The following true life story, "Tennessee or Bust" is from the wife of my Christian friend and Tennessee always reminds me of Linda Bruce and my favourite Granola Bars she always brought for me whenever she came to Nigeria.
You should sit back and read it.
TENNESSEE OR BUST
By Pastor Laura Rizzo
One of the worst and yet rather humorous times of our Christian training began in 1986 in Florida and took us on a journey to Greeneville, Tennessee. Amazingly we saw the mighty, miraculous and sovereign hand of God intervene in our lives repeatedly and learned some incredible lessons along the way…
We married in 1985 and at the end of our first year an offer came our way to live rent free, work at and be the Chaplains of a campground in Naples, Florida. To us this would be a very easy way to save money and I was always open for a change in scenery. Thinking we had nothing to lose, we had an interview with the park managers which proved to be very pleasant as the meeting was held in their lovely double-wide mobile home. They seemed so nice and reasonable and discussing our future positions seemed like such an effortless, natural choice and something we were meant to do all along.
Upon returning home we decided to vacate our lovely brand new apartment in Fort Myers to pursue this opportunity and were excited about embarking on this new adventure.
Our first day there was like a slap in the face. First off, we didn’t pay much attention to the camper that the managers had planned for us to reside in which was a gross oversight on our part. The interview was so “deceiving” that we just expected their camper to be as nice as their home. Wrong!! Upon exploring this tiny, filthy, horrifying mess, I immediately burst into tears at the sight and smell of it. By now it was too late to do anything about it as we had already given up our apartment, put all our furniture in storage and had made the commitment to take these positions. Was this a hint of things to come? You be the judge.
The day after that we started our jobs. My position at the campground was an office check-in clerk for the campers and Vince’s job was grounds maintenance and getting the campers settled onto their sites. Our next problem was that we naively believed the managers would uphold the terms for the positions we agreed to. As it turned out, completely contrary to our agreement, we worked every weekend, every Sunday and every holiday so in comparison to that, the filthy, small camper was soon insignificant. As time went on we just became more miserable and were certain that we’d made a grave mistake in our choice to go there. We then began fervently praying that God would do something—quick!!!
Customarily God rarely, if EVER, moves quickly and even if He does, its usually never within our time frame so while we were waiting for God to answer our prayers Vince happened to notice a 45 foot, 1961 International school bus that was for sale in the back of the campground.
Upon seeing it he sensed that God wanted us to have it so he actually just went and laid hands on it and asked the Lord for it. Within a few days he saw the man who owned it, spoke with him and we got a tour of it. The owner had been converting it to a camper and it had bunk beds for their kids, a customized kitchen table booth, a mid-sized refrigerator, a small kitchen sink, a small porta potty, (funny I never noticed it didn’t have a shower!!) and at this point I was open to WHATEVER would take us away from this cursed campground.
As we began to discuss the deal, we offered the man my car for an even-trade deal as it was a rather nice car, but he really wanted the Volkswagen camper we had. It was only three years old and a dear lady in our church, by direction of the Lord, had packed the thing to the full with everything anyone would ever need to go camping and then had given it to us free and clear. When he suggested that, a thrill came into my soul at the thought of blessing this man as he had a wife and kids and only had a moped (a tiny motor bike) to go to work, do errands, go grocery shopping and he owned nothing he could use to take his whole family anywhere.
Apparently God had intended all along for this man to have that camper van and everything in it as once we completed the deal, he radiated with joy and was praising God for this wonderful transaction. We too, were exceedingly happy and joyful especially since we could move out of the manager’s stinky camper!!
As it was now June of 1987, we spent several weeks working on the bus to complete the conversion and it took much longer than we expected because the heat and humidity were over 95 sweltering degrees each day. Between the heat and sweating profusely we both were exhausted by noon each day. Our upgrade included installing a window air conditioner unit in the back door window and we half killed ourselves getting a king sized bed in the back door of the bus and I wouldn’t suggest that maneuver to anyone!!! Just envision the three stooges taking on that task and it was us!!
Finally finishing the conversion, it was now time to take her out and see what she could do!! Upon our first jaunt with the bus one Sunday afternoon we were traveling towards the Everglades on a two-lane road, and had only gone a few miles when smoke began pouring out from under the hood. I pulled over onto an almost non-existent shoulder that almost dumped us into a canal and Vince leaped out, opened the hood and as he did the engine burst into flames!!!
In panic, he ran back into the bus and grabbed the fire extinguisher which he had just installed the day before, but he couldn’t get it to work!! Yikes!! Then I panicked, ran out and grabbed the extinguisher and began frantically reading the directions to operate it. At that point, Vince’s stress level went into overload and he promptly began losing his lunch on the side of the road as I finally managed to put out the fire!!
Thinking back, it must have been quite a quandary for the passers-by as they were probably quite confused as to which to respond to – the fire or Vince’s performance so no one stopped at all to help us!!!
Anyway, completely exhausted but relieved we crawled back into the bus and just sat there getting our breath when a kind, Florida Highway Patrolman traveling in the opposite direction did and u-turn and stopped to help us. He used his radio to call headquarters to get in touch with the seller who paid for the miraculous, minimal damage and we were on our way in no time!! (The miracles were starting already!)
At least now we knew the bus was roadworthy but we still needed to hear from God what to do about leaving the campground. About a week or two later one Sunday after one of our church services, a little lady told us about a place called Horse Creek in upper East Tennessee that was run by the U. S. Department of Forestry and she said we could possibly be campground hosts there and have a similar living situation there.
Well, that was music to my ears as we couldn’t wait to leave this campground and the annoying managers who had lied to us about everything. We immediately began praying about this and on Monday we called the Dept. of Forestry. They said they would love to have us come right away and informed us that their campground was in the Appalachian Mountains and that they had three huge swimming pools!!!—imagine that!! Not having been to Tennessee before, I immediately had visions of the kind of scenery of Oregon and of the Florida style of three lovely concrete swimming pools – how elegant and dreamy!!!
