HAPPY ETERNITY

"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."  (Revelation 21:4)

The key to "understanding" the Book of Revelation, as well as all Scripture, is the passage in 2 Corinthians 4:18, "While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen.  For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." 

Jesus appeared in the, "....temporary...," that He might bring us into the, "....Eternal." 

  

Father, in Jesus' Name, I commit to, "....look at...the things which are not 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

Psalm Nugget

"Thy Kingdom is a Kingdom of all ages, and Thy dominion endures throughout all generations."  (Psalm 145:13, NASB, 1977)

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

'FAITHFUL, TRUE, JUDGE, WARRIOR

"And I saw heaven opened; and behold a white horse, and He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True; and in righteousness He judges and wages war."

Most people do not "identify" with "this" Jesus.  They prefer, "Gentile Jesus, meek and mild."  He is that, but He is also our text.

May the Holy Spirit burn/write in our hearts that our King and Savior Jesus Christ is, "....Faithful and True."  He is always, "....Faithful and True," even when we go through some of life's events which may seem to contradict this.  But remember what the Bible says, "While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen."

Whatever life's journey has you in today, keep confessing that Jesus Christ is, "....Faithful and True," and yes, "in righteousness He judges and wages war."  This latter part of the text just may be equal in liberation and blessing to us as the former.  For me, there is no "may be."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You that You are, "Faithful and True," and, "....in righteousness [You] judge and wage[] war."  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 PSALM NUGGET

"When my spirit felt weak within me, You knew my path." (Psalm 142:3a, NASB)

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

HEAVENLY REVELATION

"And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the Throne of God and of the Lamb.  In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month.  The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."  (Revelation 22:1, 2)

Newer translations have a comma after, "....and of the Lamb."  Regardless, the, "....water of life...and...the tree of life," reveal the all-encompassing provision of the Life of the Godhead, "....in the middle...and on either side...."  This means now and forever, eternally.

"The leaves...were for the healing...."  The Greek Word for, "healing," is the Word from which we get the word therapy.  Now I will not speculate any further on all possible implications.  I just receive this glorious revelation of the "Heavenly reward," all possible only in the Blood of Jesus Christ.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You for Your Most Precious Blood which allows me entrance into such glory.  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

PSALM "TIDBITS"

I may from time to time send you such tidbits.  Let me know if you do not want them.  The following is from this morning Psalms reading. 

"In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul."  (Psalm 138:3) 

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

"JESUS CHRIST,...'THE PRINCE OF THE KINGS...."

"....and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth, unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His Own Blood...."  Revelation 1:4, 5--KJV)

Every so often I read through the Bible in the KJV.  This last quarter was one such time.  Some of the translations are uniquely glorious.

For example: "....Jesus Christ, who is...the Prince of the kings of the earth."  Then there is the glorious Good News of the Gospel, "Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His Own Blood."  

Father, in Jesus' Name, I praise You, "....which is, which was, and which is to come...."  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 PRAYER QUESTION

"My son, give me your heart...."  (Proverbs 23:26a)

Random thought this morning:  How much praying would we do if we weren't praying for something?

Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You for the question.  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

"....HE APPEARED SO THAT...."

"But you know that He appeared so that He might take away our sins.  And in Him is no sin."  (1 John 3:5, NIV)

Out text is an also a great "Christmas Story."  All my sins "disappeared" when Jesus, the Babe in the manger, "appeared."

The Carol declares that, "....the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight."  Man's "hopes and fears of all the years" are self-destructive, full of self-centeredness, self-reliance.  Both are driven by sin, rebellion against the Living Triune God.  Jesus, "appeared," however, in those "dark streets" of Bethlehem, "....so that He might take away our sins."

 

No matter the "hopes" and "fears" in life, because of our Lord Jesus Christ, "Immanuel, God with us," we can live as David declared so long ago, "The Lord is my Light and and my Salvation; whom shall I fear?  The Lord [Jesus Christ] is the Strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I so thank You that, "....He appeared so that He might take away our sins."  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 WE MAKE OTHERS JESLOUS?

