Desination or discontinue.  When I deal with children or people I try to keep destination in sight.  When I look at them at the place they are presently I tend to help them discontinue.  God sees us in destiny.  Think about David.  Samuel went to Jesse’s house to find a new King.  Jesse took Samuel to all his “qualified” sons.  It wasn’t any of them.  It was David the most unlikely one.  Samuel saw the destination and David eventually became king.  If Jesse would have stayed in the discontinue David would not have attainted the kingly position.   

We are at war – spiritual war that is.  We can’t forget that.  The only way we can win the war is that our supply line is operating properly.  God has told us if we fight on the front lines he will supply all our needs.  Some of the reasons God doesn’t answer is:  We’re not on the front lines or we’ve slipped into the flesh.  A soldier doesn’t have time to be thinking about where his food or clothing is coming from.  He expects it to be there.  It’s the same in the Kingdom of Heaven.  God will supply all our needs.  Fight the good fight today. 

I’ve been thinking of what Iran’s new President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, said.  He said that the return of Islam’s prophet could be speeded up by certain events.  (He’s speaking of destruction.)   In his speeches he mentions Armageddon.  There is not a clearer sign that Jesus is coming soon.  Once Iran has nuclear capabilities for missiles, Israel is in jeopardy.  Jesus is coming soon. 

The Importance of Evil
Seeking the Kingdom of God with the existence of the Kingdom of Darkness.  Here are some selling points for the Kingdom of God:  It brings great joy. It creates grief within my flesh.  It brings purpose. It tears down worthlessness.  It gives great view.  It shines a light within darkness. Those statements show contrast, the differences.  The Kingdom of God could also create grief, so I could be comforted.  It makes me disappointed so I could be fulfilled.  It imprisons me so I could be set free.  We wouldn’t know forgiveness if sin didn’t exist. That’s why Lucifer and the fallen angels can never be restored.  In essence we couldn’t be forgiven if we lived in perfect 100 percent light.   Every good thing comes from God.  If it’s evil it comes from Satan.  That makes darkness the backdrop to see God even clearer.  Doubt that?   Some of the greatest love stories have war as a setting.   Corrie Ten Boone’s story shined brighter because of the horrific occurrences surrounding her.  The next time a negative feeling comes upon you, i.e…. depression, disappointment or even loneliness look for the light because those feelings are the backdrop to seeing God clearer. (If you want but I caution many people refuse to look for the light because with the light brings responsibility.)

I’ve been thinking of Mary and how she lived her life.  A part of her life she did let her being a “mother” get in the way of allowing Jesus to be her Lord.  I suspect we’ve allowed our positions in life get in the way of our service towards God. 
Here’s what I’ve observed concerning position. 
1.  People that come late to church would never show up late to work.
2.  It’s OK to do your 2nd best at church while doing your best at your work site.
3.  It’s OK to put in overtime at work for the $ but never overtime at church.
4.  Miss church because of “family time” – consistently.
There does seem to be a different standard for work and that of the church.  Is your position getting in the way of serving God? 

From a middle aged woman:  “Oh, I wish my husband were living. I need his support so much. You see my son was arrested this past week.  I knew a few years ago the road my son was on was probably going to lead him to this but now that it’s here I can’t stop grieving.  As a mother I tried to get him to change his direction but then deep within me I knew he never would.  I knew deep down he couldn’t.  I remember as a boy how determined he was to follow in his Father’s footsteps.  I didn’t quit understand it all as he was growing up but I stored it within my heart.  I wanted to protect him but I had to let him go and that’s what hurts so bad.  Friday was the worst day.  It was torture.  My heart broke as I lost my son.  But then I’m hearing rumors today that I may not have lost my son.  Could it be true?”       – by Mary the Mother of Jesus. 

Matthew 24 has been on my heart a lot this week.  Verse 11 of that chapter says, “A lot of false prophets will arise”.  I’ve been fooled in my past by false messages I thought was from the Lord.  When I turn on the Christian TV and wonder what Bible they are getting their information out of.  A test to see if something is from God is testing the fruit of that information.   Is it universal? – meaning can the same message be spoken in 3rd world countries as well as the US. Does the message change your life or does it just make you feel better?  I have found that a majority of disputes among Christians have nothing to do with message but everything to do with method.  I’m allowing God to search my heart and life this week to purge out any “wrong” message I may have picked up along the way.

Happy New Year Everyone
This week is fasting & prayer week.  I always look forward to this time.  It’s because of the new beginning.  Although I don’t like to make myself weak, I find great value in it.  When I’m weak I can hear God so much clearer.  I believe that what happens this next week will have great impact upon the rest of the year.  If I win battles this week I may not have to fight them in the flesh latter on.  Jesus won his battle with Satan on his 40 day fast.