"Happy New Year?"---- It Depends

"....Happy (blessed,.. prosperous, to be envied) are the people whose God is the LORD."  (Psalm 144:15-- Amplified Bible)

 

The only, "Happy New Year," will be for the "people whose God is the LORD."  With all the, "Happy New Year," that will be going around, I say to all, "Got Happy?"

 

The, "Happy," in the, "New Year," has nothing to do with the events of 2010. It has to do with who reigns, who controls, who leads, upon what or whom we lean.  Our "wish" for you is a, "Happy (blessed,.. prosperous, to be envied)...God is the LORD," Year, AKA, "Jesus Christ is LORD," Year. 

 

I pray in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ that He will wright on our hearts in the coming year:  "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desire and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus; who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds."  Amen.

**********************************************

"The Rape of Europe" video at:    www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com

                                            and:    www.apfdevotionals.blogspot.com


When 18 year old Peter Torjesen "heard the call to evangelize China, he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

Why We Go To Berlin

If you want to know why we go to Berlin, Germany, go to:
               www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com
and view the video, "The Rape of Europe."  If you want to understand current world events, this is a "must see."  It is in three parts.  Listen closely; it is packed with information.  If you experience any difficulty, let me know.

Woody



Eighteen year old Norwegian, Peter Torjesen, "when he heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

The Rape of Europe (2002)

cross.tv - The Rape of Europe (2002)

 

When 18 year old Peter Torjesen "heard the call to evangelize China, he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

The "Way" of Jesus

"And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him....Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them....And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men."(Lk. 2:40, 51,52)

 

The word translated, "subject," means to come under authority, to be in submission."  This is integral to "wisdom, and stature, and...favor with God and men."  Our King and Savior, Jesus, spent 30 years preparing for 3 years of ministry.  Of course we know better today.  Most pastors spend 3 years preparing for 30 years of ministry.  When I was younger, I never liked to hear people remind me that Moses spent 40 years in the backside of the desert.  The reality: Moses was 80 when he began his "ministry."  I started "full-time" at the proven age of 20. 

 

During the charismatic renewal of the 60's and 70's, it was not unusual to see people who had just surrendered their lives to Jesus, no Christian tradition, no Church experience, starting "churches," teaching, etc.  Derek Prince once said that no man should be ordained an elder under the age of 30.  He also said that no man should be in spiritual authority in the Church who had never suffered.  One may issue the great, "Yes, but," yet Derek's statements have more Biblical examples than any, "Yes, but."   To those who like to bring up the Apostle Paul as an example of "immediate" ministry, I remind them that Paul had been trained in the Scriptures, a Pharisee, whose whole life was given to the "God-Breathed" Word.  All twelve of Jesus' disciples spent 24/7 with Him, watching, learning before they were sent out.

 

"I am among you as one who serves."  This was not an isolated spiritual principle.  This was a part of the, "grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men."  Those so-called "silent years" of Jesus were spent in day to day living, obedient to Joseph and Mary, working with wood, fetching water, responsibility for His younger siblings, and most likely witnessing the death of the man who was His mentor and cared so faithfully for Him during those "early" years.  "Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered."  Far too many times people render this passage to some ephemeral realm.  

 

The truth of walking in Jesus Christ is that there are truths which we confront all our lives and which we put on the proverbial "back burner."  But as His Name, "Faithful and True," Our Lord Jesus keeps Truth before us.  2010 will give many more opportunities to bring issues to the front burner.

 

Father, in Jesus' Name, I readily admit the continual need for learning obedience. Amen.

*****************************************

Prophetic News:                www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com

Devotional Archive:           www.apfdevotionals.blogspot.com 

When 18 year old Peter Torjesen "heard the call to evangelize China, he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

"He Has Explained Him"

"Simeon took him in his arms and praised God...."  (Luke 2:28)

 

The Greek word, "took," is better translated, "received."  Revelation and understanding are not synonymous.  Understanding is a mental process.  Revelation is a "receiving" process.  Our text does not say that Simeon understood Him.  It just says,  "Simeon received Him...." 

 

The angel told Mary something which she could not understand.  "'How will this be....'"?  We have all had such questions in our discipleship journey.  When revelation comes to you, don't try to understand; just take Him in your arms------ good advice for 2010.  When you don't understand what is happening, just respond as Simeon who, "received Him," and Mary who submitted to Him---- "'Behold the maidservant of the Lord!  Let it be to me according to your word.'"  

 

Father, in Jesus' Name, "Let it be to me according to your word."  Amen.

********************************************************

News, Commentary:            www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com                

Devotional Archive:            www.apfdevotionals.blogspot.com


When 18 year old Peter Torjesen "heard the call to evangelize China, he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

The Great "Because Of" in Life

"I John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus."  (Rev. 1:9) 

 

You and I are here for the same, "because of."  We may not be in a prison or marooned on some lonely isle, but our purpose for living, taking space on this planet is, "because of the Word of God," which is, "the testimony of Jesus."  Jesus said, "I am He who bears witness of Myself, and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me."  The life of the Follower of Jesus is of no lesser, "because of."

