EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS -- SOMEWHAT

 

By James Wilson

 

            I have nothing but the highest respect for storytellers.  I am one myself.  The film, Exodus: Gods and Kings, develops an interesting premise. It depicts Moses as a dedicated atheist who is unmasked as a closet Jew and himself shocked to discover his real origins.  He is exiled after attempts made on his life by Pharoah; upon his return from the burning bush and a boy representing God he leads an insurgency.  Failure moves him to let God free his people.  God wins in the end and Moses comes to faith.  He exhorts his people to live on faith alone hereafter.  My problem is it is only a story, and a stolen one at that.

 

            Storytellers should let imagination soar anywhere it wants to go.  But to take an existing story, recast it to suit ones’ prejudices, and palm it off as the authentic version is both fraudulent and arrogant.  The result is usually sub-par on multiple levels.

 

            Exodus defies logic when it depicts the Hebrew people as having the faith Moses lacks; their collective witness leads their leader to recognize God and to follow Him.  Liberation movements have never worked that way and – of course – the authentic story in Scripture has it the other way around – the way it would have to be to work.  Pharoah’s repeated attempts to kill Moses while negotiating with this man he believes invincible make no sense and – of course – the real story expresses Pharoah’s impotent rage, fueled by fear of a man clearly backed by a mighty God.  The film defies common sense when the unbelieving Moses offers unquestioning acceptance and grudging obedience to a vindictive little boy who claims to be an incarnation of the very God in whom Moses does not believe.

 

            Ridley Scott justifies his abuse of scripture in an interview prior to release.  He says only an atheist can storybook God objectively; atheists alone insist on a story that works.  Why someone ignorant of God is less biased than a person who knows Him personally is beyond me.  But Scott’s ignorance explains the cruel hatred of this God toward the Egyptians who displease Him.  The Bible account – rooted in personal relationship with God – declares God’s desire to save even the Egyptians if they but humble themselves.

 

            His objectivity falls flat again as we see the whole conflict beginning.  Pharoah – who with Moses believes they are brothers at the  outset – unquestioningly believes the corrupt official that Moses is Hebrew.  His hostility is rooted in a prophecy by an Egyptian priestess he scorns that the one saving his life in battle will one day usurp his throne.  When Moses saves his life in battle it is all over but the shouting.  Really?  This “objective” story does not work.

 

            Truth to tell, the Bible’s rendition of the story works quite well on every level.  We find a man raised as Egyptian royalty due to the intervention of a daughter to the older Pharoah – everybody knows where he comes from but he is treated as an exception so long as he lives as an exception.  Schooled in the arrogance of ancient aristocracy he expects to be welcomed as a liberator after killing an Egyptian he sees mistreating a Hebrew.  When the people do not bow to him and he fears exposure into the bargain he flees into the desert.  Arriving in Midian he takes a wife and settles down to raising his family and his flock of sheep.  Shocked by an encounter with God in a burning bush that will not consume itself, he finds every excuse he can to avoid the calling from God on his life.  With help from his brother, Aaron, to compensate for his speech impediment he returns to Egypt, warns Pharoah repeatedly to let his people go before each plague comes, and ultimately delivers the Ten Commandments to the people in the face of their idolatry in the Sinai Desert.  Frankly, it is a much more coherent story than the knockoff we are offered by Ridley Scott.  It depicts God as He is – loving and committed to sinners.

 

            I am not telling anyone to see or ignore this movie.  It has its points and it is reasonably good entertainment.  There is even reason to wonder if Moses – in the gradual relaxation of his militant atheism and journey to a clearly reality-based faith – is a kind of surrogate for the producer/director’s own search for the really real.  But whether readers see the film or not, read the real story.  Compare it to the knockoff.  Think on it.  Pray on it.  There is pure gold in the real thing.             

 

James A. Wilson is the author of Living As Ambassadors of Relationships and The Holy Spirit and the End Times – available at local bookstores or by e-mailing him at

praynorthstate@charter.net

THE REAL REASON FOR THE SEASON

 

By James Wilson

 

            As I write this it is raining throughout California.  Everybody knows the drought is set to continue for another two to three years, yet my region alone has seen three and a half times the rainfall of last year at this time.  That does not mean the drought is over; it will take a year of this rain plus plenty of snowfall to make up for what is lost.  It does mean our Sovereign God loves His people and shows mercy even as He continues to call us to turn back to Him and away from the solutions to our problems that have brought nothing but riots in Ferguson and chaos at our borders.

