Stand My Watch

There is an old saying I heard as a young man, used sort of tongue in cheek, by Connecticut Yankees and by people all the way up to Maine. When you asked them for directions, their answer would be, “You can’t get there from here.” Well of course you could, but they were just being cantankerous in a friendly New England way. That statement is sadly becoming a matter of fact today.

I have found that even some navigation devices in cars are not updated. If you punch in directions, it will bring you close to your desired destination, but it will still be off. Some phones do the same thing. I was asking Siri for directions recently and was given enough info to be close to where I wanted to go, and right at the end I could see the location I had inquired about. All I needed to do was take a right hand turn. But Siri said to go left. At one time the location I was looking for was to the left, but directions in my phone were not up to date. No matter what direction you receive, it is incumbent on us to make sure the directions we receive are correct.

We are told in Jeremiah 6:16 to ask where the good way is, the good path, and to walk in it. There you’ll find rest for your souls. But those hearing the word said they would not walk in it. This is similar to where we are today. We hear directions from every imaginable source. Friends, TV pundits, newspaper editorials, politicians, as well as church leaders. Depending on their political or religious leaning, you can end up receiving so many opposite opinions in a matter of minutes. Which way do you turn? Luke 1 speaks of the Dayspring from on high who will guide our feet into the way of peace. But anyone with even a modicum of understanding has to realize that peace is a rare commodity in this building chaos. It’s not supposed to be that way though. Jesus told us to not let our hearts be troubled. Yes, we would hear rumors of wars and conflicts increasing at alarming rates. People would not listen and follow wrong teachings. The world would be battered by storms and earthquakes. But we are supposed to put our trust in Him. The tendency by many is to trust in that which brings immediate relief and offers an easy solution. Another troubling tendency is to follow those who have some truth but are still far from the path He set for us.

People look for shortcuts. Proverbs 16:25 says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” How far do you go down a wrong road before you realize that it is the wrong one? Or before you realize that you’ve followed someone with solutions that feed a part of you where anger, resentment, hate and so many vile things are buried. Soon you are walking that path and starting to sound just like those, who at one time, you would have turned away from. If you say you are in Christ, then you know the path He chose for all of us. You are aware that His sheep hear His voice and the voice of another they will not follow. If even 10 or 20 years ago you would have been horrified and disgusted by what you hear coming from so many leaders, both political and religious, what caused you to start listening to them? When something is wrong with us physically we tend to go to a Dr. And most are wise enough to choose a good Dr. But too often, when we are spiritually afflicted, rather than drink from the wells of salvation, we tend to be drawn to muddied and polluted waters that will only make us sicker.

Troubling things we are constantly bombarded by are not going to let up. They will intensify. Our part is to press in closer to Him. When things become unsteady, we are to hold on to the Rock. The problem only gets worse when we tend to double down. Not admit we took a wrong turn. Listened to directions that did not line up with scripture. And to those religious leaders who cannot disconnect from faulty and misleading navigation systems, they must realize they’re causing others to fall in a ditch they might not exit from. All of us must realize we have a road set before us that leads to eternal promises. But if we continually listen to the dissension and hate filling the air and allow it to take up residence in us, then we must realize we cannot get to that path He has for us from here. The Passion translation of Proverbs 4:26 says, “Watch where you’re going. Stick to the path of truth, and the road will be safe and smooth before you.” If we give attention to all His instructions and pay attention to His directions, and if you fill your thoughts with His words, then they will penetrate to the depths of your spirit. Then you will be able to get there from here. Jesus promised that He would leave His peace with us. Not a worldly peace, but His peace. And He also promised that He would leave us with the Comforter who will lead us into all truth. Ask Him for directions. Blessings.

I spoke in my last posting, “Eight Words,” that I would share more of what I was shown prophetically for our country. Certain warnings are given many times and it is incumbent on us to realize that at some point the warnings will cease. At this point we’ll be held responsible for our inaction in not trying to bring Godly change and making right what is wrong. It is within our power to do so.

One warning He has shown me is the underlying hate in our country. It is rising to the surface at a faster pace every day. It is proving to be so insidious in how it is undermining all that is good in our country. The soil in this country contains both the word and Spirit of God planted to bring forth a crop to be used for His purposes. That same soil contains the blood of the innocents murdered and of those who could not come to agreement on what was righteous and settled their conflicts through war. We are at a crossroads of deciding what the right path is. There is only one.

