"Praise The Lord From...."

"Praise the Lord!  Praise the Lord from the heavens;..in the heights!..all His angels;..all His hosts!..sun and moon;..all you stars of light!..you heavens of heavens, and you waters above the heavens!...Praise the Lord!"  (From Psalm 148)

Have you ever taken note that the last five Psalms begin and end with, "Praise the Lord"?
Maybe each day should "begin and end" with, "Praise the Lord."  And notice that, "Praise the Lord!" rings throughout the universe, not just in some church gathering. 

First of all, some make a difference between "worship" and "praise"; I don't.  To me, "Praise the Lord," is the same as, "Give unto the Lord the glory due to His Name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness."  Worship and praise are communion, a communion giving all glory, laud and honor to the Living Triune God in Jesus Christ.  There is no longer an "outer court" and an "inner court" which limits Presence.  There is just Presence, "....for Thou art with me."  Whether it is "upbeat" songs or "solemn" ones, the relationship does not change.  It does not change whether I am dancing or bowing.  Life is worship and praise, or at least it should be.  Whether in Church meetings or worship gatherings or here in my chair with the computer I am in His Presence, no more in one location than in another.

Secondly, I think over the years "location" theology has led to a great misunderstanding of what our Lord Jesus has brought us into through His Precious Blood of the Cross.  When Jesus died, "the veil of the Temple was rent in two."  Prior to that great event the saints were only in the "outer court."  In Jesus Christ mankind can now live, dwell, go about life in the, "Most Holy Place."  Since the Cross and Resurrection and Ascension, I now live, "abide," sleep in Jesus, as in what 1 Thessalonians says, "whether we wake or sleep we are the Lord's."  When I awake at night, I am just as much in His Presence as when I am in the greatest worship gathering anywhere.

Much of the "come into the presence" is for religionists to get you into their kingdoms.  It is sort of a "pyramid theology."  An "out-there presence" is not like the "in-here presence."  They believe that you can only experience "great worship" if you are in the right "place."  Of course, there is the command to, "forsake not the assembling," but the Church "assembled" does not have a corner on the Presence of the Living Triune God.  There is no one here with me right now.  I am still, however, in His Presence.  In all of this, I say with the Ancient, "Let all that is within me praise the Lord....Praise the Lord." 

Father, in Jesus' Name, I say with Moses, "If Your Presence does not go with [me]," I have nothing.  Only, "In Your Presence is fullness of joy." 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

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Posted By Antipas Prayer Force: to Antipas Prayer Force Devotionals at 12/30/2016 12:54:00 PM

"....To Know...That You May Be Filled...."

"....to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."  (Ephesians 3:19)

There seems to be a sense here that we are called to know ('ascertain') the knowledge of that which surpasses knowledge.  It seems to begin with an "acceptance" of that which is set forth, and from there to an "acquiring," yet never with full understanding or comprehension.  Jesus calls us to know something we cannot know?  Well, perhaps so, at least in the sense that we traditionally think of, "know."

Such a theology can be very frustrating to those who have to know everything "for sure."  Most of life cannot be perceived nor walked out in "for-sured-ness."  Maybe this is a basis for walking in what the Bible calls, "the faith of Jesus."  Our text speaks of, "the love of Christ," as the Bible does of most of what is contained in Holy Writ.  It is not so much a mental knowing as an impartation, maybe as in, "the Words of God," written "in our hearts and in our minds."  I know that in my life time, while I do not fully comprehend all of this, the abiding result is, "....filled with all the fullness of God," without which I would be most helpless.

We have had a very busy week here.  We had Sarah's sister's graveside ceremony last Tuesday.  There has been a sense of sadness in Sarah about all of this.  A week from this coming Saturday we head out for Florida to take care of "things" down there.  In all of this there is this, "....love of Christ which passes knowledge."  A glorious revelation in our text is that somehow when we so walk, we are,   "....filled with all the fullness of God."  What a glorious reality.  It is, "all the fullness of God," which empowers and sustains us.  Colossians tells us that in Jesus, "dwells all of the fullness of God bodily."  And when Jesus dwells in us, reigns in us, we are "equipped" to live in the battles of this life.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You for all of that, "which passes understanding."  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

Netanyahu's Reaction to Kerry "Speech"

PM Netanyahu:

"I must express my deep disappointment with the speech today of John Kerry.  The speech was almost as unbalanced as the anti-Israel resolution passed at the U.N. last week. . .  What he did was spend most of his speech blaming Israel for the lack of peace by passionately condemning a policy of enabling Jews to live in their historic homeland. . .
 