 

            Yes the riots and the chaos – and the underemployment crisis, the politically-correct-thought-police, lawless government officials riding roughshod – and all the other factors bringing hopelessness to our land are the fruit of people like us doing the best we can without reference to a King Who is the Best we’ll ever have.  Repentance is simply re-focus of our attention on this King – not beating ourselves up – unless admitting we are not the hot stuff we think ourselves to be is beating ourselves up.

 

            Christmas is coming and it has a meaning.  It is not the meaning most of us – including most Christians – ascribe to it.  It is not about peace – although peace is a Christmas consequence – unless we understand the peace that passes all understanding is derived from God’s decision to send His Son into the world as the bearer of abundant life (John 1:10-14) for all who engage with Him.  It is not about joy to the world – that too is a consequence – unless we get it that His service and worship is the sole path (Luke 2:8-16) to that joy.  And it is not about re-uniting families or being generous or even about forgiveness – these are all consequential blessings of Christmas – until we permit ourselves to be empowered by this inconceivable personality as Joseph was (Matthew 1:18-25) and we (Matthew 28:16-20) are called to be.  The whole story is unimaginable to adult minds (Matthew 18:2-5) and perfectly reasonable to children.  These outlandish claims are made in a book that has never been found in error. 

 

            More “scientific” disciplines – like paleontology – struggle to even name the dinosaurs; was that a Brontosaurus or Apatosaurus (?), while others – like medicine – change their tune from one decade to another about whether mothers’ milk or formula is best for babies.  Science thought the earth was flat until the late Middle Ages and only discovered that winds come in cyclonic patterns around 1840.  The Bible has been perfectly consistent about a rounded earth and the atmospheric cleansing properties of cyclonic winds since the first scroll was written.

 

            Jesus is the only reason for this season.  Turning to serve Him – and away from self-service – is the sole path to all the peace, joy, and restoration we need.  It begins not with thought but with vision, as all really important pursuits begin.  Reason and application come later, but vision is the irreducible first thing.

 

            It required the application of science and the resources of a can-do nation to put men on the moon four decades ago, but it was animator and visionary Walt Disney whose vision inspired and motivated the Apollo moonships and their crews.  His 1955 animated series, Man in Space, set two generations afire with the vision of humankind bursting the bonds of this earth.  John Kennedy’s speech committing America to the moon was itself the product of this vision cast by a cartoonist and film producer.

 

            As it was with Disney, so Jesus Christ – from His Christmas genesis as a human baby – squalling at the mercy of humankind in a manger – to His Easter resurrection as the God-Man Who gave Himself to death for us – is the vision incarnate Who inspires our peace, our joy, and our generosity.  But unlike Disney, Jesus is as much the enabler and creator and perfecter of peace, joy, and generosity as He is the inspiration for them. 

 

When we Christians say only repentance – re-focus – on Jesus can give authenticity to a supposed spirit of Christmas we are not trying to be a downer to more secular celebrations.  We are simply saying, “If you want more than the shadow life you can give yourself, if you want something deeper than an empty champagne bottle, go to the Source instead of settling for a substitute.  Of course there is accountability along with it.  Like gravity, accountability enables the journey that is impossible without our feet navigating solid ground.  St. Nicholas – the real one – understands this well.”             

 

James A. Wilson is the author of Living As Ambassadors of Relationships and The Holy Spirit and the End Times – available at local bookstores or by e-mailing him at

praynorthstate@charter.net

FREEDOM FOR PALESTINIANS -- TRADING TRUTH FOR LIES

 

By James Wilson

 

            The well known promise of God for Israel is expressed in Genesis 12:3.  The Father of Father Abraham says his children will be numbered as the grains of sand and the stars in the sky.  He says any who bless Israel will themselves be blessed beyond imagining and any who curse Israel will be cursed beyond thought.  Cursing is as much to reject or abandon as it is to attack.  In other words, those who ignore Israel’s status as the firstborn of God are in for some serious ignoring by God when the chips are down.  Jesus Himself declares of those who say they know Him but have ignored His will, “Go away from me; I never knew you.”

