IT HAD BEEN A LONG TIME

"Thy Word is Truth."  (Jesus)

I have been in a progressing-improvement mode, several hospital stays, lots of various meds.  I even had to send back my driver's license.

I want to thank any of you who have been praying.  Over these months, I have been thinking of the woman who cried out to the king on the city wall, "Help me," and received the response from the king, "If the Lord doesn't help you there is nothing I can do."  I thoroughly agree.  It is true for all of us, of men and nations.

What I went through brought the response of one specialist, "There was an angel on your shoulder."  You and I know better.  The truth is that it is, "Christ in you, the Hope of Glory."

Please have a glorious Christmas Season.

Woody and Sarah

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 SAME SUFFERINGS...."

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  Resist, him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brethren in the world.  But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.  To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever.  Amen."  (1 Peter 5:8-11)

I read about and pray for, "brethren in the world", who are suffering terribly every day.  Some say that it doesn't help people to know that there are others around the world who are going through what they are going through.  Then, I guess, Peter did not know what he was talking about.  Suffering is a part of the life of those who follow Jesus Christ.

Listen, you and I are a part of a suffering brotherhood, whatever that suffering may be.  The Word of God Himself tells us, "Remember the prisoners as if chained with them---those who are mistreated-- since you yourselves are in the body also."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You that I am apart of Your Church throughout the earth, suffering or not.  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

"ALL THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE EARTH ARE OUT OF JOINT"

"For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with His truth."  Psalm 96:13)

And the, "truth," by which the Living Triune God judges all and everything is Jesus Christ.  Paul told the people on Mars Hill that day, "For He has fixed a day on which He shall judge the earth by the standards of the Man Whom He has appointed.  That this is so, He has guaranteed to all men by raising that Man from the dead."

Looking at the global chaos today, I found myself this morning while praying just lifting my hands and saying, "I hold this Planet before you."  Join me afresh today in not quitting, not giving up, but pressing for, "Thy Kingdom come.  Thy will be done in earth as it is in Heaven."  

You and I as followers of Jesus Christ are the only ones, "by prayer and supplications," who can stand, "in the gap," for nations, our families, friends, associates.  This is no time for discouragement.

Father, in Jesus' Name, You said, "All the foundations of the earth are out of joint."  I pray to participate in You for Your purposes for all mankind.  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

"CAN GOD PREPARE A TABLE IN THE WILDERNESS?"

"Yes, they spoke against God: They said, 'Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?'  Behold, He struck the rock, so that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed.  Can He give bread also?  Can He provide meat for His people?'  Therefore, the Lord heard this and was furious...."   (Psalm 78:20-21a)

I was once in quite a ministry change.  I remember buying a local paper, went into the family room, and began looking at the want ads.  After a very short time, it was barely short of an audible voice which I heard, "What are you doing?"  There was a rebuke in this, as well as a "hurt."

While this was almost 40 years ago, today's text reminded me that I was just like the Hebrews.  The situation looked uncertain, even bleak.  So what was I doing?  Even though I would have denied it at the time, I was saying, "Can He give bread also?  Can He provide meat for His people?"

Maybe you have never been in such a situation, but if you are ever tempted to think and act as I did, and, as those in our text, remember that our Lord Jesus Christ is not happy with such a response to uncertainty.  These are not idle words of our Lord Jesus:  "Look at the birds of the air....Your heavenly Father feeds them."

Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You for Your continual reminder that You, and You alone, are my Provider.  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 MOST WONDERFUL PRAYER

"Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer.  From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy.  I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings."  (Psalm 61:1-4)  

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

RECEIVING WINS OUT OVER QUESTIONS

"Jesus answered and said to her, 'If you knew the gift of God, and Who it is Who says to you, '"Give Me a drink,'" you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.'"  (John 4:10)

Jesus here offers Himself to her, but she immediately goes to the religious arena, "Our fathers worshiped on this mountain."

