"Your God, O Zion, For All Generation"-- The Perfect Trust

"I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.  Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save....The LORD reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations.  Praise the LORD." (Fr. Ps 146, NIV)

Well, another year in this time/space world is coming to a close.  No better exhortation than to, "....praise the LORD all my life," because this is exactly what those, "who follow the Lamb wherever He goes," will be doing in Eternity, in time/space language, endless, continual, non stop praise, declaring as Paul said to the Roman Church, "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!"  Personally, I cannot imagine how we could ever find them out.

Resolve for 2012, "Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save."  Obviously they have a place in our lives, but to save?  That is for Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ alone.  Trust, I believe, is going to be a very key word for us in the coming year; remember this and call it to mind.  Others around you and me will be trusting, "in princes, in human beings."  But while they fail to justify that trust, Jesus Christ will continue to, "save," all who put their trust in Him.  Dear friend, as this coming year unfolds, rejoice with me in, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever," Who Is, "Your God, O Zion, for all generations."

Father, in Jesus Name, Help me, I pray, to increase my trust factor for 2012.  You are so worthy of such trust.  Amen.
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Unreached People Group: www.apfunreachedpeoples.blogspot.com
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

There Are "Foreigners...In Our Streets"

"Reach down your hand from on high; deliver me and rescue me from the mighty waters, from the hands of foreigners....Then...there will be no breaching of walls, no going into captivity, no cry of distress in our streets." 

(From Psalm 144:7 & 14, NIV)

The first part of our text is repeated in verse 11, "....rescue me from...the hands of foreigners."  A "foreigner" to me is any person who rejects Jesus Christ as, "King of kings, and Lord of lords," His Atoning Blood of His Cross, His Second Appearing.  I love them, pray for their conversion, reach out to them, and as far as it is in me, am kind to them.  They are, nonetheless, as with David, "foreigners." Many of these, "foreigners," precipitate the prayer, "deliver me and rescue me," because they are attempting to not only destroy me, but also wreak havoc in nations, and, in the case of the US, destroy Constitutional Law.  

I have posted to our "News, Commentary" Blog what may seem to some as a very controversial article.  It reveals, "distress in our streets."  It is of a highly sensitive nature only because of the humanist philosophy that a certain segment of a society is totally responsible for the ills of that society-- as in the accusation of the so-called "Occupy Wall Street" debacle-- and all others are justified in what- ever they do.  America, as all nations, is guilty of national sins.  The article is a constant reminder that unless there is national repentance, national disaster results, a disaster which cannot be reversed. 

Our text is a cry of the psalmist for personal and national deliverance from hooliganism.  The global events of the last year have revealed just how ever- growing and dangerous are these, "foreigners."  And while their evil will continue to spread, it is the responsibility of the Church of Jesus Christ to pray for men and nations, "From the deadly sword deliver me; rescue me from the hands of foreigners whose mouths are full of lies, whose right hands are deceitful."  

It brings the accusation of prejudice and bigotry to say that no people group is without sin, no people group is justified in sinful behavior.  Yet sin is sin; rebellion is rebellion, and the Living Triune God will deal with all those who pursue such a life style.  What 2012 will bring in the US and the global community no one knows.  What we can know, however, is that, "Jesus is Lord," and all who seek deliverance and refuge in Him will rest in His Eternal love and care.

Father, in Jesus' Name, "From the deadly sword deliver me (and our nations); rescue me (and our nations) from...foreigners whose mouths are full of lies, whose right hands are deceitful."  Amen.
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News, Commentary: www.apf327.blogspot.com
Unreached Peoples: www.apfunreachedpeoples.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

"Forgetting," Is Not What Most Think

"....One thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Fr. Philippians 3:13, 14)

Notice in Whom is, "the upward call of God."  This wonderful, "upward call," is in none other, and in nothing other than, "in Christ Jesus." 

Our text today is a favorite of preachers this time of year.  Paul was stating his life's philosophy; whatever he had achieved by his own energy and efforts was in the past and needed to be put in the, "forgetting," file.  One must always remember, however, that our minds are like computers; they retain data entered.  As with computers, this data can be "good" and it can be "bad," and what we do with that data will affect the coming year, indeed, our coming lives.

There are things which I need to retain and things which I need to "forget."  But the word for, "forgetting," in our text is not what it may seem.  We really don't "forget" things, at least the things which have greatly affected our lives.  One of the main problems in interpersonal and international relationships is directly related to "unforgetfulness."  Yet what I can gather from the Greek word for, "forgetting," it fundamentally means "to neglect, to lose out of mind."  This, my friend, is a conscious decision, difficult though it may be. 

