"....The Power of His Might"

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  Put on the whole armor of God...."  (Eph. 6:10, 11a)

I finished this portion of the reading for the last quarter a couple of days ago.  I think it fitting that I close out each quarter with this solemn exhortation/warning.  Notice that the, "strong in the Lord and in the power of His might," is directly connected with, "the whole armor of God."  

I always take note that the, "armor," is mostly defensive."  But, "the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God," is primarily an offensive weapon.  For me, it's the best way to pray.  When I pray my words, I am never quite sure of the purpose of God in what I am praying.  Yes, we are commanded to, "pray without ceasing," and that we should, "make our requests known."  And, yes, there are other "ways" to pray other than directly from Scripture.  I'm just telling you, however, that I sense, "the power of His might," most strongly when I pray what He is saying.  There are other teachings on the "purpose" of, "the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God," but for me:  It's survival. 

This coming calendar I predict that we will notice an ever-increasing attack on the American President.  There is an evil which has been unleashed in the press which is greater than previous generations.  Again, the Words of Paul to Timothy, "In the last days evil men will go from bad to worse."  This is literally happening before our eyes.  You and I are commanded by our Lord Jesus, and I can add, even more intensely in these, "last days," to, "be strong in [Jesus]," because if we believe what the Bible says of the close of the age, the, "last days," generation will have to be the "strongest."

Hence; "Be strong in the Lord Jesus and the power of His might.  Put on the whole armor of God."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I have no, "might," but, "His might."  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

"Who Minister By Night"

"Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord who minster by night in the house of the Lord." (Psalm 134:1, NIV)

I pray that you have been having a great Christmas Season with family and friends.  We have 12 of us in our house, and, of course, enjoying the time.  I'm getting this off while most are still in bed.

There are more passages which have such phrases as, "early will I seek Thee," than, "by night...."  For most of my life, I have always functioned better in the latter part of the day than in the early part.  I can remember in high school football camp I made the team mostly in the afternoon practices rather than the morning ones.  You may recall that David Wilkerson's Teen Challenge was launched from his midnight to 02:00 prayer time.  No matter about the "point" here.  David's, "evening, morning, and at noon I will pray, " gives us the pattern of a life lived abiding in Jesus.

Notice, "evening, morning, and at noon I will pray," not just, "I have my quiet time early in the morning."  Maybe our days would be different if the modern Church practiced, "evening, morning, and at noon I will pray."

Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You for such love of continual reminding.  Amen.

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We have room for about 8 more in the January 27 briefing.  It will be at 11:00.  Please let me know as soon as possible if you will attend.

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

Where Are You Standing Today?

"Therefore He said that he would destroy them, had not Moses His chosen one stood before Him in the breach, to turn away His wrath, lest He destroy." (Ps. 106:23, from today's Psalms reading)

It was 28 years ago today that the evil government of the reign of the Ceausescus came to an end in Romania.  President George H. W. Bush said that this was not a political revolution; it was a spiritual revolution.  One of the reasons for this victory was a group of 4000 Followers of Jesus in Timisora, kneeling and praying in the rain---- "had not_____ stood before [Me] in the breach...."

"So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one." (Ezekiel 22:30)  Fundamentally, this is Jesus Christ on that Roman cross.  The Bible tells us that Jesus, "....delivers us from the wrath to come."  The text also speaks, however, of people like those Romanian Followers of Jesus who participate in Jesus, "in the breach," for the whole world.  The Word for, "breach," in today's text is the exact same Word which is translated in the Ezekiel 22:30 passage as, "gap."  The Word seems to have military connotations, the idea of an enemy making a "breakthrough."  And in that, "breakthrough, gap, breach," is exactly where you and I, members of the Church, need to be. 

I cannot remember when I have felt more empowered to do this.  What about you today?  Do you have any sense of urgency, "....on behalf of the land," whether Israel or your nation?  For the USA, I believe one of the major breakthroughs was in the year of 1962-1963.  It was a masterful military strategy on the part of Satan.  He found a negligent, self-absorbed, focusing-on-things-other-than-Jesus-and-His-Words Church, caught us sleeping, and allowed Satan's willing henchmen to take prayer and Bible reading out of the American schools, thereby destroying the, "wall," of our nation's founding.  This was just as our Lord Jesus said of the latter days, "But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way"  Though I was only 19 & 20 when this went down, I was sleeping.

Personally, I believe that our Lord Jesus Christ is Father's, "...Chosen One [who stands] before Him in the breach...."  And what He is calling to you and me to do is what He said to Moses in the wilderness, "But as for you, stand here by Me...."  You and I may not be in the governments of our respective nations, but we are Citizens of the Kingdom of God/Heaven.  Those who are enemies of the Godhead cannot, "st[an]d before Him in the breach, to turn away His wrath...."  It is up to you and me. 

Father, in Jesus' Name, help me to walk in all that You mean in Your Word.  Amen.

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We have room for about 8 more for the January 27, 2018, briefing.  Please let us know if you will be attending.

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

"Fear Not, For I Am With You" (The Triune God)

"For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned like a hearth.  My heart is stricken and withered like grass, so that I forget to eat my bread.  Because of the sound of my groaning my bones cling to my skin.  I am like a pelican of the wilderness; I am like an owl of the desert.  I lie awake, and am like a sparrow alone on the housetop."  (Psalm 102:3-7)

Been there.

