I dare to admit it: I like Donald Trump. That is, I like someone who stands up for his views and does not generally buckle in the face of adversity. And even though he received a lot of rejection for many of his comments, he also got some recognition that he was not “all wrong” in what he was saying. Take, for example, his comments on Mexican immigrants which prompted a whirlwind of hostile reactions. Of course, in context, he never quite said what his opponents claim.

Here are his by now “infamous” words:

“When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best… They’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems to us. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.”

When challenged by CNN, he stood by his words, emphasizing the obvious—that he wasn’t talking about the Mexican people, many of whom he loves, but illegal immigrants, adding that “somebody’s doing the raping.”

That left-liberal Democrats and moderators are not supporting Trump is obvious. And even most conservative Republicans and commentators, being fearful that a close relationship with him might backfire on them, are reluctant to publically side with Trump. But some few have decided to throw all caution to the wind, saying (as Ted Cruz did) that “Trump speaks the truth.” Ann Coulter agrees, alleging that the mainstream media covers up the many sex crimes committed by Mexican illegal immigrants, adding that the “rate of rape in Mexico is even higher than in India.”

The National Review editor grudgingly consented with some of Trump’s comments in an article, titled, “Sorry, Donald Trump Has a Point,” continuing, “NBC, Univision and Macy’s have all thrown The Donald under the bus… The companies fleeing from Trump were happy to be in bed with him so long as it suited their business interests…  The point surely could be made much more deftly by anyone not named Donald J. Trump. In the meantime, he fills the vacuum, and enjoys the whirlwind.”

Especially America’s mainstream press and also media outlets in Europe (left and right) portray Trump as a villain, a lunatic, a showman, a joke and a laughing stock. Germany’s mass tabloids seem to find the most disadvantageous photographs of him when they “report” about “The Donald.”

In turn, Trump fires back, and his popularity in the USA rises as a consequence. He has not many kind words for politicians from either party. But it would be dishonest to question the accuracy of the following statements (which he made in one of his interviews with Newsmax TV):

“A politician is all talk, no action. They’re not going to get us to the Promised Land… They’re controlled by lobbyists, they’re controlled by their donors, they’re controlled by special interests. … If you’re looking at making our country great again, they’re not going to do it.”

Now, Trump has not always been following through, either. When neither Republicans nor Democrats were willing to publically question Barack Obama’s claim of being born in the USA (a necessity for becoming President), Trump dared to challenge the “evidence,” but he subsequently buckled when a copy of a long-form birth certificate was produced, allegedly “proving” that Mr. Obama was born in Hawaii. Some feel that Trump should not have given in, as in their evaluation, too many unresolved questions remain to this day. They point at the declaration of some analysts that the birth certificate was a fraud. They speak of the death in a plane crash of the governmental official providing the copy of the birth certificate and “affirming” its accuracy—even though Trump found the plane crash to be mysterious. They refer to the uncontested affidavit of Mr. Obama’s grandmother claiming that she was present when he was born in Kenya; and the proclamation of Mr. Obama’s publisher for many years that he was born in Indonesia.

Whatever the case, it seems that Trump may have learned from the past and is now even more determined to run with what has been given to him. No doubt, he will encounter much more opposition in the months ahead from just about every corner. Sadly, in this present evil world, even if he ended up in a high governmental position, he would still not be able to make a substantial difference, because our man-made faulty governmental system would prevent this from happening. It will require the return of Jesus Christ to build a new world from the ruins of a totally destroyed planet. Earth, under Satan’s rule, will be in shambles, caused by man’s greed, injustice, incompetence and his terrible wars.

Even though I can by no means agree with and approve of all of Donald Trump’s words, concepts, methods and courses of action, it is still refreshing to see that someone is apparently willing to cast off the shackles of fearful political correctness and speak his mind—pronouncing what he seems to truly believe, without “retracting” and “apologizing.”

How much more should we, as Christians in God’s service, cry aloud and spare not and show our people their sins and transgressions and identify the rotten EVILS of this world and its total lack of morality, while proclaiming with BOLDNESS and CONVICTION the gospel message of the Kingdom of God and Christ’s soon-coming return in POWER and GLORY? But even though timid lip services to this godly commission might be given occasionally, how many are REALLY willing to follow through with it without compromising, especially when faced with opposition and rejection?

