"....That I May See The Benefit...."

"Remember me, O Lord, with the favor You have toward Your people.  Oh, visit me with Your salvation, that I may see the benefit of Your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of Your nation, that I may glory with Your inheritance." (Psalm 106:4, 5)

In other words, I want in on everything You are doing and everything You promise, all, "....the benefit[s]...."  The word can mean, "pleasant, agreeable, good, sweet, pleasing."  You know what is coming next: This is our Lord Jesus Christ, Who He Is, What He Does when the Father, Son, Holy Spirit, "....visit me with Your salvation...."

In other places this is called, "the blessing of Abraham," which the Bible tells us is for those who are surrendered to Jesus Christ.  Notice that Jesus', "salvation," brings, the benefit...."  You know that the Hebrew Word for, "salvation," means, "deliverance, help, prosperity, security, victory," all of which are, "the benefit of Your chosen ones."

It is noon time here in the Eastern Time Zone, the "middle" of the day.  Much has been done; more to be done in this day.  What has been, we know.  What is to be, we don't.  Yet in the certainties and uncertainties of life you and I in Jesus have, "the benefit of [His] chosen ones."  Our Lord Jesus "visited" us with Salvation in His Shed Blood, His death on a Roman cross, His resurrection, which is the guarantee for, "....the benefit of Your chosen ones."  Everyone wants a job "with benefits."  VOILA!

Father, in Jesus' Name, Your, "benefit," is unmatched.  Amen.
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* Berlin/Wittenberge: October 28-November 15
* Washington, DC: September 27, 28 & October 20
* Preaching in supporting churches: October 1 & 8

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 Wither Away....You, Lord, Sit Enthroned Forever"

"My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like grass.  But You, Lord, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations....For we are the temple of the Living God.  As God has said: 'I will dwell in them, and walk in (also, 'among') them....'" (Psalm 102:11, 12--NIV; 2 Corinthians 6:16)

What a contrast.  "I wither away....But You sit enthroned forever."

Today's text is from recent readings.  I noticed that most translators make a paragraph separation between verses 11 & 12 in Psalm 102.  I suggest it is best for you and me to not do that.  "....I wither away like grass.  But You, O Lord...."  This is a great life principle.  When I look at my feebleness, it is then the smart move to right away look at the, "....endure forever," of Jesus.  It is classic, "Looking unto Jesus."  Consider Who Jesus Is, not who I am without Him, "....wither away like grass."

The Second Corinthian passage is a great promise for us who, "...wither away like grass."  It takes a grass-like weakling like me to a place of utter victory and undefeatableness.  In Jesus, and because of His Shed Blood, death and resurrection, we have the great declaration of the Living Triune God, "I will dwell in them, and walk IN (among) them...."  When you are in, "the evening shadow," Jesus, "the Light of the world," is our, "light and my salvation." 

Okay, so there is truth in, "I wither away like grass.  Yet the Eternal Power of, "But You, O Lord...dwell in...and walk in," us is the, victory that overcomes, "the evening shadow," of our lives------------ right now, tonight, tomorrow, the rest of our days in this sojourn!

Father, in Jesus' Name, when I consider that, "I wither away," Holy Spirit, ever remind me that, "You, O Lord, sit enthroned forever."  I guess that means neither will I ever, "wither away."  Glory!  Amen.
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* Please pray for my time in DC, September 27 & 28.

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

"....Heirs With Israel,..Sharers Together In...Jesus"

"In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ....This mystery is that through the Gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus." (From Ephesians 3:4-6, NIV)

Tonight is the beginning of the Jewish New Year.  Their history is one of, "exceeding great and precious promises," accompanied by "exceeding great and" violent suffering.  How can this be?  I don't know.  There are millions, however, who have over the years never given up.  And, I might add, if ever there were a people group or individuals who had a "reason" to, it is they.

Yet after all the Jews have endured over thousands of years, there are still Jews today who are looking for the Messiah, still praying, "the Words of God," and some who have repented of their sins and received Jesus as That Messiah, King, Savior, "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."  In short, they have endured.

What about you today?  I pray you have not succumbed to any "reason" to be discouraged, tempted to "quit," doubt the promises and Jesus' Faithfulness to us.  Consider the great declaration of our text, "....that you will be able to understand...the mystery of Christ,..that through the Gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel...."  Among so many other wonderful promises, in Jesus Christ, you and I can rejoice that, "If you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."  This gives further confirmation to the promise, "For all the promises of God in Jesus are Yes, and in Jesus, Amen...."  Do we understand, grasp, rejoice today that, "....all the promises of God in Jesus", are ours? 