Finally, we were ready to make the trip and we had both quit our jobs and had purchased walkie-talkies to communicate to each other on the trip. Vince drove my car and I drove the bus as I had had extensive experience driving trucks and had my Chauffeur’s license for five years as I had worked outside construction related jobs before I met him.
Once we left Fort Myers I was as happy as a lark. The trek to Horse Creek was fairly uneventful until we were about six hours south of Atlanta when I heard a big bang from the engine. I radioed Vince and we both pulled over to check it out. As he walked up to the bus, he noticed that there was oil all down the outside of it. He opened the hood, looked around the engine, and not being a mechanic, he closed it, wiped the oil off of it, placed his hands on it and prayed that God would heal it – and God did just that!! (Acts 28:8). We never had a bit of trouble with it from that time on and we arrived at our destination safe and sound six hours later.
However, by the time we reached our destination MY stress level had gone into overload. Each time I called the Dept. of Forestry they could not give me exact directions to the campground!!! Each time I hung up the pay phone I was scratching my head in unbelief asking myself why couldn’t they just tell me where their campground was?? – after all they lived in Tennessee and they should know where their own campground was!!!
Unbeknownst to us many of the roads in Tennessee seem to have been designed and constructed by persons under the influence of alcoholic substances or if you prefer, moonshine!! The roads continue endlessly curling and winding for miles and miles. It turned out that Horse Creek was at the furthest end of one of these roads and was a place less than your average “Mayberry” with the nearest town being 18 miles away!!!
The campground itself was at the base of a huge mountain with ten tent campsites and we soon learned there were NO showers, one OUTHOUSE and NO lights within 500 feet anywhere. And as for the “three swimming pools”? These were nothing but holes in the ground about 8 to 10 feet deep with freezing ice cold, mountain stream water running through them and…where we would have to bathe for the next three months!!!!!!!!! We realized we were totally unprepared for camping up north and my dreamy visions of Oregon and elegant swimming pools turned into nightmares of “WHAT’S NEXT?”
After coming all this way, this was our future. I really remember quoting that line that has the fire and the frying pan in it and the phrase, “What were we thinking?” Here we were again faced with inconceivable, uncontrollable living conditions which we had to accept. I could handle the darkness outside as we did have power to our site and we were still in contact with the civilized world because the rangers installed a phone for us but I didn’t handle the outhouse issue well and as for bathing in water day in and day out that wasn’t frozen just because it was running downhill?? That was another issue altogether!!!!
Needless to say, we didn’t bathe TOO much and fortunately there weren’t too many campers down wind of us. And using the small porta potty we had meant Vince had to dump it in the outhouse every few days – that was another nightmare I totally chose to ignore. When we did have to bathe, our normal bath time schedule in 30 degree weather was:
1. Put our bathing suits on under our clothes and jackets.
2. Wait till it was so dark you couldn’t see your hand in front of your face.
3. Take a large towel and bar of soap and your flip flops or sandals.
4. Use a large flashlight to run to the creek.
5. Strip down and jump in while screaming at the top of your lungs to dull the shock.
6. Jump out to lather up.
7. Jump in again while screaming even louder to rinse off.
8. Jump back out and hold the flashlight so the other person could do the same thing.
9. Run like crazy back to the bus without falling and freezing!!
10. Pile tons of blankets on us to keep from hypothermia!!
The upside was that bathing outside at night, makes one very glad that there are no lights within 500 feet!!!
We spent our days praying and worshiping God and studying and job hunting. We found that the norm for Tennessee is to hire and lay off all the same people year after year at all the factories because most of these folks are very clannish. That means if you weren’t born there they didn’t give outsiders a second thought. So here we were in another impossible situation where we had to pray and wait on God –again!!
One thing we really learned was how to trust God and trust that He could take care of us regardless of the situation. We still had some bills from Florida but being caretakers of this campground meant we had no overhead except for food and gas but we were learning that if God could take care of the birds of the air like He said in Matthew 6:25-34, that He could take care of us. And God was there to meet us many, many times.
To most people no jobs mean no money for food, gas or bills, but to us, this is God’s perfect recipe for a miracle. To us this is a time of sheer excitement as we wait to see God open His miraculous hand and make a way where there seems to be no way.
However, it may sound like that was an easy formula to receiving from God but it was incredible training for us which I called the “fumes of faith” because there were times that I thought WE WOULD PERISH!! And, when it comes to perishing I always think of Queen Esther in the Bible when she was positioned to intercede for the lives of the entire Jewish nation. The risk she took to go to the king with her petition to repeal a law to annihilate her people was a life and death decision she had to make whether she died doing it or not. She trusted God to see her through this and so did we.
Sometimes when we thought all was lost and that we would perish, we would come home from job hunting and find another miracle had taken place such as the day we came home and the whole one side of our entire bus was lined with huge grocery bags full of fresh vegetables of all kinds that came from the park rangers. There were about 20 bags in all. We were totally in awe of what God was doing as we told no one but God of our needs. We had been at the end again with no money for food at all. We later learned that all the park rangers owned and ran farms and worked at several different parks part time. In our greatest hour of need God had orchestrated these people to bless us during our times of despair.
As Day Light Savings Time was ended, it was getting darker sooner so we mentioned to the Dept. of Forestry just how dark the park was and they placed a large light fixture behind our bus which was just outside our bedroom air conditioner. This was rather comforting to us as the woods at the base of this huge mountain in the park rendered everything pitch black once the sun set.
However, we really hadn’t thought far enough ahead on this because being that this light was THE ONLY LIGHT IN THE PARK, we were awakened in the middle of the night to find whole families of crickets leaping through the air conditioner vent onto our king size bed!!