When I read our text each month, I am reminded of the period in my life when I could have written this Psalm.  Maybe you have one too.  Or, maybe you are now writing it.  If you are not, and perhaps never have, "written" such, "....do not be arrogant, but tremble."

"Life is full of surprises," the saying goes.  It is.  You know that as well as I.  Just think of what you thought your life would be like 30 years ago, and what it is today.  Some of the surprises are welcomed, some are not.  Some of those "surprises" can lead us to today's text, "I am like a pelican of the wilderness;...I lie awake, and am like a sparrow alone...."  But I don't need to tell you today that, "Yea, even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil," that evil of being alone and feeling abandoned, "....of the wilderness,..of the desert-- on the housetop."

Jesus continually tells us (that is if you and I continually read His Words), "For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you'....Fear not, for I am with you.  Be not dismayed, for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yes, I will help thee; yes, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My Righteousness....Come to Me,..and I will give you rest.... My... burden is light....Fear not; I Am the First and the Last."

Father, in Jesus' Name, You have been and are Faithful to me.  I receive Your Words afresh today that I am not like that, "pelican," and, "owl."  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

"Follower," Who Me?

"Whoever serves Me must follow Me; and where I am, My servant also will be.  My Father will honor the one who serves Me."  (John 12:26)

I shared yesterday from my Gospel reading; I thought I would again today.  I have shared before on our text, but it has been such a powerful encouragement to me, that I wanted to "remind you of these things."

One who serves must be one who follows.  There are just too many books today about "leadership."  Maybe the Church would be better off if it emphasized more and more, "Whoever serves...must follow...."  How many leaders do you know who are followers?  I have written before, and I write it again.  Follower is for most a bad word, a "put down" word.  "O, he's a follower."  Frankly, I am always suspicious of a person who constantly looks for ways to lead, be in charge, looking for leadership roles.  I wonder what local congregations would be like if members said to their pastors, "I would like to follow you."  I can hear it now, "Oh!  I don't follow any man."  Fine, but how is your "follower-life?"

Our Lord Jesus gives us a life principle here, and it is much "deeper" than I can understand or express.  The only way you and I can be "with" Jesus is to follow Jesus, "Whoever serves Me must follow Me."  (This text took us to Berlin in October 1998.)  Maybe instead of saying, "The Lord led me there," we should say, "I followed Jesus there."  I really believe it would change our whole perspective on Kingdom Life and affect any needed attitude change.  It changes the whole role from asking Jesus to go with me to committing to Jesus to, "follow Me,"/Him---- "wherever" He is going.  It is easier for us to come to Jesus and say, "Be with me today," or, "Go with me," or, "Help me in what I am doing and want to do." 

Maybe pray something like this: "Lord Jesus, you know what I am going through at work, school, in my family.  I will follow You through this.  Amen."  May our Lord Jesus give us understanding in all of this, and write our text in our hearts.

Father, in Jesus'  Name, I must admit that by nature I would rather lead than follow.  Forgive me if this manifests in my relationship with you and others.  Teach me, Holy Spirit, and make me a follower of You.  Amen.

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Thank you to all who have responded to my request to let us know if you are receiving the devotionals and want to continue to receive them.

There are, however, still about 80 on our mailing list from whom we have received no response.

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

"Mary, Did You Know...?"

"I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die."  (John 11: 25, 26--KJV)

I share this in the KJV because this is how I memorized it while in college.  This is how I heard it from Jesus that day, so long ago, at the gravesite of Stephen.  This is how I still hear it.

I had a choice on that June day in 1970:  Believe these Words, or believe everything and most everyone else.  I am alive today because I have chosen the former.  Nothing that day in my senses, my body, soul, or spirit, for those who like to separate humans as such, would "function."  I just stood there staring at that little casket, numb, emotionless, nothing.

But during those moments, hours, days, months, and eventually years which have followed, I am still being sustained by those same "Wonderful Words of Life," because they are not just printed words on some nice paper.  They are The Very Words of Jesus, "The Word," yes, the very, "Word of God," Himself. 

"Mary, did you know Your Baby Boy" would do this for me?

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

"Face Me" (Jesus)

"So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one." (Ezekiel 22:30)

I will attempt to exegete our text without going into too much detail.  But you know as well as I that this is one of those passages which has been quoted ad infinitum, sort of like 2 Chronicles 7:14.  I confess guilty to never fully studying Ezekiel 22:30 as I did last night and this morning.  Please notice with me the wonderfully powerful, "Word of the Lord," to His People in our text.

Last night the phrase, "I sought for a man," left me with a sense that the People of God have not been responding to Jesus' Purposes in the Earth as we should (myself included).  He had to go on a search, "for a man."  Then I noticed that Jesus was/is looking, "for a man," literally, "to take one's stand,"  And where does Jesus want this, "man," to be?-- "in the gap."  But when you consider the Word for, "gap," you find that it is a, "bursting forth, a breach."  One dictionary defines, "breach," as "an act of breaking or failing to observe a law, agreement, or code of conduct" (anyone want to talk of irrelevancy?).  Breach is also defined as, "a gap in a wall, break, rupture, split, especially made by an attacking army."  Maybe you already knew this; I didn't.  But can you now see with me what an impact this Word is having?!? 

