A New Thing (06/27/11)

Shalom,

Please begin by reading Isa 42:16-21.

Prophetic minister Rick Joyner said, "A revolution is coming to Christianity that will eclipse the Reformation in the sweeping changes that it brings to the Church. When it comes the present structure and organization of the Church will drastically change, and the way that the world defines Christianity will be radically changed." His words are in agreement with Isa 43:18 which says, "Forget the former things; do not dwell in the past."

Yahweh is trying to bring new things to his people. And by new it doesn't mean brand new, as in never used before. In Hebrew this word for new is referring to something that's been restored or renewed. When Solomon wrote, "there is nothing new under the sun" in the Book of Ecclesiastes, he used the same word as Isaiah did when he wrote, "See, I am doing a new thing!"

This isn't a contradiction or a way to prove the inconsistency of the Bible. We need to look at how these words are used. In Hebrew words often had different shades of meaning, depending on how they were used and in what circumstances. In Ecc 1:9 and Isa 43:19 we find the word chadash. In Ecclesiastes it means unheard of, that nothing is truly brand new in our world because of Yahweh's all-knowing influence. In Isaiah it means renewed, refreshed, repaired - like a freshly oiled and polished sword. Both imply that there are no truly "new" things in our world. Under Yahweh's sovereignty the only time there were truly new things was at creation.

There's nothing that's been unheard of previously in our world. All the "new" discoveries science makes aren't new to our Creator. He's known about them all along. In fact, he's been behind the scenes prodding and directing, sometimes even limiting, all the scientists and researchers. Our gadgets may be more complex and miniaturized than ever before, but they all work on mathematics which has been around since time began.

The staleness and boredom found in our churches isn't Yahweh's fault. He's always trying to bring refrshing to his people. He's constantly urging us to move on to the next place of service or the next move of his Holy Spirit. He wants us to pick up our freshly polished swords and enter the battle for the souls of mankind. And he's trying to get our attention again today. He wants another "new" spiritual wave to propel us forward. Our Lord Jesus is always working to give us new revelation and insight to help us spread the Gospel and advance his Kingdom.

Rick Joyner says, "The future leaders of the Church are now being given a vision of radical New Testament Christianity being restored to the earth." Yahweh wants to bring a new apostolic movement to his people. Denominational structures won't be the same, or if they refuse to change they'll be left behind as the Holy Spirit leads us on to new frontiers. The immature devotion to forms, formulas, and rituals that many of our churches follow will be set aside as hungry believers seek for today's spiritual food. The old and very stale bread of the past won't sustain those who seek the Lord with their whole heart.

Our paradigms and patterns are all going to take a massive hit. Yahweh is going to do things his way, no matter what we think or expect. Our Father wants his children to be humble followers, listening to his new call of faith and holiness. Yahweh is calling his people to break down all the walls and barriers that have been built by "doctrinal integrity" to keep out other denominations. We're to be distinctively Christian, not distinctively Protestant or Catholic or Baptist or Reformed or Wesleyan or Pentecostal or anything else.

A little over 100 years ago the Holiness Movement got its start with many former Methodists. At the time they were called "come-outers." This was based on 2 Cor 6:17, the call to come out from among the unbelievers. Many churches were started by these people who wanted to remain faithful to John Wesley's version of Methodism. Some of the churches started between 1890-1910 were: The Church of the Nazarene, Pilgrim Holiness, Pentecostal Holiness, Salvation Army, Christian and Missionary Alliance, Assembly of God, Church of God, and Church of God in Christ. All of these have their roots in John Wesley's Methodism.

But now Yahweh wants to start some new churches. He wants to call all churches and denominations together to combine forces to fulfill the mission and call of evangelism and discipleship. The name on our churches needs to lose its significance, and the name of our Lord and God needs to gain prominence. Remaining attached to what is now old and stale won't bring us Yahweh's freshness. Refusing to leave what is old and stale for Yahweh's freshness will leave us spiritually weak and dying.

If you are willing to follow Yahweh on his new path, be prepared to face opposition. We're talking about taking people out of their comfort zones. Change isn't popular, even though it's inevitable. We've denied ourselves the fullness of our Lord's provision for far too long. It's time to take hold of what he's sending to us so we can fight the good fight of faith and win the war for souls. We should be excited that our Father is bringing us new and fresh revelation. If we're truly hungering and thirsting for his best, the new insights we gain will taste great and bring deep refreshing.

