Sound The Midnight Cry

“Walk Forward With Confidence”

As we stand on the threshold of a New Year, none of us know what lies ahead. Many of the predictions for 2011 never came to pass. Yet, many people are fearful of the future because of the “unknown” factor. That fear paralyzes them from ever fulfilling the purpose of their life. So the question that needs to be answered is, “How can one face the future without fear and with a sense of purpose?”

In John 14:1, Jesus told his disciples, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” Jesus is trying to let them know that He is about to go away and that things are going to be different than they had been for the last 3 years. As He reveals some of the plan for the disciples, Thomas asked the question that many people today would ask; “How can we not be fearful about the future? You say you are leaving and we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” (John 14:5) The fear of the unknown has struck the hearts of his closest friends.

Change is difficult for most people. We like the conveniences that technology and science bring our way but we don’t like what we don’t know. The disciples were not any different so Jesus reveals this truth: “… The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.” John 14:10

All that was happening in the life of Jesus was the work of his Father in heaven: His birth, his flight into Egypt, his growing up as the son of a carpenter, his encounters with the religious leaders of the day, and the miracles done by his hands. All this was the working of the Father.

And what lay ahead of him was also the working of the Father: The betrayal by a friend, the trial by his peers, the beatings by the soldiers, the mocking of the crowd, and the laying down of his life. All this too was part of the working of the Father. But let's not leave it there: the resurrection, victory over death, hell, and the grave were also a working of the Father.

The point is this: With Jesus Christ as our source, we can face the challenges of each day with the understanding that He is working His work in us. (Romans 8:28). What God has started, He is able to complete.

So face 2012 with a sense of purpose, a sense of destiny and a sense of adventure and walk forward in confidence of the One who has called you His own!

 

“Coming Home For Christmas”

In December 1903, after many attempts, the Wright brothers were successful in getting their “flying machine” off the ground. Thrilled, they telegraphed this message to their sister Katherine: “We have actually flown 120 feet. Will be home for Christmas.”

Katherine hurried to the editor of the local newspaper and showed him the message. He glanced at it and said, “How nice. The boys will be home for Christmas.” He totally missed the big news—man had flown!

 As the events of the Christmas season wind down, I can’t help but wonder how many people today once again have missed the real story. The message of Christmas is not gifts and gadgets, bows and lights or trees and tinsel. The message of Christmas is that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son—for one purpose.

“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” Gospel of Luke 2:9-11

The good news is that a Savior came into the world to rescue its inhabitants from the penalty of sin. The sad news is that so many have never heard the good news, while many others simply scoff at the message. Like the editor reading the telegraph about the accomplishment of the Wright brothers and not comprehending what was being said, many people today fail to understand the greatness of that first Christmas message.

The amazing truth is that of all the prophecies foretold concerning the first coming of Jesus Christ, there are seven times more divine predictions about His second coming. And once again, millions have never heard the message or those that have, simply ridicule the whole idea.

There is no greater opportunity to focus on the real message of Christmas than now—before it gets packed away with the decorations and memories of another December 25^th. Christmas is the coming of a Savior for those needing saving (all of us) and a new home being prepared by the One that came to save us.

Don’t miss the big news of Christmas—Jesus Christ has come once and He is coming again!

“Storm Warnings 2012!”

In October 1987, British television weatherman Michael Fish told viewers he'd received a telephone call from a viewer who said she'd heard a hurricane was on the way. He told his viewers not to worry. He brushed aside amateur weather forecasts with a laugh and predicted nothing more than sea breezes. Shortly after he finished, Britain was hit by 120 mile per hour winds that blacked out half the country. It was responsible for twenty-two people dying (18 in Britain, 4 in France). The worst storm to hit England in 284 years and would later be called, “The Great Storm of 1987”.

In fairness to Mr. Fish, his remark concerning the hurricane (he later claimed) was in reference to one reported near Florida. Also, that same morning, the Surrey Record had warned of “furious gales,” so most people believed he was referring to Britain. Mr. Fish did warn of high winds for the UK, warning viewers to “batten down the hatches” but that the brunt of the storm would swing through the English Channel and miss most of England.

History however would show that instead of taking the projected course, the storm cut a path right across the southern part of the country and was far stronger than he had predicted. The paradox came with the misreporting of the weather, the misunderstanding of the official weather report by the population and the actual impact of a storm not seen in centuries.

I couldn’t help but think about this when looking at the headlines across the globe this past week: The Eurozone on the brink of financial collapse with military leaders predicting national riots. Iran threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz and with it, the world’s oil supply. Syria teetering on civil war while the rest of the Arab nations transforming from an Arab Spring to an Arab Winter. In the U.S., unemployment continues at almost record highs and the presidential campaign prepares to kick into high gear. The result of all of this is a world filled with uncertainty about the future.

