False prophets and delusions

Matthew 24:24  For there shall arise false Christs, and false proplhets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible they shall deceive the very elect.

Mark 13:22  For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.

Isaiah 66:4  I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did eveil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.

2 Thessalonians 2:11  And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

Crazy Week

 

How to describe this week.  A week ago we were in apoplexy about our PM putting the country in some kind of overreach lockdown.  Seizing bank accounts, going after enemies of the state.  By Wednesday that was all shut down and Canada is all peace love again.  Thursday Russia invades Ukraine.  No one really knows what is going on yet, but the propaganda is glorious.  

The same people who saw the media mislead the past few months and years are all in now.  "It is all true."

Our Lord says in Isaiah 66:4 "I will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not."

We also know that the Lord hardened Pharaohs heart, even when he knew he was in the wrong, he doubled down to go after the Israelites.

II Thessalonians 2:11 "And for this cause God shall send them a strong delusion, that they should believe a lie."

People who are on this side of the rapture still have time to put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as their saviour.  But once the saved and dead rise.  The Holy Spirit will be gone as a Satan suppressing presence.  He and he minions will have free reign, those left behind will fall into the most base element.  It will not be a good time to be alive.  Satan is the father of lies.

I will sit and think of all of this, search out the Scriptures references and write something up.  In the mean time, please know, ye must be born again.  Night.

(the picture is a google earth shot of Barb and I while traveling north towards Swift Current in August 2014).

Canadian Flag

 Took my flag down, needs maintenance.  Not flying freely. 

Melt Down

It is my hope to stay out of politics on this blog.  For some reason, our nations response to the C-19 threat has been turned into a political circus.  With some on both sides running around claiming to 'follow the science'.  Pretty apparent to me that most of the science presented is groomed to support whatever result is requested prior.

The government has declared the Emergency Measures Act in force, designed for use against insurrection and or invasion, against a moderate amount of trucks idling in downtown Ottawa.  There were some slow downs and even for a couple days some blockages on a bridge and two border crossings, which the police onsite cleared with no violence.

Our leadership (elected) who should be making every attempt to unite our nation, instead seem hell-bent to burn it all down.

It is not the first time those in leadership have lost control of the narrative and panicked in human history.

First time for my nation.  

Pray for our nation.  Pray for our elected leadership.  Pray for those in positions of influence.  Pray for those who have been living in fear for the past couple of years.  Pray for the people of Canada.

God bless.

Isaiah 46

8.  Remember this, and shew yourselves men: bring it again to mind, O ye transgressors.

9.  Remember the former things of old: for I am god, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,

12.  Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness:

13. I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.

A week

 Well.  It has been a very interesting week.

Found this picture from a group of pics, taken by a professional photographer in the city of Toronto earlier this week.  Are the truck fellows going to make a difference?  Is the government overreach going to back off?

Well I have no crystal ball.

The only thing I can see, from my reading of history.  Is there is a chance of our politicians and governing types to get in front of this and become hero's.  Absolutely, some are trying.  Unfortunately, I don't see it succeeding.

So far they (governing authorities) are doubling down, going all in on attempts to mislead, mislabel, verbally attack and maybe even use their policing agencies to take firmer steps.  We have seen corporate media step in with support, i.e. FB and other social media types blocking or suppressing posts and of course GoFundMe trying to rip off a few million bucks.

My fear is (though as a Bible believing Christian I have no fear in this, a phrase of expression is being used) that our governing class will try to push all of this under the rug, ignore it and eventually move on to the next restriction or burden on the underclass of our society.

And you know what?  They will get away with it, for awhile.

These kind of things (when you read history you can learn a lot, it doesn't repeat itself, but it does rhyme) have a tendency, when suppressed to fester.  You ignore the peaceful suggestion from your dogs growl to back off, over and over and eventually you get bit.  Usually much worse than expected by the history of your interactions with your puppy.

Crowds and populations can be the same.

And here's the other thing, reasonable people start the push back, but over time, fanatics take over.

All that aside, I know how the Book ends.  God is in control.  We are to be salt and light.  People on this earth are not my enemies, only Satan, and I only push back at him, as did the angel Michael, with the Word of God.

Pray for wisdom for our elected and appointed leaders and those in positions of power and influence.

Have a great day folks.  Stay strong.

Convoys and Reactions

Well as stated, I try to avoid politics.  This convoy for freedom stuff involves people I know and family.  Plus the military community I once served and stay in touch with.

The reaction by some has been completely over the top (I am not going to comment on the government reaction excepting to say that the former premier of NFLD is suing the government over what he says are violations of Canadians Human Rights, being one of the only still living signers of the Constitution and Charter of Rights, I will just leave that there).

I went and looked myself (both in person and online) and saw a cross-section of working class Canadians, of all colours, make ups and creeds.  More flags than I have ever seen.  Made me proud of my country.

What I don't understand is the reaction of folks that normally would not trust the media or government to tell the complete truth.  I mean, you can see the video of average Canadians and working families of all shapes, colours and sizes involved, yet some are saying it is a "racist" and "marginal" movement.