This increase in the rise of hatred was shown to me as the example of “melting permafrost.” Rising temperatures have affected areas like Siberia and Arctic regions. This rock and soil has been frozen for thousands of years. Now it is melting and this has allowed rotting animal corpses and plants and mosses to release gases into the atmosphere that contain deadly bacteria and viruses like anthrax and smallpox. There are scientists that believe even some unknown diseases may be released. The animals that were once a stopgap for these diseases escaping are no longer there. Some have suggested reintroducing bison, reindeer, moose, and musk ox to these areas. Herds of these animals walking over these areas, compacted the snow so it didn’t remain fluffy and melt so easily. This would be akin to introducing right minded people into areas of discord and hate to tramp down what is infectious and evil. We are supposed to (Romans 16) tramp this evil beneath our feet. It is God that crushes this evil but he does this under OUR feet. We’ve abdicated this position of authority in too many instances. Just as it is imperative that we fix the problem of melting permafrost and that which is released from the ground, so must we remedy this hate that arises from our hearts.

We have allowed some people to have a voice in our lives that at one time we would have rejected outright. There are some who profess to follow Christ but take positions that cause more stress fractures in the hearts of too many. I’ll address this in a future prophetic posting. We are to have the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5), but instead, too often, see it replaced with hatred, contention, outbursts of wrath, and selfishness. Just as our mouth should not speak forth both blessings and curses (James 3), neither should our heart be open to both light and darkness. We will be of no use to Him like this.

We still have time to work to bring a spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness to the forefront, but the change must start now. This spirit of racism, xenophobia, hatred, and even murder, is being fueled in ways that mirror emotions and actions from many years ago. Christians have come to tolerate and even accept the ugliest mindsets if it serves a purpose. What we hoped was getting better in our society was actually just below the surface and now is there for all to see. The permafrost of our souls is melting and what is being seen is alarming. Our position in the world, that I strongly believe to be God mandated, is diminishing. The light we are to be is dimming. We must be before Him that we may shine as He decreed. He is the light and any other direction not in step with Him leads to a ditch or even death. Like slow suffocation as the oxygen leaves the room. Breathe in His essence. Follow the one true path.

We must all hear His voice. Not in the chaos and turmoil we hear every day. He is in that still, small voice. We must listen for it with all that is within us. We are at a crossroads as spoken of in Jeremiah 6:16 that states, “Stand at the crossroads and look; Ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said we will not walk in it.” When you find yourself off the right path, heed what He spoke in Isaiah 30, “This is the Way, walk in it.” If we are His sheep, we’ll obey His voice. We are still at a place where His mercy abounds. No matter how dark it may appear to be getting, hope in Him. I pray you abide under the shadow of the Almighty and you realize that He alone is your refuge and very present help in time of trouble. Trust Him. Blessings.

On my Facebook posting of 1-14-17, I said I had been in deep intercession from what I heard spoken to me by the Lord regarding the 2016 election and events to come. The Lord speaks to us in so many ways. Too many to address in this posting.

There are two ways I hear the Lord speak that are the most profound. 1) An audible voice emanating from the midst of me, basically the center of my chest. The Holy Spirit speaking from where He took up residence when I accepted Christ as my savior; and 2) An audible voice speaking to me from right beside me. Close to me, just as a person would speak to me if standing beside me. Either audible voice will definitely get and hold your attention. Couple that with the awe of His presence, and you are a captive audience of one. I realize that many find hearing God spooky or weird, and many have claimed to hear His voice, when in actuality they have not. But those who take hold of the promise the Lord spoke of in John 14, realize that Christ promised us that the Holy Spirit would teach us all things. And yes, we would hear Him.

One week before the 2016 election, the Lord spoke to me audibly, as one standing beside me. When that happens, nothing else has the ability to distract us. I had been in prayer for days regarding the upcoming election. I knew the ensuing chaos would get worse. I felt Donald Trump could win this election and was bothered in my spirit over this. Actually, I was bothered by the thought of either candidate winning. Then the Lord spoke eight words. He said of Trump: “He will win, but he will not serve.” I questioned the Lord in detail regarding this, but He didn’t say anymore at that time. I did hear to keep my hands clean. I wrote in a candidate. A prophetic minister/pastor from Colorado heard the exact same eight words. We both heard not to write of this until after the election.