D. L. Moody once said, "A great many people are thinking that we need new measures, that we need new churches, that we need new organs, new choirs, and all these new things. That is not what the Church of God needs today. It is the old power that the Apostles had; that is what we want, and if we have that in our churches there will be new life." We've got to get back to basics, exerting ourselves in spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting, Bible study, praise and worship. Getting ourselves securely attached to the heavenly power source is the only thing that will refresh and renew our fellowships.

We don't need new for the sake of new. What we need is Yahweh's NEW. We need the renewed, refreshed, and repaired things of our God. We need a freshness that inspires us to evangelize our world and draws the lost to Jesus. We need a renewal of the holiness that has inspired saints ever since the Church began. We need to have our swords repaired so that they're sharp enough to "divide soul and spirit, joints and marrow" (Heb 4:12). We need to quit trying to limit what Yahweh can do in our midst and open ourselves up to his amazing and miraculous activity.

C. H. Spurgeon once said, "If you have not the Spirit of God, Christian worker, remember you stand in somebody else's way. You are a tree bearing no fruit standing where another fruitful tree might grow. This is solemn work: the Holy Spirit or nothing. Death and condemnation to a church that is not yearning after the Spirit." The ongoing activity of the Holy Spirit being recognized in our midst is vital to us being a healthy fellowship of believers. The manifestations of the Spirit are the living movements of the Body of Christ, proving that we have the life of the Savior flowing through us and showing the world that we are different because of his touch in our lives.

Are you willing to let Yahweh do a new thing in your life? Do you hear the call of your Lord and Master to move on to the next great move of the Holy Spirit? If you answer no to either of these questions you need to reevaluate your walk with Jesus. Yahweh has always tried to get his people to remain fresh, moving with the flow of his Spirit. Tradition and ritual are OK only when we use them to teach of the faithfulness of past saints. When they become the priority, we have failed to hear the Spirit's voice. Hearing the voice of our Master and following him wherever he leads is a fundamental part of our faith walk. Being ready to respond when we hear him calling is necessary for us to remain spiritually fresh and vital.

Isa 42:9 says, "See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you." Yahweh's people shouldn't ever live in the past. Our Lord God Almighty isn't locked into doing the same thing over and over again. He will continue to do new things, and he'll speak to us of what those things are. Remember that these "new" things are refreshed and restored things. Yahweh has repaired them, removing our error and presumption. These new things can now do the job they were intended to do before we humans misused and spoiled them.

So pick up your freshly oiled and polished sword. Enter into the battle for the souls of mankind. Yahweh is calling all of us to accept his new asisgnments and new directions. We can't keep repeating what we did and expect it to have the same impact it did the first time. We need to trust that our Soveriegn and Almighty Lord is more intelligent than we are. We need to accept that he's providing us with perfect instructions and tools. Answer his call even if it what he's asking you to do feels weird and different. Don't get left behind.

Blessings & Peace, Mike

The Woman at the Well (6/20/11)

Shalom,

Please begin by reading John 4:4-30, and leave your Bible open to it because it will be easier to trek through it a few verses at a time. We begin with verses 4-6.

Jesus needed to take a break. He's physically tired, even though he and his disciples are taking a shortcut through Samaria. A devout Jew would go around Samaria to avoid being contaminated by the "half-breed" Samaritans.

What we see is that the Great Teacher didn't have limousine. He had to walk everywhere he went. Other than some boat rides and a short time on a donkey, he got around on his feet like a common person. When it says he was tired, it really means that he was physically worn out. It was noon, the 6th hour, and it was hot. It was a very good time to stop and rest.

John 4:7-10. The woman who approached Jesus was astonished that he asked her a question. She could expect only anger or condescension from the average Jew. Not only was she a Samaritan, considered half-breeds and outcasts by the religious Jews, she was also a woman. The phrase "Jews do not associate with Samaritans" is more literally translated, "Jews do not use dishes Samaritans have used." They were that picky and rude to their almost cousins. Also, Jewish men didn't speak to strange women, especially not a Samaritan woman. It's interesting to note that she had no idea of who Jesus was, other than that he was a very thirsty man.

