"Then great multitudes came to Him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others; and they laid them down at Jesus' feet, and He healed them." (Matthew 15:30)
He did not say, "Well, brother, there are some things you need to learn first," or, "Sister, there is some bitterness in your life, and until you deal with that I will not help you." Okay, granted there well may be issues which "nullify the grace of God." But while I have heard so much of this reasoning in my life time, what dominates the accounts in the Gospels is Jesus' encounter of suffering, hurting humanity; and the response of our text------------------ "and He healed them."
Many of us battle the notion that the Lord is not answering this or that particular prayer because, well, you can fill in the blank. For me, it is always something negative about me which keeps me from hearing those compassionate Words of Jesus to the leper, "I am willing." But perhaps the reason people were healed in Jesus' presence while He was here in the flesh is that the desperateness of their condition was overshadowed by, "The Bread of the Presence," Jesus Christ, The Kind, The Compassionate One, "not counting men's sins against them."
So, "Laboring together [as God's fellow workers] with Him then, we beg of you not to receive the grace of God in vain [....do not receive it to no purpose]. For He says, In the time of favor (of assured welcome) I have listened to and heeded your call, and I have helped you on the day of delilverance....Behold, now is truly the time for a gracious welcome and acceptance [of you from God]; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:1, 2-A. B.)
Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You so much for Your "gracious welcome and acceptance." Amen.
************************************
Must See Film: www.antipasprayerforce2.blogspot.com
Prophetic News: www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com
Devotionals: www.apfdevotionals.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
Watchman
Sentinel
Friday, January 15, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Haiti------ In Light of Eternity
"Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." (James 4:14, NIV)
The following is an excerpt from Bill O'Reilly's January 13, "Talking Points"--- "A terrible earthquake has crushed the Caribbean nation of Haiti, the poorest country in the hemisphere. Already the U.S. Coast Guard is saving lives in Haiti, and America will respond generously to this devastation. We always do. The problem with Haiti is massive corruption. The nation could be a tourist mecca - it is rich in folklore and culture, it has the Caribbean Sea and very nice people. But there is little tourism. My travels there have been illuminating - only half the population can read and write, unemployment is more than 50% and most Haitians live on less than two dollars a day. No matter how much charity is given, no matter how many good intentions there are, Haiti will remain chaotic until discipline is imposed. Many liberals don't want to hear it, but no society will prosper unless there are rules of conduct, mandatory education, and fairness by those in power. None of that happens in Haiti. The USA will once again pour millions into the country, much of which will be stolen. Once again, we will do more than anyone else on the planet. And one year from today, Haiti will be just as bad as it is today." I read a memo from the International Monetary Fund today, comparing Haiti and the Dominican Republic. They both literally share the same island, and, "the countries had the same per capital real GDP in 1960, but by 2005, the Dominican Republic's per capita real GDP had tripled whereas that of Haiti had halved."
What is true of Haiti is true of most of Africa, Gaza, and most "underdeveloped nations." Yet while the UN and humanitarians just keep throwing more and more money their way, unregenerate hearts rule. What to do will bring as many "answers" as people. Of course we help anyone in their hour of tragedy, but I submit to you that more than check writing is needed in Haiti. I am not going to draw any conclusions for you. I just pray that you and I will be people who live Jesus Christ and His "Law-Word," work and pray that "all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth," Who is Jesus Christ. It is necessary to be a perceptive people, not only when dealing with individuals and nations in momentary crisis, but in light of Eternity.
Beyond the devastation, beyond the "global economic crisis," beyond the lost jobs, deteriorating health, and other sorrows----------------Eternity awaits us all.
Father, in Jesus' Name, the suffering, the agony in the earth---------"For the sake of Your sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world." Amen.
***************************************
New Updated Prophetic News: www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com
Must See Film: www.antipasprayerforce2.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 following is an excerpt from Bill O'Reilly's January 13, "Talking Points"--- "A terrible earthquake has crushed the Caribbean nation of Haiti, the poorest country in the hemisphere. Already the U.S. Coast Guard is saving lives in Haiti, and America will respond generously to this devastation. We always do. The problem with Haiti is massive corruption. The nation could be a tourist mecca - it is rich in folklore and culture, it has the Caribbean Sea and very nice people. But there is little tourism. My travels there have been illuminating - only half the population can read and write, unemployment is more than 50% and most Haitians live on less than two dollars a day. No matter how much charity is given, no matter how many good intentions there are, Haiti will remain chaotic until discipline is imposed. Many liberals don't want to hear it, but no society will prosper unless there are rules of conduct, mandatory education, and fairness by those in power. None of that happens in Haiti. The USA will once again pour millions into the country, much of which will be stolen. Once again, we will do more than anyone else on the planet. And one year from today, Haiti will be just as bad as it is today." I read a memo from the International Monetary Fund today, comparing Haiti and the Dominican Republic. They both literally share the same island, and, "the countries had the same per capital real GDP in 1960, but by 2005, the Dominican Republic's per capita real GDP had tripled whereas that of Haiti had halved."
