I am posting an article either tomorrow or Saturday. However, the news today is ominous and foreboding. There are great rumblings of war as well as stories of shifts in US policy. God is in control. Every time God did something great in protecting Israel, He did something great in the church. They have parallel histories in many ways. Look for God to work mightily to destroy Israel's enemies by a massive demonstration of His power. Also, look for a powerful witness to return to many in the church who are seeking His face and not playing religious games. God is about to show just how omnipotent He is. It is beyond our comprehension.
Did you know that a tree has enough energy to fuel a large city for a day if we only knew how to tap into it. That energy is the spoken, creative power of God. Just imagine what is going to happen when He speaks life into His church! Wow! just a thought.
A Small Victory
Bible Edited Out of Film 'Soul Surfer' to Appeal to Non-Christians, Added Back In - FoxNews.com
Israel and the Middle East
US to support UN condemnation of Israeli settlements - Globes What a mistake--look for judgment!
Re: U.S. Offering to Join in Israel Condemnation at UN « Commentary Magazine
Netanyahu to Nasrallah: Stay in your bunker
Bibi to Nasrallah: Stay in your bunker - Israel News, Ynetnews
The Land-Grab Competition in Judea/Samaria - Politics & Gov't - Israel News - Israel National News
Report: Egypt blocked Iran ships from entering Suez Canal - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News
Iran denies cancellation: Warships to cross Suez Canal
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Spiritual Blindness
"But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." 2 Corinthians 4:4-6
As I was at the grill last evening cooking burgers, the thought of how we often treat each other and those without the hope of Christ came to me. I could not get it off of my mind. I thought of the many times I tried desperately to get others to see things clearly. I thought of the many times that I wished that what I was saying would be heard. Then, I realized that I needed to pray that the power of the Lord Jesus, His Holy Word, and the Holy Ghost would lift that veil of blindness. Christ is all that really ever effects meaningful change in any of us! The question came to me, "How do you treat the blind?"
So how do you treat the blind? Do you get angry with them as they trip on the undetectable obstacles in their way? Do you get disgusted with them as they head out into oncoming traffic thinking that they ought to hear the cars and not be so senseless? Do you grow impatient with them as they slowly negotiate themselves through the door while blocking it? Do you ever get frustrated with them and wonder how it would be for them if they could only see? If they could just see!
It is the same with those who have any disability. They don't need rebuke, bitterness, condemnation, and meanness. They don't need unloving, angry, inpatient , and non-understanding Christians. They need to be shown the love of Jesus and bathed in prayer. They need prayer warriors who will fall on their faces before God and beg that the blindness be healed! They need intercessors.
What about the spiritually blind and crippled. What about those caught in the death grip of sin. They need the healing medicine of God's word first of all! Truth must be shared and conveyed clearly. Yet, it must be conveyed in a spirit of love. Be precise, but be loving. How did Jesus treat the woman at the well? How did he react to Matthew who was a traitorous tax collector? How did he react to His often fumbling and bumbling disciples? With the fruit of the Spirit, that's how. Through constant prayer and intercession, that's how. Through patient reminders of His purposes, that's how.
Sinners are blind! Share the Medicine of the Gospel and then pray for the Holy Spirit to remove the blindness. Carnal Christians may be blinded in some areas. Share the truth lovingly and then pray that the blindness be healed by the power of Christ' all pervasive, cleansing blood. Consider your own self too! It is during those type of encounters that our flaws and failure, our impatience and nastiness sometimes shine through. It is then that the Lord reminds us of how desperately we need constant fellowship and communion with Christ and His cross! Just some thoughts!
Now, how did Jesus deal with those who were willfully blind and ignorant of their situation while seeing themselves as God's gift to humanity. Well that is a story for another day! There is a time for strong rebuke, but again, that is the subject for another time. God Bless!
Israel and the Middle East
It seems that the heating up of the Middle East continues as we head towards that precious divine appointment. The Day of the Lord. That precious day when every eye shall see HIM!
FoxNews.com - Anonymous Hackers Release Stuxnet Worm Online
'Maximum security' at 4 Israeli embassies due to threats
Days of Arab Rage Spread to Bahrain - Defense/Middle East - Israel News - Israel National News
Knesset Conference Calls to Expand Greater Jerusalem - Politics & Gov't - Israel News - Israel National News **** What a possible trigger!!!
Nasrallah: Hezbollah will conquer the Galilee You have underestimated the power of the Almighty Mr. Nasrallah! You have greatly and grossly underestimated God!