Ex-military folks completely triggered by the term "freedom", "convoy" or "warrior" being used.  Its not like any of the protests of the past couple of years those terms have not been used (well, in the case of convoy anyone over 50 remembers the song and CB radios).  Canadian military folks.  Normally well aware of the history of our governmental parties and media have treated and maligned groups of soldiers  and minorities in the past.  It is not exactly a new feature for the military to be tossed aside in Canada when their usefulness has been expended.

Why is it?  Why the overreaction?  Well, one can wonder if maybe it is because the vaccines are not working.  I mean, it is pretty obvious.  The variants have spread everywhere, the countries with the highest vax rates and restrictions are doing the worst (not that anyone is doing that well, but when you keep doing the same thing expecting a different result...?).  

Everybody stepped up to take them with the understanding that when we reached whatever number 70-80-90% (the ever sliding bar) we would be free and get back to our lives.  Of course it hasn't happened.  I don't think it will ever happen.  C-19 variants are here to stay.  But it doesn't explain the anger.  

Not sure if I know why.   Have a great day, On Purpose.

God is in control. 

Been Sick

Came down with what seemed like a flu bug on the 13th.  It held me in its grip until pretty much Saturday.  Yesterday and today I am just tired.   Longest flu I've ever had, went through all of the 'flu-like' symptoms (I won't go into the gory details, lets just say I had them all).

Hopefully it is done with.  I didn't go get a C-19 test as honestly I cannot see the point.  If it was covid type flu then I'm through it, good.  If it wasn't covid, so what?  You get sick you stay home.  For the life of me I cannot see the fear mongering and push for people to self-test.  What exactly are you accomplishing by 'knowing' (and even that is questionable, as it only shows you have the c-19 strain, not that you 'have' c-19) that your sickness was covid?

Look, I understand with the travel restrictions, you may not be able to fly if you have a positive test.  So, why get the test?  It strikes me as an almost religious zeal to show how righteous you are.  The latest is that you are somehow 'selfish' if you choose not to get the shots, or don't wish to share your personal medical information.  It almost reeks of desperation.

I know, there are many who would disagree with me.  You do you.  You think you should have the latest booster or whatever, do so.  You think you're good, good for you.

Well, it doesn't matter.  If you're sick, stay home. 

Wisdom

The Book of Proverbs is known in many Christian circles as The Book of Wisdom.  Proverbs was written by inspiration of the Lord through King Solomon to his son(s).   A man recording lessons learned for the next generation(s).  If you have read the Old Testament, The 1st Book of Kings Chapter 3 verses 5 through 12, states that God "I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee."

The Holy Bible states that Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived.  Accepting the fact those who believe not may question this, but a slight reminder.  The Israel of ancient times is well supported by the archeological findings.

This section of The Word is followed by one of the most well-known sections, verses 16 through 27, the decision to divide the child between the two women.  The woman were harlots (would have been outcasts in the society outside of their method of providing for themselves).  They both were new mothers and one child had died in the night.  This is followed by the bold statement in Chapter 4 verse 29 "And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore."  I am sure all who read this are aware of his decision to root out who was the mother.  If not, read I Kings 3:16-27;

The first couple of Chapters of Kings cover the early years of Solomon's reign as king of the joint nation of Judah and Israel, he acted on this wisdom.  Even the Queen of Sheba is related as traveling to Jerusalem to seek out this knowledge.

We see in the last Chapter covering his life and kingship (Chapter 11) that he was tripped up by his physical desires / lusts or even just his political decisions (marriage historically is a political decision at this level of international relations).  "But king Solomon loved many strange women", "For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods:"  He turned away from God. 

Rehoboam took over from Solomon as king, first of Judah and Israel, but quickly the nation descended into civil war.  Ending with the separation of Israel under Jeroboam (a son of Nabat, a servant of Solomon) in an alliance with Egypt who "lifted up his hand against the king." 

The wisest man who ever lived.  Left his nation over to a vain young man, with his household in open rebellion.  How can this be?

Well, we can learn from another king, when Saul forgot how little he was, he turned against God, who had given him the kingdom (1st Samuel 15:17) and now gave it to David.  Saul turned away from God, unrepentively, and God turned away from Saul.  Note that David greiviously sinned against God, but was repentive.  The results of his sin(s) did not go away however.

Many principals The Word lays out for us.  That we can chose to follow or ignore.  The words of a book Proverbs, authored by God but the penmanship was of a father to his son, is I believe, one of the most important books in the Bible for us and our interaction with this world.

Proverbs 4:5  Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.  

4:7  Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.  

16:16  How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!  

17:16  Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?

A wise man, who ignored or forgot the wisdom he had, lured by the delights of this world.  Yet, to his claim is the books that he surrendered to the heavenly Father and penned.

Have a great day, On Purpose!

