Saying Good-Bye to November

Saying Good-Bye to November

“I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”   Psalm 34:4

I glanced at the calendar this week and was shocked to see we were at the end of November. My mind skipped back over this year; Easter, Memorial Day, 4^th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving were all past.  Now I was facing “December”!  It had been such a busy year that the thought of Christmas was looming up in front of me.  What was I to do?  My mind quickly went to gifts for my immediate family; my extended family and friends and on and on and on.

December stood before me like a giant Santa Claus waiting for me to fill his bag.  I tried to write a list of everyone I had bought gifts for last year and then tried to think of what I could get each one this year.  It gave me a brain freeze to the point I couldn’t think of a single thing for any of them. 

“Calm down”, I told myself, “It isn’t quite December 1^st yet and then I have 25 days left.”  I put down my pen and paper and walked away from my desk.  However, I just couldn’t get it out of my mind.  I sat down in my favorite chair to mull this over in my mind.  Why wasn’t I like some people I know; they shopped all year and were now ready for the big 25^th.  I realized I was actually feeling anxious.

Then a scripture came to mind, “I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears.”  Yes, it said ‘all my fears’. That means anything that causes you to be anxious, God will set your mind at ease and calm your fears. 

I chuckled to myself that I would get upset over the thought of Christmas, although it would have been nice for November to have held on a little longer.  The more I thought about it, the foolisher I felt. [I don’t think ‘foolisher is a word] I have trusted God for everything in my life including many big things and he has never disappointed me.  I also thought about a verse in Philippians 4:6, where it says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”

That did it; what I really should be thinking about is that Jesus, God’s only Son, came to earth for me and all of you so we might have eternal life.  Since when has buying gifts and giving parties and every other thing we celebrate become the most important thing about Christmas?  First of all the stores were filled with everything ‘Christmas’ before Thanksgiving.  Before Thanksgiving so many were getting ready for ‘Black Friday’.  People hurried to get Thanksgiving over so they could go shopping.

Another thing was instead of waiting for ‘Black Friday’, several stores opened on Thanksgiving so they could rob us of enjoying it and giving thanks to God for what He has given us all year.  What a ploy Satan has put before us.  I looked up the full meaning of ‘ploy’:  “A cunning plan or action designed to turn a situation to one's own advantage.”  Satan will use whatever he can to get our mind off the most important event in all of history, Jesus Christ was born to save us from our sins! 

Well, I for one, have decided I’m not buying it;  Jesus is the only Reason for this Season and I’m planning on spending it to talk about Him, share with others about Him and let my love of God shine before all my friends and family.  Oh, yes, Satan will be madder than all get-out, but that’s alright because the Lord goes before me and he’s my rear guard. 

I’m playing Christmas music all day; when I have time, I’ll think about gifts.  I already bought subscriptions to Guideposts magazines for most of my family members.  This is not a commercial, but this gift shows them Jesus for each month of the year.  I pray that God will use it to encourage them to walk closer with Him.  I am actually looking forward to sending Christmas cards this year.  I had to ask the Lord to forgive me for not putting Him first and thank Him for all he has done for me and especially for His Salvation. 

Good-bye November and welcome December!  Turn up the music, give God the glory and go into December with a heart filled with Joy.  Jesus was born; let’s celebrate!

  

  

 “Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 

And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS.”               Luke 1:30-31 

Give Thanks

Give Thanks

“Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 136:1

Over the years I’ve written several stories and poems about Thanksgiving; some funny and some nostalgic and some spiritual.  We all know why Thanksgiving is a holiday and the history behind it such as the story of the Pilgrims and Indians so what can I say about Thanksgiving that’s different? We’ve heard all the sermons about a thankful heart and to give thanks in all circumstances. Why is it so important to understand scripturally what thanksgiving means?    

In the NKJ version of the Bible, the word ‘thanksgiving’ is used 31 times and ‘give thanks’ is used 75 times. The number of uses seems to give these words a great deal of importance.  Why should we be so thankful when there are times that nothing seems to work out, nor do we see God’s hand in action in our lives? 