"....if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh and save some of them." (Romans 11:14)

Paul desperately wanted his fellow Jews to surrender their lives to Jesus Christ. He apparently believed that the Gentiles beginning to follow Jesus just might, "provoke to jealousy," the Jews, not just by the conversion of said Gentiles, but also by something of what they saw in those surrendering their lives to Jesus, viz., the fruit of the presence of Jesus in His Followers. 

I had a thought: Do people see in me something of Jesus Christ that makes them "jealous" of what/Who I have in Jesus Christ in me?  When is the last time someone said to you and me, "I want what you have?"

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray that the salt and life, which You say I am, would create a desire in others to know 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

THE MOTIVATION OF SERVICE

"For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.  For all seek their own not the things which are of Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 2:20, 21)

I was a senior in high school when I heard John Kennedy's famous words, "Ask not what your country can do for you.  Ask what you can do for your country."  

Paul is making a similar challenge in our text to the Philippian Church.  Timothy was a young man of whom Paul could say, "....who will sincerely care for your state" (This should be true of all of us).  As for others, "....all seek their own...."  Our Lord Jesus Christ once declared to those who were self-seeking, "But I am among you as One Who serves."  Too many church-goers select a particular local church based on what that church can do for them.  Others do so based on how they can do their particular "ministry."  If they can do "their thing," they stay; if not, they leave.  

Today I say to all of us Followers of Jesus: Ask not what your local Church can do for you.  Ask what you can do for that Church.  

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray to be as Timothy.  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 GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST IN THE CHRISTMAS CAROLS

"And the Word became flesh and dwelled among us."  (John 1:14a)

As we sang some of the Christmas Carols in our recent church service, I was reminded of just how many of them express wonderfully the Gospel accounts.  Here are a few of them:

"Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing."   

"Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, Hail the incarnate Deity, Pleased as man with man to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel."

"Yet in thy dark street shineth the Everlasting Light."

Hence, my prayer today is, 

"Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning, 

Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv'n

Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing,

Oh come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord."  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

WHEN, "A VEIL COVERS THEIR HEARTS"

"Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts.  But whenever anyone turns to the Lord the veil is taken away."  (2 Corinthians 3:15, 16--NIV)

There are some who say, "I just can't understand much of the Bible; it's so difficult for me to read.  But, Wow!  Does he/she ever know the word.  They are always in the word."  None of this removes the, "veil."  

Our text tells us that the real "student of the Word," is the person who, "....turns to the Lord [Jesus Christ]."  And whenever one, "turns to the Lord [Jesus] the veil is taken away."  Now some may say, "How do you, "turn[] to the Lord?"  I don't know.  Paul doesn't seem to give such detail.  That the Holy Spirit shows us, however, I have no doubt.  Read, "the Words of  God...looking unto Jesus," and whatever understanding is possible in this present age will be ours.

Intellect, Hebrew, Greek, I Q are not the key to unveiling Scripture.  "Turn to the Lord," is.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I today afresh, turn to 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

"....TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH"

"He shall come down like rain upon the grass before mowing, like showers that water the earth....He shall have dominion also from seas to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth." (Psalm 72:6 & 8)

Psalm 72 is another glorious description and foreshadow of Jesus and His "work," Who He Is, What He Does.  I encourage you to read the whole of Psalm 72 and be blessed.'

Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You for such a revelation.  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

GOD'S LOVE IS, "....ALIVE AND ACTIVE"

"For God thus loved the world: He gave His only Son...." (John 3:16a, Interlinear Greek)

God's love is Eternal Love, no time, space, or degree about the Love of the Living Triune God for you and me.  1 John 4:10 says, "In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us..," and did something to demonstrate His Love: He, "....sent His Son, the Propitiation ('atoning sacrifice') for our sins."  

It occurred to me today that Jesus' Love for man is as His Word, "....alive and active...," and our love for each other and the world must be, "....alive and active."        

Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You for Your, "alive and active," love for 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

"....JESUS TOLD HIS DISCIPLES A STORY...."

"One day Jesus told His disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up."  (Luke 18:1, NLT)

When I read our text this quarter, I had a thought.  What if a congregation came together on each of the Sunday mornings of a month and did nothing but pray, i.e., no music, no announcements, no offering, well, nothing which most congregations do in a typical Sunday morning service. 

Everyone would come to the altar, if they have one, or go to the front row of chairs and kneel down to pray.  Whatever, maybe it could be called a, "never give up," prayer meeting.  