What is true of Haiti is true of most of Africa, Gaza, and most "underdeveloped nations." Yet while the UN and humanitarians just keep throwing more and more money their way, unregenerate hearts rule. What to do will bring as many "answers" as people. Of course we help anyone in their hour of tragedy, but I submit to you that more than check writing is needed in Haiti. I am not going to draw any conclusions for you. I just pray that you and I will be people who live Jesus Christ and His "Law-Word," work and pray that "all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth," Who is Jesus Christ. It is necessary to be a perceptive people, not only when dealing with individuals and nations in momentary crisis, but in light of Eternity.
Beyond the devastation, beyond the "global economic crisis," beyond the lost jobs, deteriorating health, and other sorrows----------------Eternity awaits us all.
Father, in Jesus' Name, the suffering, the agony in the earth---------"For the sake of Your sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world." Amen.
***************************************
New Updated Prophetic News: www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com
Must See Film: www.antipasprayerforce2.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
Haiti Earthquake Report: 01/13/10
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
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
"Did Not Our Heart Burn...While He Uttered Words?"
"Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: 'Behold, a sower went out to sow.'" (Matthew 13:3)
Jesus "spoke many things to them," because His Words are, "life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh." Jesus came to "sow" the Words of God in any soil who "bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." The Word of God, "became flesh and dwelt among us," to produce in you and me the fruit of salvation, the fruit of the Spirit, the fruit of the lost coming to Jesus Christ. And integral to this, "so great a salvation," is, "He sent His Word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." This is exactly what happened to me 40 years ago this summer.
When we lost our oldest child, I desperately needed healing and deliverance, not the laying on of hands, or the, "come out in the Name of Jesus," kind, but the come-in-in-the-Name-of-Jesus kind. I needed what the German Pietists placed so much emphasis on, the indwelling, inseparable Word of God and Words of God continually sown in my heart, my very being. I needed, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, from within him shall flow rivers of living water."
Over the last 40 years there have been times when it seems as though I can literally taste the Words of God, "sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb." After Jesus left the Emmaus Road disciples, they said, "Did not our heart burn within us while He talked (literally, "uttered words") with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures?" You and I today can continually have the "uttered Words" of Jesus. The only variable is a desire to avail ourselves of these "uttered Words" of the Sower.
Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray for grace to bring forth what You have sown in me "a hundred fold." Amen.
*****************
New Prophetic Updates: www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com
Must See Film: www.antipasprayerforce2.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
Jesus "spoke many things to them," because His Words are, "life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh." Jesus came to "sow" the Words of God in any soil who "bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." The Word of God, "became flesh and dwelt among us," to produce in you and me the fruit of salvation, the fruit of the Spirit, the fruit of the lost coming to Jesus Christ. And integral to this, "so great a salvation," is, "He sent His Word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." This is exactly what happened to me 40 years ago this summer.
When we lost our oldest child, I desperately needed healing and deliverance, not the laying on of hands, or the, "come out in the Name of Jesus," kind, but the come-in-in-the-Name-of-Jesus kind. I needed what the German Pietists placed so much emphasis on, the indwelling, inseparable Word of God and Words of God continually sown in my heart, my very being. I needed, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, from within him shall flow rivers of living water."
Over the last 40 years there have been times when it seems as though I can literally taste the Words of God, "sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb." After Jesus left the Emmaus Road disciples, they said, "Did not our heart burn within us while He talked (literally, "uttered words") with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures?" You and I today can continually have the "uttered Words" of Jesus. The only variable is a desire to avail ourselves of these "uttered Words" of the Sower.
Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray for grace to bring forth what You have sown in me "a hundred fold." Amen.
*****************
New Prophetic Updates: www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com
Must See Film: www.antipasprayerforce2.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
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
"Ordinary" Folk Who "Bring Out"
For some photos of Miep Geis,
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 "Stored Up in" You?
(More than ever: www.antipasprayerforce2.blogspot.com)
"The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him." (From a teaching of Jesus, Matthew 12:35)
You may have already heard or read that Miep Gies, the woman who joined her husband in hiding the family of Anne Frank during World War 2, passed away yesterday at the age of 100. She was a Follower of Jesus Christ, aka, Christian. Correction to the e-mail I sent earlier-- I was in the house of the Corrie ten Boom family in Haarlem, The Netherlands, the actual "Hiding Place," in 1976, not the Gies House. It was just after my first mission trip behind the Iron Curtain. I shall never forget the sense of privilege to be in the house of people who risked their lives to save others. The Gies and the ten Boom family were just two Christian families out of so many throughout Europe who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust. Miep said in an online chat with school children not long before she died, "I don't want to be a hero. Imagine young people would grow up with the feeling that you have to be a hero to do your human duty. I am afraid nobody would ever help other people....I was just an ordinary housewife and secretary." (Blessed "ordinary.")
