Friday, September 19, 2014

Welcome to crazy


What if twenty years ago—no, ten—what if ten years ago, I told you…

• Christians would be told to convert to Islam or be killed—by beheading.

• Beheadings would be televised for the world to watch.

• All references to Christianity—such as crosses—would be removed from all military chapels around the world

• It would be against regulation for Chaplains to pray to Jesus

• American schools would punish children who expressed Christian beliefs

• Christian Bible and Prayer groups on government property would be deemed illegal

• Citizens would be brought to trial for showing favor toward Christianity

• Muslim religion would be favored, funded and promoted in America—any speech against it would be considered a chargeable offense.

• Basic Bible teachings would be considered ‘hate speech’

• Abortion would not only be legal but encouraged and funded by the American government

• Same sex marriage would be legalized and celebrated—in America

• Marijuana would be legalized—in America

And what if I said the most powerful dictator, man, office would be held by one who quoted from the Quran and called it Holy. He would be soft toward Islamic Terrorists—the ones who behead Christians in the name of Allah—by holding back the American military. He would ignore the constitution and order the government to take over health care and a majority of the commercial industry of the United States economy. He would remove all Bible references from Christian Holidays and declare America to no longer be a Christian nation.

And just to make it interesting what if I told you this world leader would have a name that rhymed in part with American enemy number one Osama, and was identical in part to American enemy number two, Hussein. What if I said his birthplace would be of questionable origin…and even still, he would be elected to office—twice?

If I’d told you all those things ten years ago—you’d have said I was crazy.

I’d have said I was crazy.


Welcome to crazy.


But wait…there’s more. Don’t be discouraged (yeah, right—I heard that). Seriously, there is hope. There is cause for joy. There is reason to smile. Why? Because, even though it seems like the world is on a downward out-of-control spiral—it’s not.

And the answer is not far from you.

“I AM the way the Truth and the Life, no man comes unto the Father but by Me.” Jesus Christ said that. He wants us to know, that even though… Yes Virginia, there is a satanic causeHe has already defeated it.

Jesus says to you and me, today, right now, I AM the way. I have overcome. You will have tribulation, but be of good cheer for I’ve got this. Hold fast to the Winner and you win.

He prayed for us while He walked this dirt in His earth suit of flesh-and-blood. He said: “And this is the way to have eternal life--to know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one You sent to earth” (John 17:3).

The way may be hard. But it’s not complicated. He is not trying to hide—neither should HIS followers.

This little light of mine I’m gonna let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel—NO.

I’m gonna let it shine…

Won’t let satan—poof it out

I’m gonna let it shine

Let it shine

Let it shine…


Christianity is not religion

It’s relationship. Jesus Christ is God’s credit to our debit. Jesus Christ is God’s divine door into our world to show us the way back into His.

Christians are being duped by this I don’t wanna offend anybody nonsense. Nowhere did Jesus ever say, ‘thou shalt not offend.’ He did however say, “I’ve not come to bring peace, but a sword.” (Matthew 10:34) Hmmm…sounds like something on the news these days. Swords brought to Christians necks.


Stop whining like whipped pups. I’m tired of hearing well meaning Christians say: “We just want to be treated equal like all the other religions.” Christians are not like all other religions. Christianity is a relationship out of obedience to the BOSS. The Creator of the world said, “Thou shalt love the LORD thy God.” Period. We don’t really have a choice. We don’t have any rights in the matter. Obey or disobey. The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof. It’s HIS planet.


Don’t take off His ring

What if I said to a married person: “Stop wearing your wedding ring because I don’t like your spouse. As a matter of fact I don’t believe your spouse exists…and it offends me that you’d wear such a ring.”

Would you obey me and stop wearing your ring? Or would you tell me to take a long walk on a short dock? Well, Christians are taking off their rings when they kowtow to those who claim to be offended by Christianity.

Make no mistake, the attack is not against Christianity as a religion—it is an attack against Jesus. And He takes it personal. “Why are you persecuting Me.” He says, (Acts 26:14).

Listen…can you see Him watching? Can you hear Him pleading? “Don’t take off My ring.”




What should we do?

There is a right and wrong, black and white, and good and evil. No matter what the world declares.

Restaurant owners, if you want to offer discounts at your cafe to those who pray, do it. Period. Don’t consider the outcome because considering consequences causes confusion.

When some atheist threatens to take you to trial? Do it more. Post their names by the cash register and offer discounts to anyone who will say a prayer for them. Rejoice that you are counted worthy to be persecuted for the cause of Christ. And no matter what, no matter how bad or scary it looks—don’t take off His ring.

Chaplains, if you want to pray to Jesus, then pray. Open the windows as Daniel did and pray loud pray strong and know that Jesus will shut the mouths of the lions. And come what may—don’t take off His ring.

Soldiers carry your Bible proud, say your prayers loud, know the Commander of the commander in chief is with you…and never ever take off His ring.

Students if you want to carry your Bible or wear your cross or let your friends know that you stand with Jesus then don’t be ashamed, don’t be afraid, you are not alone, God is on your side and no matter how much they ridicule don’t ever, not ever take off His ring.

Preachers cry loud spare not and do not compromise His Word. When they slander you for hate speech, when they threaten to shut you down don’t waver, stand strong and know your God is mighty to save and whatever you do—don’t even think about taking off His ring.


