"And I Hope You Come Back Soon"

"And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me....And the Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!'  And let him who hears say, 'Come!'...Amen.  Even so, come, Lord Jesus!"

While praying before our meal yesterday, our soon-to-be 5 year old prayed, "and I hope you come back soon."  I close 2015 sharing those great words with you.

And if there are any who read our text and are tempted to think, "Well, it has not been, 'quickly.' It's been 2000 years," I say, That is very (excuse me) dumb reasoning.  "....With the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day."  Those who mock at this response just reveal what "manner of spirit" they are of.  People of Jesus think in Jesus' terms, His Heart, His Mind.  We don't think and reason as do others.  When we find ourselves so tempted, we need to repent and confess that we were foolish to think as the unregenerate.  "Deliver us from the evil one," is a great prayer to pray every day.  Otherwise, his "reasonings" will destroy us.

I pray that this coming year will find us as the People of Jesus Christ who have His Heart, a people continually praying and believing the request of our granddaughter, "and I hope you come back soon." 

"Even so, come, Lord 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.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"Praise Him"!!

"Praise the Lord....Praise Him." (From the last 5 Psalms)

It is always interesting to me that the last of the Psalms readings ends with "nonstop" praise.  "Praise the Lord....Praise the Lord....Praise the Lord....Praise the Lord," followed by, "Praise Him.... Praise Him....Praise Him....Praise Him."  So, I guess the only follow up is, "Just do it."

I sometimes wonder if what is going on, while praying in my spirit in the Holy Spirit, is another version of, "Praise the Lord....Praise Him."  Perhaps I am just joining the Heavenly Choir, the angels, the saints of the ages.  After all, when we read the New Testament "Book of Psalms," viz., the Book of Revelation, we read a great deal of praise.

So, why don't we make a renewed commitment for 2016 to participate more and more in the praise of Heaven?  Yes, we will continue to intercede, petition, make supplications, etc., but in and through it all we, "Praise the Lord....Praise Him."  And since there is only One Lord of the Universe, we say, "Praise the Lord Jesus Christ....Praise Jesus," Word of Father, Who moves in the earth today in the Holy Spirit.  In the words of the great liturgies, "Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; praise Him, all creatures here below; praise Him, above ye heavenly host, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.  Amen." And, "Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.  As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end, Amen, Amen."               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.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"Beyond The Sunset"

"How shall we sing the Lord's song in a foreign land?" (Psalm 137:4)

I pray you are enjoying the Christmas Season with family and friends.  It is just so good to be together.  Of course at this season we all miss those who used to be around the table.

Our text is about the Jews taken into captivity, taken from their homes and, even some of them, from family.  They were where they did not want to be.  But then they reminded themselves that there is always hope in the Lord God.  "If I forget...," in the following verse indicated that instead of giving up on what they had, they should remember that better days were ahead, no matter how long the wait might be.

There are also better days for all of us.  "This world is not my home," the song writer penned, "I'm just a passing through, my treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.  The angels beacon me from Heaven's open door and I can't feel at home in this world any more."  No, this is not "escapism."  This is reality, the same reality I saw in my grandpa's face when he left this "home" and went "somewhere beyond the blue."  What a wonderful heritage to have parents and grandparents, as well as many other faithful among the saints, who could, "sing the Lord's song in a foreign land".

By in large, modern Christendom has allowed itself to reject talk of, "This world is not my home."  The cynics, in the world and in Christendom, have mocked those who still look to "the other side," as my Grandpa saw.  They are the same as the mockers of those Jews who spoke of Jerusalem as their home.  "Get over it.  It is just a dream; it's gone.  Adapt yourselves to Babylon and be of some good here.  Stop living in a dream world."  Sound familiar?  (Actually, I think some of this today is driven by religious leaders who just want to keep you so busy "here," keeping their "work" going.)  The words may be different, but the heart of the cynic is the same------ the attempt to destroy hope in Jesus, to destroy, "the faith of Jesus," which says, "In My Father's house are many mansions....I go to prepare a place for you."  Do not allow them to prevail!