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray for a never-give-up 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'S YOUR STORY?"

"Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like."  (Luke 6:47)

You know "the rest of the story."  I have been taking particular note this time through the Gospels as to just how much our Lord Jesus Christ used stories, aka, parables, to teach and preach, to communicate the, "The Good News of the Kingdom."  

Years ago I was in a conference of the organization which sponsored the underground seminary program in Eastern Europe during the communist era.  One of the participants said that he had been noticing how illustrative I was in communicating with others, i.e., stories, illustrations.  I remember later thinking of a few people in one of the congregations which I served years ago who did not like me using stories of my football career.  They thought I was just bragging.  Whatever, I have a renewed appreciation of story-telling-Kingdom-Life sharing.  Apparently, I'm in Good Company.  

Let me encourage you today to realize that testimonies are a form of story telling, parables, if you will.  There are so many around you who need your particular story, the Gospel "according to" you!  "What's your story?"  Tell a dying world.

Father, in Jesus' Name, help us all to follow Your example of story-telling.  Amen.

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

I'm sending our latest contributions for the Ukrainian People this coming Monday.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the caIll 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 EYES HAVE SEEN....."

"For my eyes have seen Your Salvation."  (Luke 2:30)

This is also a part of The Christmas Story, just eight days after the angels could have said, "....my eyes have seen Your Salvation."  The reason is that the shepherds and Simeon beheld the same Person, a Baby, Mary's Boy, "the carpenter's Son," and yes, "The Word of God," Who, "became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory...."

It is not the "plan of salvation."  It is The Person of Salvation.  Salvation is a beholding of the Babe in the manger, a beholding of the Eight Year Old in the Temple, and years later, John the Baptist would say, "Behold the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world."

"Where meek souls will receive Him still, the Dear Christ enters in."

Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You that You "enter[ed] in."  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

"IN THE CROSS OF CHRIST I GLORY"

"And when they had mocked him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified."  (Matthew 27:31)

Billy Graham once referred to the Cross as, "the pivotal point in history."  There is something in the statement, "History before the Cross pointed forward to the Cross, and history after the Cross points back to the Cross."  And, the first person who I ever heard say, "The Cross was in the Heart of God from Eternity," was my Dad.  My seminary would use the term "The Christ Event," when speaking of Jesus' Death.  "In the Cross of Christ I glory, towering o're the wrecks of time."

Interesting that when Jesus spoke of His impending crucifixion, no one said that they were thankful for what He was about to "accomplish."  Could it be that they had no idea just how wonderful that Christ Event would be for humanity.  I am alive today; I have hope, peace, and forgiveness of sin today; I am a child of God today; and, in the "last day," Jesus will raise [me] up------------- all because of His Cross and Resurrection.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray that I will always appreciate Your supreme act of love for me.  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not o

nly emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

BEFORE AND AFTER THE CROSS

"All of us like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, each one, to his own way; but the Lord has caused the wickedness of us all [our sin, our injustice, our wrongdoing] to fall on Him [instead of us]."  (Isaiah 53:6, Amplified Bible)

I cannot adequately express what I saw, heard, sensed, whatever a few days ago.  The short version is this:  When we read in the Bible of the sins of the Fathers, the deception, murders, the God-Sanctioned destruction of nations, reading of every sin imaginable, every sin, and not only by the pagan nations, but the so-called Bible heroes, we realize that what Romans 3:23 declares is true of everyone, "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.  

I have attempted to explain this; perhaps you have also.  But what came to me in the most powerful way I have ever experienced, and, even though I have felt that I had some "grasp" of it, is that the Cross of Jesus has taken on for me a greater, well, I don't know.  The billions of people from Adam to this very moment, all over the world, every people group, gender, ethnic group, because of our rebellion and disobedience, were/are under Divine Judgment.  Yet, Jesus declared from His Cross, "It is finished!"  Our sins have been removed, "as far as the East is from the West."

I have been "experiencing" something "new" of this, that the sin accumulation of the millennia, BC and AD, and just how the Living Triune God detests, hates such sin, as well as His equivalent demonstration of His love for humanity, is revealed in the Cross of Jesus Christ.  Please listen to the song below.

https://youtu.be/Tkx8WAycYAc