Bel Air 1950

Spring is here, but then again, what does this mean for you? For most of us living in the south and in the country, it means, besides rain, which we so desperately need, lambs, calves, and birds being born, bees starting to buzz around, blossoms in the orchard, and bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes popping up all over southern Texas.

Bing Crosby's love songs play on the radio, bringing smiles to people's faces. Hmm, that Bing thing might be just with a select bunch of enlightened people, though.

Okay, to continue, all in all, this weather puts a spring in your step and a circle around your work schedule. It's time to go and work outside, take in the fresh air, and be ready to start planting. Can you imagine that there are not just kids, but even adults in inner cities who have never touched a goat's kid or a lamb before? I know I've spoken about this before, but if the news channels would just start reporting 15 minutes of positive news each day, crime rates would drop dramatically, maybe even by 5 percent. There have been several studies over different universities on this topic, and there is a report of 4219 pages that can be read from the University of British Columbia on this topic too.

But you Christians always have something to complain about, I can hear people say. That Bible of yours is filled with horror, murder, war, and betrayal. What these attackers and complainers, however, do not see and most likely do not know is that this is not the red thread that is woven by God in His word. Because that red thread that keeps it all together is God's covenant, His, I would almost say, His yearning to have a relationship with mankind. All those wars, all that killing, all that whoring around, all that wrongdoing, all that is brought forth out of the behavior of mankind. Mankind who possesses a will of its own and a mind to choose to have this relationship with God, or not.

"Oh yeah, but God is not always good," you might hear too. He had Israel in Egyptian captivity for 400 years. Yeah indeed, He also had announced that it would happen so that the people would know that this was a punishment from God. Can you imagine 318,9 million people suddenly having their pants dropped, man, woman, and children alike?

Then all standing bent over and receiving 3 swats.

Okay, I know this is truly silly, but you get the picture.

The person we elect, the person that acts on our behalf, does something that goes against the principles of the covenant that this country had made in the past with God and through which this country had received many blessings. Then this elected person, let's call him, the president. Okay, let's say it was our president, Barack Hussein Obama. Let's say he tells Israel that they need to give land away that not America, but God had provided to them. How would your dad react?

Your dad has 3 cars, a truck that he drives to work back and forth, a nice sedan, and an antique 1950's Bel-Air. Now we also have a problem, there is a railroad track dividing our neighborhood with another neighborhood. They really don't like us over on this side, we have three cars, they have a bicycle. We have a garage, they have a carport. We have nice yards and gardens, they have a concrete playground. But you know there is that girl, that cute one, just on the other side of the tracks. And Joey, our neighbor's son, is always looking at her. Sometimes he sits with me on the roof of our garage, looking at her, because ours is just against the tracks. Joey came up with a plan. He said to me, "Now to make things right with the people on the other side of the track, and to give me a chance with this beautiful girl, I'm going to tell your dad that he needs to give this piece of land with the garage and the 1950's Bel Air to the people on the other side of the track. This way the track can be moved over to the other side of your garage, and they will be happy and I can date the girl, because we all have peace."

Now I start, of course, to get a little agitated about all of this. Joey has his eye on this girl, he wants something from the railroad track people. And to get that, he wants my dad to give some of his land, including the Bel Air, just to swoon the girl. And the protection for what is his, the cars and the garage, he wants that to be given away so that he can get what he wants under the umbrella that it would be better this way. Do you think my dad would go for that? No, I don't think so. It is not Joey's to give away in the first place. I surely think that Joey can no longer be my friend.

This is, however, a very simplistic way of telling you what has been happening in the Middle East, with in the role of Joey, the United States of America, the Track People, the West Bank and the Palestinians, and in the role of Me and My Dad, the land of Israel. If I would agree with this, what do you think my dad would do to me? Joey, he would chase away, and say not to come back anymore, or with some justice from the 40's, he would switch his behind. My dad is the Lord God Almighty who has the land and the Bel Air. God has all the land and has given a large tract to the tribes of Israel, and we will read about this in a minute.

