"....On The Last Day"

"For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day."  (Jesus)

We are about to see the close of another year in humanity's calendar.  "The Eternal One" has no such calendar.  Jesus' "calendar" is Eternity.

You and I "stepped" into this dimension when we surrendered our lives to Jesus Christ.  There is a very real sense that in that moment we left the constraint of this time/space world.  We traded lounge chairs, office chairs, for, "seated...in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus."  Earth-bound is no longer our M. O.  Heaven-bound is.  

What a battle it is in this present age to keep this reality in mind.  Everything around us attempts to deny our, "seated...in...Christ Jesus," the aging process, the chaos in the world, the daily "surprises" of life.  Yet in spite of the "battle," there is the cry from the Cross, "It is finished", a cry which is the seal of, "I Myself will raise him up on the last day", that glorious, "Day," when it will be fulfilled, "The last enemy that shall be destroy is death." 

This is all finished in the Eternal Realm, you know.  We are just awaiting for this time/space existence to catch.  "Happy New Year" gives way to, Happy Eternity.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You so much for Your Words which keep 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

"The Sound of Many Waters And...Of Mighty Thunderings"

"And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, 'Alleluia!  For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!  Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come....Blessed are those who are called to the marriage Supper of the Lamb.'"

Every day, every season which passes brings us closer to this.  I used the word, "spec," yesterday as an abbreviation for, "speck."  Probably not correct, yet, at any rate, all is speck in the light of "The Eternal One."  He Who rules the Universe, "by the Word of His power," is He Who dwells in you and me, even Jesus, the Christ.  He has taken us specks and made us into sons and daughters of the Living Triune God.

I am finishing Revelation.  You cannot deny that the Bible is reminding humanity what, "the preacher," tells us in Ecclesiastes, "....It will be well with those who fear God."  Our text is describing some of what that, "well," is.  Romans describes some of it this way, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.  For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God....For the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God."

So there it is; all for you, coming for sure, coming from the Living Triune God, manifested in Jesus.  While all around is attempting to lie us out of this, "Blessed Hope," our Lord, "God, Who cannot lie," has spoken and has had it written down that you and I will not be left out of, "....the glorious liberty of the children of God."

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

Please pray for Kate.  Joe has been somewhat stable, but Kate's white cell count has doubled.

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

"Appearance Like An Emerald"

"And He Who sat there was like a jasper and sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald....And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices...."  (Revelation 4)

Maybe the "awe-factor," or maybe getting older and realizing my spec-existence on this spec-planet in this spec-galaxy is a reason that I can only find few words to express worship, prayer, etc. 

Prayer, worship, is much more than talk.  I find that I worship as "much," if not more, by the wonder factor than the words factor.  The song writer wrote, "when I in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made."  He goes on to say, "Then sings my soul," but it started with, "when I...consider...."

Perhaps one of the crucial things which the Pharisees never considered is that the Living Triune God is not a machine into which you enter some program or formula to get some "result."  The song says, "And He walks with me and He talks with me," and so should we with Him.  Friendship is manifest as much in be-ing together as in talking together.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You for allowing me, through and in the Blood of Jesus, to partake in scene of our text.  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

Beware "How-To" Religion

"Lord, teach us to pray...."  (Luke 11:1b)

I have to confess that my "prayer life" is not something you could sell in book form.  So many people who talk of their "time with the Lord," or, "quiet time," sound like they are saying something they are supposed to say.  Many are repeating what others have told them their "devotional life" should be like.  Personally I like, "And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at eventide."    

When the disciples said, "Lord, teach us to pray...," Jesus responded with what we call "The Lord's Prayer."  It reveals worship, asking for the Kingdom to come, asking for His will, daily provision, forgiveness, and deliverance from, "the evil one."  You have probably heard or read teaching of the Lord's Prayer as a pattern.  This does not, however, mean that we should all pray the same way, the same time of day, saying the exact same words in the exact same order.  The Bible tells us that we are the Body of Jesus Christ, "and individually members of it," unique, not so much as to assert our "rugged individualism," which is just another form of pride, but important and loved as a Child of God.  I wonder if it is something like what I used to do just before I would go on missions when the children were young.  I would take each one out to dinner, individually, just the two of us.

