Never out of His sight!

Trouble, and trials, they come upon

Us like sudden storms in the night.

The raging tempest of pain and sorrow,

Tearing deep into the brokenhearted.

This world leaves us abandon,

To the empty promises of the dark heart of man.
Though the devil tells us we cannot face tomorrow,

All who trust in the One who poured out His grace,

Can mount up with wings like the eagle,

Far above the despair of the unfaithful.

No matter what happens in this life,

We are never out of Christ presence,

Never out of His sight.

We are His children,

Saved by His grace.

Though the clouds are dark,

The cry of fear is heard throughout the land,

We are close to home;

Nothing can separate us from His love,

His mercy endures forever.

Defiance
For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?" (1 Samuel 17:26 NKJV)

Definition of defiance: The act or an instance of defying : disposition to resist : willingness to contend or fight.

In the account of Goliath before the Armies of Israel, we find this giant defying Israel, mocking, taunting their very existence. This was Israel, the Army of the Lord, yet they cowered back in fear. Not daring to go forth and fight against this giant, a warrior, that challenged them they drew back from the battle.. I read this and I think of what is happening today. We live in such days, we Christians are being taunted and challenged from all sides from the giants of pride, immorality, perversion, sodomites, false religions, humanism, atheism, and a host of other dark empires that stand before us. The church is doing very little. We try to organize, socialize, and fraternize with the gimmicks of the very world that fights against us. We think we can vote them out, but each year their heart waxes worse, growing bolder, more challenging. We cannot use this kingdoms armor to fight the enemy, adorning ourselves in their garments. As David would not wear King Saul's Armor, because it did not fit, we too cannot adorn ourselves with the things of this fallen world to combat darkness. It does not fit, it cannot fit, it is hewn out by the hands of men. Our weapons are not carnal: I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. (1 Corinthians 2:3-5 NKJV) To much of the church has adopted the way of the world. We want to wear Saul's armor, because it shines with the best of mans ability. However, it will never do. It is from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. We can never win the battle this way. Only that which comes from the Tree of Life will equip us with the strength we need. All that stands proud before us, defying the Lord, we must run out to meet them in battle in the power of His might. Just as David ran out to confront Goliath we too must be encouraged to do the same. To resist this evil, can only be done in the Spirit of the Lord. Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. "This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. "Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD'S, and He will give you into our hands." So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hastened and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. (1 Samuel 17:45-48 NKJV)

Tolerance is the word of the hour, the Trojan horse that is amongst our midst. It is amazing how many Christians use the word love, to cover up their compromise. They fear reprise, so they rally around the flag of tolerance, claiming they are loving all men. This is not love, this is cowardliness. How is it love, when we do not defy that which stands in perversion, undermines God's righteousness, mocks truth, and demands that all submit to them? Money changes in the church, at the hands of false prophets, from one end of this world to another. Where are the warriors of Light? Where are the David's who cry out: For zeal for thy house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult thee have fallen on me. (Psalms 69:9 RSV) How can we sit back while the giants of darkness taunt the army of the Lord? We must stand for truth. If we do not, than we are not in the love of God. I am not talking about some loud mouth, who screams out repentance like a lunatic, that has no grace about him. We are to be true to the Lord. If we are on our knees before Him daily, than we will be able to arise in His Spirit, run the race before us. We will be able to gather from His word the weapons we need. Our weapons are not carnal. Fear cannot set up residence in the heart of the one who walks in faith and trust in Jesus Christ. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6 NKJV)

The church today calls for toleration, when she should be defiant! We live in such times as there has never been before. Each day darkness increases, while the church hides its light under their bushels. David faced Goliath even when his country men criticized him. His own brothers thought him insolent. They would rather cower in fear than see one younger than they, stand for truth. They did not want to be overshadowed by one so bold and confident in the Lord., they claimed they believed in. They would rather face defeat, than be embarrassed. They questioned his boldness, trying to shut him up. When I read David's response to them, I cannot help but feel it is the same response of the faithful, to all those within the church who would have us be quiet, to lay back and settle into the lukewarm spirit of the hour: Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab's anger was aroused against David, and he said, "Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle." And David said, "What have I done now? Is there not a cause?" (1 Samuel 17:28-29 NKJV)