 

Webster describes a resolution as, "the act of analyzing a complex notion into simpler ones."  Here's a way to do that for 2010------------------ Reset our, "because of," living.

 

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray with all my heart that 2010 will find a greater, "because of," in me.  Amen.

************************************************

News, Commentary:           www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com

Devotional Archive:            www.apfdevotionals.blogspot.com 


When 18 year old Peter Torjesen "heard the call to evangelize China, he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

"If You Belong to Christ, Then You are Abraham's Seed."

"The LORD had said to Abram,.. 'I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.  I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."

(Genesis 12:1-3)

 

Maybe you never considered our text as "a Christmas story."  But Christmas did not just start in a manger in Bethlehem.  It was in the Eternal Heart of God "before the beginning began." 

 

A recent report reveals to what extent "all peoples on earth" have been blessed through the Jews.  It states that most of the modern inventions and advances in science, particularly electronics, have come from Israel.  I sent an article which I found recently to our "News" Blog.  It lists major Jewish contributions to mankind.  Make of it whatever the world chooses.  "All peoples on earth [have been] blessed through [Abraham]."  

 

It is no accident that the Savior of mankind, Who is called, "the King of the Jews," came out of "Bethlehem, Ephrathah,..among the clans of Judah," not Indianapolis, Tokyo, Baghdad, or Munich.  My Lord and Savior, your Lord and Savior, Jesus, the Christ, came from an obscure village in Israel, raised by a Jewish couple.  This was all by the design and choice of the "Eternal One."  Let there be no misunderstanding about the purposes of the Living Triune God---- "In the last days, the Temple of the LORD in Jerusalem will become the most important place on earth.  People from all over the world will go there to worship."

 

"The most important place on earth" 2000 years ago was a manger in Bethlehem.  It was in The Land of Israel that the "Word became flesh and dwelt among us."  The shepherds, who were Jews, and the wise men, who were Gentiles, could say with John, "We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only...."  30+ years later, "the most important place on earth" would be a hill and empty tomb outside Jerusalem, site of the redemption, salvation, healing, deliverance of humanity. 

 

Anti-Semitism has been always in the earth, even in the Christian Community from the beginning.  Yet any person who calls himself a Believer in Jesus Christ must always remember, "....that those who believe are children of Abraham.  The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: 'All nations will be blessed through you.'  So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith."  The reality of the Gospel declared that night to the shepherds is, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."    

 

Father, in Jesus' Name, I Thank you that you include us all.  Amen.

*******************************************
Prophetic News:         www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com

Devotional Archive:    www.apfdevotionals.blogspot.com 

                                    or, apfdevotionals.blogspot.com

When 18 year old Peter Torjesen "heard the call to evangelize China, he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

"He WAS in the Beginning"

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth....No one has ever seen God at any time, but God the One and Only, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained."  (From John 1, NIV & NASB)

 

Though the NASB has, "explained him," the word for, "him," is not in the Greek text.  It is just, "He has explained"---------- all of this.  It took me several translations to get it right.  Forgive the presumption, but Bible translators are human too.  Man just cannot grasp the depths of the Blessed Trinity, no matter how learned, how spiritual, how--- whatever.  But the combined NIV and NASB give us a descent translation of an Eternal Reality.  The Word was not created or born.  At the "birth" of Jesus, "The Word became flesh."  

  

Church history has called this season, "Advent."  The word, "advent," means, "the coming, or arrival," an accurate definition of Christmas.  Jesus was not "born" in the sense you and I were born.  There was a time when you and  I were not; then we were conceived and born.  We had a beginning.  Jesus did not.  "In the beginning was the word."  Jesus did not come into being "in the beginning."  Jesus was there waiting for the "beginning" to begin. "Before the beginning began, the Word already was." 

 

Whatever are, as Paul describes, "the depths of God," the "God-Breathed" Word tells us, "In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.  We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given to us."  During the Christmas Season we celebrate with trees, lights, carols, gifts, and worship "what God has freely given to us"----------Himself in Jesus Christ. 

        "How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given

        So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven

        No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin

        Where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enters in."

 

Father, in Jesus' Name, "O come to us abide with us, Our Lord, Emmanuel."  Amen. 

*************************************

Prophetic News:        www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com

Devotional Archive:   www.apfdevotionals.blogspot.com 

                                  or, apfdevotionals.blogspot.com 

 

When 18 year old Peter Torjesen "heard the call to evangelize China, he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

"What Is Conceived in Her Is From the Holy Spirit"

"And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of you womb!'" (Luke 1)

 

George MacDonald writes, "See revelation culminate in Elizabeth and Mary, the mothers of John the Baptist and Jesus.  Think how much fitter that it should be so; that they to whom the Word of God comes should be women bred in the dignity of a natural life, and familiarity with the large ways of the earth; women of simple and few wants, without distraction, and with time for reflection-- compelled to reflection, indeed, from the enduring presence of an unsullied consciousness, for wherever there is a humble, thoughtful nature, into that nature the divine consciousness, that is, the Spirit of God, presses as into its own place.  Holy women are to be found everywhere, but the prophetess is not so likely to be found in the city as in the hill country." 

