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            Greetings! We wish for you a blessed fall season.

            We are pleased to be sending your our Heed the Watchman fall 2007 newsletter. You will find 5 articles enclosed in this newsletter:

            Under the Weather

            "Hating" Your Life for the Lord

            The Holidays

            Money Saving Tips

            January Preview

            Our fall has seen a lot of spiritual action, as we are reaping the contention that comes from lives sold out to Christ. I am thankful to be allowed to share in the sufferings of my savior. Compared to many millions of faithful believers throughout history, our “sufferings” really do not compare. My spirit is reminded of the cries of Jeremiah,

Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall. My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me. This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. Lamentations 3:19-26

            Next month we will be sharing more about our spiritual journey to this point, and what it means to be in the center of God’s will. Hopefully it will encourage you!

            Please pray that we may find the Lord’s leading this month, as more crucial decisions will have to be reached. Also, I ask for prayer regarding our daughter Amber. She desperately needs to be turned back to Jesus! She had received salvation at about age seven; now at sixteen, the “cares of this world” have choked that spiritual life. She does at least acknowledge her fallen state. Please remember her in your petitions to God.

            This month again holds the section about Christmas. The world is smitten with this idolatry every year at this time, which is why we keep sharing about it. Why not share it with a friend?

            If anyone would like a copy of our newsletter, or other articles, sent to someone in letter form (regular mail), please let us know. We will do our best to comply in a timely matter.

Under the Weather

            This is a time of year we naturally think more about the weather. The change of seasons into Fall, and then Winter, leave us with speculation and preparations. Here in Northeast America we have the beautiful colors of leaves-and the clean up of those leaves! "Winterizing" our homes and cars to hold up under the upcoming adverse conditions that this season can bring. For the believer, weather is yet another area that needs to be regarded differently than the world regards it.

            Did you know that God controls the weather? In this area of study, science continually falls flat on it's face! That's because our Lord uses the weather for His purposes, and the meteorologists can only be accurate in what God has shown them He will do! (Genesis 41:28) For our purposes, things like famine and earthquakes will be included with the "Weather"-in so much as most people regard them to be natural and scientifically explainable. Very few professing believers look outside of the forecasted weather (or pray) as to what will be.

            God has given me a certain measure of faith in praying for the weather. These past few years He has also been teaching me more about His involvement; how weather is affected by mankind's spiritual condition. While it is true that rain falls on the just and unjust alike, God still uses weather as a blessing or curse, as well. Why would we still look on weather as some natural phenomena, and not a work of God? Frankly, it is another symptom of the disease of faithlessness-caused by the revised Bible translations. Let's see what God's Word says...

This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he showeth unto Pharaoh. Genesis 41:28

            God brought the plenty, then the famine. God used it to put Joseph in power; and to bring Israel into Egypt. He also revealed Himself to Pharaoh, that Egypt might know the one true God.

If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them; Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. Leviticus 26:3,4

            Obedience will bring rain.

And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil. And I will send grass in thy fields for thy cattle, that thou mayest eat and be full. Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them; And then the LORD's wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you. Deuteronomy 11:13-17

            Obedience and disobedience determine the rainfall.

Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David inquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites. II Samuel 21:1

            Here a three year famine (lack of rain) is caused by sin.

When the heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; yet if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou dost afflict them; Then hear thou from heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, when thou hast taught them the good way, wherein they should walk; and send rain upon thy land, which thou hast given unto thy people for an inheritance. II Chronicles 6:26,27

            Sin causes rain not to fall, but repentance from sin brings back the rain.

And also I have withholden the rain from you, when there were yet three months to the harvest: and I caused it to rain upon one city, and caused it not to rain upon another city: one piece was rained upon, and the piece whereupon it rained not withered. So two or three cities wandered unto one city, to drink water; but they were not satisfied: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD. Amos 4:7,8

            God is responsible for the rain-this passage reminds me so much of today.