Well, didn't mean to go so long.  My purpose is to encourage you in your relationship in the Living Triune God.  You don't have to copy another's "walk."  The widow of Nain, Blind Bartimaeus, Zaccheus all reveal just how important each individual is to our Lord Jesus Christ.  He did not use "canned" phrases for everyone.  There are "differences" in our walks in Jesus, because Jesus sees each Follower as an individual, not a robot handed some pamphlet.  People should stop any cliche-quoting of others.  God did not create man as look-act-alike mannequins, but as, "the Household of Faith," His Family, each child unique, very important, and, very loved.  

Father, in Jesus' Name, help me to not be out of line in this, but also to not just "follow the herd."  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 Missing 4

"'I'm going out to fish,' Simon Peter told them, and they said, 'We'll go with you....But that night they caught nothing....Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me...?'"  (John 21, NIV)

Two "words" to me today in John 21:  1. Where were the other 4?  2. The Biblical definition of love. 

1. There was the Cross, the Death, and the Resurrection, but the eleven were having difficulty "processing" it.  We read that 7 of the original 12 decided to go fishing.  One had killed himself, and who knows where the other 4 were at this time.  In some ways, it was a "sorry lot."  This is a picture of confusion, perhaps bewilderment, a sort of, "What do we do now?"  This can happen to us all at any time, and this is a reason we all need Pentecost. 

2. After Jesus appeared to them by the sea, He then asked Peter 3 times, "Do you love Me?"  Of course Peter's reply was in the affirmative, and, each time Peter said that he loved Jesus, our Lord said, in effect, "Then do something about it."  Again, love is not a feeling; it is action.

How many people have said, "I love you," to others, then abandoned them, whether spouse, children, friends, etc.?  The love of  God is not, "....so loved..," but a, "loved...this way..," Love.  There is no "so much" to God's love; it is Eternal Love, Everlasting Love, not "amount"-love.  O, how I pray the Church especially gets this. 

The Love of Jesus is demonstrated, not just spoken.  I can say, "I love you," all day long, but if my words are not accompanied by, "God loved the world this way," then it is not love.  Find another word for it.  We love our families, our friends, fellow Followers of Jesus.  What I am so impressed with today is that every time I say those "three little words" they should be accompanied by "three little actions."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray that I might demonstrate more than reiterate.  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

"....Sit With Me In My Throne...."

"Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?"  (Luke 24:26)

This was a rebuke/reminder to some very sad, dejected disciples, to people who hadn't listened to His teaching, did not prioritize, "Moses and all the Prophets."  In essence, "Remember I told you that this was supposed to happen?"  Dejection comes when our expectations are not subservient to His Words. 

I finished Luke's version of Passion Week this morning, viz., the Olivet Discourse, Gethsemane, the Betrayal, Pilate, Herod, Pilate, the via dolorosa, the Cross, the Resurrection, Emmaus Road, Ascension------ just 33 years after the announcement to the shepherds.  Of Jesus "work" at 33 He could shout from the Cross, "It is finished!"

I find it interesting this time that Jesus did not live to be 40 or 60 or 80.  When the Living Triune God is at work, time is not the issue; it's what is "accomplished" in the years we have.  The world today puts such a premium on "long life," but not, "Eternal Life."  We have by-pass surgery, replacement surgery, and have made drug companies and the health care industry in general a very, very lucrative industry, and for what?  Just to gain a few more years of living in these decaying bodies.

What is your "value system" today?  Yes, we are created to "make the most" of the years in these mortal bodies which our Lord Jesus has given us.  But  whether a person has 5, 30, or 90 years in this life, no matter.  The best is [indeed] yet to come.  "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me in My throne....and they (that includes you and me) shall reign for ever and ever."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray for us to have Your perspective of our lives.  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

Simeon-- What a Guy!