This coming year will be one of victory or defeat, depending on our ability and/or willingness "to lose out of mind, to neglect" all our self-willed achievements and the offenses of others.  Jesus Christ made this possible in what He finished, "in His Cross,"
    "My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought,  
    My sin, not in part but the whole,
    Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
    Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul."
Now what more or less can I do with my own past as well as the past of all those in my life?!?  "Put it behind you" is a common phrase, and this is exactly what the Holy Spirit, through the former Pharisee, is saying to you and me for the coming year.  God put our life of sin "behind" Him, and in Him we can do the same.  The thoughts will come back, some times horrible, depressing, haunting thoughts, but in Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit you and I can "neglect" them and lose [them] out of mind."  

Father, in Jesus' Name, I choose to "lose out of mind, to neglect" all that is not of You in my life.  Amen.
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Read of Poland's Conversion on the "Jewish Question:" www.apf327.blogspot.com

Unreached Peoples of the Day: www.apfunreachedpeoples.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

New Year's "Commitment"

"After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, 'Alleluia!  Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God!...He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her.'" (Revelation 19:1, 2)

Some day the, "....blood of His servants shed by...," whomever over the many centuries of human existence will be, "....avenged on her...."  Judgment day is coming.  Maybe this is a reason so many Followers of Jesus over the centuries have not resisted those who were persecuting them.  "....All things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do."  This is true for all humanity, Believers and non believers alike.

As 2011 comes to a close and 2012 dawns upon us, there will be opportunities for those who follow Jesus Christ to walk in their belief that this world is not the end of things.  What seems like injustice now will be dealt with.  Those who wrong us, those who persecute us, those who would kill us, indeed, all the injustices of the earth are awaiting the avenging justice and power of the Living Triune God.  This should not lead to vindictiveness in those of us who follow Jesus Christ.  "Do not say, 'I will repay evil;' Wait for the LORD and He will save you" (Proverbs 20:20).  It should deliver us from any sense that unless we retaliate, unless we "get back at them," evil will go unpunished.  "'Vengeance is mine,' says the Lord, 'I will repay,'" and, "Behold, it is written before Me, I will not keep silent, but I will repay; I will even repay into their bosom...." (Isaiah 65:6)

As the New Year comes, we renew our life style as expressed in Psalm 37:5, "Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I do commit my way to You, trust in You, and thank You that You, "will do it."  Amen.

Unreached People Group of the Day:  www.apfunreachedpeoples.blogspot.com
Persecuted Christians are denied asylum in the United States, while "whole Muslim communities are entering the US by the tens of thousands per month."  Read more at: 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

No Humbug Here

"....Bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness...." (Neh. 12:27)

I'm sure over the years you have heard of all the bad-mouthing of Christmas, "Christ's mass," December 25th is the celebration of the "Italic god, Saturn, and the rebirth of the sun god," the pagan roots of the Christmas tree, etc., etc.  The Roman Catholic Church, Ancient Rome, Nordic pagan god worshipers can do what they like.  I celebrate with lights and trees and giving of gifts, Jesus Christ, His Appearing, "Who went about doing good," died on a Roman cross, shedding Precious Blood, rose from an earthquake shattered tomb, Who, "when he ascended on high...took many captives and gave gifts to his people."  The religionists can humbug Christmas all they wish.  This redeemed sinner, redeemed from the power of sin, the grave, an eternal Hell, will celebrate His First appearing, until either His Second Appearing or I die and, "enter thou into the joy of the Lord." 

Sarah and I pray that you will do the same and don't let the pagans enjoy all those trees and lights by themselves.  Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukkah, it is all about Father coming to us in Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Hallelujah!

Woody
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Read of Hanukkah in Buchenwald at: www.apf327.blogspot.com
Unreached Peoples of the Day:    www.apfunreachedpeoples.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

Because of Our Eternal Life, We Are There!

"And I saw no temple therein, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.  And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it and the Lamb is the light thereof.  And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it....And they shall bring the glory and honor of the nations into it.  And there shall... enter into it...they which are written in the Lamb's book of life." 

