How To "Come Through Great Oppression"

"These are those who have come through great oppression: they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." (Revelation 7, J.B. Phillips)

Other translations say, and the Greek text says, "the great tribulation."  There is a lot of talk in the American media about the "fiscal cliff." Well, I can tell you, my friend, there is a "cliff" which is a much greater danger than the "fiscal cliff."  Even though much of humanity over the years has been through great tribulation, oppression, suffering, "cliffs," even "The Holocaust," nothing will ever equal, "The Great Tribulation"; its coming is certain. There is only one certain "route"/way through the sufferings of this present age and the coming judgment------- "The Blood of the Lamb," King Jesus.

"Those who have come through great oppression/tribulation," are those who, "have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb," Jesus.  You and I probably have over our lifetime attempted to remove the stain of sin, the foolish decisions, the things which have hurt others in our own "blood," our many "repentance" services, asking for forgiveness.  The latter are Biblical, but never intended to rise above, "the Blood of the Lamb," Jesus.  Our garments are stained by the sin of the Garden, and there is just nothing on the face of the Earth or throughout the endless Universe which can, "ma[k]e them white," but, "the Blood of the Lamb," Jesus.

Today I take great comfort in the body, soul, and spirit cleansing of, "the Blood of the Lamb," Jesus, the, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death," deliverance of, "the Blood of the Lamb," Jesus.  I am getting ready for the passing of this life, whether, "through great oppression," or "natural" causes in only one way, and that is as all those in Heaven who, "have washed their robes and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb," Jesus Christ.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I am supremely thankful for, "the blood of the Lamb," Jesus.  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

You Want a Dream? Here's a Dream

"When the Lord brought back the captives [who returned] to Zion, we were like those who dream [it seemed so unreal]."  (Psalm 126:1, Amplified Bible)

This is what our Lord Jesus Christ can do for people, all people.  We were all in captivity, most of our own creating.  But we heard of Jesus, surrendered our lives to Jesus and He, "brought back the captives...."

"Twas the night after Christmas, and al l through the house"------------ silence.  But how great to have some of our family with us during the Christmas Season.  I always remember Christmases past, the great times with Dad and Mom, sister and brother, grandparents, our own children, other friends.  It is a sad time, however, for so many because it reminds them of happier times than they now experience, or perhaps just reminds them of what Christmas was supposed to be and was instead a horror.  Such feelings can bring a host of despair, indictments of "how unfair life is," or just total regret.  All this, however, can be overcome in Jesus Christ.  Only Jesus can bring, "back the captives...."

If you are struggling at this time of year, Jesus can bring you back, "to Zion," the, "City of the Great King,...the New Jerusalem."  For all those who will just allow Jesus, there is abundant, "Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord."  When we walk with and in Jesus Christ, there is what our Psalm goes on to say, "Then were our mouths filled with laughter, and our tongues with singing.  Then they said among the nations, the Lord has done great things for them.  The Lord has done great things for us!  We are glad!"  Yes, this is possible for all who will "trust and obey."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank you for the, " laughter," which only you can give.  I want no other.  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

Sometimes The Fanfare Doesn't Match the Feeding Trough

"And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.  So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 'Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,' which is translated, 'God with us.'" (Matthew 1:21-23)

What a glorious proclamation of, "I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people."  Now, in this baby in a feeding place for animals is, "God with us," God our Savior, God who is fulfilling, "....save His people from their sins."  Here is God, yet I don't think He could have found a more humble place to reveal Himself as, "God with us."

Have you ever noticed how modern religion makes such a big show of everything, huge buildings, grand productions, spending money lavishly?  Yet all this is in interesting contrast to the revelation of, "God with us," in a feeding trough, of Him Whose very Name is Salvation, "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."  I think of the tradition of the inauguration of American presidents, the balls, the parties, the millions of dollars spent.  Then I think of a barn-like atmosphere and a feeding trough for the King of the Universe.  Something isn't quite right here, or maybe it is.

During the Christmas Season it is difficult to see the grand humility, the obscureness of God's Supreme Revelation to man.  In the midst of our celebration, the lights, the presents, the cantatas is a call to quiet humility before others, a humility which we find in that feeding trough, with only a few sheepherders and animals--------- the carpenter and his wife------------outside of the comfort and warmth of the inn--------- yet inside our hearts.

Father, in Jesus' Name, ---the wonder of Your humble revelation of, "God with us."  I pray You thus manifest in me. 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

"But What Are They Among So Many?"