Is there not a cause? Has there not been a wake up call to us all, to arise above the complacency that surrounds us? Have we not heard the trumpet blast from the kingdom of God, calling us to stand an fight the good fight of faith? How is it we can be so easily lulled asleep into a spirit of compromise, in the midst of a raging war? The world tells us to stay within the confines of our camps. They tell us not to venture out beyond the borders of that which we hold dear. They want us to be shut in, shut up, to lay down our weapons before them. Peter and John were commanded by the leaders of their day to hold it in, not too mention the name of Christ. These were religious folks, the Pope's of that day. Though they were commanded by these who sat on their thrones of authority to not mention the name of Christ, Peter responded the only way he could: And they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. (Acts 4:18-19 NKJV) Peter and John were persecuted for their stand. Through it all they did not compromise. They did not hold back. They knew they belonged to Christ alone. God was their source, not the wisdom of the age. Even after they were beaten, told not to speak the name of Christ, they left the presence of their persecutors proclaiming the name of Christ. They did not cower back from speaking Christ. They counted all as loss for the upward call. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12 NKJV)

There are those amongst our midst who claim Christ name, but they are enemies. They often control much of the activities which we call the church. We cannot and must not draw back from the battle, because they tell us to be tolerant, hold back proclaiming the name of Christ. Truth belongs to God alone, and no man can bind it up. There is no easy battle. We will face persecution. The Word tells us we will face such adversity. Stand in the light. Do not draw back at whatever cost. Never let it be said that we have been silent in the proclamation of the gospel. And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. (Acts 5:40-42 NKJV)

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. (John 12:32 KJV) We are not called to rally around political causes, raise banners to proclaim our identity with some sect or movement. There is so much noise amongst us, banging cymbals, loud belligerent, and arrogant babble, that does not lead to the Light. It is Christ alone that needs to be lifted up. By His Spirit, in the proclamation of His wondrous truth of the gospel, men our drawn to Him. I do not need anyone to join my group. I need to lift up Christ, so they too can be born again into the church of Christ. The true church is made up of every true born again believer on the face of the earth. We do not need another movement, another Pentecost. This all has been poured out into us. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. What we need is to return to our First Love. If you are out of sorts with the true source, you will not be the vessel filled with His Living Water. One thing I have found out all these years in mission, it is not the hands of man I need. I cannot look to them for any answer, it is Christ alone. He works through His body, it is those who long to be in right standing in Him. We are no longer our own. When we abide in the Vine, we will produce the fruit we need to bear. There is no formula, no set pattern, except that we are right with the One we claim we love. He is the light. Christ is what darkness fears. They fear not our pet doctrines, our formulas, our gimmicks that we have borrowed from the very ones that war against us. We need no shows, we need Holy Ghost glow. Preach Christ and Him crucified. Tell them of the law of God, let them know that their is none righteous, no not one. Take their eyes off religion, let them see the cost of the cross. Preach repentance that leads to the cross, this alone will cause the searching heart to see Christ. When He is lifted up in our hearts, our lives, our speech and action, this alone will draw men unto Christ. The defiance of the Christian is not in arrogance, or pride, or violence. It is the life abandon to Christ that shines the brightest.. The pilgrim of grace will not be swayed away from Christ alone. When we walk in Him, we will be a distinct sound, a tune that can be heard in clarity, not confusion. David knew what side he was on, this is why he could stand in boldness and proclaim: "You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. (1 Samuel 17:45 NKJV)

True love defies the lies of the enemy. Stand in Christ alone, the world will war against you, those who compromise will despise you, but the searching heart will be drawn to the ones who lives out what they claim they believe. Truly the line is drawn of those who claim it, and those who live it. Christianity is not a title, but a life lived out in the fullness of His grace. Now is the time, now is the hour, for the Christian to run to the battle. Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love. (1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NKJV).

In Christ
T. M. Faunce

The wings we need!

