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