I also noticed that the Word for, "land," can also be translated, "earth," and to, "stand before me," can translate, "face Me."  Too much of Christendom has been like the pharisee, "stood and was praying... with himself."  Could our Lord be saying to His Church, "Stop praying with yourself.  Face Me."  I have been seeing this more and more since last night that the Living Triune God was saying to Ezekiel (and to you and me) that He is looking for a man to, "stand before Me," to, "face Me," on behalf of, yes, Israel, but also the nations of the Earth.  Now forget the egocentric talk and acting out of some who see themselves as the one and only person in the universe who will do this.  Maybe the, "man," is that, "one new man," spoken of in the Bible as the Church; no matter.  I know what the Lord Jesus has spoken to me so long ago.  Obedience is the definition of faith.

Hence, I am off to DC this afternoon, because the OSCE Hearing was moved up to tomorrow morning, but also to spend a full day and a half in DC, "standing before, facing" our King, Jesus Christ, not facing me, not facing you, not facing any political persuasion, "facing" Jesus.  Please pray with me to do that faithfully.  And, let us pray together for the Church to either start, or renew our position, "Face Me."

Father, in Jesus' name, I thank You so much for speaking to me "in the night seasons."  I pray for Your Church, the, "new man," to be obedient, faithful to, "face [You]," and only You.  Amen.

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* Will be in DC from later this afternoon until Friday afternoon.

* If you wish to attend my briefing on January 27, please let me know as soon as possible.

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

"Whenever I Am Afraid, I...."

"Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You." (Psalm 56:3)

Had an interruption this morning, because the snow is really building here.  Ah, Johnstown.

Today's text stands alone as a verse.  Now the ones among us, who have to maintain the spiritual perception of others, would never admit to fear.  Good luck.  Quite honestly, a little more dose of fear would have probably kept me from jumping from a train in Romania many years ago.  Fear can be good.  It's what helps to preserve the Race.

But there is no doubt that David is speaking of the, "afraid," kind of fear.  And his conclusion? Sounds simple, but it is Eternally powerful, "Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You."  Remember what our Lord Jesus said to the disciples when they saw Him coming to them, walking on the sea, "Be of good cheer!  It is I; be not afraid."  This is the, "God-Breathed," Word to His Church today, to you and me.

The list of those things which can cause fear is quite long.  The key to living victoriously in Jesus, however, is exactly that--- living in Jesus Christ.  Jesus, the One Who overcame death and the grave, the One Who defeated the Destroyer, is the One Who lives in you and me.  "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."  Remember what the messenger said to the shepherds "on a cold winter's night"?  "Fear not...."  Then he gave the reason for fearlessness for all time, "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord."

Father, in Jesus' Name, You say many times in the Scriptures, "Fear not," and you continually give me reasons not to fear:  You!  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

"NEVER"!

"Cast ('fling, throw') your burden on the LORD, and He shall sustain ('provide with sustenance') you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved." (Psalm 55:22)

I think that you and I need to take particular note today of the Word, "never," in our text.  And, never forget this, "never," of, "The Word of God," Jesus.

The word for, "moved," means, "totter, shake, slip."  The word for, "burden," can mean, "anxiety, cares."  It also seems to have something to do with "allotted portion," or, something which comes from the Lord Himself, "ministry, work," possibly "lot in life?"

Whatever the fullest meaning of our text, there is the promise here that when you and I give everything that has to do with us, indeed, our very being to our Lord Jesus Christ, there is the accompanying, "NEVER," and, "never," needs no further explanation; it just needs rejoicing in.  When you and I "climb on" Jesus, He becomes our Burden-Bearer, no matter the ,"burden," no matter the, "anxiety," no matter, as our Lord Jesus called it, "the cares of this life...."----------- NEVER!

Now, whatever you and I have for the rest of this day, indeed, for the rest of our lives, never forget today's text.  Jesus affirms the Reality in Matthew 11:28-32.  Do we understand today this wonderful "mystery?"  When Jesus comes to abide, live in us, all He is is in all we are, and because of this, "your burden," of life need never weigh us down. 

Father, in Jesus' Name, I rejoice today in Your, "never."  Amen.

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* Will be praying Thursday, December 14, in the Supreme Court Building, the Capitol Building, The Helsinki Commission, and the White House.

* We have 10 people so far signed up for the briefing at the Lamplighter Resturant in Delmont, PA, January 27.  Will confirm details later.

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

"Out Of The Heart Proceeds...."

"The law of his God is in his heart....Your law is within my heart."  (Psalm 37:31a; 40:8b)

Yesterday I wrote of what some see others do not, or what some do not see others do.  Could it have something to do with "heart."  People say, "He really has heart."  What are we saying in that?  Perhaps we are speaking of what the person really is, even though it may be difficult to "put our finger on it," something which we cannot describe, but nonetheless see.