 

I noticed a photo on the internet the other day of Pope Francis stopped before a wall in Bethlehem.  The wall held scrawled graffiti calling for the liberation of Palestine.  I cannot know the heart of this Catholic Pope and so I cannot know whether he favors Palestinians or Israelis, or whether he naively believes peace is possible in the Middle East if both sides just agree to live in peace.  I do know that I too long for the liberation of the Palestinian people, and I know there is no authentic liberation possible while so many believe the hate soaked lies Palestinians are fed by their leaders.

 

Israel herself bought the lie in 2005 – under pressure from a gullible George Bush – that if the Palestinians were permitted to govern themselves peace would come.  Has life improved for Palestinians in Gaza since Israel handed over the land in 2005; has even one refugee camp closed?  How about the limited self-government Israel permits in the West Bank?  Any new status quo, or just more places for rocket launchers and riots?

 

            I know a few other things as well.  I know the Israelis have never launched terrorist attacks on their neighbors – civilian or military.  Palestinians are as free as Americans to shop in their bazaars and take their children to school or to play dates.  That all too many of their schools are filled with munitions and their homes rubble is due to deliberate choices of the Hamas government they elected.  Hamas used the concrete donated by Israel for housing and infrastructure to build tunnels for infiltration and murder.  Even so the Israelis give warnings by text, phone and leaflet before attacking these militarized neighborhoods.  It is Hamas who forbids families to flee under penalty of death, and Hamas that uses Palestinian children as shields for their soldiers. 

 

            Israel begged the Jordanian and Syrian citizens of her Arab population to stay and build with the Jews in 1947.  Some did, and they live well under Israel as full participants in government and culture; I have seen their high rise dwellings and their Mercedes and Audis.  Others answered the call of Jerusalem’s Nazified Grand Mufti and his armed thugs to leave, returning only to attack the civilian settlements of the Jews.  Hitler is dead, but his hatred lives in the heart of his satanic master and those who serve that master.  In five wars and multiple smaller military actions the Jews have bought space for their children to go to school and to play with their friends.  In 1967 they re-captured their ancient capital and much of their plundered lands while defending themselves against overwhelming aggression from five nations attempting their annihilation.  Even today Jews are stoned by Palestinians from above while they seek only to pray. 

 

In recent days Israelis are dragged from their cars and beaten to near death while the world press moans about the “innocent” Palestinians who are hurt or killed when Israel protects her own from their fanatical incursions.  A mother of five was attacked in her car with Molotov cocktails and rocks; light rail trains have been attacked and bombs hidden on highways.  Palestinians and Arabs are rioting in multiple towns and cities.  At least eleven Israelis are dead at Palestinian hands – five of them hacked to death while worshipping in their own Jerusalem synagogue.  Are Israelis attacking Palestinian and Arab civilians anywhere?  No; the provocation of “grave concern” – per America’s government – is that the Israelis dare to build housing projects in their own capitol city. 

 

The good news is there are decent Arabs – appreciative of what they have in Israel and of the standards of common decency – who saved at least one assault victim by protecting him from the mob until police arrived.  They would fear for their lives if they intervened in such an incident in Gaza or the West Bank.  Even in Jerusalem a number of Arabs have died in the recent violence, some killed by their own people when they intervened; others just caught in the crush.

 

The better news is there is one – only one, and it is ultimately inexorable – prospect for both peace and liberation.  “For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in His flesh the law…to create in Himself one new man out of the two…and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the Cross,” is how it comes across in Ephesians 2.

 

            I cannot forget the images – broadcast via television news nightly during the summer’s fighting in Gaza – of Palestinian children victimized as pawns by their own government while the world condemns Israel for defending her children.  I saw no photos of Israeli children made homeless by Hamas rockets – the media suppressed them – but I have names.  Avi and Leah; Shuki, Avital and Adi; Yoel and Laura; Arni and Yonit; Asher and Daniella – these are my friends who live in Israel showing grace and mercy wherever they can to people dedicated to their destruction.  Make no mistake; Israelis show up as fast as Americans to reconstruct and rescue the victims of disaster worldwide, even when the victims are their own sworn enemies.  I say to Pope Francis – and anyone else who is listening – I stand with you for the liberation of the Palestinians.

 

            But it must be authentic liberation.  It must be liberation through truth and a commitment to authentic justice for the people who remain the only bright spot of civilization in the Middle East.  And it must begin with the blessing of the children of Abraham through Isaac – if not for the sake of Genesis 12:3 then simply because it is the right thing to do.  Only then can we truly bless the children of Abraham through Ishmael.

