THERE IS A TIME FOR EVERY PURPOSE UNDER HEAVEN

 The Source

As I suspect we all do, I occasionally fall back to my "era" and listen to the music of my times, folk songs mostly. This morning as I opened YouTube, a song by Judy Collins and Peter Seeger from the 1960s appeared. Oops, you weren't supposed to know my "era." The song was "Turn, Turn, Turn." The lyrics are from Ecclesiastes 3 in the Old Testament of the Bible. 

This Book was written by King Solomon, a king that had every thing under the sun! I've read it a couple of times and it is an often quoted Scripture reference. But to be honest, I've often thought King Solomon was hypocritical and cynical. He had hundreds of wives, concubines, horses and countless riches, some even in violation of God's instructions. Nevertheless, he asked for wisdom and got it, evidenced by writing this Book of the Bible and many of its Psalms. Paradoxical to say the least.

Anyway, as I began to listen to the song, my eyes filled with tears. God's truth does that to me sometimes. The problem was I couldn't figure out why, that is until I read Ecclesiastes 3. You may know verse one: "To everything there is a season. A time for every purpose under heaven."

The Application for Today

But wait. This is from the Old Testament (Covenant). The Book of Hebrews in the New Testament (Covenant) says the Old Covenant was fulfilled and replaced by Christ. Works were replaced by faith (trust in God) working through love, being like Jesus actually. So, how could the Book of Ecclesiastes have relevance now?

One of the reasons is in Acts 17:26-28 of the New Testament, which says that God has determined our pre-appointed times and boundaries of our dwellings so we can find Him. Not physically, of course, but spiritually. The old is still new! It is not so much about what we believe or don't believe, but about what God has said.

Is the Bible Really True?

In my life I have doubted it many times. A pastor took me to his church early in my life, and I attended youth groups in my high school years (there were cute girls there!)  But after that time I lived as I wanted to live, mostly to protect myself from others and find what I thought was success. Only when I had failed at most things of life, at age 45, did I begin to learn a little about what Jesus had done for mankind, maybe even for me! A couple of steps forward and one back has been the "modus operandi" since then.

The biggest problem I faced was that my analytical mind couldn't believe all the Scriptures. My experiences of life were mostly negative and I just couldn't believe what the Bible said was the truth for me. After all, wasn't the Bible just a collection of men's opinions? I didn't realize, however, many people have determined to prove the Bible was not true, and learned the contrary in the process. So, I mostly pretended to believe for years. Actually, I'm not sure I still don't pretend some days!

What Do We Do?

So, are there really times and purposes under Heaven? I've always looked forward to some times and purposes I thought God had for me, dreams I guess some would call them. The older I became, the more unlikely many of them became. In studying chapter 11 of the Book of Hebrews this morning, I realized I was not alone. This chapter is about the heroes of faith from the beginning of time. It is about what they did by faith. Near the end of the chapter, however, the writer talks of the suffering of early believers and that none of them, including the heroes of faith, experienced all the results of their faith (God's promises) here on earth! Their faith was the demonstration of their believing God to do what He promised, even when the promises weren't fulfilled! This is the challenge for me and you!

WHAT HAS GOD SAID? Do we really have a time and a purpose? He is infinite; we are the finite. The clay doesn't tell the potter how to shape it. Our work is to shut out the voices of the world and learn to trust His written Word. Then, and only then, can we expect the Holy Spirit to tell us what to do and where to go, when! First, we have to believe in Him!

WERE HAVE ALL THE FLOWERS GONE?

The Song

Written by Pete Seeger and recorded first by the Kingston Trio and then by Peter, Paul and Mary, this was an anti-war song popular in the 1960's. This week I kept hearing the song title over and over in my head. I finally realized that, once again, we may stand on the brink of war, perhaps not as we have thought about war, but in reality around the world and possibly in our nation.

Yes, there is currently war in many countries globally, and this should concern us. If you've watched any of Ken Burn's series on the Civil War other World Wars presented on PBS, if you have studied these dark periods in our history or if you have fought in a war, you are aware of the horrors of war. What concerns me most right now  is the evolving civil war of words capturing our nation, bringing division and even death.