Israel: Iranian Warships in Med are a 'Serious Provocation' - Defense/Middle East - Israel News - Israel National News
Hezbollah chief tells IDF: Watch your heads - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News
Jordan justice minister: Israel is a terrorist state - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News
As I was at the grill last evening cooking burgers, the thought of how we often treat each other and those without the hope of Christ came to me. I could not get it off of my mind. I thought of the many times I tried desperately to get others to see things clearly. I thought of the many times that I wished that what I was saying would be heard. Then, I realized that I needed to pray that the power of the Lord Jesus, His Holy Word, and the Holy Ghost would lift that veil of blindness. Christ is all that really ever effects meaningful change in any of us! The question came to me, "How do you treat the blind?"
So how do you treat the blind? Do you get angry with them as they trip on the undetectable obstacles in their way? Do you get disgusted with them as they head out into oncoming traffic thinking that they ought to hear the cars and not be so senseless? Do you grow impatient with them as they slowly negotiate themselves through the door while blocking it? Do you ever get frustrated with them and wonder how it would be for them if they could only see? If they could just see!
It is the same with those who have any disability. They don't need rebuke, bitterness, condemnation, and meanness. They don't need unloving, angry, inpatient , and non-understanding Christians. They need to be shown the love of Jesus and bathed in prayer. They need prayer warriors who will fall on their faces before God and beg that the blindness be healed! They need intercessors.
What about the spiritually blind and crippled. What about those caught in the death grip of sin. They need the healing medicine of God's word first of all! Truth must be shared and conveyed clearly. Yet, it must be conveyed in a spirit of love. Be precise, but be loving. How did Jesus treat the woman at the well? How did he react to Matthew who was a traitorous tax collector? How did he react to His often fumbling and bumbling disciples? With the fruit of the Spirit, that's how. Through constant prayer and intercession, that's how. Through patient reminders of His purposes, that's how.
Sinners are blind! Share the Medicine of the Gospel and then pray for the Holy Spirit to remove the blindness. Carnal Christians may be blinded in some areas. Share the truth lovingly and then pray that the blindness be healed by the power of Christ' all pervasive, cleansing blood. Consider your own self too! It is during those type of encounters that our flaws and failure, our impatience and nastiness sometimes shine through. It is then that the Lord reminds us of how desperately we need constant fellowship and communion with Christ and His cross! Just some thoughts!
Now, how did Jesus deal with those who were willfully blind and ignorant of their situation while seeing themselves as God's gift to humanity. Well that is a story for another day! There is a time for strong rebuke, but again, that is the subject for another time. God Bless!
Israel and the Middle East
It seems that the heating up of the Middle East continues as we head towards that precious divine appointment. The Day of the Lord. That precious day when every eye shall see HIM!
FoxNews.com - Anonymous Hackers Release Stuxnet Worm Online
'Maximum security' at 4 Israeli embassies due to threats
Days of Arab Rage Spread to Bahrain - Defense/Middle East - Israel News - Israel National News
Knesset Conference Calls to Expand Greater Jerusalem - Politics & Gov't - Israel News - Israel National News **** What a possible trigger!!!
Nasrallah: Hezbollah will conquer the Galilee You have underestimated the power of the Almighty Mr. Nasrallah! You have greatly and grossly underestimated God!
Israel: Iranian Warships in Med are a 'Serious Provocation' - Defense/Middle East - Israel News - Israel National News
Hezbollah chief tells IDF: Watch your heads - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News
Jordan justice minister: Israel is a terrorist state - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News
Monday, February 14, 2011
Peace All Day
"This is the offering of Aaron and of his sons, which they shall offer unto the LORD in the day when he is anointed; the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a meat offering perpetual, half of it in the morning, and half thereof at night." Leviticus 6:20
"And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed." Mark 1:35
"And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone." Matthew 14:23
We need Jesus Christ! I mean we really need Him!!
The priests under the Levitical system were commanded to offer a meat offering every day in the morning and evening. It was to be a constant reminder of their entire dependence on Yahweh at all times. In the offering they were to offer themselves in service and to rely upon the supernatural sustaining power of God daily to guide them and keep them. It was a reminder that he was their redemption, their sanctification, and that their very life was in His hands. Likewise, we need Him!
We servants of the Most High should do likewise. Jesus sought the Father every morning and surely every night. Jesus sought the Father continually! He prayed as we are commanded to pray--without ceasing! If Jesus, God's only begotten, the Second person of the Godhead, gave us this great example and we see that same pattern in the Old Testament, how much more should we feel the need for constant communion with God? We need Him!