 

James A. Wilson is the author of Living As Ambassadors of Relationships and The Holy Spirit and the End Times – available at local bookstores or by e-mailing him at

praynorthstate@charter.net

From Crisis to Crisis in Israel

Below is a first person account of the recent violence in Israel and Gaza written by a personal friend of mine and sent to me – the Rev. James Wilson – because he is my friend. Out of respect for both his privacy and security I will not use his real name.  We can call him Yitzak.  American born, he has devoted the last several decades of his life to living amongst and serving his birth people – the Israelis of Eretz Yisrael.

From Crisis to Crisis Here in Israel

Instead of trying to rehash events over the months since we sent out our last

newsletter, most of which you probably know about, I want instead to give

you some idea about how those events affected us and our fellow Israelis.

We hear so much about conflict and violence these days that I suspect we are

just about inoculated against feeling their impact emotionally. It isn’t that

way for us here in Israel. When the three young men were kidnapped last

summer and we didn’t know what had happened to them, banners appeared

on the sides of buses and on fences and barriers along the roads proclaiming

“BRING OUR BOYS BACK HOME!” When it was discovered that they had

been murdered shortly after their abduction we all mourned and felt

tremendous admiration for one of the mothers, originally an American, who

spoke with such courage, apparently without bitterness, about the death of

her son and his friends.

When the missiles and mortar shells began pouring down upon us from Gaza,

especially in the cities in the South of Israel, we all felt the horror of what it

was like for those of our fellow citizens who were constantly under the threat

of death and had virtually to live in bomb shelters for many hours. Here in

Jerusalem we only heard the warning sirens six times, letting us know we had

to go quickly to our shelters. We have our shelter right in our apartment and

each time we experienced God’s peace ruling in our hearts as we sat waiting

for the all-clear. When Operation Protective Edge began and our soldiers had

to go into Gaza, each time the deaths of those soldiers were reported most of

us felt as if one of our own sons had been killed. We knew of a number of

those who are Believers who were there, some the sons of friends, and we felt

the urgency to pray for their protection, even as we prayed for all of those

who were laying their lives on the line to halt the murderous attacks, both

from the missiles and from the tunnels which were discovered that Hamas

intended to use to attack and kidnap or kill our citizens. Our hearts were also

deeply affected when we learned that despite Israel’s efforts to warn and

protect the civilians in Gaza when we were prepared to strike targets among

them from which Hamas was either shooting their rockets or using in some

other way to support their attacks, that Hamas refused to let them flee and

were using them as human shields. At least among us as believers in Yeshua,

we cried out to the Lord to have mercy upon them and to free them from

such a callous regime. During those fifty days of conflict the Body of Messiah

here in Jerusalem gathered twice to intercede before the Lord and there were

other prayer gatherings throughout the Land among Believers.

After the cease fire came and our Prime Minister decided to withdraw the

troops, many of us felt that the task of destroying our enemy’s ability to rain

death upon us had not been completed. Even a number of the soldiers

expressed to the press that they were willing to go into Gaza and finish the

job. However, Prime Minister Netanyahu did not want to have many more of

our soldiers pay the terrible price that would have been required, and also

probably to see many more Arab civilians killed in the process. With much

sadness and disappointment we believe that we will in the near future face

another round of conflict with Hamas and its allies; very likely having to pay

an even greater price for the resumed conflict. It is hard to express the

dismay that we feel as we observed the worldwide demonstrations against

Israel as we were branded the offenders and the aggressors in the effort to

defend ourselves against those who have openly sworn to destroy us.

 As a number of national parliaments, especially in the European nations, are

voting to openly support a Palestinian State without negotiations of a peace

agreement with Israel, it seems as though we are seeing the beginnings of the

fulfillment of the ancient words of the Prophet Zechariah in 12:3, that “all

the nations of the earth” will be gathered against Jerusalem. And in the midst

of this gathering storm, with the whole region now aflame, with Israel being

singled out for accusation and blame, our present government has fallen and

new elections are set for next March 17th. While it seems that most Israelis

understand that the present coalition government, with its inner strife on the

part of some ministers, could not continue, it is disconcerting to the citizens to

face another election campaign after the present government was only in

power for twenty one months. For those of us who look to the Lord God of

Israel as the source of our hope, His promise to preserve and save us and to

defend us against our enemies (Zechariah 12:8-10) is the ray of hope that we

see shining through the descending darkness.