While civil wars have been fought in many countries through the years, we sometimes may regard them as unreal, non-events actually. They don't affect me so why should I be concerned? We may forget these are real people being killed and wounded, losing their livelihoods and their families. We may think that it couldn't happen to us! 

In our war of words, many of us have grown to regard people from other nations, cultures, or personal, political and religious backgrounds as different from us. Sometimes we even regard them as non-persons when we use our words to fight the battles, real or perceived. We call "them" names or refer to "them" in stereotypes. Not just individually, but by groups, classes and cultures. Actually, we hate with our words, without realizing or admitting our words come from what is in our hearts. 

Alert! Human love passed away a long time ago. God's love finds little place in many of us, much of the time! Myself included. Yet, Jesus Christ demonstrated His love for us when He died for all! God made Him to be our example! He will be the judge!

WHERE HAVE ALL THE FLOWERS GONE? WHEN WILL WE EVER LEARN?

(Lyrics from https://lyrics.lyricfind.com/)

Where have all the flowers gone?
Long time passing.
Where have all the flowers gone?
Long time ago.
Where have all the flowers gone?
The girls have picked them every one.
Oh, When will you ever learn?
Oh, When will you ever learn?

Young girls
They've taken husbands every one.

Young men
They're all in uniform.

Soldiers
They've gone to graveyards every one.

Graveyards
They're covered with flowers every one.

Flowers
Young girls have picked them every one.

WHAT DOES AN AUTOCRACY LOOK LIKE?

The Definition

From the Dictionary of Oxford Languages:

• A country, state or society governed by one person with absolute power. (Use a Google search for more AI details)

Characteristics of an Autocracy

AI Overview:

"An autocracy is characterized by a single ruler or party holding absolute power, with decisions subject to no external legal restraints or popular control. Key features include centralized decision-making, suppression of opposition through force and propaganda, and the ruler being above the law. Autocracies often maintain power through a lack of political freedoms, limiting public participation and dissent to preserve the leader's authority. Examples of Autocratic Systems:

• Absolute Monarchies: Hereditary rulers with supreme power, such as historical kings and emperors.
• Dictatorships: Systems where a single person has absolute power, often obtained through force or illegitimate means.
• Totalitarian Regimes: A more extreme form that attempts to control all aspects of individuals' lives, not just political rule."

Effects of an Autocracy

AI Overview:

"An autocracy, a system of government where one person holds absolute power, is associated with significant negative effects on a nation's economy, society, and political landscape. However, some short-term advantages, particularly in times of crisis, can occur.

Economic effects

Autocracies typically have a detrimental effect on a country's long-term economic health and lead to less prosperity for the general population.

Social effects

The social effects of autocracy include reduced civil liberties, increased division, and long-term erosion of public trust.

Political effects

Politically, autocracies undermine democratic institutions and use repression to consolidate power."

How Does an Autocracy Gain Control?

When many of us think about autocracies, we think about Stalin, Hitler, Castro or other examples around the world in history, or even today. We usually envision a culture of a dictatorship and government control, economic depression, violence or often food shortages, even famine. Building autocracies has taken decades, or even centuries in some cases. In most all cases, the autocracies develop like the pot of water for the frog that was initially placed in cold water, which eventually reaches a boil that brings its death. 

What are the Characteristics of an Autocrat? 

AI Overview:

"An autocrat is characterized by absolute, centralized decision-making power, relying solely on their own judgment with little to no input from others. They maintain strict control through clear directives, a rigid and hierarchical structure, and minimal delegation, expecting obedience and suppressing dissent. While this approach allows for quick decisions and can improve productivity in specific situations, it often leads to poor employee morale, stifles creativity , and limits individual autonomy."

AS ONE FROG TO ANOTHER......

WHAT YOU SIT UNDER GETS ON YOU!

 In Our Personal Lives

Did you ever park your car under a tree for shade and return to find it spotted with tree sap? In the mountains of Colorado where I live, pine trees shed a yellow dust every spring. I can remember my car being completely covered with yellow dust many times.