"Hundreds of suicide bombers, tens of thousands of rockets, millions of Israelis in bomb shelters are not throwaway lines in a speech.  They are the realities that the people of Israel have to endure because of mistaken policies. . .  Israelis do not need to be lectured about the importance of peace by foreign leaders. . .
 
"One final point . . . How can you make peace with someone who rejects your very existence?  You see, this conflict is not about houses or communities. . . This conflict is and has always been about Israel's very right to exist. . . The persistent Palestinian refusal to recognize a Jewish state remains the core of the conflict.  The Palestinian rejection of Israel and its support for terror are what the nations of the world should focus on if they truly want to advance peace.  I can only express my regret and say it's a shame that Secretary Kerry does not see this simple truth."
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I have a question.  What have the Arabs done to develop the land they are complaining that the Jews have "taken over"?!?!?  And since when did Jerusalem become so "important" to Arabs?   Answer:  NOTHING and NEVER

Woody

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

Familiar Christmas Passage In "Context"

"But there will be no more gloom for her who was in anguish....The people who walk in darkness will see a great light....For You shall break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.  Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.  For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end....But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for Me One Who will be ruler over Israel, Whose origins are from of old, from days of eternity.  Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the remnant of His brethren shall return to the children of Israel and He shall stand and feed His flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord His God; and they shall abide, for now He shall be great to the ends of the earth; and this One shall be peace."

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

A "Christmas" Psalm

"The Lord is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens.  Who is like the Lord our God, the One Who sits enthroned on high, Who humbles Himself to behold...heaven and...earth?"  (Psalm 113)

As I read my Psalms today, I thought that Psalm 113 is a good "Christmas Story."

I can imagine that what the shepherds could have heard that night from, "a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying," was more than what we have recorded in Luke 2, perhaps further worship in the words very similar to our text.  What we have recorded in Luke 2 could very well have been just part of what, "....the heavenly host [was] praising God and saying...."  Okay, agreed--- speculation, but glorious speculation.

I noticed afresh today that the announcement to the shepherds was followed by a "praise gathering."  Notice in the Luke 2 passage that the response to the angelic announcement was a heavenly "worship team" following up on the Great News that the long awaited "Coming One," Jesus, the Christ, is here.  For me, as I am sure for you, when the Blessed Trinity declares His mighty works and purposes to us, what more is there left to do but worship?

Father, in Jesus' Name, all that you have done and do brings me to "lost in wonder, love and praise."  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 Prophetic Word...More Sure"

"He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is the Word of God." (Revelation 19:13, NIV)

My daily readings never cease to amaze me as to their "timeliness."  The, "robe dipped in blood," was the destiny of the Babe in the manger. 

Simeon had this revelation because He believed the Ancient Writings.  He told Mary, "Behold this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."  Quite a "heady" declaration for a child just a few days old.  The "Christmas Story," the Advent Season, the celebration of Christmas must always have our text and the prophetic Word in mind.  I close today with the glorious contextual declaration of The Godhead, a declaration which is really an "interpretation" of Christmas. 

"I saw heaven opened and behold, a white horse.  And he who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.  His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns....And the armies in heaven... followed Him on white horses.  Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword....And He Himself will rule [the nations] with a rod of iron.....And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:
        KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You for You and all You do, even though I cannot grasp the magnitude of it all.  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.'"

Hebrews 12:2

A Prayer For Leaders-- For Us All

"My eyes will be on the faithful (honorable) of the land, that they may dwell with me; He who walks blamelessly is the one who will minister to and serve me."  (Psalm 101:6, Amplified Bible)

I pray our text and the whole of Psalm 101 for President Trump.  This should be the prayer of and for every leader, indeed, of all of us.  If the, "faithful," and, "blameless[]," literally, "perfect," walk with us, we will have a great "up" on those who do not walk with such.

Verse 3 says, "I will set no worthless or wicked thing before my eyes.  I hate the practice of those who fall away [from the right path]; it will not grasp hold of me."   There, we have just prayed a hedge about ourselves.  Do you see how "to the point" are the Bible prayers?  I have confessed before that there are so many times when Romans 8 is played out in my life, "We do not know what prayer to offer or how to offer it as we should, but the Spirit Himself knows...."  Yes, this passage goes on to say that the Holy Spirit makes intercession for us, but that does not mean we, therefore, don't intercede.  I think the Romans 8 passage is also insight into praying the prayers of the Holy Spirit.  "All Scripture is God-Breathed [given by Divine inspiration] and is profitable...."----------- for praying.