"There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?" (John 6:9)

There is grief unspeakable in Newtown, CT., across America, even in some localities around the World today for those murdered last Friday.  Incessant talk show speculation, the "Whys," the theories, the find-somebody-to-blame, the I-don't-knows.  It is a twenty first century version of, "but what are they among so many?" 

Matthew and Mark can give the impression that the thousands who were with Jesus had not eaten in three days, and Jesus wanted to provide for their "needs."  But as the disciples searched around, they could only come up with enough for a handful of people.  The response was the "human" response, "....But what are they among so many?"  In the face of the impossible, there was just no other conclusion.

What tragedy, sicknesses, financial c risis, heartache, in your life has brought forth the question, "But what are they among so many?"  The response from Andrew was a "natural" one, and the "natural" (flesh) does still rear it's faith-limiting head in times of great pain.  Romans 8 says, "But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you."  The Holy Spirit never asks, "But what are they among so many."  There is nothing which catches the Godhead by surprise, nothing which is impossible to deal with.

So today, no mat ter what is before you and me, we need never say in bewilderment, "But what are they among so many?"  The, "so many," are the, "the cares of this life."  The, "they," is Jesus Christ and His unfathomable, limitless supply.  Remember,"And my God shall supply ALL your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

Father, in Jesus ' Name, I confess so much of life is, "but what are they among so many"--- but never in You.  Amen.
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Read about another possible Obama appointment which reveals attitude towards the Jews and Israel: www.jerusalemberlinwashington,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 End is Not Yet" (Jesus)

"And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars.  See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass but the end is not yet." (Matthew 24:6)

"See that you are not troubled;..the end is not yet," but, "the end," will be.  All Scripture has been taking humanity on an historic odyssey leading to Paul's statement, "and then comes the end."  There is more talk today in America, even among many church-goers, about the Mayan Calendar ending than the Biblical, "blessed hope," of the Second Appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Peter spoke of Jesus to a crowd after the healing of a sick person, "Whom heaven must receive until the times of restortation of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began."  And, it has been, "since the world began," that God has been pointing people to the day when man's rampage on Earth will end and Jesus will return, "in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ."

"And then comes the end," only when King Jesus says, "comes the end," no one or nothing else.  But you know that.  In the midst of unspeakable tragedy, heartache and despair, the promises of the Blessed Trinity keep Christ's Followers going, because His promises are not sent to us, rather, they are in us because in us is the One Who, "came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation."

The cynics and skeptics can ridicule, "the end," all they wish.  For me, "the end," is the beginning, the beginning of that which no one on earth can even describe or imagine.  For you and me, it is as Jesus said, "And what I say to you, I say to all:  Watch!"

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray the fulfillment of These, Your Words, for the people of Newtown, CT.---- "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed Me to...comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."  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

"Men of Goodwill"

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:14, KJV)

The Bible declares Jesus, "is our peace."  Any other "peace" is war disguised, deception, counterfeit "peace."

Open Doors' prayer point for today reads as follows:  "If the Muslim Brotherhood stays in control, Egypt is moving towards a future of suppression and intensified persecution of Christians.  Please ask God to expose the secret plans of the Muslim Brotherhood as a lot of people are being suppressed by the group."  I also ask Jesus to "expose secret plans" everywhere, to expose deception "peace," that man may see the One Who Himself, "is our Peace," Jesus Christ.  There is no, "good will toward men," who are liars, murderers, anti Christ.  The dictionary defines "goodwill" as "friendly disposition; benevolence; kindness." In commerce, "an intangible, salable asset arising from the reputation of a business and its relations with its customers distinct from the value of its stock and other tangible assets."  Perhaps the key phrase here is, "relations with its customers."  Could we say, "Peace on earth among those who have good "relations with...customers"?!?   

The KJV translation of our text is the version with which many of us grew up.  This always sounded to me when I was younger like a sort of unconditional, blanket blessing upon mankind, " goodwill toward men," all men, no matter who or what they are.  Later, as more and more translations became available, the reality appeared.  Yes, there are unconditional "graces" of God upon mankind.  The Bible also teaches, however, that you and I have responsibility, that the, "goodwill," spoken of is not God's, but mine.  The Amplified Bible says, "Glory to God in the highest [heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased [men of goodwill, of His favor]."  The NASB says, "....and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."  The whole of Scripture declares that God is only, "pleased," with, "men of goodwill."

