PRODIGAL SUN

JULY 2024

Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

The above scripture has been used since the first issue of the Prodigal nearly nine years ago. Like most things that become ‘common’ we eventually begin to overlook, even ignore, them. This is a highly dangerous state to fall into, especially in regards to the Word of God. Backing up in this chapter of Matthew we find in verse 13, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses it’s flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing, but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”

This is what we see being enacted by millions of professing Christians across our land. They no longer stand for the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and walk as He walked while here on earth. When you make a commitment to Christ you become His ambassador. 2 Corinthians 5:20 bears this out reading, “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.”

It is our responsibility to be His witness in our homes, and everywhere we are led. It is not for a one hour a day once a week community get together where we play the programmatic games then off to our dinners and golf games. This is the salt that loses its flavor, whose destiny is to be thrown out and trodden underfoot.

We see the true Gospel of Jesus being not just trodden underfoot but being openly mocked. No where is that more pronounced than our entertainment field. Witchcraft, the occult, new age, and sexual perversion permeate the screen so widely that few even seem to recognize it. Disney, one of the greatest promoters of perversion to our children is practically worshipped. Years ago my wife and I were in California and a relative took us to Disney. The evil that permeated that place was so evident that I remember telling my wife no child of mine would ever be permitted to go there. The youth are being drawn into a web of witchcraft, monsters, ghosts, and spiritual manifestations/influences that can only be satanic.

We profess being a Christian which means first of all you have recognized you are a sinner and are in need of a savior. When you sincerely desire to repent (turn from your sinful nature) and ask Jesus to save you, you are given the Holy Spirit whose job is to guide you into all truth. John 16:13 confirms this promise from Jesus, “However, when He, the Spirit of Truth, has come , He will guide you into all truth...” All truth would include discernment of good and evil as you are being guided by the Holy Spirit. Whether you are obedient or not will determine the spiritual success you will have in your walk with Jesus. The more you are obedient the greater

your success will be. A word of caution here. There are many Christians that think they are being led by the Holy Spirit, but in truth have been deceived by a counterfeit spirit from Satan. All spiritual activities must fall within the parameters of scripture. If you are not a student of the Word of God, the enemy will deceive you. That is what he does, being a liar and a murderer from the beginning. Do not depend on someone’s teaching all of the time. Search out the scriptures and see if what you are consuming is healthy.

We are living in Days of Deception the likes of which none of us have ever seen before in our nation. Because the Church has not been who it was called to be, has not stood in the gap against the enemies attacks, has been enamored with sitting down to eat and rising up up play we find ourselves in this dilemma.

Now for the good news! Our God is merciful and His judgment will be tempered with mercy.

Get your eyes off of our nation and onto the One who created it. There will be no escaping for this nations sins must be atoned for; what we have sown must now be reaped. We have actually been in the reaping season for quite some time. Truth and justice have fallen in the streets but God will not desert those that are His. Just He proved Himself with Noah and with Moses so He will show Himself faithful to those that are faithful to His Son.

Ask Him how can you get back on track, not your track, but the one He laid for you before the world was even created. Don’t look back at the blessings you may have missed in the natural but the ones missed due to your selfish and disobedient ways. He still wants communication with YOU! He will still use YOU, and can refresh your salt. He created it from nothing so I’m sure renewing it or even giving you a fresh batch is no problem.

Then His light can shine forth from you and at last He will receive the glory from your works that He so richly deserves. I’m afraid most of us were content with receiving praise from ‘our’ good works but not giving Him what was due.

Without a personal communication through Jesus to the Father we are fooling ourselves as to our Christianity. By faith in Him alone we are saved – the works are of thanksgiving to Him for what He accomplished for us.

Blessings to All! May this be your true Independence Day, set free from the enemies hold on you and yours.

kenhayesfleming9@gmail.com

Kenneth H. Fleming www.wbcis.com 502 Market Street

(814) 687-3707 Fallentimber, Pa. 16639