For a time, I wasn’t fully sure of the meaning of those eight words. Would Trump not end up being President? Would something happen to him so he couldn’t take office? Would someone do him harm? So I prayed protection for Trump, as anything done to remove him by harming him would cause even more division and hate than I already knew we were in store for. Since that audible word, the Lord has spoken to me in many different ways. I now realize that Trump will not serve at any time. “Service” is something that cannot be taken lightly. Jesus came to “serve.” He laid down His life. Any person in a position of trust and responsibility must learn to put the needs of others in high priority. There is often a laying down of self. One must provide something of value and dedicate their time to doing their best. No person in the armed services would want to be teamed up with a soldier that cares only for themselves. It can cost you your life. Those first responders running INTO, not away from, the twin towers on 9-11, did so knowing the cost. And so many lost their lives. So saying “he will not serve” caused me to become quite disheartened. I have been in prayer regarding this every day since the Lord spoke that to me.

What the Lord has shown me since then, I have been writing about in my blog and Facebook postings. Most include prophetic warnings and words of exhortation and encouragement. The end result is we must not become adversely affected by things we see on social media or on T.V. We cannot partake in that which only furthers this constant discord. I do pray always for our leaders and most importantly, I pray His mercy for this country. I pray we are all filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Be strengthened with His might. Walk in His light so as to not be deceived. Do not fret because of those who walk contrary to Him. Trust in the Lord and do good. Commit your way to Him and righteousness and justice shall be your portion. Blessings.

The medical and holistic communities have been in agreement for years as to the dangerous effects of low vitamin D. The easiest way to remedy this is sunlight. Ultraviolet B light. UVB. Yet low vitamin D is still a problem and it can be helped by a supplement or, even better, a little time in the sun. But I’m talking about “spiritual” sunlight. And the lack of this light from above, from Him, has become serious to the point of epidemic proportions. It leads to intestinal problems, immune problems, cancer, heart disease, asthma, and a myriad of cognitive problems. As Christians, in John 8:12, we’re told that if we follow after Christ, we’ll not walk in darkness and in fact have the light of life. But we’re warned in John 11:10 that by not doing so, we’ll end up stumbling because this light is not in them.

Look at the hearts of so many who seem to have a voice that is being broadcast. Are they walking in love? Are they walking in the light as He is the light? Something is amiss. We are to guard our hearts as it is the wellspring of life (Proverbs 4:23). This anger and division among us has become a cancer and it is defiling many. It has led to chronic stomach issues from being upset at all we hear and read on a steady basis. Even His word is being twisted to give credence to an indefensible stance. If it is contrary to His word, why would we defend or promote it? Our hearts have grown cold. There is little room to love one another as He told us to. But what seems most apparent are the deleterious cognitive effects of walking on a path that is shown to have dangerous consequences.

People seem to be in a constant state of agitation. The least little thing will set them off. They seem to have no problem sounding off against others on social media in the most offensive ways. This has become an outlet for many to vent the worst comments to people they might have been acquainted with at one time. And to those they don’t know and cannot see? Well, they feel they have free reign to spew venom. I realize that this goes on everywhere, but I’m concerned as to the degree it happens with Christians and to so many I have known in my life. As Paul said to the church of Galatians, “Who has bewitched you?” In taking part in spreading of hatred and fighting amongst ourselves, we are not able to present an example to the world as to what it means to follow Christ. Can we have opinions? Of course. Can we stand for one side as opposed to another? Yes. But in doing so, can we express ourselves in a way that shows the flesh fighting against the Spirit, which is contrary to His ways? No!

Cognitive decline leads to the inability to make good decisions. Look around at all you see and hear, as well as the clamor of voices trying to outshout each other, and see how many good decisions you recognize. People have difficulty concentrating, as chaos is the order of the day. And as it says in Ephesians 2:2, our adversary is the prince of the power of the air. He loves this confusion and agitation. Forgetfulness becomes a major problem. Just look at all those who seem to have forgotten that Galatians 6 says “The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience that endures, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” These are to be without limit. But with a low reading of spiritual vitamin D, we see a prevalence of manipulation of others by any means ~ including hatred of those who get in your way or differ from you, senseless arguments, resentment when others are favored, temper tantrums and other outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, and dissension. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. (Luke 6:45) If lack of His light affects our hearts and minds, how can we effectively be examples of His love and truth? It can be depressing, and depression is also affected by lack of Sunlight.