So then, do we now see everyone suddenly bent over with their pants dropped, or do you think other events have transpired over the last 100 years as we went against the will of God the Father? Indeed, we all know the answer, because I've never witnessed 318.9 million people bent over at the same time, screaming in agony. The problem is that people keep repeating the same mistakes, and we fail to learn from our errors. How can we be part of this change? How does God want us to be different and make a difference? Where does it all start? I believe the simplest and most truthful answer would be:

• Give your life to Christ.
• Accept Him as your Lord AND Savior.
• Accept His Holy Spirit as your guide and conscience.
• Then, when this choice is made:
• Repent, move away from, and cease doing what is not in God's will.
• Study God's will, the Holy Bible.

With this, become a better person, or in other words, grow progressively in holiness.

Be better, get better, eat better, live better, work better; in other words, stand out because you are better.

Why will you be better? Because God's best way of living is all described in His Holy Word, the Bible. When this happens, you will be able to share this success and this success story with others, convincing them that a life with Christ is not just for a better life now, but that it is a covenant that lasts throughout eternity.

Then, after addressing these three topics, what do they have in common? God is a God of relationships, and we are created to be in this relationship, singing His praises.

Psalm 67 from the Tree of Life Version "Let All Peoples Praise You" states:

For the music director, with stringed instruments, a psalm, a song.

May God be gracious to us and bless us. May He cause His face to shine upon us— Selah

So that Your way may be known on earth, and Your salvation among all nations.

Let the peoples praise You, O God. Let all the peoples praise You.

Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for You will judge the peoples fairly, and guide the nations on the earth. Selah

Let the peoples praise You, O God. Let all the peoples praise You.

The earth has yielded its harvest— God, our God will bless us.

God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear Him.

From this psalm, we hear the words echoing back: When the praises go up, the blessings come down.

• Why is it, then, that the biggest complainers are filling the pews in the church?

• Wow, today a message of questions.

• But are we, and when, how, are we receiving the answers?

So then, tell me, is this a negative message, written by someone down and not looking up to all that is bright and good? I really do not think so. I believe that today's message is a realistic look at the situation. The land-for-peace deal, or the Bel Air exchange that we talked about earlier, is just an example of how people keep repeating mistakes from the past, and when you look at it clearly, how foolish it is.

The story before that about the news broadcasting is true and tested, and it shows us how people are influenced by what surrounds us. Isn't it true that our languages are filled with proverbs that tell us this? Like father, like son. The apple does not fall far from the tree. A man is known by the company he keeps. From nothing, nothing will come. Words disturb the air, but deeds bring success. He's putting new wine in old skins. And with that last word of wisdom, we see that we do as we are raised, not just by our parents, but by society as a whole. And we never learn because we keep on putting new wine in old wineskins, and most of it will be lost again. Then, of course, we will be sitting down and out, asking ourselves how it is possible that we have lost so much of that great and delicious wine.

What I'm saying with this, through those proverbs that are hundreds of years old, is that people still have not changed a bit. We are still pessimistic and still counting on the actions of others, instead of our own actions. "Why would I do this for God? Let Him do something for me first." Yes, we do not learn from history, because He has already done for us. Genesis 12:3 tells us how we can receive a blessing while we are still lost and not part of His people. Psalm 122 tells us how we can have peace within our walls by praying for the peace of Jerusalem. Then, in the good news of the Gospels, announced in the words of Isaiah, He gives His son, as John 3:16 states, to die on the cross to create a blood covenant with us so that we can be His adopted children and be part of the whole, complete deal. The forgiveness of ALL our sins and transgressions. Entrance into the Kingdom of heaven, and supper with our Lord at the wedding supper of the lamb.

So those last two questions were not answered yet.

1. Why is it, then, that the biggest complainers are filling the pews in the church?

2. But are we, and when, how, are we receiving the answers?

Back to those proverbs again, because most of our people that sit in the church these days—yes, I say it and am going to say it again—MOST of our people that sit in the church these days sit there because of a combination of any or all of the three reasons:

1. It is expected of them to be in church.

2. "My parents raised me in the church, so I go."

3. "It is the right thing to do and a good place to go to."