"The good man brings good things out of the good stored up...." So many try to be "super hero" Christians, make the "big splash," do some great thing, "all for Jesus," of course, yet they have "stored up" so very little of the "God-Breathed" Word in them. Then when the unexpected happens, as in Europe in the early part of the twentieth century, they are confused with what it "brings..out." This is a simple statement, yet filled with awesome consequences,
When life "happens," what has gone in is what comes out.
Father, in Jesus' I want to be ordinary, as Miep was ordinary. Amen.
******************************************
Important 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
Monday, January 11, 2010
My Reason For Living
"It is enough for a disciple that he be as his teacher, and a servant as his lord." (Jesus)
The word for, "as," does not mean similar or nearly as. It is just, "as."
Our text tells me something of my purpose for being here. It is the purpose of our Father for every person on the planet, Jew, Muslim,
Hindu, Black, White, etc. It is not just the purpose for "Christians." It is your purpose, sitting right there, right now. Why not? Does this not reflect the love of our Father for us, intending for us nothing less than a whole family with many children just "as" Jesus?!?
The word translated, "enough," is from a root Hebrew word which means, "to ward off, to be strong enough." Jesus is telling us that if we want to "ward off" the attacks of doubt, slander, rejection, feelings of insufficiency, et. al., if I desire to "be strong enough" just for life itself, I need to be nothing less than, "as," Jesus Christ. How wonderfully simply stated. Literally, everything I can hope to be of "worth," of peace, of contentment, and joy, is mine when I am "conformed to the image of," to be, "as," Jesus Christ. And what great joy to know today that this is Father's reason for us being here.
This is a life of, "work out your salvation." Yet I can think of no greater pursuit for humanity than to "be as [the] Teacher and...as [the] Lord." Press in to the Living Triune God to have not so much a greater understanding as a greater----------- "that he be as," Jesus.
Father, in Jesus' Name, I admit that I don't fully grasp this, but I fully want this---------- "as." Amen.
*********************************
Must See Film: www.antipasprayerforce2.blogspot.com
Latest 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
The word for, "as," does not mean similar or nearly as. It is just, "as."
Our text tells me something of my purpose for being here. It is the purpose of our Father for every person on the planet, Jew, Muslim,
Hindu, Black, White, etc. It is not just the purpose for "Christians." It is your purpose, sitting right there, right now. Why not? Does this not reflect the love of our Father for us, intending for us nothing less than a whole family with many children just "as" Jesus?!?
The word translated, "enough," is from a root Hebrew word which means, "to ward off, to be strong enough." Jesus is telling us that if we want to "ward off" the attacks of doubt, slander, rejection, feelings of insufficiency, et. al., if I desire to "be strong enough" just for life itself, I need to be nothing less than, "as," Jesus Christ. How wonderfully simply stated. Literally, everything I can hope to be of "worth," of peace, of contentment, and joy, is mine when I am "conformed to the image of," to be, "as," Jesus Christ. And what great joy to know today that this is Father's reason for us being here.
This is a life of, "work out your salvation." Yet I can think of no greater pursuit for humanity than to "be as [the] Teacher and...as [the] Lord." Press in to the Living Triune God to have not so much a greater understanding as a greater----------- "that he be as," Jesus.
Father, in Jesus' Name, I admit that I don't fully grasp this, but I fully want this---------- "as." Amen.
*********************************
Must See Film: www.antipasprayerforce2.blogspot.com
Latest 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
Obama Threatens Israel With Sanctions
I WAS WONDERING WHEN THIS WOULD HAPPEN!!
Israel in Response to Mitchell Loan Guarantee Threat: Blame PA
by Hillel Fendel and Gil Ronen
The Prime Minister's Office reacted Sunday to an implied threat by U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, George Mitchell, regarding American loan guarantees to Israel. Mitchell had said that his country could withhold support on loan guarantees to pressure Israel in negotiations with the Palestinian Authority.Israel rebuffed the threat. "It is the Palestinian Authority that refuses to renew the peace process," a statement released by the Prime Minister's Bureau stated, "while we have carried out significant steps. It is the PA that must change its ways."
The special envoy, former U.S. Senator George Mitchell, was asked by a TV interviewer on Thursday what types of pressure could be exerted upon Israel to get the diplomatic negotiations underway again. Mitchell said, "Under American law, the United States can withhold support on loan guarantees to Israel," and added that the previous Bush administration had in fact done so. "But I prefer persuasion to sanctions," he said afterwards.