So what do we do? We must take hold of the fact that through Christ, He has qualified us to be partakers of a glorious inheritance of the saints in the light. But we must walk in that light. If we allow our tongue to remain unbridled and to speak that which only causes strife, then we must also realize that we’ve strayed from the path of righteousness and preferred a walk in darkness. In government, business and in the church, too many provide bad examples and in fact cause much of the strife we see today. Do not allow this constant barrage of dark thoughts and actions to bring you down. Sit in the Light. Absorb as much “spiritual vitamin D” as you can. Every day! In Isaiah 26, it says that He will keep you in perfect peace if your mind is stayed on Him, because your trust is in Him. He also says He is the light. So “SONbathe!” Walk in the light, and just as it says in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” We can’t do that if we allow all that is going on in our country to rob us of the spiritual vitamin D necessary to live productively. There is one Great Light that is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all we ask or think. Ask for the Son. Blessings.

Stepping out into something new, especially when it is unfamiliar, can be unnerving and even frightening. Imagine John Glenn’s first space travel. Can you imagine walking in space like Ed White did in 1965 tethered by only a line to the Gemini IV spacecraft? Or walking on the moon? There had to be a great deal of faith coupled with awe and even some sense of trepidation, even with all the training. But they did it. We too are often at a place where we must step out knowing it is new territory and a bit scary. Maybe not to the degree the astronauts encountered, but still breaking new ground and knowing you might not be received or you might fail.

In January of 1993, I stepped into new ground for me. I was still digesting all the information I was hearing from the Lord after my 18 minute cardiac arrest in July of 1992 and not fully sure how to process it all. But I felt I heard that I was not only to take a new approach to church and how I perceived it, but to also take part in the intercessory prayer group of that church. I had never gone to a prayer meeting of any kind, much less by myself. In fact, if my wife didn’t go to church for some reason, I would also stay home. But I went, and what I received I never expected.

I was quiet and stood back as I usually do. This was totally new to me. I prayed, but this was different. And I didn’t pray out loud among people I didn’t know. There was no pressure to pray and I finally started to feel a little bit comfortable. The corporate anointing was tangible. The more I felt it, the more I pressed in to hear. Suddenly with eyes closed, I was caught up in a vision. There was a storm and the elements were so real I could feel the wind and rain. The Lord showed me things that were to come in this storm that would affect the church corporately and this church I was now attending. I fully expected to be wind tossed and sopping wet when I opened my eyes. It was that intense and real! But the Lord wasn’t finished. He expounded on what He had said and shown me, and set what he wanted me to hear in a prophetic word. But then He told me to speak it! At that time, I hated speaking publically. He would not let up. I felt as if my heart was going to explode from my chest if I didn’t speak! So I spoke it. You could have heard a pin drop. I’m pretty sure that’s not what they were expecting to hear, and actually it was a pretty heavy word. If I had been on the listening end of this prophetic word rather than speaking it, I’m not sure if I would have responded either. But a couple of people heard the truth in it, yet they kept quiet. It was to be held onto until the right time to discuss it. There was one person there who would become my best friend, and he never forgot the gist of it. Things started to prophetically speed up from that point on.

In Stepping Out – Part 1 posted on 12/17, I gave examples of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego stepping into areas where there lives could have been forfeited, yet they still stepped out. Even into the lion’s den. Even into the fire. In Exodus 14, we see the river parted before the Israelites step in. Prior to that, they were complaining and fearful of Egypt even after all the miracles they had seen. But in Joshua 3, when the Jordan River was high and flowing fast, God required them to step into the river first. Then the river was parted. Sometimes we are required to step out in faith disregarding what our eyes see. No matter the circumstances, He is always with us. Even in trials and hardship. He does not leave or forsake us. It’s getting that in our heads that is the hard part. As it says in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will direct your paths.” I pray that His most abundant grace abound to you, and that you realize that it is sufficient for all things. Be confident in Him. Speak out. Step out. Blessings.

One of the hardest things we do is to take a chance by stepping out. You leave the familiar and that which is safe to go out on a limb, and then turn and cut it off hoping the tree falls, but the limb remains airborne. Our first time doing this may be the hardest, but throughout life we are presented with new circumstances that make each decision to step out quite difficult. Each new challenge can produce feelings of apprehension just as profound as our first time stepping out into the unknown.