And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory. Revelation 16:9

            The end times are characterized by weather and nature plagues. God sends these as punishment, but man will not repent. Mankind is not only rebellious, but blind:  we do not even see "natural" plagues as coming from God.

            (See also Deuteronomy 28:12,24; I Kings 8:35, 17:1, 18:1; II Chronicles 7:13,14; Job 5:10, 28:26; Psalms 147:8; Isaiah 5:5,6; Hosea 6:3; Joel 2:23; Zechariah 10:1, 14:17,18; Mark 11:21-23; Acts 14:17; James 5:17,18; Revelation 9:20,21

            Weather is a key form of Godly chastening. Let us accept His ways as children of the most high God! (Hebrews 12:7,8)

John 12:25; "Hating" Your Life for the Lord

            God's Word is always true; and He has preserved it for us as He intended. We live by every Word of God (Matthew 4:4), without adding to it or diminishing it. (Deuteronomy 4:2) Verses such as this one are usually avoided by pastors; many, however proceed to violate Deuteronomy 4:2 by telling their congregations why this verse doesn't mean what it says, but that it has been "mis-translated." It would be far better to pray and seek God as to the meaning of such scripture. (Proverbs 9:10)

He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. John 12:25

            Hating your life in the world does not mean being ungrateful for the blessings in your life! Yet to live for Christ is an other-worldly way to consider things. If we have been truly saved through Jesus' blood, it is easy to recognize our own sinful nature-and that of the whole world around us. Death has come to this world because of sin. Our separation from God leaves mankind to it's own wisdom, which falls infinitely short of what God wanted for us.

            So many want to have positive outlooks. They will cite verses such as Philippians 4:11, which reads:

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippians 4:11

            This verse does not refute John 12:25, and should be taken the way it was meant. The New Age Movement has become strongly entrenched in the organized church today, using New Age Bible versions to reinforce their ungodly positions.

            This movement basically promotes the "health and wealth" gospel that our carnal natures would love to believe. This evil teaching tells believers that they will be healthy, have plentiful finances, and be well-liked by almost everyone. To believe such things is a denial of Jesus Christ (the Word); but it is often in keeping with the teachings of many "spiritual leaders."

            Many verses support the concept given in John 12:25, either through direct instruction or example. For brevity's sake, I now turn to passages from the book of Luke to sum up the matter.

Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Luke 6:22

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels. Luke 9:23-26

If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:26,27

So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:33

            Think of all there is to "hate" in this evil world-injustices, genocide, death and disease, aches and pains, dental work, car maintenance and breakdowns, debts, droughts, cold, darkness, dust, mosquitoes, and so much more that the list is nearly limitless. Yes, we should be thankful for God's mercies, which are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22,23). As God's children, however, our righteous souls should be vexed with the sinfulness of this world. (II Peter 2:7)

            Matthew 24:12 tells us that in these end times, most people's love will grow cold. Pray that God may tear down the stony places within you, and restore your heart of flesh. As you do, remember also James 4:4.

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. James 4:4

Fear of the Lord

            The fear of the Lord is almost completely missing among professing believers today. I once heard a pastor read verses with "fear of the Lord" in them, and then proceed to tell us why this passage didn't actually mean that we should fear! Talk about adding to God's Word!

            "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." This phrase is found in Psalms 111:10, Proverbs 1:7, and 9:10. Those of us who have been truly saved, know that our savior is patient, long-suffering, and full of mercy. Yet it is that same, loving God that will cast aside billions into the lake of fire! Obviously, the fear of the Lord should be very real, yet it deserves to be reviewed from a biblical standpoint.

            Remember that fearing the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. We need to understand who our God is, and the eternal consequences we face when we do not receive Christ as Savior and Lord. (John 3:18) Where there is no fear of the Lord, you will find people serving "other gospels;" the thought being that if I am sincere, it's OK. We should start our walk with Christ in fear, but grow into perfection through His love. (I John 4:18) Obedience to Jesus through His Word is a natural response of our Godly fear and loving gratitude.