The great and fundamental promise of the Bible, both Old Testament and New, which includes the Gospels, is found in Jeremiah and recounted in Hebrews, "I will put My law in their minds and write it in their hearts...."  This is the only way that you and I can live a victorious life.  Jesus said that it was, "out of the heart proceeds," what we are really.  Too many appraise people based on what they literally see.  Jesus rebuked this life style, the hypocrite, who lives the life of the visible, that which is easy to see, perceive.  It is the stuff of quick and ill advised judgments of others, "good" or "bad."

Psalm 37:31 says that the righteous person has, "The law of his God...in his heart."  If Jesus' Law/Word is not in my heart, it is not "in" me.  And I think we can paraphrase Psalm 40:8, "I delight to do Your will, O my God, [because] Your Law is within my heart."  No matter what we say, what we do, eventually what is in our heart will manifest who we are.  Too many are attempting to control their behavior.  Maybe we should make a greater effort to "control" our hearts.

Father, in Jesus' Name, all I can do at this moment is to declare and ask this to be in my heart:  "I delight to do Your will...because Your Law/Word is within my 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

What Jesus Sees That You Or Others May Not

"Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark.  But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work."  (Acts 15:37, 38)

I prayed Psalm 35 for President Trump early this morning.  As I have watched/listened to the diabolical hatred for him, I thought of how some people see something others do not, sort of like in our text.

This week is the annual Army/Navy Game.  I was invited to attend this great rivalry game as a recruit of Army in 1960.  One of the recruiters introduced me to the Army head coach as "the best running back in the State of Pennsylvania."  That was not true.  If it had been, I would have been all state; I wasn't.  The question to me was, and still is, What did he see in me that I didn't?  Why did Michigan heavily recruit me and Penn State did not?  The only answer I can come up with is that some saw something which others did not.  Forgive me for this illustration, but there is a life lesson here which has intrigued me most of my life.  It has more affect on us than most realize.  Our text reveals this phenomenon.  

Barnabas saw something in Mark which Paul did not.  Later in Paul's life, however, he actually asks that Mark join him in, "the work."  There is a great lesson here for all of us.  Be careful how we judge.  Now many will say, "O, I don't judge anyone."  Right.  Regardless, a glorious reality about our Lord Jesus Christ is that He saves us not because of our likeability, our gifts, our great personality, sense of humor, compassion, anointing, works, etc., etc., things by which far too many judge us, and thereby determine whether we are friend-worthy, or worthy period.  Just think, for instance, how we choose friends.  Yet in Jesus' Blood all who come to Jesus, "just as I am," are received by Jesus, "just as I am."  This is not an excuse for our sin.  This is an invitation to us to repent and receive Jesus just as we are, to become just as He is.

Father, in Jesus' Name, help me to see in others what and the way You see.  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 Stood At Calvary"--- Again

"'We found this fellow perverting the nation, and...saying that He Himself is Christ, a King....Away with this Man, and [give] us Barabbas....Crucify Him, crucify Him!'...Jesus turning to them, said, '...do not weep for Me, but weep for your children'....And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals...."  (From Luke 23)

In this season of, "the Little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay," I read today of this Event, as Graham called it, "The pivotal point in history."

There is no greater account of the "Passion" of Jesus than Luke 23.  Every quarter it takes me to what the song says, "I Stood At Calvary."  I just pray that every moment of every day you and I stand "at Calvary."  If this every gets "old" or boring to anyone on planet earth, if this ever ceases to be the foundational, central message of today's Church, may God have mercy on us all. 

It was/is the Cross, the death of the Passover Lamb, Which/Who gives you and me Eternal Life.  It was, "....through the Blood of His Cross," that you and I can sing, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen."  The One of Whom Micah says is, "from days of Eternity," is the One of Whom the angels said was, "....born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord", born in the town of which the carol writer said, "Yet in thy dark streets shineth the Everlasting Light."  Humanity can only walk in this "Everlasting Light" because of Calvary.

Below this devotional on our Blog Site is a recording of that great song, "I Stood At Calvary."  Enjoy, and "stand" with me.

Father, in Jesus' Name, may every moment of every day I "[stand] at Calvary."  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 Renaissance-I Stood At Calvary

A New Testament Teaching

"And His commands are not burdensome."  (1 John 5:3, NIV, from today's reading)

Then why do so many think they are?

The Garden reveals that Satan effectively deceived man concerning obedience.  He basically said that if we obey the Lord God, we will miss out on a really great life.  What mankind has discovered, however, is that what is really "burdensome" is you and I running our own lives.

Now, in our minds at least, we know better than the lie of Genesis 3, don't we?  But when people say such things as, "O, that's Old Testament," what they are really saying is, "Forget the laws of God.  I'm free now to do what I like," all the while harboring some erroneous theology that one can just confess and ask for forgiveness if they have a moment of conscience attack.

We are told in Scripture that the commands/laws/ordinances of God are, "....for our good always."  We are also told that to live a life in disobedience to God's Law brings severe consequences, which includes making terrible choices in life.  Jesus said that He came to fulfill, "the Law and the Prophets," not destroy them.  I wonder if their ever was a book with a title something like, How To Walk In The Fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.