"And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ."  (Luke 2: 26)

We don't know when Simeon first had the revelation of our text, but we know that ever since he received it he had been looking forward to the appearing of, "the Coming One."  There is no doubt, moreover, that along with, "....had been revealed to him," He knew Biblical prophecies, because the previous verse tells us that he, "was just and devout."  Can we say that Simeon had received the Logos and the Rhema? 

I wonder what his days were like.  I'm sure there were days of routine, his work, family, regular times in synagogue/Temple gatherings, yet in it all there was the looking, wondering, "Is this the One?"  One thing for sure: He did not quit on his looking for and longing for, "the Coming One."  

Now the question comes to you and me.  Are we still in a "looking" and "longing" mode?  Or, have we given up," looking for this blessed hope"?  The last Word of Jesus' Olivet Discourse is, "Watch!"  In this One Word is a warning and the encouragement of expectation, the warning given in the three parables of Matthew 25, and the expectation of the great culmination Event of this present age, our Lord Jesus' Second Appearing.

Go about your daily "stuff" the rest of this day------- the rest of your life.  But I so encourage you to join me in participating, as did Simeon, in the daily, "Watch!"  The One Who appeared to Joseph, Mary, the shepherds, Simeon and Anna is the One Who will appear the second time; only it will be a different appearing.  No, "feeding trough," this time, no, "How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given."  This Second Appearing of the Babe of Bethlehem will be, "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray in the Holy Spirit that You keep me and my friend as Simeon who ever was on, "Watch!"  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 Be Alarmed"

"But he said to them, 'Do not be alarmed.  You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified.  He is risen!  He is not here.  See the place where they placed Him.'"  (Mark 16:6)

I just finished Mark this morning.  The Bible tells us that Jesus was first placed in a, "feeding trough," then, "placed in a tomb."  These are places of poverty and death.

Yet the Scripture says of us who follow Jesus, "as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things."  This Corinthian passage tells us something of Jesus Christ, the King and Savior of mankind, as well His Church throughout the centuries.  Most have known the, "feeding trough," and many, "placed in a tomb."

Because of Jesus' journey from, "feeding trough," to, "a tomb," however, some day the world will hear the same declaration concerning you and me, "[They are] risen!  [They are] not here."  No matter what you may be going through this Christmas season never forget for a moment that the Eternal Reality concerning you and me in Jesus Christ, "He is risen!  He is not here."

Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You that You, "became flesh and dwelt among us," and in us------- and still do.  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

Poor Elvis And His "Blue Christmas"

"....good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people."  (Luke 2)

That is, if, "all the people", will receive the One of the, "good tidings."  History reveals that, "all the people", are not of the Carol's, "where meek souls will receive Him still the Dear Christ enters in."  Everyone on the Planet throughout history has sought, "great joy," yet the all-time Best Seller tells us that, "great joy," is a "fruit" of the Indwelling Christ Jesus.

Elvis sang that it would "a blue Christmas without you."  There are many who are singing the same song, and perhaps for the same reason.  Sadness plagues so many at this time of year.  This does not have to be.  That Heavenly declaration so long ago is still to all who will hear and "go to" Bethlehem.  Philosophers and psychiatrists attempt to help people find joy, happiness and fulfillment in life in anything other than in that, "feeding trough."  Everyone of their sessions should begin with Luke 2, "For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior Who is Christ the Lord."  I wonder if it ever occurred to anyone that Jesus is, "a Savior," from sadness. 

Maybe Elvis should have been singing, "Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning; Jesus, to Thee be all glory given!  Word of the Father now in flesh appearing!  O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!"

"Jesus, to Thee be all glory given!"  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

"Tidings Of Comfort And Joy"

"I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people." (Luke 2:10b)

And the, "good tidings of great joy," is?  "For there is born to you this day...a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord."  The old Carol says, "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.  O, tidings of comfort and joy!"

"Comfort and joy"-- This is the "product" of the, "good tidings," announced that first Christmas.  The angel told the shepherds, "Do not be afraid."  Now we know that the context here is the appearing of, "an angel of the Lord," with, "the glory of the Lord," shining around the shepherds.  At such a sight, fear is understandable. 