I think our text and, again, the entirety of Psalm 101, is a good prayer for the leaders of our nations and the Church, and, ourselves.  Maybe it is one which we should pray every day.

Father, in Jesus' Name, "....the one who has a haughty look and a proud (arrogant) heart I will not tolerate" (v. 5b).  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

"What You Say In Our Words"

"For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations." (Psalm 100:5)

I was praying this morning about so many things, and at one point I went to say, " Your Word says," but instead what came out was, "Our Words say."  It stopped me cold.  "Wait!"-- I thought.  "That was arrogant."  When I settled down a little, something "deeper" came to me.  It was as though Jesus spoke to my heart, "You are right.  My Words are your Words.  I should be glad if you always remember that."  I'm still working on this.

In our text, various renderings for the word, "everlasting," are, "continual, always, permanent."  The word, "all," needs nothing further.  One should never doubt the Faithfulness of, "The Word of God."  Revelation 19 says that Jesus is, "....called Faithful and True...."  A little further, Revelation affirms, "Then he said to me, 'These words are faithful and true.'"  May that be "branded" into our hearts and minds.

No wonder I said earlier today, "Our words say."  In the Words of the Blessed Trinity I have, "good, everlasting, continual, always, permanent, and...endures to all generations", sustenance, power, life.  I shudder to think if Jesus' Words were not "our Words."

Father, in Jesus' Name, "our" Words are good.  Amen.  
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A Further Look At What Is Going On in Germany:   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

"....The Set Time Had Fully Come...."

"But when the set time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman...."  (Gal. 4:4)

Interestingly, one of my daily readings has a very "seasonal" application.

Most translations say, "fullness of time."  But the word can also mean, "fulfillment, completion."  Maybe we can say, "When the fulfillment time," or, When the completion time had fully come, God," well, just kept doing what He does.  He kept "completing" His Ancient Promises.  The Holy Spirit is telling us that the First Appearing of Jesus was a, "completion," of Biblical Prophesy.  It was the, "fulfillment, completion," of centuries of utterances and writings which culminated in the announcement to the Shepherds "on a cold winter's night that was so deep."

The Blessed Trinity is the, "God of all comfort."  And His, "comfort," to and for you and me, for one thing, is based upon His unalterable, unfailing, utterly reliable, "God-Breathed," Words.  One powerful example is, "But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel.  His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity (or, 'His appearances are from long ago, from days of old')."

I repeat, history is like a mighty river, flowing through time, surely on its journey, on/in the purposes of the Living Triune God, with accompanying eddies, backwashes, currents.  The latter are full of human "interference," attempts to "do our thing," selfish endeavors, wars, etc.  For some "reason," God has allowed all of this.  But I repeat again:  Let it be known before the world that Jesus Christ, "King of kings, Lord of lords," King of the Universe, is the Great Determiner of history.  Jesus' Words have "completeness."  Jesus', "appearances are from long ago, from days of eternity," not only in that manger in Bethlehem.  We pray what He just continues to do, "Thy Kingdom come.  They will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven."

Nothing any government, any prime minister, president, king, rebellious movements can do will change the course of THE MIGHTY RIVER OF FATHER, SON JESUS, AND HOLY SPIRIT.  This, my friend, is what makes any Christmas Merry.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You that in You I am in eternity------- in You.  Amen.

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Very insightful article on the manipulating media 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

"I Will Always Have Hope"

"As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more." (Ps. 71:14)

A little taste of "live" is always better than a whole lot of fake.

Schultz once said that there was some of Charlie Brown in him.  Perhaps there is a little of Charlie is all of us; some just deal and/or cover it better than others.  In "A Charlie Brown Christmas," we see a mournful Charlie Brown lamenting, when his contemporaries make fun of his scrawny Christmas tree, and want to modernize Christmas, "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?"  Linus then comes forward with Luke 2.  By the way, The Washington Post has an article today about a school district in Texas which is taking a nurse's aide to court over posting Linus' reading of the Christmas Story. 

Our text sounds like a determination rather than a succumbing to what seems to be the case around the psalmist.  Life will attempt to take hope from us.  Day to day events will sometimes crash upon us, seemingly affirming the pessimist's view of life, e.g., "All is lost.  Mankind just keeps descending ever more rapidly into, "the Abyss."  But then, my friend, I commend our text to us anew today, "As for me," when all others may be giving up, surrendering to hopelessness, "I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more."  Job asked, "Where then is my hope?"  This is key to understanding today's text.  The hope of which the psalmist speaks is not some illusive, ethereal "hope."  It is a well-placed, "hope," a "hope...built on nothing less than Jesus' Blood and Righteousness." 