Get it right in heaven.

Get it right with God by praying right now. Don’t wait. Pray right now. You don’t have to kneel or start talking in King James English—or even talk out loud for that matter. Just surrender to God. Ask Him to help you live your life for Him. And follow through by getting to know Him. That’s all He wants—for you to know Him. Not on your terms either. It’s not your relationship with the ‘big guy upstairs.’ No. It’s His way. You can learn about Him by spending time in prayer and by studying His love letter (The Holy Bible) and obeying it which includes investing time with His family; that means sinking roots in a good Bible believing church. That’s it.

It’s a guarantee when you get it right with God the crazy world will still look crazy, but it won’t look so scary. Because you’ll be able to look through the eyes of the ONE who sees the big picture. The eyes of love. They eyes of a happy ending.


Get it right at home

Terrorists are teaching, via internet, ‘random acts of violence.’ They distorted that from a Christian practice of ‘random acts of kindness.’

When John the Baptist was asked, “What should we do?” John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.” Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked, “Teacher, what should we do?” He replied, “Collect no more taxes than the government requires.” “What should we do?” asked some soldiers. John replied, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.” (Luke 3:10-14)

Jesus went about doing good.

A sermon is best heard through a life at home rather a preachers microphone.

Doing good wins. Overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).


The B-I-B-L-E yes that’s the book for me

I stand alone on the word of God the B-I-B-L-E. Do you remember singing that in Sunday School?

I’ve heard president Obama quote the Quran and call it “The Holy Quran.” He may believe that, and multitudes do.

I have a limited amount of training regarding Islam, but without any study of the religion I can say without any shadow of a doubt the following:

God gave us Himself in the flesh of Jesus Christ His Son. And in His written word by inspiring forty different authors over about two-thousand years to pen His words in sixty-six books we call, The Holy Bible.

The Holy Bible is the only book on earth that has ever and will ever hold the title of being “Holy.” Period.

The Holy Bible has been the best seller of all times. That in itself is a miracle and an undeniable proof and introduction to The God of all creation. I don’t have to be an expert to know this to be true. I only have to know The Author. And I do.


Can’t you see the king is naked?

Stop pretending.

Political correctness calls good evil and evil good. Fear of offending has blinded the world to an evil run rampant. The terrorists that plague our world are masters at deception as their god is the father of lies. The names change from day to day but they all have the same master—the devil. That’s spelled: d-EVIL. We’ve clothed our enemy with names like terrorist, Islam, Muslim or government and have become blind to the naked truth.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

It’s past time to remove the blinders and call a spade a spade.


master of disguise

There are folks who associate with evil entities and yet they want to do good and right—they believe they are on the side of good. The devil disguises himself as an angel of light and only those who know the True Light, Jesus Christ, will recognize a counterfeit.

There’s good and bad in every breed and brand. We must not judge a person as evil simply because they appear to belong to an organization manipulated by evil. Many are simply deceived. And then again, we can’t believe a person is right and good just because they put on a suit and tie and give a pretty speech.

How can people inside an evil organization want to be good? And how do we handle it?

A relationship with Jesus makes the answer to this question clear. Every person on this planet has been created in the image of God with a built in compass that knows right from wrong. Even terrorists.

God doesn’t look on the outward appearance, but on the heart. We are to imitate Him.

That Muslim family that moved into your neighborhood? God loves them. They may want to chop your head off—or they may be searching for Love in all the wrong places.

I’m glad God keeps it simple. I don’t have to figure out someone else’s heart issues—that’s His job. I just have to know Him. God is love. Go and do likewise.

Now, if you think love means being a door mat to be walked on, you haven't been paying attention and you don't know the meaning of love. Love doesn’t ask permission. It just does love.


Do love like this:

Get right with God by knowing Him, His Word and His people.

Do right, don’t ask permission and don’t back down.

And no matter what…never ever take off His ring.

~

2 comments:

caryjo said...

Doug, you just exactly grabbed my heart with what I've been struggling with in our world for some time now, and increasing. AND part of the problem I go through is b/c many people I know are accepting much of what has been placed around and about which isn't focusing on the Word or what the Lord has said before and how to take a solid stand. Loving and caring for people, YES; agreeing with their sinfulness that is entering our world very acceptable, NO. I can love people, but not agree with some of their readjustments that are buried in. I was significantly turned from sinfulness to Him. I was a rotten sinner before the Lord broke into my life officially on April 15, 1966, at the age of 20.

Anyhow, sorry to yammer so long, but this just grabbed my heart NOW, as I mentioned at the beginning. I was talking about some of this info with my husband a couple hours ago. And now I saw this, and it fits right into what we were talking about and sharing about.

Thanks much!2239

Doug Spurling said...

Thanks Caryjo, nice to hear from you. Out at our camper we don't have much for television service and it's easy to lose touch with what was going on in the world. But the last couple weeks we spent with my dad and there was a televison in every room and I was overwhelmed with what was happening. I guess this post was the result.

The sad thing to me is that none of the hurt is necessary...at all. Jesus has made such a perfect way for every person on the planet to follow. In less than a minute every man woman boy and girl could change their heart and change the world.

Just like that.

We can pray. Live right. And never back down or let go of His hand. In that perhaps we will make a difference in our world.

Thanks again my friend,

God's best to you and yours.