(From Revelation 21:22-27, KJV-- Advent Reading, Book of Common Prayer) 

The Christmas Event and the Cross are pivotal events in the long succession of Bible Prophecy.  Our text today, however, reveals where all of this is headed, "the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb."  Jesus Christ has been referred to as "The All-Sufficient One."  Father, Son, Holy Spirit, the Living Triune God Himself is our life here, and our goal for Eternity.  This is the "reason" for the continual exhortation to run our race, "Looking unto Jesus."  Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit are the "Object" of our life, our Eternal Life of eternity.

Who would have thought that the little Baby in that manger was to take all who give their lives to Him to such an almost inconceivable reality, "no need of the sun, neither of the moon, for the glory of God...and the Lamb is the light thereof."  Interesting that we are told there is no need for a temple, "for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it."  Right now, my friend, right where you and I are is a foretaste of this Advent reading.  "The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb," is in us who believe, indwelling, abiding, sustaining, directing, comforting, healing, prospering, preserving. 

Can I tell you of a most wonderful Christmas gift today?  There is a very real sense that we are already "there," because God is not time/space bound and neither are we in the Holy Spirit.  Such glory in our present fellowship, and yet such anticipation in what is yet to come, a very Merry Christmas indeed.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I cannot comprehend this, but I receive this because I receive You.  Amen.
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Unreached Peoples: www.apfunreachedpeoples.blogspot.com  

I and many others have predicted this: 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

"Behold, I Am Laying In Zion For A Foundation A Stone"

"Because you have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with Sheol (the place of the dead) we have an agreement-- when the overflowing scourge passes through, it will not come to us, for we have made lies our refuge, and in falsehood we have taken shelter.  Therefore thus says the Lord God, Behold, I am laying in Zion for a foundation a Stone, a tested Stone, a precious Cornerstone of sure foundation; he who believes (trusts in, relies on, and adheres to that Stone) will not be ashamed or give way or hasten away [in sudden panic]." (Isaiah 28:15,16-Amplified Bible, Advent Reading From B. of C.P.)

In the 20th Century alone, Russia, Germany, and the United States of America, came under the judgment of our text.  They, "made a covenant with death," and, "made lies our refuge, and in falsehood we have taken shelter."  History records the utter stupidity of such a "covenant."  Someone would say, "Well, I understand the horrors of Communist Russia and Fascist Germany, but America?  Yes.  In 1962 Americans stood by and did nothing while the highest court of the land took the daily praying of the prayer of Jesus out of the state school system.  Next, in 1963, Americans allowed the "God-Breathed" Word to be eliminated from those same schools.  In the middle to latter 1960's, our government leaders succumbed to the self- destructive forces and in 1975 abandoned our ally, South Viet Nam.  Corrupt though it may have been, it was still our ally.  In the following years, millions were murdered by the communist reprobate, Ho Chi Minh.  And perhaps the worst, "covenant with death," and the worst, "refuge," and, "shelter," America came under was the 1973 Supreme Court decision to legalize the murder of babies while in their mothers' womb.  All three countries have paid dearly for such utter stupidity.

That First Christmas Night ("O, Holy Night") when the Godhead fulfilled our text in Jesus, "Behold, I am laying in Zion for a foundation a Stone, a tested Stone, a precious Cornerstone of sure foundation," He revealed to mankind a better way, yes, the only Way.  Jesus the Christ Is Our Foundation Stone, and, "he who believes (trusts in, relies on, and adheres to That Stone) will not be ashamed or give way or hasten away [in sudden panic]."  Shame and, "sudden panic," comes on any person or nation who rejects Jesus Christ for, "a covenant with death," and making, "lies our refuge, and in falsehood...have taken shelter."  But during this Christmas Season, you and I can take great comfort in the words of Joel 2:27, "My people shall never be put to shame."  Why?  Because they have repented of and refused all refuge of lies and shelters of falsehood.  Believe me, there have been and will be in the days ahead events which will cause those under, "lies," and, "falsehood," to, "hasten away [in sudden panic.]"  But to you and me who trust absolutely in Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ alone, no hastening away, no sudden panic.  We will be able to say to all around us, "This is that which was spoken by the prophet...." 

Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You so much for my Foundation Stone, Jesus.  Amen.
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Unreached Peoples:  www.apfunreachedpeoples.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

"His Unspeakable Gift"

"And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened....And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire....And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.  There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."  (From Revelation 20 & 21)

Our text is some of the Advent reading for today from The Book of Common Prayer.  It reveals the contrast between those who have surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ, who are "washed in the Blood of the Lamb," whose sins have been removed, "as far as the east is from the west," whose names are written in, "the Book of Life," those in whom Jesus Christ lives, and those who have known none of the aforementioned.  To the agnostic who cannot resolve the "God question," I say, "Err on the side of caution."  The Bible declares two possibilities, "The lake of fire," or, "God will wipe away every tear"; the choice is ours. 