To all my friends that love the Lord. Do not be a Christian Scrooge this holiday season. Reach out, pour it out, shout it out the true reason for this season, that Christ came to redeem us from our sins. Merry Christmas and a grace filled New Year to you all

Love Tom & Julie John 3:16 --- 1 John 3:16

My new blog

Just wanted to say this is a new thing for me. My blog, sounds like a horror movie. However I think it will be a greater avenue for me to share my heart, and what is happening in the mission field. I would also like to provide the opportunity for listing my Books, and also Photos if there are those interested. We also will be offering Christians T Shirts that will be done each with a challenge for others to see and hopefully be witnessed too. I feel this may be a wonderful opportunity. I am so grateful to my very good friend Jason Whatley that has helped me set this up. I do not know what I am doing it is all new for me. I can say this in it all I just want to glorify the name of Christ. If anyone out there has any ideas to help this get started please let me know. I been so blessed by those who have cared to share their heart and input.
In Christ love & service 1 John 3:16
Tom Faunce

Uriah, the Light of our Lord!

The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. (Romans 13:12 NKJV)

Uriah, the name means the Lord is my light, my fire. This man is often talked about in sermons, regarding the sin of David. Uriah's wife was taken by David, while Uriah was out to battle. I do not remember ever hearing a sermon or lesson on the character of Uriah. Though there is not very much written about him, what is, should speak volumes to the Christian heart. This was a man of valor, a warrior, a soldier, a commander of men. He loved his king, his country, and would do all he could to be faithful to his calling. Uriah was a man of principle. He put the things of God first. He was a soldier of Israel, and that made him a soldier of the Lord. No rest or pleasures, would take away his priority of being faithful to the Lord, and to Israel. I believe, like David, Uriah was a man after God's own heart. Little did he know that the king he highly esteemed would betray him. Uriah counted all as loss, for a higher calling. Is this not the way of the Christian? Then Peter said, "See, we have left all and followed You." So He said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, "who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life." (Luke 18:28-30 NKJV)

When Uriah is mentioned in the Bible in regard to this particular soldier, it mentions him as, Uriah the Hittite. The word Hittite means one who is broken. I thought of this, in light of the word, and it is a challenge to me. The bible says: The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart-These, O God, You will not despise. (Psalms 51:17 NKJV)

Over and over again, the Scripture reminds us, Uriah was a Hittite, one of a broken spirit, a humbled man before the Lord. This is the only way to be on fire for God. There is no pride, or arrogance in a warrior of the Lord. No soldier of Christ, go out to make a name for himself. He is not about building an empire but one, and that is the Kingdom of God. He is not bought or sold, will not compromise, or settle for lukewarm complacency. The broken soul, becomes like the bush that Moses came before, it was not consumed by the fire, instead, a burning torch that draws the seeking heart to God. "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. (Matthew 5:14 NKJV)

While David was back at Jerusalem, Uriah was out to battle. David should not have been at ease; He should have been with his men. It happened in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the people of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. (2 Samuel 11:1 NKJV) The time he decided to take a break, hold back, the tempter was right on him. He lost his greatest battle at home, at rest. When David sinned he was not in dressed in armor. If we confess to be a Christian, we are called to be dressed and ready at all times in the armor of the Lord: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:10-11 NKJV) David knew he was in trouble when he found out Bathsheba was pregnant. Her name in Hebrew means: Daughter of Oath. David broke this sacred oath, by taking that which does not belong to him. This is always the downward trend in sin. Satan wants us to make a claim to that which does not belong to us. The enemy's tactic is to get us to break the oath, that we have been crucified with Christ, our lives are no longer our own. When we lay claim to anything as Christians, we have broken the oath. We have prostituted ourselves out to a world that will rob us of our spiritual life. Many of the Christian teachings I hear today are a claim to grab a hold of all we can, to raise our self esteem, instead of dying to self. We are at ease in this world, paying the price of the boastful pride of this life. For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's. (1 Corinthians 6:20 NKJV)