The Old Cow Man

 I rode across a valley range
I hadn't seen for years.
The trail was all so spoilt and strange
It nearly fetched the tears.
I had to let ten fences down
(The fussy lanes ran wrong)
And each new line would make me frown
And hum a mournin' song.

Oh, it's squeak! squeak! squeak!
Hear 'em stretchin' of the wire!
The nester brand is on the land;
I reckon I'll retire,
While progress toots her brassy horn
And makes her motor buzz,
I thank the Lord I wasn't born
No later than I was. 

'Twas good to live when all the sod,
Without no fence or fuss,
Belonged in partnership to God,
The Gover'ment and us.
With skyline bounds from east to west
And room to go and come,
I loved my fellow man the best
When he was scattered some. 

Oh, it's squeak! squeak! squeak!
Close and closer cramps the wire.
There's hardly any place to back away
And call a man a liar.
Their house has locks on every door;
Their land is in a crate.
These ain't the plains of God no more,
They're only real estate. 

There's land where yet no ditchers dig
Nor cranks experiment;
It's only lovely, free and big
And isn't worth a cent.
I pray that them who come to spoil
May wait till I am dead
Before they foul that blessed soil
With fence and cabbage head. 

Yet it's squeak! squeak! squeak!
Far and farther crawls the wire.
To crowd and pinch another inch
Is all their heart's desire.
The word is overstocked with men
And some will see the day
When each must keep his little pen,
But I'll be far away. 

When my old soul hunts range and rest
Beyond the last divide,
Just plant me in some stretch of West
That's sunny, lone and wide.
Let cattle rub my tombstone down
And coyotes mourn their kin,
Let hawses paw and tromp the moun'
But don't you fence it in! 

Oh it's squeak! squeak! squeak!
And they pen the land with wire.
They figure fence and copper cents
Where we laughed 'round the fire.
Job cussed his birthday, night and morn,
In his old land of Uz,
But I'm just glad I wasn't born
no later than I was!

Badger Clark Jr.

B-A-P-T-I-S-T-S

 Over the years (I have been saved over two decades) I have seen several different versions of this acrostic (I think that is correct word).

I have seen one or two versions that I believe are bordering on hearsay or unbiblical.  There are others, that though they don't line up completely with this version, I think just have the emphasis at different points.

It is a simple way to decide or demonstrate where you stand.  It uses Baptist as its word, but the meaning is Christian.

I prefer this version best, as I believe it is in order, from higher to lessor (though not of any less importance in the Christian walk).

B - Biblical Authority: our final authority in deciding any matter is the Holy Bible (in the English language preserved through the Authorized Version, sometimes known as the King James).

A - Autonomy of the Local Church: each Church family is solely a self authorizing organization accountable to Jesus Christ alone.  No bishops, popes, conventions have the right to dictate to a local body of believers.  This does not exclude alliances for Christian works, missions etc, but these must be monitored Biblically to ensure the Church is not drawn into an unholy relationship.

P - Priesthood of Believers: every Christian is a priest, free to approach God directly through the work of the Chief Priest Jesus Christ.  There is no need to go through any man/woman to approach God.  No popes, no confessionals staffed by a man.

T - Two Church Offices: the local body of believers is governed by two offices only.  Pastors and Deacons.  Pastors are chosen by God and accepted by the Church family, to act as shepherds following the Over Shepherd Jesus Christ ("follow me as I follow Christ").  Deacons are chosen from within the Church family to act a servants to the body ("it is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables").  Note: this does not stop a Church body from appointing staff (secretaries, administrative etc) but those are not scripturally outlined and at no time supersede the biblical positions.  All Church staff should follow as applicable the pastoral epistles in regards to Church leadership (i.e. no divorcees in Sunday school class teachers or Trusties governing buildings etc).

I - Individual Soul Liberty: each believer is solely accountable to Jesus Christ for how their understand and live out the Christian life.  No one can claim at the Bema Seat Judgement that they were following direction of some man/woman/order.  Every Christian needs to search the Scriptures to see if it is so.  To challenge the spirits.  This does not preclude seeking Biblical advice, yet the individual is responsible for their steps.

S - Saved, baptized Church membership: to be a member of a local body of believers, you must be saved.  The first step of obedience to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is baptism by immersion.  A believer cannot be a legitimate member of a Church unless baptized (though this would not effect their salvation), and a person to whom someone has 'baptized' (infant baptism or such like) but who does not have a personal belief nor been saved by their knowledge of Jesus Christ cannot be a legitimate member of a Church of believers.

T - Two Church Ordinances: the local Church is commanded by Jesus Christ to be baptized by immersion after belief.  Also, for the body of believers is the Lords Supper to be a remembrance of what has been done.

S - Separation of Church and State: the government has no say in how a Church body of believers administrates or seeks out their worship, part and parcel, no Church body dictates to a government how they are to govern.  No State Churches.  Government stops before the pulpit.

Each one of these could fill reams of paper going into the fine details with the supporting Biblical references.  Many folks died so that these principals could be passed down to us.  

I hope this was of some use.  Have a great day!  Serve God.