That Which Is Heard And Seen

"The revelation from Jesus Christ...to His servant John, who testifies to everything he saw-- that is, the Word of God...."  (Revelation 1)

Notice that John saw, "the Word of God."  Before the appearing of Jesus Christ, people of old heard, "the Words of God."  When Jesus appeared, they, "....saw...the Word of God."  Blessed seeing.  

Father, as man's designated year comes to a close, I am so thankful that You have not only made Yourself heard, You have also made Yourself seen.  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

"Taste And See...."

"I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches.  I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star."  (Revelation 22:16)

This may sound strange to some, but I must say it.  Some people read the Bible attempting to understand everything.  I read the Bible because, "the Words of God," taste good.  I'm not alone in this.  Psalm 119:130 says, "How sweet are Your Words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth."

Father, in Jesus' Name, Just as Your, "....Flesh is food indeed, and [Your] Blood is drink indeed," so too Your Words.  Amen.

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

Hebrews 12:2

This Really Sums Up Everything

"And the name of the city from that time on will be:

                                     

                                      THE LORD IS THERE."   (Ezekiel 48:35)

Nothing more needs to be said for a "Merry Christmas."

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

Adding And Subtracting

"I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever.  Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it.  God does it, that men should fear before Him." (Ecclesiastes 3:14)

I guess we should admonish one another to be fearful about adding and subtracting from what God does.

I will not speculate lest I seem judgmental/critical.  But personally I believe that our Lord Jesus Christ is speaking to the Church in these days to live, "Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it." The, "it," for me is the purposes of Jesus Christ, i.e., that which He has revealed in His Scriptures.

To the World:  You cannot add or subtract from what the Living Triune God did in the Bethlehem manger.  To the Church: If we walk out our text in Jesus Christ, revival just may come our way.

Father, in Jesus' Name, show me where I have, "....added to it, and...taken from it."  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 Sounds of Silence"

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.  Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.  They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them, Yet their measuring line goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world." (Psalm 19:1-4a, b, NIV)

An old Christmas Carol declares, "How silently, How silently the Wondrous Gift is given....No ear may hear His coming...."  Americans, particularly, are into fanfare, glitz, noise, etc (If you doubt the latter, just turn on your radio).  The aforementioned is a major reason so many church-goers are fleeing small churches for the mega-churches, e.g., endless programs, lights, sounds, smoke.  Yet, "How silently...the Wondrous Gift is given."

Today's text reveals the silence of the Living Triune God.  Consider: "....Heavens declare.., skies proclaim.., they pour forth speech.., they reveal knowledge."  Yet, following these Words is a somewhat confusing statement to the casual reader, There is, "....No speech,..no words; no sound...."-- Glorious. Maybe it is time for the twentieth century Church to consider "the sounds of silence."

Father, in Jesus' Name, as one a part of a talking, multimedia culture, help me to learn more and more that so much of what You do is "silent."  Amen. 
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If you ever have a comment or question concerning these devotionals, please feel free to share with 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

Heading to DC Friday

"The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect."  (Psalm 33:10

Though it appears that Capitol Hill is still shutdown to the public, the Lord willing, I still plan to be in DC this coming Friday.  

Our text is an encouragement for all to continue praying for our nations.  Right now, the biggest threat to world peace is Communist China.  They have nuclear weapons, have been modernizing their armed forces at a more rapid rate than any other nation.

But I share, "The Words of God," with all humanity today, "....Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great which will be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord."  And this same Baby in the animal barn in Bethlehem, our Lord Jesus Christ is He Who, "....makes the plans of the peoples of no effect."

Father, in Jesus' Name, no matter what news reports reveal, I thank You that You, "....bring the counsel of the nations to nothing."  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

Never Forget the "FOREVER"

"Save Your People, and bless Your Inheritance; Shepherd them also, and bear them up forever."  (Psalm 28:9)

Our King and Savior, Jesus Christ, has been doing this through the centuries, captivities, inquisitions, Holocaust, everything.  Now here they are, after 4000 years of intense suffering, the most feared military in the Middle East.

Most of us have short term memories and perspectives.  The Hebrews are still a thriving  and holding-on People Group because their memory goes back to Abraham and the Red Sea.  Maybe you and I can learn something from them.  The Church of Jesus Christ has been in the "mode" of, "Shepherd them also, and bear them up forever", from the Cross and Resurrection.  He will continue in this "mode"-------- "forever."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I so thank You that You have been my Shepherd and borne up me from------"FOREVER."  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

IT ALL HAS TO DO WITH, "THE FOUNDATIONS"

"If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Psalm 11:3)

There is always more insights on Biblical texts.  I have shared before that when I first studied our text in depth many years ago, I discovered that the textual construction is not a question; it is a statement, a fact.  "If the foundations are destroyed," there is absolutely nothing any personage or groups can do-- --- nothing.  We may pray, evangelize, demonstrate, vote "Kingdom Principles" in elections in our countries, but the reality is, "If the foundations are destroyed,"-------  nothing.  We might as well do as Paul said concerning the resurrection, "If the dead are not raised, let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die."