THE KINGDOM IS UPON US… but it is not yet ruling on earth. How eager are we for that moment to finally arrive, when Christ returns to put an end to all the ungodliness in the world?  Will we be spiritually ready when that time comes?

We don’t know exactly when that will be, but we do know through the Bible that we need to watch and be ready.  At the same time, we have to keep living our lives as if there was a whole lifetime ahead of us – and we must do so with patience. We MUST have patience.  Our patience is tested all the time, in everything we do: “Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption [better: sonship], the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance” (Romans 8:23-25).

We eagerly wait to rule with Christ as God Beings, as immortal members of the God Family. This is what we hope for with patience, and even though we do not know exactly WHEN it will happen, we DO know THAT it will happen.  We will be blessed when we endure until the end (compare James 5:11).  God also has a tremendous deal of patience, especially with us.  He expects us to make it, despite the times when we stumble.  It really gives us much hope, knowing that we are called and that God has the confidence in us that we will be in His Kingdom, even though we slip up from time to time.  Just as we are patient, God is as well.

The Bible tells us how we ought to live—how we should behave as Christians. You might want to review Romans 12:9-21.  Everything mentioned in that passage requires patience.  This is what we are to do every day, until Christ’s return, and James 5:7-8 also instructs us in this way: “Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”

In a world threatened by war, famine, disease and anger, let us take this opportunity to uplift and strengthen our resolve.

Here in the USA and in other countries around the world, we just had Father’s Day—a day when people take time to show respect and to honor the men in their lives who have either been a father or a father figure to them. A father is someone who leads his family in a loving and caring manner. This can include at times having to train his children (Proverbs 22:6), giving good gifts (Matthew 7:11), encouraging them and lifting them up instead of tearing them down (Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21). This of course is not just a father’s responsibility as it takes a woman of noble character to help raise a family (Proverbs 31:28).

This type of family relationship, while very physical and real, is also played out spiritually by God our Father. We are His children. Galatians 3:26 says: “For you are all sons [or children] of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” This passage and many other Scriptures show that God considers us to be His children. As a father loves his children, so God has the same feelings towards us. He cares for us at all times. Just as a father must correct his children, so at times God lets us go through trials to learn and to become more reliant on Him for our physical and spiritual sustenance (James 1:17). Even when we have to go through trials, God isn’t far away. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 tells us: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation [or affliction], that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble [or affliction], with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

In Matthew 18:2-3 Christ points out that it is our duty to become as little children, in action and thought: “Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’”

As our Father is the God of the entire universe, there is nothing that passes by His attention. The Bible says He numbers and names the stars, counts the sand on earth and numbers the hairs on our head. He sustains the universe by His very Word and Will. And to top it off, He wants to share all of this with us. As we consider the wonders of God, it is important to remember these things and to dwell on them, so that we stay motivated and focused. With God as our Father and Him wanting us to become like Him, we have every opportunity to obtain our crown.

Lately, there has been an inordinate amount of media coverage regarding the ways persons identify themselves.  Some men and women are choosing to become their opposites, or somewhere in between.  While ungodly behavior has existed since mankind was created on this earth, modern medical practices are transforming people in perverse ways.

We have a purpose as given to Adam and Eve, to “Be fruitful and multiply…” (Genesis 1:22).  We were created to fulfill God’s Will and increase His Family.  But mankind has rejected most aspects of God’s Laws.  Instead, mankind’s focus is driven inward, towards fulfilling one’s own will and pleasures.

God has always known who His people are and whom He will work with and call. “For surely I will command, And will sift the house of Israel among all nations, As grain is sifted in a sieve; Yet not the smallest grain shall fall to the ground” (Amos 9:9).  We can live by, and begin to believe in, whatever lie our carnal minds can devise.  But we can’t fool God.  There is only one way.  Only one truth will lead us to God.

It may be hard for those of us with God’s Spirit to perceive why someone would reject the love and ultimate purpose that God gives to His followers.  Yet we know because of Satan’s pervasive influence, when mankind is given a final chance, some will choose to reject God: “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8).

Satan cannot be trifled with!  His corruption is complete.  His wisdom in deceit is beyond the ability of carnal minds to combat.  So many in the world think they serve God when they don’t.  Satan didn’t think he was tempting some facet of God when he proceeded to tempt Christ.  Satan knew he was tempting The Logos as a man – a glorious being who emptied Himself of His glory and became fully man, “but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:7-8).  Satan thought he could overcome Christ by temptation.  Satan assumed like all men, Christ would be subject to, and in fact drawn to his deceitfulness.