Jesus, "The Word of God," told Jeremiah that the day was coming when, "....I will put My Law IN their minds (literally, 'inward parts') and IN their hearts."  This, "is not burdensome."  When the world looks at you and me, they should be seeing a "revelation" of the, "Law and the Prophets."  This is exactly what the world beheld "when Christ was born in Bethlehem."  And as Jesus walked the shores of the Galilee, taught in the synagogues, healed the sick, raised the dead, died on the Cross and rose again, humanity saw just what that "bad" Old Testament was/is talking about.  Perhaps when the Book of Hebrews talks of a, "Better Covenant," one of the meanings is that the New Covenant explains the Old Covenant, a "revelation" of that Covenant.  For sure, the New Covenant is fulfillment of the Old.  May our lives so manifest.

Father, in Jesus' Name, if I have ever harbored a wrong attitude about Your Law, I ask forgiveness and a renewed mind in the Holy Spirit.  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 Nothing You Dismay"

"And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.  Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.'" (Luke 16:23, 24)

There has been debate over this passage for generations.  What I noticed again this quarter as I read it is that while the "modern" translations use the word, "Hades," we need to also remember that traditionally, "Hades," has been described only as "the abode of the dead," not Hell as we understand it, e.g., "the Lake of Fire."  So if all the myriad of interpretations are correct, why does our text say of, "Hades," that the rich man said, "for I am tormented in this flame"?  Personally, I take no chances. 

Regardless, for me, the great words of the Christmas Carol, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," declares the "good" in the Good News of the Gospel, "to save us all from Satan's power," whatever Hades and Hell may be.  It is "Satan's power" which seduces mankind from our Lord Jesus Christ.  Everything Satan does is meant to destroy you and me; he is one who hates everything which Jesus creates, everyone whom Jesus loves and gave Himself for, which means everyone on the planet, now and always.  This whole scenario sounds Medieval to many, "....but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God."

So, "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 had gone astray.  O, tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy.  O, tidings of comfort and joy."

Father, in Jesus' Name, You are my "comfort and 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

Away With, "Anxious Toil"

"It is vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for He gives His beloved sleep." (Psalm 127:2, ESV)

The key phrase here is, "anxious toil."  We know that, "toil," is not the problem; "anxious," is.  It is the cause of many sleepless nights.

Work, even very "hard work," is no problem.  What ruins a person is, "anxious work."  If one looks back over the years of his/her life, we soon realize that much of what caused anxiety had no justification.  We have all heard, "Well, that's easy to say now."  Yes, "after" is always easier than before.  But as I once entitled a sermon, "The God of the before and after," this is indeed our Living Triune God in Jesus Christ.  Consider the Faithfulness of Jesus in the past.  Jesus' Faithfulness will be the same in the "future."

Looking back and giving thanks takes little "faith."  Looking forward and giving thanks requires, "looking unto Jesus," faith.  Let's look back today and consider just how foolish was, "anxious toil."  Look forward today with the same consideration. 

Father, in Jesus' Name, I do thank You for all You have done and been to me in the past.  I thank You today for all You will do and "be" to me in the future.  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

And Yet Again Jesus Reminds Me

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."  (Psalm 119:105, ESV)

On this day in history, "Origin of the Species" was published.  It was a lie from Hell.  Yet, most of humanity has been without the lamp and light of Jesus' Words, and the inevitable dupping occurred.  Never forget that we cannot ignore the Scriptures and escape deception.  

The psalmist prayed, "Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk."  Can't happen without, "Your Word....".  People read much and listen to much that comes from humanity.  People who call themselves followers of Jesus will spend hours before the TV, but not near as much time subjected to the Words, the Breath of God.

I wonder what the Church would be like if we spent the same amount of time listening to Jesus as most of us spend listening to and watching man.  Perhaps Darwin would not have succeeded in converting humanity to his views had the Church been as committed to believing Jesus's Words as so many were/are to Darwin.  

My friend, Sam Brownback was in a Republican primary race for the US presidency.  They were asked during a televised debate if anyone of them rejected Darwinism.  Without hesitation, Sam responded in the affirmative.  The rest did not.  Why?  "Your Word (not Darwin) is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I freely confess and acknowledge that, "Your Wod is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path," and so thank You for Him.  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'" "Looking unto Jesus" Hebrews 12:2

May We Break The Cycle

"Who can utter the mighty deeds of the Lord, or declare all His praise?...He saved them from the hand of the foe and redeemed them from the power of the enemy....But they soon forgot His works; they did not wait for His counsel....They despised the pleasant land, having no faith in His promise....Nevertheless, He looked upon their distress, when He heard their cry.  For their sake He remembered His covenant...." (From Psalm 106, ESV)

Here we have the history of, well, everybody.  Notice the pattern here, "praise," then, "He saved them," then, "But they soon forgot," then, "Nevertheless...He remembered His covenant."  Jesus' Mercy triumphs over all. 

This is all too frequently, however, the cycle of life for the Believer.  The command of Jesus to, "Abide in Me," is not an idle command.  It may be taken too lightly by so many, because the tendency of most is to treat something very familiar, something repeated over and over, as the Bible does every time we read it, with a sort of over familiarity.  But Jesus' Words still stand, not only as a glorious invitation, but also an ominous warning, that if we do not take heed to the invitation/command, we will follow the pattern in today's text.