The loan guarantees are essentially U.S.-backed loans with favorable interest rates. Many in Israel have long called for Israel to turn down these benefits, in accordance with the Biblical teaching (Proverbs) that one who hates gifts will live, in order to remove this pressure point and enable Israel to be more independent. In July 1996, it was Binyamin Netanyahu himself, Israel's then-new prime minister, who pledged to begin reducing American economic aid to Israel, while working to make Israel more economically self-sufficient.
Unnamed American officials have been quoted as saying that Mitchell did not mean to threaten Israel, but was merely answering the interviewer's question.
Sources in the Prime Minister's Bureau said that Mitchell's statement "does not make sense" and "is not accepted" by Israel, as Israel has taken enough steps to advance the diplomatic process vis-a-vis the PA.
Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz said on Sunday that Israel and the U.S. reached an understanding several months ago to extend the loan guarantee agreement for another two years. He added that the government does not plan to use the guarantees in the near future and that it is able to raise money without them.
The interview transcript reads thus: Mitchell: "The reality is that, yes, of course the United States has both carrots and sticks, you have to be very careful about how and when you use them and apply [inaudib --"
Charlie Rose: "When was the last time we used a stick? … Give me - I'm serious about this. You sit there and you say to Israel, if you don't do this, what?"
George Mitchell: "I mean, under American law, the United States can withhold support on loan guarantees to Israel. President George W. Bush did so."
Charlie Rose: "Exactly."
George Mitchell: "On one occasion."
Charlie Rose: "And his father."
George Mitchell: "Well, the law that the most recent President Bush acted under, wasn't in place at the time of the first President Bush, so there were different mechanisms. That's one mechanism that has been publicly discussed, there are others. And you have to keep open whatever options, but our view is that, we think the way to approach this is to try to persuade the parties what is in their self interests. And we think that we are making some progress in that regard, and we are going to continue in that effort and we think the way to do that is to get them into negotiations."
************************
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
Israel in Response to Mitchell Loan Guarantee Threat: Blame PA
by Hillel Fendel and Gil Ronen
The Prime Minister's Office reacted Sunday to an implied threat by U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, George Mitchell, regarding American loan guarantees to Israel. Mitchell had said that his country could withhold support on loan guarantees to pressure Israel in negotiations with the Palestinian Authority.Israel rebuffed the threat. "It is the Palestinian Authority that refuses to renew the peace process," a statement released by the Prime Minister's Bureau stated, "while we have carried out significant steps. It is the PA that must change its ways."
The special envoy, former U.S. Senator George Mitchell, was asked by a TV interviewer on Thursday what types of pressure could be exerted upon Israel to get the diplomatic negotiations underway again. Mitchell said, "Under American law, the United States can withhold support on loan guarantees to Israel," and added that the previous Bush administration had in fact done so. "But I prefer persuasion to sanctions," he said afterwards.
The loan guarantees are essentially U.S.-backed loans with favorable interest rates. Many in Israel have long called for Israel to turn down these benefits, in accordance with the Biblical teaching (Proverbs) that one who hates gifts will live, in order to remove this pressure point and enable Israel to be more independent. In July 1996, it was Binyamin Netanyahu himself, Israel's then-new prime minister, who pledged to begin reducing American economic aid to Israel, while working to make Israel more economically self-sufficient.
Unnamed American officials have been quoted as saying that Mitchell did not mean to threaten Israel, but was merely answering the interviewer's question.
Sources in the Prime Minister's Bureau said that Mitchell's statement "does not make sense" and "is not accepted" by Israel, as Israel has taken enough steps to advance the diplomatic process vis-a-vis the PA.
Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz said on Sunday that Israel and the U.S. reached an understanding several months ago to extend the loan guarantee agreement for another two years. He added that the government does not plan to use the guarantees in the near future and that it is able to raise money without them.
The interview transcript reads thus: Mitchell: "The reality is that, yes, of course the United States has both carrots and sticks, you have to be very careful about how and when you use them and apply [inaudib --"
Charlie Rose: "When was the last time we used a stick? … Give me - I'm serious about this. You sit there and you say to Israel, if you don't do this, what?"
George Mitchell: "I mean, under American law, the United States can withhold support on loan guarantees to Israel. President George W. Bush did so."
Charlie Rose: "Exactly."
George Mitchell: "On one occasion."
Charlie Rose: "And his father."
George Mitchell: "Well, the law that the most recent President Bush acted under, wasn't in place at the time of the first President Bush, so there were different mechanisms. That's one mechanism that has been publicly discussed, there are others. And you have to keep open whatever options, but our view is that, we think the way to approach this is to try to persuade the parties what is in their self interests. And we think that we are making some progress in that regard, and we are going to continue in that effort and we think the way to do that is to get them into negotiations."
************************
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
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