But Christ overcame Satan’s temptations, because He was filled with the same Spirit that lives within us.  There is no question who each of us are today! “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9).  Focus on pleasing God and it will be His pleasure to give us the Kingdom.

Recently there have been several references to compromise in the messages we have been receiving, and today I’d like to look at why it is so important not to compromise on God’s Word. Once we compromise, we open the floodgates to changes, which can lead to the destruction of the entire Church and also the individual.

Through the leadership of Evangelist Norbert Link, we are determined not to compromise with God’s Word, regardless of the consequences, even if this means low growth, threats or other “setbacks.” One of the key reasons is a matter of trust, as stated by Christ in Luke 16:10:  “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.”

If we as a Church can be faithful in that which is little in comparison–the unfettered preaching of the gospel to the world without compromise or apology–then we can be entrusted with the much bigger task of ruling the world under and with Christ, as revealed in Revelation 5:10: “ And [You] have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.”

Rulers and priests (teachers) under Christ will not be intimidated or shy, and they will not compromise in getting the truth out to the world.

This is somewhat of a proving ground for us now. Can we do it as we are commanded, do it faithfully and allow God to open the doors for us, and not to get hung up on looking for huge numbers in the Church nor for a host of other distractions? Bear in mind what God was able to do with Gideon’s small group, after He had reduced the number from 30,000 to 300, to prove the point that God can do wonders with a small dedicated uncompromising  faithful group who are seeking to do His will regardless of the consequences, until the end of their lives or the return of Christ? If they do, then they will inherit salvation and receive the crown of life.

Matthew 10:22 says:  “And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.”

2 Timothy 4:8 adds: “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

Paul never let the trials he had to go through blur the reward that was before him. His trials are outlined in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28:

“Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.”

Paul never allowed the trials to hinder his God-given task. I wonder if we would remain that faithful if we were to face even a fraction of what he had to go through.  Paul was aware of the promise from Christ not to ever be forsaken, which must have given him the strength and courage to endure his trials.

Hebrews 13:5 tells all of us: “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU.’”

We can draw strength from this promise from Christ, giving us the determination to move forward with the task at hand in an uncompromising way, which will guarantee us a position in the Kingdom of God.

During the middle of last week my mother contacted me to let me know that my 94 year old grandmother had died, and that the funeral would be on Friday. After hearing the news I quickly booked a flight at the last minute to travel back to my childhood home for the weekend. The unexpected travel took some effort to coordinate, but it was very important for me to be with my family during that time.

During the many hours that I spent traveling, I was compelled and had the time to meditate on the brevity of life, the swiftness of time, and the vain pursuits of mankind (compare Ecclesiastes 1:14). I was reminded of the statement made in James 4:14,  “… For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” Certainly, the time that we have to live a life in the flesh is very short, and therefore the time that we have should be spent on things that are very important.

What is important then? This is a question that I thought a lot about. Do I spend my time on activities that are really important? After experiencing mortality closely, the typical answers naturally become re-evaluated. During the memorial service for my grandmother, I had the opportunity to look at photographs of snapshots taken throughout her life. I listened to stories from people who had spent time with her. The kinds of things that captivated me were the relationships that she had with people, how she influenced the lives of others, and the character of her way of life. Reflecting on her life caused me to realize that character and the ability to influence others in a positive way are very important for our relationship with other humans.

It is the development of our character that is important to God as well. We all have the opportunity to live our lives in a way that is obedient to God, showing our willingness to do what is good and right in His sight. Whether we are able to accumulate wealth or accomplish great worldly feats is inconsequential. Our ability to develop positive relationships with others so that we might influence people is also important to God. Christians are called to be lights in this world, as a living example of good works. As Jesus Christ instructed in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” The ability to live a life that develops good, righteous character, that may cause God to be glorified is what’s important for us to focus on.

The corollary of knowing what is important is knowing what is not important in life. It is all too easy to become distracted and focus a disproportionate amount of time and energy on things that really don’t matter that much. When our lives are evaluated at the end, whether by our friends and family, or by Jesus Christ, many of the things that are seemingly important at the moment will be of little consequence. What will be important is the manner in which we have lived our short lives. Did we show the love for God and people in our lives, or not? Solomon sums it up well in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 where he writes, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all [or, “the whole duty of man”]. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.”