"If you abide in Me...and My Words abide in you..."--  The promised "outcome" of this is, "....ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you."  Now, forget that Cadillac you never got, or that healing which has evaded you, and today think of our greatest, "....ask...," viz., "....save[] us from the hand of the foe and redeem[] us from the power of the enemy."  This is the glorious ongoing promise of Jesus Christ, "The Lord is my light and my salvation....The Lord is the strength of my life...."  Defeat comes to those who are too sure of their spirituality, too confident in their status as a "righteous" person.  Paraphrase:  "'....Abide in...My Words..,' and I will c0ntinually, 'save[ you] from the foe and redeem[ you] from the power of the enemy.'"  

Father, in Jesus' Name, I'm so thankful that you always, "remember[ Your] covenant."  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 Will Destroy The Wisdom Of The Wise"

"For message ('word') of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.  For it is written:  'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.'" (1 Corinthians 1:18, 19--NIV)

If you really look at "news events" around the world, you see the accuracy of the Bible.  Those who attempt to put doubt in the minds of humanity about, "The Words of God," are not match for the declarations of the Godhead.

You know as well as I that every day there is an attempt by the Enemy to get you and me to doubt the Bible's "reliability," and "truthfulness" and "accuracy" and all the other human demands, which are nothing but man's feeble attempt to justify his meager existence and reasonings.  Back to our text: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."  Jesus has been doing this from the beginning.  Needless to say that Jesus, "Who is made to us Wisdom from God," tells us in the Proverbs to, "Get wisdom."  Notice, however, you and I, and every other personage on the planet, has to, "Get wisdom."  We are not born with it.  The, "Wisdom from God," is only in Jesus Christ.

Reject at every turn any attempt to rely on, "the wisdom of the wise," and, "the intelligence of the intelligent...."  The Living Triune God, "will frustrate," us at every turn in that endeavor.  Believe, "The Word of God."  Accept, "The Word of God," as our wisdom and intelligence and we will live overcomingly in Jesus.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You for Your great, "frustration," ministry.  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

"Enter...His Gates With Thanksgiving"

"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise.  Be thankful to Him, and bless His Name."  ((Psalm 100:4)

Much talk in these days about "praise and worship."  Here, the Holy Spirit includes in the journey, "thanksgiving," and, I might add, with equal importance. 

The longer I live, the more I realize just how much I have for which to be thankful to our Lord Jesus Christ.  But don't just "realize it."  Do it.

Father, in Jesus' Name, my thanksgiving is boundless.  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

"Always Providing"

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed...." (Luke 4:18, from today's Gospel reading)

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,..." to do everything you and I need, everything.  So why do so many lack so much?

Jesus is for, "....the poor;...the brokenhearted,..the captives..., the blind,...the oppressed...," and in Jesus' being for for us, He does our text.  The declaration encompasses our whole being.  Jesus is Our Complete Provider.  If these Words apply to any reading this, I remind us all that Jesus is for us.  This text is for you and me today, "to have and to hold."  Just as Jesus provided for Mary and John from His Cross, Jesus is the "Always Providing One."  

If you and I do not accept these Words, well, we just need to remind ourselves that God is He, "....who cannot lie...."  Maybe what is needed for us, at least at times, is the persistence of the widow before the judge.  The Word for, "wear me out," in the passage literally means, "to hit under the eye."  Could, "....take it by force," apply to some of us?

Don't be discouraged, my friend.  Those long awaited Promises of the Savior are yours and mine.  Maybe we need to "suck it up" and once again do what we did so long ago-- remember?  We believed Jesus.  We "pressed in" to Jesus.  That child-like faith did so much, didn't it.  Rekindle it, in Jesus' Name!

Father, in Jesus' Name, be will all who are worn out.  Renew them in Your Words, Your Holy Spirit.  May that anointing, which You said is our too, be upon us all, the anointing to obey, receive and walk in.  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

The Pittsburgh Declaration

(Some have asked me for a copy of this.  I'm sending it to all on my email list)

To the Jewish Community of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:

We know that the Jewish people throughout the centuries have borne the greatest discrimination, the worst persecution, and the most barbaric atrocities of any people group.  We are aware that much of this has been done by those who called themselves Christians, sometimes while calling upon the Name of Jesus.  While those of us standing here with you today deplore and condemn in the strongest terms and way those crimes perpetrated against the Jewish People throughout history, we nonetheless ask for your forgiveness for all of the crimes perpetrated against you which were perpetrated by those calling themselves Christian.  These atrocities in no way reflect Jesus, Who Himself a Jew, embraced the Law and the Prophets.  As His Followers, we too affirm them and embrace them, and in that affirming and embracing we say to you and to the world that we will stand with the Jewish people as long as we have breath.

The concentration camps in Europe stand as silent sentinels to the past barbarity of the human race, not just Christians.  Anti-Semitism knows no ethnic, creedal, or political bounds.  But we repeat the words engraved and openly displayed at the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial: "Never Again."  By that we mean we are yours.  You will never be attacked as a people while we who are Christians stand by and do nothing.