Every morning should be started with a sacrifice of praise. Since we are mortal and prone to error, we should plead the blood each morning. We should request that the sanctifying power of Christ keep us and make us fruitful for the glory of God. We ought to start each day thanking God for allowing us to have a right standing with Him based solely off of the merit of Jesus. We ought to request His powerful presence to make us a witness to the glory of Jesus Christ! Each Evening should be the same. We should plead the blood! We are so dependent of Jesus! No wonder Paul said, "For in him we live, and move, and have our being;..." Acts 17:26 To live such a way is an acknowledgement of His divine sustaining power. It is an act of praise and dependence that is sure to communicate to God that we seek His heart and not His hand. Again, we need Him!
Today's News
Dozens of Iranian opposition supporters arrested in Tehran
Sderot Mayor Withdraws from Conference in Protest - Politics & Gov't - Israel News - Israel National News
US Columnists Warn Against Muslim Brotherhood - Politics & Gov't - Israel News - Israel National News
IMRA Analyst: US Omits Peace with Israel - Politics & Gov't - Israel News - Israel National News
US Students Join Exodus from Egypt to Israel - Inside Israel - Israel News - Israel National News
Clinton: Iranians deserve same rights as Egyptians
GOProud out at annual summit of conservatives
"And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed." Mark 1:35
"And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone." Matthew 14:23
We need Jesus Christ! I mean we really need Him!!
The priests under the Levitical system were commanded to offer a meat offering every day in the morning and evening. It was to be a constant reminder of their entire dependence on Yahweh at all times. In the offering they were to offer themselves in service and to rely upon the supernatural sustaining power of God daily to guide them and keep them. It was a reminder that he was their redemption, their sanctification, and that their very life was in His hands. Likewise, we need Him!
We servants of the Most High should do likewise. Jesus sought the Father every morning and surely every night. Jesus sought the Father continually! He prayed as we are commanded to pray--without ceasing! If Jesus, God's only begotten, the Second person of the Godhead, gave us this great example and we see that same pattern in the Old Testament, how much more should we feel the need for constant communion with God? We need Him!
Every morning should be started with a sacrifice of praise. Since we are mortal and prone to error, we should plead the blood each morning. We should request that the sanctifying power of Christ keep us and make us fruitful for the glory of God. We ought to start each day thanking God for allowing us to have a right standing with Him based solely off of the merit of Jesus. We ought to request His powerful presence to make us a witness to the glory of Jesus Christ! Each Evening should be the same. We should plead the blood! We are so dependent of Jesus! No wonder Paul said, "For in him we live, and move, and have our being;..." Acts 17:26 To live such a way is an acknowledgement of His divine sustaining power. It is an act of praise and dependence that is sure to communicate to God that we seek His heart and not His hand. Again, we need Him!
Today's News
Dozens of Iranian opposition supporters arrested in Tehran
Sderot Mayor Withdraws from Conference in Protest - Politics & Gov't - Israel News - Israel National News
US Columnists Warn Against Muslim Brotherhood - Politics & Gov't - Israel News - Israel National News
IMRA Analyst: US Omits Peace with Israel - Politics & Gov't - Israel News - Israel National News
US Students Join Exodus from Egypt to Israel - Inside Israel - Israel News - Israel National News
Clinton: Iranians deserve same rights as Egyptians
GOProud out at annual summit of conservatives
Sunday, February 13, 2011
El Shaddai--God Almighty Reigns
God is in control. He is totally in control. God's sovereignty is one of the major themes of the Book of Isaiah. It reveals that God is not just God over Israel, but He is the God of all the Earth. Furthermore, He is the God of all creation. God is God!
Isaiah's work is a collection of prophecies that were given over a lifetime of ministry. As a result, whole sections of the book are devoted to specific situations that God wanted him to address. For instance, Isaiah 7:1 to 9:7 deal specifically with what is often called the Syro-Epraimitic crisis. Isaiah 5, proclaimed during a feast, addresses the backslidden condition of the people. Another large section of the book of Isaiah reveals judgments on nations surrounding Israel for their ignoring God and their wicked treatment of the people of covenant, Israel. While many of these prophecies have been partially fulfilled, some have not. Therefore, they make up a body of work that speaks to the world before, during and after the tribulation. For instance, Isaiah 17:1 mentions that Damascus shall cease from being a city. Since this has never happened and God is never wrong, we can conclude that this will soon come to pass before the Day of the Lord begins. This same series of hints about the last days also includes current news. Look at Isaiah 19.
