"I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old...." (Psalm 78:2)
The phrase translated, "dark sayings," means, "perplexing questions, enigmatic sayings or questions," you know-------------- sort of like life.
I am a Reformer who prays in, "an unknown tongue." I have people who receive my devotionals who don't. But I must say that only praying in known tongues tends to keep us in control. Praying in, "an unknown tongue," keeps The Living Triune God in control.
Not only is the Bible full of "perplexing questions" and "enigmatic sayings"--------- so is life. I know you have received prayer requests for which you have had a very limited prayer, perhaps no prayer at all. Life's very deepest needs just seem to find no understandable verbal expression. But not so for the pray-er in, "an unknown tongue." 1 Corinthians 14 says that it is the spirit of such a pray-er which prays, even though, "my understanding is unfruitful." Many object to this, but I ask, "Why?" How fruitful has our "understanding" of life, the Kingdom, the universe been anyway? Why not rather soar into the eternal realms and join the pray-er who, as the Bible says, "speaks mysteries," and, "edifies himself," and, "gives thanks well." Some say that Paul was trying to stop such things in the Corinthian Church. Well, then, he was using a very bad teaching technique when he told them, "I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all."
There is more mystery in life than understanding. If we just accept it, we will find ourselves running to and in the Holy Spirit. This is why our Lord Jesus Christ told the first disciples to, "stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high," and to, "wait for the Promise of the Father." Notice, He is, "the Promise of the Father," which alone should be enough. Whatever the, "dark sayings," they are ours to "explore" in the Holy Spirit.
Father, in Jesus' Name, forgive me whenever I choose my own "gifts" over Yours---------------- and help me to know the difference. Amen.
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News, Commentary: www.apf327.blogspot.com
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "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, July 16, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
It Always Comes Back to, "The Crowd"
"Pilate wanted to please the crowd." (Mark 15:15, CEV)
What caught my attention in our text today was the phrase, "please the crowd." Now some scholars over the centuries have suggested that Pilate was not all that bad. After all, "He knew that the chief priests had handed [Jesus] over because of envy." Maybe, but he still succumbed to, "the crowd."
All governments only rule by the consent of the people, "the crowd." All nations in history have always had governments "of the people" and "by the people" (though not always "for the people"). In other words, governments are either the result of what the people want, or what they are willing to tolerate. Germany of the twentieth century perhaps is a most vivid example. Most historians continue to refer to the German situation in the 1930s and 40s as the time when "Hitler seized power." He did not. He was given power, not only by the intrigue of the other parties, but by the German electorate. In the national election of the summer of 1932, the National Socialists received the highest number of votes from, you got it-------------------- "the crowd."
History has proven what can happen when "the crowd" gets enough of tyrants. But it also has proven what can happen when they get enough of Christ! I came across the following statistics today:
* The 2008 findings confirm the conclusions we came to in our
earlier studies that Americans are slowly becoming less
Christian and that in recent decades the challenge to Christianity
in American society does not come from other world religions or
new religious movements but rather from a rejection of all
organized religions.
* There does not seem to be revival taking place in America.
Whether that is measured by church attendance, born again
status, or theological purity, the statistics simply do not reflect
a surge of any noticeable proportions. (Barna)
I cannot blame these trends on religious or political leaders, Hollywood, the media, etc. It always comes back to what "the crowd" wants, and we are all a part of-------- "the crowd."
Tyranny rules because of "the crowd." At the trial of Jesus, Luke records, "And the voices of these men and of the chief priests prevailed." If the "silent majority" remains silent, they won't be a majority for long. Victory belongs to the prevailing voices.
Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You that Your purposes overruled, "the crowd," that day. Just don't let me under estimate the power of "the crowd." Amen.
******************************
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "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
What caught my attention in our text today was the phrase, "please the crowd." Now some scholars over the centuries have suggested that Pilate was not all that bad. After all, "He knew that the chief priests had handed [Jesus] over because of envy." Maybe, but he still succumbed to, "the crowd."
All governments only rule by the consent of the people, "the crowd." All nations in history have always had governments "of the people" and "by the people" (though not always "for the people"). In other words, governments are either the result of what the people want, or what they are willing to tolerate. Germany of the twentieth century perhaps is a most vivid example. Most historians continue to refer to the German situation in the 1930s and 40s as the time when "Hitler seized power." He did not. He was given power, not only by the intrigue of the other parties, but by the German electorate. In the national election of the summer of 1932, the National Socialists received the highest number of votes from, you got it-------------------- "the crowd."
History has proven what can happen when "the crowd" gets enough of tyrants. But it also has proven what can happen when they get enough of Christ! I came across the following statistics today:
* The 2008 findings confirm the conclusions we came to in our
earlier studies that Americans are slowly becoming less
Christian and that in recent decades the challenge to Christianity
in American society does not come from other world religions or
new religious movements but rather from a rejection of all
organized religions.
* There does not seem to be revival taking place in America.
Whether that is measured by church attendance, born again
status, or theological purity, the statistics simply do not reflect
a surge of any noticeable proportions. (Barna)
I cannot blame these trends on religious or political leaders, Hollywood, the media, etc. It always comes back to what "the crowd" wants, and we are all a part of-------- "the crowd."