Depressed, discouraged, wanting to just give up, yield to the hopelessness of Job's wife, "curse God and die"?  Repeat after me, "AS FOR ME, I WILL ALWAYS HAVE HOPE; I WILL PRAISE YOU MORE AND MORE."

Father, in Jesus' Name, "I will praise you more and more."  You have enabled me to, "always have hope."  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 Could Have Chosen Other Texts Today, But.....

"Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own." (John 7:17, NIV)

So there you have it.  "....find out whether," comes from, "choos[ing] to do the will of God...", not from all the religious activities which we have invented to, "....find out...."

In a world of "How do I know?" comes the answer.  Humanity has attempted through the centuries to, "find out," by discussion, writing and reading books, conferences, seminars.  Our Lord Jesus tells us here that, "....to do the will of God...", is the answer to our questions. 

I can read book after book on the "how to" of life.  But it is, "Anyone who chooses to do the will of God...", who, "will find out...."  There just may be an "answer" to your question today which is awaiting, "choos[ing] to do the will of God...." 

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray my "choosing" will always be Your will.  Amen.
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New article 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

I Could Have Chosen Other Texts Today, But.....

"Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own." (John 7:17, NIV)

So there you have it.  "....find out whether," comes from, "choos[ing] to do the will of God...", not from all the religious activities which we have invented to, "....find out...."

In a world of "How do I know?" comes the answer.  Humanity has attempted through the centuries to, "find out," by discussion, writing and reading books, conferences, seminars.  Our Lord Jesus tells us here that, "....to do the will of God...", is the answer to our questions. 

I can read book after book on the "how to" of life.  But it is, "Anyone who chooses to do the will of God...", who, "will find out...."  There just may be an "answer" to your question today which is awaiting, "choos[ing] to do the will of God...." 

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray my "choosing" will always be Your will.  Amen.
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New article 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

"....The Shaft Of The Bottomless Pit"

"And the fifth angel blew his trumpet, and I saw a star fallen from heaven to earth, and he was given the key to the shaft of the bottomless pit ('pit of the abyss').  He opened the shaft of the bottomless pit, and from the shaft rose smoke like the smoke of a great furnace, and the sun and the air were darkened with the smoke from the shaft."  (Revelation 9:1, 2-ESV)

Now even though the context here is the release of the locust plague, we know that it is, "the lake of fire," Hell itself which is, "the pit of the abyss."

One of the "hazards" of reading through the whole Bible regularly is the encountering of passages such as today's text.  "Hardly a passage for a devotional," one might say.  But for me, reading just selected, favorite portions of the Bible over and over is like eating pizza for every meal; just not a well-rounded diet.  A spiritual iron deficiency anemia will result.

Few texts in reason memory have put the, "fear of the Lord," in me and affected me as this one has/is today.  My first thought as I read this was of those who are without Jesus.  I really think there are two reasons modern Christendom no longer deals with the reality of such passages.  First, modern humanity will just not put up with the idea that its life style has consequences, now and at, "the Judgment."  Second, even those of us who say we believe the Bible "from cover to cover" are perhaps so horrified with, "He opened the shaft of the bottomless pit, and from the shaft rose smoke like the smoke of a great furnace," that we prefer to do a Scarlet O'Hara, "Well, I won't think about this now.  I'll think about it tomorrow."  But we don't.

Christmas is a reminder that Jesus, the Christ, came to deliver you and me from, "....the shaft of the bottomless pit."  This is, "good tidings of great joy," of which we say to ourselves and to humanity, "God rest, ye merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay.  Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas day to save us all from Satan's power when we were gone astray."  But what about now?  What can we do about this fearful reality which is to come upon those who reject the Christ?  One thing I do is pray Bible declarations.  Father, in Jesus' Name, I ask that You put the fear of You in their hearts; give them a heart to know You (both from Jeremiah), and open their hearts to you (from Acts), that they may, "be saved and come to the knowledge of the Truth", (Colossians), receiving You, Jesus, as their Lord and Savior.  We cannot ignore our text or any one like it.  We cannot pick and choose a "gospel message" which appeals, sells, delights and thrills people.  That is "Madison Avenue" christianity.  I prefer Jesus', "the power of God to save....from...the shaft of the bottomless pit."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I am fearful, dismayed.  I want to pray "largely" today, to pray that no one on Planet Earth experience, "....the shaft of the bottomless pit."  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

"Do Not Marvel At This" Yet We Do

"Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth-- those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation." (John 5:28, 29)

Every quarter when I read our text I am increasingly aware of the "dangers" of pop "born again" evangelicalism.  Try as we may over the years, there has been a "nothing-you-do-can-earn-salvation dominance in evangelicalism, a wrong interpretation of, "not of works lest anyone should boast."  It is akin to, "Well, God has everything under control," which for too  many is code for, "I don't have to really worry about, or do anything."  The result is usually a convenient dismissal of our text, "those who have done good, to the resurrection of life."