Christmas is not about a date, no matter who ultimately set it.  It is about, "The Coming One," whether December 25 or whatever.  Those who refuse to celebrate Christmas because of some religious jangling are robbing themselves of a great festive season.  What is important is that, "The Coming One," Jesus Christ, foretold by prophets, came into the world in a very small town just a short distance from Jerusalem and, "This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."  And, because of Father's Gift of Jesus, all my sin is forgiven, and there is a day coming when, "There shall be no more pain for the former things have passed away."!

Our text reminds us of the blessing and the curse of His appearing, blessing to those who "receive Him still," and curse to those who reject Him still.  Christmas: "This is how God loved the world; He gave His Only Son" (literal translation of John 3:16).  The greatest reason to give gifts at this time of year is not so much that the "wise men" gave gifts to Jesus, but that Father gave us the Gift of Himself in Jesus Christ.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I say with Paul, "thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift."  Amen.

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Unreached People of the Day: www.apfunreachedpeoples.blogspot.com
Read of the Danger in North Korea: 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

Moses' Writings and Jesus' Words Are One

"For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me.  But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?"  (Jn 5:46,47)

The answer is really quite simple; you cannot.  The writings of the Old Testament are integral with the New Testament.  People have asked me why the New Testament does not seem to speak of "political," governmental, or international relations.  Again, the answer is really quite simple; the Word of God does not have to repeat Himself.  The Bible is a whole.  If modern Christendom would realize this, live this, proclaim this truth, the modern Christian Church would not be so insular.  

Jesus came to build His Kingdom, His Nation, "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder....Of the increase of (literally) government and peace no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice...."  And, Jesus sends us to nations, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations."

Today's Scripture Readings for Advent, suggested by "The Book of Common Prayer," is Isaiah 11:1-9, Revelation 20:1-10, and John 5:30-47.  Our text reveals the historic and prophetic revelation of Whom the Bible calls, "The Coming One."  Jesus is King; Jesus is Ruler; Jesus is Savior; Jesus is coming again.  All the Biblical prophesies were not fulfilled at His first appearing.  They will only be completed at His second appearing.  If, "you believed Moses, you [will] believe [Jesus]."  If we read and believe the Old Testament writings, we will then "bring" them with us to the New.  Only when we so live, will we break out of parochial life styles and embrace The Kingdom of Heaven/God, embrace the nations, embrace humanity.

Father, in Jesus' Name, grant me a new and ever-expanding break out.  Amen.  

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Today's Unreached Peoples: www.unreachedpeoples.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

"Born To You"

"For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11)

This Baby was, "born to you."  The shepherds, and later the "Wise Men," could have refused the revelation, but they chose rightly.  

Everything we read in the Bible is, "to you."  Now whether we receive the, "to you," or not is our decision---------- our decision.  While this can be wonderful, it is also tremendously frightening; my decisions will, not may, affect my destiny.  Now some people do not like this theology, the theology which includes man's decisions.  It sounds so God-honoring to say that it is all God.  It is not.  God did his "All" when He created the Universe, revealed Himself in Jesus Christ, took our sin, "in His Own Body on the tree," rose again.  But to become a part of all He has done and is doing we must make a decision, i.e., to surrender to Jesus Christ, or surrender to ourselves, to attempt a pick-and-choose life style, or "pick" only one choice, absolute total obedience to Jesus Christ and His "Law-Word."

Christmas is about giving, God's Gift of Himself in Jesus Christ, and our giving of gifts in thanksgiving and remembrance of that wonderful night so long ago, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."  And it was, "this day," so very long ago, This Life, His Shed Blood, His Cross, Resurrection, His Soon Return, and my choice to reject or accept His All, which determines my eternal destiny.   http://youtu.be/Ubw5N8iVDHI

Father, in Jesus' Name, I choose You.  I choose You every day, every moment, for you have chosen me in Jesus.  Thank You.  Amen.

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Today's Unreached People Group: www.apfunreachedpeoples.blogspot.com
Iran's Next Move? 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

A Kingdom Commentary

"Yes, all kings shall fall down before Him; all nations shall serve Him." (Psalm 72:11)

If we do not get our text out of the Sunday School class, out of the Bible Study class, out of the closed sessions of Sunday morning services, the modern church will have no more relevance to the global struggle than "Bachelorette."