At my house in a small mountain town several years ago I was visited regularly by a bunch of crows. I learned quickly to not walk under the electrical lines on which they perched. My car was often a target for their great white splotches of you-know-what! Having had enough one day, I began to yell at them to leave, even tossing a few pine cones their way. The next day, I awoke to find the white splotches on my the front windows and door of my house! 

I just received an email telling me a version of software I use will no longer be updated. This software has mandated the use of several related products in the past and now is attempting to force me to purchase a newer version. 

If we don't make our mortgage or credit card payments we end up in collection. If we break the law, we are fined. If we don't do what a boss says we can be fired. If we exercise free speech, we can now get arrested! I could go on but I'm sure you get the idea, the "gravity" of the world we live in. What we sit under gets on us, literally!

In Society

What about our work place, the government, politics or religion? There is no trickle-down in these places, right? Or is there? From my viewpoint, it appears lies are replacing the truth and this is becoming normal. Let's explore.

WORK--When we fill positions other than management, or even when we are management, there always seems to be direction from the top about how to do our work, how to produce more or even how to behave.  Sometimes known as codes of conduct, failure to adhere to them can mean no paycheck! So, we dream of being self-employed, our own boss in other words. The only problem is then we will have hundreds of bosses, otherwise known as customers, telling us what to do! Where is our place?

GOVERNMENT--What can I say? Freedoms and rights we thought were embedded in the Constitution are either being removed or ignored by elected and appointed leaders. With no regard for qualifications or merit, friends of officials are placed in positions that threaten our physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. When backlash occurs producing collateral damage, sympathy blinds the common sense of citizens when trying to understand the consequences. To my astonishment, government in this nation is no longer by the people or for the people. Truth has become what a political party or leader says it is! Who do we believe?

POLITICS--Before the last election, I asked a friend why he was supporting a certain political candidate. This person is a brilliant scientist, known for sound, objective thinking. His response to my question was that a woman had written a book and made a movie showing that an opposing political party was involved in child trafficking. When I asked if there was any hard evidence to support this allegation, my friend said he was sure there was some in the book and movie, but he hadn't read the book or seen the movie! He had accepted a conspiracy theory as truth without investigation. Is this God or is it the enemy?

This obviously begs the question, "How can educated people be so deceived? For certain, it doesn't happen naturally. Remember Hitler's press secretary? He was infamous for this statement (I paraphrase), "If you tell a lie long enough, it will become truth." When we support a politician or his/her party, the rules are that we have to believe, think and act as they do. Failure to eat the whole enchilada is akin to treason! Supporting a political party or faction quickly becomes our identity, which we must defend with our lives! It becomes the gospel of politics!

RELIGION--I know a pastor that introduced me to what he calls, "the residual anointing." It basically meant that members of a religious organization will demonstrate the qualities of their leader, either by choice or as the result of spiritual submission. A pastor of a large Christian denomination fell into adultery with his associate pastor's wife. Several years after, it was learned that some of the leadership of almost every church in this denomination was in adultery. 

A large church had commercial real estate investments in a major city that were leased to a book store selling occultist materials, a pornographic movie theater and a bar. They had received offers to purchase the property several times for full market value. Each time leadership declined the offers. Why? The wages of sin were good! They are good on the earth, but they are death in eternity! Members of this and other churches that follow their leaders blindly as sheep could experience the same! What we sit under gets on us!

This "trickle down" should be obvious to church members, but somehow it's not. The pastor that says, "this is what we believe" or suggests that you should submit to the doctrine or policies of the church (or the pastor in many cases), or says "God told me..,"is using their position to control the thinking of constituents. So, guess what? When a person stops rational thinking and "drinks the lemonade," the snare has been activated. Often, there is no turning back! 

A Deeper Dive

Hang with me as I go a little deeper. The Holy Bible is very clear. There are only two kingdoms, the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness. It's not like the old Duke of York chant we practiced in grade school (you might need to Google that), we can't be halfway in or halfway out. From God's viewpoint, we are either in one or in the other. The kingdom of darkness contains spiritual death as the destination. The kingdom of light contains eternal life, on the earth and ultimately in heaven. In the society in which we live, there is only one way to life, that is the kingdom of light in all of life's components that I discussed above. Following and trying to live as Jesus Christ did when he walked on the earth is our only way to eternal life. His Word , Jesus, must live in us!