Sarah's Mom will be 95 in June.  She has taken to humming and singing.  As I was in her place last night, she starting singing, "Beyond the Sunset."  She is very forgetful about so many things, but apparently she still has embedded in her heart who she is in Jesus.  I only pray the same has gone as deep in you and me.

"Beyond the sunset, O blissful morning,

When with our Savior Heaven's begun.

Earth's tolling ended, O glorious dawning

Beyond the sunset when day is done." 

Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You for all You have gone, "to prepare a place for [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.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"....For the Former Things Have Passed Away"

"Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and first earth had passed away.  Also there was no more sea....And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, 'Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people....And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.  There will be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.  Then He Who sat on the throne said, 'Behold, I make all things new.'" (Revelation 21)

The Baby in Bethlehem's stable was One Who brings forth, "new."  There is the New Birth, the, "new creation."  It is as the NIV Bible declares, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"  The Living Triune God is the God of, "new."

There is a very real sense in which the appearance of, "Immanuel, God with us," as a baby in a stable was very, "new," to philosophers and theologians.  God becoming a baby did not compute with their reasoning.  Theirs was human reasoning, very limited.  When Nebuchadnezzar dreamed and was perplexed as to its meaning, he demanded that the theologians interpret it.  They responded, "No one can reveal it to the king except the gods, and they do not live among humans."  This is religious theology of all religions, including Islam.  Jesus was telling John, however, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men...."  What the shepherds and the kings visited was indeed, "a new thing."

But the Blessed Trinity is not through with, "new," yet.  We read that some day there will be, "a new heaven and a new earth."  I simply have very little idea what that may mean.  Maybe it is a little of what my Grandpa Barnette saw in his last moments before he left this life.  Whatever he saw, I saw in his face, "Behold, I make all things new."  Death is not so much about the "old" passing.  It is rather, "Behold, I make all things new."

If you are saddened this Christmas Season because of those whom you knew and are no longer here, as the song says, "over joys departed, tell it to Jesus."  Encounter Jesus in our text, for our text is Jesus' Words.  There can be no greater joy to a human being than receiving the, "God-Breathed," Words, "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."  There is a "now-ness" in our text, but there is also the yet-to-come.  What we can live in now is what the Bible tells us, "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil."  At the Cross, in His Blood, His Death and Resurrection, Jesus did just that.  And how about this for a Christmas present? "There shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.., no more pain." 

Father, in Jesus' Name, no greater gift than Yourself in Jesus and the immutable, "things to come."  Amen. 
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Read what the German is doing this Christmas Season:   jhs58.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.'"

Hebrews 12:2

Enjoy But Beware

"Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; but know that for all these God will bring you into judgment." (Ecclesiastes 11:9)

This was my "Wisdom Literature" reading for today.  How sobering is this?!?  The CEB says, "Rejoice, young person, while you are young!  Your heart should make you happy in your prime.  Follow your heart's inclinations and whatever your eyes see, but know this: God will call you to account for all of these things." 

There is a "gospel" today which proclaims that no matter what we did in the past, Jesus will make everything okay.  You lived a life of reckless financial practices?  No problem; God will cancel your debts.  You lived primarily "for the moment?"  No problem; God will cancel all those bad decisions and cure your past.  You treated your spouse/kids/fellow workers with contempt?  Again, no problem.  When you get saved, they'll all forgive you and love you unconditionally.  To such I say, How's that working?

From what I see in the Bible, I have no doubt that our Lord Jesus Christ intended good for mankind, not bad.  "Enjoy this wonderful Garden.  Feast on all the produce.  Enjoy the scenery.  And multiply yourselves; I want many people in my Kingdom.  And by the way, just stay away from," well, you know.  Our text could well be called a "prime directive."  If you read the first three chapters of Genesis, you see that, "The Word of God," was in the, "and indeed it was very good," business.  We can see this in, "....let your heart cheer you...."  Yet this only "works" if my heart is Jesus' Heart, as in, David, "had God's heart."  If such a heart is not in me, then, "Follow your heart's inclinations and whatever your eyes see," will not end well.

