"In His Hand Is The Soul...and Breath Of All...."

"In His Hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind." (Job 12:10)

The margin of our text reads, "In His Hand is the soul of every creature."  This would seem to indicate the very depths of one's being, which in turn reveals the very depths of God's concern, love, care for you and me.   

We read several times in the Gospels that Jesus asked people, "What do you want Me to do for you?"  I wondered today if Job could have heard these Words of Jesus spoken to another suffering, abandoned, alone, very lost soul so long ago.  Our Lord's Whole Being was/is similar to what Marley said to Scrooge, only to the "nth" degree, "Mankind was my business." 

In a world full of global struggle, catastrophes unimaginable, challenges which baffle the most "intelligent," never forget that You are God's "business!"  The Words of our text are not some cliche, but as the Bible says, "They are your life."  It is accurate for me to say to you today, "In His hand is the life of (you) and the breath of (you)." !! 

Father, in Jesus' Name, Holy Spirit write, "In His Hand is the life of all mankind," in 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

A Command: "Understand the Words"

"....Understand the Words that I am about to tell you...."  (Daniel 10:11b, NASB)

Yesterday was Daniel 10 day.  This chapter has always been "mystery" to me, yet I believe I understand enough to know that this is a description of the cosmic battle.  And let humanity make no mistake; we are all involved in this.

First of all, we read that, "the Word was true and one of great warfare."  Notice: "great warfare."  Then there is the description of, "a man," which is almost identical to the description of Jesus in Revelation, followed by the appearance of what seems to be another person, a "warring" messenger (angel?).  The chapter ends with angel's words, "But I shall now return to fight against the Prince of Persia; so I am going forth, and behold, the prince of Greece is about to come."  I must tell you that over the last 19 years in which I have been regularly going to DC, I have sensed the reality of this.

We know from the same, "Word of God," which came to Daniel that we have, "the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."  We are, however, engaged in this, "great warfare," in this present age.  This is a reason Ephesians 6 tells us to, "Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might."  It occurred to me again today, however, that it's very comforting to know the outcome while the battle is raging!

Father, in Jesus' Name, grant me and my friend to walk with Daniel's determination to, "set your heart on understanding this...."  Amen.

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Someone has suggested another FHMP Briefing.  If you would be interested, let me know. 

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 Reject "Cultural Expression" Talk

"'Surely not, Lord!'  Peter replied.  'I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.'  The voice spoke to him a second time, 'Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.'"  (Acts 10:14, 15, NIV)

To say that the "Christian Faith" has undergone acculturation over the centuries is a gross understatement.  It began in earnest in the 4th Century and rapidly gained momentum in the succeeding centuries.  I don't blame Constantine too much, but his mother did contribute greatly to the process.  Then there was the complicit Catholic Church as well as many expressions of the "Protestant" traditions.  History is the best witness to all of this.

The Gentile acculturation of the Church is a sort of reverse of the scene of our text.  Many of the Jewish converts of the First Century wanted, "the Faith of Jesus," to be confined to the Jews, or at least to those who embraced Judaism.  There was no, "You have heard it said,..but I say to you"; therefore, it seems to me that Peter had a choice here.  He either could have persisted in the errant Hebrew thought, though not Biblical, that God had little to do with the Gentile Nations, or he could obey the vision on that roof top.  Peter chose obedience.  He got out of his "comfort zone" and went to Cornelius, went into his house, and shared Jesus with those present.  The Gentile "world" was in.  Aren't you thankful?!?

The call to you and me today is to examine continually the acculturation invasion of the Church which began so many centuries ago.  Yes, you know it.  Read the Bible voluminously.  I promise the Church that this is the only way, I repeat, the only way to combat acculturation.  Whether white man, black man, Jew, Arab, Asian, whoever, no culture can "claim" our Lord Jesus Christ and His Words for their unique domain.  Jesus is King of the Universe, Savior of the world, Head of the Church.  The invitation to all people groups still stands today as it did to Cornelius, his household, fellow soldiers and friends, "Come to Me, all who are............." 

Father, in Jesus' Name, I praise You, Who are, as Peter told the gathering at Cornelius' house, "....Lord of all."  Amen.

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Thanks for any prayers for yesterday's DC Mission.  I might say that the traffic was the worst I have seen in years.

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

How "Alert" Are You?

"Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving...."  (Colossians 4:2)

The Word translated, "vigilant," means, "to be awake, watch, on the alert."

This is not just for "intercessors."  This is for all who Follow Jesus Christ.  Our Enemy never sleeps, never gives up, is always looking for a way to destroy.  Prayer is communion with/in the Living Triune God, fellowship/participation in the Godhead.  Our text tells us that prayer is also protection. 

Our text tells us, "to be awake, on the alert."  This tells me that there is a "warfare" aspect to prayer, and without, "Continue earnestly in prayer," I just cannot win life's "battles."  Every mistake we make, every "wrong" path we take comes from neglecting the kind of prayer in our text, "awake, watch, on the alert."

Now, as with so many Biblical texts and Principles, I do not claim full knowledge.  I can say, however, that our Lord Jesus is telling me of the "keeping power" in prayer.  And such praying should be, "with thanksgiving."  Perhaps it is a call to thank Him for the "effect" of keeping, "awake, watch, on alert."  VICTORY.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray for continual unfolding of praying, "awake, watch, on alert."  Amen.

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Please pray today's text for me as I am in Washington, DC tomorrow.  I pray this for you.

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