Invasive Species Warning

Giant Asian Carp

Did you know that we are constantly under attack in the natural world? There are plants, animals, and microbes, that if given the chance would completely overtake and reshape our biosphere. The threat is so real that our government even has a website dedicated to the issue?     http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov

In the Great Lakes for example At least 25 non-native species of fish have entered the Great Lakes since the 1800s, including round goby, sea lamprey, Eurasian ruffe, alewife and others. These fish have had significant impacts on the Great Lakes food web by competing with native fish for food and habitat. Invasive animals have also been responsible for increased degradation of coastal wetlands; further degrading conditions are resulting in loss of plant cover and diversity.

All those animals are trying to do is survive, and the way they do it is by taking over territory. You see it is always about territory. Consider the contradictions in the following photo:

You have the wailing wall, the only remaining intact wall from the temple complex of Jesus day, and overshadowing it is the Dome of the Rock, a Islamic holy sight. Jewish worshippers are often bombarded with rocks from Muslim protestors. The Dome of the Rock began as a small prayer house, and due to the invasive nature of those behind it, today it is the most prominent feature of the temple mount. The spiritual message in all this, is that there are things that are very invasive that can take over our lives if we are not diligent. They start out small and if not checked become the dominant feature of our life, from which the enemy can hurl stones of condemnation at us.

On the flip side, is this wonderful passage of scripture: Lu 13:20, 21 And again He said, "To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? "It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three pecks of meal, until it was all leavened." God's kingdom is also an invasive species. Make sure that is the one advancing in your heart and keep the fire burning on your altar.

You Have Not Passed This Way Before

"...You have not passed this way before." (Joshua 3:4)

I believe we are coming into a new season, one that will test the metal from which you have been forged like none we have ever known. In some ways I don't think it is actually a new season, I think the church is going to end the same way it started - the miraculous mixed with horrific persecution. Jesus said, He wished we were either hot or cold, the days ahead will push us in one of those two directions. The question for you is, which way is your tree leaning?

The picture of the sign at left reveals what I believe to be one of the difficulties of the days ahead, and that is, what can we be sure of? In the first century James was killed, and Peter was miraculously released from prison by angelic helpers. Quite a contrast. Some will suffer the worst possible outcomes, and some will experience the greatest of miracles. The only thing that really matters is not your outcome, but your outlook. The fickleness of politicians will come more into focus, there will be those like Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel chapter 2 who is rewarding Daniel for revealing secrets, and declaring there is no God like the God of Daniel. Yet in chapter 3 he is ordering, under penalty of death, everyone to bow down to an image he had made. What can we be sure of? The three Hebrew boys were sure of two things, and one was of greater importance than the other: Dan 3:16 ... O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. 17  If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. 18  But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. The best preparation for the days ahead is to keep the fire on your altar burning. - Blessings