NOT because they have received THE life-altering, life-touching, Holy Spirit overpowering experience of a full surrender to Jesus Christ, Yeshua Ha'Mashiach. If you are going to church because your parents did, and because you are reformed and you are Dutch, you are now Dutch Reformed. Or because your parents had you baptized and John was a baptizer, that is why you are a Baptist. Or, or, or—those are all the wrong reasons, filling up the pews with people not truly willing to change the world. Not truly willing to lose it all because Jesus, Yeshua, wants THEM to make a difference. "No, no, no, not me, Lord, I'm not good enough, take him, he sits on the first pew."

Are you by now receiving the answer, and are you by now receiving it clearly? When you surround yourself with people filled with the ideas, words, music, movies, language, foods, and thoughts of this world, then what goes in must come out. And when it is not good in the eyes of the Lord that goes in, then what is not good in the eye of the Lord WILL come out. Surround yourselves with the word of God, for all your senses—taste, eyes, ears, for your feet, your hands, your body, your soul. Then what comes in, must come out.

"Oh, I don't care if I do this right or not, as long as I make my eight hours." It will then indeed come out as poor quality for your boss, and he will see that what you provide for him is subpar. BUT those who give it all they have, because they are filled with the Holy Spirit Power of our Lord, will provide a top-of-the-line quality product and will be seen by their employers as the providers of top-of-the-line quality products. They will move on, and they will move up. Better position, better pay, better pay, better food, better food, better health, better health, better quality work. Circle complete, life gets better and better. The Bel Air is in your garage, and the other side of the track is still driving the old beaters like they have in Communist Cuba. Why? Because you are God's people, that is why you are envied, but that is also why you are better. When you have nothing to live for, there is also nothing to enjoy. But when you have everything to live for, you can stop that Bel Air beside the road and be in wonder at how that nice-looking heifer is giving birth to that calf.

Oh, my God is good, life is good.

Amen.

A Blank Page

Good Morning, Friends.

Today, I wish you a morning filled with shalom, brimming with the Holy Spirit's fiery presence.

Last week, we turned a page in our lives, and now, we stand before a fresh, blank page. This new page is where our present unfolds, just as previous pages have chronicled our past, and future pages await our stories. What will I inscribe on this pristine, inviting slate today?

I often ponder whether it's truly me shaping these pages, or if they reflect how others perceive me. It's a curious thought. After all, this is the book of my life. Am I the author, or is someone else holding the pen? Consider this: when my story began, I wasn't even born yet. "Chrisje," meaning little Chris, was just a week old in Jannie's womb, a life sparked by the love between Jannie and Hendrik. Would Hendrik write in his book, "Out of our love, little Christiaan began to grow in Jannie's womb"? I doubt it. It seems our lives are often narrated by external observers.

How does your book read? This week might end with a joyous note for Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson, who entered into Holy Matrimony on March 08, 2014. Others might end their week with a child's whine, "No, I'm not tired, I don't want to go to bed!" Or perhaps, like me, you planned to do more, but suddenly, the lights went out, and all plans were postponed. Yes, that was me, needing rest yet reluctantly accepting it.

The wedding ceremony was moving, and I had to fight back tears. But now, there's much to organize and set right. Someone else might write, "Today, I helped a lot by cleaning dishes and storing leftovers." It feels good to read such things in our own books, doesn't it?

Brothers and Sisters, consider the blank page before a wedding ceremony. It's like a default page of nerves and grumpiness, but we often skip it. Men like to appear unaffected, but inside, a storm of emotions and nerves rages. So, we turn the page on that chapter.

How do we read our book? In many churches, you'll see two candles burning, a tradition whose meaning is often forgotten. These candles represent the Shabbat commands: "keep" and "remember." Keeping Shabbat means observing it, and remembering it involves preparation. For Jews, it's a reminder of their liberation from Egypt. For us Christians, it symbolizes our journey from a life without Christ—a path leading to death—to a life in His light, promising eternal life.

Lighting these candles, we recall our salvation, the moment we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. The candle flames represent not only Jesus, the light of the world, but also the Holy Spirit's fire within every believer.