 

The fear of "Mariolatry" has kept most Protestants from appreciating the "ways" of God revealed in His choosing a very young girl from "the hill country" to bear, "Emanuel, God with us."  It is a common tendency among humans to correct wrongs with other wrongs.  Mary has fallen victim to such irrational behavior.  Protestants cringe when we here the Catholics recite, "Hail, Mary, mother of God."  I think most believe that the, "Hail Mary," is declaring Mary to be God, or even "greater," since she is the mother.  Although through Mary the "Word [of God] (Jesus) became flesh," she did not conceived God.  "An angel of the Lord appeared to [Joseph] in a dream," to make it clear.  "Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit."  

 

Of course Mary is , "blessed...among women"--- just not to be worshipped.  Worship is reserved for the One Whom she bore. 

 

Father, in Jesus' Name, You say, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways."  Please take the, "not," and, "neither are," out of that.  Amen.

*************************************

Prophetic news:    www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com 

 

 

When 18 year old Peter Torjesen "heard the call to evangelize China, he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

"One Hundred Days of Combat"

"Marshal your troops, O city of troops, for a siege is laid against us.  They will strike Israel's ruler on the cheek with a rod....Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem...from two years old and under...." (Mic. 5:1 & Mt 2:16)

 

Matthew then proceeds to quote Jeremiah 31:15, "A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because her children are no more."  Our text and the article below reflect the "age old strife," what M.R. DeHaan once called, "The Conflict of the Ages."  Satan and his demonic hordes declared "combat" the moment they rebelled against, "This One,... born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."  This would lead Paul to write decades later, "For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness...."  

 

From the beginning Satan has been seeking opportunity to "bruise His heel."  Herod was simply one of endless numbers of "despotisms" and "powers,.. masters spirits" who are still attempting to put an end to the purposes of The Living Triune God.  But, alas, to no avail.  They seem to take little note of the reality that "This One" is He Who is "from the days of eternity."  The end of Satan and his willing disciples was sealed at the Cross, the tomb, the descent into the abode of the dead, the resurrection.  "He will crush (overwhelm, break) his head!" 

 

The language of our text is "combat" language.  But though the "combat" rages today in the seen and the unseen realms, the victory was sealed in Jesus' Blood, Who, "sacrificed for...sins once for all when He offered Himself."  This Christmas Season do not just go to Bethlehem.  Go to a cross outside Jerusalem.  Go to the empty tomb where, 

        "He arose a victor from the dark domain   

         And He lives forever with His saints to reign."

This is, "Joy to the world."  Now, Earth,----------- "Receive [your] King!"

 

Father, in Jesus' Name, I am increasingly overwhelmed with Your Power, Grace, Mercy, and Love.  Amen.

Click Here>> Open Doors USA: Email - Weekly Prayer Alert - "One Hundred Days of Combat" in North Korea

************************************

Prophetic News:    www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com 

 

 

When 18 year old Peter Torjesen "heard the call to evangelize China, he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

Merry Christmas from the Helmstadters

Merry Christmas to all of you from the Helmstadter Family.

 

In this most special of seasons….

”For unto us a Son was given” what wonderful words. The one who  put it all into motion and then “breathed “ into us the breath of life, also “gave again” to give us life anew, is the reason for this great season…“JESUS”

The Helmstadters pray for the very best, of all thing, for each and every one of you.

Have a wonderful Christmas!!!!

 

Bob & Ruth Helmstadter & Family

"This One"

"And this One will be our peace."  (Micah 5:5, NASB)

 

Micah 5:2 says, "One will go forth for me...."  It is exegetically correct to read verse 4, "This One will arise and shepherd His flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD HIS God.  And they will remain, because at that time This One will be great to the ends of the earth."  Enter our text--- "And this One will be our peace."  The whole of the First Covenant speaks of "this One." This was the great "stumbling block" to the Jews of the First Century, and it is the great "stumbling block" in succeeding generations.

 

Religion of man does not give us, "This One."  Religion, like philosophy, engages in endless speculation and empty talk as to reality, form and ceremony replacing the relationship offered in the Garden.  "Adam, where are you," is still the call of Father.  Yet man in his rebellion does not want God calling him.  Man wants to be the "one" doing the calling, and that only when he needs help.  But the pursuit of Jesus Christ has not changed.  While most of humanity is off looking for some "system," some teaching which will make us better versions of what we already are, "this One," is calling us to Himself------- to make us like Himself.    

