Be Not Deceived

The great churches of Europe standing empty tells the story of the great falling away better than anything else. Secularism has taken over the Western World. From the words of Jesus we were forewarned.

“Take heed that no one deceive you. For many will come in my name, saying ‘I am the Christ’ and will deceive many.” Matt 24:4-5

We’re living in an age when the people of the world declare that every religion and every prophet leads to heaven. Those who dare to proclaim the true Christ to be the only way to salvation are enemies to the world. We’ve always known that to be true, but never has it been so glaring.

Christian persecution is rampant and varied throughout the world. In many countries people are imprisoned or executed for their faith. Iran and North Korea for sure, but many others don’t tolerate Christian teaching. It can be a crime to own a Bible.

Persecution is happening here in the United States. Standing up for Christ can get you bad grades in college, lose your business, lose friends, and pull families apart. At the least, speaking out can bring on ridicule. Evangelizing is considered taboo, even in Christian churches. You can only share your beliefs with others like you. Proclaiming the good news of Christ to the outside world is offensive.

Christian authors are accused of “preaching” if they dare to mention Jesus too much.

I suppose the older I get, the more aware I am of the deception tactics of the world. The wolf in sheep’s clothing pops up frequently in my stories. The bad guy is easily identified, but how he fools people is subtle and often surprising.

Should we be discouraged to be living in these turbulent times? No. As Jesus tells us, there is reason to rejoice. “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” Luke 21:28.

Our duty as Christians is the same as always. Keep the faith. Keep our light shining in a darkening world. And occupy until the Lord comes. 

Long Way Gone

Long Way Gone

by Charles Martin

I’ve heard the Prodigal Son story a zillion times. But. And this is a huge BUT. Next to Jesus’ original version, Charles Martin’s version is the best I’ve read.

I’m not a cry-er. I can remember only two books that made me shed actual tears. Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah and Long Way Gone.

This is a very modern story about a boy and his dad. And they both play guitars. And it’s about worship and using your gifts and the Nashville music scene and going home even though it’s too late. And it’s about music and how it’s a language all unto itself. And there’s the whole, “finding yourself” and knowing yourself and trusting your dad – or not trusting him. And then learning - the hard way - that he’s a very trustworthy guy. It’s about your metaphorical/physical father and your heavenly father and finding your way back home.

This story includes all the ingredients required for a good story. A flawed hero. A lady in distress. Difficult decisions, bad and good. Redemption. Forgiveness. And an overflow of emotion. I mean . . . I cried actual tears I had to wipe off my face.

This is an excellent story. It’s the same as one of my favorite Bible stories, but it’s also told with fresh words in a modern setting in ways that actually help me see that I am that prodigal son. We all are. For realz. And it carries the best possible message: “You can always go home.” And we can, even though the lies that sway us speak elsewise.

And maybe home is not a physical place. It might be a person. It might be a prayer. But wherever and whomever and whenever home is for us, there is always our Father waiting, looking down the road, watching for us so he can run to us, arms wide open.

Read this book. When you get to the end, it feels like falling into those waiting arms. Though the road may be rough, the landing will be sure. Can you tell I liked this one? You will too. 

What do you relate to in the Prodigal Son Story?

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The Captain and the Dancing Natives

Amber Schamel here with our Monday morning devotional. I was in church a couple of weeks ago when our pastor shared an inspiring story with us. It touched my heart, so I thought I'd pass it along.

There is an ancient tale that tells of an island which many of the ships had to pass. This island was inhabited by Natives with a strange culture. The women would all go out on a sandbar and begin to dance and sing. The poor sailors who had been at sea for many months were absolutely tantalized by the women. Their dance would lure the ships to the island, where the Native men were waiting to attack them, kill all on board and take whatever loot they could.

Now there was a certain captain, well known and quite accomplished, who was required to sail his ship past this island. The captain knew his enemy, and he also knew his own weakness. When the island came into sight, he commanded his men to gag him,and tie him to the mast pole. He commanded further that each and every sailor should plug their ears with wax, so that they could not hear the singing and shouting of the Natives as they passed the island.They were not to untie him, or remove the wax from their ears until they reached a certain distance from the island.

"Really, Captain, do you think it necessary to take such drastic measures? I really cannot bring myself to tie my Captain to the mast, bound and gagged." His first mate said.

"I am in complete earnest." Captain replied. "Do you know how many ships have already fallen prey to their ploy? Anyone to disobey my orders will be the death of us all, but if by some chance we do survive, I would have him thrown into the sea."

The captain's orders were obeyed, and he was bound to the mast pole. As they passed the island, the women came out and began to sing, dance and scream, beckoning to the ship with their arms. The island was beautiful with waterfalls, palm trees, serene pools, and native fruit. Watching the display, the captain began to think. The tales can't be true. A little pleasure after so many months at sea couldn't be any harm.

So enchanting was their dance, and the sight of the women that the captain began to squirm against his bonds. He managed to free himself from the cloth that gagged him and shouted to his men. "Turn in, turn the ship into the harbor!"

He screamed till his voice went hoarse, but the sailors paid no heed, after all, their ears were filled with wax.

 When at last they reached the safe distance from the island, they unplugged their ears and untied the captain.With his fit of passion behind him, he was glad he'd had the foresight to instruct his men. It had saved their lives.

When they reached their next port, he was walking down the street when he caught a strain of music unlike any other he'd ever heard. The music drew him into the little church on the corner, and there he heard the gospel of Jesus Christ.

When it came time for the ship to again sail past the perilous island, his first mate held up the rope he had coiled in his hand. "Shall we tie you to the mast pole again, Captain?"

The captain looked at him steadily. "No, mate. Let me loose. I don't need it this time. I've heard something so much greater, the Natives' ploy can tempt me no longer."

And the captain's word held true. As many trips as they made past island, never again was there a need to bind him to the mast.

What a beautiful illustration of II Cor. 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 

Thank you, precious Lord Jesus, for making us new creatures in You, for changing us from the sinful creatures that we once were, and giving us new life. We love You, and worship You. We ask that You would guide us through the week and put Your loving and merciful hand upon us. 

In Jesus' Name, amen.

 

Amber Schamel writes inspiring stories that bring HIStory to life. Keep up with her on Social Media, or check out her website. 

http://amberschamel.com/ 

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Return to Me

Sometimes a book touches me in a special way. That happened recently when I read Lynn Austin's “Return to Me” - the first in her Restoration Chronicles series. (I should actually say devoured – I finished it in two days)

It's the story of the Jews returning to Jerusalem after having been exiled in Babylon for decades. One would think it would be a joyous occasion. In one sense it is – the children of God return to their Holy City. However, families are torn apart when many of the Jews choose to stay in Babylon. The journey itself takes weeks and when the travelers do finally arrive, the leadership can't agree on what to do. Petty jealousies abound and rifts begin to occur.

Told in multiple points of view with vivid description and realistic dialogue, I was quickly immersed in the story. Issues such as doubt, forgiveness, betrayal, love, hate and redemption are woven throughout, and gave me much to think about in my own life.

I haven't read a lot of Biblical fiction, but I after enjoying this and Tessa Afshar's trilogy I'm hooked. How about you? What have you read that changed your life?