Half asleep, half laughing, swatting and beating the sheets we attempted to rid ourselves of over 50 of the noisy creatures who were having a grand time invading our nocturnal bliss!! I finally yelled for Vince to go outside and shut off the light to keep the rest of the cricket population from coming in. Getting back to sleep many hours later I recall even laughing in my sleep after this crazy episode. We saw this as God bringing us moments of laughter from the smallest things to keep us from discouragement and from giving up.
One day in November we discovered a local tent revival. The 30 degree weather rendered very small crowds and we noticed they were getting very small offerings as well. The small crowds made it easy for us to get acquainted with the lady preacher and we found that she too was living by faith. She then invited Vince to preach the last night of the revival.
That evening at the revival Vince sensed that the Lord wanted him to pledge to give her and her team $50.00. We didn’t have $5.00 let alone $50.00, but we knew that we served a faithful God and that He would provide. When the last night of the revival came, we still didn’t have the pledge but Vince went and preached till they were cheering and receiving from God. In fact, the lady preacher was so kind that she had all the attendees come forward and give us an offering as they left and not having ever experienced that type of offering before we just stuffed the money into our pockets.
Later when it was all over, Vince pulled $50.00 out of his pockets for her and we discovered that between the two of us we still had $290.00 left over which to us was a gold mine!! This was just enough for us to pay our few bills, get food and gas, go out to dinner and wait on God again for the next provision. Our hearts were overflowing with joy and excitement that God had met our needs, again!!
Our job hunting finally proved successful when I was hired as a secretary at a local church. The pastor could only pay me $4.00 per hour and I could only afford to work part time three days a week because each trip was 36 miles so it was rather costly. For three months we lived on about $40.00 per week!!!!
On some of those pay days, I remember walking up and down the grocery aisles tears streaming down my face wondering how we could conceivably survive and trying to reason how we would ever have enough money for gas and food, the bills and incidentals. The impossibility of it all was overwhelming and each week I would VERY carefully choose what we could afford and we always tithed $4.00 per week at the church as well. Trust me when I say that it is terribly hard on your flesh to tithe $4.00 per week when you are only making $40.00 per week but we found joy in giving to God as we saw Him lovingly provide for us time and time again.
But, don’t you know that if Jesus could feed 5,000 from one loaf of bread and two little fish that he could care for us just fine on $40.00 per week!!! He multiplied our loaves and fishes each and every week!!!! God would even put us before people who were making much more money per week than us but would be in terrible financial situations. They were living in fear as they did not have enough money to feed their kids and this one family of five we knew were living on was ice milk as the father worked at a dairy.
We would then be able to witness to them and testify how powerfully and faithfully God had provided for us and taken care of us when we put Him first in our lives. These same people would then financially bless us out of their extreme need and the next time we would see them, they had a testimony to tell of the goodness of God in His care and provision for them as well!!! In fact the next week the husband got a promotion and a raise!! When we honor God in all we do, He will honor us in due time.
Now as it turned out, Vince could not find a job so he had the privilege of staying home and praying and seeking the Lord and God would just manifest himself to him and be so real to Vince that he was incredibly encouraged and would then encourage me through the rough times.
Periodically we would get invitations to preach at local churches, which was the result of Vince’s time spent in prayer. The opportunities helped us form local friendships and provided some funding as the churches responded with some support.
By now winter was fast approaching and the situation was getting steadily MORE uncomfortable and annoying. The November-December temperatures were so cold that the mountain stream we bathed in felt like needles piercing your skin. By the time we would run back to the bus, we were so frozen that we had to stack layers of blankets on both of us to be able to stand it. The water actually felt so cold that one time Vince had a terrible headache and he dove in and practically flew out of the water and then realized his headache was completely gone!! (Either that or he was so cold he couldn’t feel it any longer!!)
Anyway, the next problem was that the campground we were in was now closing and we had to relocate to another park. In fact, it was so late in the season that when we moved to this new park we were the ONLY ones there and it was scheduled to close within two weeks. The hand of the Lord also gave us favor there as the park managers allowed us to stay free of charge!
We set up camp as usual but at least this place had hot showers – what a wonderful luxury!!!! But then the trials and challenges began again. This time we faced black spiders with fuzzy white hair on their backs that seemed to be everywhere. One day while doing the dishes I was rinsing a dish when I looked up and here was one of these spiders dangling from the shelving unit above the sink right in front of my nose!! I gasped in sheer horror and it was just enough to get him to drop down in the dishwater right where I wanted him. I thank my God that I didn’t inhale any harder or that thing would have gone right down my throat, hair and all!!
As the days passed it even got colder and we had to run two space heaters all night long because school buses have no insulation. If it was 20 degrees outside it was just about that cold inside and you could see your breath if you sat up in bed.
One night it was just too much for our generator and we woke up to the sounds of explosions and flashing lights on the left side of the bus. Afraid to look but praying it just may be something else besides our bus exploding, we dared to peek outside the curtains to realize that the power box under the bus was self-destructing right before our very eyes at 3:00 in the morning!!
Yes, it was July in Christmas – the 4th of July!! Streams of objects were shooting into the night air with great beams of light that were projecting into the pitch blackness at accelerating speeds. Booms of bangs were piercing the silence of the night as we watched our only source of heat go up in a blaze of glory. I remember just rolling my eyes back, looking over at Vince and pulling the covers over my head and saying, “We’ll just deal with it in the morning!” It was just easier to forget it all and sleep in denial for the rest of the night.
In the morning after investigating everything, we discovered that besides the power box dying that all the water pipes had frozen and burst. At this point we were at our wits end. We again were at the place of no money at all. We managed to temporarily fix things but our attitudes were really beginning to lean towards the disgusted side.
Then at around 11:00 p.m. the very last night the campground was open, we got a knock on our door and were very surprised to see a couple from the tent revival who came to see us and they wanted prayer. (We didn’t remember mentioning it, but we must have told the lady preacher where we were going to move to so she must have told them where we were.)