I believe our text reveals Jesus' intent for humanity, "....and indeed it was very good."  Mankind, however, attempted to pursue, "Your heart should make you happy in your prime," with a selfish heart, a heart of, "I'll do it my way."  This disastrous course is why history reveals a baby in an animal stable in Bethlehem.  "Yet in thy dark streets shineth the Everlasting Light."  Regardless the mess we have made of our lives in, "Follow your heart's inclinations," His Name is Jesus, "for He will save His people from their sins."  We will still have to pay our bills and repent of how we have treated people, but forgiveness for sin is ours in Jesus, "Immanuel, God with us."

Father, in Jesus' Name, help me to pursue "the good life" with Your Heart.  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.'"

Hebrews 12:2

I Have Medicine For A Broken Heart

"....He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted...."  (Isaiah 61:1b)

The baby in that feeding trough was a healer.  No one who was to encounter Jesus would ever walk away without their broken heart healed.  Maybe there was/is no dancing around, no shouting, but there will always be broken-heart-healed when Jesus enters that heart.  And, let Jesus determine what that healing entails.

There are probably times when you wonder, "Who really cares about me?"  I remember that when my Mom died, the thought occurred to me, "The last person whom I know prayed regularly and earnestly for me is gone."  Well, I'm sure that is not true, but do not fret when that kind of attack comes upon you.  A sense of aloneness can grip us at any time.  The loss of loved ones, a sense of abandonment, as well as rejection, betrayal and so many other human maladies can break one's heart, but remember, "He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted"-------- "Glory to the New-Born King."

Everything Jesus did while walking among the people of the Land of Israel in the First Century, CE, revealed an "otherness" about Him.  This should be the hallmark of our lives too.  The sin nature we all "inherited" wants us to live our lives in a self-centered manner.  Thinking of the other, being sensitive to their feelings, etc., can too easily be pushed out of our lives in preference for our way, our will, our contentment.  It's the old adage, "I only care about number one."  Yet in the Blood of Jesus, His Cross and Resurrection that nature was destroyed, "Sin shall no longer have the dominion over you."  The selfishness which so easily rules in others does not have to rule in us if we are under the authority of, "Christ in us...."  We become those who look for hearts to heal.

While so many spend their lives just taking care of themselves, manipulating others for their comfort and contentment, you and I have another life directive.  Because Jesus Christ lives in us, the work for us is His work, "He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound."  Look across the table tonight and start there.

Father, in Jesus' Name, please do Your Work of, "heal the brokenhearted," through 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.'"

Hebrews 12:2

Light Or No Light-- Our Choice

"The light of a lamp will never shine in you again." (Revelation 18:23a)

Our text reveals the end of the nations which have rejected Jesus.  Later in the Book, however, we read of our City, "They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light."

The nations have rejected, "The Light of the world"; hence, they are rejected, left as those sinners of Sodom, going around in the attempt to find someone to lead them.  America is such a nation.  Having systematically rejected the Words of Jesus and the Prayer of Jesus for its young people, which was just symptomatic of the culture's rejection of the reign of Jesus, America's political scene is full of people walking in darkness attempting to lead people who are walking in darkness.  Judgment is manifest in abandonment.

The carol speaks of Jesus, "Yet in they dark streets shineth the everlasting light."  Jesus told humanity, "I am the light of the world.  He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."  There is no stumbling, groping for direction, blindness in a world full of the blind for the one whose trust is Jesus Christ.  Whatever semblance of "light" was in the nations will go out completely in the judgement coming on the whole earth.  I tell you, I am clinging, trusting, relying more and more on our Lord Jesus Christ.  The world situation will get worse.  Yet the situation of the Followers of Jesus just gets better.

Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You for such great promises to those who, "walk in the light as He is in the light."  Amen.
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Read of what is happening in Germany in light of the "refugee crisis" at:  jhs58.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.'"

