Don’t wait until it’s too late

Well, we’ve almost reached the end of another year. Much has been written and published by a host of commentators about the ominous signs ahead for our country’s government, economy, health and spirituality. In my near eleven years of writing a regular column, I can safely say that things have dramatically changed in all four of these categories – and not for the better. But, that’s not really news.

There seem to be two kinds of people in our world today: those who are preparing for the inevitable and those who are, for whatever reason, ignoring it. The warnings are everywhere. They’re like blaring civil defense sirens that never shut off. You would think everyone could hear them – but only a few have responded. The rest just continue on as they always have, unaffected by the unrelenting sound of the sirens.

Have you ever considered what your life would be like without just one modern day element, like electricity? In the 1800s it wouldn’t have been a big deal; but here in 2010, it would be catastrophic.

Remember that strange missile that soared through the sky unannounced and undeterred off the coast of California recently? If a small nuclear device had been aboard one of those and detonated high enough over Middle America, chances are, most, if not all of our country would have gone dark and stayed dark for months or years. And, many of the things we take for granted every day that are powered by electricity would have been indefinitely shut down, having had the insides fried by an electromagnetic pulse generated from the explosion.

Forget the abrupt halt that would have come to Wall Street and Main Street, not to mention our out-of-service cell phones, telephones, televisions, radios, computers, traffic lights, streetlights, coffee makers, microwave ovens, hairdryers and all those plug-in appliances we rely on each day to keep and prepare food for our families.

What do you think powers all the pumps and filtering systems that keep “clean” water coming into your house, condominium or apartment? Imagine life without drinking water and running water for showers and flushing toilets. Guess you could build a little outhouse in the back yard or alleyway if you’re not the shy type and your neighbors don’t object. But, don’t build it around any nearby creeks or ditches because that may be where you have to go for water to drink – that is, if you don’t mind the taste of fertilizer, weed killer and animal feces.

Think there will be plenty of bottled water for you to buy at the grocery store when the power goes out? Even if any are open for business or have anything left on the shelves, you’ll need lots of cash to make your purchases since today’s registers and payment card systems are all electronic and computerized. Remember, those ATM machines are electronic and computerized too, so if you don’t already have plenty of cash on hand, you’ll probably be without the means to purchase food, water or anything else when the grid goes down.

Maybe you have some non-electronic items around the house you could take with you to the store to barter with. Not really sure you’ll have many takers though. After all – it is food and water we’re talking about here and supplies would be limited. And, that’s assuming your highly computerized automobile will even start or run to get you there. I suppose you could ride your bicycle to the store if you have one – if it’s not freezing or icy outside. But, I really don’t think you’d be able to carry much back home with you on that bike anyway.

Logic suggests that when the power goes out for an extended period of time, desperation will eventually lead to growing violence and theft as a means to survive. Are you prepared for that? I’m not trying to frighten anyone here. I’m just trying to point out how easily, quickly and dramatically things can change under certain circumstances and how important it is that we all thoughtfully and carefully prepare ahead of time – not wait to see what happens.

And if you think the government will help you under these conditions, remember, they’re going to be without electricity too and many of the electronic and computerized systems, equipment and devices it runs.

But the most important inevitability we should prepare for is our own demise. If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior – the One who gave His life on that cross 2000 years ago to pay for your sins and mine, then I encourage you to get on your knees right now in repentance and faith and confess that you are lost, dead in your sins and in desperate need of His salvation. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and receive the forgiveness of sins and the everlasting life only He can provide.

None of us know how much time we have left in this life or whether we will even survive another night – much less the difficult years ahead. Heed the call right now and surrender your heart and life over to the only begotten Son of God. Don’t wait for another time, another invitation or another opportunity, because it may not come.

Faith doesn’t procrastinate or panic – it prepares.

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” – Romans 10:13

Amazed by what I could not find, I went from one Christian web-site to another in search of some article about the attack on Pearl Harbor 70 years ago today–I found nothing! I am shocked. Japan’s surprise attack resulted in the loss of 2,400 lives (1,117 Sailors and Marines). How do you just forget something like that?

This is another example of one of mans biggest faults–we forget things that ought to be remembered. God knows we are that way and for that reason He often commanded His people to set up visible memorials. Memories are important for several reasons. They link us to our past and they provide inspiration, instruction, and guidance for our future. I realize that some folks have better memories than others–they have a knack for remembering names, phone numbers, etc., while the rest of us stand amazed by their ability. Naturally some older folks cannot remember things like they did when they were younger–time has taken its toll. The blood flow to the brain or something else prevents them from remembering even the most simple things.

However, most people forget because they make no effort to remember, or because they are ungrateful and/or selfish. Hopeful you aren’t in that camp. Take some time today to reflect on that horrible event, pray for the few survivors that are left, and the families of the victims. Also in remembering that let it be a reminder of your obligation to remember certain events and people that should never be forgotten.

I have been spared from so many awful things and blessed with so many wonderful things, it would be a sin for me to forget what God has done. It has all been by God’s mercy and grace–how could I forget? Think about it!

As most of you know Bev and I have moved–maybe I should say, “are moving”, since there is work yet to do. The great folks at Lakeway (Yes–I felt that way before this) have provided us with a beautiful new home and we are speechless! It is everything we’ve dreamed of and more. For the first time in our life we have a swimming pool! Since Bev’s doctor has been trying to get her to have water therapy for her physical problems this is a God-sent. In her case this is not just nice, it is necessary.