We were really not in the mood to pray for anyone but we did all the while I was trying to be sensitive to God to see what He would have me bless them with because they were the poorest people at the revival – they put coins into our hands when the lady preacher told everyone to give us an offering as they left the revival!!)
Anyway, God did not tell me to give them anything and spent some time with them, offered them some refreshments and then we said our goodbyes. Once they left Vince went back to being disgusted. Two minutes later I heard another knock at the door and it was the wife of the couple and she shoved something in my hand and I just said “Thank you” to her as I thought it was probably a one dollar bill. We again said goodbye, I shut the door and Vince came out to see who it was just as I opened my hand to see a $100.00 bill!!! We both were just completely stunned. I think I muttered “The wife just gave me this.” I think we just stood there about five minutes just starring at it not believing that poor little lady had given us that much money!!! Then we both did the dance of joy!!! We were just beside ourselves and thanked God and rejoiced all over the place and we slept very well that night as I recall!!
The next day all of a sudden Vince wondered whether the couple had mistakenly given us their rent money in the dark!! We had no idea where they lived or worked and looked for them for a while. Not finding them we went ahead and purchased food and gas and ran into a couple of women who were in the praise and worship team from the church we had been attending and I had been working at. They inquired how we were doing and they just happened to be the managers of an apartment complex just outside of town and by that night we had put a deposit on an apartment and had moved into it and had traded the bus for a nice car at a used car lot in town.
Interestingly enough, the next time we saw the couple that had given us the $100.00, Vince immediately asked them if they had mistakenly given us their rent money. The husband spoke up and said that when they walked outside of our camper and were getting ready to leave, they were in their car figuring out how much money to give us when they looked out toward the woods and saw a pure, white dove fly out of the woods and land on the top of our bus. As soon as they saw that, the wife ran to give us the $100.00!!
In a tiny moment of time, through the most unexpected servants of God, He had provided all we needed. I couldn’t have been more surprised. When you are determined to submit yourself to God, He will shock you with His love at times. More and more He was showing us His absolute faithfulness and loving hand of provision. More and more we were learning to behave during the hard times by maintaining a good attitude and learning to control our emotions and feelings. When we were upset or angry with God and He would answer our prayers, we would feel so ashamed that we didn’t believe and have the faith that He would take care of us.
We were learning not to get upset but to worship and love Him with a joyful spirit continually regardless of what we were going through because we knew that if we didn’t have a good attitude that we weren’t being faithful to Him. If we praise Him before He answers, it proves that we really trust Him and have faith that He is able to deliver us and keep us because He is our portion, our strength, our deliverer, our provider, the rock of our salvation in whom we can trust completely!!!
It is a wondrous thing to fall in love with the one I call Daddy God. Growing up, my brother and I never had a father image in our family – my mom brought us up all alone and Vince also had a very difficult youth as well. Father is a name neither of us could relate to but God cared for us so deeply that He revealed Himself in ways of love we never expected. Getting to know God as a real father is an incredible privilege and honor. We found the heart of God in the midst of desperation and looking back I know it was worth every moment of that desperation because soon, it wasn’t about the money, it wasn’t about jobs or preaching engagements, it was about falling in love with a God who not only gave His own Son but continued to give and give and give.
This whole journey was meant to pull us much deeper than survival or supply, it all was meant to create deep within us an unrelenting passion and devotion to the One and Only God who is alive forevermore and who loves us beyond all intellect, all knowledge, all circumstance, all there is.
TO BE CONTINUED!!!!
More
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Posted By Orikinla Osinachi. to Kisses & Roses at 4/17/2008 02:55:00 AM
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Clergy Sex Abuse Victims List 'America's Worst Cardinals'
16 Apr 2008 10:00 Africa/Lagos
SNAP: Clergy Sex Abuse Victims List 'America's Worst Cardinals'
Group cites 5 prelates who are mishandling child molestation
SNAP wants Pope to 'show he means business' by censuring 'at least one of them'
The cases show that 'church cover ups and recklessness continue,' self help group says
Heads of Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston and Boston archdioceses are criticized
WASHINGTON, April 16 /PRNewswire/ -- WHAT
At sidewalk news conferences, while holding signs and childhood photos, clergy sex abuse victims will
-- disclose a list of what they call 'America's five worst Cardinals' (in
terms of the sex abuse & cover-up scandal),
-- outline recent incidents by each that show their continuing
recklessness, secrecy and duplicity, and
-- publicly urge the Pope to chastise just one of them for the recent
misdeeds.
WHEN
Wednesday, April 16, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m.
WHERE
Outside the Guy Mason Recreation Center & Park (202-282-2180), 3600 Calvert NW (corner of Observatory Circle) in Washington DC
WHO
A handful of women and men who were molested as kids by Catholic clergy and who head a nationwide support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org)
WHY
Today, at 1:00 p.m., Pope Benedict meets with roughly 16 US Cardinals. A few blocks away, victims will hold 5 large signs, with color photos of (and fact sheets about) the five current US Cardinals who, they feel, have mishandled or are severely mishandling recent child sex abuse cases.
SNAP's focus is less on the cardinals' overall track record on child molestation and cover ups, but rather highlights the prelates' misdeeds since 2002, when the US bishops adopted an allegedly binding national sex abuse policy.
The list includes Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Houston, Cardinal Roger Mahony of Los Angeles, and Cardinal Sean O'Malley of Boston.
George is cited for ignoring the 2005 advice of his lay review board to suspend a young accused pedophile priest, Fr. Daniel McCormack, who'd been recently arrested because of abuse allegations. George kept McCormack in active parish ministry despite repeated reports of McCormack's suspected abuse (going back to his seminary days). Months later, prosecutors say he molested several boys, one "on an almost daily basis" until he was arrested again in 2006.