There are all kinds of ‘storms’ in life and many that are moving quickly upon the financial, social and moral landscape of our nation. Our nation as a whole is not unlike the people in England that went to bed on October 15, 1987 thinking that it would only be a windy night. The fury of what was coming was totally unseen and the people unprepared.

There is a storm racing across the nations today and there are far too few sounding a warning cry. The voices being heard today have the similar sound of the one given that fateful night declaring, “…don’t worry, there isn’t a storm coming.” Too many people never give it thought and simply believed it.

The greatest vacuum for a voice of warning is from the pulpits of America today. Instead of declaring with a resounding call to prepare for the coming storm (that’s what Noah declared), we hear little devotionals to make one feel good about themselves. Without a heaven-shaking word from our pulpits to awaken us from our moral slumber, there will instead be a heaven-shaking touch in our land.

The writer of the Book of Hebrews foretold that “everything that can be shaken, will be.” As we enter 2012, it is time to ask God to shake us that we might wake from our slumber and begin telling others to prepare for what’s coming.

Romans 13:11 says, “We live in an important time. It is now time for you to wake up from your sleep, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” I guess the question for each of us to ask is, “Do we believe it?”

 

“Romper, Bomper, Stomper, Boo II”

Millions of people from the 1950’s through the 1990’s though will understand that it refers to the chant from the popular syndicated children’s program “Romper Room”.

At the end of each TV show, the hostess gazed through a large, hoop (empty mirror frame) with a handle and would recite the show's signature chant:

"Romper, bomper, stomper, boo. Tell me, tell me, tell me do. Magic mirror, tell me today. Did all my friends have fun at play?"

With the chant spoken, the Romper Room hostess gazed through the empty mirror frame and recited the names of the lucky children whom she pretended to see watching the program (a different list of names each day). Of course, the hostess really couldn't see the children, but to the kids at home (including yours truly), listening for their name to be mentioned, they knew that they were someone special, at least in the World of Romper Room.

Well, if I pull out the “bible prophecy” mirror, I don’t have to pretend as I see Russia, Syria, the EU, Iran and Israel.

This week we see that Russia PM Putin is once again rising to the former place of power and seems bent on returning Russia back to cold-war policies. Opponents state that He is forming a platform inside the country out of loyal people for whom the West was, is, and will be an enemy. Meanwhile, the Russian block anti-Putin rallies signaling a return of former KGB days.

Syria is on the verge of civil war as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad carries out military operations and killing hundreds of Syrians dissidents. Reports state that he is transferring weapons to the terrorist group Hezbollah in Lebanon should his attempts to stay in power fail.

Iran is frantically trying to finalize the capacity to develop a nuclear weapon. Iran’s Arab neighbor nations are threatening to acquire nukes to thwart Iran destabilizing the area.

The EU meanwhile is grappling with how to save itself due to overwhelming debt of some of its members. Plans submitted by Germany would have member states surrender their fiscal sovereignty to a single monetary bank. Should this happen, it sets the stage for a single EU nation, as money would control all the members of the union.

Israel, faced with the ever increasing existential threat of Iran acquiring the ability to launch nuclear weapons, is nearing a point of no return. They faced with the need to strike Iran’s nuclear infrastructure now and face the fallout of world opinion, or deal with the fallout of nuclear missiles.

Meanwhile at home in the U.S., every eye is focused on the continuing financial crises and the upcoming presidential race. Add to that the hustle and bustle of the consumer mindset during the Christmas season and most Americans are oblivious to these incredibly important events happening in the rest of the world.

It reminds me of another busy time many years ago when the people missed another important event: “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”

That first Christmas, biblical prophecies of the Messiah’s coming were being fulfilled. Two-thousand years later, the remaining prophecies are being fulfilled to His Second Coming!

 

“The Christmas Nazi Society – Part Deux”

Well, it’s that time of year again when the “Christmas Nazi’s” come out of the closet to impose their agenda to disrupt if not depose any public display of the Christmas message. In their usual manner, these people are bent on doing everything they can to prohibit anyone from seeing or hearing a ‘religious’ Christmas.

For those people that don’t understand the “Nazi” reference, I refer you to the 116^th episode of NBC sitcom, Seinfeld. The main characters of the show (Jerry, George and Elaine) go out to a soup stand that Kramer (another character—and I mean ‘character’) has been raving about. Its owner is referred to as the “Soup Nazi” due to his temperament and insistence on a strict manner of behavior while ordering. Jerry explains the procedure for ordering which George accepts.