            Many believers are so wrapped up in "love gospel" teachings (New Age), that they are angered even by suggesting that we should fear the Lord. God's Word does not lie, so let's look at a small fraction of the Bible passages that suggest fearing the Lord. Some think this "fear" concept is strictly Old Testament, but you will see that Jesus Christ is always the same! (Hebrews 13:8)

            Since Godly fear in the Old Testament is well known, I will print out but a few and list the rest.

And Moses said, Thus saith the LORD, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt: Exodus 11:4

And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee, a land flowing with milk and honey, that thou shalt keep this service in this month. Exodus 13:15

            Yes, Jesus himself went through the land of Egypt to slay the first born offspring during the original Passover. He who became our Passover Lamb, executed judgment against non-believers. This sounds like real fear to me.

Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land. Psalm 85:9

The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy. Psalm 147:11

            Fear of the Lord and salvation are linked together in a very real way. See also Numbers 16:30-33; Deuteronomy 5:29; Joshua 23:15,16; II Kings 17:39; Psalms 2:11, 5:7, 9:20, 19:9, 22:23, 33:8, 34:9, 103:11,13,17, 115:13; Proverbs 2:5, 8:13, 15:16,33, 16:6, 23:17, 24:21 Yes, there are many, many more.

            Now for the New Testament, starting with words from Jesus' earthly ministry.

And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:  Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:  Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:  Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. Mark 9:43-48

            Many disregard these verses because they seem too extreme. While I do not think Jesus wants us to mutilate ourselves, this passage clearly shows the dire nature of our eternal choices. Jesus spends significant time warning us to stay out of Hell-even if it means losing a few body parts! This, too, shows "fear of the Lord."

And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. Luke 12:4,5

            Jesus is speaking of himself. It also sounds like we should fear!

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things. And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) Acts 5:1-14

            True Godly fear means an expanding roster for the Kingdom of Heaven!

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Philippians 2:12

            Here, believers are reminded to have fear.

Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: Hebrews 12:28

            Godly fear is part of each believer's service to the Lord.

Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. Revelation 14:7

            Instructions to fear the Lord come right up to the end. See also Matthew 10:28, 16:24-26; Luke 7:16, 18:13, Acts 19:17, Romans 3:18 (negative), I Peter 2:17, 3:2,15; and Revelation 15:4. The fear of the Lord is something each believer should have to some extent. Thankfully, our walk with Christ grows far beyond that fear. Again, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. I John 4:18

            We should always reverence the Lord and hold a bit of Godly fear within. But our fear of the Lord leads to fearlessness in all other areas!

The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. II Timothy 1:7

            See also Psalms 27:1, Hebrews 13:6

            We grow into a reverent type of friendship with God, even as Jesus' disciples had.

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. John 15:15

            Of course we can't overlook verse 14, which shows obedience to be the key in that friendship.

Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. John 15:14

            Exodus 33:11, and II Chronicles 20:7, refer to other friendships God has!

            Finally, let's look at Hebrews 4:15,16.

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:15,16

            Godly fear draws us near to our Lord Jesus and produces gratitude, love, and obedience. The door is always open for us to come to our Heavenly Father with all our concerns-let's avail ourselves of His mercy, strength, and wisdom.

            God brought an example to me the other day, through a turtle. My wife and I observed a turtle slowly crossing a road. We sought to carry it safely across, in the direction it was headed. As Jamie went toward it, the turtle took off! I've never seen one move so fast, and she could barely catch it.

             The turtle's fear brought it to safety! Imagine if we had tried informing it of our intentions, so it could cooperate with our efforts-ridiculous! The turtle couldn't understand us, but it understood fear. That fear led it to safety.

            Another example I could give involves chipmunks. Where we camp every year, there are chipmunks:  Peanuts (in shell) go with us to feed them.