            First of all, we need to be thankful for all the amazing things God has created and all the things he has done; even giving life to us humans.  Psalm 26:7 says, “That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all Your wondrous works.”  Where would we be without the sun and the moon; the oceans, lakes and rivers; the green fields to grow food; the animals and birds; the fish of the sea?  These are the physical things to give thanks for.  Also included in His wondrous works are spiritual things such as salvation and eternal life; the fruit of the Spirit, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”  Galations 5:22-23 

            Secondly, Psalm 97:12 “Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.” This scripture is very interesting because it tells the believer (righteous) that when we remember the Lord, which should be quite often, we should give thanks!  As a believer, I think about the Lord all through the day, but don’t always say ‘thank you, Lord’ when I do think of Him.  And yet the bible clearly states that we should.  I have a feeling if we did that; we would receive a great blessing as well as a closer walk with Him – the Lover of our soul.

            Thirdly , when we have a great need we must call out to God, the Father in prayer and supplication, which most Christians do.  However there is one key we may omit in these prayers.

Phil 4: 6 tells us what that key is, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”  We may be desperate in giving God our requests, but how often do we approach Him with thanksgiving at these times.  How often do we become so involved our troubles that giving thanks never enters the picture?

            Fourthly, we must be thankful to God even when facing death because we love God more than ourselves, like Daniel did.  Daniel 6:10 “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days”  Daniel just received the news that anyone found praying to God rather than King Darius would be thrown to the lions.  Was Daniel just trying to be a martyr?  No, he trusted our heavenly Father and gave him thanks whether or not he survived. Give me that kind of courage, Lord, to give thanks and rejoice in God, the Father in times of facing illness or death.  That is the mark of a true Believer.

            So this Thanksgiving Day, when we set down to an abundant table with family and friends, let our Thanksgiving not be just for the food, but for all God has done for us from the beginning.  Be thankful for His Word [The Bible], because in it you will find everything and every answer to life’s problems.

This song puts it so well:  “Give Thanks”

Give thanks with a grateful heart, Give thanks unto the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son.

Give thanks, Give thanks.

The Kingdom of God

The Kingdom of God

The Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.   Romans 14:17

What is the Kingdom of God?  Is it in heaven or is it on earth?  These are some questions people ask when the Bible speaks many times about the Kingdom of God.  My first thought was that at the end of the Tribulation, when Jesus would come to rule and reign on this earth that the Kingdom of God would be established.  Let’s look at a couple of scriptures regarding the Kingdom of God.

The Kingdom of God has always been planned and we can see this in Daniel 2:44, “And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.”  Daniel lived in Old Testament times and was called to King Belteshazzar who wanted Daniel to interpret his dream.  The dream showed many kings to come during times ahead.  This is what Daniel was referring to when this verse spoke of ‘in the days of these kings’.  Then he tells of a day coming when God will set up a kingdom that will stand forever.

Going on into the New Testament, in the book of Matthew 3:1-2, it says that “In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"  What does that mean, ‘it’s at hand’? It means ‘near’.  How could that be near; we haven’t seen it yet?  No and it won’t happen until after the Tribulation. The Bible is written for a future time when all of the prophecies will come to pass.  I believe that time is not far off.  In the meantime, we need to go about our lives as usual.

 The finality of all this is when the New Jerusalem comes down from heaven and earthly kings and kingdoms no longer exist. “Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" [Revelation 11:15]  This is when the Kingdom of God becomes the only Kingdom on earth. 

This Kingdom is where you will want to be, but there is something you need to do to be a part of it.  Step I is praying to God and confessing your sins and asking forgiveness.  Step 2 is believing that Jesus is the Son of God and that he died on the cross for you. Step 3 is to ask him into your heart and accept him as your Lord and Savior.  You may have heard that before, but that isn’t where it ends.

If you are really sorry for your past sins, you will “Repent”.  That means to change; to turn your life around and stop sinning.  Every person knows right from wrong so there is no excuse.  There is a better life for you if you make that decision.

God wants to have everyone to be in His Kingdom, but he left the choice up to us.  Don’t wait!  The Kingdom of God is not far off.