 

The message to the shepherds on that "cold winter's night" was, "This One.... is born this day in the city of David."  When they arrived at the manger, they did not find a book.  They found, "This One."  The great news at this season is not for those who "hunger and thirst" for some how-to book on self improvement.  It is for the "blessed...who hunger and thirst for righteous"---------------- "This One."   

 

Father, in Jesus' Name, keep me in "This One."  Amen.

******************************************

Prophetic News, Commentary:    www.antipasprayerfoce.blogspot.com 

 

When 18 year old Peter Torjesen "heard the call to evangelize China, he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

"Beware of Always Trying to be Profound: God Became a Baby" (Chambers)

"Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." (Luke 2)

 

I have several friends who have lost people very close to them in recent weeks.  I too know the sadness of losing those very dear to me.  But things and times change; life goes on, even though at times it seems unfair that it does just go on, especially when it should "stop" when tragedy strikes us.  Whatever your trial today, do not allow sadness and depression to gain the victory over you.  Whom we celebrate is Jesus Christ, "the Good News which shall be to all people."  The word translated, "good," is from a root word which is often translated, "greatest."  Indeed, the "news" of Jesus Christ appearing is the "greatest news" ever to come to the ears of humanity.  And let there be no doubt---- this "greatest news" is the greatest "route" through the "valley of the shadow." 

 

Why is the "greatest news" announced to the shepherds the "greatest news" to you and me?  Jesus took us from a self destructive life, forgave our sin, so that now we, as the psalmist, can say, "He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay; and He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.  And he put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise of our God."  

 

Most people see the hymn which I have sent to you as a "liberal," or humanistic type hymn.  I used to also.  Not now.  Break any religious shackles on you, and listen.  It is not just the angels or the worship team singing ----"the birds their carols raise." 

        

Father, in Jesus' Name, I am thankful that increasingly I hear You "everywhere."  Amen.

**************************************

www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com

    

When 18 year old Peter Torjesen"heard the call to evangelize China, he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

This Is My Father's World

Click Here>> This Is My Father's World

 

When 18 year old Peter Torjesen"heard the call to evangelize China, he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

Some Saturday Thoughts

I received an e-mail yesterday which contained this tirade by Richard Dawkins, Darwin worshipper, atheist, and general all around malcontent.  "The God of the Old Testament is arguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction: jealous and proud of it; a petty, unjust, unforgiving control-freak; a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser; a misogynistic, homophobic, racist, infanticidal, genocidal, filicidal, pestilential, megalomaniacal, sadomasochistic, capriciously malevolent bully." 

Apparently he has not been to a manger.

Some Hanukkah facts from various sources.
The word is from the Hebrew word for, "dedication," or, "consecration."  It "marks the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by the forces of the King of Syria, Antiochus IV Epiphanes and commemorates the 'miracle of the container of oil.'"  According to the Talmud, at the rededication following the victory of the Maccabees over the Seleucid Empire, there was only enough consecrated olive oil to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple for one day.  Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, which was the length of time it took to press, prepare and consecrate fresh olive oil.
*****************

Eighteen year old Norwegian, Peter Torjesen, "when he heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

"To Save Us All From Satan's Power"

"....You shall call His Name JESUS, for He will save...." (Mt. 1:21)

The up beat version of, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," which I sent to you yesterday reflects to me the joy of the Season and the life of a Follower of Jesus Christ.  "....Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day to save us all from Satan's power...."  Indeed, as our text declares, "He will save His people from their sins."  But, the reason we "Merry Gentlemen" can "rest" is that at the Cross Jesus went after the root of those "sins"---------------------------------------------- "Satan's Power!" 

Sin enslaved Adam and Eve because they yielded to "Satan's power."  Some of his other names give insight into this "power"---"Deceiver"--"Father of lies"--"And they had as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon...."  This text from the Book of Revelation gives us perhaps the most chilling description of the great Enemy of mankind, King...of the bottomless pit."  The Hebrew word, "Abaddon," means, "destroying angel."  It is from a root word meaning, "to wander away, lose oneself, perish."  It sort of reminds me of a child at a mall during the Christmas season.  All the lights, the excitement, the gaiety are just too much.  He starts "to wander away" from his parents, an easy prey. 

So too you and I, wandering through life, caught up in the lights, excitement, and gaiety, even of "good" spiritual things, are easy prey to the "Destroyer/Deceiver," the one whom Paul referred to as, "the Prince of the power of the air," lurking for a wandering "child" who has lost his way------------ and site of the Father.  This "wandering" is in our DNA, what theology calls "the Adamic Nature."  Robert Robinson expressed it this way,
          "Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
          Prone to leave the God I love."