When we submit blindly to leaders in any aspect of our lives, we can block God's plan for our lives. In fact, both politics and religion can bring spiritual deception that may convince us we are doing the right things. Because we are supporting a government, church denomination or political leader that favors some important Biblical principles, God will surely overlook our behavior or policies that are contrary to what Jesus would do. Think so? This is the reasoning of the leader of the kingdom of darkness that began in the Garden of Eden! Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the light." He is the only way to the Father God! 1 Cor 1:30: "But of Him (Father God) your are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God--and righteousness and sanctification and redemption--." Here is the solution to our dilemmas! Today, look closely! It is never too late to be free!

ARE WE AT THE FINAL CROSSROAD?

What is a crossroad?

The Oxford Languages Dictionary offers this definition: "a point at which a crucial decision must be made that will have far-reaching consequences." I suppose most of us have encountered such a place of crucial decision-making several times in our lives. Go to college, a trade school or maybe just graduate from high school? What  job or career direction to take? To marry or not? Who to marry? Where to live? To rent or buy a house? To have children? To vote or choose a political party? To make friends or join a community? To believe in God? To love? And many more.

Making right decisions

We all have heard or read countless formulas about how to make the right decisions.. Identify pros and cons. Talk to friends. Plan around your goals and future. Let money be your guide. Put yourself first. Listen to a leader. Do what feels right. Pray. However we go about it, the truth is we will likely make the wrong decision about half the time! I know I have for much of my life!

I've been good at making excuses when my choices turn out wrong. Even blaming circumstances or other people. The truth is I am the only one to blame when I make wrong decisions. I suppose this sounds a little harsh, but it is true. Wasn't it Harry Truman that said, "The buck stops here"? As fragile as my self-esteem is, my ego, the only real way out is taking responsibility for my failures. In fact, I think the old football coach was right when he said, "No pain, no gain"! 

The signs of the times

It is likely that most of our decision making is affected by surrounding circumstances. Driving or walking, when we come to a crossroad in real life we are usually careful to look both ways for on coming traffic. Mother said this was how we were to cross the road!. This is actually a sound practice for life decision-making. As I think most will agree, our circumstances of life are often caused or influenced by the society or community in which we live.  In these we find the "signs of the times"! 

At this time in history, religion, government and politics seem to be bringing new signs of the times every day. The question becomes how do we assimilate all the traffic to make it safely through the crossroad? The answers probably are unique to each of us, but here is some common direction from an old crossing guard.

Choosing the right direction

My worldview is based on Christianity, and it is Christ centered. Following Him, trying to make decisions the way He would, has been a 40-year endeavor for me. I still make mistakes (some call it sin!) everyday. Because most of us are sense ruled, what we hear, see, touch, taste and smell sometimes trumps what we should do logically, emotionally or spiritually.So, what to do?

It often is that the signs of the times show us life choices for which we are responsible. So it is today with our decision-making. In this nation, now, we are witnessing an escalation of lawlessness and evil I don't think any of us thought possible. Leaders in government, business and even the church are planning and implementing actions that have little respect or love for others. David Brooks, New York Times Columnist and author, said in one of his books about how to know a person, "The essence of evil is the tendency to denigrate another person." Look around! What is happening right now? Where does this leave any of us? Do we have a choice?

Eternally speaking, this may be the last time many of us will have the opportunity to choose the right direction. Do we conform, knowingly or unknowingly, to the evil around us and follow it to its end, physical and spiritual death, or do we follow the example God has given us in Jesus Christ, which is eternal life. If you search the scriptures, you will find some that tell us that God has set before us both both life and death. Could this be the time of our final choice of the way we go for all eternity, our final crossroad? God's final word is choose life!

BIBLE TRUTHS YOU MAY NOT BELIEVE!