When I was a young boy playing little league, I finally got my first chance to enter the game as a pinch hitter. Our team was up by enough runs that the coach was trying to let every player on the team get a chance to play. I had yet to enter the growth spurt that would bring me from 5’7” to 5’11” so I was a bit self- conscious. And I wasn’t really that good, though I’d get better with practice and a chance to play. The first pitch hit me and I was happy to get on base. I went from being incredibly nervous to thinking I might do something great. I decided to steal 2^nd base! I made the decision on my own. I didn’t look over to the coach to see if it was alright. I made it standing up! But then I heard everyone yelling and waving their arms. I finally realized I had stolen 2^nd base, but the bases were loaded. My teammate that was on 2^nd was halfway between 2^nd and 3^rd base. Poor guy was totally confused as to whether he should go back to 2^nd or remain where he was. He couldn’t go to 3^rd because our other teammate was already there. Kids and parents were yelling for the pitcher to throw the ball to 2^nd but he was afraid that would allow the man on 3^rd to score. The only choice was for me to go back to 1^st. I went from having a big smile on my face to just wanting to disappear. If only God could strike me with lightning at least they’d be talking about the poor kid who died from a lightning strike instead of the idiot who stole 2^nd when the bases were loaded. LOL! But, everything turned out OK. The coach later asked me what I was thinking. I didn’t respond. My silence was enough to show how embarrassed I was. But I took a shot. I never forgot that mistake I made. And I was grateful no one really razzed me for it. It was never really brought up again.

Life brings other opportunities to step out that have much greater consequences. In Exodus, we see Moses trying to make things happen himself. He attempts to defend a Hebrew being beaten by an Egyptian and ends up killing the Egyptian. He then spends the next 40 years in the desert until God gave him another chance to step out and lead Israel out of captivity. He was somewhat reluctant to just say yes. Moses asked who am I to do this? And what if the people asked who sent him ~ what would he say the name of this God was who sent him? He then asked what if the people don’t believe that You sent me? And Moses finally said I’m not a good speaker and I’m not equipped to do this. He finally started to get God a bit angry, but God helped him by sending Moses’ brother Aaron with him. Moses stepped out into years of hardship, but also encountered the miraculous and a walk of intense faith.

In the book of Daniel, we see Daniel’s three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego step out in their faith and into a large, fiery furnace. They said they would serve no other gods and now they had to pay a price. But they were delivered without even the smell of smoke on their clothes. Daniel also was forced to step out in defense of his faith and spent a night in a lion’s den. He, too, was delivered. But not everyone that steps out is delivered safe and sound. The prophet Isaiah was sawn in half for the words he spoke. John the Baptist lost his head for the stance he took. Nearly every disciple of Christ was martyred for their belief. As it says in Matthew 19, they forsook all to follow Christ. Even their safety and their life.

We may not face such life and death situations every time we step out, but they can still be of vital importance, and they can be unnerving as we muster up the courage to take that step. We may end up with lasting scars, even if not seen outwardly on our body. But in the midst of these situations, character is being developed and faith is being strengthened. Stepping out requires a leap of faith, whether it’s in ministry, standing up for the oppressed, starting a new job, or taking a position that is in the minority knowing that you risk being castigated by others. But we must step out, regardless of the cost. The Lord says in Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” We must be confident of the fact that He is in charge and He’s begun a good work in you and He will complete it. So many more things will be presented to us where we must make a decision to step out into areas that cause trepidation. But, as the Passion Translation says in Philippians 1:9, “He is bringing us into the rich revelation of spiritual insight in all things.” Blessings.

“How do I love thee, let me count the ways.” Elizabeth Barrett Browning was professing her love to Robert Browning. She went on to say, “I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach.” She was a spiritual woman and was mirroring what Paul said of God’s love for us in Romans 8 ~ that neither height nor depth, nor any other created thing shall be able to separate us from the love of God. It seems prescient that Browning added, “I love thee freely, as men strive for right.”