But what about that, "greatly afraid," which causes so much "dismay" in so many today?  It is the power in Jesus Christ, His shed Blood, His Death, His Resurrection, Ascension and soon Second Appearing which is the power behind, "Let nothing you dismay."  If anyone will "Remember Christ our Savior," the power of fear, anxiety, loneliness and all else which is to man's "dismay" is neutralized. 

Come on, my friend, "let nothing you dismay.  Remember Christ our Savior," and never stop remembering, celebrating, declaring that our Lord Jesus Christ, "was born on Christmas day to save us all from Satan's power...."  Done, as in, "It Is Finished!"

Father, in Jesus' Name, I say with some of those so long ago who saw You caring for people, "He has done all things well"!!  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

"This Man"

"And this Man shall be the peace...."  (Micah 5:5)

....because as Ephesians 2 tells us, Jesus, "is our peace."

The Christmas Carol says, "Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light.  The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight."  This is Biblical Truth.  Perhaps the "hopes...of all the years" have been for deliverance, literal salvation, longing for that, "peace which passes understanding," yet has alluded mankind since the Garden.  As for "fears," Jesus dealt "fears" the triumphing destructing blow in His Cross and Resurrection.  As Colossians tells us, "....He...nailed it to the cross." 

"This Man shall be the Peace", that "peace" which the world just could not discover.  Our Lord Jesus "....nailed...to the cross", anxiety, frustration, fear, everything which is out to "nail" you, destroy you, rob you of peace, joy, happiness, hope.  You may be going through  "dark streets" today.  But, "This man...the Peace," our Lord Jesus Christ, "the Light of the world,'" I remind you today, is in you.  And, "Greater is He Who is in you than he who is in the world"!

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray for my friend here that your glorious Light will shine in any "dark streets."  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

Ern Baxter - Thy Kingdom Come

I have debated as to whether I should send this to you or not.  Not lost.  I was in this meeting back in September of 1975.  It is too bad that much of the men's response was edited out.  To say the gathering of leaders in the Renewal in Kansas City that year was "monumental" is an understatement.  I would like you to listen to this and give  me any feedback that you might have.  Btw, there is a prophecy shared in the message which is yet to be fulfilled.  It could have been, I believe, but Christendom preferred "tambourines, choruses, and goose bumps" to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in, "Thy Kingdom Come."  We wait upon you, Lord Jesus.

https://youtu.be/2H65nX8Ueok

"What Chid Is This....?"

"Then the angel said..., You will find a babe...."  (Luke 2)

The angel had just told the shepherds, "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."  They knew what the term, "Lord," meant.  And, if they were super spiritual like so many of us, they probably thought they were going to find some royal type environment, but, no.  He would be found in a, "manger," literally, "feeding trough, stall."

"What child is this, who, laid to rest On Mary's lap is sleeping?" says the Christmas Carol.  Indeed, "What child is this...?  Perhaps the most confounding aspect of this reality is that He Who was "on Mary's lap...sleeping" was, "Emanuel, God with us." It was, "a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Greeks," and, it is still, to this day, for the majority of humanity.  God on a young girl's lap, surrounded by animals, shepherds, and, in a smelly stable!  I would greatly discourage any in the Church from thinking that in this present age our "origin" and, I might add, our continuation as the People of God is anything different.  

Who is the God you are looking for today?  If you and I are to know the, "Only True God," He is found on "Mary's lap...."  The revelation in the Book of Revelation is yet to come.  In the mean time, the Church is to be People of "Mary's lap," serving the Babe of the, "feeding trough," in a lost world.  No doubt, "Jesus Christ is Lord," and the Revelation reveals that He is, "King of kings, and Lord of lords."  Yet there is something about that, "feeding trough," that animal, "stall," which reveals an attitude which you and I must still keep before the world: "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness"------- and His first "sighting" in a, "feeding trough."

