The One Enthroned in Heaven Laughs 8-18-14

“The One enthroned in heaven laughs.” Ps 2:4

In light of recent events worldwide, comfort is to be found!

The Psalmist in Ps. 2:1-12 is equally troubled by current events. He inquires:

“Why do the nations conspire (tumultuously assemble) and the people plot (devise, growl, mutter and roar) in vain? The kings (heads of state) of the earth take their stand and the rulers (gov’t authorities) gather together against the Lord and against His anointed (Believers). They say, let us draw away, separate and tear apart Believers bonds, and cast down their interwoven unity.” 

Sound familiar? Enter God.

“The One enthroned in heaven laughs! (sachaq: to make sport, jest, mock, ridicule)

He will speak to them in His wrath, and vex them in His sore displeasure.”

God advises these heads of state:

“Be wise. Be warned.

Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling.

Kiss (be equipped with) the Son (Jesus). 

Blessed are all who take refuge (put their trust, hope and confidence in) in Him.”

Solomon, “the man who had it all”, also counsels us to place our trust, hope and confidence in the Lord… otherwise, he warns, this life is truly meaningless. He urges us to be open-handed with our lives before the Lord instead of vexing our spirit with empty striving. Sgs. 4:6

For us personally, this month has meant being open-handed with everything … from Betsy’s immediate heart issues, to facing 2 hurricanes and box jellyfish in Hawaii, to empty nest changes in 3 weeks, to career decisions, … even to Shaun’s choice of new dark brown large reclining living room cigar lounge couches (in our beach house)!

“If God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?”

Matt. 6:30

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.” 1 Pet. 5:7

May we give our utmost to the One who gave it ALL. He’s coming soon.

Much love and hugs,

Shaun and Betsy

Colossal Persecution 7-7-14

“Christ’s love compels us.” 2 Cor. 5:4

Believing brothers and sisters around the world are facing colossal persecution of epic proportion, yet likened to holocaust years, much of the world in remains uninformed or silent.

“He will be a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.”

Is. 8:14

“Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.” 1 Cor. 1:23

“The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing,

but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

1 Cor. 1:18

“We are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ

among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.

To the one we are an aroma that brings death;

to the other, an aroma that brings life.”

2 Cor. 2:15-16

Facing injustices? Be “fully convinced that God is able to do whatever He promises.” Rom. 4:21

Beheadings, crucifixions? “Make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.” 2 Cor. 5:9

“If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Jn. 8:36

We here in the USA just celebrated our country’s Independence Day. We are humbled as we read this account of what happened to those who gave us what we enjoy today:

http://whatreallyhappened.com/RANCHO/POLITICS/DOCUMENTS/the_signers.html

God bless.

He is coming soon. ~Shaun and Betsy

It's Happening....! 6-23-14

“The LORD of Hosts says, “The day of judgment is coming… But for you who revere My Name, the Sun of Righteousness, will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.” Mal 4:1-2

Lord of Hosts… Sun of Righteousness….

Let’s explore these names:

Lord: Jehovah = "the existing One"

Hosts: “tsaba’”: means host of an organized army; host of angels; host of moon and                         stars; host of whole creation

Sun: “shemesh” means sunrise out of the East; sunset in the west; publically; openly;    shields and glittering, shining battlements.

“For as lightening comes from the East is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man…they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven

 with power and great glory.” Matt. 24:27, 30

Righteousness: “tsedaqah” means judge; ruler; king; messiah; vindication; justification; salvation of God and people.

“I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for He judges fairly and wages a righteous war. His eyes were like flames of fire, and on His head were many crowns. A name was written on Him that no one understood except Himself. He wore a robe dipped in blood, and His title was the Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed Him on white horses. From His mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. On His robe at His thigh was written

 this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.” Rev. 19:11-16

Let’s now read the above Malachi scripture with its “fleshed out” context:

The Existing One, Host of all of creation, angels, moon, stars and the armies of heaven says: But for you who revere My Name, like a sunset is seen in the West or a sunrise in the East, I, Jesus am coming with My heavenly armies. ALL will see Me: Magnificent Messiah, Ruler, King and Judge, who brings God’s vindication, justification and salvation to peoples of earth. You who revere Me will rise with healing in your wings and you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.

Prophesy is unfolding at a rapid pace. E.g.: Just this week, current events in Iraq (remember Babylon will be the epicenter of evil in the last days), Christian beheadings in numerous nations, rampant evil judges who devise wicked schemes…

“When you see all these things, you can know His return is very near, right at the door.” Matt. 24:33

May we be ready.  Much love this week. ~Shaun and Betsy

Course Change? 6-2-14

“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.” Matt. 7:21

Do you know someone dear to your heart that professes Jesus as Lord, but by his or her actions denies Jesus?

“The Lord is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” 2Pet. 3:9

God constantly sends messengers to “woo” rebellious hearts back into His loving embrace.  He declares:

“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before Me.” Mal. 3:1a

Prepare “panch” means:

to turn, clear away, to turn away, to put out of the way, to be turned back.

Way “derek” means:

course of life, journey, direction; of moral character, manner, habit or way

“Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come…says the Lord of Hosts.” Mal. 3:1b

Lord:  “Yehovah” means: the Existing One

Of Hosts “tsaba” means:

that which goes forth; host of an organized army; host of angels; host of sun, moon and stars; host of whole creation.

Do you see this? God, the Existing One, who goes forth as HOST of an organized army, Host the angels, Host of the sun, Host of the moon, Host of the stars and

Host all of creation constantly sends messengers to woo us back to Himself!

…“Messengers” who clear away rebellious habits, turn hearts away from sinful pleasures and destructive life courses, and towards Lord God.