Just like all sinners, she was blind to the anointed Messiah and more interested in the affairs of the world. She had come to draw water, not to get herself into a theological debate. Jesus points out that she's ignorant of two things: 1) The gift of Yahweh (Salvation). 2) His identity (The Messiah). And she really misses the point when Jesus speaks of the "living water."

John 4:11-14. The woman totally misses the point of what Jesus has spoken to her. She confuses his spiritual truth for ones about the practicalities of drawing water from the well. Shen points out that Jesus has no means to draw water. She also throws in a statement to let him know he's not so special. "Are you greater than our father Jacob" is spoken to prove that she has a good lineage.

Jesus goes on to explain what this "living water" is. He promises that this water of life will spring up within the heart and keep anyone who accepts it constantly refreshed and satisfied. The water she had come to get wouldn't give her eternal satisfaction. Only the water that comes from our Savior has eternal value.

Jesus is sharing the promise found in the Book of Isaiah. This Old Testament promise is found in chapter 35. It says the desert will burst forth with streams and pools of water and become a garden. Isa 58:11 spells out the blessing of obedience to Yahweh. "You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." This means much more to people who live in arid, desert areas. Yahweh's promise is to provide water in places where it's always been scarce and therefore very precious. Living water hasn't been readily available to the people. Before Jesus the people had to receive the blessings of Yahweh through the priests and prophets instead of directly through the Holy Spirit.

John 4:15-18. The woman expresses an interest in this "living water," even though she's still not thinking clearly about what he's trying to get across to her. Then Jesus confronts her with her sinful lifestyle. When he told her to go and get her husband, he nailed her to the wall. What he said forced her to face her sin, she was fully exposed. He didn't manipulate her to get a response, playing on her emotions, he just brought her face-to-face with her sin. At least she dind't try to con him or wiggle free from his direct approach.

Prov 28:13 spells out something we all need to remember. "He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy." Yahweh knows our hearts, and it's impossible to hide anything from him. He wants us to find forgiveness and release from our sins through coming to him with repentant hearts. It's much better to find his mercy than to trust in our own ability to overcome sin.

Jesus confronts the woman with reality. You've had five husbands, and are currently living with someone. The power of his words showed that he had searched her heart, and she was convinced that he knew "secret things." This proved his divine authority to her. Just imagine having your sins laid out right in front of you like that. I'm sure we'd be just as uncomfortable as this woman.

John 4:19-24. This woman comes back at Jesus with a very typical human response. She tries to change the subject. She was likely to be thinking, "since this man's a prophet, maybe I can get him sidetracked by trying to draw him into a debate over a controversial subject." The carnal, worldly mind seems to be amazingly ingenious in shifting the subject to avoid conviction. Many people seem to have a knack for avoiding these very important subjects. And notice how fast this defense mechanism pops into action. If we don't want to talk about something that bothers us, like our sin, all of us can do this same trick.

Jesus handles her misdirection ploy very easily. He says it's not about where you worship. He points out that the most important thing is knowing God the Father and "worshiping in spirit and truth." This means we must meet Yahweh in our real world, the reality that includes the Creator of all things. Jesus explains to the woman that it's not about location, it's about having true communion with our heavenly Father. It's about having our souls and minds fully focused on knowing him. Religion without relationship is empty and lacks any eternal value.

John 4:25-26. Still failing to fully understand the words of Jesus, the woman falls back on the hope that the coming Messiah will make all things clear. She knew the Messiah would tell us everything we need to know and make it all very understandable. In one of the few specific self-disclosures found in the Gospels, Jesus plainly states "I who speak to you am he."

She was an alien, a despised Samaritan, merely speaking to her would have been thought to be a disgrace to our Lord Jesus. Yet our Lord revealed himself to this woman more fully than he'd done to any of his disciples up to this point in his ministry. Jesus basically says "I am," like he did throughout his ministry. She doesn't immediately accept this proclamation, but it does cause her to to make a response.

John 4:27-30. The disciples show up and this interruption brings about the next stage of this encounter. She leaves her water jar there at the well and goes into town to share her testimony about Jesus. Her testimony, even though it contained doubt, drew many to to Jesus. Her hope, even though mixed with uncertainty, brought people face-to-face with Jesus.