I had coffee in my mother-in-law's living room this morning.  She has dementia and patience can be sorely tried at times.  It would be easier to just keep her comfortable and warm on these cold December mornings.  But even though communication is difficult, she enjoys someone just sitting in the same room with her.  In Jesus' Words, this morning I, "....done good...."  I made a 95 year old a little more reassured, brought a little comfort to must be at times a very confusing world.  The super spiritual theologians among us would say, "O, that's nice.  But don't think for a moment that has anything to do with your salvation."  Really?  I say to them, Read the Gospels, indeed, the Bible.  "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, ('done good') and that your fruit should remain...."

If you have checked the, "fruit of the Spirit," lately, you will discover that all of them are definitely "verb" oriented.  They have to do with who we are in Jesus, what we do, how we live, how we are with humanity.  Maybe too many times being "right" is more important than being patient, staying in that comfort zone more important than, "....done good...."  Now you know very well the Ephesian passage, "....created in Christ Jesus for good works."  I can tell how, "created in Christ Jesus," I am by my, "....done good...."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I do want to be what You want 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.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"He Heard My Cry" And Still Does

"I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry.  He also brought me up out of a horrible (slimy) pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps.  He has put a new song in my mouth-- Praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord."
(Psalm 40:1-3)

I was in the same seminary my Dad had graduated from 31 years earlier.  It was December of 1969.  Life was going on with a normalcy.  Andrew had been born in November, and we were now that American family of four.  But then the day after Christmas of that year we noticed something was wrong with Stephen.  We took him to our doctor, and that Monday he was in Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.  One week later he was operated on because of a brain tumor they had found.  I was 26.  The "bottom" fell out of my life.  I experienced a "wounding," of which I still carry the "scar."  

"Life goes on," yes, but not without the memory of him, the sorrow at the loss of him.  Yes, Sarah and I still laugh; we enjoy our children and grandchildren and each other.  Sarah never talks about those days; she is more private than I.  One reason I talk about it is to pass on to others the witness to Jesus, how Jesus upheld me as I was praying for 5 hours in that phone booth at Children's Hospital, how he helped me up, sustained me during the tortuous days and months which followed, then Stephen's passing.

Depressing devotional?  Sorry.  The intent is to affirm the reality that the Good News of Jesus Christ is indeed, "the power of God...."  It takes, "the power of God," to keep me going.  It takes, "the power of God," to save me from my sin, keep me, sustain me, and some day take me into Glory.  When I read our text, that summer of '70, I thought, This is exactly what You have done for me, Lord Jesus.  What Jesus was and is doing is continually manifesting to and in me, "....the power of God...."  I continue to wait, "....for Jesus."  And everything our text says is exactly Who Jesus is to me.

Father, in Jesus' Name, this Christmas Season and every "season" is wonderful-------- because of You.  Amen.
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Dutch Parliament member sentenced because he is not politically correct.
Read about the hypocrisy of "Amnesty International."

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

"Angels We Have Heard On High"

"And it came to  those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus (the 'President' of Rome) that all the world should be registered....So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city."  (Luke 2:1 & 3)

"Gloria In Excelsis Deo"  (Glory to God in the Highest")

KTBTIB Nottingham has shared a video with you on YouTube Angels We Have Heard On High

Now I know I'm probably the only one who ever wonders at times just why Jesus works His works in the way He works His works.  Take our text for an example.  Couldn't Father have had Joseph move to Bethlehem to get a new clientele for his business instead of using a totalitarian government to come up with some tax scheme which got Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, and all of this to fulfill some ancient prophecy?  And the answer is?--  Of course.  I have no doubt that it was the Holocaust which got the Jews to finally come to their senses about their Homeland.  Did I say that God caused the Holocaust?  No.  Did I say that God allowed the Holocaust?  No, because I just don't know.  I do know, however, that the Blessed Trinity causes, "....all things [to] work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to purpose."

I also know and appreciate that there is truth in the old saying, "God works in mysterious ways His wonders to perform."  And there is a certain "mysteriousness" about the Living Triune God which we will never understand in this life, perhaps ever, even in the Eternal Realm.  There are things which have been going on in the past year both here in the United States and around the world which have not only the "world," but also Christendom, even those, "born of the Spirit," still attempting to figure out.