Threats and attacks have not only come in recent days from beyond our

borders. Within Jerusalem itself there have been violent demonstrations in

the eastern, predominantly Arab, neighborhoods. How shocked we were,

when added to the rock throwing and fire bombs, several Arabs drove their

vehicles into crowds waiting at bus and light rail stations killing several

people, including a three month old baby that was resting in a stroller near

her mother. When two Arab young men broke into a synagogue in a Jewish

neighborhood in western Jerusalem and with a hand gun and meat cleavers

brutally slaughtered four rabbis at early morning prayer and shot and killed

a policeman who bravely tried to intervene, fear gripped many hearts as the

realization came that the attacks were no longer confined, but were reaching

any area of the city chosen by the terrorist assailants. 

In Philippians 2:15 Paul reminds believers that they are to appear as lights in a crooked and perverse generation. Thus beyond the blessing of our eternal hope we are called to remember that we have a witness within us of the light of God’s life, even more so in the descending darkness. An African pastor recently

reminded us that diamonds are usually displayed against a black cloth so that

their brightness appears even greater. That is what we are called to

remember about how the Lord wants to display His life within us in the midst

of these present dark circumstances.

In Him,

Jim

A DECENT MAN NOT READY FOR PRIME TIME

 

By James Wilson

 

            Dr. Ben Carson has much to recommend him as a presidential prospect.  A black man from the Detroit ghetto, he overcame poverty and learning disability to become director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins.  He electrifies Americans with politically incorrect but compassion-laced addresses and books, including the speech he delivered at 2013’s National Prayer Breakfast while standing a few feet from another black leader – Barack Obama – whose positions are diametrically opposed to those held by Carson. 

 

He quotes himself in his book, One Nation, “The future of my grandchildren and everyone else’s is put in jeopardy by a continuation of reckless spending, godless government, and mean spirited attempts to silence critics…”  Mocked by critics as unintelligent because he calls evolution a faith, it occurs to this writer that if a neurosurgeon believes in divine creation it might be worth considering as science.  Aside from his obvious brilliance – he pioneered several lifesaving neuro-surgical techniques – he demonstrates courage, compassion, and abiding faith in God.  He is currently the only credible (possible) candidate for leadership of the nation to be so straightforward on the polarizing questions of our time.  But he is not ready for prime time.

 

  Axiomatic for Carson is his conviction that if liberals and conservatives would only dial back the flaming rhetoric and actually converse they would see they have common goals and discover common ways to achieve them.  This is true in principle and just as axiomatic for an ambassador of reconciliation like myself.  But equally realistic factors like self-righteousness, intellectual laziness, and that old lust for power can block that mutual goodwill which is pre-requisite for authentic reconciliation.

 

Theoretically it should be doable to negotiate a healthcare reform plan that actually addresses the abuses of insurance companies in bed with malpractice attorneys in bed with pharmaceutical companies in bed with medical technology concerns and recover a reasonably priced way to deliver healthcare.  It is called competition and it requires consumers to cross state lines to buy coverage they both want and need – and not be forced to purchase what they don’t.  Tom Price, doctor and congressman from Georgia, made a good try at this, but his plan was never seriously discussed because the power brokers of Obamacare were too busy ingratiating themselves with the very industries they were supposed to be reining in to do their homework or engage rational discussion.  Throw in the ideologues who desire power for its own sake and the prospects are grim at best.  Dr. Carson decries this status quo, but he does not seem to recognize the motivations.  The contending parties understand the situation perfectly, and they accept it  because it works for them.

 

In one discussion of gay marriage as a dividing issue he endorses civil unions as an alternative to actual marriage for gays.  He believes this will give traditional marriage advocates the boundary they seek while permitting gays to make the alternative arrangements they seek.  Yet he speaks in a book published in 2014.  There is virtually no place in 2014 America where civil unions are not available.  Unions are not what gays want.  And study after study – conducted in nations that have had gay marriage for years – document twin disasters for the practice.  Gay marriages rarely succeed.  Straight marriages suffer in their wake.  It is not about what we want to believe.  It is about ways in which human beings are hardwired whether we believe it or not.  And Carson is not being unintelligent here, but he is hopelessly naïve for a man who would lead a nation.