She spoke of how Jesus knew everything she'd ever done. Then she threw out a question. "Could this be the Messiah?" How could this man know so much about me if he isn't the Messiah? Her astonishment at his knowledge of her personal life caused her to speak to people she probably had avoided for a while. She must have been somewhat of an outcast, since she was gathering her water at noon, the hottest part of the day. This was most likely to avoid the nasty comments and dirty looks she would recevive if she went when the other women did.

But the people of the town are interested enough in what she's saying to go out and see Jesus for themselves. One of the most unlikely people we can think of is used as Yahweh's evangelist, his Gospel messenger. Her testimony draws people to the feet of Jesus. After seeing how this woman was used how can any of us say that we're not able to spread the Gospel? If we really appreciate what Jesus has done for us, then we should share that Good News with someone else.

The End of the Story - John 4:39-42. This woman's personal testimony helped many people in her community get saved. Most importantly, it got many people to go and listen to Jesus speak for themselves. She brought people to the Word of God. That's what evangelists do. Evangelism isn't just about preaching. It's root meaning is to tell a story. Specificly for us, that story is how Jesus changed our lives and how he can do the same for them.

Christian testimony is very important, but it's nowhere near as persuasive as a personal encounter with Jesus. Personal experience is what secures our faith. The best Gospel message in the world can't replace meeting Jesus face-to-face. Notice that these verses tell us that their time with Jesus confirmed her testimony to them. When we speak of what Jesus has done for us, it will be confirmed when other seekers find the hope and peace Jesus wants so much to share with all of us.

No past sins can bar our entrance into the presence of Jesus. He accepts us just as we are. It's the ultimate "come-as-you-are" party. We don't have to try and clean ourselves up before entering his presence, because it's impossible to do without his grace and mercy anyway. If we humble ourselves before him, approaching him with repentance and humility, believing he's the only Savior, we will receive the glorious gift of eternal life. From that point on we're allowed to remain in his presence and continue to receive forgiveness and cleansing.

Jesus did this for a woman who wasn't looking for anything special that day. All she was doing was getting water for her home. She left the well with something much more precious than common water. She left with a connection to the streams of living water which flow from heaven. Is your living water fountain in good operating condition? Does your Savior's living water flow through you to others in need of refreshing? Keep giving it away and you'll receive the blessing of seeing others transformed by their loving Savior.

Blessings & Peace, Mike

A Tale of Two Fathers (6/13/11)

Shalom,

Please begin by reading Josh 7:13-26.

We'll begin with the story of two very similar men. They were alike as any two men could be. They had grown up in a good home and were taught a decent work ethic. They were brothers who married a pair of sisters. They were farmers with property adjoining one another. They were even saved at the same tent revival meeting when they were in their early twenties.

When they began attending their local church, they asked the pastor how they should support it, what kind of giving should they do. They were told the biblical pattern was to tithe of their full income, to give that as their firstfruits unto their Lord. This is where the similarities ended. One brother began obediently tithing, but the other one rejected the concept as old-fashioned.

The impact these choices had on the two men and their families was dramatic. The father who agreed to tithe became an active participant in the local church, and eventually saw each of his four children go into some kind of active Christian ministry. The other brother found himself at odds with the leaders of the local church on a regular basis, evidencing a critical spirit. His children didn't remain faithful to the church or their Lord, one even committed suicide.

Fathers have primary responsibility for making choices in the family. For example, the father's choice of an occupation is more likely to determine where the family will find a home. His income is more often the decider of the lifestyle his family maintains. His interests often become the interests of the family. This isn't a chauvinistic position, it's just the way things normally work. Yes, there are families where this doesn't play out exactly, and yes there are too many families without a father present in the home.

The results of a father's choices can be clearly seen in the lives of Joshua and Achan. We don't know a lot about Joshua as a father, but we do know quite a bit about him as a man. And how a father functions as a man is usually a good indicator of how he functions as a father. Achan's character flaws are on full display in this passage from Joshua. He emerged as the reason for Israel's first defeat in the conquest of the Promised Land. Joshua lingered in the presence of Yahweh whenever he could. Achan longed for earthly stuff.