Here is Jesus, in front of her, offering the Water which He Himself Is, and she speaks of going to a mountain.  Did she just get so overwhelmed with this encounter, or did unbelief, the refusal to accept what she just heard, win out?  

Thankfully, it seems as though she went from questions to receiving, receiving Jesus, our well of Living Water, "....springing up into everlasting Life."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I can never thank You enough that You invite us to, "Abide in Me and I in 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 1

GOD'S REPETITION

"For we walk by faith, not by sight."  (2 Corinthians 5:7)

Every time you and I read a Bible passage which we have read many times before, God is repeating Himself.  This substantiates what Abraham Lincoln once said of the Bible, "All the good the Savior gave to the world was communicated through this Book."  All we need is for our Lord Jesus to keep repeating Himself---- "through this Book."

If anyone looks at faith as a mental comprehension, or, "it just makes sense," they are in for a big disappointment.  Faith is not found in what we see, feel, or can rationalize.  Faith is found in accepting what The Word of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, says.  That's why He keeps repeating Himself.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I confess that I too often attempt to, "....walk by...sight."  I look forward to Your every day repetition.  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

O Lord God of Israel

"Every day will I bless You, and I will praise Your Name forever and ever."  (Psalm 145:2)

The following song was involved in our text today. 

https://youtu.be/cShhUc-5afg?si=yBsxNchD-G9kFzJ2

Sent from my iPhone

"LIFE IS MORE THAN................."

"Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing."  (Luke 12:23)

I'm sure you have heard the cliche, or perhaps, even said it, "Food on the table, clothes on our backs, and a roof over our heads?"  Of course, we all need these.  Yet when people say that as though this is the core reason for living and working, they are reducing human existence to the level of the beasts of the fields.

I am not going into a long writing on this, but it behooves all of us to keep this deep in our very being, "Life is more (so much more) than food, and the body is more than clothing."  Jesus gives us the foundation of our text in verse 21, "So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

Father, in Jesus' Name, continue to show me the, "more than."  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 MORE THOUGHTS ON, "BE THOU MY VISION"

"....Let us...run with endurance the race...looking unto Jesus...."  (From Hebrews 12)

"Naught be all else to me save that Thou art."

For me, this means that I don't attempt to create Jesus in my image.  No matter the "answered" or "unanswered" prayers, the insight into the Scriptures or lake thereof, "Naught be all else to me save that Thou art."  There is a stay-exactly-the-way-You-are in this.  

Not what my "flesh" may want You to be and do, but rather, Who You are is Whom I love, praise and serve.

"I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene,

And wonder how He could love me, 

A sinner condemned, unclean.

For me it was in the garden,

He prayed: 'Not My will, but Thine.'

He had no tears for His own griefs,

But sweat-drops of Blood for mine.

He took my sins and my sorrows,

He made them His very own;

He bore the burden to Calv'ry,

And suffered, and died alone.

When with the ransomed in glory

His Face I at last shall see,

'Twill be my joy through the ages

To sing of His love for me.

Chorus:

How marvelous!  How wonderful

And my song shall ever be:

How marvelous!  How wonderful!

Is my Savior's love for me!

Father, in Jesus' Name, "Naught be all else to me save that Thou art."  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 JOURNEY THROUGH, "BE THOU MY VISION"

"....Let us...run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus...."  (From Hebrews 12:1 & 2)

"Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart."  Some believe that this song was first penned over 1500 years ago.

Jesus is the Lord of my heart, not primarily my mind.  My relationship in Jesus Christ is circular: it begins in my heart, yes, spends some time in my mind, but always comes back to my heart.  

The Berean Literal Bible says, "for in the heart is the belief unto righteousness...."  And, it is in the heart where life in Jesus "lives."  Our King Jesus is, "Lord of my heart."

Father, in Jesus' Name, continue to be, "Lord of 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

"GRACE THAT EXCEEDS OUR SIN AND OUR GUILT!"