When they get to the soup stand, George follows the procedure but notices that he did not get bread with his soup. Jerry tells him to let it go but he asks for some, and is told he will have to pay for it. George quickly objects claiming everybody in front of him got free bread, and quickly has his money returned and his soup taken back with the catchphrase “No soup for you!” The episode has become a timeless classic from the series.

The term “Nazi” is used as an exaggeration of the excessively strict regimentation the character in the TV show constantly demanded of his patrons. There was no allowance from the demanded protocol and anyone that objected, was quickly ostracized.

For weeks leading up to December 25, scarcely a day goes by that towns, cities, schools and other organizations are presented with a lawsuit by a member of the “Christmas Nazi Society.” They want the named changed to “Happy Holidays”. In actuality, that would apply to every holiday—New Years, Valentine’s Day, and July 4^th among all the others. They want nativities removed, angels taken down, carols banned and even Christmas trees outlawed because of the association of Christmas with Christianity.

This past week in Springhill, Louisiana, plans to include a living nativity scene in the courtyard of the Springhill Branch Library were abruptly stopped. Letha Dew, who is leading the Christmas season planning for the Main Street community program, said library officials refused to permit anything with "religious tones" on the library grounds. The group was told that it applied to not just anything religious based but also “religious sponsored”.  

So the Christmas Nazi Society members are not only obsessed with making sure that everything from public offices to the stores you shop conform to their cultural beliefs, now it applies to anyone that is professes to be ‘religious’.  

King Herod tried to wipe out the “Reason for the Season” before it ever began. For 2000 years, those opposed to the blessed event have tried their best to spread their message of “No Christmas for you”! Yet the angelic words uttered that glorious night continue to transcend the time continuum, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.”

The irony is that the very thing a “Christmas Nazi” fears the most is the good news of a Savior…Jesus Christ. The message from the gift of Heaven is still there for all that will receive it! 

 

“How Can I Give Thanks With All My Problems?”

Wouldn’t it be great to know the outcome of a situation before it ever happens? Many books and movies have been put together on the premise of knowing the future before it comes to pass.

The prophet Isaiah instructs us that biblical prophecy starts at the end and works back to the beginning. Isaiah 46:10 clearly states, “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.”

In 1948, for the first time since Nebuchadnezzar captured Jerusalem (and Daniel) the nation of Israel was revived and restored to the same piece of real estate from which they had been ejected by the Romans in AD 70.

For a nation of ancient times to be conquered, scattered and then restored—has no equal in annals of time.  As incredible a feat that it is, it is even more so the direct and specific fulfillment of Bible prophecy for the last days.

While at the exact same moment in the timeline of Israel, elsewhere six nations of the Benelux formed a cooperative economic union that marked the beginning of the resurgence of the former Roman Empire.  

These two events that we have witnessed are without equal in the chronicles of history. To assume both events happened at exactly the same point in history by coincidence, takes a faith greater than I can muster up.

The world is in a state of chaos and confusion unlike anything in living memory. Uncertainty and fear color every waking moment as we wonder if our world will look the same in the morning as it did when we went to bed the night before.

Our systems and infrastructure are in shambles, people are rioting in the streets, the economy is steadily eroding and everywhere one turns, they are talking about a New World Order. This is not a doom and gloom perspective; all one has to do is honestly assess what is happening to realize the truth.

As much as this is true, if you personally know Jesus Christ (and He knows you) than you have a source of strength, a resource of hope that others are desperately looking for in this day.

Jesus clearly stated for the times in which we live: "Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." (John 14:1-3)

What is unfolding in our world is proof positive that the world is wrong; God is not dead; Jesus Christ remains on the throne and remains intimately involved in the affairs of men. 

The One who was before time began has everything under control—even in your life. The plan of the ages and His plan for those that follow Him will come to pass for He has decreed it and nothing can stop it.

So no matter what problems you are facing today, your future is secure in Him…so give thanks!

 

“A Historic Date—Again!”

It’s a unique date not to be seen again: November 11, 2011 or as it is known on the internet “11/11/11”! And whenever there is a distinctive calendar phenomenon, inquiring minds begin to wonder a possible “hidden” meaning attached to it. (I think we did this last year on 10/10/10).

Mathematicians are quick to note that 11 is the fifth prime number (contrary to popular belief, the number “1” is not a prime number). The base numeric number system lends itself to some interesting peculiarities as relates to the number eleven. Base 10 for example:

• (2 digits) 11 x 11 = 121
• (6 digits) 111111 x 111111 = 12345654321
• (9 digits) 111111111 x 111111111 = 12345678987654321

Okay, I see most of you yawning but it is interesting even if you don’t understand it.