But no matter "Satan's power" to destroy, deceive, lie, and eternally enslave as "King...of the bottomless pit."  Jesus, The One Whom Heaven calls, "King of kings and Lord of lords," is "King of" the "king...of the bottomless pit."  And, be sure of this; even though his "pit" is "bottomless," his power is not.  "One little word shall fell him." My only caution?------------------------------  Be careful the wandering.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I too am "prone to wander," but I sing,
     "Here's my heart, O take and seal it,
     Seal it for Thy courts above."  Amen.   
************************************
*     As one of Christ's "servants of the Word," I am preaching in CCE's      "Service of the Word" this coming Sunday, Dec. 13.
*     Prophetic News:     www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com

Eighteen year old Norwegian, Peter Torjesen, "when he heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"-- And Ladies

"Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Mt 11:28, 29)

  

Click Here>> http://tinyurl.com/ybc3fuq

and locate the Carol, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen."  It has been my favorite since my youth.  I have read that it was also the favorite carol of the early Reformation period.  One historian says that is means, "may God rest you merrily."  I'm not so sure.  Could it be a blessing to, "merry gentlemen," i.e., "May God give you rest."

        "God rest ye merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay,

        Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day;

        To save us all from Satan's power when we were gone astray.

 

        O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy

        O tidings of comfort and joy."

             

In our text, Jesus, Author and Sustainer of Rest, simply yet gloriously and "Just as I Am," invites humanity to Himself.  Augustine once prayed, "Thou hast made us for Thyself, O God, and our hearts are restless 'til they find their rest in Thee."  Couldn't have prayed it better.  Who cannot testify to the reality?  Think of life before Jesus Christ, restless, tumultuous, like a ship on a storm-tossed sea.  Think of those times, also, when as a Believer, we have still sought "rest" other than the bosom of Jesus.  Rest on now, saint, "He calleth thee."

 

Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You for the Rest which only You Are.  Amen.

*********************************************

*    Preaching this coming Sunday in the CCE Meeting

*    Prophetic News, Commentary:    www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com 

 

 

 When 18 year old Peter Torjesen"heard the call to evangelize China, he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

YouTube - 9/11 "Living Memorial" in the Jerusalem Forest Hills Dedi

YouTube - 9/11 "Living Memorial" in the Jerusalem Forest Hills Dedicated

 

When 18 year old Peter Torjesen"heard the call to evangelize China, he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

Need Some Joy? Try This

"....Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."  (Luke 2:10b, 11)

Just a little sidebar here:  It is "The city of DAVID," not Mohammed, Ghandi, or Obama.  But today, because of Carter, the Bushes, Clinton, and Obama, Bethlehem, "the city of David," is in the hands an alien, terroristic people.  Warning:  You do not trespass, or offer the means of trespassing on the property of the King----------------- and survive. 

In 2 Samuel 4:9 (NLT), as a foreshadow of The Coming One, David refers to Jesus as, "the Lord, who saves me...."  Matthew tells us that the angel told Joseph to, "call His name JESUS, for He will save...."  Our text today tells us that the angelic host called Him, "a Savior Who is Christ the Lord."  We can see why the scenario in our text would be "to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness."  Look at the words which are compounded in Luke 2-- "City of David--Savior--Christ--Lord--Baby--manger."  These personages and location just do not fit into Greek mythology, or Jewish theology.  In the First Covenant, the word, "LORD," means, "The Existing One," i.e., "I AM."  In the Second Covenant, the word means, "supreme in authority, controller, (and I like this one) Mr."  The gods of pagan theology and the God of most Jews, "The Existing One," or, "The Eternal One," just do not become babies ("became flesh") and descend to stables.

Here is a mind-blowing, foolish, "stumbling block" translation------------"For unto you is born this day in the city of David (in a dark, smelly, stable, a baby is born) a Saviour which is Christ the Lord ('Supreme in Authority, the Controller, Mr. God, the Eternal One, the Self-Existing One, Creator, 'Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace....The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known')"--------------- and on and on and gloriously on!

Father, in Jesus' Name, I still have so little understanding of Who You really Are.  But I am enjoying the journey.  Amen.
*********************************************
*     Read of the EU turning up the pressure on Israel  @:     www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com
*     Devotional Archive:          apfdevotionals.blogspot.com
     (Just scroll down to the week you which to locate)

Eighteen year old Norwegian, Peter Torjesen, "when he heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

"You Shall Call His Name Jesus, For He Will Save"

"And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)

To understand Jesus as Savior we must read and have written on our hearts Leviticus 16, perhaps the greatest revelation on the saving work of Jesus Christ.  I had been a pastor for 6 years before I ever read the whole book of Leviticus.  How dwarfed a human being.  Leviticus 16 gave me a glimpse into the mystery of the Atonement, the Living Triune God's "plan of Salvation," in a way I could never have imagined.

Just as one goat was slain in the camp and the other taken into the wilderness and abandoned to suffer thirst, starvation, and probable tearing apart by some vicious beast, Jesus so suffered on the cross.   After the animals were offered "for sin," they were taken "outside the camp" to be destroyed.  Jesus fulfilled all of this and so much more in His Cross.  Hebrews 13 tells us, "For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp.  Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate."  The Holy Spirit then adds one of the most moving passages in Holy Writ.  "Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach."