So today I just sing with the enclosed carol, "Gloooooooooo,  ooooooooo, ooooooo, oria, in excelsis Deo.  Come to Bethlehem and see Him Whose birth the angels sing; Come, adore on bended knee Christ, the Lord, the New-Born King."
    Gloria in excelsis Deo!"  

Father, in Jesus' Name, I that You for what I can "come and see."  Amen

The Definition of Unpreparedness

Above is the battle plan of the Imperial Japanese Navy for the attack on America's Pearl Harbor Naval Base.  I am sending this devotional at the exact time of the first strike on December 7, 1941, 12:55 EST.

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"Bow down Your ear to me, deliver me speedily; be my rock of refuge, a fortress (literally, a house of fortresses') of defense to save me."  (Psalm 31:2)

Our text is a prayer of Israel's famous psalmist, warrior, shepherd, king.  King and Savior, Jesus, is exactly our text to us.  Jesus hears, delivers, "speedily," is our, "Rock of refuge," our, "House of fortresses," our, "defense to save [us]."  May none of us ever, ever forget this, or rely on anyone or anything other than this great declaration.

Pacifists need to have more of Thomas Sherwood in them.  He was a Quaker who was opposed to slavery and volunteered in the Ohio 79th.  Thomas was unlike some people's approach to life that when you are stroking the cat the wrong way, you turn the cat around. Thomas Sherwood was what has been referred to as a "White Abolitionist."  He saw the evils of slavery----- and did something about it.  I am so thankful for his "genes."

In the late 1930s for Great Britain, France and the United States of America were still war-weary from "The Great War," the "War To End All Wars."  They kept operating in the delusion that people change, that if we just talk and negotiate enough, everything will turn out just fine.  December 7, 1941, changed that, especially for America.  There has never been a "war to end all wars," nor will there be until King Jesus' Second Appearing.  "l saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True.  With justice He judges and wages war.  His eyes are like blazing fire, and on His head are many crowns.  He has a name written on him that no one knows but He Himself.  He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is the Word of God....Coming out of His mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations.  'He will rule them with an iron scepter.'  He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty.  On His robe and on His thigh He has this name written: KING OF KINS AND LORD OF LORDS." (God)

Notice that the foregoing Bible passage is in the present tense, with one future tense, and no past tense.  This is yet to come about, and come about it will.  Never start a day as that infamous day 75 years ago, sailors playing ball, sleeping off drunken outings, enjoying a sunny, lazy Sunday morning, thinking "all's right with the world."  If the Enemy does anything, he is constantly awake and "planning" attacks, watching for weaknesses, neglects, this-could-never-happen-to-me life style.  "What I say to you, I say to everyone: Watch!"  These Words of our King and Savior, Jesus Christ, should begin every day.

Father, in Jesus' Name, in Holy Spirit I trust the grace to, "Watch!"  Amen.

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See tragic illustration of this devotional illustrated in France:   jhs58.blogspot.com

There Is A "Carefulness" We Must Have

"Be assured that my words are not false; one who has perfect knowledge is with you."  (Job 36;4, NIV)

The NLT says, "....for I am a man of great knowledge."  The Message says, "I learned all of this firsthand from the Source....Trust me, I'm giving you undiluted  truth; believe me, I know these things inside and out."  The CEB says, "One with total knowledge is present with you."

Every time I read through Job I have to listen to this self righteous young man chide Job.  I have referred to this before, but these last couple of days, reading his impudent accusations against the only one of the 5 "combatants" of whom the Lord God says, "spoke of Me what is right," is always off-putting.  Since it is in The Book, however, I realize there is a lesson here for us all.

Most of us have been accosted, at one time or another, by people who know everything we need to know about spirituality.  You can not share with them something they don't already know, and/or they instruct you in spiritual matters as though you know either little or nothing at all.  I pray I never "come off" like that.  This does not mean that we should not speak with conviction, that we should not have a certainty about our walk of faith in Jesus Christ, nor total trust and faith in, "the Words of God."  It is, rather, an attitude thing.

James says that, "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy."  This is Jesus, Who is, "the Wisdom of God."  In like manner, this should be you and I.  I know that this has not always been my profile, and as I read of a young man who had the nerve to instruct another who, incidentally, forgot what that young man thought he knew, I pray a constant "attitude check."  Snoopy's book on theology had the "perfect title.  Has It Ever Occurred to You That You May Be Wrong?"

