PSALM NUGGET

"From the ends of the earth I will cry to You when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the Rock that is higher than I."  (Psalm 61:2)

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

"But I will sing of Your power; yes, I will sing aloud Your mercy in the morning; for You have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble." (Psalm 59:16)

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 YOUR HEART...."

"For this time I am going to send all My plagues to your heart.., so that you may know that there is no one like Me in all the earth."  (Exodus 9:14, NASB)

"....I am going to send all My plagues to your heart"---- and He did.  Today, it was as though I had never read theses Words.  What chilling, fearful Words.  

Our text reveals God's chilling warning to Pharaoh, but also a loving objective in plagues: "....so that you may know there is no one like Me...."  He "plagues" our rebellion so that we can come to know Him.  

Mankind can fight off the external, e.g., the serpents, the frogs, etc., but King Jesus is after the hearts and minds of men.  Maybe we don't use the word, "plague," but conviction of the Holy Spirit is much the same, and His work goes straight, "....to your heart.., in order to convict and destroy rebellion in us, to soften our hearts so that we will surrender our lives to Jesus Christ"------------- so that you may know there is no one like Me."  

Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You for the conviction of the Holy Spirit which finally got to 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

PSALM NUGGET

"Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be shaken."  (Psalm 55:22)

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 FOR YOUR SOULS)

"Come to Me...and I will give you rest....Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me...and you will find rest for your souls."  (From Matthew 11:28 & 29)

If the evening news would only open with this invitation of Jesus---------

People who like "how to" seminars will be disappointed with the Bible.  So many of the promises of the Blessed Trinity do not follow with, "Now here is how you do this."  Jesus' invitation, "Come to Me...and you will find rest for your souls," is such an example.

While some are "how to" people, I encourage you to be a "receive" person.  As the Carol declares, "Where meek souls will receive Him, still the Dear Christ enters in."  In a tumultuous, anxious, unpredictable world, all can, "....find rest for your souls", in Jesus Christ.  

Father, in Jesus' Name, I may not be able to describe "how to," but I respond to, "Come 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

PSALM NUGGET

"Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me."  (Psalm 50:15)

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

COMBINE AFFLICTION AND JOY

"And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the Word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit."  (1 Thess. 1:6)

For most, affliction is the opposite of joy; most of us do not put, "affliction," and, "joy," in the same sentence.  In our text, however, we see the power of our Indwelling Jesus Christ, "....in much affliction, with joy...." 

Jesus tells us, "These things I have spoken to you that My joy may be in you...."  Notice, "My joy...in you."  The, "joy of the Holy Spirit", is Jesus Christ's Joy in us, even, "in much affliction."

Father, in Jesus' Name, You are my Joy.  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

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore...." (Psalm 46:1+)

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

NORMAL CHURCH LIFE

"Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me."  (Colossians 4:7)

If you want to read something which 99% of Christendom probably does not underline, read the farewell passages of the Epistles.  They reveal a great comradeship among the Brethren.  Colossians 4:7-18 is an example.

Verse 8 & 9 says, "I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you."

The last part of verse 11 says, "....they have proved to be a comfort to me."  And verse 17: "And say to Archippus, 'Take heed to the ministry which you a have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it."

These passages remind me of our Lord Jesus Christ's statements to His Disciples, to you and me.  These passages are great examples of Family love and friendship.

Father, in Jesus' Name, may I be such person.  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

"Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your Kingdom."  (Psalm 45:6)

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

NOTE THE CONTRAST

"The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect.  The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations."  (Psalm 33:10, 11)

Contrast, "the counsel of the nations..," and, "the plans of the peoples," with, "the counsel of the Lord [Jesus Christ]," and, "the plans of His heart."  I'm sure you will choose wisely.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray I choose Your, "counsel," and Your, "plans."  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