Farther, in Jesus' Name, I pray I reveal You as much as in a, "feeding trough," as, "on the Throne."  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

"Where Meek Souls Will Receive Him Still...."

  "....because there was no room for them in the inn."  (Luke 2)

It "started" with Joseph and Mary, went to a stable, then declared to shepherds.  This is classic "humble beginnings."

Our Lord Jesus says, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."  John D. Rockefeller once quipped, "That's the only way they'll get it."  Yet no matter the triteness of Rockefeller's statement, there is no doubt about it, and, I might add, the Carol is very Biblical, that only, "Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in."  Whatever the fullness of the meaning of, "inherit the earth," without "the Dear Christ enters in," I have nothing in the Godhead to, "inherit."

Meekness has been often described as "strength under control."  I would be wary of that.  The very mention of "strength" in the definition tells me that someone may still want to hold on to "strength," remind everyone that they are not a "pushover."  Perhaps meekness is like humility, even as the Bible tells us of love, "does not insist on its own way."  People who allow life's seeming contradictions, the myriad questions of humanity to turn them from Jesus, need to accept that perhaps inherent in meekness is humility, love, and submission to Jesus, no matter what they don't "understand," the unanswered questions.  Pride has no place here.

"The Dear Christ" still "enters in," for those who will come to a stable, stand with a humble carpenter, a very young mother, and smelly animals---- though they were looking for a palace.  And what a glorious truth we find in That manger.  It is not just in some future sense, but even now, "The Tabernacle of God is with men," yes, "Immanuel, God with us," in that "meek" atmosphere of a stable, coming to dwell in all the "meek souls."

Father, in Jesus' Name, "I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice....Draw me to Thy precious Bleeding Side."  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

Fairest Lord Jesus - Maranatha Celtic

"From Days of Eternity"

"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 the days of eternity."  (Micah 5:2, NASB)

The moment you and I stepped into Jesus Christ, at that same moment Jesus stepped into you and me.  And, what took place in that great "transaction" was that we stepped into Eternity in Jesus, Who Is, "from the days of eternity."

We tend to speak of "before" we surrendered our lives to Jesus and "after" we surrendered our lives to Jesus.  In Jesus Christ, however, there is no before or after.  The Bible calls it, "Eternal Life," as in what the Interlinear Bible tells us, "God love the world this way: He gave [Himself in] His only Son...," and, "whoever believes in (surrenders their life to Jesus) has (right at that moment, not in some future sense, not "shall have" but) "I have, I hold, I possess eternal life."  Yes! we do. 

There is a very real sense in which our King and Savior, Jesus Christ, the Only One, "from days of eternity," in and through Jesus' shed Blood, His death and resurrection, "grafted" you and me into, "from days of eternity."  Remember that the Bible tells us about what happened at our New Birth.  You are not today where the Enemy may be attempting to tell you.  Rather, Father, "raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus." 

Yes, and glory to the Living Triune God, when we think of our lives, the pain and pleasure, the sadness and rejoicing, "God-Breathed," Reality declares to us that right now, whatever we may be going through, you and I are literally above the clamor of the world, above the trials.  We are right now, "in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus."  Join the heavenly chorus.

Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You for the overcoming victory of This.  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

Remember: It's Not Dreary Christ--It's Merry Christmas

"....Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord."  (Luke 2:10, 11)

The tree is lit; one of my favorite Christmas Carols is playing, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen;" it's snowing here, as in, "just like the ones I used to know," and all accompanied by some great memories of childhood Christmases.  There was that year I got a Lionel Steam Locomotive, then the year I got the Bee Bee gun, and another year of that glorious Flexible Flyer sled, which, by the way, could get up to delightful speeds.  And, O, the great Christmas Day traditional dinner at Grandpa and Grandma Barnette's house.  As we would drive up to the house, that turkey smell would come out and drag you in.  But it's really about even more than this, right?