As a Deer Longs for Water

As a Deer Longs for Water

“As a deer longs for streams of water, so my soul longs for you, O God.” Psalm 42:1

As a believer we go to church on Sundays and sing songs of praise, listen to some scriptures and join in prayer.  That may be enough for you, but is it enough for God?  Of course we can pray anytime, but does Sunday service keep you going for the rest of the week?  Does one shot of the Holy Spirit on Sunday keep you strong for the things you may have to face during the days to come, especially if you only come once a month or so?

If we had the common sense of an animal, we would long for what will sustain us in all things; “O God, You are my God; early will I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh longs for you in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.” (Psalm 63:1)  I want to be thirsty for God and drink from his well that never runs dry. It’s amazing how God uses natural examples like the deer.  When a deer is wounded, it will use all its strength to get to water.  Why? Because if a wound is not fatal and the deer can reach water, it will kill the fever and the deer will heal.  A deer will travel a great distance to reach water because it is life saving for man and beast.

The day I accepted Jesus as my Savior I became so thirsty for the Word of God.  My soul ached with a longing to know more about Him.  I began to read the Bible day and night and I can only compare it to being hungry.  I was like a starving person eating the Word as quickly as I could.  I read the New Testament in a matter of a few days and then the Old Testament which took a little longer and then started over again.  My Bible was a King James which can be a little difficult to understand, but God gave me supernatural understanding.  It was amazing because before that I couldn’t understand most of it.  I attended Sunday School as a child and knew most of the Bible stories but I didn’t know the truth behind the stories.

So I bought a Living Bible and read that all the way through.  This Bible was like reading poetry and I loved it so much because I have been a poet since I was 9 years old and was first published.  Looking back on those poems I wrote as a child, almost all of them were about God and some were quite prophetic.  I think I was always looking and longing for God, but in my teenage years the world had a greater hold on me.  However, the Lord never gave up and though I always knew God and never doubted Jesus was his son, it took several years for me to commit my life to Him.

We should all be thirsting for more of God; for a more personal relationship with Him.  When you quit longing for God, the river quits flowing.  It doesn’t happen all at once, it slowly ebbs away and your longing for more of God also fades away.  Just like the deer who longs for water and goes any distance to find it, this is the same for us.  We must search for that which will sustain us. The day will come when you realize only God can sustain you.

For generations my family have been hunters and know and understand that God has given us wild life for food and the knowledge that hunting certain animals for food is a natural way for man to survive.  It is also a way to keep balance in nature.  This is the way in the animal world; animals kill each other to survive and if this didn’t happen, the animals would take over the world.  What chaos that would be.  This is how the creatures of the seas survive and yet they also provide food for humans. 

God uses these beautiful, gentle creatures like the deer to show us how we must prepare to reach the life-saving water of the Holy Spirit.  Look what is waiting for you, “But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” John 4:14 (NLT) Why should we long so much for a drink of water? In John 7:37-38 Jesus was teaching a crowd of people and offering them another opportunity to receive Salvation.  This is the way he offered it, “On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”  This refers to the Holy Spirit who had not yet come.

This is a valid reason to long for Living Water, because we all need the Holy Spirit to survive in this lost and dying world.  Jesus knew when he gave his life for us that we would need a Comforter; a Helper who would remain with us until the end of time.  The Holy Spirit guides us and “When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment.”  [John 16:8]  He will make men realize their sinfulness and feel guilt for their misdeeds. The Holy Spirit is the Living Water!  Therefore, you can see why it is so important to long for, and thirst for this water of life we so desperately need. 

This powerful verse in the Book of Revelation keeps the door open for those who thirst after the Lord, “And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.”  Amen!

"Autumn Leaves"

Autumn Leaves

              “He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.”    Daniel 2:21 (NKJV)

            Looking out across my backyard, I watched the autumn leaves falling off the trees and landing all over the grass.  The green of summer grass has changed and turned into a carpet of brown and beige.  Just as God changes the seasons of the earth, he also changes the seasons of our lives.  It seems like autumn always brings many changes.