 

Carson has the courage to come out squarely for life at conception, traditional marriage, and a world created to reflect its creator.  He is proud to stand in deference to a Lord who trumpets these values in His Holy Word.  He rejects the “false unity of political correctness and submission,” to a secular power structure serving only itself.  He has faithfulness to hold for a “true unity that comes with liberty, justice, and (personal) responsibility.”  He has wisdom to see a world in which everybody can win if we actually seek authentic and reality-based reconciliation and enough realism to see “this unity doesn’t succeed without some conflict.”  He calls ordinary Americans to accept personal responsibility for it.

 

His naivete manifests in his failure to realize the leaders of both major parties and most major interest groups do not want this world he envisions.  The one we have suits them fine.  Ordinary Americans have not yet accepted their responsibilities under God.  And Dr. Carson stands as a beacon of decency who is really not ready for prime time.  Not yet, anyway.

 

James A. Wilson is the author of Living As Ambassadors of Relationships and The Holy Spirit and the End Times – available at local bookstores or by e-mailing him at

praynorthstate@charter.net

ANOTHER VETERAN VICTIMIZED BY THE VA

 

By James Wilson

 

            The trauma experienced by so many veterans at the Veteran’s Administration becomes at once more poignant and more outrageous when it blindsides someone you know.  Raphael fought in Afghanistan and was twice injured.  He made me promise to disguise his identity before giving permission to tell his story; his benefits could be eliminated by a vengeful bureaucrat.  He knows others who complained and paid. 

 

            Raphael’s story contains classified information.  Among other things he needs psychotherapy for his PTSD – post traumatic stress disorder.  Each time he requests therapy he is assigned a doctor who is not cleared to hear classified material.  The VA explains that it cannot afford enough docs with the requisite clearance to hear his story; if he talks to someone without clearance he risks life in prison. 

 

Raphael is 90% medically retired from the Service because of the injuries he sustained.  He worries that he is losing whatever muscle tone he still has, but if he works out – and is caught by VA authorities – he can lose all medical and financial benefits.  It is okay for him to be employed – as long as he does not work out or do anything else to put himself into physical condition for work and play.  His VA doc prescribes weekly chiropractic care because of the injuries to his back.  VA policy is one trip to the chiropractor every three months.  It is called Catch 22.

 

He lives about two hours from the nearest VA clinic; yet he can only get his medication at such a facility.  That means by the time he drives two hours, waits in line for two hours – picking up meds is not considered urgent – and drives home another two hours his day – whether working or off – is shot.  And sometimes the ordered meds have not yet arrived and he must return another day.  This is the price he pays for risking his life for his country on a foreign battlefield.  His country talks of honoring his sacrifice; plenty of Americans want to shake his hand and thank him for his service.  But this is the reality with which he and hundreds of thousands of vets live every day.

 

Promises were made when the scandal broke months ago; vets would be given vouchers for care VA clinics could not provide.  Despite launching of the “new” VA on Veterans’ Day not one vet has received a card.  Nothing in the re-organization mentions changing the policies that penalize Raphael.

 

I could blame the Administration.  There is no question things have gotten worse on Obama’s watch; his disdain for the military of which he is commander in chief is legendary.  But this dysfunction for which Raphael and his brothers and sisters pay every day goes back a long way.  I know a clinic director who was hounded from his job during the Bush Administration in retaliation for his constant complaints to higher ups in Washington.  And the nature of his belly aching?  He wanted adequate medical supplies – in stock – to serve those who depended on him and on his staff, and a mobile clinic for vets living in the rural areas of his region.  George Bush loved the members of our armed forces, and they loved him.  But he did not love them enough to crack down on the incompetent and the bean counters – and not enough to carry the horrific truth to the American public.

 

It is not too late.  What if we demanded of leaders a workable plan to overhaul the VA – beginning with the termination of every employee who has been part of the problem from the top down?  What if we demanded that plan include sufficient funding to pay the debt we owe our vets – from all wars?  What if we said, “Nuts!” to promises made by the leaders who break promises already made to vets?  And what if we voted only for leaders who are honest enough to admit there is not enough money for all things and the illegals who want drivers’ licenses and a college degree can go to the back of the line?  What if we hound those we place in office until they deliver – even if they did not promise?  The vets were here first and they deserve whatever they need.

 

Jesus said there are none more blessed than those who lay down their lives for their friends.  He refers literally to those who die in sacrifice, but every vet has sacrificed health, wealth, and many have damaged hearts and minds.  Americans have an opportunity to right a great injustice and bless as Jesus blesses.  Let’s stand tall and do it now.