O'Malley is cited because last month, church officials disclosed that his archdiocese (the epicenter of the US abuse crisis) is in serious violation of the national sex abuse policy for the second year in a row. One in five Boston Catholic kids are not getting the sex abuse prevention training that was promised for each child by O'Malley and his peers six years ago.
The Pope/Cardinals meeting is at the Vatican Embassy on Massachusetts Avenue (in the residence across from the US Naval Observatory).
CONTACT
David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP national director 314 566 9790 cell
Peter Isely of Milwaukee, SNAP board chair emeritus 414 429 7259 cell
Barbara Blaine of Chicago, SNAP president 312 399 4747 cell
Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, SNAP 314 503 0003 cell
Source: SNAP
CONTACT: David Clohessy, national director, +1-314-566-9790, cell, or
Peter Isely, board chair emeritus, +1-414-429-7259, cell, or Barbara Blaine,
president, +1-312-399-4747, cell, or Barbara Dorris, +1-314-503-0003, cell,
all of SNAP
Web site:
SNAP: Clergy Sex Abuse Victims List 'America's Worst Cardinals'
Group cites 5 prelates who are mishandling child molestation
SNAP wants Pope to 'show he means business' by censuring 'at least one of them'
The cases show that 'church cover ups and recklessness continue,' self help group says
Heads of Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston and Boston archdioceses are criticized
WASHINGTON, April 16 /PRNewswire/ -- WHAT
At sidewalk news conferences, while holding signs and childhood photos, clergy sex abuse victims will
-- disclose a list of what they call 'America's five worst Cardinals' (in
terms of the sex abuse & cover-up scandal),
-- outline recent incidents by each that show their continuing
recklessness, secrecy and duplicity, and
-- publicly urge the Pope to chastise just one of them for the recent
misdeeds.
WHEN
Wednesday, April 16, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m.
WHERE
Outside the Guy Mason Recreation Center & Park (202-282-2180), 3600 Calvert NW (corner of Observatory Circle) in Washington DC
WHO
A handful of women and men who were molested as kids by Catholic clergy and who head a nationwide support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org)
WHY
Today, at 1:00 p.m., Pope Benedict meets with roughly 16 US Cardinals. A few blocks away, victims will hold 5 large signs, with color photos of (and fact sheets about) the five current US Cardinals who, they feel, have mishandled or are severely mishandling recent child sex abuse cases.
SNAP's focus is less on the cardinals' overall track record on child molestation and cover ups, but rather highlights the prelates' misdeeds since 2002, when the US bishops adopted an allegedly binding national sex abuse policy.
The list includes Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Houston, Cardinal Roger Mahony of Los Angeles, and Cardinal Sean O'Malley of Boston.
George is cited for ignoring the 2005 advice of his lay review board to suspend a young accused pedophile priest, Fr. Daniel McCormack, who'd been recently arrested because of abuse allegations. George kept McCormack in active parish ministry despite repeated reports of McCormack's suspected abuse (going back to his seminary days). Months later, prosecutors say he molested several boys, one "on an almost daily basis" until he was arrested again in 2006.
O'Malley is cited because last month, church officials disclosed that his archdiocese (the epicenter of the US abuse crisis) is in serious violation of the national sex abuse policy for the second year in a row. One in five Boston Catholic kids are not getting the sex abuse prevention training that was promised for each child by O'Malley and his peers six years ago.
The Pope/Cardinals meeting is at the Vatican Embassy on Massachusetts Avenue (in the residence across from the US Naval Observatory).
CONTACT
David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP national director 314 566 9790 cell
Peter Isely of Milwaukee, SNAP board chair emeritus 414 429 7259 cell
Barbara Blaine of Chicago, SNAP president 312 399 4747 cell
Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, SNAP 314 503 0003 cell
Source: SNAP
CONTACT: David Clohessy, national director, +1-314-566-9790, cell, or
Peter Isely, board chair emeritus, +1-414-429-7259, cell, or Barbara Blaine,
president, +1-312-399-4747, cell, or Barbara Dorris, +1-314-503-0003, cell,
all of SNAP
Web site:
Christian Worldview
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
1. Christian Worldview
"In the beginning God."1
We hear quite a bit these days about the worldview people have. Simply put, one's worldview is the way we view the world in which we live. It serves as a road map for one's life—the guide for the way we live and orchestrate our life. It has to do with one's belief system about the world in which we live.
A Christian worldview is based on reality—on truth—on truth as it is revealed and/or confirmed in God's Word, the Bible, which is the only viable source of truth that can realistically answer the four questions one's worldview takes into account. These questions are as follows:
"Where did I come from?
Why is the world in such a mess?
Is there a way to fix it?
Is there a purpose for my life?"2
First, where did I come from? The Christian believes that we came from God; that in the beginning he created all—including you and me. Because of this we are accountable to him and are morally responsible for all our actions.
Second, why is the world in such a mess? We believe that this is because of sin and evil which was introduced into the world by Satan the devil, a fallen angel, who wanted to dethrone God and become God himself. "I will become as the Most High," he said. Consequently he was dismissed from God's Heaven.3
Tragically, because mankind chose to disobey God's directions and follow Satan's, sin entered the entire human race. Because sin cannot exist and sinners cannot survive in the presence of a holy and just God, any more than a moth can survive in a flame, our sin has destined us to eternal separation from a just and holy God in the place the Bible calls hell—the place prepared for the devil and other fallen angels known as demons.