"For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified."  (1 Corinthians 2:2)

And the reason is quite succinct.  Without the Cross of Jesus all is lost; I am, you are, the world is.

In the middle of the night last night, I woke up with the words of an old hymn, "....grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!"  I cannot remember the last time I was so impacted by something.  I didn't, and still don't attempt to understand what happened.  I do know, however, that I can add, "blessings all mine with ten thousand beside." 

Here is some more from this unequaled worship song:

"Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,

Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!

Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured,

There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.

Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,

Threaten the soul with infinite loss;

Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold, 

Points to the refuge, the Mighty Cross.

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide;

What can we do to wash it away?

Look!  There is flowing a crimson tide,

Brighter than snow you may be today.

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,

Freely bestowed on all who believe!

You that are longing to see His face,

Will you this moment His grace receive?"

Chorus: "Grace, grace, God's grace,

Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;

Grace, grace, God's grace,

Grace that is greater than all our sin!'

Father, in Jesus' Name, what more can I say than, "Glory to Your Name"?  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

"CONSIDER OTHERS...."

"Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them."  (Mark 10:13)

This is classic self-centeredness.  The children were disturbing the meeting.

If we just took seriously, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," what a different world we would have, and, what a different Church.

The next time you encounter someone, start with focusing on them---- then observe the atmosphere.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray to, "consider others...."  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

"THINK FROM UP TO DOWN TO A CONCLUSION"

"Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession...."  (Hebrews 3:1, NASB)

The Interlinear Greek says, "carefully consider."   It means, "to think from up to down to a conclusion," which means, Let Jesus be priority, the first (as in, "Seek first"), 24/7/365/6, in everything, everywhere, always.  

Do not just say His Name in prayer and worship, but in our every day lives, in everything, in all categories of human living, "Carefully consider, think from up to down to a conclusion, Jesus."  Such living will affect our family, our political views, our vocational life, our education, our recreation, and, yes, the Church.

In all, "Carefully consider, think from up to down to a conclusion, Jesus."

Father, in Jesus' Name, Holy Spirit enable me to do this, not just talk and write of this.  Amen.

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Greetings from Crow and Northern Cheyenne Country.  It was 107 decrees Fahrenheit.  Worked up quite a sweat unloading a tightly packed van.  Thanks for any prayers. 

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 WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED"

"Then a voice came from heaven, 'You are My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased.'"  (Mark 1:11)

"In Whom I am well pleased"------also.

Father speaks here to the Son.  In John 12:28 again, Father speaks to the Son.  In Luke 9:35, when Jesus was with Peter, James, and John on the mountain and Peter wanted to start a building program, Father speaks again.  And this time He just points those present to the Son, Jesus.  I guess Jesus is the Word the Father has for us.

Maybe modern Christendom should get the picture.  Jesus is the only way to hear Father, to "see" Father, and to honor Father.  So may I repeat to you and me today what Our Father tells everyone, "This is My Son, Whom I have chosen; listen to Him."

Father, in Jesus' Name, may I hear Your voice more clearly.  Amen.

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

WE DEPART FOR CROW COUNTRY TOMORROW, JULY 30, AT 09:00.  Thanks to any who have helped make this possible.

When Peter, an 18 yeaFr 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

"....AN ANGEL...ROLLED BACK THE STONE...AND SAT ON IT"

"And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it." (Matthew 28:2)

"....and sat on it."  What an absolutely great picture of in-your-face victory!

We spoke of the suffering of Jesus at the hands of the Sanhedrin and the Roman Government a couple of days ago.  As the black pastor once said, however, "It's Friday, but Sunday's comin'. 

And here it is.  If our text does not reveal the absolute control of the Godhead in the events that Passover Week in Jerusalem in the First Century, then nothing will.  Rome, in all its super power strength was powerless to stop the purposes of the Living Triune God.  