Nothing, no Word in, "the Words of God," are outside of your inheritance.  What a motivation to get "into" His Words today.  His Words are the great, "Sword of the Spirit," which will combat and defeat any doubt, discouragement, lie of the "water cooler," or of anyone or any place else.  It is, "....with Israel, (that we are ) members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus."  Happy New Year!     

 
Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You for including me in the, "sharers together...."  Amen.
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* I may stay over in DC for the OSCE (Helsinki Commission) Hearing which is on September 28.  The Indian Affairs Hearing is the 27th.
* I hope you don't get weary with our request for prayer for our Berlin/Wittenberge Mission.

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

Hebrews 12:2

Who Is Leading You?

"If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also.  If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor (or, 'value at a price')." (John 12:26, from yesterday's Gospel reading)

Most people want Jesus to follow them wherever they go, to work, school, shopping, mission trips, church activities, etc.  The Theology of the Bible is that you and I are called to, "....follow the Lamb wherever He goes."

Our text is the verse which sealed the decision to live in Berlin for a year.  Now understand the theology here.  Of course, as Psalm 139 says, the Blessed Trinity is everywhere, and mankind cannot escape Him, though it is to humanity's undoing that anyone would try.  It came to me, however, when I read our text in the summer of '98, "For me, Jesus is going to Berlin."  And, as a result, "If you, Woody, serve Me, you will follow Me to Berlin."  This is a life principle, yea, a Biblical Principle for us all, whether in "full-time" work or not.  The Theology of our text applies to vocations, choice of schools, mates, etc. 

Following is not what the flesh desires.  Even the most timid among us want to "lead," lead life to wherever we want to take it, lead God to where we want "to go in life."  How has that worked?  I have said and written it before, but the "revelation" which came to me many years ago still applies here.  I have been to many "leaders' conferences;" I have yet to go to a "followers conference."  Yet it is in the, "....follow Me", life style and mentality where we find peace, true contentment.  Jesus never intended you and me to find peace and contentment in leading.  "The Lord (Jesus)...leads me beside the still and quiet waters....He leads me in the paths of righteousness."  You and I cannot lead ourselves nor anyone else there. 

Another key in our text is, "If anyone serves Me...."  Ah, and here we have it, my friend.  Whom are we serving?  Serving Jesus requires following Jesus; serving myself requires following me.  In my "right mind," I do not want the latter.  Serving myself will find me, "there will I be------ alone."  I highly commend a daily "following check."  Make sure who is "out front," I or, "The Lord...Our Shepherd...."  All of the Biblical Promises are to followers, not leaders.  When Jesus is in fact leading you and me, it is then we can confidently know His, "....joy unspeakable and full of glory."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I readily confess to my too much attempting to lead in my life.  Holy
Spirit, keep me ever mindful of, "If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me...."  Amen.
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* Read: "Nazis in the Bundestag?"-- jhs58.blogspot.com
* Please pray for my time in DC, September 27 

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

Hebrews 12:2

"....For Your Sakes I Was Not There...."

"Then Jesus said to them plainly, 'Lazarus is dead.  And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe....'"  (John 11: 14-15b)

Jesus, "....told them plainly, 'Lazarus is dead.'"  The Church really needs to get better at, "....said to them plainly...."  Too many times religious people use worn out religious cliches which really do not speak of Biblical Principles, "plainly."  I love the, "plainly," of the Bible. 

But then after it is said that, "....Jesus said to them plainly," He went on to say something which was probably perplexing to those who were hearing this for the first time,"....and for your sakes I am glad I was not there...."  You have been "there," haven't you?  Those times or seasons when it seemed as though Jesus, "....was not there...."  In our text, however, we see a reason for such times.  Such times or season are, "....so that you may believe."  We must always keep in mind that whatever the Godhead is doing in our lives, the purpose always involves, "....for your sakes...so that you may believe." NIV) 

My friend, there may be times when it seems as though Jesus is, "....not there...."  Regardless of all this may mean, Our Father always has a, "....and for your sakes," purpose.  There are many times in the Scriptures where we read of God "leaving" people.  Whether or not it is what someone once called, "withdrawing the consciousness of His Presence," or something else, I cannot say.  But please always remember that in such times there is always the central Biblical principle, "God is a very present help....for your sakes...."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I am so thankful for your, "....and for your sakes...."  Amen.  
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Read a most insightful 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