Hebrews 12:2

In The Face Of the Impossible, The Nothing-Is-Impossible Appeared

"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live...." (John 11:25, KJV--from today's Gospel reading)

This is one of the first passages of Scriptures I memorized.  Little did I know that years later it would save my life.  There, as I stood beside and slightly behind Sarah as she sat at the grave-side service, somewhat stunned and disbelieving this could happened, I looked at that little casket.  I have been surviving to this day because Jesus was also "there" also, speaking our text once again to me.

Do you remember the context?  News had come that, "Lazarus was sick...."  Jesus basically then told the disciples not to worry about it.  In effect He told them, "You are about to see resurrection power."  It is notable that Jesus had only been told that Lazarus was sick.  We have no record that news then came of Lazarus' death.  Jesus knew that, however, and we don't get any attempt from Jesus to soften reality here.  "Jesus...told them plainly, 'Lazarus is dead.'"  No one is better equipped to face death head on than the Follower of Jesus.  His life principle is, "Looking unto Jesus."  He "looks" and sees, "The Word of God"; He "looks" and hears "Wonderful Words of Life," the glorious, "God-Breathed" Words of Jesus.  He reads and receives promises unimaginable.  In face of his sin, mistakes in life, failures, he presses in and on and upward, "Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me."  Jesus' Blood, Death and Resurrection is the guarantee of our resurrection. 

It's Christmas Time; we even have had some snow flurries this morning.  Snow and Christmas, nothing better.  Yet as I write this, I have tears in my eyes, tears because I still miss Stephen Paul very much, but tears also because of Holy Ghost joy and victory; as the grave marker says, "Until the Trumpet Sounds."  And what about you today, my friend?  Yesterday we received word that Jonas, the young German boy for whom many were praying, died after many months of battle with the same force which took Stephen.  Maybe you have lost someone recently or decades ago.  It really doesn't matter, does it?  The empty chair still somehow makes the room empty.  But rejoice today and, "Be strong in the Lord [Jesus Christ] and the power of His might," because only in the, "power of His might," do you and I have any power at all to live here and now.  "The body they may kill: God's truth abideth still, His Kingdom is forever"------------- and so are you and I in Jesus Christ.  Enjoy Him and the Season.

Father, in Jesus' Name, some do not believe You because they choose not to.  I believe because I have to, and I rejoice that my have-to is based upon Your proven Words.  Amen.
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Please say a prayer for our 2016 Berlin Mission

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.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"From His Place He Shall Branch Out...."

"Behold, the Man whose name is the BRANCH!  From His place He shall branch out, and He shall build the temple of the Lord; yes, He shall build the temple of the Lord.  He shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule on His throne; so He shall be a priest on His throne...."  (Zechariah 6:12-13b, from my recent "Minor Prophets" reading)

I'm sure that most like devotionals, sermons and teachings about themselves, how to be a better wife, husband, successful business person, expand their "ministry."  I think it's better first and centrally to do as the Hebrew writer said, "Consider Jesus."  If our desire is insatiable to improve ourselves, make life easier for ourselves, to get help "just to make it through the day," and do not see that all of it is only, as the carol says, "met in thee tonight," then we will be on an endless search.  Even the best of preachers and teachers cannot satisfy the longing for "self-improvement."  Sure, we all should want to be a better us, grow and develop more and more, but if this "want to" is not in, "consider Jesus," it is all in vain.  All we will get is religious trimmings on a lifeless tree.

"Behold, the Man whose name is the BRANCH!"  From His place He shall branch out...."  Jesus has branched out from creation.  And more and more as the prophets, who were not always quite sure of whom they spoke, realized who and what was, "The Coming One," the more eager were they, and the expectant ones, looking to His coming.  Hence, generations later we read, "....Simeon...took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: 'Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples...."  This could be something of what the prophet spoke, "From His place He shall branch out."  Perhaps it could even be found also referenced in the parable, "The Kingdom of Heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened," then later, "Go in the all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."  "He shall branch out...."

Ah, then the glorious declaration of the Godhead, "And He (Jesus) shall build the temple of the Lord....[Jesus] shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule on His throne; so [Jesus] shall be a priest on His throne...."  Christmas is a celebration of the First Appearing of the One Who fulfills our text.  "Come to Bethlehem and see Christ whose birth the angels sing; Come, adore..the newborn King," the One Who alone, "shall bear the glory."