            First, this is Harvest Time; a time when we gather the fruits of the fields and orchards.  The produce stands are filled with apples, pears, squash and pumpkins. Cider and donuts are readily available.  For some reason these sights are such a comfort.  Maybe it’s because these are familiar sights which have appeared year after year and it’s comforting to know that it hasn’t changed for decades. 

            Secondly, this is Halloween time or All Hollow’s Eve.  As Christians we do not celebrate the underworld or those that dwell in it.  We want nothing to do with witchcraft or demon figures.  The Christian’s enemy is Satan and his demons and to honor this day of Halloween is totally against what we believe.  This is really difficult for the children who are in school and want to be a part of what is going on.  After all, who doesn’t like to dress up and pretend to be someone else? 

            Many churches and groups have ‘Harvest Parties’ in place of trick or treating.  I’m not sure if it’s the ‘right thing’ to do, or if it’s ‘Compromise’.  As a child I loved Halloween; dressing up and getting bags of candy was a pretty exciting thing.  However, when I actually knew what it really meant, it changed my entire thought about it.  This is a good time to teach our children what Halloween is really about, the truth is scary enough that they might not want any part of it.  Of course it is up to each parent to decide the best direction for their children.  It might be a good thing to pray about.

            Thirdly, this is the time of year for elections.  This year is probably the most crucial election for a president that there has ever been in the history of the United States.  Our very country is at stake; our national debt is out of sight; our jobless people are at the highest level; poverty is at its highest and we won’t even talk about gas prices and energy.

            Look at the above scripture in the Living Bible; “World events are under his control. He removes kings and sets others on their thrones.”  Daniel 2:21 (TLB) Does this mean we shouldn’t even bother to vote?  No, not at all; rather it means that as God’s people we need to be praying about this daily.  God will give you direction and already has in his Word.  Let’s look at some of those answers.

1.                  “You shall not murder!”  This means we should not vote for anyone who stands for abortion.     Deuteronomy 5:17 (NKJV)

2.                  Same-Sex Marriage: “And Adam said: "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man."  Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”           Genesis 2:23-24 (NKJV)

3.                  Un-Godly; we should not vote for anyone who does not hold up God Almighty, or does not practice Godly morals. “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?”  Amos 3:3 (NKJV)

4.                  Other Religions:  It is one thing to be tolerant of people of another faith, but it is another thing to lift up those of a faith that breeds terrorists and jihad.  Do not vote for someone who lifts up those whose goal is to kill Americans and Israelis. Therefore "Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you."   2 Corinthians 6:17 (NKJV)

5.                  Backing Israel:  Do not vote for anyone who does not completely stand with Israel.  Israel is God’s nation of God’s chosen people.  Those nations who would come against her are in danger of being destroyed.  “For thus says the LORD of hosts: "He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.  For surely I will shake My hand against them, and they shall become spoil for their servants. Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent Me.”  Zechariah 2:8-9 (NKJV)

There are many more things we should prayerfully consider in the Word of God before we vote.  I believe the outcome of whom we vote for will personally and seriously affect us in the near future. If you are satisfied with where our country is today and has been over the last 8 years, you know who to vote for.  If you think our country needs a change for the better, you know who to vote for.

      As for me, I’m anxious to see if all the ‘born again’ Christians who believe the Word of God is the Truth, will step up and vote The Bible.  Yes, it will take time to reverse the damage that’s been done, but be patient and wait on the Lord.  He has it all in control.  Amen!

      In the meantime, enjoy the beauty that God has given us even if it’s a short drive to admire the colors on the trees.  I believe that the beauty of autumn leaves is a gift from God that shows us the God who created us because he loves us, also reminds us of beauty he created for all of us.  It’s a time for harvest and preparation for the winter that is to come.  It’s a time to praise God and to give thanks.  All this He gave us in preparation for the greatest gift of all – His Son, Jesus Christ!

In deed it is more than Autumn leaves; God has given us everything.