Third, is there an answer to mankind's dilemma—a way to fix our problem? Fortunately for mankind there is. As the Bible says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son [Jesus Christ], that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."4
In other words, because God's justice required that the just judgment for all sin is death; that is, eternal separation from God the author of all love and life, God gave his only son, Jesus Christ, to die in our place to pay the just penalty for all our sin. Because of Christ's sacrifice God now offers to all who will accept it a free pardon and the gift of eternal life with God in Heaven forever. Based on the Word of God, Jesus Christ is God's only provision for mankind's sin, and the only way into God's Heaven.5
Fourth, is there a purpose for my life? According the Westminster Shorter Catechism, "Man's chief end [purpose] is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever." We glorify God by living a morally upright life, in loving God and worshipping God, by loving our neighbors as ourselves, and by our service to God. And we serve God primarily by using our God-given natural and spiritual gifts to serve others. The important thing is: do you know what your specific God-given life purpose is?
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that your word, the Bible, gives us the only secure road map for all of life's journey—from the cradle to the grave and beyond. Please help me to be certain my world view is in line with your Word so that I will live in harmony with your will here on earth and spend eternity with you in Heaven forever. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus name, amen."
1. Genesis 1:1.
2. Chuck Colson, BreakPoint, http://www.breakpoint.org/generic.asp?ID=2541.
3. See Isaiah 14:12.
4. John 3:16 (NIV).
5. See John 14:6.
<:))))><
1. Christian Worldview
"In the beginning God."1
We hear quite a bit these days about the worldview people have. Simply put, one's worldview is the way we view the world in which we live. It serves as a road map for one's life—the guide for the way we live and orchestrate our life. It has to do with one's belief system about the world in which we live.
A Christian worldview is based on reality—on truth—on truth as it is revealed and/or confirmed in God's Word, the Bible, which is the only viable source of truth that can realistically answer the four questions one's worldview takes into account. These questions are as follows:
"Where did I come from?
Why is the world in such a mess?
Is there a way to fix it?
Is there a purpose for my life?"2
First, where did I come from? The Christian believes that we came from God; that in the beginning he created all—including you and me. Because of this we are accountable to him and are morally responsible for all our actions.
Second, why is the world in such a mess? We believe that this is because of sin and evil which was introduced into the world by Satan the devil, a fallen angel, who wanted to dethrone God and become God himself. "I will become as the Most High," he said. Consequently he was dismissed from God's Heaven.3
Tragically, because mankind chose to disobey God's directions and follow Satan's, sin entered the entire human race. Because sin cannot exist and sinners cannot survive in the presence of a holy and just God, any more than a moth can survive in a flame, our sin has destined us to eternal separation from a just and holy God in the place the Bible calls hell—the place prepared for the devil and other fallen angels known as demons.
Third, is there an answer to mankind's dilemma—a way to fix our problem? Fortunately for mankind there is. As the Bible says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son [Jesus Christ], that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."4
In other words, because God's justice required that the just judgment for all sin is death; that is, eternal separation from God the author of all love and life, God gave his only son, Jesus Christ, to die in our place to pay the just penalty for all our sin. Because of Christ's sacrifice God now offers to all who will accept it a free pardon and the gift of eternal life with God in Heaven forever. Based on the Word of God, Jesus Christ is God's only provision for mankind's sin, and the only way into God's Heaven.5
Fourth, is there a purpose for my life? According the Westminster Shorter Catechism, "Man's chief end [purpose] is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever." We glorify God by living a morally upright life, in loving God and worshipping God, by loving our neighbors as ourselves, and by our service to God. And we serve God primarily by using our God-given natural and spiritual gifts to serve others. The important thing is: do you know what your specific God-given life purpose is?
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that your word, the Bible, gives us the only secure road map for all of life's journey—from the cradle to the grave and beyond. Please help me to be certain my world view is in line with your Word so that I will live in harmony with your will here on earth and spend eternity with you in Heaven forever. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus name, amen."
1. Genesis 1:1.
2. Chuck Colson, BreakPoint, http://www.breakpoint.org/generic.asp?ID=2541.
3. See Isaiah 14:12.
4. John 3:16 (NIV).
5. See John 14:6.
<:))))><
Monday, April 14, 2008
God's "Security" Team
Monday, April 14, 2008
1. God's "Security" Team
"When the Son of Man [Jesus Christ] returns, it will be like it was in Noah's day. In those days, the people enjoyed banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat and the flood came and destroyed them all."1
Bruce Ferris wrote, "My wife and I recently saw a television show on The History Channel titled, 'The Man Who Predicted 911.' Long before September 11th, Rick Rescorla, the 62-year-old head of security at the Morgan Stanley Bank, developed an evacuation plan for the bank. The bank's offices were situated high up in the South Tower at the World Trade Center. Rescorla was convinced that Osama Bin Laden would use jet planes to try and destroy the World Trade Center. The plan and its preparation were hugely unpopular with the Morgan Stanley staff, many of whom thought Rescorla was mad.
"On September 11, 2001, American Airlines Flight 11 hit World Trade Center Tower 1 at 8:46 am. Rick Rescorla ignored building officials' advice to stay put and began the orderly evacuation of Morgan Stanley's 2,800 employees on 20 floors of World Trade Center Tower 2, and 1,000 employees in WTC 5. Rescorla reminded everyone to 'be proud to be an American … everyone will be talking about you tomorrow,' and sang God Bless America and other songs over his bullhorn to help evacuees stay calm as they left the building. Rescorla had most of Morgan Stanley's 2800 employees as well as people working on other floors of WTC 2 safely out of the buildings by the time United Airlines Flight 175 hit WTC 2 at 9:07 a.m.
"After having reached safety, Rescorla returned to the building to rescue others still inside. He was last seen heading up the stairs of the tenth floor of the collapsing WTC 2. His remains were not recovered. As a result of Rescorla's actions, only six of Morgan Stanley's 2800 WTC employees were killed on September 11th, 2001, including Rick and three of his deputies who followed him back into the building.