Father, in Jesus' Name, nothing and no one can make me a better me than you.  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.'"

Hebrews 12:2

The "Was" And The "AM"

"Jesus said to them, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.'  Then they took up stones to throw at Him...."  (John 8:58, 59a-from yesterday's Gospel reading)

Abraham was a, "was."  Jesus is the, "Am," the only, I might add.  All humanity is "was."  People either were, or are, or yet to be born, but until the Second Appearing of Our Lord Jesus Christ, "was" will be their epitaph.  His Satanic Majesty and his demonic hordes attempted to make Jesus a, "was."  Resurrection first day of the week:  "Game over."

It is no wonder that the hearers of this most outrageous claim, "picked up stones to through at Him."  They were zealots of the first order.  They were the "guardians" of orthodoxy.  Some of them could have been among those who were ready to stone the woman of the first few verses of John 8, that is, until Jesus made them face themselves and their own sinfulness.

We are in the Season of Celebrating the First Appearing of Jesus, His "birth."  It is right that we should celebrate this, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord."  Remember also the words Jesus spoke to those somewhat confused disciples on the road to Emmaus: "'Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?'  And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself," which are really, "all...things," in the Scriptures.

While for others, birth is 9 months after conception, "birth" for Jesus was revelation, a sort of, "Here I AM."  It is, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God," or, again, "Before the beginning began, the Word already was;" hence, "I AM," the Great Eternal Now.  Yet for those who wonder about the love of God, Who He Is, how He "acts," and relates to humanity, go to the feeding trough of Bethlehem and consider the Baby.  This is no pretentious king, coming with great "pride, pomp and circumstance," appearing in robe and crown, but a helpless, cooing baby.  Perhaps we could say, Jesus "stepped" out of Eternity to enter this time/space world, a total identification with you and me.  Jesus breathed, lived, ate, drank, slept, worked, was a part of a large, humble family.  The Bible says that He Who claimed, "I and the Father are One," was tempted with everything you and I are tempted with.  This is the Savior of the world Whose Appearing we celebrate in this season.  This is how He does things.  O, my soul, take note.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I have no full understanding of such things.  What I do have is, "lost in wonder, love, and praise."  Amen.
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We are in the process of making plans for our Berlin Mission for 2016.  Please pray with us about it.

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.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"....They Overcame...Because of the Blood Of The Lamb...And The Word...."

"And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the Word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death." (Revelation 12:11, NASB)

Very few people throughout history were, "faced with death," because they spoke of "God."  Millions throughout the centuries, however, were, "faced with death," because they mentioned Jesus, proclaimed Jesus, "because of the Word of their testimony," Jesus Christ.

One translation of our text reads, "because of the Word to which they bore witness."  The emphasis here is not on my testimony, but What and to Whom I bear witness.  The Followers of Jesus are moved by the Holy Spirit to only bear witness to, "the Word," Who is Jesus Christ and His "God-Breathed" Words, which are themselves testimony to Jesus.  If my testimony is not "to" the Word of God, then it is a self-centered testimony, a testimony which glorifies me, not Jesus.  I may have given such testimony over my life time.  What stupidity!  This is not a false humility clothed in religious wording, as it was neither to Paul, "Of whom I am chief."  This is the realization of anyone who for one moment considers reality.

The shepherds were directed to Jesus.  The "wise men" were directed to Jesus.  Simeon and Anna were directed to Jesus.  It was Father by/in the Holy Spirit which took them to the stable, then the house, then the Temple.  Everywhere Jesus "was" the Father led others to Him, "This is My Beloved Son."  This is not exalting one of the Godhead over another.  This is the realty of the Universe, "No one has ever yet seen God at any time; the only begotten God Who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him."  Anyone, I repeat, anyone who attempts to "explain" God without the Person, the Name of Jesus preeminent is speaking nothing but Gibberish.  Jesus is, "....the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth."

