"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

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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.

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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.

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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