Proverbs 20:27 says,

"The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly."

This light illuminates our innermost being, with the Holy Spirit guiding us.

Luke 24:30-34 (KJV)

"And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,
Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.”

Consider the disciples' experience in Luke 24:30-34. Their hearts burned within them as Jesus spoke and opened the scriptures. This burning is the Holy Spirit's illumination.

Our life's pages before salvation might appear gray, filled with loneliness and worldly pursuits. But after salvation, they become bright with Christ's light. We're called to live and grow in holiness, following God's will and Jesus' example. The goal is to become more like Jesus, as the chorus goes, "To be like Jesus! This hope possesses me..."

As the prayer chorus tells us;
To be like Jesus!
This hope possesses me,
In every thought and deed,
This is my aim, my creed;
To be like Jesus!
This hope possesses me,
His Spirit helping me,
Like him I'll be.
Gowans and Larsons

In these times, we witness an increasing prevalence of false teachings and teachers, even infiltrating churches that were once steadfast in biblical truth. This isn't a new phenomenon; it's a trend that began nearly two millennia ago. The Book of Revelation, particularly chapters 2 and 3, addresses this through letters to seven churches in Asia Minor. Each letter, dictated by Christ Himself, serves not only as a specific message to these churches but also as a timeless guide for us today.

Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7):  Known for its hard work and perseverance, the church in Ephesus is commended for its discernment against false apostles. However, Christ rebukes them for abandoning their first love. This serves as a reminder to us that while doctrine and discernment are crucial, they must be rooted in our first love for Christ and His teachings.

Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11):  The church in Smyrna faces poverty and persecution. Christ offers them no rebuke but encourages them to be faithful, even to the point of death. This letter reminds us that faithfulness in trials is precious in God's sight, and eternal life is the reward for such steadfastness.

Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17):  Located in a city where Satan's throne is said to be, this church held fast to their faith. Yet, they are criticized for tolerating teachings that led believers into sin. This warns us against complacency and the acceptance of teachings that compromise our moral and spiritual integrity.

Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29):  This church is commended for its love, faith, service, and perseverance. However, they are rebuked for tolerating a prophetess leading people into immorality and idolatry. It's a stark reminder that tolerance of false teachings under the guise of love or openness can lead to spiritual decay.

Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6):  Christ admonishes this church for having a reputation of being alive, but in reality, they are dead. This is a call for us to remain vigilant in our spiritual lives, ensuring that our actions reflect a living faith, not just an appearance of religiosity.

Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13):  This church, with little strength, kept Christ's word and did not deny His name. They are promised protection and reward. It teaches us that even a small congregation.

Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22):  The Lukewarm Church: Laodicea was criticized for being lukewarm—neither hot nor cold. Christ warned that He would spit them out because of their complacency. This church is a stark reminder of the danger of being spiritually indifferent and the need for fervent commitment to our faith.

Each church faced different challenges, from losing their first love to tolerating false doctrines. It's up to us to discern the truth, guided by Scripture and the Holy Spirit.

Proverbs 4 urges us to cherish wisdom and guard our hearts, for they are the wellspring of life. We must be vigilant in our walk with God, avoiding the paths of the wicked.

Proverbs 4 (CJB)

Listen, children, to a father’s instruction; pay attention, in order to gain insight;
2 for I am giving you good advice; so don’t abandon my teaching.
3 For I too was once a child to my father; and my mother, too, thought of me as her special darling.
4 He too taught me; he said to me, “Let your heart treasure my words; keep my commands, and live;
5 gain wisdom, gain insight; don’t forget or turn from the words I am saying.
6 Don’t abandon [wisdom]; then she will preserve you; love her, and she will protect you.
7 The beginning of wisdom is: get wisdom! And along with all your getting, get insight!
8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will bring you honor;
9 she will give your head a garland of grace, bestow on you a crown of glory.”
10 Listen, my son, receive what I say, and the years of your life will be many.
11 I’m directing you on the way of wisdom, guiding you in paths of uprightness;
12 when you walk, your step won’t be hindered; and if you run, you won’t stumble.
13 Hold fast to discipline, don’t let it go; guard it, for it is your life.
14 Don’t follow the path of the wicked or walk on the way of evildoers.
15 Avoid it, don’t go on it, turn away from it, and pass on.
16 For they can’t sleep if they haven’t done evil, they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone fall.
17 For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.
18 But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, shining ever brighter until full daylight.
19 The way of the wicked is like darkness; they don’t even know what makes them stumble.
20 My son, pay attention to what I am saying; incline your ear to my words.
21 Don’t let them out of your sight, keep them deep in your heart;
22 for they are life to those who find them and health to their whole being.
23 Above everything else, guard your heart; for it is the source of life’s consequences.
24 Keep crooked speech out of your mouth, banish deceit from your lips.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze on what lies in front of you.
26 Level the path for your feet, let all your ways be properly prepared; then deviate neither right nor left; and keep your foot far from evil.