To talk of "God" without the Name of Jesus is the reason for, "Well, Allah and the God of the Bible are the same."  Islamic theologians mock the Blessed Trinity; therefore, Followers of Jesus have nothing in common with Islam.  To talk of God without the Name of Jesus may be "ecumenical," but it leads to disastrous results.  No devil or ISIS will ever stop a person from using the term "god."  They will, however, fight you and me "tooth and nail," even cause us to be, "faced with death," if we even contemplate speaking the Name of Jesus.  May the Name of Jesus be ever in our hearts, our minds, and on our lips.  May no one ever doubt as to the God Whom you and I serve.  "God rest ye merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay.  Remember Christ our Savior...."

Father, in Jesus' Name, Thank You for the Overcoming, "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.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"Then The Seventh Angel Sounded"

"Then the seventh angel sounded:  And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, 'The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!'" (Revelation 11:15, from today's reading)

On the first "Christmas," an angel also, "sounded."  He said, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."  Then his brethren joined him, "a multitude of the heavenly host praising God...."  This was the First Appearing of, "our Lord and of His Christ."  To say Jesus' First Appearing was humble is an understatement.  "The first Noel the angels did say was to certain poor shepherds in field as they lay."  Then as the shepherds said, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us," they left their flocks and, "came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger," an animal's feeding trough-- hardly the birth "fit for a king."  But, the kings of the earth are not as our King.  "Their rock is not like our Rock," nor, "the kingdoms of this world," as, "the Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ."  Ours is a Shepherd/King. 

The Bible is full of the phrase, "'The days are coming,' says the Lord, 'when,'" and, "that I will...."  Throughout the centuries man has laughed at, discarded, railed on such promises/prophesies of the Lord Jesus Christ.  We will all "see," won't we?  The only "proof" we have of the certainty of Jesus' Words is, "faith...the substance (steadiness, support, a guaranteeing, reality) of things hoped for ( expected, anticipated) the evidence (proof, test) of things unseen."  Those of us who are of, "the faith of Jesus," are those who believe/receive/act upon the "God-Breathed" Word.  We are the steady, supported, guaranteed, real, expecting and anticipating, hence, very secure people; and whether alive or, "fallen asleep in Jesus," at Jesus' Second Appearing, we will be a part of the rejoicing, praising multitudes in Eternity who will be, even as we are now, a part of that great, "Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ."

Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You for Your angelic "soundings."  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.'"

Hebrews 12:2

One Thing God "Will Never Allow"

"Cast your burden on the Lord [release it] and He will sustain and uphold you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken (slip, fall, fail). (Psalm 55:22, Amplified)

We could also add that, "He will never allow the righteous to be removed."  The person who compiled the Amplified Bible was not a Greek or Hebrew "expert."  She studied the Bible carefully, using all the tools available to her at the time in order to "amplify" Biblical texts.  If you use a modern Interlinear Bible, you could do the same; I do.

The Bible teaches us that the only, "righteous," person of our text is the person in whom Jesus Christ lives, the one absolutely, surrendered to Jesus Christ; we could call it, "unconditional surrender."  The one in whom Jesus Christ lives has been washed in the Blood of Jesus and can now sing with the writer of old, as he thought of the repentant thief on his cross, "and there have I, though vile as he, washed all my sins away."  And I am "vile as he."  But that "Fountain filled with blood," is filled for you and me and all humanity, and in Jesus' Blood is everything; I'm not even going to attempt a "list."

This is another one of the incomprehensible promises of the Blessed Trinity.  Centuries later, Jesus Christ appeared, "a Savior which is Christ the Lord."  The messenger said to Joseph that He was to be called, "Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."  Jesus would a few years later affirm the "concept" of our text to any one who would listen and obey, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden...and you will find rest for your souls," which can be another way of affirming, "never to be shaken, never to slip, never to be removed."  Turn again to self reliance, self dependence, however, and, as the colloquialism goes, "all bets are off."
 