Definition of Islam:  "Submit, Surrender"
I have no doubt that if the people pictured above would read my writings, they would attempt this.  The following is from an online article:
"Over the last 1400 years, 270 million non-believers were murdered by Muslim jihadists.  Islam destroyed the Christian Middle East and Christian North Africa (To this day, Christians are almost non existent).  It is estimated that upwards of 60 million Christians were slaughtered during this conquest.  Also, half the Hindu civilization was annihilated and 80 million Hindus murdered.  Islamic jihad also destroyed over 10 million Buddhists."

This is "the real world" in which you and I live.  This is Islam since its founding 1500 years ago.  Against some of the contemporary "experts," I say that Islam is not the problem.  Islam was a late comer in human history and simply gave a religious "flavor" to the age-old Arab war of hatred against Jews, Western Civilization, and all who will not submit and surrender to the attempt to establish an "Arab World Empire."  In the last generation, the Arab Islamism has renewed, and is daily strengthening, its resolve to annihilate world Jewry, defeat the West, and triumph over all world religions.  What its Islamic bedfellow failed to do when stopped at the gates of Vienna, it is right now renewing that effort.  Also, what is and has been latent in the Germanic People Group, is beginning to emerge once again.  I have a warning:  Those who think "never again" is a magic formula for victory, yet do nothing to fight the evil, will once again find themselves on "boxcars."

Our text today reveals that there are no multiple rulers in God's economy.  Nowhere in the Bible does the Holy Spirit endorse the reign of multiple kings, religions, political systems.  The Bible declares, "Yes, all kings..,all nations shall serve Him," our King, Jesus Christ.  There is no shared hegemony.  The American Constitution does not rule, the world of political and religious correctness does not rule, egalitarianism does not rule.  Only King Jesus and His "God-Breathed" Word rules.  While Matthew 28 has been used to promote church evangelism, it is also a declaration of war.  "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."  The intent is clear-- to see, "every creature...saved and come to the knowledge of the truth," in Jesus Christ, and yes, to bring all humanity under the reign of Jesus Christ.   While, "the weapons of our warfare are not carnal," we do have weapons, "truth,..righteousness,..the gospel of peace,..the shield of faith,..the helmet of salvation,..the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God,..all prayer and supplication in the Spirit...with all perseverance.... Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth."

Don't allow yourself today to be boxed into a religious blind.  The Reign of God is overcoming men and nations.

Jesus shall reign where'er the sun

does his successive journeys run;

His kingdom stretch from shore to shore,

Till moons shall wax and wane no more.

Behold the islands with their kings,

And Europe her best tribute brings;

From north to south the princes meet,

To pay their homage at His feet.

There Persia, glorious to behold,

There India shines in eastern gold;

And barb'rous nations at His word

Submit, and bow, and own their Lord.  (Isaac Watts) 

Father, in Jesus' Name, "Thy Kingdom come.  Thy will be done in earth as it is in Heaven."  Amen.

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Read Full Article from which the above photo came: www.apf327.blogspot.com

Today's Unreached People Group:  www.apfunreachedpeoples.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

One Eye On the Past and One Eye on the Future

"Truth shall spring out of the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven." (Psalm 85:11)

There is a lot of trumped up, false, hypocritical, and deceptive criticism about Presidential hopeful, Newt Gingrich's statement on the wrongly named palestinians.  His statement was true; palestinians "are an invented people."

I majored in history in the university and the history of doctrine in graduate school.  Those majors have served me well.  They have enabled me to spot fraudulent claims of modern politicians, religionists, pseudo- everythings coming out of Hollywood, and any other source of distortion and lies.  I repeat what Brother Charles once said, "If you don't have a sense of history, you cannot go on," i.e., go on in truth and discernment. 

There is a very real sense than when, "Truth shall spring out of the earth... righteousness shall look down from heaven."  Where there is no truth, there can be no righteousness.  Falsehood will beget unrighteousness, and God's rejection.  It only when I get honest with myself that I will come to Jesus Christ, Who is, "The Lord our Righteousness."  It is only the people absolutely surrendered to Jesus Christ who can recognize honesty, the truth, and escape the deception which is increasing and will over take the earth in, "the last days."  History is truth and is not affected by those who try to rewrite it; it is done.  And in its finality it is a witness of, "Truth."  May God help us to learn from it. 