Understand that the angels were not announcing a blanket of goodwill on the earth.  They were announcing, "....on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased," i.e., "men of good will."  I want to be found pleasing to Him, and my prayer for all during this Christmas Season is for more, "men of good will," in the earth.

Father, in Jesus' Name, teach me, "goodwill."  Amen.
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Read more about what is going on with the "Muslim Brotherhood" in Egypt:
www.jerusalemberlinwashington.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

Visit Our Facebook Page to "Meet The Harmonica Man"

"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)

This is a familiar Advent text.  The "main" emphasis of, "Savior," has been always, "for He will save His people from their sins," and, "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness."  This reality is fundamental, preeminent.  Yet, as you know, the word for "Savior" and "Salvation" mean salvation of the total life, literally, to "save, heal, preserve, rescue."  At this Christmas Season, a person like the man in the video below manifests a little at least of these characteristics.  He should be an inspiration to us all. 

Complaining is an open wound for some; the proud keep it to themselves, so as not to reveal their weaknesses.  Some people won't do much unless it is something "great" or praiseworthy, as in praise-to-me.  "Harmonic Man" reveals what desperation can do, yes, desperation.  All the surgeries, all the medicines, then, "Hey, enough of this; I'm going to give myself away."  I should be more like this.  I am in better physical shape than "Harmonica Man."  I am the same age as "Harmonica Man."  Yet I don't live in a motor home; I have not had nine heart operations, and do not take 15 different medicines.  What is my excuse?  What about you?

I call you and me to a "review" of our lives during this Christmas Season.  You and I are important, vitally important to Jesus Christ, otherwise He would not have died for you and me.  The angel told Joseph to name Him Jesus, which means, Savior.  He saves; He keeps.  There should be and is something of His saving "nature" in us.  There should be in me the heart of the Savior, the desire to save people, deliver people, preserve people, comfort people, encourage people.  This is the Jesus we see as He walked the Galilee.  The world should see Him in you and me as we walk our "Galilee."  Yes, as the Four Spiritual Laws says, He does have a plan for your life.  Are we realizing His Plan for us?
 
May this Christmas season see you and me fulfilling the call to, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men," yes, but something more.  "'Follow Me, and I will make you,' well, like Me."  Maybe He even makes people a little like "Harmonica Man." 

Father, in Jesus' Name, help me to have something of "Harmonica Man" in me.  Amen.

A Great Prayer For You and Me and the Nations

"O God, You have cast us off; You have broken us down; You have been displeased; Oh, restore us again!  You have made the earth tremble; You have broken it; heal its breaches, for it is shaking.  You have shown Your people hard things; You have made us drink the wine of confusion." (Psalm 60:1-3)

I prayed this fervently this morning.  This is what appears to be on the Earth.  The first five verses of this Psalm are a most powerful and appropriate prayer for the nations-------- and ourselves.

Some people believe that God does not "leave" people or nations.  But they don't get that from the Bible; read Ezekiel 9-11.  Now of course it is not a geographical "leaving," but what is just as alarming, it is an "approval" leaving, a leaving of fellowship, intimacy.  Now God does not do this because of Who He Is, but because of man's insistence on his own way, the offense of the Holy Spirit.

The great cry of David here is, "O, restore us."  Thank Him that restoration is possible.  "Heal its breaches, for it totters."  Again, the condition of Planet Earth--------- and so many people's lives, and a prayer of restoration and healing is still possible to the repentant, surrendered life to Jesus Christ. 

I thought of that great Land of a great People Group today, Germany.  Look at the last 100 years of its history, brutality, wars, concentration camps, the attempt of "The Final Solution of the Jewish Question."  Yes, they have seen great economic "restoration" over the decades, but spiritually they are little better than before the wars.  Look at the Arab world, a People Group which once produced some of the most powerful and influencial men in Church History, only to later embrace the lie of Islam centuries ago.  Tell me it is not, "cast off,..broken...down,..broken."  And what of America?

Today I prayed Psalm 60 for myself, America, Germany, the Arab Islamic World-------------- and Christendom.  Jesus Christ brought forgiveness, healing, deliverance, preservation, restoration, "in His Cross," and, "in His Blood."  Because of Jesus, you and I can and may pray very large today.