Tyranny rules because of "the crowd." At the trial of Jesus, Luke records, "And the voices of these men and of the chief priests prevailed." If the "silent majority" remains silent, they won't be a majority for long. Victory belongs to the prevailing voices.
Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You that Your purposes overruled, "the crowd," that day. Just don't let me under estimate the power of "the crowd." Amen.
******************************
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "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
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Jesus, Savior and Builder
"For God will save Zion and build the cities of Judah, that they may dwell there and possess it." (Psalm 69:35)
God saves and builds----- in that order. "....You shall call His name JESUS, for He will save....On this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it." He put this indelibly in the Universe in Jesus Christ. First, He shed His Most Precious Blood, died, was buried, rose again, and ascended to the Throne of the Universe, taking all who surrender to Him as King and Savior in Him. "To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne."
My dear Fellow Follower of Jesus, do you see today how majestically, powerfully "simple" this, "so great a salvation"? Jesus Christ has saved us from sin. This is the New Birth. Now, for the rest of our lives, He is building us, His Church, "into a holy temple in [Him]." Everything in our lives is involved in this great building by Our Great Builder. Don't be concerned with those who are always trying to "tear you down." Rest in Him Who is continually building you up.
Thought for the day: Jesus saves and builds; now, "dwell...and possess...."
Father, in Jesus' Name, remind me always that it is You who saves and builds. Keep me in the dwelling and possessing "business." Amen.
*************************************
News, Commentary: www.apf327.blogspot.com
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "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 saves and builds----- in that order. "....You shall call His name JESUS, for He will save....On this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it." He put this indelibly in the Universe in Jesus Christ. First, He shed His Most Precious Blood, died, was buried, rose again, and ascended to the Throne of the Universe, taking all who surrender to Him as King and Savior in Him. "To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne."
My dear Fellow Follower of Jesus, do you see today how majestically, powerfully "simple" this, "so great a salvation"? Jesus Christ has saved us from sin. This is the New Birth. Now, for the rest of our lives, He is building us, His Church, "into a holy temple in [Him]." Everything in our lives is involved in this great building by Our Great Builder. Don't be concerned with those who are always trying to "tear you down." Rest in Him Who is continually building you up.
Thought for the day: Jesus saves and builds; now, "dwell...and possess...."
Father, in Jesus' Name, remind me always that it is You who saves and builds. Keep me in the dwelling and possessing "business." Amen.
*************************************
News, Commentary: www.apf327.blogspot.com
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "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, July 13, 2010
He Loved Hearing More Than Obeying
".....For Herod was afraid of John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was very perplexed; but he used to enjoy listening to him." (Mark 6:20, NASB)
Herod is indeed a tragic figure in history. He loved to hear the truth, was convicted by the truth, and to hear truth often. But alas, when his base desires got the best of him, he killed the prophet. Cain did this with Abel. It's been going on ever since.
According to the Bible, all people can recognize the truth, "so that they are without excuse" (Romans 1:20). Yet many people today speak of the disobedient with almost sympathy and pity. But how can one justify such an attitude when people deliberately choose the evil over the good?
There is a grave warning here for all of us. Love for the truth, constantly reading and hearing the truth, does not necessarily produce an obeyer of the truth. Maybe it all has something to do with what Jesus says to us. "If you love Me, keep My commandments." Loving "truth," ideas, high sounding phrases and talk can blind us to the real object of our, "love of the truth," Jesus Christ. When I continue to, "run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus," then I will not be self deceived into thinking love for the truth equates with salvation, righteousness, obedience, pleasing God. The problem with Herod was that he loved to hear good things, but refused to,"hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep the commandments, for this is man's all."
Father, in Jesus' Name, by Your grace help me to see when I am just loving ideas rather than You. Amen.
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News, Commentary at: www.apf327.blogspot.com
Prophetic Video at: www.antipasprayerforce2.blogspot.com
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "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
"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
Monday, July 12, 2010
"The Faith of Jesus" vs. The Religion of Allah
"Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high." (Jesus)
I read this statement not long ago, "Islam is a religion in which God requires you to send your son to die for him. Christianity is a faith in which God sent His Son to die for you." The world's religions give teachings, proverbs, "Confucius say" sort of stuff. In other words, here is the "truth;" now do what you can with it. Not so the Bible Covenant. "I am the truth," says Jesus. "Abide in Me and I in you." Yes, and?--- Well, the great "And" is, says the Lord Jesus, "I will be your power to walk in the fullness of the Truth which I AM. You are not on your own."
The world system basically demands from you and me. Jesus Christ gives to you and me, and He only has one demand, "Follow Me!" The gifts far out weigh the demand. Beware the persons who are always asking from you. Maybe this is a "new" way to, "test the spirits." Do they offer as much as they demand?!? Demands and philosophical gobbledygook, are worthless without corresponding power. "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witness to Me...."
Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray my life will manifest You as the Great Giver. Amen."
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Be sure to see Arab politician's statement as to why he likes Germans:
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "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
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