            Those chipmunks fear us as huge, terrifying creatures they do not understand. What they do know is that we feed them good nuts. As the week goes on, they are more certain of us-even climbing onto our knees to get those peanuts!

            Obviously, these analogies are limited. What if those chipmunks had no fear? Perhaps they would infest your home, or chew wires, or steal your food. We would likely exterminate at least some of them.

            So to fear the Lord is where wisdom begins. Terrified of death, and judgment of God, we turn to our only hope of salvation-Jesus Christ. As we grow in Him, we are perfected in God's true love. No longer terrified, we begin to regard Him as our father; turning to Him again and again for forgiveness, mercy, and overcoming power. He is our friend; but perfect, holy, and almighty in nature.

            The Word of God is our key in defining what our relationship with God should be-let us not overlook any part of that definition.

            ‘Tis the most wonderful season to—spend! As followers of Christ, we are to be responsible stewards with the provisions we’ve been granted. For our money saving tip this month, I’d like to look at the high costs of saving money.

            Many of us fall for so-named energy efficient products. They promise to save $ on our utilities, be better for our environment, and give us tax breaks. But how much money do they really save? Topics like this deserve some consideration…

            We have made two pricey energy efficient investments in the last year; new windows, and a washer. Let me refer to these as our examples.

            Our home is small, and was pretty drafty. We are set in a clearing on top of a hill, and are subjected to the direct battering of strong winds at times. It definitely caused us to use more oil and electricity for warmth. Even so, to be near certain windows and doors was very cold—we could even see curtains moving at times!

            Finances are limited, so we had decided to replace the windows and patio door over two years. Blessed by a small inheritance, we were then able to do all at one time. Our cost for six windows and a door were $3,700 installed. Was it worth it? Let’s see!

            Remember that we did not do this to save money—the situation was bad enough that it had to be addressed. And in the end, thankfully, we did not have to finance.

            Through the first year we saved nearly $200 in electricity. During winter months, our Kilowatt hours decreased by over 40%. In warmer months, about 2-3% drop. Of course, in winter months we also used less oil—which could be another $300 saved. Total savings estimated:  $500.

            Even allowing for inflation, it would still be six or seven years to break even with the initial cost. The tax incentives were so nominal that they are not worth mentioning.

            These savings are still worthwhile—we intend to live here that long, except the Lord direct otherwise. But most homes have many more windows, so you see that any real savings are slow to become noticeable.

            Buying a new washer was not in the plans. Our old one was having problems—we had gotten a great deal on a used model, and it served us well for years. So with prayer and God’s wisdom, we concluded that a new high-efficiency washer was best. The internet provided a great resource for performance reviews, and I would recommend using that avenue before investing.

            We found a highly rated Kenmore for about $600—which was less than many old style washers cost. These washers do not use as much water, and further enable electric savings by reducing dryer time. Our water rates have climbed in giant leaps, so the high efficiency model doubtless saved $40-50 annually. Even allowing for inflation, it will be ten years until we break even from our investment.

              Item                 Cost                   Annual Savings         Break even time (w/ inflation)

          Windows           $3,700                          $500                                     6-7 years

            Washer       $636 (w/ tax)                   $40-50                                  10 + years

            The bottom line is, don’t be taken in by money-saving gimmicks. If you have to spend to save, take time to evaluate the final cost.• Ask yourself if you really need the item of if it would just “be nice to have.” Be honest!

• Can you afford it? For us, the need was great enough that we would finance (credit card). Then we proceeded to be responsible in spending; not extravagant. If you can not immediately afford it, could you put away enough to purchase it within a short time? Take time to pray, and consider your options and priorities.

• When weighing the possibilities, thing big as well as small. Example:  when our first printer went out, we were somewhat strapped ($). We could have replaced it with an inexpensive printer ($70 at the time). Yet demand and growth clearly showed our need for a multi-function center ($170 at the time). If we had gone cheaper, we still would have bought the multi-function center later—raising the total spent to $240!