"There Are Goats in Your Orchard"

THERE ARE GOATS IN YOUR ORCHARD

Have you ever been to a fruit farm and picked fruit; apples, cherries, peaches or pears? You may have been in the southern states where you picked your own oranges or grapefruit. I’m sure you have noticed that not all the trees in the orchard bear fruit. Some trees appear to have dried up and died; others look perfectly healthy, but have no fruit. However, I have come across very old abandoned orchards that are still bearing fruit.

In the northern regions of our country there are thousands of apple orchards. It’s quite common to find deer feeding on the fruit. Farmers find it difficult to keep them out of their orchards and consequently thousands of dollars of profit are eaten up every year by the deer. However, it would be a rare sight to see goats feeding in the orchards. Goats are very destructive. They will eat anything in sight, so farmers try to keep them away from the trees. Generally, you will find fenced in pastures where the goats graze along with sheep and cows.

Like Christians around the world, we are much like orchards filled with fruit trees, and the goats are those who are lost in sin, but are desperately looking for fruit to fill their emptiness. There are a lot of fruit trees and many goats that need to be fed from them, but sadly, not all the trees are bearing fruit. When we confessed our sin and asked Christ into our heart, we were appointed, or commissioned, to bear fruit. “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit; fruit that will last.” (John 15:16)

What is this fruit we must bear? It is so important that Jesus warned of the necessity of bearing fruit that was compatible with citizenship in the kingdom of God. “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. (Matt. 21:43) As you can see it is of vital importance we bear fruit. If we don’t, the opportunity will be taken from us. What kinds of fruit are there? “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Gal. 5: 22) This fruit needs to be visible in the life of every believer. Why? There are goats in the orchard and they are watching to see what these trees are producing.

The lost are standing in the wings and keeping an eye on the Christians; the way they live, their attitudes, actions and reactions. Do they see the Christian reach out with love, or, with anger? Jesus was teaching his disciples about this very thing. “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.” This fruit we bear is so important, that Jesus went on to say in verse 19, “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

Listen! Bearing good fruit as a witness to the lost is the same as bearing fruit to God. “So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God.” (Ro. 7:4)

                Have you ever taken a bite out of a big, red, juicy apple, only to find you bit right through a worm hole and you didn’t see the worm? You didn’t know whether to swallow what’s in your mouth or spit it out. This is what the lost (goats) are thinking when they see the Christian say one thing, but live in ungodly ways. You can witness to a sinner, from now until Jesus comes, but if you are not representing Christ with the fruit of the Spirit, they won’t know what to do with it. They’ll be thinking, “I don’t know if I should swallow this or spit it out.”

In Col 1:10, Paul tells the Christian, “And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work.” There are many people in this world who do good works. It gives them a feeling of self-worth and they use their good works as a way to show others how great they are. Good works are wonderful, but where is the fruit? Are these works done with the love of Jesus, with joy, peace, patience, kindness, or are they done grudgingly, out of guilt, or to make oneself look good.

Let me tell you this story about a king who had the richest kingdom in the world. He had a daughter, Princess Hope, who was not beautiful to look upon, but was of a sweet and gentle nature. She had reached the age to be wed, so the king sent invitations to several princes of the kingdoms, inviting them to visit his daughter. One after another they came from the four corners of the world. They brought wonderful gifts they were sure would please the princess. They bowed and scraped before her, trying to win her favor, whomever she chose to be her husband, would become the richest prince in the world. They kissed her hand and told her how beautiful she was. They promised to slay dragons, kill giants and do all sorts of great things for her, if she chose them.

However, none of these pleased the princess. She knew she was not beautiful and therefore was aware that they were trying to win her hand for wrong reasons. They bragged so much about their bravery and exploits, she tired of them all. Would she ever find a prince who was of a true heart and would love her for herself? In her despair she decided to dress herself as a poor servant girl and wander throughout the countryside looking for a prince with a true heart.

At the edge of the sea was a very small and poor kingdom, called “The Kingdom by the Sea”. It had once been lovely, but there had been a famine in the land. The kind and loving king sold all that he had to buy food for his people. Soon there was barely enough food for the king or his son, Trueheart.