So now what?  I pray that you have such great memories, and not dwell on any which may not be so pleasant.  It was just a couple of days after Christmas, 1969, that we discovered something was wrong with Stephen.  You know the rest of the story.  The, "Now what?" for me is that I want to encourage any who have difficulty at this time of year, a time which is supposed to be full of, "love and joy come to you," but they don't.  Do not allow the Enemy of our souls to defeat you in sorrow, grief, resentment, sadness.  Our Lord Jesus Christ Who appeared in that Bethlehem stable will again appear.  As the Scripture tells us, "so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him."

The, "Salvation," spoken of in this Hebrews 9:28 passage is the deliverance from, "this present world," system.  It is destined to be the deliverance from suffering, pain, despair, sorrow, as in, "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.  There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."  This is nothing other than the, "salvation to those who are waiting for Jesus."  What you and I are now living is, "....the former things...."  Keep pressing on and in, my friend.  The glorious "latter things" are coming.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You for what David thanked You for, "Who am I, O Lord God?  And what is my house, that You have brought me this far?"  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

Correction

He is 33 years old!

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 Go, Guy! Yippee

"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever....Behold, the nations are as a drop in a bucket, and are counted as the small dust on the scales....All nations before Him are as nothing, and they are counted by Him less than nothing and worthless.....He brings the princes to nothing; He makes the judges of the earth useless....Even the youths shall faint and be weary....But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles.  They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."  (Isaiah 40: 15 & 17)

I watched Monday Night Football last evening.  At one point, a 32 year old running back started off on what was to be a 90 yard touchdown run.  I was amused at my reaction.  When he broke into the clear, I started cheering, "You go, guy."  I kept waiting for the younger corner backs who were chasing him to catch him; they didn't.  I just starting laughing.  I guess it was an old guy cheering on another "old" guy--- a great moment. (Some are probably thinking, "Wow!  We need to pray for you!")

Maybe what I saw last night was a sort of illustration of today's text.  Everything apart from Jesus Christ is, "a drop in a bucket,..counted as the small dust....All...are counted by Him less than nothing....Even the youths shall faint and be weary."  That 32 year old running back is one of the best in the league, but he will not be able to do what I saw indefinitely. 

Yet in the face of our "withering" life, notice the "Good News" recorded in our text.  "But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles.  They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."  Yes, this is for the young and old in the Church.  Some may say, "Well, this doesn't help me now."  It should.  Everything, "withers," and, "fades."  In Jesus Christ, however, there is no withering and no fading.  I cannot now, "....run and not be weary...."  But because of Jesus' Death and Resurrection, "That Day," is coming.

Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You for this great promise.  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

"....Whose mind rests on You."

"You will keep him in perfect peace ('completeness, soundness,') whose, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You."  (Isaiah 26:3)

The NASB says, "The steadfast of mind you will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You."  The Interlinear adds for, "stayed/steadfast," the Words, "leans, rests, support."  Apparently, there is a direct connection between, "peace," and what our mind, "leans," on, "rests," in, and relies on for, "support."  This cannot be feelings.  Feelings come and go; not so, "the peace of God."

Thinking about the Godhead, attempting to imagine Him comes from our limited selves.  I have no other suggestion today concerning, "perfect peace," than to keep our minds full of Jesus' Words.  Any other mental activity is futile.  All of the "stuff" which bombards Christendom about "peace" that is not centered in, "The Word of God," is empty.  Man keeps looking for alternatives to the Bible "way."  There are none. 

The Bible tells us to be, "....transformed by the (literally) completely change of your mind."  Only the Words of Jesus', the Bible can do that.  And only when I allow the, "Words of God," to, "completely change...[my] mind," can I know, "perfect peace." 

Father, in Jesus' Name, help me to, "pursue peace and holiness," only as You tell me to.  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

Proverbs 1-20

"In mercy and truth atonement is provided for; and by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil....The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble."  (Proverbs 16:6 & 19:23)

I read the first 20 chapters of Proverbs this morning.  If you have never done something like that, I highly recommend it.  I must confess, though, that conviction did manifest.  