Mankind is striving to find meaning in all that is in a jumble right now. We cannot help but look anywhere or listen to anything without the end result being a bout of heartburn. But I’m speaking in this instance to people I know to be believers in God. Christians, to be more exact. I have been amazed at the amount of postings on Face Book that ask you to type “YES” if you believe in God, or basically the same if you believe in Jesus as your savior, and then challenging you to share the posting on your site. These things are interspersed between and amongst some of the most angry and divisive comments and postings by people that are purposely spreading hate and dissension. Yet many of the same people who are taking part in that vile dissemination of quarreling and hate mongering are, in the next breath, asking of your love for God. This is a perplexing thing.

Jesus said if you love me you will obey my commandments. Look up and see what was written and the words He spoke in the gospels. Jesus said in John 5 to search the scriptures for they will testify of Him. He said in Matthew 11 that we were to be yoked to Him. No one else. We are to come to Him and repent of all that is in us that is contrary to what He says, and you’ll be forgiven. Holding on to hate and anything that causes division makes it impossible for us to produce His fruit. We are not to be of this world. In it, yes, but we are to be seen as separate. Lights that testify of Him. Matthew 22 says we are supposed to love our neighbor as ourselves. That is often much harder than it seems. We are to pray for our enemies and do good to those that spitefully use us. Matthew 6 states that unless we forgive, we cannot be forgiven. That verse is too often read over quickly. It’s hard to forgive in some instances, but Jesus didn’t say “some” trespasses. He was speaking of them all.

So often God’s name is used as if it’s a special password that opens doors and allows one to say whatever they please with no care as to how it reflects on the Lord. Mark 7 speaks to things that render the word of God powerless. It is not what enters a man, but what comes out of him that defiles him. This constant fighting and ignoring what Christ told us causes us to be terrible witnesses of Him and brings shame to His kingdom. What proceeds from a bitter heart and professed from a stage that is falsely set up in His name, causes lasting damage. Before you get into the back and forth of angry battles, remember He said, “If you love Me”. I wish I could do that every time but I fail too often.

Jesus said in John 10 that the works that He does in His Father’s name bear witness of Him. He said that His sheep hear His voice and the voice of another they won’t follow. But we do. We listen to so much verbal diarrhea masquerading as the word of God that we lose track of who we are in Him. We are overcomers through Christ Jesus. Nothing can snatch us from His hand. But we can and do surely get out of His will. We must purpose ourselves to seek Him first in all things, especially before we respond to things we may not be in agreement with. And then seek to see if even that which we disagree with is correct, or are we listening to wrong counsel. Does it line up with what He taught.

The Passion Translation of 1 John 2 says we can only be sure that we’ve come to know God if we keep His commands. If we don’t keep His commands, we are phonies and the truth has no place in us. The only way we can say we are intimate with God is if we are walking in the footsteps of Jesus. We are to walk in the light as He is the light. If not we are blinded by darkness and stumble in the dark. To reiterate what Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me you will obey my commands.” Before you become incensed by someone’s comments or stance, or before you give a thumbs up to a divisive post, keep this verse in mind. Blessings.

 

The hearing ear and the seeing eye ~ the Lord made them both (ESV Proverbs 20:12). It’s sad we tend to hear and see what we want, or what others present to us, rather than make an informed decision based on His precepts. With all we read of the words of Christ and the wisdom and life giving knowledge that can be ingested, we are no different than the person who, with a healthy, organic feast placed before them, instead opts for a meal of fast food. Proverbs 2:2 says, “Make your ears attentive to wisdom and your heart to understanding.” It’s hard to do that when we have a steady diet of foolish babblings from every corner disguised as wisdom. But it is incumbent upon us to know the difference between what is actually truth and wisdom and that which is lies, innuendo and the voice of evil to lead us astray.

G .K. Chesterton said “There’s a lot of difference between listening and hearing.” Few seem to know the difference. The ability to truly listen and hear comes with spiritual maturity and heeding His command to pay attention to what He says. We are not to lean on what others may say with words that tickle the ears. These words may hit a nerve, but they lack any profound depth. As I’ve said before, the ditches are filled with those who follow after those who speak empty promises and appeal to our more ignoble instincts. The issue to be questioned is what is in us that would cause us to follow things we should be rejecting outright.

People everywhere are desperate for someone to truly hear what they have to say. The problem is that too many listen only so they can then give their opinion as a comeback. They are not hearing. Most people are then basically repeating what they already thought. They lost the opportunity to learn something and squandered the opportunity to help someone. You’d be surprised how much you can help someone by listening without the need to reply or judge what they’re saying. I’ve had conversations for up to two hours with people I’ve counseled or just friends that needed someone to be there, and probably spoke no more than 10-15 minutes. The quieter you are, the better you hear, and the more someone might actually feel they have been heard. Too many reply because they love the sound of their own voice. The ESV translation states, “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is to his folly and shame.” But turn on any debate on cable news and it’s becoming rarer to hear someone actually give a cogent reply to what was just said. Their response was ready to be said regardless of what they heard.