In the church, some may say that grace excuses all, but we must remember our duty to honor the Holy Spirit and our Heavenly Father. Just as we wouldn't want to grieve our earthly fathers, we should strive not to grieve our Heavenly Father.

Each of these churches reflects different challenges and spiritual states that are still relevant to us today. As we consider our own "book, " our own walk with the Lord, we must ask ourselves: Which of these churches do we resemble? Are we like Ephesus, strong in doctrine but lacking in love? Or are we like Smyrna, enduring trials with steadfast faith? Perhaps we are more like Laodicea, comfortable and complacent, needing a wake-up call to reignite our passion for Christ.

These messages to the seven churches serve as a mirror, reflecting our own spiritual condition and prompting us to introspection and action. They remind us to remain faithful, to repent where we have strayed, and to pursue a deeper, more authentic relationship with Jesus Christ. As we write the pages of our lives, let us be mindful of these lessons, striving to be churches and individuals that are pleasing in the sight of our Lord.

In our journey of faith, we often encounter crossroads where the teachings of the world conflict with the eternal truths of Scripture. Within the church – and by this, I mean the universal body of believers who declare Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior – there are prevailing movements that sometimes misconstrue the essence of grace. They suggest that since we are forgiven, adherence to God's commandments becomes optional as if grace is a license to disregard the grieving of the Holy Spirit through disobedience.

But let's ponder this: Do we not love our earthly fathers? I certainly do. I recall my father's teachings and his warnings against habits that could harm me due to our family's history of fibrosis and alcoholism. His guidance was not just rules; it was an expression of love, a desire to see me live a healthy, fulfilling life. If I respect and honor my earthly father's wisdom, how much more should I heed the wisdom of our Heavenly Father, who embodies righteousness and knows the very fabric of our being?

Our lives are like books being written under the watchful eye of the Lord. When He reads my pages, will they be stained with His tears of sorrow over my choices, or will they reflect His joy and approval?

This is a profound reflection for each of us.

Moreover, there's another book – the Book of Life, held by Yeshua (Jesus), the Lamb of God. As described in Revelation, the world will face tribulations, a prelude to the ultimate confrontation between good and evil. Revelation 13:6-9 vividly illustrates this cosmic battle, emphasizing the significance of being inscribed in the Lamb's Book of Life.

This book is not a record of our deeds but a testament to His grace. It's not about our righteousness but His sacrifice. When we stand before God's throne, it is Christ who will intercede for us, affirming our place in His book, cleansed by His blood.

For those not found in the Lamb's Book of Life, their own deeds will be their testimony, and as Scripture reminds us, all have sinned and fall short of God's glory. But praise be to God, for we are saved by grace, justified by His sacrifice. Our names are not just written in this book; they are sealed with the declaration, "He is mine," signed by Jesus Himself.

In this understanding, we find the true essence of our faith – a balance of grace and obedience, love and reverence, humility and assurance. Our lives, then, become a living testament to His grace, a journey marked not by perfection but by a heartfelt desire to align our will with His, to live in a way that honors both the sacrifice of Christ and the teachings of Scripture.

Praise His Holy name, for in His book, our names are not merely entries; they are declarations of His enduring love and our eternal belonging.

Amen.