Those Words speak of the wise and foolish, the rich and the poor, the worker and the sluggard, wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and, "The fear of the Lord."  The latter phrase appears at least 15 times in the Book.  I took note that the discussion of, "fear," in our texts is preceded by, "In mercy and truth atonement is provided for...."  This should always "color" everything we read in the Bible, every theological discussion, every service we offer to others in the Name of Jesus, that our Lord Jesus Christ is the Atonement for our sins, "and not for ours only but also for the whole world."  

I also took particular note that the one who walks in, "the fear of the Lord...departs from evil."  Too often people try to figure out what, "the fear of the Lord," means rather than how we can know that we are so living.  Here our Lord Jesus tells us, "one departs from evil."  And notice the powerful promise of 19:23, "leads to life-- rests content, untouched by trouble."  Maybe the "seeker friendly" folks would speak more of, "The fear of the Lord," if they just took note of the blessing therein.  One translation says, "so that one may sleep satisfied...."  Another says, "....will abide in satisfaction."  Then there is the great promise, "untouched by trouble."  There are various translations, of course, but we know that this does not mean that we will never see, "trouble."  Yet the promise tells me that even though, "trouble," comes my way, "I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me,... untouched," by it, viz., it will not defeat me, destroy me.

Just consider your walk in Jesus Christ and you will recall that, "The fear of the Lord," is not popular theology.  Apparently, the Godhead does not think that way.  There are powerful promises to those who walk in, "The fear of the Lord."  Maybe along with "declarations," and "speaking over," and "believing for," and "faith seminars," we should consider Psalm 34:11, "Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord."

Father, in Jesus'  Name, I confess that we are a people who do not really want to consider this.  Today, I pray for a change of heart---- to have Your Heart."  Amen.

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I have received several requests for "year end" contributions from organizations.  One request said that people give 70% of all charitable giving during December.  I also saw a report that a certain news anchor receives $23,000,000.00 per year.  I thought, I wonder how much someone would be willing to pay for my devotionals.

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

"It Is Better...Than To...."

"It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.  It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes."  (Psalm 118:8, 9--NIV)

If I read the Interlinear correctly, it states that, "It is better to seek refuge in the Lord than to place your security in humans", and/or, "governments."  It does not marginalize, "humans," or, "princes."  It rather speaks of precedence. 

Our text does not say that we do not need, "humans," nor, "princes."  Our Lord Jesus Christ structured our life in Him and His Church so that we do "need" each other, even governments.  The Bible tells us of governments that they are, "of God."  Indeed, what Dunn said is true: "No man is an Island."  Jesus did not intend anyone to live with an attitude of, "I don't need you."  Yet there is something of paramount importance in our text which is fundamental to our survival, our victory in life. 

I confess that over the years of being less "in the pulpit," and in the daily service as a local pastor I have had a "widening" view of not only the Kingdom of Heaven/God, but also the Church.  No, I'm not going heretical on you, but I want to encourage you in your "out-there" life.  Most of our lives are spent in "the Church scattered," that is, most of us are not in Church gatherings, seminars, worship services 24/7 (Notice where you are right now).  Our text is an encouragement, yes, a command especially when we are alone, out in the culture, ".....to seek refuge in the Lord...."  It is easy to say, "God is our refuge and strength," when with the Brethren.  In a culture dominated by humanism, however, the "support system" is not there.  It rather demands your allegiance to, "humans."

And what about, "princes," their programs, their "social security" systems, their promises, as well as places of employment, unions, retirement "packages," 401ks, etc?  Look at what happened to the giant American steel and coal industries, the thousands upon thousands who lost jobs, houses, retirement places, again, etc., etc.  It was a difficult lesson for many Americans, even American Christians, to realize the Truth of today's text.

Many times in our lives we have faced, and will continue to face, the ever so subtly temptation to, "seek refuge in," everything and everyone around us rather than to, "....seek refuge," and, "security in the Lord [Jesus Christ]."  Let us stand together in love and encouragement in the battle.

Father, in Jesus Christ, I confess that there have been times that I have violated our text, yet did not realize it.  I repent of any such times.  You alone are my, "refuge," and, "security."  Amen.

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Planning to be in Washington, DC, on January 3.

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