How To "Come Through Great Oppression"

"These are those who have come through great oppression: they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." (Revelation 7, J.B. Phillips)

Other translations say, and the Greek text says, "the great tribulation."  There is a lot of talk in the American media about the "fiscal cliff." Well, I can tell you, my friend, there is a "cliff" which is a much greater danger than the "fiscal cliff."  Even though much of humanity over the years has been through great tribulation, oppression, suffering, "cliffs," even "The Holocaust," nothing will ever equal, "The Great Tribulation"; its coming is certain. There is only one certain "route"/way through the sufferings of this present age and the coming judgment------- "The Blood of the Lamb," King Jesus.

"Those who have come through great oppression/tribulation," are those who, "have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb," Jesus.  You and I probably have over our lifetime attempted to remove the stain of sin, the foolish decisions, the things which have hurt others in our own "blood," our many "repentance" services, asking for forgiveness.  The latter are Biblical, but never intended to rise above, "the Blood of the Lamb," Jesus.  Our garments are stained by the sin of the Garden, and there is just nothing on the face of the Earth or throughout the endless Universe which can, "ma[k]e them white," but, "the Blood of the Lamb," Jesus.

Today I take great comfort in the body, soul, and spirit cleansing of, "the Blood of the Lamb," Jesus, the, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death," deliverance of, "the Blood of the Lamb," Jesus.  I am getting ready for the passing of this life, whether, "through great oppression," or "natural" causes in only one way, and that is as all those in Heaven who, "have washed their robes and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb," Jesus Christ.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I am supremely thankful for, "the blood of the Lamb," 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.'"

"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

You Want a Dream? Here's a Dream

"When the Lord brought back the captives [who returned] to Zion, we were like those who dream [it seemed so unreal]."  (Psalm 126:1, Amplified Bible)

This is what our Lord Jesus Christ can do for people, all people.  We were all in captivity, most of our own creating.  But we heard of Jesus, surrendered our lives to Jesus and He, "brought back the captives...."

"Twas the night after Christmas, and al l through the house"------------ silence.  But how great to have some of our family with us during the Christmas Season.  I always remember Christmases past, the great times with Dad and Mom, sister and brother, grandparents, our own children, other friends.  It is a sad time, however, for so many because it reminds them of happier times than they now experience, or perhaps just reminds them of what Christmas was supposed to be and was instead a horror.  Such feelings can bring a host of despair, indictments of "how unfair life is," or just total regret.  All this, however, can be overcome in Jesus Christ.  Only Jesus can bring, "back the captives...."

If you are struggling at this time of year, Jesus can bring you back, "to Zion," the, "City of the Great King,...the New Jerusalem."  For all those who will just allow Jesus, there is abundant, "Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord."  When we walk with and in Jesus Christ, there is what our Psalm goes on to say, "Then were our mouths filled with laughter, and our tongues with singing.  Then they said among the nations, the Lord has done great things for them.  The Lord has done great things for us!  We are glad!"  Yes, this is possible for all who will "trust and obey."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank you for the, " laughter," which only you can give.  I want no other.  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.'"

"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

Sometimes The Fanfare Doesn't Match the Feeding Trough

"And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.  So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 'Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,' which is translated, 'God with us.'" (Matthew 1:21-23)

What a glorious proclamation of, "I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people."  Now, in this baby in a feeding place for animals is, "God with us," God our Savior, God who is fulfilling, "....save His people from their sins."  Here is God, yet I don't think He could have found a more humble place to reveal Himself as, "God with us."

Have you ever noticed how modern religion makes such a big show of everything, huge buildings, grand productions, spending money lavishly?  Yet all this is in interesting contrast to the revelation of, "God with us," in a feeding trough, of Him Whose very Name is Salvation, "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."  I think of the tradition of the inauguration of American presidents, the balls, the parties, the millions of dollars spent.  Then I think of a barn-like atmosphere and a feeding trough for the King of the Universe.  Something isn't quite right here, or maybe it is.

During the Christmas Season it is difficult to see the grand humility, the obscureness of God's Supreme Revelation to man.  In the midst of our celebration, the lights, the presents, the cantatas is a call to quiet humility before others, a humility which we find in that feeding trough, with only a few sheepherders and animals--------- the carpenter and his wife------------outside of the comfort and warmth of the inn--------- yet inside our hearts.

Father, in Jesus' Name, ---the wonder of Your humble revelation of, "God with us."  I pray You thus manifest in 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.'"

"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

"But What Are They Among So Many?"

"There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?" (John 6:9)

There is grief unspeakable in Newtown, CT., across America, even in some localities around the World today for those murdered last Friday.  Incessant talk show speculation, the "Whys," the theories, the find-somebody-to-blame, the I-don't-knows.  It is a twenty first century version of, "but what are they among so many?" 

Matthew and Mark can give the impression that the thousands who were with Jesus had not eaten in three days, and Jesus wanted to provide for their "needs."  But as the disciples searched around, they could only come up with enough for a handful of people.  The response was the "human" response, "....But what are they among so many?"  In the face of the impossible, there was just no other conclusion.

What tragedy, sicknesses, financial c risis, heartache, in your life has brought forth the question, "But what are they among so many?"  The response from Andrew was a "natural" one, and the "natural" (flesh) does still rear it's faith-limiting head in times of great pain.  Romans 8 says, "But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you."  The Holy Spirit never asks, "But what are they among so many."  There is nothing which catches the Godhead by surprise, nothing which is impossible to deal with.

So today, no mat ter what is before you and me, we need never say in bewilderment, "But what are they among so many?"  The, "so many," are the, "the cares of this life."  The, "they," is Jesus Christ and His unfathomable, limitless supply.  Remember,"And my God shall supply ALL your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

Father, in Jesus ' Name, I confess so much of life is, "but what are they among so many"--- but never in You.  Amen.
********************
Read about another possible Obama appointment which reveals attitude towards the Jews and Israel: www.jerusalemberlinwashington,blogspot.com   

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.'"

"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2