"The remainder of this very moving broadcast focused on Morgan Stanley Bank employees who, now in tears, were praising and acknowledging Rick Rescorla for having saved their lives from total destruction that day. Many felt so guilty and apologetic [because] they had thought Rick foolish to keep preaching and standing for what he believed would happen if they were not ready. Those interviewed said they would never forget Rick Rescorla. He was their hero."2
The first coming of Jesus Christ is an indisputable fact of history. Be assured, his second coming will be just as certain. His first coming was to give his life to die on the cruel Roman cross to pay the just penalty for your sins and mine so we could receive God's forgiveness and his gift of eternal life. His second coming will be as King of kings and Lord of lords and to bring judgment on all who have failed or refused to accept God's warning and gift of forgiveness and salvation.
While ancient Noah built the ark he was mocked and ridiculed. None but his immediate family believed God's warning about the impending flood. And as Jesus has warned, it will be the same when he returns to judge the world and destroy all who have rejected his gift of salvation.
If you have never received God's offer of salvation, I urge you to do that today so you are ready for God's day of judgment. For help go to: tiny url and read, "How to Be Sure You're a real Christian Without Having to Be Religious."
On the other hand, if you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, will you be as a "Rick Rescorla" to help notify all in your circle of influence about the coming of God's judgment and the impending doom of all who refuse to accept God's free gift of salvation. For an extremely simple way to do this go to: Acts Web. And for those who live in the U.S. also go ActsCom to order a supply of the Good News business size witness cards to give to family, friends and contacts.
And will you help support the "Rick Rescorlas" who are on "God's security" team warning multitudes of people of God's coming judgment and are spreading God's good news of salvation around the world. To do this go to: Donate.
Think of all the people whose lives Rick Rescorla saved. You and I can do the same; that is, help save lives for all eternity. There is no greater privilege and responsibility in the entire world. Will you make this commitment today by genuinely praying the following prayer:
"Dear God, I am available. Please use me to be as a 'Rick Rescorla' and help save lives for all eternity. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus name, amen."
1. Luke 17:26-27 (TLB).
2. Bruce Ferris, Sermon Central.
<:))))><
1. God's "Security" Team
"When the Son of Man [Jesus Christ] returns, it will be like it was in Noah's day. In those days, the people enjoyed banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat and the flood came and destroyed them all."1
Bruce Ferris wrote, "My wife and I recently saw a television show on The History Channel titled, 'The Man Who Predicted 911.' Long before September 11th, Rick Rescorla, the 62-year-old head of security at the Morgan Stanley Bank, developed an evacuation plan for the bank. The bank's offices were situated high up in the South Tower at the World Trade Center. Rescorla was convinced that Osama Bin Laden would use jet planes to try and destroy the World Trade Center. The plan and its preparation were hugely unpopular with the Morgan Stanley staff, many of whom thought Rescorla was mad.
"On September 11, 2001, American Airlines Flight 11 hit World Trade Center Tower 1 at 8:46 am. Rick Rescorla ignored building officials' advice to stay put and began the orderly evacuation of Morgan Stanley's 2,800 employees on 20 floors of World Trade Center Tower 2, and 1,000 employees in WTC 5. Rescorla reminded everyone to 'be proud to be an American … everyone will be talking about you tomorrow,' and sang God Bless America and other songs over his bullhorn to help evacuees stay calm as they left the building. Rescorla had most of Morgan Stanley's 2800 employees as well as people working on other floors of WTC 2 safely out of the buildings by the time United Airlines Flight 175 hit WTC 2 at 9:07 a.m.
"After having reached safety, Rescorla returned to the building to rescue others still inside. He was last seen heading up the stairs of the tenth floor of the collapsing WTC 2. His remains were not recovered. As a result of Rescorla's actions, only six of Morgan Stanley's 2800 WTC employees were killed on September 11th, 2001, including Rick and three of his deputies who followed him back into the building.
"The remainder of this very moving broadcast focused on Morgan Stanley Bank employees who, now in tears, were praising and acknowledging Rick Rescorla for having saved their lives from total destruction that day. Many felt so guilty and apologetic [because] they had thought Rick foolish to keep preaching and standing for what he believed would happen if they were not ready. Those interviewed said they would never forget Rick Rescorla. He was their hero."2
The first coming of Jesus Christ is an indisputable fact of history. Be assured, his second coming will be just as certain. His first coming was to give his life to die on the cruel Roman cross to pay the just penalty for your sins and mine so we could receive God's forgiveness and his gift of eternal life. His second coming will be as King of kings and Lord of lords and to bring judgment on all who have failed or refused to accept God's warning and gift of forgiveness and salvation.
While ancient Noah built the ark he was mocked and ridiculed. None but his immediate family believed God's warning about the impending flood. And as Jesus has warned, it will be the same when he returns to judge the world and destroy all who have rejected his gift of salvation.
If you have never received God's offer of salvation, I urge you to do that today so you are ready for God's day of judgment. For help go to: tiny url and read, "How to Be Sure You're a real Christian Without Having to Be Religious."
On the other hand, if you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, will you be as a "Rick Rescorla" to help notify all in your circle of influence about the coming of God's judgment and the impending doom of all who refuse to accept God's free gift of salvation. For an extremely simple way to do this go to: Acts Web. And for those who live in the U.S. also go ActsCom to order a supply of the Good News business size witness cards to give to family, friends and contacts.
And will you help support the "Rick Rescorlas" who are on "God's security" team warning multitudes of people of God's coming judgment and are spreading God's good news of salvation around the world. To do this go to: Donate.
Think of all the people whose lives Rick Rescorla saved. You and I can do the same; that is, help save lives for all eternity. There is no greater privilege and responsibility in the entire world. Will you make this commitment today by genuinely praying the following prayer:
"Dear God, I am available. Please use me to be as a 'Rick Rescorla' and help save lives for all eternity. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus name, amen."