Remember, likened to infectious leprosy, sin numbs, deteriorates, and separates us from those we love, including God. Yet, we have glorious hope, just as Jesus heals infectious diseases, He heals the sinner who repents, then showers us with blessing.

As we pray for our rebellious loved one, let’s ask ourselves, “How am I walking?”

(And…Perhaps you’re sensing: “The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for He has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, the blind will see, the oppressed will be set free.” Lk. 4:18    God Speed. Xo)

Love and hugs this week; He is coming soon.

Shaun and Betsy

Resting as He Stands 5-20-14

“She turned to leave and saw 
someone standing there.  It was Jesus.”  Jn. 20:14

Are you amidst an ocean of trial? Overwhelmed and sinking? ~Between the sets of “trial waves” a simple breath is akin to sucking air out of a straw while choking on salt water, whilst pining for instantaneous remedy?

Alas, aside from hearing a trumpet blast and being raptured to heaven, there’s no “magic wave of a wand” that will make all perfect. But this does NOT mean give up.

If we’re to endure this season (and come out stronger on the other side), we’re wise to bear in mind that God always has purpose in trial. If God has allowed “it”, He’s allowed “it” for a reason(s)…for ultimate good, not evil. With these higher purposes in mind, perhaps we can find comfort knowing Jesus is standing by our side amidst our shaking.

We Cleary’s have found a comforting truth recently:

Sometimes Jesus stands: “yatsab” stationing Himself by our side as a friend and guide during a season when we’re exhausted, confused, overwhelmed, or simply “being called” (like with Moses and Samuel: Ex. 34:5; 1 Sam. 3:10)

At other times Jesus stands: “histemi” establishing Himself immovably as our protector, provider and avenger (like with Mary and Stephen Jn. 20:14; Acts 7:56)

Still, in other occasions He stands: “amad” as our Righteous Ordainer, the enduring, steadfast Holy One who remains forever faithful (like with Israelites Ex. 17:6; Ps 105:10)

Indescribable comfort and peace await those who choose to “rest” in the arms of God. What does “rest” mean, you ask?  Among the many ways, here are two:

One avenue is simply choosing to believe God at His Word regardless of circumstance. (Remember, in order to believe God at His Word, we have to know God’s Word, invest time in, meditate on, pray over and sing out His Scriptures.)

Another avenue is through the intercessory prayers of others. A friend told us recently, “When you are too exhausted to pray much more than, ‘help, Lord’, that’s when you rest in the prayers of faithful friends.” Amen.

Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him…God has told his people, ‘Here is a place of rest; let the weary rest here. This is a place of quiet rest.’”   Ps. 37:7; Is. 28:12

Love and hugs,  Shaun and Betsy

Time is Short 4-16-14

“Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.” 
Rev. 12:12

The secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the One who now holds it back will continue to do so till He is taken out of the way (the Rapture). Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of His mouth and destroy by the splendor of His coming. The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.

You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains (which increase in intensity and frequency)…

Mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power.

Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 

(2 Thess. 2:7-12; Matt. 24:6-8; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; Matt. 24:32-34)

Our world is changing rapidly. Hostility to God Almighty is fierce. Opposition is

*persistent (with a goal to wear one down),

*promotes deception (through propaganda and twisting/denying truth),

*instills fear (which distracts, discourages, paralyzes, steals joy & causes retreat), 
*and is very personal (isolates then pounces). ~Neh. 6 is an excellent case study.

Yet we can take heart: He, God, who is in the Believer, is greater

than he, the devil, who is in the world. 1Jn. 4:4

How do we access God’s power? Spend TIME with Him. Immerse ourselves in “True reality” by immersing ourselves in His Word, worship, prayer. See Pv.1-2

Living in light of authentic reality and His unfailing love, xo.  ~Shaun and Betsy

Messy Refinishing 3-24-14

“We are Christ’s handiwork.” Eph. 2:10

The hardwood floors in our home are currently being sanded to virgin wood.  The end result promises to be amazing, but before enjoying this gorgeous handiwork, we get the privilege of living through an enormous mess… every nook and cranny of our home covered in polyurethane dust. Furthermore, because we waited so long to begin this project, the sanding is all the more intense, the dust deposits are twice as thick, the stink is longer lasting, and the cleanup effort will be mammoth.

What does this have to do with my life you ask? Analogous to refinishing wooden floors, is God’s refinishing “the rough living spaces” in our personal life, a messy and inconvenient process. Let’s explore an example:

After years of oversight or neglect, Believer Joe-Mary recognizes an area that is in need of a spiritual overhaul. Joe-Mary earnestly comes to the Lord, fervently prays, and eagerly gears up for the “holy sanding”, fully entrusting life to the Master Craftsman.

The process begins and the inevitable “grime dust” gathers in every nook, seemingly affecting every area of life. As the dust mess gets thicker, Joe-Mary starts to lose sight of the end result and glamorizes former conditions.  As with the Israelites in the desert after God rescued them from oppressive slavery (Ex. 16), Joe-Mary becomes disheartened, starts to grumble, desiring to call off the whole exercise (after all, “the disheveled floors of my life weren’t really all that bad were they?”)

It is at this juncture, Joe-Mary has a choice: Truly trust God, the Master Craftsman, thus avail self to the Lord’s full makeover? Or trust the idea of God (Is. 29:13), and assign ultimate trust to self by simply quitting or reverting back to what’s comfortable? (Stated another way in the form of a personal question: Who’s on the throne of my life, God or me? …Am I abiding in His way or my way?)

God tells us:

“Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life,

which is corrupted by lust and deception.

Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.

Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy…

Think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.”

(Eph. 4: 22-24; 1Pet. 1:13)

Hard process? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1Cor. 2:9

In this together.  ~Much love and hugs, Shaun and Betsy