This is the title of a small book I first wrote in 2010. I have modified it to include revelation I have received over the last 15 years. I have included the Introduction section below. If you would like to receive a complimentary copy by email, contact me at larry@cpafirmsupport.com.  

INTRODUCTION

 You won’t find me in the list of Who’s Who. I have no advanced degrees behind my name to impress you, except that I am a CPA that has provided accounting and auditing services primarily to churches and nonprofit organizations for more than 50 years, and authored seminars and webinars to CPAs during that time. I am not currently a pastor, although ordained as a minister and a former home-church pastor, my circle of influence has been small.  Really, I’m just the guy you might find standing next to you in line at a fast-food restaurant, one you pass by on your way to work or one you meet in your daily circle of influence.  I don’t presume to have a God-bestowed title or even one given to me by others. Trying to become more like Jesus each day is my only credential, and, frankly, I don’t feel I do that well much of the time.

 The Holy Spirit of God pursued me until He arrested me when I was 45 years old.  Even after nearly 40 years as a believer in Christ, I sometimes feel I still must be His greatest challenge!  But I have lived most of the last 40 years as a learner, albeit a slow one!  Like many of you, God has put me in places and circumstances to develop and implant His Truth in my heart.  Some experiences were fun and many were painful, primarily the fault of my disobedience!  I’ve learned that most of the pain came from my unbelief, my actions or my inactions.  God has said in Scripture that His blessings have no sorrow in them.  God loves us and is always good to us, as this writing will explore. He is for us, even when we don’t recognize what is happening to us as good!

 This small book is mostly about what many may know but don’t really believe.  It’s about what we may believe but don’t, or can’t, experience in our lives.  It is a tradition-buster and, at the same time, a truth builder.  We will explore the opportunities God has given us and our responsibilities in Christ, the things very few pastors talk about today. The purpose is to bring more understanding into the darkness that surrounds us in the world and, unfortunately, even in the church!.  It will likely make us angry, more than once. But I’ve learned that’s alright--truth that makes us angry has the greatest power to change us!

 My desire in presenting this material is to cause us to challenge our belief system and to stir the God-given desires that are within us—to know Him more!  In fact, if you resist deleting this writing and join me in this journey of sorts, you may begin to challenge some of the things you thought you knew!  If we are to be a part of the final chapter of the church age, we must rethink some things, let go of what man has taught us and let God fill us with His Truth by the Holy Spirit.  We aren’t throwing the “baby out with the bathwater”, just trying to purify the water!  Making new wineskins—still using the old but now at the hand of the Holy Spirit instead of the interpretations of man! If this happens to you, my purpose (and I hope God’s!) has been accomplished.  Know that my heart is to present this truth in love to empower you to reach your destiny in life. 

 A few words about how we’ll approach these writings.  First, we’ll use a lot of Scripture, truth as it is written in God’s Holy Bible.  My premise is to focus on God’s love for and in us, righteousness by faith and the benefits of the New Covenant through the Blood of Jesus and His death on the cross.  My objective is to help us all grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ through the revelation of Bible Truths. 

 When Jesus taught disciples (like you and me) He presented parables to make them think and, hopefully, come to an understanding of who He was.  I’ve been a professional continuing education author and discussion leader for over 50 years and, if I do anything well, I’ve learned to ask a lot of questions.  In fact, regarding spiritual matters, I often look at issues from viewpoints different than the norm.  I’m not always right, but I believe God used my life experiences to make me a contrarian (an investment term meaning going against the flow).  When we learn to conduct our lives trusting and obeying God, we are only one thought away from experiencing God’s Kingdom on earth.

 Scripture tells us the Kingdom of God is “not meat or drink, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” In other words, it is not natural things, but it is what we believe in our hearts. It comes through revelation of The Word, Jesus! It is my prayer that each of us will experience the renewal of our minds through revelation of His Word by the Holy Spirit in this study.  Welcome to this adventure!

WHY THE NAME OF JESUS DOESN'T WORK!

Blasphemy?