 

James A. Wilson is the author of Living As Ambassadors of Relationships and The Holy Spirit and the End Times – available at local bookstores or by e-mailing him at

praynorthstate@charter.net

Correction

Dear friends,

Weeks ago I sent out an article on the issue of the coming false prophet. I stand for every word that I wrote. At the same time in introducing the article a graphic was used, however morphed, which was a poor choice. Some took this as singling out one leader in the Body of Christ, the current Pope.   That was a mistake on my part. It was not my intention to single out by the graphic introducing the article any person at this time to accuse him of being that false prophet.   Nothing in the text of the article says that.  I believe the jury is still out on leaders in the Body of Christ, including we who lead the National Day of Repentance.  We need to watch and be accountable for the teaching we receive, but we need also to be careful about judging the servant of another. May we continue to be on the alert for false prophets, as our Lord Jesus instructed us, Matthew 24: 11: “ Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.”

Thank you all for your comments.

In the spirit of admonition (Colossians 3:16), in the spirit of humble correction (2 timothy 2: 24-26) esteeming others better than myself (Philippians 2:3) there may come a time when I would write specifically about any leaders in the Body of Christ who appear based on their public statements to be missing the Truths of the gospel, following the path of a false prophet and tickling ears in an increasingly wicked world.  But that time is not today.  The task for today is for all of us to repent before the Lord for our own lapses and in identification with our brethren, praying for His grace, mercy and truth on all of us.

The text of the false prophet article is reprinted below.  May the text be more than an academic exercise; may it serve pragmatically as criteria to assess any false prophet residue in any one of us in the Body of Christ as we seek His Purity.

Here is the teaching again:

How can we recognize the Antichrist spirit that is raging all over the world right now?  One way is to realize that the devil is not the "opposite" of Christ...he is a false "mirror image" that sort of looks like a Christ figure but, just like a mirror image, is completely backwards.  At first glance into this "funhouse distorted mirror" you might initially see some small spark of recognition.  However, if you are not looking VERY, VERY carefully you could be fooled: For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. ~Matthew 24:24  Here are signs of the "False Jesus" image that is about to be presented forcefully to the Biblically illiterate world.  Sadly this false Jesus is loved by many professing Christians and by most of the wicked world.  Here are some of his attributes:  THE FALSE JESUS THAT EVERYONE LOVES - HE WILL ALLOW EVERYONE INTO HEAVEN. - HE CAME TO BRING PEACE, INSTEAD OF DIVISION. - HE DOESN'T REQUIRE OBEDIENCE. - HE DOESN'T REQUIRE HOLINESS. - HE ONLY PREACHES ON LOVE. - HE NEVER SAYS ANYTHING OFFENSIVE. - HE NEVER TELLS ANYONE THEY'RE WICKED. - HE DOESN'T REQUIRE REPENTANCE. - HE CALLS EVERYONE HIS CHILDREN. - HE WILL NOT SEND ANYONE TO HELL. - HE WANTS YOU TO DO YOUR OWN WILL. - HIS COMMANDMENTS ARE JUST SUGGESTIONS. IF YOU'RE FOLLOWING THIS FALSE JESUS, HIS REAL NAME IS SATAN. "For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light."  ~2 Corinthians 11:14 Look in the gospels and find the REAL Jesus! Amazingly...this new "religion" of Human Secularism actually even has its own 10 commandments to follow (easily found on the Internet): THE HUMANIST TEN COMMANDMENTS 1) Thou shalt strive to promote the greater good of humanity before all selfish desires. 2) Thou shalt be curious, for asking questions is the only way to find answers. 3) Harm to your fellow human is harm to humanity. Therefore, thou shalt not kill, rape, rob, or otherwise victimize anyone. 4) Thou shall treat all humans as equals, regardless of race, gender, age, creed, identity, orientation, physical ability, or status. 5) Thou shalt use reason as your guide. Science, knowledge, observation, and rational analysis are the best ways to determine any course of action. 6) Thou shalt not force your beliefs onto others, nor insist that yours be the only and correct way to live happily. 7) If thou dost govern, thou shalt govern with reason, not with superstition. Religion should have no place in any government which represents all people and beliefs. 8) Thou shalt act for the betterment of your fellow humans, and be, whenever possible, altruistic in your deeds. 9) Thou shalt be good to the Earth and its bounties, for without it, humankind is lost. 10) Thou shalt impart thy knowledge and wisdom gained in your lifetime to the next generation, so that with each passing century, humanity will grow wiser and more humane. If you read these 10 quickly...some of them actually sound "nice" and "good."   Just like Satan said to Eve:   "For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." ~Genesis 3:5 Each and every one of these "commandments" is an Antichrist command in complete opposition to what the Bible says.  However, it SOUNDS so reasonable and seductive, just like the snake.    Let's break them down ONE BY ONE:  #1)  This "greater good" commandment is the core root belief of Socialism, Marxism and all despots.  It has lead to the greatest human genocides in all of recorded history...especially Jews and Christians.   But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men." ~Acts 5:29 #2)  "Curiousity" is what landed Adam and Eve in trouble.  It caused the Rebellion of the entire world.  If you are truly "curious" about something...check the Bible for all your answers.   The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. ~Proverbs 9:10 #3)  Well...this one sounds great!  That is until you realize that the very same people who promote these commandments also believe in ABORTION ON DEMAND, EUTHANASIA and robbing the populace through taxation.  They also believe in the denigration of women by promoting profligate sex which subjugates and demeans them.   No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.   ~ Corinthians 11:14 #4)  Another one that sounds fantastic on the surface.  However...while people may all be equal...all LIFESTYLES are not equal.  Underneath this nice-sounding platitude you will find that secular humanists believe that a transgender should teach your child in the Christian schools and that Pastors should hand in their sermons if they speak against homosexuality.  What it really means is this:  all people are equal except those that hold Biblical beliefs.  We will be severely persecuted, according to this new religion.   NOTICE CAREFULLY THAT "RELIGION" HAS BEEN PURPOSEFULLY LEFT OUT OF THIS LIST!!!  RELIGION WILL NO LONGER BE A "PROTECTED CLASS" UNDER THIS NEW WORLD ORDER.  SEE #7 Commandment:  RELIGION IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN!  (Except, of course, The NEW religion of Human Secularism).   For even your brothers and the household of your father, Even they have dealt treacherously with you, Even they have cried aloud after you.  Do not believe them, although they may say nice things to you.  ~Jeremiah 12:6 #5)  This is a flat out unscriptural Satanic statement elevating man's "wisdom" over God's true Wisdom.  Here's God's view: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. ~Psalm 111:10 #6)  This is simply "Truth Relativity" in a false commandment package.  It basically says:  "There is no absolute Truth...all truth is relative."  If this is true, then EVERYTHING is false, because "truth" is whatever you believe it to be.  This is a root underpinning of complete and total lawlessness and anarchy.  A "true" (pardon the pun) hallmark of an AntiChrist spirit.   #7)  This is the age-old "age of reason" message.  America has been one of the bastions of freedom in the world that does not "force" it's religious beliefs on people.  However, "forcing" has now been watered down to mean ANY MENTION of God in the public square has to be banned.     "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: ~Isaiah 1:18 #8)  The Bible teaches us there is no such thing as a truly "altruistic" person without Christ in their hearts.  Here's what Jesus said about people: But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people.~John 2:24 Do we think we know better than Jesus?  That's called AUDACITY.   #9)  This is simply a pagan, "Mother Earth" doctrine that has been reworked to include the latest new fad "green religion" of Planet Worship.  The word "Earth" has replaced God.   They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen. ~ Romans 1:25    #10)  This is another TOWER OF BABEL.  What did God say about man "layering" new levels of man's "wisdom upon false wisdom."   But the Lord came down  to see the city and the tower the people were building. The Lord said, "If as one people speaking the same language  they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. ~Genesis 11: 5-6 Brace yourself...this "New World Order" has begun with a vengeance.  Followers of Jesus Christ will be labeled "Haters" and "Disturbers of the Peace."  Look for our upcoming posting on TRIBULATION.    "Go now and leave your life of sin." ~ Jesus (John 8:11) The Good News is that Jesus triumphed over Satan and made a public spectacle of him.  And the Lord will be with each of us believers always, even to the end of the age.  As we follow His instruction to make disciples of all nations, to maximize our witness we have to be seen as His ambassadors seeking His Purity.   Join us in following the Risen Christ's urging that we be zealous to REPENT daily to be ready for His soon return.

God bless you,

Pastor Jeff Daly