Remember that our Lord Jesus Christ said before all of this, as recorded in John 10?  "Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again.  No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself.  I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.  This command I have received from My Father."

The next time you may feel powerless in some situation just remember that that same angel will, "descend[] from heaven, and...roll[] back the stone.., and s[i]t on it."  What a great picture of the powerful care of our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, which He manifests in all who trust Him!  Jesus sets the prisoners free!

Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You for Your glorious angels/messengers.  Amen.

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CROW COUNTRY MISSION: JULY 30-AUGUST 12

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

"THEN THEY SPAT IN HIS FACE"

"Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands."  (Matthew 26:67)

This is my fault.

This suffering was the result of our rebellion against the King of the Universe, Father, Son Jesus, and Holy Spirit.  He created everything beautiful.  He even said during the creation, "....and it was good."

But then, in that Garden, we (Yes, you and I) chose to believe the Enemy of mankind, "You will not surely die,"  We believed the lie in the same manner, as those referred to in 2 Peter, "for this they are willingly ignorant of."  We chose rebellion because Satan's way was more appealing.

Yes, tears came to my eyes today as I read our text, and I began to sing, "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross."  One line says, "All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His Blood." (I'm sending a great rendition)

Father, in Jesus' Name, I do.  Amen.

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

WE HEAD OUT FOR CROW COUNTRY ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, AT 09:00 

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

PRAY THE WORDS OF GOD

"'If it had not been the Lord [Jesus Christ] Who was on our side,..when men rose up against us, they would have swallowed us alive...."  (From Today's Psalm 124 Reading)

I do so encourage you to find prayers in the Bible for yourself and your nation.  The Psalms, in particular, are full of great "national" prayers. 

For instance, my prayer partner and I prayed Psalm 71 again for America, and it was absolutely powerful for me.  Just instead of the pronouns, e.g., "me," "my," "I," substitute America (or your nation).  

Example:  "Deliver America, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel [persons]....O God, do not be far from America, O my God, make haste to help 

America!  Let them be ashamed and consumed who are adversaries of America; let them be covered with reproach and dishonor who seek America's hurt....You, Who have shown America great and severe troubles, shall revive America again, and bring America up again from the depths of the earth."

Jesus tells us to pray, "Thy Kingdom come.  Thy will be done in earth (It is okay to specify, for instance, America, Poland, Czechia, Romania), our families) as it is in Heaven.  This is life-changing for you and me, and, for the nations.

Father, in Jesus' Name, "Your Word is a lamp to my feet."  Amen.

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

CROW NATION: JULY 30-AUGUST 12

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 HELP YOU" (JESUS)

"For I am the Lord your God Who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."  (Isaiah 41:13, NIV)

I know I share a lot as to the reality of our Indwelling King Jesus, as in, "Christ in you...."  But the loving Words and "picture" here of our Lord Jesus that He, "....takes hold of your right hand...," is of such comfort.

So, my dear, perhaps weary, Fellow Sojourner, The Blessed Trinity is saying to you afresh right now, "Do not fear; I will help you."

Father, in Jesus' Name, Your Words are such comfort.  Amen.

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ONE WEEK UNTIL CROW MISSION, JULY 30-AUGUST 12.

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

OUR NAMES ON HIS HEART

"So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel on the breastplate of judgment over his heart, when he goes into the holy place, as a memorial before the Lord continually."  (Exodus 28:29)

The point is short and clear.  This is exactly what our Great High Priest, Jesus, the Christ, is doing for you and me right this very moment.  You and I are literally always on Jesus' Heart.

 "What Wondrous Love Is This, Oh, my soul!"

Father, in Jesus' Name, such love, and so much, Thank You, from me.  Amen.     

********************* 

CROW MISSION: JULY 30 TO AUGUST 12

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

"GO THEREFORE AND MAKE DISCPLES OF [AMERICA]"

"....That Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations."  (Psalm 67:2)

So much for the misinterpreted and oft quoted separation of church and state.  Notice:  "on earth," and, "all nations."