John 14:14: "If you ask Me anything in My Name (as My representative), I will do it." (AMP) Most of us have been taught the use of the Name of Jesus will bring answers to any prayer. Habitually, we close most prayers "In the Name of Jesus." Unless you are way different than me, we still have a bunch of unanswered prayers prayed "In the Name of Jesus." The scripture says if we ask anything. If scripture is true, I've often wondered why the Name of Jesus sometimes doesn't work!

Does Scripture Work Automatically?

Would that it would! What did Jesus say in Matthew 21:21 regarding the fig tree? "... if you have faith (personal trust and confidence) in Me and do not doubt..." (AMP) So, no, Scripture doesn't work automatically. It depends on our faith and not doubting. What? Does this mean I have personal accountability? Most of us believe it does, but we often give ourselves more credit for faith than is justified. We also often pass over our doubts believing that God will cover them up! Let's do some bottom line talk.

What is Faith, Really?

In my last post, we established that faith is what we believe in our hearts by trusting in Jesus. An important question may be, however, is our faith only mental assent or is it that we know beyond a shadow of a doubt in our hearts that a scripture is true? I have mental assent to all of God's promises in the Bible. Do I know that they are truth for me? Not so much! Would I bet my life on them? Not likely! Therein lies the problem for most of us.

Let's get specific. Acts 3:16 in the Amplified Bible: "And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know:.." Did you get that? On the basis of faith in His name. This is absolute trust in His authority and power to do what He says. No wonder that the name of Jesus doesn't work sometimes when I pray in His name! Without this trust there is only doubt!

What About the Other Things I Can Do?

For many Christians, anointing with oil takes up the slack, so to speak. James 5:14 says the elders are to anoint with oil when they pray the prayer of faith. Two preconditions are present here however: The elders must have His faith in this scripture in their hearts and the recipient must make a heartfelt confession of any known sin (1 John 1:9). But that's just it. Scripture doesn't say to anoint our houses, our property, our family members or every person we pray for. It says we must have faith in the name of Jesus for the name of Jesus to work!.

John Fenn, founder of Church Without Walls International, goes further and says whenever we are using some habitual formula or practice taught by a church or ministry leader it is because we lack faith in the name of Jesus. My thought. Instead of faith in the name of Jesus, these practices promote faith in the practices themselves and in our doing them! 

How to We Get the God-Kind of Faith?

The rest of Acts 3:16 quoted above from the Amplified Bible: " ...know: and the faith which comes through Him (Jesus) has given him (the healed person) this perfect health and complete wholeness in your (our) presence." In the resurrection of Jesus, we were given all things for life and godliness. As this scripture says, this includes "faith which comes through Him." Further, He gives us His grace (ability) to receive revelation of the Scripture as a basis for our faith.

So, how can we satisfy our responsibility to see the name of Jesus work when we pray? We must meditate on Scripture, seek revelation of its truth from the Holy Spirit and be willing to bet our lives on it!

What if We Don't Have This Faith?

I listened to brief teaching by C.S. Lewis last night on Revelation 21:8: "But as for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable (who are devoid of character and personal integrity and practice or tolerate immorality), and murderers, and sorcerers (with intoxicating drugs), and idolaters and occultists (who practice and teach false religions), and all the liars (who knowingly deceive and twist the truth), their part will be in the lake that blazes with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." (AMP) If we profess to believe in the truth of Scripture, we can't avoid believing in this one!

If we don't have revelation of the faith of Jesus that has been given to those that pray the prayer of faith, then we have the responsibility to decide to obtain it. Through meditation on Scripture, through seeking revelation from the Holy Spirit, through praying continually in the Holy Spirit and through being continually occupied with and thinking about God, the Holy Spirit will form the basis for faith in His name in us! As Scripture tells us, it is through faith and patience we receive His promises!

But we might ask what about the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ? His favor has made the way to forgiveness when we sin hasn't it? Yes, but we cannot overlook the practice of known sin. So, is Revelation 21:8 true or not? C.S. Lewis says it clearly is true and applicable to all of us that call ourselves Christian. This is a hard sell in today's church!

I ended my last post with a statement "Time grows short." Whether or not we believe Revelation 21:8 applies to New Testament Christians, to ourselves in other words, one thing should be clear. It is time to be about the Father's business!