The church has stipulated that the house is ours as long as either one of us is living. I have always wanted that kind of security for Bev and now the Lord has provided it. Did I say, “We are speechless”? We simply could not be more thankful. I can honestly say that we have been content with what we had. Now God has blessed us far beyond what we could imagine. But, in addition to expressing our thanks there is another reason for writing this article.

Although we have moved nearly everything, there is still a lot to do. Since our office is in the home we will have a lot of work to do trying to get it all organized. Plus we will have to get our other house ready to sell and put it on the market. During this time I won’t be able to write much and will be limited in certain other areas also. I am asking that you be patient with us as we go through this process. We haven’t had a vacation in a long time and probably won’t be able to get away anytime soon. I’m not complaining–I just want you to understand our situation. We are moving as fast as possible.I might add that we would not be near this far along were it not for some of the kind folks who have worked long and hard to help us. You know who you are and we will forever be grateful for your kindness.

Unless the Lord has plans I don’t know about, this will be our last move here on earth. We have no plans to ever leave Lakeway. We are here because of God’s calling, are perfectly content, and expect to live here until we die. The title to this article might seem confusing, so I will explain. Many years ago some of our dear friends, the Roundtree family, sang an old song called “When I make my last move”–I think that was the title. It was a heart-touching song about moving to heaven–that will be the last move. Until then we plan to reside right where we are. This is “Next to our last move”.

Again I want to say thanks to the good folks at Lakeway and all who have had a part in making this a Thanksgiving Day we will never forget. Bev has been cooking since 5:00am and in about an hour the Stone family clan will be arriving to eat an awesome meal prepared by my dear wife and girls. Some of our church members have already set-up and decorated the tables for us. After reading Psalm 100 and prayer we will dig in. I hope you and yours have the most blessed Thanksgiving ever! God bless! We love you!
Bro. & Mrs Stone

Having recently completed a series of messages entitled, “The Devil’s Dangerous Devices”, the following article caught my eye. It’s called, “The Attack of Spirirtual Warfare” and was written by David Jeremiah to promote his new book. In this article he does a good job of laying out the facts before us. I hope you will read it, think about it and then actually spend some time some time studying the subject. We are indeed “in a war” and we either prepare or suffer defeat.

The Christian’s spiritual enemy is not in uniform, and he doesn’t meet us on an identifiable battlefield. He uses ruthless and unconventional tactics, such as deceit, deflection, and disguise. Yet a large number of pastors and teachers ignore or downplay spiritual warfare to the point that many professing Christians don’t even know they’re in a war.

That means we have a crisis on our hands, and we need to sound the alarm.

The Church of Jesus Christ needs to know its enemy and his strategies. Yes, God wins in the end. But the more unsuspecting or unbelieving a person is concerning the reality of spiritual warfare, the more easily he or she becomes prey. The only way to protect oneself from Satan’s infiltration is to be on the side of the One who is more powerful than he is: “because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

Today, as we move ever closer to the appearing of Christ for His Church and the subsequent Tribulation period, we are witnessing a biblically-predicted increase of demonic activity all around the world. Yet many self-professed Christians fail to take seriously the Bible’s teaching about Satan and spiritual warfare.

The Bible could not be more clear about the existence of the devil and the reality of the spiritual conflict going on all around us. We must not lose sight of the fact that we are in a war – a war for the ages and a war for the souls of men.

Our task is to embrace what the Bible tells us about our enemy and be prepared for the battle we most certainly will face – even today.

What you can do:
Prepare:
– Read Ephesians 6:10-18.
– Be prepared for spiritual battle by daily studying God’s Word……

Pray:
– Ask God to help you navigate with discernment when involved with television, movies, or any entertainment that might take lightly – or glamorize – the powers of darkness.
– Ask God to help you mature in your Christian walk so you can stand strong when spiritually attacked.
– Pray for God to help your church understand the reality of spiritual warfare.

Participate:
– You don’t need to fight the devil alone. Get involved with an accountability partner who will pray for you and be available to you (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).
– Be committed to a Scripture memory program…..

As a disciple you must learn how to deal with the dangerous devices of the devil or be defeated and/or destroyed. We are in a battle for our lives and we must be battle ready! Please–Think about it! –HDS

I just happened to be watching “Animal Cops” when I saw/ heard something that troubled me. After being rescued from a horrible situation, nursed back to health, and adopted by a woman, a certain dog was being taken on its first outing with its new owner. After a few comments about how well the dog was adjusting, the woman said, “It is my purpose in life to make him happy”. I wonder what the husband thought about that?

Please don’t misunderstand me–I like animals, especially dogs ( notice, I said “like”, not “love”), and I believe that pets should be well cared for, but that woman’s attitude was pitiful! Anyone who makes it their “purpose in life” to please pets is more than a little mixed-up. They are totally off-track. They are living for the wrong thing. Their priorities are pitiful. Some people spend excessive amounts of money on dog food, etc. without giving a thought to needy children. Do you suppose they will have to give an account for it?

Think about it. With all the children who are in dire need of help, how can any sane person make it their life purpose to please pets? Something is wrong with that picture. Right here in America, the most prosperous nation on earth, millions of children live in terrible circumstances. Wouldn’t it be better if these pet pleasers made it their “purpose in life” to help them and make them happy? Why don’t these folks devote themselves to providing loving care for little children who can’t help themselves? There are many children who have never been given any special attention–why not help them? This is beyond sad, it is sinful when parents fail to provide the basic needs of their children. Nor are we any better if we refuse to stand in the gap on their behalf. We can complain all we like about the failure of those parents, but that doesn’t change anything for the better. We don’t improve the situation by just complaining about it. We need to get involved. No child should ever be neglected. Find someway to help someone have some need met in their life. Think about it!