David figured the best way to cover his sin was to bring Uriah home from battle. David was convinced, the first thing Uriah would do is return home, be with his wife, take a break from the battle. Does this not seem the right thing to do, is this not common sense? However, Uriah was not a man of common sense, he was a soldier of Light. How could he enjoy the comfort of home, while his men were out in the raging battle? His place was to be with them, to lead, to be an example. Even at the cost of his life, surely at the cost of the comforts of home, he would not forsake the calling. And David said to Uriah, "Go down to your house and wash your feet." So Uriah departed from the king's house, and a gift of food from the king followed him. But Uriah slept at the door of the king's house with all the servants of his lord, and did not go down to his house. (2 Samuel 11:8-9 NKJV) If the church of this hour had such men, such honor amongst us, the devil would be in great fear. The sword of truth would wield it's might from shore to shore. There would be men who have counted all as loss for Christ. How is it we are so lulled to sleep? Few fight the good fight of faith, why multitudes of confessing Christians spend their time on things that turn to dust and rust. We have more seminars, so called Christian retreats, music concerts, Christian cruises, in which heaps of resources are spent on, while millions face eternity without a warrior, a soldier of light to reach them. Many want to travel to Israel on a tour to see where Jesus walked, few walk the walk He walked. The few that do long to fight the good fight of faith, are very seldom encouraged, or backed up by the ones who say the love the Lord. When I read about Uriah, I am challenged to forsake all this mess around me for the sake of the call of the Lord. I want to finish my race as a soldier of the Light. Like Uriah, I do not want to settle in, why the war is raging. Shall I be at ease while the church overseas is persecuted. Shall I relax while few are fighting a raging battle? Shall I turn my eyes away from the harvest, because there is little to work with? Is there any excuse that we stay comfortable while millions perish? God forbid I would ever bear the name of a Christian, with a heart of compromise such as this. And Uriah said to David, "The ark and Israel and Judah are dwelling in tents, and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are encamped in the open fields. Shall I then go to my house to eat and drink, and to lie with my wife? As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing." (2 Samuel 11:11 NKJV) David did send this man of valor back to battle, because he knew there was no changing his mind. Is our mind often changed by the things of this life? One moment on fire, the next swayed by the road blocks Satan sends our way. I am ashamed to say that I have allowed to much to get in the Way of the only Road to travel. There is only one Road for a Christian, it is a narrow Road, no room for the baggage this world wants us to cling too. There is only room for the soldier and his armor, nothing else. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12 NKJV) David sent a letter with Uriah, in that letter was the sentence to set a trap to have Uriah killed. And he wrote in the letter, saying, "Set Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retreat from him, that he may be struck down and die." (2 Samuel 11:15 NKJV) Joab was to go to the Frontline, send Uriah, and the men of valor forward into the heat of the battle, than draw all men back, but Uriah. He did this, and Uriah was slain. Then the men of the city came out and fought with Joab. And some of the people of the servants of David fell; and Uriah the Hittite died also. (2 Samuel 11:17 NKJV) This is a sad passage, that one so faithful, sacrificed for the sin of David. In my mind, I picture the battle. The men of valor went forward fighting the enemy right at their gate. Than the men started drawing back, leaving Uriah to fight alone. Uriah though, did not flee. Though his men where retreating, he stood his ground. Uriah was not alone. Though Joab ordered all to retreat, but Uraih, others stayed too. Along with Uriah, other valiant men perished in this battle. They would not compromise, they too, would not draw back from the battle. There will always be the voices to tell us to draw back from the battle. Some will use their authority, their might to sway the soldier of light away from the fight. I know this first hand. Like Peter we must have but one response. But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29 NKJV)
No matter the cost, our life is lost in the grace of the Lord. We are no longer our own. A soldier of Light is bound by the oath of uncompromising love. I will always see Uriah as such a one, encouraged by his example. After this study, it has sparked a fire within, what it means to be a faithful servant, a Christian of valor, not to compromise. We have one to race to run; one battle to fight. Shall I be at ease, why my brothers are out in the field fighting the good fight of faith? Shall I put my sword into the sheath of lukewarm complacency? Arise is the call in my heart. I long to draw close to the heart of God, my heart aflame in His grace and mercy, bright and true to His calling. I want to run the race at whatever the cost. I long to be faithful, to the One who gave all, to save such a wretch like me. I long to honor Christ name, fighting the fight of faith at whatever cost, even at the gates of hell. If need be, my life taken in the fight, what honor it would be to be wearing the boots that did not flee. That my life be one of those who wield the sword that has not been hidden away. To have the testimony that I held true with the shield of faith. That I too would wear the helmet of salvation with honor, not the dishonor of apathy. I know there are Uriah's amongst us. I pray if you are one, that you are encouraged to go forth, and fight the good fight of faith. Though none go with you, follow the One who bought you with His precious blood. Our life is brief; spend it as a soldier of the Light. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. (2 Timothy 4:5 NKJV)What are you wearing?