We covenant with you that while others have stood silent during your times of suffering, we, the Community of those who follow Jesus, will never be silent, never abandon you, and covenant to supply you quarter should any present or future

events make that necessary.  Our prayer, as part of the Christian Community in Pittsburgh, is that you will always remember this commitment we make to you this First Day of May, 2011.

(Composed by Woody Barnette, April, 2011)

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

“Foolishness,” Or, “Power”— Our Choice

"The Word of the Cross is...the power of God."  (1 Corinthians 1:18, ESV)

The Holy Spirit spends some time in 1 Corinthians 1 & 2 teaching that preaching, and I might add, teaching, witnessing, etc., should not be, as the context declares, "....with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power....For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the absurdity of what we preach to save those who believe."  And to the world, the Cross of Jesus is an, "absurdity."  

Ah, "....but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God."  People can try the "figure-it-out" approach, or the "receiving" approach.  Reasoning, wisdom of man has no power in the face of, "....the power of God."  Think of what Jesus did on the cross.  Think of what Jesus did when He turned your life around, taking you from the "road to perdition," to the glories of His Heavenly Kingdom.  Think of the keeping power of Jesus, no reasoning can explain the working of Jesus in our lives.  We just receive Him/His working and praise and thank Him, "....a stumbling block to the Jews and absurdity to Gentiles."

Instead of attempting to figure out the workings of God in our lives, enjoy and live in the glories of the "finished work of the Cross."  God's wisdom finishes things in our lives.  Human eloquence and wisdom just keep stringing us along, no answers, just perpetual confusion.  "God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong....". If you ever battle a sense of, "I'm just not smart enough," or, "I just can't understand," or, "I just can't seem to....," no problem.  "God chose what is low and despised in the world...so that He might reduce to nothing the things that are, so that no one may [be able to] boast in the presence of God." (Amplified)

Father, in Jesus' Name, May the words of the song always be mine, "In the Cross of Christ I glory, towering o're the wrecks of time." Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'" "Looking unto Jesus" Hebrews 12:2

“Now To Him”

"Now to Him Who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the Eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—� to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ!  Amen."  (Romans 16:25-27, ESV)

This was one of my today's readings.  It has been a favorite Scripture to pray over people when we have sent them out in the missions fields.  

I read this today in the Stadtmitte (city center, or middle of the city) of Berlin.  The UBahn stop is called, "Stadtmitte."  This platform was opened as U2 on October 1, 1908, and was originally called Friedrichstrasse.   Little did Berliners know what the succeeding century would bring them.  But I can tell you from what little I know that the historic German culture was a very militaristic culture, just as Japan.  The only way to win against such a culture is to destroy it; that is what WW II did.  Yet, instead of repentance and believing the Gospel, the German has largely relied on his touted repetition of scientific brilliance.  Germany is the strongest economy in 

Europe and the fourth largest in the world.  For them, they worked their way "out of the ashes."  Sound familiar?

Now what?  Well, just as for the salvation of you and me, it is nothing but, "....the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the...prophetic writings...," which will bring the salvation and revival to the nations for which so many of us pray.  This preaching, "....according to the prophetic writings...," is another way of saying what Paul said to Timothy, "Preach the Word."  It is largely absent in today's Germany, just as in the United States of America.  I can say with absolute authority, however, that if this, "....preaching of Jesus Christ according to the...prophetic writings...," does not returned to Germany and the nations of the world, nothing else will bring the revival which we all seek.  And our text should not only govern the preaching, but also the praying, worship and service of the Church to our communities and, "to the uttermost part of the earth."  

Father, in Jesus' Name, strengthen and empower me in, "....the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the prophetic writings..," and in the living of the same.  Amen.

******************

* Sarah and I return to the States after midnight, Wednesday.  We appreciate any prayers. 

* I will be preaching in meetings of the Renewed Strength Church north of Dayton, Ohio, this coming Sunday.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not the  of us pray only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'" "Looking unto Jesus" Hebrews 12:2

“....He Looked Forward....”

"He considered the reproach of Christ [that is, the rebuke he would suffer for his faithful obedience to God] to be greater wealth than all the treasures of Egypt; for he looked ahead to the reward....". (Hebrews 11:26, Amplified Bible)

 The problem with most of us is that we look at the past or the present, what were our expectations, our "prophetic word," and the now which has not seen the fulfillment.  The, "God-Breathed," Word tells us to look as did Moses.  He had lost everything, nothing was looking promising in his "present circumstances," yet he was in a different realm from most of his contempories.  As verse 27 says, He, "Endured as seeing Him who is invisible." 

The key to Moses' triumphant walk was, "....he looked ahead....". The reality for too many is looking to the now, what I have or don't have.  Moses, "....left Egypt, the power, the influence, etc., again, "....for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen."  Looking to our expectations, our "prophetic words," will not sustain us in the battle.  The Holy Spirit tells us quite plainly the only way to live an overcoming life.  "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (as Moses, others in Hebrews 11 and Church History) stripping off every weight (expectations?) and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us,..focusing our eyes on Jesus," just as Moses, "was looking to the reward..., seeing Him who is invisible."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I know You are my Reward.  Help me to live like You Are.  Amen.