Historians look back (that what historians do) and try to connect any noteworthy event of the past centuries with the current date. I searched online and noted that even when taking into account the differences between the Gregorian and Julian calendars, nothing significant appears to have happened during the year 1111, 1011 or 11. However, I am not a not a historian, so you might take a look yourself.

Then there is the everyday kind of person—folks that talk on the job, at church or other gathering places and share their speculation as to what the importance the date reveals. The majority of people would choose one of the following three outcomes to the meaning of the date 11/11/11:

One - Something good happens. There is no scientific basis for this belief. The belief that something good will happen is usually based solely on one’s religious faith, a natural positive outlook or a ‘gut’ feeling. This belief is not necessarily a bad thing; however, a ‘good feeling’ is not something you can lean on everyday (faith “yes”, good feeling “no”).

Two - Nothing happens. This is the most likely scenario. Why? Just because an unusual string of numbers forms a date on the calendar, doesn’t mean that something extraordinary will happen; the date usually comes and goes.

Three - Something bad happens. Once again, there is no scientific foundation for this belief. The idea that something bad will happen is based solely on superstition or a pessimistic outlook of life. This belief is not necessarily wrong; after all, bad things happen on a regular occurrence. So the probability is not zero,  but again, not something to live your life by.

So at the end of the day, what can anyone learn from this?

Psalms 90:12 says, “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

That speaks to me that every day is precious. It tells me that every day has purpose—now and for eternity. It tells me to take advantage of every moment of every day knowing that the One who holds tomorrow, is walking with me today. Whether it’s a good day, bad day or just a regular day that transpires, if I live it with the understanding that one day I will give an account for my life, it doesn’t matter what date is on the calendar. It’s when the last day is over that the importance of 11/11/11 (and every other day) will be determined.

So live your life on purpose and with purpose and we’ll do it again on 12/12/12!

 

“When Pure Enough, Isn’t Good Enough!”

I remember as a child a TV commercial for Ivory Soap. They touted how it was 99.44% pure. The idea was that this brand was more pure than any other soap.

The idea behind this was to develop a new marketing angle for the product. Then as now people were impressed by scientific testimonials, and it was decided that if they could present a lab test showing Ivory was "purer" than other soaps, they would win sales.

Trouble was, there wasn't a standard for purity in soap, so an independent scientific consultant in New York to concoct one. Once this was done, a new comparison was done against the leading soap product and it won. The slogan was attached to everything to do with Ivory and a major advertising campaign was born.

Now when it comes to soap, I guess the idea of being 99.44% pure is something to brag about. However, when it comes to other things, that .56% isn’t something to just gloss over such as drinking water. Ask your self, would you purchase and drink a bottle of water that said, “99.44% purified water?” The other .56% of “other things” would make a big difference!

This has been on my mind for over a week since reading in the news Joel Osteen’s response concerning Mormon beliefs. He stated, “I believe that [Mormons] are Christians. ... I don’t know if it’s the purest form of Christianity, like I grew up with.” He affirmed Mormon statements that Jesus is the Son of God and that He is Savior.

Let me state that I am not on a Joel Osteen bashing trip! However, the problem with his statement is that the “devil” is in the details—literally. Mormon theology teaches that Lucifer is Christ's spirit brother, that Jesus' birth was the product of sexual intercourse between God and his daughter Mary. Their central tenet of their faith is: "As Man is, God once was, as God is, Man may become."

As I have stated before, I am not saying that Mormons are not good people. They put great emphasis on moral values and personal character. But their beliefs concerning Jesus Christ are not those found in the Bible, and their understanding of salvation doesn’t reflect the teachings of the New Testament.

It is obvious that it isn’t a matter of being the “purest form of Christianity”—it’s a counterfeit at best. The Apostle Paul warned the believers of his day concerning those that would change the truth.

There’s an old saying of “What you don’t know, won’t kill you.” However, logic says otherwise especially when it comes to poisons, toxins, pollution and contamination. To ingest something that is almost pure is playing with fire. To accept the word of someone based upon their perception of what is okay is foolishness.

Second Corinthians 11:3-4 says, “But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent. You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach…”

It’s time to stop compromising and stand for 100% pure truth and not a watered down opinion that is contrary to the Bible!

 

“Caught Cheating”

Every person has at one point in their life felt cheated. It may come by purchasing something that was presented in a manner different from the actual product. It may come by someone lying to us so as to cause us to do or give something for the individual. It may simply be a case of someone deceiving others to cover their actions such as in a game or competition.