Father, in Jesus' Name, "Oh, restore us again!...Heal...broken,..shaking," America, Germany, Middle East, Christendom, and anything in me of the same.  Amen.
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You may have seen the Korean rapper who has had nearly one billion hits on his YouTube dance.  Read the truth about him at:   www.jerusalemberlinwashing ton.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

"Thou Hast Destroyed Thyself; But in Me is Thine Help"

"O Israel, you are destroyed, but your help is from Me."  (Hosea 13:9)

From what I can understand of the Hebrew, this is one of those difficult passages to translate.  The KJV says, "O Israel, thou has destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help."  The NASB says, "It is your destruction, O Israel, that you are against Me, against your help."  A consideration of history will reveal that when a people group is, "against Me, against your help," they, "destroyed thyself."  It was not God at all.  America is in grave danger.

A lot of people blame God for their lives.  But our text says there is another possibility; " thyself."  One of the most common complaints against God is, "Why didn't you stop me?" or, "You could have prevented that."  It's sort of like Cosby's take on Noah when God tells Noah, "You gotta take one of those hippos out and bring in another one."  Noah says, "What for?"  To which God replies, "Cause you got two males down there and you need to bring in a female." Noah responds, "I'm not bringin' nothing in; you change one of em."  God replies, "Come on, you know I don't work like that."  That is what so many of us need to hear daily, "....You know I don't work like that." 

The only way I can know how God "works" is in the Bible.  Reasoning any other way just leads to either hating God and rejecting God and/or creating a false religion which both deceives and sets people up for further disillusionment.  But notice, even though Israel's destruction was self imposed, God's response is, ".... but your help is from Me," or better, "in Me is thine help."  This is mercy: I blew it; God fixes it.  We destroy ourselves, and Father says, "Come to Me in Jesus and you will find in Me, 'thine help.'"  Now there will be "scars," there will be "fallout," but there will also be, "and you shall find rest for your souls."

Only a fool would confess to a life without mistakes, void of self destruction.  I am sure you are not a fool.  If you and I have experienced "destruction" in our lives, the call of Jesus is, " in Me is thine help....Come to Me."  This is where, "thine help," originates, coming to Jesus Christ.  I still see areas of my life in which I need help.  Yet maybe because they are so common to so many, or just through the quick sand of well-it-happens-to-most, I don't "take it to the Lord in prayer."  Do so today.  That destruction which we brought on ourselves need not defeat us today.  Please do not be as those whom I have heard say, "I'm mad at God."  No one ever arises victorious in that mentality.  Can you not hear the voice of Jesus saying to you today, "But in me is thine help"?

Father, in Jesus' Name, indeed, I have found, "in Me is thine help."  What splendid mercy and grace.  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

Worship's Gaze

"For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with understanding."  (Psalm 47:7)

If I don't, "sing praises with understanding," that, "God is the King of all the earth," then I don't understand, "sing praises...."  Singing and praising without authority is just, well, singing and praising.  This is what is many times mistaken for "praise and worship."  But if my singing and praising is not under the Authority of the Word of God, it is just empty carbon dioxide rising from my body.  I'm sure I have done this.  The reason I suspect this to be true is that I have engaged in worship and singing which was just singing, and worship and singing which was under Jesus Christ and His Law-Word, and oh the difference.  One is just doing what everyone else is doing, participation, religion gone amuck; the other is, "to know Him is Life Eternal."

Our text is followed in verses 8 & 9 by the words, "God reigns over the nations; God sits on His Holy Throne.  The princes of the people have gathered together, the people of the God of Abraham.  For the shields of the earth belong to God; He is greatly exalted."  This gives us the "focus" of worship, a focus which enables me to keep the perspective of the One I worship, the Eternal One, "God [Who] reigns over the nations; God [Who] sits on His Holy Throne," God Who gathers, "the princes of the people," God Who possess, "the shields of the earth," God who, "is greatly exalted." 

Have you ever noticed that when most people are in worship they look up.  I would suggest that when we worship we look in, as into the Word of God.  Just my opinion, mind you, but all worship should begin with the "God-Breathed" Word, otherwise the worship may very well be just us-breathed.
 
Father, in Jesus' Name, my worship without Your Word is my own.  I would rather have Yours.  Amen.
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You have noticed perhaps that I have not been posting many news, commentary articles lately.  Part of the reason is that I have realized more and more lately that nothing new is not only not being written, but not being done.  In my two month blitz through the Bible I have realized more and more just how up-to-date and news-revealing is the "God-Breathed" Word.

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

Consider The Manger--SomeOne There For Us

"There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots."  (Isaiah 11:1)

Religious people would prefer, "a Branch shall grow out of," well, some Greek type god, untouched or contaminated by human weakness, not out of, "the stem of Jesse...."  That, "stem," was a very frail human being, a shepherd boy and king subject to the sins of humanity.  His, "roots," and subsequent offspring were of the same, "stem," and, "roots."  So are we------- and so is our Lord Jesus Christ, a, "mystery of the Gospel."