But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. (1 Thessalonians 5:8 NKJV)

By Tom Faunce

A word on Christmas from Tom...

Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, And they shall call his name Immanuel; which is, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:23 ASV)

Dear Friends,

The year is coming to an end, the Holidays are here. We are celebrating the coming of our Lord. However, as we look around we see a world consumed with the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Christmas is the season, Christians are warmed within, with the great truth and promise that God is with us. He is Immanuel, our Prince of peace, our Savior and Lord. As I ride around town, I am constantly seeing signs that say Xmas, and many others saying keep Christ in Christmas. I am not to bothered by the world and its Xmas signs, I do not expect anything less. Jesus came into this world, the world received Him not. There was no room for Him in the Inn. There will never be room in this world for Him. He is not of this world, nor are we. We were once of those who had the door shut, our hearts closed, however the Holy Spirit drew us to Christ Amazing Grace. We been washed clean by the blood He shed for our sins.

Jesus was born in a manger, outside of the hustle and bustle of the world. He could not come any other way, because this world is not a place for Him to find rest. Only in the life of the heart that has been born again, does He abide. The manger was a place of humility, a place the proud and arrogant would never lay their head. However, like the repented heart, our soul is that manger, the place where Christ can find a place to rest. It is the place where the Peace that passes all understanding gives strength to the weary, sight to the blind, hope to the hopeless. Do not fret or worry, because the world is getting darker, their hatred for light more bolder. We have been told this all would come to pass. The darker it becomes, the more brighter our life should shine. Be a beacon this Christmas, so that those who long to escape this worlds grasp, will flee to the cross, the place of humility, the place of new birth. Emmanuel, God with us, what a precious wonderful promise. Our hearts should truly rejoice and be glad in this season. Let us go forth with our feet shod with the gospel of peace, our voices filled with worship and praise. We are not bound by the madness we see around us. Let the world see, we are a peculiar people set apart, for His good purpose. This is the time of gift giving, let our lives be offered up as a living sacrifice. Each of us who have been truly born again have this one race to run, one life on this earth to share this wondrous Truth with those who will listen.. Do not squander the greatest message, the only true message for the heart of man. Can others see that we truly understand what Christmas means?

This season ask the Lord to give you at least one soul to minister too. If He gives you more than one, what a a great blessing. However, start with one, than go to another. Write a letter to someone, bake a cake. shovel a walk, sing a song a lonely soul. Visit the sick. Go to the prison, to those bound in sin. Feed the hungry. Go abroad with His good news. Clothe the naked. Whatever you do, do not do nothing with the new life He has put in you. How would it be if He never came? What if God decided to not be with us? How would it be if he left us in our sin, alone in the dark of this world? Can we look on this world that is waxing worse, and not be moved within to move without? God forbid we would waste this wonderful gift of salvation in silence. We are His chalice to be poured out. Christmas for the Christian is everyday. The gift of salvation, is still available to all those who will heed the call to come to Christ. Be the one to take it to them. I just want to say thank you all, for being such an encouragement to me and my family, and those of you who have inspired me, to be the vessel to be used for His glory. Jesus deserves the just rewards of the love He has poured into us. This new year that is upon us, let us pour out what Christ poured in. Have a blessed grace filled Christmas, and a New Year full of faith and great exploits.

In Christ love & Service
Tom Faunce & family 1 John 3:16