Our text is a foreshadow of Jesus Christ telling us in His Words just before His ascension, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...."  Evangelicalism has placed so much emphasis on individual disciple-making that they have failed to see that there is also a process of discipling the nations, viz., world cultures.  Of course it begins with individuals and the Church, but if discipleship does not change a culture, it is incomplete discipleship.

Events of the last few days in the United States of America just remind me that America has not been discipled into Jesus Christ and His Words.  The reprobates have for generations told us to stay out of politics, stay out of industry, education, in short, the whole of American Culture.  Our schools, indeed, the whole of American Culture reveal just how effective the humanists have been, and how ineffective the Church has been.

What now?  Thus saith the Lord, "Stop quoting 2 Chronicles 7:14, and do it."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray that You show me how I can participate more in, "make disciples of all the nations."  Amen.

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CROW MISSION:  JULY 30-AUGUST 12  

 

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

"ONE GREATER THAN"

"Yet I say to you that in this place there is One greater than the temple...and indeed a greater than Jonah is here...; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here."  (From Matthew 12)

Think of it for a moment.  Here is a 5'5", 140 lb. Middle Eastern Jew making these claims.  No wonder His hearers were always plotting to get rid of Him.

These, "greater than," statements should give you and me great encouragement today.  Jesus Christ is not only greater than the Bible personages in our text, He is greater than all and everything in the universe.

What is it that is troubling you at this moment?  The one Who is, "greater than," that present-troubling is The One Whom the Bible declares as, "....upholding and maintaining and propelling all things [the entire physical and spiritual universe] by His powerful Word [carrying the universe along to its predetermined goal]."  Jesus Himself is these Words to all of us who daily surrender our existence to Him.

Father, in Jesus' Name, You are the Great, "Greater Than...."  Amen.

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CROW MISSION: JULY 30-AUGUST 12  

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

"WHY DOES YOUR TEACHER EAT WITH...SINNERS/"

"And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, 'Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?'"  (Matthew 9:11)

Answer:  The same reason He "eats" with you and me!  We are a pathetic lot without Jesus.

The immediate answer we find in the next verse, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick."  The human race is a sin-sick specie.  The only cure for our sickness is the Physician, Jesus.

In Jesus Christ and His Most Precious Blood is the healing Balm for you and me, indeed, as 1 John 2:2 declares, "And He Himself is the propitiation (atoning sacrifice) for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world."  

Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You for being my Physician.  Amen.

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CROW MISSION: July 31 to August 12

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 (MISTAKE CORRECTION)

"As for me, I will see Your Face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness."  (Psalm 17:15)

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

PSALM NUGGET

"As for me, I will see Your Face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your righteousness."  (Psalm 17:15)

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

THE TRUE NATURE OF WORSHIP AND PRAISE

"Let them praise the Name of the Lord, for His Name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and heaven."  (Psalm 148:13)

At least 12 times in this Psalm the psalmist exhorts you and me to, "Praise Him."  

Yet I remind us once again that worship and praise is not just we telling the Living Triune God, "I worship You; I praise You; I exalt You; I love You."  For every utterance, thought, expression of praise which you and I can offer to Father, Son Jesus, and Holy Spirit, He is offering and  expressing to us much greater Words and expressions of love, fellowship, forgiveness, mercy than we can imagine.  

The Lord God of the Universe is not some Greek god sitting on a remote throne in the heavens somewhere expecting us to love and serve his ego.  Jesus is continually saying to you and me, "The Lord has appeared...to me, saying: 'Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, with lovingkindness I have drawn you'....The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." (Jeremiah 31 & Zephaniah 3)

The Lord God is not a self-serving god on Mount Olympus.  He is, "Christ in us," continually, indwelling us in the true nature of worship and praise-------- fellowship and love.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I confess that the love I pour on You cannot be equalled to Your love 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