"It was He that gave some to be Pastors." Eph 4:11




Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Behold I Stand at The Door and Knock!

Revelations 3:20 says, "Behold I stand at the door and Knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." 
I am surprised at how distant some people are from God. I mean they really do not know Him. I'm also surprised at how many people are clueless about what God's desires are for there lives. It's something that every person should consider. 
     In my house, we have a beautiful wall hanging above the fireplace mantle that says,"Christ is the HEAD of this home, the unseen guest in every room." That's it and that's that! that is how we live our lives, God as  the Head. He has lead my family into wonderful places, literally to the other side of the equator.  we've made  wonderful friendships and have experienced exotic cultures.
     When difficult and dark times have come (and they have come) God has never abandon his position as Head and Leader.  He has always lead us through and brought us out on the other side unharmed.  Yes! it has cost us friendships, we've had to say no to things that we've wanted to do. We have made decisions that many haven't understood. For example, packing up the family and leaving the country. well....that's OK, because it's been worth the experience TO KNOW GOD AND HIS WILL!  That has been and always will be the supreme goal of  our lives.
     I know  that one day soon, when this life is over, we will stand before God approved.  And I also know that no matter what dangers lie ahead for my family, God will be there as the Captain and Head of our lives.  And that my Friend brings me Great comfort and joy into  the depth of my soul! 
     Today, if your distant with God, the next time He knocks at the door of your heart, let Him come in. Let Him sit as the Captain of your ship. I promise you this, You will be Glad you did!  Until my next post, listen for His knock. 

In God's Love and Mine - Pastor Rick

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Prophetic Insights into Egypt and The Middle East Crisis

When the people of Tunisia broke out into a revolt against the harsh treatment of their government, this had a domino effect throughtout the Middle East and sparked other revolts in Jordan, Libya, Algeria, Yemen, Albania, Lebanon, and most recently Egypt.
The Muslim Brotherhood, a powerful and radical Islamic group, that is highly organized and financed, has capitalized on these “social” revolts and have turned them into “political” revolts.  This has the potential to create government shifts in the entire Middle East region by replacing the older regimes of these nations with much more radical Islamic regimes. 
The Muslim Brotherhood is attempting to install The Sharia Law. This would have devastating implications for Israel and America.  Sharia law states, “ Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold forbidden that which hath been for-bidden by Allah and His Messenger,  (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizyah (holy tax) with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.
"I call you to God and to Islam. If you respond to the call, then you are Muslims: You obtain the benefits they enjoy and take up the responsibilities they bear. If you refuse, then you must pay the jizyah. If you refuse the jizyah, I will bring against you tribes of people who are more eager for death (suicide bombers) than you are for life. We will then fight you until God decides between us." If they refuse this, it is the sword without leniency. Fear God with regard to what you have been entrusted.
Egypt and Jordan both have signed peace treaties with Israel. If Mubarak’s government is overthrown and replaced with Sharia law and if Jordan is also toppled, these treaties will be abolished and the nation of Israel will stand alone.  Plus, It will now be completely surrounded by pro-Palestinian Governments, the West Bank in the North, Jordan in the East, Gaza in the West and Egypt in the South.   
The Israeli Army Chief of Staff, Ashkenazi warned about the growing radicalization in the region. He said today (2/8/11),  “Given the recent changes across the Middle East, Israel must prepare for an all-out war with battles in several theaters.”
My biggest concern is for America. This is the first time in the history of our nation that a U.S. President has taken an anti-Israeli/pro Palestinian stance. President Obama has continued this posturing throughout the Egyptian crisis as well. That to me is mind boggling. Other than maybe Jordan, Egypt is the only true Arab ally Israel has left in the region.
God said, “I will bless those who bless you (Israel) and I will curse those who curse you.”  I fear for the safety of America if we don’t continue to stand with the “Apple of
God’s Eye.”  In studying end time events, we know that the kings of the North (Russia), South (Egypt) and the kings of the East (China) will form an unholy alliance against Israel.  Wow!! We are closer to that possibility than ever!  Let’s obey the scriptural mandate to, “pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” She needs it more than ever! These are exciting times for sure, but they are also dangerous times.  Let me encourage you with the last few words of Jesus Christ.  “When you see all these things come to past, look up for your redemption draws nigh.”  The end of all things is truly at hand. And we
who are looking for His appearing will soon be with Him in eternity forever.  Until my next blog, keep praying for Israel.
In God’s Love and Mine – Pastor Rick