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We are leaving early tomorrow morning for Pawel's and Danuta's home in Poland

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'" "Looking unto Jesus" Hebrews 12:2

From Outside Humbolt Seminary

"Christ....entered the Holy Place once for all....". (Hebrews 9)

I have been worn out at the end of the day; hence, been negligent with the devotional.  It is now 13:37 and I had some soup just across from the Seminary, and writing this on my phone.

I was in the noontime prayer service in the Berliner Dom.  When it was over, I was asked to leave.  Prayer must give way to "filthy lucre."  Apparently they don't want tourists ducking the entrance fee by feigning prayer.  Why argue?!?  

Our text is a "Reformation" text.  In the Catholic Mass, they assert that the sacrifice of Christ is offered over and over.  That is the, "First Covenant."  The Hebrew writer says that the Second is based on, "better promises."  There is just non better than when Jesus cried out, "It is finished," it was indeed, "finished."  

'It's done, the great transaction's done. I am my Lord's and He is mine."  Catholicism is based on "coming and going," theology, much like, "Take us into His presence."  Don't need that.  Reformers believe we entered, "once for all," when Jesus entered our very beings and we entered, "were grafted in," to Jesus.  We entered Jesus and Jesus entered us when we, "open(ed) the door."  So whether in the Berlin Mitte, or a 6+ hour time difference, no matter.  Jesus, "entered the Holiest, "once for all," and so did you and I.

"He takes away the first in order to establish the second.  By the will we have been sanctified through the offering of the Body of Jesus Christ ONCE FOR ALL."  It is time the praying, worshiping community reestablishes the Reformation roots, the call to the Church to once again proclaim and live, "once for all."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I am eternally thankful for, "once for all."  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'" "Looking unto Jesus" Hebrews 12:2

“Never Again”?

"And when he sits on his royal throne, he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, out of what is before the Levitical priests.  And he shall keep it with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes and doing them, that his heart may not be lifted up above his brethren and that he may not turn aside from the commandment....". (Dt. 19, Amplified Bible)

This little girl was probably unaware of what she was standing on, the site of that barbaric night in May of 1933 when students, after listening to a fiery speech by Joseph Goebbels, took over 20,000 books, mostly by Jewish authors, and put them to the flame.

Ever 

She was not alive when the German People elected the National Socialist Party Candidate for Chancellor.  She did not live through the horrible years of German reconstruction after the Second War.  She knows nothing of the Cold War, and wasn't alive when the "wall came down."  All is comfort and peace now for her generation——— but how long will it last?

I was reading today's text across from the seminary of Humboldt University in Berlin.  It is the university where Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Karl Marx taught.  It has gone the way of 99 percent of seminaries today.  What if our text had been the theme of the German People in 1933?  What if Germany had not sought shelter under, "the refuge of lies"?  People say, "Never Again."  But how can anyone say this with certainty?  The only, "never again," is that you and I refuse to stand by while barbarism rules.  And the only way to be sure that we can fulfill that decree is to, again, be servants of our text.

What happened in Germany is happening all over the world.  Oh, there may not be the Nazis and the Hitlers, but every nation has rejected our text for their political leaders and the populace themselves.  Our text is for you and me, "though every man a liar."  It is not just for rulers and leaders.  It is a theme for all who have surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ.  Our safety is only in Jesus and His Words, not in democratic governments, super power military, or apparent peace in our environment.  Jesus says, "Come to Me...."— to nothing and no one else for the security which humanity seeks.

Father, in Jesus' Name, keep me from the false security of everything apart from You.  Amen.

Dah

It has been a long tiring day; I forgot to put in the text.  "Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus....". (Hebrews 3:1)

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'" "Looking unto Jesus" Hebrews 12:2

“Consider, Perceive, Observe, Understand

The first description of the word, "consider," in Strong's is, "to perceive, observe, understand."  Now several translations use the word, "consider," and the NIV says, "fix your thoughts on....". But I find the first description very interesting.  It is not just consider as we think of the word.  It is more intentional, more "serious."

Today as I was coming back from the Wannsee Conference House on the bus, I began to pray with an intensity which I have not for a while.  I had been thinking of what the German has forsaken, abandoned, forfeited, and the catastrophic result of such forsaking.  Germany is known in Church Hisotry as the "land of the Reformation," but now almost entirely a nation of apathy and rejection of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Words, the Bible.  It was truly a "praying on site with insight" experience.  I might add here that actually doing what our text commands was what led to that moment on the bus.

The command in our text is for you and me to do more thinking of Jesus in the way our text commands us.  "Consider, perceive, observe, Understand Jesus."  You may say, "Well how can anyone even begin to do that?"  That is for us to "figure out."  But the command is still there, "Consider Jesus.  Perceive Jesus,  Observe Jesus," and, yes, "Understand Jesus."  You know where that process begins—� in His Words.  When you read the Bible, "consider, perceive, observe, understand."  Other places in the Bible call it, "....and in His Law does he meditate day and night."  The beginning place to walk in Hebrews 3:1 is that upon which Jesus says the wise build, His Words.

This is what people do with that and those they love and value highly.  Need i say more.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray for help in learning more how to do this passage.  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only s.emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'" "Looking unto Jesus" Hebrews 12:2