One day, Trueheart decided that he would no longer be a burden to his father, but would make his own way in the world. He set off across the land and in time came to the great kingdom of the rich king. He was walking down a dusty road when he met the princess. She had become quite faint and was resting under a tree by the side of the road, looking tired and dirty; not at all like a princess. The prince stopped and asked if she was all right. She told him she was very hungry and tired and longed for a soft bed and a night’s rest. The prince took the last crust of bread from his bag and gave it to her to eat, even though he thought he would probably starve to death. When Princess Hope regained a little strength, he took her to a nearby village and with his last coin, paid for a room so she would have a place to spend the night.

Once settled in her room, she thanked the prince and told him how grateful she was for his kindness. She explained she had a place to go to nearby and would return there the next day. He bowed low before her and lightly touched his lips to her small delicate hand telling her how privileged he was to do anything he could for such a beautiful maiden. The prince looked beyond the dusty appearance of the plain little princess and could see her inner beauty. He fell in love with her, but as he had nothing to offer, he bade her good-by.

Alas, her heart was smitten with Trueheart and she grieved that he was just a poor traveler and not a prince, for a true princess could only marry a true prince. As she leaned from the window to watch him leave, a rider came galloping up to the prince, and shouted to him, “Your father, the king, has been searching for you. He would rather starve than to have you gone from his side and begs you to return home to The Kingdom by the Sea.

When the princess heard that Trueheart was a prince, she cried with joy and called to him from the window. She asked if he would wait but one day longer before he returned to his father and visit her at her home. Trueheart agreed at once, for his love was great for the princess and he hated to leave her.

The next day following the princess’ directions, Prince Trueheart went to visit her. He thought there was some mistake, for her directions led him to the greatest castle he had ever seen. Its richness and elegance were beyond description. As he turned to leave, a servant came running up and asked if he was the prince, Trueheart. He said he was and the servant invited inside the castle. He was taken to a room where a handsome suit of clothing awaited him. The servant helped him bathe and then dressed in the new suit.

He was confused and frightened when he was taken to the great throne room of the king of the castle. His heart beat quickly as he was led down the red carpet towards the throne where the king was seated.

Beside the king, a small figure sat quietly, her face covered with a veil, as was the custom. The prince bowed low before the king and was more than startled when the king stood, took him by the hand and said, “Welcome to the kingdom, my son”. The princess threw back her veil and with great joy bounded down the steps and told the stunned prince, she was Princess Hope and how at last she had found the prince of her dreams. Prince Trueheart declared his love for her, even if she was still the dusty maid by the side of the road.

The whole kingdom rejoiced as the princess and prince were married. The Kingdom by the Sea was in time restored to the lovely place it had once been, due to the generosity of Prince Trueheart and Princess Hope and they all lived happily ever after.

This may be a fairy tale, but a scriptural truth is revealed. “Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them”. (Mat. 7:20) The good fruit, the fruit of the Spirit, will draw people to you. If they do not know the Jesus that lives within you, they will recognize the fruit, the true heart of one who bears good fruit. There was a time when you bore bad fruit, just like the lost now do. Rom 7:5 says that “when we were controlled by the sinful nature, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so that we bore fruit for death.” Let us now bear fruit for life. Take care of your orchard and allow God to prune your tree, so you will produce not only good fruit, but abundant fruit.

You can have goats in your orchard; open the gates, let them come in and offer fruit so good and so pure; they’ll want to be “filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:11)

"A Sound in the Mulberry Trees"

A Sound in the Mulberry Trees

A sound in the mulberry trees

and it shall be, when you hear

the sound  of marching

in the tops of the mulberry trees

then you shall advance quickly.

For then the lord will go

out before you to strike the

camp of the Philistines.

(2 Samuel 5:24 NKJV)

Whenever I have sat with eyes closed in the shade of a leafy tree on a warm summer’s day and heard the wind rustle the leaves overhead, I am reminded that God rides the wings of the winds.  “He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind.   He makes winds his messengers.”  (Psa. 104:3-4 NIV)  Feeling the caress of the little zephyrs against my cheek and brow makes me know there is nothing quite as peaceful and comforting.