The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it. And I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians: and they shall fight every one against his brother, and every one against his neighbour; city against city, and kingdom against kingdom. And the spirit of Egypt shall fail in the midst thereof; and I will destroy the counsel thereof: and they shall seek to the idols, and to the charmers, and to them that have familiar spirits, and to the wizards. And the Egyptians will I give over into the hand of a cruel lord; and a fierce king shall rule over them, saith the Lord, the LORD of hosts. Isaiah 19:1-4
God is God!
FoxNews.com - Egypt's Military Rulers Dissolve Parliament, Suspend Constitution
Calls to Fire US Intelligence Dir. for Muslim Brotherhood Gaffe - Defense/Middle East - Israel News - Israel National News
Gaddafi tells Palestinians: Revolt against Israel - Israel News, Ynetnews
Report: Palestinian cabinet to resign in wake of Mideast turmoil - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News
Isaiah's work is a collection of prophecies that were given over a lifetime of ministry. As a result, whole sections of the book are devoted to specific situations that God wanted him to address. For instance, Isaiah 7:1 to 9:7 deal specifically with what is often called the Syro-Epraimitic crisis. Isaiah 5, proclaimed during a feast, addresses the backslidden condition of the people. Another large section of the book of Isaiah reveals judgments on nations surrounding Israel for their ignoring God and their wicked treatment of the people of covenant, Israel. While many of these prophecies have been partially fulfilled, some have not. Therefore, they make up a body of work that speaks to the world before, during and after the tribulation. For instance, Isaiah 17:1 mentions that Damascus shall cease from being a city. Since this has never happened and God is never wrong, we can conclude that this will soon come to pass before the Day of the Lord begins. This same series of hints about the last days also includes current news. Look at Isaiah 19.
The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it. And I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians: and they shall fight every one against his brother, and every one against his neighbour; city against city, and kingdom against kingdom. And the spirit of Egypt shall fail in the midst thereof; and I will destroy the counsel thereof: and they shall seek to the idols, and to the charmers, and to them that have familiar spirits, and to the wizards. And the Egyptians will I give over into the hand of a cruel lord; and a fierce king shall rule over them, saith the Lord, the LORD of hosts. Isaiah 19:1-4
God is God!
FoxNews.com - Egypt's Military Rulers Dissolve Parliament, Suspend Constitution
Calls to Fire US Intelligence Dir. for Muslim Brotherhood Gaffe - Defense/Middle East - Israel News - Israel National News
Gaddafi tells Palestinians: Revolt against Israel - Israel News, Ynetnews
Report: Palestinian cabinet to resign in wake of Mideast turmoil - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News
Saturday, February 12, 2011
A House of Prayer
"And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves."
Matthew 21:13
I couldn't sleep this morning, so I thought that I would post the last thought for this week. Our guest this year at the 2011 Prayer Conference was Doug Small. Doug is president of Alive Ministries: Project Pray. He is also a field director for Awakening America. Finally, Doug is the Church of God liaison for prayer: see COG Prayer Initiative. I thought that I would share three items that He said or that I have read from one of his books, Transforming Your Church Into A House Of Prayer.
The first thought centers around the verse above. All of the activities of the temple at the time of Jesus led to a situation where the workings of the "church" were a barrier to a personal relationship with God. Here is a paragraph from the book mentioned above: "It was the desire of Jesus that the Temple be a house of prayer for all nations. Instead, it was full of religious activities with the priests in their rich garments, the sacrificial ceremonies, the formalities of pomp and priestly procedures, the rituals and rites of cleansing and consecration, repentance and restitution. In the midst of all the elaborate and sacred ceremonies--the blowing of the shofar, the fire and smoke, the blood of the altar and the water of the laver--the wonder of all the simplicity of communion with God, had been lost. Getting to God had become a complicated maze." Is it not the same today in many ways?
God help us to not allow the church, the bride of Christ, to stand in the way of Christ, the only means of salvation!
At prayer conference we were reminded to pray from an open Bible. Doug mentioned that if you went to the probate court and asked for a "pink Cadillac" from the estate and it was not a part of the estate, the executor would remind you that you can only receive from what is in the will. The New Testament is Christ's last will and testament. It became a binding document for true believers upon the death of Christ. Too many do not receive their desires as they do not line up with the "will". Those praying from the provisions of Christ's will are surely heard if they press on in prayer.
God Help me not to add my own fleshly wishes as a wish list of things that might hurt my relationship with you or my witness to the world! (And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul. Psalm 106:15 )
The third thought is related to the idea that the church, at times, is getting in the way of relationship rather than being a tool to enhance a believer's relationship with Jesus. We spend too much time on other things and too little time actually praying. Preaching should be a means by which we hear more to take to prayer as well as prayerfully consider what we have heard. Look at the above verse again. Tie it to Paul's statement in First Timothy 2:1, "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;" Notice the stress on prayer? Look at the exhortation of First Thessalonians 5:17, "Pray without ceasing."