In this day of increasing uncertainty over so many things in life, an ever newer barbarism raising its ugly head, nations in such debt that one wonders what would happen if the proverbial "bubble" bursts, the growing reality which faces us all, that old age brings limitations which we had not imagined in the "can-do-anything" years, it is powerful to be able to rest each day in Jesus and His Word to you and me, "[I] will never allow the righteous to be shaken."

Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You.  Amen.
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Good visit yesterday with some First Nations People in Salamanca, New York, the only city in the United States which is within an Indian Reservation.

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.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"....When God Speaks, The Earth Melts...."

"The heathen rages, the kingdoms were moved: He uttered His voice, the earth melted." (Psalm 46:6, KJV)

I have used the KJV today because I memorized this Psalm in the KJV.  The CEV says, "Nations roar; kingdoms crumble.  God utters His voice; the earth melts."  The Living Bible says, "The nations rant and rave in anger-- but when God speaks, the earth melts in submission and kingdoms totter into ruin."

I am planning the January time in DC.  Along with regular times in the Supreme Court Building, the Capitol, and White House area, I will be in the Senate Indian Affairs Committee Hearing as well as some time with "David's Tent."  If you are interested in going, let me know.  Today Sarah and I are headed for Indian Country in the Salamanca, NY area.  It is about the same distance from Johnstown as DC.  Please pray for, "Thy kingdom come.  Thy will be done in earth as it is in Heaven."

For over 15 years I have been going to Washington, DC, to pray "on site with insight," and what insight I have received over the years!  I have, for most of those times in DC, prayed in the Indian Affairs Committee meetings.  The North American First Nations People Group have been on my heart for decades; the mission to the "reservation" in Southern New York is nothing new as far as my involvement with Native Americans.  While friends of ours have done mission work with various tribes, other than our time with some Crow leaders last year in Montana, we have not.  But, as with much of what I have done, viz, DC, Berlin, Jerusalem, the intercessory prayer time has been central to it all.  I am not saying that this is the "new work" which was spoken of in a recent prophecy given to me, but one never knows.  Yet what Sarah and I are doing today is sort of "new" in a real sense.  "....Follow the Lamb wherever He goes," is a prime directive for life.  May we all be in that pursuit.

Human history is a testimony to today's test.  Man does not like it, of course, but history just keeps moving toward that "dramatic climax;" there is just nothing which you nor I can do to stop it, nor should we want to.  The American First Nations have experienced our test; Europe has; the Orient has; Africa has, and the United States of America is showing ominous signs.  "....When God speaks, the earth melts in submission and kingdoms totter to ruin."  The utter stupidity of left and right pundits, political parties, even so many religious leaders concerning the current global events is beyond amazing to me.  The main reason is quite simple: They do not read and obey, "....when God speaks...."  Jesus, "The Word of God," is quite clear when He, "God speaks....  Yes, as Peter said, there are some things, "hard to understand," but what you and I need to know in order to navigate this sojourn Jesus makes clear.  It is only, "the untaught and unstable [who] distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction."

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God," and just so, His Words.  Pray for that, "pure in heart," to rule in me and you.  David prayed, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew an upright spirit within me."  If you and I earnestly pray for such, if we read, hear and obey, "The Word of God," we will not be as those who, "....faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world...."  Remember: "God utters His voice; the earth melts."

Father, in Jesus' Name, keep, "utter[ing] Your voice."  Your voice is my life.  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.'"

Hebrews 12:2

Sorry-- The Theologian Came Upon Me

"His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him Who called us by His own glory and goodness."  (2 Peter 1:3, NIV)

"His divine power has given us everything...."  This should keep you and me the rest of our lives.

I learned, or was a target of attempted brain washing, while in seminary that 2 Peter was not written by Peter.  What often amused me was the reality that no one can "prove" authenticity or disprove it.  Many of the "scholars" of the last 150 years who got into what is called "form criticism" or "higher criticism" were those who basically told humanity that the Bible cannot be accepted as, "God-Breathed."  I remember closing a paper in seminary one time with something like, "Now some say that Jesus probably did not say what John asserts Jesus said.  No problem for me, John.  I believe you."  Professor Batdforf's note on the paper at this point was not one of challenge or rejection.  He simply summed up my suppositions and then wrote, "You believe John."  Yes, and I believe Peter too.