Our Lord Jesus Christ teaches us that only he/she and, I might add, a nation, culture, people group which is founded upon Jesus Himself and Jesus' Words will survive.  Take another look today at the state of affairs in the United States of America and argue with the premise.  Perhaps a good prayer is from Isaiah 58:12, "Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls...."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray that I will never allow, "....the foundations..," which is my life in You to be, "destroyed."  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 Give Thanks To You...."

"I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonderful deeds."  (Psalm 9:1, NIV)

On our way home a couple of days ago, this came to me.  I was recounting the faithfulness of our Lord Jesus Christ over my life time; I gave, "....thanks...with all my heart"; therefore, when I was with a friend of mine yesterday, I told him some of which I had shared before, but told again, "....of all Your wonderful deeds."  Recalling and giving thanks is good.

Father, in Jesus' Name, some times I wonder why You are so good to me.  Then, I consider You, and have a little more "understanding."

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

"....Enjoyed Your Company...."

"I plan to do so when I go to Spain.  I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while."  (Romans 15:24, NIV)

The NASB says, "....when I have first enjoyed your company for a while."  As far as we know, even though Paul referred a couple of times to his plans to go to Spain, he never made it there.  See, even the best of us don't always get want we want.

What impressed me with this text, which I read several days ago, is the last statement, "....after have enjoyed your company for a while."  This, my friend, is the Church of Jesus Christ.  Too many missionaries and arm-chair missions theologians miss this wonderful, full-of-love fellowship in Jesus Christ, "enjoyed your company...."  Some of my most precious missions memories are in this text.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You so much for the, "company," of my friends in many lands over the years.  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

"As For Me...."

"As for me, I will call upon God, and the Lord shall save me."  (Psalm 55:16)

In these very trying times, our text shouts out to us all who Follow Jesus Christ.  Many around us "call upon" news media, water cooler philosophy, medical science for, "shall save me."  The smart person lives the life of, "As for me...."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I say again today, "As for me, I will call upon [You]."  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

How To Not Be Outwitted

"The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord....As they fled before Israel.., the Lord hurled large hailstones down on them, and more of them died from the hail than were killed by the swords of the Israelites."  (Joshua 9:14 & 10:11, NIV)

The "picture" is fairly clear.  In chapter 9, we read that the Hebrews were outwitted because they did, "....not inquire of the Lord."  Later, we read that when they did, "....inquire of the Lord," the Lord did something which their efforts without Him could not do.

Okay, I confess: In my 78+ years there have been times when I, "....did not inquire of the Lord," and regrettable decisions and consequences unfolded; so have you.  It is incumbent upon us all to learn from this.  "Inquire of the Lord," Jesus Christ, and Jesus will enable us to outwit the enemy.  Moreover, we will learn more and more just how powerful is His Divine "Hail."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray I may continually learn that inquiring of You has no equal.  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

"Secret Things"

'The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the Words of this Law."  (DT 29:29)

 

I have noticed over the years that there has been among far too many a desire to discover, "the secret things"----- mistake.  They, "belong [only] to the Lord our God." 

The key in our text is, "that we may do all the Words of this Law."  Jesus does not expect us to do, "the secret things," only do all, "those things which are revealed."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray to do all the, "revealed."  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 Reason For Last Night's Republican Victory

"When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?"  (Psalm 11:3, NIV)

I have written on this text a number of times over the last twenty years.  You know that the original language implies that, "....the foundations are...destroyed...," there is nothing the righteous can do.  But I believe our Lord Jesus Christ is working His Work.  He is raising, "up the age old foundations."

Consider: I have shared that the reason the last US Presidential Election turned out the way it did was that, "the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet full."  Now, however, we are witnessing the shock of everyone concerning the victory of the Republican candidate for Governor of Virginia over a Clinton clone.  Over the last year and a half, US Citizens, indeed, the whole world has watched the humanist politicians do their evil work.  Could last night's election result be a "light at the end of the tunnel?  "The iniquity of the Amorite (may) not yet (be) full,"  but it is being exposed.

Here is a brief commentary of Barnes on the passage which came to me concerning the election results of the United States of America's federal and state elections in 2020.  "'For the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet full.'-- From this simple sentence we have much to learn.  First: The Lord foreknows the moral character of people.  Second: In His providence He administers the affairs of nations on the principle of moral rectitude.  Third: Nations are spared until their iniquity is full.  Fourth:  They are then cut off in retributive justice."  May our Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on all.  

Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You for Your, "mighty acts."  Amen.

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Comments, questions welcomed.

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

"Praise Him@

"Praise the Lord!  Praise God...; Praise Him...."  (Psalm 150)

The Bible "Book of Prayers" ends with the command of our text----- no matter if we received that for which we ask or do not.  If all of life seems to go against us, you and I are commanded into the privilege of the human race:  "Praise Him."

Jesus told the Jews that if they did not praise Him, the very rocks would, "cry out."  WELL:

https://youtu.be/fs-Ni7WoaDc

Prayer For Governments

In Jesus' Name, "Do not grant, O Lord, the desires of the wicked."


Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS

"King Of My Life, I Crown Thee Now"

"My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.  Stay here and keep watch with Me....Then they spat in His face and beat Him; others struck Him with the palms of their hands."  (Mt. 26:38 & 67)

During this last quarter, I have been reading again in the Pentateuch, and have been amazed more and more as to the "involvement" of the Living Triune God, He Who rules the Universe, "by the the Word of His power," in the smallest details of mankind's life. 

If you, or anyone, ever has any doubt about, "....my Savior's love for me," I encourage you to take off those religious glasses as you read the Bible.  You will never doubt again just how "involved" in the "smallest" details of our lives is our Lord Jesus Christ.  And, as I read my Gospel text today, I realized again all that Jesus Christ is to me.  The following prayer came to me: 

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray with the hymn writer:

"Lest I forget Gethsemane,

Lest I forget thine agony;

Lest I forget Thy love for me,

Lead me to 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

"....Do Not Take Advantage...."

"If you sell land to any of your own people or buy land from them, do not take advantage of each other."  (Leviticus 25:14, NIV)

"Do not take advantage of each other."  This can manifest in so many ways.  May it not be once named among us.

Father, in Jesus' Name, may the text never manifest in Your Church.  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

Here Is Our Purpose

"We have not brought salvation to the earth, and people of the world have not come to life."  (Isaiah 26:18b, NIV)

This was Jesus' purpose for Israel to the nations.  It is also that of the Church.

The only way the, "....people of the world (will) come to life", is when the Church walks in, "You are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden", try as we may.  

The only way the purpose of our text is fulfilled is when you and I, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray to bring, "salvation to the earth, and [Your] life."  Amen,

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My surgery is scheduled for tomorrow, October 15, at 10:30, EST.

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

"....Whether We Wake Or Sleep...."

"For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him."

This impacted me the first time I read it; and His Words do still, "....whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him."

This is 24/7/366 (don't leave out "Leap Year").  This is timeless abiding, indwelling, "in My Throne with/in Me," relationship in Jesus Christ.  This is the only such promise of anyone, anything.  Enjoy with me.

Father, in Jesus' Name, the Reality never grows old.  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 "Greater One"-- October 12, 2021

https://youtu.be/-VcbxV7sAoc

Get With The Program

"On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him."  (Acts 10:b)

When I read this the other day I wondered: What did they talk about on that two-day journey?   And, remember that scene from "The Greatest Story Every Told" where the Lord Jesus and the twelve were discussing what happened to Peter's coat?

There was a missionary who spoke in one of the churches which I pastored over 55 years ago.  I was a hunter at the time, and asked him if he hunted.  "I don't have time for that."  Translated?  "I am spiritual; you are not.  I talk spiritual talk, do spiritual things, never take a day off, nor enjoy anything of creation.  I read 40 chapters in the Bible every day, pray 12 hours, work 20 hours per day.  Get with the program."

Father, in Jesus' Name, Regardless, I am still thankful that you have allowed me to serve You all of these years.  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

Addendum

Forgot to add one great statement of commitment:

"MY TIMES ARE IN YOUR HANDS.

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

"....My Rock of Refuge...."

"....Be my Rock of Refuge, a Strong Fortress to save me."  (Psalm 31:2b, NIV)

I recommended to one of our church members, who confessed to being discouraged, Psalm 31 in the NIV; hence, our text.  Here are some more highlights from Psalm 31.

"In You I have taken refuge....Since You are my Rock and my Fortress, for the sake of Your Name lead and guide me....Into Your hands I commit my spirit, deliver me, Lord, my Faithful God....You have not given me into the hands of the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.  Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow....But I trust in You, Lord; I say, 'You are my God'....The Lord preserves those who are true to Him....Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord", JESUS CHRIST!

Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You!.  Amen.

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I will be posting our new address, hoping that eventually everyone will get it

645 East Pittsburgh Street, Suite 196

Greensburg

PA

15601

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

"....My Goodness...."?