Father, in Jesus' Name, You have shown me, "what is good:...to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."  May this be I.  Amen.
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They may want to rethink the whole vote recount thing:   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

"....The World And All Its People...."

"The earth is the LORD'S, and everything in it, the world and all its people belong to Him."  (Psalm 24:1, NLT)

Not only does, "the world," need to realize and submit to this reality, but so too Christendom, which for too many centuries has allied itself in too many cases with, "Come, let us build for ourselves a city, and a tower whose top will reach into heaven, and let us make for ourselves a name...."  Right.  How's that going, Mankind?!?

I was reading an article entitled, "The Nationalist Revival."  You need to read this.  What has happened in the United States of America and currently going on in Europe is a reaction to those who would like to disband any national identity.  They make it sound as though love for one's country, singing national anthems, dealing with illegal immigrants, willingness to defend a particular people group is all a rival of Hitlerism.  In other words, as in Obama's philosophy, "Everybody else is right, and we're wrong." 

The article to which I have referred speaks of historic attempts to bring to the earth a sort of "can't-we-all-get-along" ruling philosophy.  This was the reasoning behind the League of Nations, the United Nations.   There could be something of, "do to others," here, but mostly it is driven by humanism, man's desire and attempts to solve his problems without the Lord Jesus Christ.  Babel proved that the Living Triune God will just not allow this to happen.

I deeply believe that something is going on in the heavenlies, which is manifesting right now in, "the world and all its people."  King Jesus will not be mocked nor rejected without a very severe consequence to those who so do.  Be encouraged today, however, with the reminder that you and I as Followers of Jesus are on the winning side.  The battle between "nationalists" and "internationalists" will go on until the Trumpet sounds.  Then, my friend, it will all "be over but the shoutin'," literally.  Stay in union in Jesus.  Stay in His Words.  Stay in fellowship with like minded people.  Make the most of every moment to bring the Good News in Jesus Christ to the nations.  As President Roosevelt ended his speech to the US Congress just after Pearl Harbor, "....we will gain the inevitable triumph, so help us God."  And He will.

Father, in Jesus' Name, what glorious times to be alive.  Amen.
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Article referred to 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

"....You, O Lord Are [My] Shield"

"But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One Who lifts up my head."  (Psalm 3:3)

Our text is the basis of a song which came out sometime in the 80s I think.  It's great.  I have been digging out some of the songs which I first heard hears ago.  The Church needs to be as the scribe of which our Lord Jesus speaks who, "....brings out of his treasure things new and old."  I have been playing the horn and singing with some of them using some accompaniment cds I have----glorious worship and intercession.

In a hostile world, a world which would rather live without you and me, without the Followers of Jesus, our text is a great promise and solid rock upon which to live each day.  Every day we wake up and go out our doors you and I can say, pray, declare, "But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One Who lifts up my head."

Father, in Jesus' Name, and I so do thank You that You Are my, "Shield."  Amen.

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Three new posts worthy of your examination 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

Only The, "....Born Of God Overcome[] The World"

"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world."  (1 John 5:4)

Last Sunday was the first day of Advent, the celebration of Jesus' First Appearing and the anticipation of Jesus' Second Appearing.  Jesus appeared the first time to affirm and fulfill our text.  Jesus will appear the second time to usher in, "a new heaven and a new earth.... and.... make all things new" (Revelation 21)

The Interlinear says, "For all having been born of God overcomes the world."  So here we have it; "....all having been born of God," can and will, "overcome[] the world," system, philosophies, religions, life styles.  When one may ask, "Well, who can overcome the world?" or, "What program can overcome the world?" or, What political philosophy, or religion, or what anything?---- we just point them to our text.

The Jews are still here, and Israel has been restored as a sovereign nation because, "....whatever is born of God overcomes the world."  The Church is still here in spite of those forces which have attempted to destroy, "the Body of Christ," throughout history.  Furthermore, the Church is still here today in nations where antichrist forces are still attempting to extinguish Her.  In a powerful short declaration we can say, Since the Church, "is born of God," the Church, "overcomes the world."