Over the decades I have had close contact with literally thousands of members in the Church of God. The beginning for me was hearing The World Tomorrow broadcast at age fifteen. A couple of years later, I met someone who was part of what was then called the Radio Church of God. That was followed by my attending Church services in Springfield, Missouri, and then being accepted to Ambassador College in the fall of 1964.

In those years of 1960’s and 1970’s, there was tremendous growth. Every aspect of the work of the Church flourished. There was inspiring unity, a kind of singleness of heart among the majority of people. Occasionally, however, some left the Church even when it was at its strongest. The reasons were varied, but those who remained carried on. The prevailing attitude was that this would only happen to the few, but just the opposite has proven to be the case!

Now, in May of 2015, tens of thousands of members who were once in the Worldwide Church of God have faded into a dizzying array of groups. While some struggle to remain faithful to God, most have allowed themselves to be reabsorbed into the society they once rejected!

My reflection on what has transpired is something we should know all too well. But this isn’t just history—it is our struggle of this time, and it will be true in the days ahead. It is because Satan seeks to stamp out anyone and everyone who is a member in the Church of God.

Looking back, it seems that we were easy prey for Satan. Our mistake in times past was that we didn’t really take precautions—we didn’t heed the warnings we all heard! But know this, while we can learn from what has happened in recent years, the real test remains—to finish!

Jesus outlined the challenge set before us:

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and THERE ARE FEW WHO FIND IT” (Matthew 7:13-14)

We all love rewards, and God loves to reward us. God has a very great reward in store for us, but have we ever wondered how our personal reward will be determined?

Jesus said:  “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). He said also: “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). Both statements can be connected with the Holy Spirit as the source of light. “Light” is a manifestation of the Spirit.

In the Revelation of Jesus Christ, recorded by John, we read about “seven lampstands which… are the seven churches” (Revelation 1:20).  Revelation, chapters two and three, identify the seven churches and their eras. Importantly, the seven lampstands, of and by themselves, are not the source of light. The source of light is the oil, representing God’s Spirit.

On the Day of Pentecost in 31 AD., light appeared “as of fire” (Acts 2:3), which was in fact a manifestation of the Holy Spirit. That was the power source, by which the lampstand of the early Church burst into illumination! That light, down through the ages, has never been extinguished. However, some individual lights, which should be shining, have gone out.

The light of Pentecost is in fact key to a great reward. We read in Revelation 22:12: “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give everyone according to his work.” This connects with the parable of the pounds or the minas in Luke 19:11-27. The one who gained ten pounds was rewarded with authority over ten cities. The one who gained five pounds was rewarded with authority over five cities. The one who did nothing and who gained nothing, whose light went out, lost his reward.

Authority, rulership and power will be handed to us by Jesus, the King of kings. Christ’s original apostles have already been promised twelve thrones – judging the twelve tribes of Israel. That is their reward. Our reward will be the thrilling opportunity to serve, with great honours, as kings and priests – bringing salvation to our loved ones and to this dying world. We, of and by ourselves, cannot do anything. We are not the source of light – it is the light of God’s Spirit that empowers us!

Christ tells us: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). The Spirit that ignited the lampstand of the early Church now works in us, helping us to produce good works, which will determine our great reward!

May the original light of Pentecost come upon us and shine brightly within and through us!

It was probably 1997, and Holy Day services were being held in Derbyshire in the UK. Our guests that day were Colin and Margaret Adair. It would have been a time shortly after I had been appointed as office manager for the Global Church of God in the UK. In the announcements, the late and much missed Mr Adair, then the International Director for Global, said four words that I have thought about many times since. He said “The indefatigable Mr Gale” and then went on to make some further comments. Indefatigable is defined as “persisting tirelessly, tireless, untiring, never-tiring, unwearied, unwearying, unflagging.”