The wise men came bearing gifts.  May you and I come "bearing His reproach."

Father, in Jesus' Name, forgive me when my desire for respectability has kept me from going "forth to Him, outside the camp."  Amen.
********************************************
Prophetic News, Commentary:     www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com
Devotional archive @:                    apfdevotionals.blogspot.com
(Just scroll down to find a date you would like to access)


Eighteen year old Norwegian, Peter Torjesen, "when he heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

If You Are In a Hurry, You Won't Want to Read This

"He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.  And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end."  (Luke 1:32, 33)

You and I should be thankful that the announcement of the coming King and His Kingdom was not just for "the house of Jacob."  It was for all who hear, respond in obedience, and surrender to Jesus Christ as King and Savior.  And, if you read the entire first chapter of Luke, you discover that it was an announcement to "the kings of the earth...and the rulers," that the Coming King would bring a judgment on all those who try to exalt any kingdom, any political or social philosophy, and any religion above His Kingdom.  "He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty....He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts."    

As I read the Bible I continually notice how universal is the Word of God.  The only way the Blessed Trinity considers other religions or philosophies of the world is that they are enemy states; they are evil,
and, they are only to be judged and ultimately destroyed.  There is no "political correctness" in the Bible.  The only place you find "PC" in any generation is in the hearts of people who are trying to avoid a fight, save their own lives, keep their jobs, and keep harmony in their communities and nations.  But the fight is on.  It has been raging since the great rebellion in the Garden and The Tower; and no matter how high man tries to build his towers, and so-called Christians compromise with the religions and political systems of the world, The Blessed Trinity will do what He did with the first Tower-- "Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another's speech." 

The call to humanity has not changed.  Receive Jesus Christ to be "born of the spirit."  Only then can you "see the Kingdom."  Be baptized in water so that you can, "enter the Kingdom."  This is the Gospel, not some abbreviated, convenient "evangelical" version.  There is simply no future with "the kings of the earth" other than to be, "cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are.  And they will be tormented day and might forever and ever." 

The "national anthem" of the Kingdom of Heaven is, "Our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ," ----------------------- "Oh--say--can--you--see!!!"  

Father, in Jesus' name, thank You that Your Kingdom is for all who will come and surrender to you. Amen.
*******************************************


Eighteen year old Norwegian, Peter Torjesen, "when he heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

Is America "Going Broke?"

(From Gary Bauer)

 

America is going broke.  The national debt now exceeds $12 trillion and is growing at rates unmatched since WWII.  We've amassed massive unfunded promises to guarantee future entitlement benefits, which, added to liabilities like debt, total nearly $57 trillion.  If Congress does not address this issue, it won't be long before every penny of the federal budget will be used just to pay for interest on the debt and entitlement spending. 

There would be no money for critical priorities like national defense, homeland security and medical research.  The dollar would lose its status as the primary international reserve currency, meaning that everything that is traded internationally, such as food and oil, would increase in price.  Deficits choke the investment needed to create jobs.   And our biggest bankers – countries like China and Saudi Arabia – are hardly friends.

Leaders of both political parties have been reluctant to acknowledge the severity of this issue and to take the necessary action to curtail spending.  Congress' paralysis comes at great cost to our children and grandchildren.  Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) has an idea to address our growing fiscal crisis that deserves consideration. 

The Securing America's Future Economy Commission Act (SAFE – H.R. 1557) would establish a bipartisan commission to look at all federal spending -- constitutionally mandated expenditures, entitlement programs, tax policy, and more.  The Commission, modeled after the federal base closing process, would hold public meetings across the country to hear from the American people and then develop a series of recommendations to improve the nation's financial health.  Then Congress would be required to vote up or down on the panel's proposals. 

Congress has shown itself to be incapable of tackling overspending, and it will take a mechanism with teeth to ensure action. SAFE has more than 100 co-sponsors, yet the congressional leadership has failed to bring this critical measure to the floor for a vote.  Click here to see if your representative is co-sponsoring the SAFE Act. Then call Congress at 202-224-3121 and urge the leadership to act in the best interest of the country. 
****************************

When 18 year old Peter Torjesen"heard the call to evangelize China, he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

"All Flesh Shall See Together"

"And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it.  For the mouth of the LORD has spoken."
(Isaiah. 40:5, NIV)

You will notice the phrase, "all mankind together will see it."  But the word, "it," is not in the Hebrew text.  "The glory of the LORD" is not an "it."  "The glory of the LORD" is a Person.

A very good friend of ours lost her mother a few days ago.  Another friend lost her father a few weeks before.  Jacob called it, "the way of all the earth."  The day after Christmas 40 years ago, we noticed
that something was wrong with our oldest son, Stephen.  You know what happened.  By the following June, he had left this life------ and us.   