Achan and his family survived the years in the wilderness. They saw many miracles, eating of the manna and drinking the miraculously obtained water from the rock. They experienced the miracle of crossing the Jordan River on dry ground in spite of it being at flood stage. Achan was one of the Israelites marching around the walls of Jericho and saw them come tumbling down when everyone shouted.

It was at this point that his family troubles began. Achan charged in with the other soldiers to destroy the city and hand it over to Yahweh. He had obeyed and performed well in all areas except one. Joshua had relayed Yahweh's command that all the silver and gold and articles of bronze and iron were to be put into the treasury of the Tabernacle. But when Achan saw among the plunder a beautiful Babylonian robe, a wedge of gold, and 200 shekels of silver - he took them for himself.

Notice the pattern of Achan's wrong choices. First he said, "I saw them." Wrong choices often begin with a wrong-thinking look. Satan works to make sin extremely attractive. He often tricks us into thinking it's even innocent and harmless. He shows us the glamor and sophistication, but never the end results which are always death and destruction. But we must also never forget that he can't tempt us unless we have some evil thoughts of our own to begin with. Next Achan said, "I coveted them." Often our desires get us into trouble. The longer we look at a thing, the more it captivates our attention, dominates our thinking, and intensifies our desires.

Lastly he said, "I hid them." When you have to be a sneak, beware, you're on dangerous ground. If taking the items was a good thing to do, why did he then hide them? From that time on Achan was most likely a miserable man. His conscience no doubt plagued him. He must have been terrified as the tribes and clans and families were called to pass in front of Joshua and each time the one he was connceted to was chosen by lot. Num 32:23 warns us, "you may be sure your sin will find you out." We can't hide our sin from Yahweh or from our families. At home the masks fall off and we're eventually known for what and who we really are.

Consider the terrible and awful results of Achan's sin. It led to a military defeat, as the little city of Ai put the Israelite army to flight. It resulted in the death of 36 of his fellow soldiers, some of whom may have been his family or friends. It also ended up destroying his family. They were put to death with him. That's what sin does to a family. It leads to death and destruction. Sin hurts our churches, our families, and our friends.

Joshua made the really important choices for his family, the spiritual decisions. Serving as the spokesman for his family he said, "As for me and my household, we will serve Yahweh" (Josh 24 15). It's a blessing when a father leads his family rather than driving them. He says, "Follow me as I follow Jesus." He teaches by example as well as by setting standards. He doesn't just say, "Do it," but says, "watch me do it." Statistics show that in families where the father is an active Christian and takes his children to worship services, they are much more likely to become and remain solid Christians themselves.

Joshua had learned to stand alone if necessary. Ten of the twelve Israelite spies sent into Canaan came back with negative reports. They said the cities were walled and well-fortified and that the inhabitants of the land were giants. Joshua joined Caleb in proclaiming a positive report. They said, "We can do it. Our God will help us" (Deut 1:29-30). He knew that Yahweh was able to accomplish what he promised. And Joshua and Caleb were the only spies to go back into the land when it was time to conquer it.

Joshua had also learned to take and obey orders. Moses counted on Joshua to lead the army of Israel into battle. Each time he followed orders he came back with a victory. He was prepared to follow Yahweh regardless of what others were doing. Think of the faith and confidence his resolve instilled in his family and in the soldiers who fought under him. They knew he walked close to Yahweh and was completely committed to his Lord's purposes. His obedience stands out in definite contrast to Achan's disobedience. What Joshua did brought some of the greatest blessing to Israel ever. He led the people to a place of life and hope.

Fathers, and all parents, one of our greatest tasks is to help our children make right choices. Nothing else will affect the outcome of their lives more dramatically. Here are some helpful hints, some guidelines that can richly bless you and your children.

1) Teach your children to learn to stand alone at times. Model this kind of behavior, show them the blessing of standing with your Lord and God. Let them see how our Father is pleased with us when we stand rightly committed to his ways and purposes. Let them see your solid character displayed in godly actions.

2) Help them choose the right kind of friends. It is always easier to stand among friends who share similiar convictions and beliefs. It is also easier to avoid youthful excesses when your friends are also working to avoid them.