"For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty....We were with Him on the sacred mountain."  Now I remember hearing in one of our classes, as a first year seminary student, of writings which have the names of "The Gospel of Nicodemus" and "The Gospel of Thomas."  Nothing was said one way or the other about them that day, but I remember thinking, "Wow, a gospel according to Nicodemus," that should really be good.  So I went to the library stacks and looked it up.  As I was reading, it didn't take me long to think, "Wait a minute; something's not right here."  Of course it wasn't.  It was, like so many false writings of the first few centuries, a Gnostic writing.  What "tipped"me off?  The Holy Spirit bearing witness in my spirit.  You and I today must trust the Holy Spirit to do the same.  Just as in the First Century, today there are many false teachings in the land.  "But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master Who bought them, bring swift destruction upon themselves" (2 Peter 2:1, NASB). 

Sorry, the theologian in me just keeps popping up.  You could say, "What does all of this have to do with the text?"-- perhaps everything.  If anyone can get you and me to doubt that the "God-Breathed" Words are actually "God-Breathed," then you and I will be, "of all men most miserable."  Our hope would be false, and we would be as the Ephesian Epistle says, "without hope and without God in the world," because any "hope" not based on the Bible is an illusory hope.  If anyone doubts the authority of the Scriptures, viz., that Jesus Himself, Word of Father, is speaking to us in what we call the Bible, we won't read it/Him, believe it/Him, or obey it/Him.  We only know Who is God the Father, Son Jesus, and Holy Spirit in His Words, "wonderful words of life," Words which are indeed, "God-Breathed."  Anyone who believes this will be committed to daily subjecting him/herself to these Words. 

Father, in Jesus' Name, I so need Your continual Life Barometer.  Amen.
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What you need to know about Rick Steves at:   jhs58.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.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"He Is A Shield To All Who Trust In Him"

"I will love You, O Lord, my strength.  The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in Whom I will trust; my shield and...my salvation, my stronghold....The pangs of death surrounded me, and the floods of ungodliness made me afraid....The snares of death confronted me....By You I can run against a troop, by my God I can leap over a wall....He is a shield to all who trust in Him." (From Psalm 18)

And some still insist that the Bible is irrelevant.

"The Practice of the Presence of God."  Are you?  I need this more than anything.  If you and I are to survive in this evil and wicked generation, there is just no other way than to "Practice the Presence of God."  Our text today reveals the steadfast peace of the person who is continually aware of, "The Lord...my Shepherd," as in Jesus, "I am the Good Shepherd."  David's continual strength was in his Shepherd, Jesus.  "For You will light my lamp; the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness." (Psalm 18:28)

If I am continually aware of The Presence, then I am secure in Jesus Christ, "No weapon formed against you shall prosper."  No, this does not mean I will not die, nor be killed by some terrorist act, etc.  It does mean, however, that there is no weapon in Satan's arsenal nor that of his servants which can destroy you and me.  "A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you."  The word for, "near," can also be translated, "overtake."  Could it mean, "catch up with us to capture and destroy us?"  Never, ever forget the Word of Jesus that while others may die, you and I will not, "Whoever lives and believes (obeys)...Me shall never die."  He then asked, "Do you believe this?"  What so many in American Christendom quote and "believe" so glibly may some day be discovered as their very "life or death." 

As I have shared before, I told our children when they were still fairly young that "some day the world will come home."  On September 11, 2001, it did.  And it continues to "come home."  I can also tell you that they will not leave; they are here to stay.  Now perhaps what so many other Followers of Jesus have deeply relied upon through the centuries, The American Church will have to do a "reality check."  Do we?  Nothing brings home the "wonderful words of life," the Words of Jesus, than suffering, fear, uncertainty of the future.  Abiding in Jesus, aka, "The Practice of the Presence of God," is the cure, the sustenance of the one in whom Jesus Christ lives.  "As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him." (v. 30)

Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You that You just continue to "prove" Yourself to 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.'"

Hebrews 12:2