People often point out that the reason so many people are depressed during the Christmas Season is that some have fond memories of Christmas only in some distant past.  For others, they are only depressing memories.  This need not be for you and me!  You and I are People of King Jesus, "The Glory of the LORD," the Only One Who conquered sin, death, and the grave. 
               "Up from the grave He arose    
               With a mighty triumph or'e his      foes
               He arose a Victor from the dark Domain
               And he lives forever with His Saints to reign"

Have a "Merry Christmas!"  The Bible teaches us that our time here is just a "holding area," a "waiting room," if you will.  Skeptics and cynics, rail all you like.  This is not some "great escape" mentality.  This is the Great "Reality Show!"  Whatever the current blindness of humanity, the Day is coming, says the Lord, when, "the glory of the LORD will be revealed" in a way unimaginable.  "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God.  And the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And thus we shall always be with the Lord."

The "God-Breathed" Word tells us that, "....the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."  If you cannot "get into the Christmas spirit," forget that and get into Jesus Christ, Father's "glory" and "grace" and "truth."  This is not some empty exhortation.  It a promise universal.  "All mankind together will see...the glory of the One and Only...."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I rejoice today that "all mankind together will see"--------------------  whatever they may do with that.  Amen.
********************************
News, Commentary @:          www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com

Eighteen year old Norwegian, Peter Torjesen, "when he heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

"The State's Role"

"And you shall teach...and show them the way in which they must walk and the work they must do." (Exodus 18:20)

---------- Because if you don't someone else will!

A German judge wrote in a recent case involving parents who were teaching their children from their home (home-schoolers), "We recognize in our German basic law about philosophical and religious conviction and that parents have rights, but the basic law also includes that it is the state's role to educate all children."  This is the view of the statist.  A dictionary defines statism as, "A political viewpoint 'that sovereignty is vested not in the people but in the national state, and that all individuals and associations exist only to enhance the power, the prestige, and the well-being of the state.'" 

With all his pride, bravado, and impudent rejection of Jesus Christ and the reign of Christ's Kingdom, man is basically a lonely, frightened creature in the universe.  Historically man has yielded to statism because man needs someone to show him "the way."  Increasingly and globally, statism, in one form or the other, is ruling in the hearts of mankind. 

Our text, indeed, all of the Bible, AKA, the Word of God, "became flesh and dwelt among us" in Jesus Christ; and The Word of God commanded the Church to, "....make disciples of all the nations,.. teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you."  Anyone and anything the Church fails to teach---------------------------- the state will gladly take up the slack.

Father, in Jesus' Name, forgive me for not living and teaching "all things that [You] have commanded."  Amen.
*********************************
Prophetic News Updated Daily:     www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com

Eighteen year old Norwegian, Peter Torjesen, "when he heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

Some Advent Thoughts

"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder."  (Isaiah 9:6a)

The American President spoke last night of Islam as, "one of the world's great religions."  It is not.  It is one of the world's great deceptions.  The government will not be upon Mohammed's shoulder.  It "will be upon" Jesus Christ, "upon His shoulder."

Most people interpret our text to be fulfilled some time in the distant future.  How convenient.  Keep the reign of Jesus Christ out of our daily lives, and we can all just go on living with our convenient, feel good religion, all the while running our own lives, our political thinking dominated by the Democrats and Republicans, CNN, MSNBC, Beck,  Limbaugh, rather than the Rule of King Jesus and His "Constitution," the "God-Breathed" Word.  The Bible says that from the time Jesus Christ is revealed in the earth, "the government will be upon His shoulder--not postponed until the Millennium, or after the Rapture, or some other keep-God-out-of-control future.  His reign is now.

In 1962 and 1963, the United States of America, a nation founded upon Judeo/Christian tradition, or another way to put it, a nation founded upon the Old and New Testaments, or another way to put it, a nation founded upon the Bible, decided to reject that foundation and take the prayer of Jesus and the Words of Jesus out of the state school system.  Up to that point, there was at least some demonstration in American life that the reign of Jesus Christ was now, not after we all die.

Most of the revival talk today just means bigger and more gyrating congregations, endless meetings, keeping the Kingdom confined to our parochial ideologies, rather than social and political transformation.  Jesus did not say that the Reign of God is delayed. He said, "The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!"--- here, everywhere, now.  Barnes says that there is simply no time restriction implied in this phrase.  I say, The King is here; His Kingdom is here, and, "Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end...."  I pray for, work for, and proclaim no less.

Father, in Jesus' Name, for me, Your reign is NOW!  May my life reflect that.  Amen.
*********************************
www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com

Eighteen year old Norwegian, Peter Torjesen, "when he heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

Just Countermandering the Obama/Clinton Lies and Deception

Freeze of Jewish Construction in Judea and Samaria: Peace or Appeasement Enhancer?
Yoram Ettinger - Nov 26, 2009
Straight from the Jerusalem Cloakroom #230

Freeze of Jewish construction in Judea & Samaria is based on a series of erroneous assumptions:

1. A Freeze will not soften - but will intensify - President Obama's criticism of "settlements" in particular and Israeli policy in general. For instance, Prime Minister Netanyahu's June 14, 2009 Two-State-Solution-speech triggered exacerbated pressure by Obama. Moreover, Netanyahu's willingness to exchange hundreds of Palestinian terrorists for Gilad Shalit was followed by US pressure to release more terrorists.

