A TESTIMONY FROM A DISTANT LAND

"....The time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service....These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace.  In this world you have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world."  *John 16)

The following is from Brother Andrew's Prayer Force Alert:

"Ruti's family beat her for accepting Jesus.  She fled to another town, and Open Doors partners helped her hide, supported her, and found her spiritual mentors.  She found a new family in Christ, thanks to His guidance and provision."

Ruti is another witness to the power of today's text.  The world, especially the Muslim and Hindu world, is killing followers of Jesus Christ and do so believing, "....that he offers God service", even though the Muslim and Hindu gods are false gods.

If you or any one you know has experienced, "trouble," in family or friend rejection because you follow Jesus, do not be defeated, rather, "take heart!"  In Jesus Christ you and I, "....overcome the world."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I so thank You for Your overcoming the world.   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 IS "CHRIST IN US."

"Abide in Me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me."  (John 15:4)

Was it a typo, or was it a "Word from the Lord."  I almost typed, "As the Church cannot bear fruit of itself...."

At any rate, at least 11 times in the chapter Jesus says either, "in Me," or, "in you."  This is The, "in Me," and, "in you...faith of Jesus."  Now of course the Bible also says that the Blessed Trinity goes before us, comes behind us, "underneath are the Everlasting Arms," and the well-known, "Thou art with me."

The theology of John 15, however, is the New Covenant invitation for all of humanity, "Abide in Me and I in you."  This indeed is the power of the Gospel.  The Living Triune God does not need to be "welcomed in this place."  He is already here, there, everywhere, and most gloriously, "in you." and that is, "....the hope of glory."

Father, in Jesus' Name, the thought of You desiring to live in me is beyond any comprehension, but I so thank You for such love.  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

"....Just Prove You Are Right"

"Would you condemn Me that you may be justified?"  (Job 40:8b)

These are the Words of the Triune God to Job.  The NLT says, "....just to prove you are right."

I am telling you in certainty that the reason the "elites," the theologians, the academics, the cynical comedians, and, yes, any friends or family members who, "discredit," our Lord Jesus Christ, His Church and Kingdom do so for one reason and one reason only, "....just to prove [they] are right."  There is absolutely no other reason.  This is how humanity lives life, "....that you may be justified."

Repentance is you and I saying to our Lord Jesus, "I am wrong; You are right."  If our "conversion" was not rooted in this confession, we need to reexamine our salvation.  Every day there needs to be this strong belief that no matter what is going on in life, Jesus is right and the world is wrong.  Our only "Rightness" is Jesus Christ, "Who of God is made to us Wisdom, and Righteousness, and Sanctification, and Redemption." 

Father, in Jesus' Name, apart from You there is nothing right about 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

"....Far Above All Rule And Authority"

"....Christ...seated...in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come."  (Ephesians 1)

After praying in the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building in Harrisburg, PA, our text came to me.  It was once again a time of praying "on site with insight."  This "on site with insight" never fails when I am "on site."

These, "Words of God," are a reminder of just Who we serve.  He is Jesus Christ, our King and Savior, and the Sole heir of, "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion."  And this same Jesus is also, "far above...every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come."  

No matter the outcome of the upcoming US Mid-Term Elections, the results of which will impact the entire Global Community of Nations, you and I can rest today in Jesus Christ, "Who Is our Peace," while we labor in Jesus Christ and for Jesus Christ, "in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation," for which we pray to come out of bondage into His Glorious Light.  

Father, in Jesus' Name, I am so thankful to You for the empowering reality 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