The Blessed Trinity did not start Salvation History from Heaven.  He started from Adam, then Seth, Abraham, and as our text declares, "the stem of Jesse."  If man were coming up with the perfect religion, he would have a Greek god-like creature coming to earth directly from some "heaven" to save and deal with us poor mortals; not so the Living Triune God, "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself."  This is the reality of the Manger; this is the reality of Christmas.

Our salvation history culminates in an animal stall with a pervasive animal odor; and, could we even say, a human "odor?"  The greatest controversy since the birth of the Church has always been Jesus, not Father, not Holy Spirit, in this case, not the unseen, but the seen.  People can make the unseen anything they wish. Some unseen, or as the Athenians called Him, "the unknown God," some god afar off, a deistic god suits man better.  First, such a god just creates things and keeps them running; you and I do all the rest.  Secondly, such a god is not intimately involved in the daily lives of individual personages; I can do whatever I like, whenever I like, however I like.  In other words, I am the center of my own deluded universe.  Jesus, however, came and put confusion even in the hearts of Jews who should have known better.  The whole of the Old Testament reveals God as, "my Shepherd," Who, "leadeth me," day by day, moment by moment, and teaches us that He will actually live in those who surrender their lives to Him. 

For most, Jesus is too "real," too "seen."  Here He is a baby, a boy at twelve working in Joseph's carpenter shop until He was about 30 years old.  This is too much like them.  But what is a frightening revelation to them is life, joy, and peace to those of us who surrender our lives to Jesus.  Because Jesus lives in the Follower, we can walk as He walked this earth in a fleshly body.  Everything Jesus was and did as He walked in the Galilee, He calls us to be and do.  And He tells us we can if we, "abide in Me and I in you."  Too many would rather not be bothered with such a life, and even some have tried it, but all in their own religious fervor; won't work.  Here is a "Christmas challenge" for us all:  "For with God nothing shall be impossible....I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed..., nothing shall be impossible to you."  Consider the manger.  It is our origin------------ and our possibility.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I have so limited You in my life and thereby limited myself.  Work in me Your purpose for appearing, "going about doing good," your death and resurrection, and pouring upon us the Holy Spirit, the, "....He who believes in Me, the works that I do shall you do also."  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

"The Coming One"

The Coming One

The Appeal of "Egypt"

"Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but who do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the Lord!" (Isaiah 31:1)

There are too many today, "who go down to Egypt for help...."  It just seems easier than trying to get God to do what they want.  They are like Saul, who, when God did not answer him, ended up in the occult.  Now this may seem absurd to us, but this has happened to more people than we may imagine, even people who were once "evangelical Christians."  Desperate people do desperate things when life is not going their way; and the more desperate the situation, the more they do that which earlier they would have denied their ever even imagining.

"Egypt," to the backslider, the self-reliant who have strayed away from Jesus Christ, seems bigger, more powerful, more "now" than Jesus Christ Himself.  Of course, when in our right mind, we know this to be folly.  But how many times we can get out of a "right" mind and succumb to the philosophy of Thomas, "unless I see," and into what Mr. Spock said, "I only believe the provable, the graphable."  It is a daily battle to walk in the Truth of, "while we do not look at the things which are seen but at the things which are not seen."  We can see, "Egypt," and, "horses," and, "chariots...many," and, "horsemen." 
To see Jesus Christ, His Kingdom, His, "exceeding great and precious promises," requires the Holy Spirit and total submission to, "the Words of God."

I know I refer to this passage often, but it bears repeating for us all, "For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal."  This is why, for instance, millions of so-called "christians" did not vote in the last election, or why some religious folk voted for candidates which promised quick, easy fixes to their life's problems.  This will lead to just more and more frustration in humanity.  Just look at what is going on in Europe, and you will see what awaits America.  Look at the frustration of those around you who refuse the reign of Jesus Christ in their life, and we can see the utter futility of going, "down to Egypt for help."  Physical eyes see "Egypt;" spiritual eyes see Jesus Christ. 