3) Help them take the long look before acting. Convince your children that the consequences of sin are far worse than the temporary pleasures that may come from pursuing and catching their ungodly longings. At appropriate times share lessons you learned the hard way in your earlier years. It may help them know why you care so much that they make right choices.

4) Teach your children about Yahweh-honoring money handling and the value of honest hard work. Don't give your kids everything they want. It doesn't make your life, or theirs, easier. Make them work for things. You'll be teaching them one of life's most important lessons if you persist. And you'll be helping them to become responsible adults.

Choices, how dramatically they affect the quality of our lives. And these choices touch so many other people. Just as the choices of our parents and grandparents affect us today, so our choices will affect our children and grandchildren. The most important choice any of us can make is to live for Jesus, to make him both our Savior and Lord. Show them how to be faithful servants of Jesus Messiah Master, obediently answering his call to build his Kingdom.

What about your decision, Dad, Mom? It not only afftects you, but your whole family. They're looking at you, observing everything and making life choices. They're most likely to copy your way of living. Is that a good thing? Will you say with Joshua, "As for me and my house, we will serve Yahweh!" The other choices will bring heartache. Choose life over death, that's Yahweh's desire for all of us.

Blessings & Peace, Mike

Truth About Suffering (6/6/11)

Shalom,

Please begin by reading 1 Pet 4:12-19.

Have you ever thought to yourself, "I shouldn't have to suffer. I'm a good Christian. I go to church often. I read my Bible. I pray. I give time and money to my church." It seems many Christians think that problems and troubles are reserved for those who ignore Yahweh and refuse to believe in him. This simplistic understanding of suffering is unbiblical and comes from false hopes about how good our lives are supposed to be because we're God's People." First, it's based in humanistic thinking like fate and Karma. Second, read the Book of Job to see how Yahweh doesn't agree with this idea.

When it comes to suffering the main reason that Christians get surprised or upset by it is because we live under a false understanding of what suffering actually is. One false premise that many Christians live under is that if they do suffer it should only be for a short time. In other words, "I can accept the fact that I'll have some trouble in this life just as long as it doesn't last more than a day or two." Somehow we forget that we live in a fallen world where things aren't so easily laid out into neat and clean sections. We need to be well-versed in the reality shared with us throughout the Bible and not so attached to to such fairy tale hopes.

Another false premise is a very old one. Suffering is the result of some sin or failure in my life. Job's friends insisted he'd sinned and deserved all the terrible things that had happened to him. But if we think that way we'll end up being rebuked just like Job's friends were when Yahweh set everything right in Job's life after his testing was over. When we examine our lives and don't find any gross sin, what do we then think about our troubles? "Yahweh's being unfair. He's not showing me a lot of love." Please don't fall into this demonic trap which only has us looking at our earthly conditions. Contentment in Christ is available no matter what our external circumstances may be.

Another false premise is that if I'm not being healed or helped or whatever I've been praying for, then I don't have enough faith. How many times have well-meaning Christians, never mind the mean-spirited legalists, spoken that someone's faith was lacking? The Bible doesn't support such a blanket condemnation. Read the end of Hebrews 11 and see what some very faithful people suffered through. It just may be our lack of faith, but don't speak that to someone unless the Holy Spirit is urging you to.

Yahweh didn't create suffering. From the beginning of humanity, Yahweh gave us all a choice. We can obey him and experience eternal blessings or disobey him and reap the consequences of our rebellion. The result of our free will choices, at least so far, is the pain and suffering we see around our world. We don't like to consider this fact, but we are to blame for what's wrong in our world. The devil can only tempt us to do wrong things, he can't force us to do anything. And don't go blaming Yahweh for giving you free will either. It's not his fault that we choose to do evil. Don't blame Yahweh for your bad and evil choices. All the natural and moral evil in our world is here because we humans fail to obey our Creator's guidelines for living. All he's done is allow us to live the way we want to, the way we've chosen for ourselves.

When we humans told Yahweh to leave us alone and let us do our own thing, he partially honored our request. He didn't completely leave us to ourselves because he's still the sustainer and maintainer of all the earth. Without his sovereign hand controlling the natural resources we'd soon be dead and gone. The earth was cursed by our sin. Genetic breakdown and disease began. Pain and death became a part of the human experience.