"O my soul, you have said to the Lord, 'You are my Lord, My goodness is nothing apart from You.'"  (Psalm 16:2)

This just stood out so strongly to me Monday as I read it, "....My goodness is nothing apart from You."  So I prayed it again: "My goodness is nothing apart from You", Lord Jesus. 

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

"Some Trust In Chariots,..But We...."

"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God."  (Psalm 20:7)

There are a myriad of "places" in which to put our trust.  Only One, however, produces.  "On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand, all other ground is sinking sand."

I checked earlier this morning, and the US Supreme Court Building and the US Capitol Building are still closed.  Germany is still an enigma.  My daily routine, however, in these changing times is regular intercessory prayer in our home church building.  We will only continue to walk in overcoming victory as we, "follow the Lamb wherever He goes."

I pray that you are making any necessary adjustments in your service to King Jesus in these days.

Father, in Jesus' Name, "I press on...."  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

Really?!?

"To the Chief Musician.  To the tune of, 'Death of the Son."  

"I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works."  (Psalm 9:1)

I was finishing my second cup of coffee, sitting in my "favorite" chair, reading the Psalms------------ and I had my legs crossed.  I was not kneeling, bowing, did not have hands raised.  Rather, I probably looked like millions of people around the world having their morning cuppa joe.  But I was in fellowship/participation mode.  

As I realized my "posture," I thought, "This is probably not how you're supposed to do this."  Then I thought, "Why not?  If Brother Lawrence's, The Practice of the Presence of God, taught us anything, he taught us what indeed is sound Biblical Theology.  "Abide in Me, and I in you."  I was simply in "Abiding mode."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You that You are always You to 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 Lifter Of My Head"

"But Thou, O Lord, are a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter of men head."  (Psalm 3:3, KJV)

I listened to a background track of this today.  I use background tracks for playing my horn.  It is great worship.  Today's text is written in my heart and mind.  "....Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth", is indeed, "The Faithful Witness," to our text.  When my "head" was down in defeat, it was Jesus Who lifted my head, and keeps me "lifted."  

My 60th high school class reunion is October 8.  The organizer has asked me to have the blessing before the meal.  More importantly, I was asked to say a few words "to remember our deceased classmates."  This is an opportunity for testimony, to honor Jesus Christ.  I will be brief, but pray for, as Revelation 12:11 states, "....the Word to which [I bear] witness."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray I manifest, "the light of the world," and, "the salt of the earth."  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

To Whom/What Do We Entrust Ourselves?

"To Him (Jesus) all the prophets witness that, through His (Jesus') Name, whoever believes in Him (Jesus) will receive remission of sins."  (Acts 10:43)

Here we read that Peter told the group assembled in Cornelius' house that they would have forgiveness of sin if they believed in Jesus.

There has been a historic debate as to just what it means to "believe."  I just happened, again, to check the Word translated, "believe," in the Interlinear.  One translation is, "to entrust."  The word, "entrust," means, "assign the responsibility for doing something to someone," or, "put something into someone's care or protection."  

So, my friend, the "salvation experience" is, "assign the responsibility for doing something to [Jesus Christ]," and, "put something into [Jesus'] care for protection."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I so do afresh today.  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

"Rest" Therapy

"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty."  (Psalm 91:1, NIV)

Consider:  "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest"---- period!  Jesus tells us that all who surrender their lives to Him, "....will find rest for your souls."  And Hebrews 4 declares, "There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the People of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from their works....Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest...."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I so thank You for Your Rest.  Amen.

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We depart for Crow Indian Country Tuesday, August 24.  Please pray that we can get all contributed items in the van.

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, I, I"

"Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 2:11, NIV)

There are wild fires not too far from the Crow Reservation area where we plan to be--- "One day at a time."  As the, "God-Breathed," Word declares, "My times are in Your hands."

Ecclesiastes 2 is filled with, "I undertook.., I built.., I made.., I owned.., I amassed."  This is a life apart from Jesus Christ; it was our lives apart Jesus Christ; and, it's the life of anyone who is not moment by moment walking in Jesus Christ.  Instead of, "....when I surveyed all that my hands had done..," we should live, "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross."

Let me give you an abbreviated version of what the Kingdom of God/Heaven is like.  The, "I undertook," is replaced by, "Thy Kingdom Come.  Thy will be done...."  We can all look at plans, "I undertook," and see how many did not come to the fruition we desired.  If my, "I undertook," is Jesus Christ, then meaninglessness is replaced by, "joy unspeakable and full of glory."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I say again, "My times are in Your hands."  Amen.   

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Mission Update:  We plan to give some school supplies to a pastor on the Dakota Sioux Reservation around Rapid City, South Dakota.

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