In Mark 4:3 in the parable of the sower, the first word Jesus spoke was “Listen” and was highlighted with an exclamation point. He said multiple times that we have ears to hear but we do not. The Pharisees were given every chance to hear Him but did not. They spent their time trying to trick Him into saying something they could use against Him. Sounds quite like what we hear in politics and the church today. Senior Pastor Andy Stanley of North Point Community Church said, “Leaders who don’t listen will eventually be surrounded by people who have nothing to say.” But people continue to talk incessantly without once thinking about listening. This only leads to misunderstanding, quarrels and contention. Kingdom dynamics are pushed aside. Getting one’s way and getting in the last word are all that seems to matter.

James 1:19 says “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” Bridle your tongue and open your ears. The Lord spoke through Solomon in Proverbs 4:20 and said, “Pay attention to My words and incline your ear to My sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are LIFE to those who find them, and HEALTH to all their flesh.” There is a pervasive sickness throughout our country. Take hold of His words and LISTEN. Blessings.

I have not written on my blog for awhile. But, I have been listening intently. With all the noise and chaos swirling about all of us in this country and in this world, one has to hear very carefully. So much masquerades as truth or wisdom from far too many people. Having ultra-keen senses can give one an advantage. For Ted Williams, it was his eyesight. He said he could see the spin on the baseball as it approached him at home plate. He was probably the greatest hitter ever. Derek Jeter had the ability to be in the right place at the right time to make important plays. His sense of timing was impeccable. For some reason, hearing/listening is not valued as it should be. Too many people are busy speaking or allowing their emotions to affect what they hear and then respond out of that mindset. As it has been said, the word “listen” contains the same letters as “silent.” There is far too little of both.

We read of just a tiny percentage of conversations Jesus had with His disciples. He told them, and all who listened in Matthew 13, that they were blessed for what they were hearing with the parable of the sower. In Mark 8, He told His disciples they had ears but did not hear, nor did they remember what He had done with the miracle of multiplying the bread and fish. We still do that. We hear something that we know is true and valid. But then something happens that angers us or causes emotions to weigh in, and it’s as if that actual truth that we heard before has somehow become lost to us. Our understanding becomes dull and incapable of reason. The disciples were keyed in to His words and teachings, yet so many things were different than they were used to hearing.   And so many miracles were being done before their eyes, they at times could not fathom the depths. They had a difficult time hearing and seeing what was right before them. In Matthew 17, the disciples should have been listening to what was transpiring during the miraculous transfiguration. Peter allowed his own understanding to provide an answer and God basically told him to be quiet and to listen to Jesus. That got their attention. But that was then. They still missed all He was telling them to prepare them for what was coming.

Today, and especially in this political climate, so many are weighing in with what they are telling you God is saying about all we see and hear. So many speak from the dictates of their own hearts, and for many they are setting up their own mini kingdoms. They will crumble and be seen for what they are. God has supplied all that is necessary to weigh what should be viewed as righteous and accepted as His will. If it does not line up with His word, then it must be rejected. Do not follow blindly. There are enough people who lack the ability to hear Him that are already in that ditch. It’s getting quite full. As it says in Ecclesiastes 3:7, “There is a time to remain silent and a time to speak.” We really need to keep quiet and listen right now. Jesus said His sheep hear His voice. How can you hear if so many other voices have your ear?

Isaiah 30:15 says “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” He is telling us that a sense of comfort and knowing is ours if we can quiet ourselves before Him. There are so many disparate voices vying for our attention. It’s like walking into a stereo shop to hear a pair of quality speakers, but every other speaker and system is on at the same time. There is no way you can make an informed decision as to what speakers to purchase. A high end stereo shop will have a private room that is soundproof. Only the speakers you wish to hear will be heard. It’s the same with hearing today. Too much external stimuli. And so much is pure crappola. Realize that even a fool can appear wise when they remain quiet. But one who listens and measures what they hear to His word will find truth and wisdom and maybe peace.