Every child has been faced with people that cheat. How many times a child sees another child get away with cheating and their response is, “It’s not fair!” To try and explain that “even if someone cheats, they should always do what’s right” is a tough pill to swallow for a child—or an adult!

Cheating has become so prevalent in our society that several different reality shows have been produced for television. Popular shows have individuals with cameras following spouses in ‘cheating’ relationships, or hidden cameras in the work place to catch employees stealing from their place of employment.

The point that amazes me is that when the cheater is caught, they always seem to justify their actions. Those that have been cheated obviously don’t agree with their argument. However, the people that watch the shows many times will agree with the perpetrator—unless of course, it was them.

You are probably wondering the reason for my writing on this subject. It occurred to me after reading an article yesterday that stated, “Joel Osteen Says Mormons Are Christians”. Now I know the flaming arrows of Joel’s defenders are being lit at this very moment to come against me. However, truth cannot be ignored, debated or side-stepped when someone or some group defiles it. If you think the word ‘defile’ is too strong, consider that it means “to corrupt or ruin something; to make a holy thing no longer fit; to make something polluted”.

Joel’s response came as he responded to criticism of GOP candidate Mitt Romney’s Mormon beliefs. “I believe that [Mormons] are Christians. ... I don’t know if it’s the purest form of Christianity, like I grew up with.” He affirmed Mormon statements that Jesus is the Son of God and that He is Savior.

This is not to say that Mormons are not good people. They put great emphasis on moral values and personal character. They talk freely and passionately about their own beliefs, including their beliefs concerning Jesus Christ. But their beliefs concerning Jesus Christ are not those of traditional Christianity, and their understanding of salvation in no way reflects the teachings of the New Testament.

Many people will say, “But look at all the people he is bringing to Christ”. The questions must be asked, “Which Christ are people coming to?” Or, “What about those that will never seek Christ because he told them Mormons are Christians or those they may join Mormonism?”

Colossians 2:8 says, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.”

Joel Osteen told The Washington Times that he is constantly “looking for new ways to influence the culture.”  Jesus clearly said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”

 The only biblical way to influence our culture is to not cheat them by not proclaiming the truth!

 

“The End of the World 2”

“Harold Camping, the Family Radio evangelist who wrongly  predicted doomsday back in May, thinks the real end of the world could be today” so says an article in the Washington Post.

His website declared, “at this point, looks like it (today) will be the final end of everything.”

When his prediction last May didn’t pan out, he simply explained that it was the “spiritual end of the world.” Curious, I didn’t know the “world” had a spiritual beginning (just a thought).

When asked about the earthquakes he predicted, he says they came in the form of “man-quakes,” since mankind shook with fear from the Rapture and the book of Genesis describes man as made from dirt. (yeah, right!)

Earlier this year, thousands of people around the world picked up the mantra of “The end of the world is coming” and millions of dollars flowed to that end. Organizers paid for bus tours across the country to get the word out that the Rapture was about to take place. Thousands of followers of Camping handed out flyers warning anyone that would listen of their imminent demise. News media outlets echoed their words as they reported on the criers of the world’s soon passing. Even late night TV comics spoke of it during their monologues often ridiculing the message and the messengers.

Then the date came and went—and with it the faith of many followers that had chosen to believe the message. Instead of holding to what the Bible clearly points out that no one knows the day or hour, they chose to believe a man. Many of those people that gave up everything to spread the message, no found themselves on the streets ashamed for their foolishness.

Not only did many people lose their faith and their money, those people that didn’t believe in Jesus Christ beforehand were more convinced after the missed projection that the message was false in its entirety. And that’s where the real sadness comes in—those that will no longer listen because of the folly of someone else.

While it’s true that every person must give an account of their life before God (whether you believe it or not it will happen), Christians are called to live out their lives so as not to bring reproach to the name of Christ. Taking the Bible and twisting it to fit a personal revelation or belief, will serve to benefit no one—least of all Jesus Christ.

The Bible clearly states that in the last days there will be scoffers. What it doesn’t say is that Christians should behave in such a way to make more people mockers of the truth that Jesus Christ is coming again. The message is not when but that He is and will you be ready when He comes. Why you ask? Because Jesus is coming back not as a baby in manger but as the Righteous Judge of the whole earth.

And for those that would question that these are the last days, Peter stood on the day of Pentecost and referred to the phenomenon that was taking place in their midst, “…this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: “And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God…” If it was the last days then, we are almost 2,000 years closer to the very end!