Today, the call of the Holy Spirit in our text is, "Look to the Holy One of Israel," and, "seek the Lord Jesus Christ."  This is the constant command and invitation of the Living Triune God throughout the Bible.  I need to hear this throughout every day, and thank Him, He speaks it continually to you and me.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I have gone, "down to Egypt," at times to my own hurt---- futility.  Only You are Reliable.  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

A Look At Biblical Love

"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels....And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all  mysteries and all knowledge,..have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing."  (From 1 Corinthians)

The Greek word for, "nothing," here is, "absolute zero."  It is though I don't even exist, and anything else I believe, say and do are absolute zeros without love, i.e., the love of God ruling and living out in and through me.  Our text was in one of my regular readings the other day, so familiar, so often read at weddings, etc.  But how seriously do we as Followers of Jesus Christ give ourselves to walking in its fulfillment?

Several people responded to yesterday's devotional as a timely "word" for their lives.  Our Lord Jesus Christ says, "The first of all the commandments is: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.  And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.'  This is the first commandment.  And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'  Think of how you love yourself.  That is how, "You shall love your neighbor...."  Think of how we love our spouse, our children, our grandchildren.  That is how, "You shall love your neighbor...."  Love for our neighbor is not an option or suggestion; it is a command.  If I claim to be a Follower of Jesus Christ, I have no choice as to whom I love.  He commands me to love Him and, well basically, everyone on the planet the same way (Luke 10:29).

I remind us all that Biblical love is not a noun, but a verb.  Love is never defined in a vacuum, as a feeling or emotion.  The best translation of John 3:16 is, "This is how God loved the world, He gave...."  The love of God is described in the Bible as action.  The love of Jesus is giving not taking, serving, not demanding service.  In describing Kingdom Love, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a tells us what love does and does not.  In other words, we know and can recognize love in others and ourselves by what we think and do.  How so very many "I-love-yous" between a man and a woman end in, "I am tired of you; I don't want you in my life any longer; I have fallen out of love with you."  This is Hollywood love, cheap love, emotional "love," not the love of the Living Triune God.  And how often this same approach to "love" and "commitment" is manifest in Christendom, people who call themselves "Christian" fighting among themselves, fighting over leadership, position, church building projects, whether to, well, you get the picture.

I have a command before me today which I either give myself to or ignore.  The first reaction will bring peace, the smile and favor of God, the latter...........  It is time for the Church to stop picking and choosing what we want to obey and what we don't want to obey.  That life style is the life style of the heathen, the disobedient.  I want to walk with and in Jesus Christ today, and the only way I can do that is not fundamentally by singing some song or raising my hands or praying or reading the Bible, or filling church life with incessant activity.  God says, if I do these, "and have not love," I am a, "zero."  I walk with and in Jesus Christ today by obeying His commandments, "....and the greatest of these (all other means of grace and Christian endeavor) is love."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I desire to walk in Your love, in all the fulness of Your love.  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

We Are, "....Against the Deeds," Not the Persons

"For still my prayer is against the deeds of the wicked." (Psalm 141:5c)

The most common fallacy of the world and far too many Christians is the belief that hatred for sin translates into hatred for the sinner.  Maybe some are like this; we are not.  I don't hate Muslims, Arabs, homosexuals, communists, leftists, Democrats, etc., etc., yet this is exactly what many people think of me and those of us who are opposed to the sin-style of the aforementioned.  "....My prayer is against the deeds of the wicked," not, "the wicked." 

No one, absolutely no one better demonstrated this than our Lord Jesus Christ.  Never once do we find His approval, ignoring, overlooking, or, "Well, some people just don't have a chance.  They were born that way and I understand and give them a 'pass' on this one."  No, never do we find this.  Yet never do we find hatred toward the sinner.  Just after the most harsh indictment of Jewish leadership in Matthew 23, Jesus weeps over them and expresses, "How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings...."  The Scripture is, "God so love the world, or better translated, "This is how God loved the world, He gave His Only Son."  Father gave Himself to us and for us in the Son Jesus; "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them...."  This is not the passover of sin.  It is the Passover of the sinner.  By the Blood of Jesus, the death of Jesus humanity can receive forgiveness of sin and a "home" in Heaven.  Without Him, the wicked are left to "their own devices."

What bothers me is that we even have to say we love, "the wicked."  Is there something in our expressions or the proverbial "body language" which leaves the impression of no love for, "the wicked"?  I pray not.  Yet perhaps today's text is a reminder, a caution.  If there is anything of hatred or, "against...the wicked," in us, repentance is in order.  Likewise, if there is any winking at sin in Christendom------------- repentance.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I say with the psalmist, "Search me, O God, and try my heart."  Amen.
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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