We must try to emulate a young boy named Samuel in 1 Samuel 3. After the Lord called to him twice, he answered the third time, “Speak, your servant hears.” He fined tuned his listening. He heard, even though this was new to him and there was much chaos in the land. We can do that also. James 1:19 says, “Be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” We all must follow that. Blessings.

 

We all have immigrant roots, and at one time we were all immigrants. One would never know that the original inhabitants of this land called America ever had any status. They were treated shamefully. Even today, things promised them are empty words. Harsher restrictions, fueled by xenophobic furor and hatred, are being talked about as solutions to our immigrant problem. It’s a complex predicament that we are now ALL part of. How we respond will show what type of people/Christians we are.

My maternal grandparents emigrated here from the small towns of Falbaterra and Frosinone, Italy in 1911. They landed at Ellis Island. They married soon after arriving and eventually settled in Barrington, R.I. They spoke no English. They never really got past “broken English.” But they had a dream to settle in America and start a family and hope for a better life. But it was a hard life. Louis worked extremely hard as a laborer in mason work, and Maria was a housewife and mom to seven children. The three oldest girls had to quit high school and go to work to help with expenses for the family. Even being poor, and with no education to hope for a better job paying more money, they managed to buy a home. That’s impossible for so many today in the U.S. The fourth child, Gene, quit high school and joined the army after World War 2 started. He had a tough time of it in the Pacific theater, but all he wanted was to get home alive and see his dad. That was not to be. Louis Santilli died of a heart attack while Gene was still in the Pacific. Gene was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for his service. He never spoke of it. We only found out in January of 2016 when he died, just two weeks shy of his 97^th birthday. His younger brother found them in a box of his things. My mother, Tresa, was the 5^th child and was the first to graduate high school. Her younger sister, Flora, and younger brother, Louis, also graduated high school. Louis went into the Air Force and then went on to college. He did so well that he made Who’s Who in America. He still lives in the family home.

The American dream is so visualized in this family. All of the cousins in this family that started with the Santillis are still close and stay in touch. The Christian ethic of treating your neighbor well and doing unto others as you would have them do to you is alive and well in this family. Leviticus 19:33 and Deuteronomy 10:18-19 speak a commandment from the Lord that is an ongoing theme throughout the bible. “He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing. Therefore love the stranger, for you were once strangers in the land of Egypt.” Jeremiah 7 speaks of not oppressing the strangers and fatherless, and in Malachi 3, a stern warning is given to those who exploit wage earners and widows and orphans, and those who turn away an alien. In Luke 10, it’s significant that Jesus uses the story of the Samaritan, a people despised by the Jews, as an example of love and compassion for a wounded, half dead Jew attacked by thieves. They didn’t like the parable, but Jesus told them to go and do likewise. He told us to love our neighbor. He made no exceptions.

Today, immigration, and how we treat these people, is a hot topic causing many to be angry and looking to enact laws to harm. I do not agree in open borders. I believe people from certain countries must be thoroughly vetted. But is everyone who’s deficient in English a person who should not be allowed in? Does your country of origin or race or creed dictate whether or not we’ll let you come to the U.S.? We need to do some soul searching. My grandparents came here under conditions many won’t tolerate today. Back then, they were seen by some as Wops, Dagos, Guineas and Guidos. We have similar and much worse names for so many people today that we feel are different from us. That’s really sad. But in the midst of all these things spoken about people we would rather not have near us because they are different, we need to check our hearts. Are we contributing to the hatred? Do we sit back and do nothing when all the vile rhetoric and still echoing political campaign promises sound a discordant note? If so, then we are helping to perpetuate evil. I have written before of how Paul told us in Philippians 2 that we were to be as shining lights in the universe. Offering words of eternal life. It is impossible to do that when hatred spews from our mouths. How we treat others can even cause us to either entertain or reject angels. We never know who every stranger is. If we walk as a believer, it will be seen by others. Jesus said the two most important commandments were we must love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind and we shall love our neighbor as yourself. You cannot separate them. Remember, we are all one if we are in Christ. We are heirs to the promise. There is an ever growing evil that looks to have us take part in a belief that sows hate and discord. It is not Christ. Examine yourself by His standards to see if you are in the faith. I thank God for Louis and Maria Santilli. I am thankful America opened the door of hope and promise to them all those years ago. We still are a land of promise. Blessings.