I have heard a lot of people say over the years say that history bores them.  If you are among them, I highly suggest a conversion.  History is fundamental and, yes, foundational to every aspect of our lives.  The Bible is history, and history, my friend, is not a bad word.  What I just wrote is in the realm of history now and affects what I write next.  Our heritage, our faith is history affecting our future.  America is where it is today, and where it may yet go, because it has ignored its history.  When that happens, any people group and/or person is headed for disaster.  All testimonies are historic proofs of Christ's faithfulness.  Okay, I guess by now you get the point.  What you and I learn from the past will enable us to navigate the surging rapids of the river ahead.  "Truth," and, "Righteousness," await the, "Pure in heart."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I embrace the past because it is a witness to Your Faithfulness.  Maybe I can say, Help me to keep one eye on the past and one eye on the future.  Amen.
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Interview with Daniel Pipes on the "invented people" remark of Gingrich and Daniel Pipes article at:                               www.apf327.blogspot.com
Unreached Peoples of the Day:       www.apfunreachedpeoples.blogspot.com

(if clicking on this does not work, just enter it in your search bar)

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

None Is Without the Need of Mercy

"Be merciful to me, O God, for man would swallow me; fighting all day he oppresses me." (Psalm 56:1)

This is not only "a Michtam of David when the Philistines captured him in Gath."  It is a Psalm for all who have suffered oppression of any kind from any one or any government. 

I went through Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem to the victims of the attempted German state sponsored genocide of the Jews.  I saw a video testimony of a Jew who through it all, even in the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp, found joy and peace in the verses of the Torah.  Somehow I think if God's mercy could extend in such hellishness, surely the mercy of our Lord can extend to you and me-------- in anything.     

There are Followers of Jesus Christ whom I have known over the years who have been oppressed by family members, employers, people over them in the work place, even religious leaders.  Whether an oppression seems small or great to others, to the oppressed it is no small thing.  Oppression can lead to depression, health issues, and just an overall discouraging life.  But David knew the source of deliverance, "Be merciful to me, O God..."  History reveals that deliverance from, "man [who] would swallow me," does not always mean getting away from such.  Millions of Followers of Jesus over the centuries have lived and died under oppression.  Yet in the midst of it all, there was He Who alone is Mercy, Jesus Christ.  

May you or someone you know is experiencing, "....Fighting all day he oppresses me."  Call out, "Be merciful to me, O God...."  Now to the super spiritual, this is just too simple a prayer.  But I would rather be a part of David's lineage than theirs.  Jesus Christ is merciful; He has always been merciful, and always will be to the end of days. 

"Therefore, since we do hold and engage in this ministry by the mercy of God [granting us favor, benefits, opportunities, and especially salvation], we do not get discouraged (spiritless and despondent with fear) or become faint with weariness and exhaustion." (2 Corinthians 4:1, Amplified Bible)

Father, in Jesus' Name, Your, "mercies are new every morning."  I ask for and thank you for today's needed mercy.  Amen.

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Today's Unreached Peoples: www.apfunreachedpeoples.blogspot.com

Newyt Got It Right: 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

"The Redemption of Jerusalem"

"At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem." (Luke 2:28, NASB)

I was on bus 7 today, a transfer from the bus I used to visit the Knesset.  Sitting next to me was a young Orthodox Jew, Luke 2 was playing on my ipod; I aimed the speaker at him. 

When this passage came, I found it quite a start.  I, probably like most, always thought it said, "redemption of Israel," but it does not.  It says, "looking for the redemption of Jerusalem," the Capitol of Israel always, "the City of the Great King."  Jesus came to redeem mankind, to save us from our sins, bring us into the Government of God, the family of God.  The Prophetess, Anna, made this prophesy which was fulfilled in the Baby right before her, and whose coming we are in the season of celebrating.  Because of Jesus, Jerusalem is my home too, "And all nations will flow to it."

I'm heading out to share in a Bible Study.  If you receive this soon, please keep me and the group in prayer.  Please see the article by Carolyn Click at: www.apf327.blogspot.com
Obama, Clinton, and Pannetta are revealing themselves to be the new "Axis of Evil."  I am deeply concerned for the United States of America if fools elect this administration to another term.  You cannot be blessed and curse Israel at the same time.

Father, in Jesus' Name, please give the United States of America a President who has surrendered his life to Jesus Christ and loves your Words.  Amen.
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www.apfunreachedpeoples.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