God help us to restore the sweet incense of prayer to our lives, homes, and to your church! Forgive us for our inattention and indolence in our walk with you! Restore us to a place where we literally pray without ceasing!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Today's Prophetic Headlines
Here are a few news articles to ponder in prayer.
Israel and the Middle East
White House Fudges on Whether it Would Save Israel - Politics & Gov't - Israel News - Israel National News
Israel watches Mubarak ouster with trepidation
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak Steps Down - FoxNews.com
Muslim Mob Burns Down Churches, Storms Courthouse | Worthy Christian News
Christian Persecution Continues Amid Egypt Turmoil | Worthy Christian News
Godlessness in the Last Days
The rot in values that is causing America’s decline
Israel and the Middle East
White House Fudges on Whether it Would Save Israel - Politics & Gov't - Israel News - Israel National News
Israel watches Mubarak ouster with trepidation
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak Steps Down - FoxNews.com
Muslim Mob Burns Down Churches, Storms Courthouse | Worthy Christian News
Christian Persecution Continues Amid Egypt Turmoil | Worthy Christian News
Godlessness in the Last Days
The rot in values that is causing America’s decline
As His Custom Was!
"And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read." Luke 4:16
Jesus went to church! I know that really means He went to synagogue, but the point is that He fellowshipped with others weekly. He was in worship service as a matter of habit. He went faithfully!
So many today are doing just the opposite of what Jesus did. It has become such an epidemic that many churches are closing their doors at times they when they once worshiped. I have talked to many discouraged pastors and members lately who lament over the vast numbers of folks who simply don't attend church as faithfully as they once did. It appears that they have become bored with their Savior. Like the Israelites in the wilderness, they loathe this Manna all the time.
If we are to follow Jesus don't you think that He would lead us to a place of corporate worship and prayer on a consistent basis? He was ever faithful to His Father's house, so why wouldn't He? Where was He when His parents could not find Him after a trip to Jerusalem? When He left the crowds and crossed the lake where did they find Him? (John 6:59) Read the gospels again and count the miracles, signs, and wonders that Jesus did while in the church! Don't just wear a bracelet or a T-shirt with a catchy acronym--let the Spirit lead you to live as Jesus did.
He went when it was convenient and when it wasn't. He went when He was threatened and mocked or when treated with honor. He went with hypocrites and demons in the congregation and when the house was full of saints. He went when life was peaceful as well as when life was turbulent. He went when the people were amazed at Him and when they wanted to throw Him out. Jesus didn't make excuses!
He wasn't there to impress. He didn't just go because He had a position. He was not there to be seen. He went when it was "boring" and when there was great excitement. He was in church!
Be like your savior! Let it be said of you, "As his/her custom is."
Don't be a church forsaking "saint?"
"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:25
Jesus went to church! I know that really means He went to synagogue, but the point is that He fellowshipped with others weekly. He was in worship service as a matter of habit. He went faithfully!
So many today are doing just the opposite of what Jesus did. It has become such an epidemic that many churches are closing their doors at times they when they once worshiped. I have talked to many discouraged pastors and members lately who lament over the vast numbers of folks who simply don't attend church as faithfully as they once did. It appears that they have become bored with their Savior. Like the Israelites in the wilderness, they loathe this Manna all the time.
If we are to follow Jesus don't you think that He would lead us to a place of corporate worship and prayer on a consistent basis? He was ever faithful to His Father's house, so why wouldn't He? Where was He when His parents could not find Him after a trip to Jerusalem? When He left the crowds and crossed the lake where did they find Him? (John 6:59) Read the gospels again and count the miracles, signs, and wonders that Jesus did while in the church! Don't just wear a bracelet or a T-shirt with a catchy acronym--let the Spirit lead you to live as Jesus did.
He went when it was convenient and when it wasn't. He went when He was threatened and mocked or when treated with honor. He went with hypocrites and demons in the congregation and when the house was full of saints. He went when life was peaceful as well as when life was turbulent. He went when the people were amazed at Him and when they wanted to throw Him out. Jesus didn't make excuses!
He wasn't there to impress. He didn't just go because He had a position. He was not there to be seen. He went when it was "boring" and when there was great excitement. He was in church!
Be like your savior! Let it be said of you, "As his/her custom is."
Don't be a church forsaking "saint?"
"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:25
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