Of course, this goes without saying, that you and I as those who are the, "born of God," the Followers of Jesus Christ, "overcome[] the world."  Those in whom Jesus Christ does not live are not, "born of God"; hence, they do not have the life of The Living Triune God in them.  They cannot overcome.  Jesus, "the way, the truth, and the life," is the, "power of God to salvation...."  So you see, we have, "the way," in us, "the truth," in us, "and the life," in us, and, "the power of God to salvation," and the, "to," anything else we need for living.  Rejoice.  Dave and I have had three good hours so far today doing just that.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I have no power at all to, "overcome the world," without You.  I thank You that You are my Overcoming Power.  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

"Let The Wicked Fall Into Their Own Nets"

"Keep me (and my nation) safe from the traps set by evildoers....Let the wicked (in my nation) fall into their own nets, while I (my family, Your Church) pass by in safety."  (Psalm 141:9, 10--NIV)

Prayed Psalms 141-145 this morning.  As I mostly do, I prayed them for myself, family, the Church, which includes you, and the nations.  I am praying many of the Psalms for the United States of America.  This "recounting" of the election results is nothing but the effort of humanists to drag America further into the abyss.

I had a dream over the Thanksgiving.  I won't go into the details, but in that dream I encountered Oral Roberts and he looked right at me with a stern look and said, "Spend 6 hours a day with Dave."  I know; crazy, right?  Not a "proper" name, but a nickname.  The only conclusion I have been able to come to is that it was possibly a reference to David.  And, of course, we know that David was an intercessor/worshiper/pray-er.  Six hours a day?  I got out the horn today, which I used to do, and began to walk in something of what the dream may be about, worship, intercession.  Jesus said to Ezekiel, "Indeed you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument...."  Regardless, there is certainly a precedent here.  I used to sing the Psalms, play the horn, then worship, pray.  Sorry for the personal reference here, but I really believe there is something much more here than just a "word" to me.

I don't know the full extent of what is going on in the US right now, but I can tell you that the Enemy of mankind never gives up the fight.  People may grow weary in the fight, but he never does, nor do his henchmen.  Was my dream a warning of things to come?  Could America descend into a "banana republic"?  Or was the sound trouncing the humanists took in this last election an indication of "things to come?"  Is revival on the horizon?  Did the Church in the US finally "wake up?"  President-Elect, Trump, was not my first choice, even my second, but his election does reveal one thing.  Very many Americans are fed up and disgusted with the direction in which the nation has been going.

Jesus is, "The Word of God."  You know that, don't you?  When we pray Jesus' Words, there is a very real sense in which we are praying our Lord Jesus Christ "into" all settings, His Reign, His Purposes, His Will.  Thanksgiving Day here in the US was Psalm 119 day, and I just cannot get over how absolutely powerful a prayer is Psalm 119.  If you are going through turmoil in these days, if you are, "weary and heavy laden," Jesus says, "Come to Me."  I strongly believe that, "Come to Me," is rooted in, "Come to Me," and My Words."  And when we do, "You shall find rest for your souls."  All prayer, all worship, all missions, all everything is only powerful to the extent that we are absolutely committed and surrendered to, "the Words of God," as those of whom our Lord Jesus spoke, those who, "....come[] to Me and hear[] my Words and puts them into practice,.." those, "....who d[i]g down deep and la[y] the foundation on rock."  This is "Blessed Assurance."

Father, in Jesus' Name, "O for grace" and strength to walk in Your Words.  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

"Warnings and Encouragements"

"Someone in the crowd said to Him, 'Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me." (Luke 12:13, NIV)

In other words, "I want you and everyone else in my life to give me everything I want."

Reality Check:    "Warnings and Encouragements"
This is the title of a NIV translation for Luke 12.  It describes Jesus' Words which we are about to read.  Most people of the present generation think that Jesus' Words are, and should be shared only as, "encouragements"; forget the "warnings."  They can "rework" all of this, of course, but they are not reading and proclaiming, "the Words of God."

Personally, I am glad for reading the Bible and allowing Jesus' Words to come to me, all of Jesus' Words.  Otherwise, is sort of like a little child, this reading only what we want to read.  We are telling Father that we will "take it from here" and create our own religion; we know best, and want a "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood."  Our Living Triune God, however, just keeps being our loving Father, Son and Brother, and Guiding, Sustaining Holy Spirit.  If I read, listen and obey, I am the one who is in, "whatsoever he does shall prosper", the Biblical definition of, "prosper."

Luke 12 opens with, "....a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another...", sort of like America's "Black Friday", people scrambling for quick bargains, getting more for less and not caring who they may "trample" in the process.  Our text reflects such a culture.  But those who, "follow the Lamb wherever He goes," are of a different species.  Our lives are to reflect the next Words of Jesus to the greedy demander, "Watch out!  Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.... Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.  For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes....Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?"

If a person wants "life," he/she prefers Jesus' Words over all others.

Father, in Jesus' Name, even though there have been times in my life where I preferred my words and ways, thank You that You never changed Yours----------- for me.  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.'"

Hebrews 12:2