It was a time of quite intense activity. The office was still taking up lots of space in our home until we acquired premises the following year. Much catching up had to be done administratively. Receipts for tithes and offerings for the past year had to be issued and a template for doing so had to be devised. An office structure was planned and implemented and administration for the various video groups and churches had to be put in place. Budgets had to be set, advertising through an agency had to be negotiated and a Feast site found, approved and organised with an expected 300 to be in attendance. Booklet requests were frequent and many questions had to be answered. It was, in short, perhaps a bit more than a full time job for just one person, but I coped with all the energy that I had to make it a thoroughly efficient office. Perhaps that is why Mr Adair called me indefatigable.

Why do I mention this? I was 57 at the time and the figures are now reversed. At 75, some 18 years later, in no way could I be called “indefatigable”! In fact, were Mr Adair to make comments today, he would be well within his rights to say that I was “fatigable” – yes, there is such a word and it means subject to fatigue. I no longer have the energy of even just 18 years ago, and this is a prime example of how we change over the course of a lifetime.

Many, who were extremely fit and mobile not that long ago, may now have mobility problems that they would never have expected at a younger age. We do have to accept our limitations, whatever they may be, but with the wisdom that God can give us as we get older, this is necessary in order to adjust to, what seems to be ever changing physical parts of our life.

What lessons can we draw from what I have written above? There will be a time when all of God’s faithful people will actually become indefatigable. At the resurrection, we will be given spirit bodies and life that will never wear out  – and for eternity. No more getting older with reduced capabilities and functionality. No more tiredness and fatigue; no more illness or disease and no more physical limitations of any sort whatsoever.  “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

It will, in short, be a time when we will all be able to say about each other in that wonderful spiritual realm that we are indefatigable in the service of God, and each other, and that it will be for all eternity!

It comes as no surprise that the time we are living in is becoming increasingly difficult, especially when simple things that we need are beginning to take effect in our lives, like rising gasoline prices, water shortages and power outages. These necessities could affect the cost on other items such as groceries.  With a struggling economy, are we becoming more cautious and aware when it comes to either saving or spending our money?  Have these customary every-day items been taken for granted?  Do we realize that food and gas are depleting and that one day we could very well run out of supplies?

God knows what we need. He blesses us with physical necessities, and He has also granted us gifts that are not offered to the world, while some who could be reached have chosen not to accept His gifts.  Have we taken God’s gifts for granted, including the Sabbath day, His annual Holy Days and His commandments for us to keep?  Do we take His blessings for granted? Are we thankful for them?  Do we have faith that God will provide in our times of need, or do we become too discouraged to rely on God?  Remember, He puts us through trials to test our faith (James 1:2-6), and we must also be smart in our decisions that we make, because we don’t want to test God either, by questioning His ability or willingness to help us or by trying to force Him to do something for us, while we do nothing.  To think that we can just sit back and stay passive, thinking that God will have to take care of us, is not going to get us far, as we have a role to play as well.  That is all part of our learning process –  having a closer relationship with God.

When we do receive blessings from God, we have to remember to be thankful.  Sometimes we tend to dwell on the things that are troublesome to us, the things that we would most likely try to put into our own hands to figure out, forgetting to go to God and ask for help.  We may not do that intentionally but we give in to human nature.  When we are sick, do we ask God for healing, or do we rely on doctors and medicine instead, ignoring God in the process? And when we ask for God’s healing, and He does heal us, do we forget to thank Him?  Luke 17:11-19 proves that our faith will make us well and that God expects of us to thank Him when we are healed.

Ephesians 5:20 tells us that we are to give thanks “ALWAYS for ALL things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This also means during difficult times.  We should not take what has been given to us for granted.

God has also given us the gift of knowledge and love and the understanding of His Way of Life, including the meaning of the Sabbath and the Holy Days, and by living this way, we are to be great examples to the rest of the world, as it says in Matthew 5:16.  We are to be shining lights to this world even though the world will hate us for it, and yes, they will hate us for it!

But we are not here to please the world, but God, and we will be blessed for that.  Luke 8:4-15 talks about the parable of the sower who went out to sow his seed. Some seed fell by the wayside, on rock, among thorns, and good ground. Which seed are we?  If we consider ourselves to be part of the seed that fell on good ground, notice how we must have patience just as God has patience with us.  We must endure hardship and suffering if we want to live God’s Way of Life, to ultimately be like God. Isn’t that our ultimate goal?  Do we sometimes take what we know for granted?  Or do we remain faithful in Christ? Are we strong enough to keep going, and do we possess that patience until the end?  For this is God’s promise to us, if we do not give up: “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:37-39).