      Although, I have never recognized the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, I know that it has happened many times in my life, just as it did in David’s time.  The Philistines were the greatest enemy of Israel and were constantly at war with them.  When they heard that David was made king over Israel, they went after him.  They set up camp in the Valley of Rephaim and prepared to do battle.
      David knew what was happening, so he prayed and asked God what he should do.  The Lord told him he would deliver the enemy into his hands.  Then he gave David these instructions, “Don’t attack them from the front, but circle around and attack from the rear.  When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, act quickly, for the Lord will go before you.”    David followed the Lord’s directions and drove the Philistines out of the land.
      This scripture is a paradigm of the attack by the enemy (Satan) against a child of God.  When we become God’s children, by accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior, we become royalty and part of the household of God.  Then the enemy sets out to destroy us, the same as the Philistines did King David.  Each of us must come up against the Philistines (the enemy) throughout our life.
     We know ahead of time where the battle will take place - in the Valley of Rephaim, or Valley of Weeping.  In Psalm 84:6, we read about walking through the Valley of Baca, meaning Valley of Weeping.  This place of trials and sorrow is in actuality thought to be the Valley of Rephaim. 
     To further verify this location of battle, we read in 2 Samuel, there were mulberry trees in the Valley of Rephaim. We think of mulberry trees as those that bear edible fruit and leave a mess in our yard.  However, the mulberry trees spoken of in scripture were actually a type of balsam trees.  Going back to Psalm 84:6, the word, “Baca” has another meaning and it is the Balsam Tree [see TLB)!  This means the enemy sets up the battle in the valley where the balsam tree grows.  It is not coincidental that God showed us the Valley of Weeping and the Valley of Battle (Rephaim) are one and the same.  

These balsam trees are a type of fir tree with branches spreading outward.  The sound of marching in the tops of the trees was that of angelic armies of God going ahead into battle.  This is not unusual; we find it throughout the Bible.  What is unusual in God’s eyes is that Christians no longer believe it.  Most of us go into battle against the enemy under our own power.

When going through battles, we need to be on our knees before the almighty God, crying out to him for direction, then listening for the answer.  How often we tell God, “If you will do it this way, or that way…..”  We should be praying, “God, give me direction and I’ll do as you say!”  Perhaps then, we would hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees. 

There are times when we feel like David did as a small shepherd boy; God called him to go out and slay Goliath, the giant.  His heart must have quaked with fear and he felt very small in the shadow of Goliath, yet he went forth proclaiming, “The battle is the Lords!”  David must have heard the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees at that time, as well.

Perhaps you feel very small and weak, without the ability to battle an enemy that seems so unapproachable.  Remember, you are not going into battle alone, nor on your own strength and intellect.  There are three things that will give you victory in any battle.   

·       Pray for direction and help at the beginning of the battle.

·       Pray for endurance and wisdom during the battle.

·       Pray prayers of Thanksgiving after the victory.

Each time we go through a raging battle in our lives, we must be refreshed in body and spirit in order to obtain victory.  There is a raging battle going on right now.  We are already in the beginning of World War III and most people don’t know it.  We are living in a time of what may feel hopeless, but God is the same God that he always was, is and will be. There are three things we must remember as a child of the King.  1)  God will go before you in your battle. (1 Samuel 8:20) 2) The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. (Isaiah 58:8)     3) The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? (Psalm 118:6) As you can see, God has us covered with all his power so we cannot lose.

No matter what happens around us, in God’s eyes we have already won.  Praise His Holy Name! 

The battle was before me, O God.

I asked you for direction and you gave it to me.

I asked you for strength to complete the battle

And you strengthened me.

I heard the sound of your angelic hosts;

Going before me into battle.

You ran quickly to fight at my side.

Now I am battle-weary, O God.

Heal me with the Balm of Gilead.

Refresh me with pools of refreshment. [Psalm 84:6]

May I always listen for the sound of marching

In the tops of the mulberry trees,

Knowing with certainty,

The battle is the Lords!

                                                                     Wanda Ritter