)

How had Israel fallen so far from the grace of God? They had rejected God and misplaced their bible.  They had tossed out the very word of God, as if it was garbage. They no longer had any use for it.

Israel had entered a time of darkness much like our own.  We now have a society that has rejected God and the bible is treated like it’s a work of fiction.  Its rules, commandments, code for living, and guidance in all matters are no longer applicable.

Today we have prostitution, drug addiction, and in this year we’ve had almost 40 million abortions; in the United States 22% of all pregnancies end in abortion. (http://www.worldometers.info/abortions/).Slavery exist all over the world, in the form of human trafficking, where children and woman are either kidnapped or bought from poor parents and kept worst than cattle. They are sold into prostitution, used in pornography (remember pornography is protected as free speech) and when they are no longer of use resold for body parts. In our generation, with the United Nations firmly established and active throughout the world we have seen in different locations government sponsored genocide, wars and acts of aggression. We are living in a time of darkness right now.

In Josiah’s time the nation of Israel was spared complete destruction for only one reason.  They rediscovered God’s word and turned to it with all sincerity. They put away all their evil practices and obeyed God. I truly believe that God is merciful and if our nation can rediscover God it would bring down a shower of blessings that would benefit both great and small. It is still not too late for a revival.  We can begin with caring for our neighbors, sharing God’s love and preaching His word.

Try Verses on the bible

Verses on Hard times

Verses by topic

Verses on Hard times

Romans 8:31

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Philippians 4:6-8

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

James 1:12

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Romans 8:18

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Romans 8:28

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Psalm 50:15

And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Isaiah 41:10

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Psalm 138:8

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.

Psalm 3:3-4

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah

Psalm 62:2

He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.

Deuteronomy 31:8

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

For more verses by topic visit http://www.openbible.info/topics/

Basketball and God’s Wisdom

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Psalm 111:10

“He runs across the court passes to Johnson, he shoots from the three point line, he scores, they win, they win, and the crowd goes crazy!” Basketball is a great sport. You ever notice what a basketball player does. He runs, sometimes walks, throws the ball and dribbles. Most children can do these things. I am sure many would like to grow up to be great basketball players. In truth many are already on their way. They are learning each and every day. If they can just acquire enough wisdom for the game anything is possible.

It’s the same for Christians. We would all like to be great women and men of God. But I for one know there is no comparing Sammy (yeah that’s me) to Moses. But we all can keep growing in the Lord. Where do we begin? That’s the easy part. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Psalm 111:10)

What does it truly mean to fear the lord? It means we are aware of his greatness and his might. We recognize that he is all powerful, knows all things and is everywhere. It also means that we are ready to submit to Him and trust in Him. We will obey Him.

When God first called Moses he resisted and gave many excuses, but he feared God and ultimately knew he had no choice but to submit. He then became a mighty instrument of God. He became a great man of God. But first He had to submit.

How can we do a better job of submitting to God? If we want to play on God’s team, we must study His rule book, also known as the bible. It contains all that God desires of us, and all the promises he has made and will fulfill. Let us commit ourselves to the study of scripture so that we may please God more and grow in His wisdom. We too can become great women and men of God and that’s better than shooting a three pointer.

Lost, but Found

for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry. Luke 15:24

He watched as his beloved son just walked away in the distance. The pain was too much to bear. What challenges would his son face? What dangers, especially carrying such a large amount of money. It was half of the estate. His son had just made a horrible demand. “I want my share of the inheritance now. Give it to me,” he shouted. The father reluctantly gave in and now his son was gone.

Every day he must have watched and hoped, trusting in God to care for his son. If only he would return. He would most certainly be forgiven.

A long time passed. No doubt that kind of money took a while to spend. But then on the most glorious, wonderful day it happened. He barely recognized his son. But surely it must be him. Beneath the rags, that thin young man was his beloved son. The father could not contain himself and quickly began to run. In no time he had reached his prodigal son and took him in his arms.

The boy was sorrowful and soon expressed his shame. He had wasted all of his inheritance and had betrayed his father. He recognized that he was no longer worthy of being called his son and hoped he could be a servant. He was truly repentant. The father, forgave him and not only welcomed him back as his son, but began one of the greatest celebrations the family had ever had.

If any of us were to turn from God this is how he would receive us back, with love and mercy. God presently waits for those who have gone astray and if any are willing to return He welcomes them with open arms and celebrates. The joy felt in heaven as on earth is indescribable, for each and every soul that is saved!

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Running out of time

“But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” Daniel 12:4 

Ever get the feeling like your running out of time.  We all might be running out of time. This could be the end of the ages. No I am not going to start date setting. I am not predicting that by 5:30 pm next Tuesday the world will be coming to an end, sell everything and move into a bunker. But I will say this much, a whole lot of prophecy seems to point at our generation.

The Internet itself points to an apocalyptic time.  It is in the prophetic book of Daniel that we find that in the last days knowledge would increase. (Daniel 12:4) I can’t think of a time when access to knowledge has been easier than right now, it’s always a click away.

Increase in prices is yet another sign. Inflation was foretold by Revelation 6:6. According to this scripture a man’s wages for a day would pay for a loaf of bread. That may not be the case any time soon, we hope, but it is a warning for inflation.  We are definitely seeing a rise in prices.  With our world economy and the potential for a domino effect, all it would take is for a few major players among the nations to fail and it could mean economic catastrophe for all.

Ease in travel was also prophesied for the last generation.  The same verse in Daniel explains how people would travel more. In comparison to biblical times or even just 100 years ago our ability to get from one place to another on the planet has never been easier and accessible to more people.

The rate of change in technology, the political landscape and even in the lives of the common man has never been greater. Even if we put prophecy aside it would seem that all of history is reaching a climax. If we are truly at the end we need to ask two questions. Have I done what I wanted to do with my life, and the other, even a more important question, where will I spend eternity? Because it might be here any moment!