2. A Freeze will not moderate - but will wet the appetite of - the PLO (Abu Mazen) or Hamas (Haniye'); it will radicalize their demands and fuel their terrorism. Former Prime Minister Barak's sweeping concessions, offered to Arafat and Abu Mazen in October 2000, were greeted by the PLO-engineered Second Intifada'. Furthermore, Prime Minister Olmert's unprecedented offer of concessions (including the return of some 1948 refugees) was rebuffed by Abu Mazen.

3. A Freeze re-entrenches the misperception of Jewish presence in Judea & Samaria as a/the obstacle to peace. It diverts attention and resources from the crucial threat to peace: Abu Mazen-engineered hate education - the manufacturing line of terrorists - and Arab rejection of the existence - and not just the size - of the Jewish State.

4. A Freeze and the adherence to Presidential dictate will not transform the White House position on Iran-related matters. Besides, a Freeze and the adherence to Presidential dictate do not constitute a prerequisite to maintaining constructive strategic relations with the USA (e.g. supply of critical military systems and crucial strategic cooperation). In fact, a Freeze and a serial submission to Presidential pressure - just like any other form of retreat - erode Israel's strategic posture in Washington and in the Middle East. Such an attitude ignores the role and power of Congress - especially when it comes to the Jewish State - at the dire expense of Israel's national security.

Is Jewish construction in Judea & Samaria an/the obstacle to peace?

1. In September 2005, Israel uprooted 25 Jewish communities from Gaza and Samaria. Gaza became Judenrein. It paved the road to the meteoric rise of Hamas, and induced more smuggling, manufacturing and launching of missiles at Jewish communities in Southern Israel.

2. President Obama defines Jewish presence in Judea & Samaria as a root cause of Arab hostility toward the Israel. However, Jewish communities were established in Judea and Samaria after the wars of 1967, 1956 and 1948, after the 1949-1967 campaign of Arab terrorism, after the 1964 establishment of the PLO, after the 1929 slaughter of the Hebron Jewish community and the 1929 expulsion of the Gaza Jewish community, after the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s slaughter of the Jewish community of Gush Etzion, etc.

3. President Obama considers the 300,000 Jews (17%), who reside among Judea and Samaria's 1.5 million Arabs, an obstacle to peace. Why would he, then, view the 1.4 million Arabs (20%), who reside among pre-1967 Israel's 6 million Jews, as an example of peaceful coexistence?!

4. Obama urges the uprooting of Jewish communities from Judea and Samaria, in order to supposedly advance peace and human rights. Would he, therefore, urge the uprooting of Arab communities from pre-1967 Israel?!

5. Since Obama tolerates Arab opposition to Jewish presence in Judea and Samaria would he tolerate Jewish opposition to Arab presence in pre-1967 Israel?! While any attempt by Jews to reside in Palestinian Authority-controlled areas would trigger a lynching attempt, Arabs have peacefully resided within pre-1967 Israel. Doesn't such a reality highlight the nature of Arab intentions and the real obstacle to peace?!

6. Obama pressures Israel to freeze Jewish construction in Judea and Samaria, in order to avoid unilateral creation of facts on the ground. Shouldn't Obama demand a similar freeze of Arab construction in Judea and Samaria, which is 30 times larger than Jewish construction?! Doesn't the absence of a balanced approach, by Obama, prejudge of the outcome of negotiation?!

7. The 1950-67 Jordanian occupation of Judea and Samaria was recognized only by Britain and Pakistan. The most recent internationally-recognized sovereign over Judea and Samaria was the League of Nations-authorized 1922 British Mandate, which defined Judea and Samaria as part of the Jewish National Home, the cradle of Jewish history. Article 6 of the Mandate indicates the right of Jews to settle in Judea and Samaria. Judge Stephen M. Schwebel, former President of the International Court of Justice, determined that Israel's presence in Judea and Samaria was rooted in self-defense and therefore did not constitute "occupation." Eugene Rostow, former Dean of Yale Law School and former Undersecretary of State and co-author of UN Security Council Resolution 242, asserted that 242 entitled Jews to settle in Judea and Samaria. The Oslo Accord and its derivatives do not prohibit "settlements." Moreover, Israel has constrained construction to state-owned - and not private - land, avoiding expulsion of Arabs landowners.

Freeze of Jewish construction in Judea and Samaria is not a peace-enhancer; it is an appeasement-enhancer
************************

Eighteen year old Norwegian, Peter Torjesen, "when he heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2