Yahweh created a perfect environment. It was man's choice that released all the troubles and turmoil we now face. We can't even blame the devil for all that's gone wrong. All he did was convince us to sin against our Lord God Almighty just like he did. Tornados, floods, hurricanes, blizzards, droughts - illnesses like cancer, AIDS, Ebola, and many others - injustice, politcial corruption, drug addiction, and crime - and the list can go on and on. This isn't the world Yahweh created, but the world he allowed because he gave us the freedom to choose.

We continue to see continuing death and destruction from our evil moral choices. Much death and destruction is wrought by the hands of sinful humans. Someone has estimated the 95% of the world's suffering today is a direct result of our sin. I don't agree with that. I say it's 100%.

There is incredible power in our two hands. We can use these hands to hold a gun and kill someone, or we can use these hands to care for the hurting and needy. The choice is completely ours. We can't blame Yahweh when evil people shoot "innocent" victims. The death is the result of a moral choice by another human. There are many people killed by someone else's bad moral and ethical and emotional decisions.

A big question is asked when these kinds of tragedies invade our lives. "Couldn't Yahweh have foreseen that all this was going to happen and stopped it?" The answer is a resounding YES! In fact he did foresee it and chose to give us free willl anyway. He knows we all have the potential to make good and evil choices. The point we miss is that he created us to make good ones. He's given us his Word and his Spirit to help us make good choices. We just don't happen to believe that these God-things are necessary to life on earth, at least the majority of the world's population doesn't.

Consider this: When we became parents couldn't we foresee that these children have the potential to end up as criminals or drug addicts or that they'd be rebellious and would turn away from everything we tried to teach them? Sure we can, but we choose to have children because we also foresee the potential good things that can result from a life well-lived. Just like Yahweh we see greater potential for good than for evil.

Hawa Ahmed was a Muslim student in North Africa. One day, she read a Christian tract in her dormitory and decided to become a Christian. Her father was an emir, so she expected to lose her inheritance because of her conversion. She was completely unprepared for what actually happened. When she told her family she had become a Christian and changed her name to Faith, her father exploded in rage. Her father and he brothers stripped her naked and bound her to a chair fixed to a metal plate with which they planned to electrocute her. Faith asked them to at least lay a Bible in her lap. Her father responded, "If you want to die together with your false religion, so be it." One of her brothers added, "That will show your religion is powerless." Although they had bound her, she was able to touch a corner of her Bible. She felt a strange peace, as though someone were standing beside her. Her father and brothers pushed the plug into a wall outlet, but nothing happened. They tried four times with various cables, but it was as though the electricity refused to flow. Finally, her father, angry and frustrated, hit her and screamed, "You are no longer my daughter."

Then he threw her into the street naked. She ran through the streets, humiliated and in pain. People looked at her, curious rather than shocked. Shaking and tearful, she ran to a friend's house. Her friend let her in and gave her shelter. The next day her friend asked neighbors what they had thought when they had seen Faith running naked through the streets. "What are you talking about?" they asked. "The girl had a wonderful white dress on. We asked ourselves why someone so beautifully dressed had to run through the streets." Yahweh had hidden her nakedness from their eyes, clothing her in a beautiful white dress. She now works as a full-time evangelist among her people.

The suffering Faith's family inflicted on her was overcome by her loving heavenly Father. Too much of our perception of how bad we're suffering is seen through physical and emotional eyes. A true Christian is aware that this world has evil and struggles and persecution, but they also know that they have eternal life. That eternal life is so close we never need to be fearful of dying. This isn't necessarily easy for us to live out, but with faith and hope we don't have to be in fear like so much of the rest of our world.

Our ability to stand up under pressure, whether it be persecution or the normal suffering of our troubled world, will be a direct result of the foundation on which we stand. Is your trust and faith in Jesus alone, or is it in your ability to find answers for yourself? All the answers you need are found in the Bible, you just have to take the time to find them. Ask the Holy Spirit for help in locating the holy words which will soothe your aching heart and ease your troubled mind. We all would do well to remember Jer 29:11. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares Yahweh, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Please don't ever blame Yahweh for your suffering. Just stand strong on his solid foundation and rely on his amazing peace for your strength.

Blessings & Peace, Mike