1. Luke 17:26-27 (TLB).
2. Bruce Ferris, Sermon Central.
<:))))><
Friday, April 11, 2008
Count Your Blessings
Friday, April 11, 2008
1. Count Your Blessings
"It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night."1
According to Michael Shannon, "In Reed, North Carolina, you will find the Reed gold mine. It was first excavated in 1799 when Conrad Reed discovered a strange rock on the Reed farm. In 1802, a jeweler in Fayetteville offered Reed $3.50 for the rock. It turns out the rock was gold and was actually worth $3,600 dollars. What did Reed do with the rock for three years? He used it as a doorstop at his house. How often are we oblivious to the true value of things?"2
I don't know about you but I find it all too easy to be blind to the endless blessings daily at my door step and take these for granted. I am afraid that this is especially so in much of the free world where most of us have never suffered real persecution, experienced terrorism first hand, gone hungry, been homeless, and pretty much have all of our personal needs and many of our wants—often extravagant wants—met.
And, tragically, here in the West so many feel that the world owes them a living. Too soon we forget that the freedoms we enjoy were paid dearly for us by previous generations—many of whom gave their lives to purchase our freedom. How soon we forget that "eternal vigilance is still the price of liberty [freedom]," and that "blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord."3
Every day I make an effort to thank God for all the incredible blessings that I experience daily. As the chorus of the old time hymn we used to sing with great enthusiasm in years gone by encourages:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.4
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please open the eyes of my understanding so that I will no longer be blind to the endless blessings you have given to me every day of my life. Most of all I thank you for the incredible blessing that you have given to all mankind—the blessing of giving your Son, Jesus, to die on the cross to pay the penalty for all our sins, and for your gift of forgiveness and that of eternal life. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus name, amen."
1. Psalm 92:1-2 (NIV).
2. J. Michael Shannon, Source: Preaching.com http://tinyurl.com/2cxgrg
3. Psalm 33:12
4. Johnson Oatman, Jr.
<:))))><
1. Count Your Blessings
"It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night."1
According to Michael Shannon, "In Reed, North Carolina, you will find the Reed gold mine. It was first excavated in 1799 when Conrad Reed discovered a strange rock on the Reed farm. In 1802, a jeweler in Fayetteville offered Reed $3.50 for the rock. It turns out the rock was gold and was actually worth $3,600 dollars. What did Reed do with the rock for three years? He used it as a doorstop at his house. How often are we oblivious to the true value of things?"2
I don't know about you but I find it all too easy to be blind to the endless blessings daily at my door step and take these for granted. I am afraid that this is especially so in much of the free world where most of us have never suffered real persecution, experienced terrorism first hand, gone hungry, been homeless, and pretty much have all of our personal needs and many of our wants—often extravagant wants—met.
And, tragically, here in the West so many feel that the world owes them a living. Too soon we forget that the freedoms we enjoy were paid dearly for us by previous generations—many of whom gave their lives to purchase our freedom. How soon we forget that "eternal vigilance is still the price of liberty [freedom]," and that "blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord."3
Every day I make an effort to thank God for all the incredible blessings that I experience daily. As the chorus of the old time hymn we used to sing with great enthusiasm in years gone by encourages:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.4
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please open the eyes of my understanding so that I will no longer be blind to the endless blessings you have given to me every day of my life. Most of all I thank you for the incredible blessing that you have given to all mankind—the blessing of giving your Son, Jesus, to die on the cross to pay the penalty for all our sins, and for your gift of forgiveness and that of eternal life. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus name, amen."
1. Psalm 92:1-2 (NIV).
2. J. Michael Shannon, Source: Preaching.com http://tinyurl.com/2cxgrg
3. Psalm 33:12
4. Johnson Oatman, Jr.
<:))))><
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
1. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
"Don't fool yourselves. For if a person just listens and doesn't obey, he is like a man looking at his face in a mirror; as soon as he walks away, he can't see himself anymore or remember what he looks like."1
"Mirror, mirror on the wall ... lie to me!" Don't we sometimes wish?
Either fortunately or unfortunately, mirrors don't lie, unless, of course, the mirror is distorted. If so, its reflection will also be distorted. And if I am not true to my word and do what I say I am going to do, there is something distorted within me. As the old saying goes, "Talk is cheap." Keeping one's word and promises is a character trait to be highly valued. It is being authentic and maintaining integrity.
Unfortunately, it seems that keeping one's word for many anymore doesn't amount to too much. Like a worker I used some time ago who claimed to be involved in Promise Keepers. It was a joke. He rarely kept either his word or his promises. Sadly, a person who doesn't keep his word or his promises can't be relied upon. Neither can he be trusted. And a person who claims to be a Christian and doesn't genuinely and consistently seek to keep and obey God's Word can't be relied on either. Perhaps not trusted either?
As James said, "Don't fool yourselves. For if a person just listens and doesn't obey, he is like a man looking at his face in a mirror; as soon as he walks away, he can't see himself anymore or remember what he looks like. But if anyone keeps looking steadily into God's law for free men, he will not only remember it but he will do what it says, and God will greatly bless him in everything he does."2
If we are mature, we will act in a mature fashion. If we are responsible, we will act in a responsible manner. And if we are sincere and genuine, we will act accordingly and be known as men and women whose word is their bond.
For after all –
It's what we do
Not what we say –
That says the most of all.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to be a man/woman of my word and, with your help, one who seeks to obey your word. Always. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' Name. Amen."
1. James 1:22–24 (TLB).
2. James 1:22–25 (TLB).
<:))))><
1. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
"Don't fool yourselves. For if a person just listens and doesn't obey, he is like a man looking at his face in a mirror; as soon as he walks away, he can't see himself anymore or remember what he looks like."1
"Mirror, mirror on the wall ... lie to me!" Don't we sometimes wish?
Either fortunately or unfortunately, mirrors don't lie, unless, of course, the mirror is distorted. If so, its reflection will also be distorted. And if I am not true to my word and do what I say I am going to do, there is something distorted within me. As the old saying goes, "Talk is cheap." Keeping one's word and promises is a character trait to be highly valued. It is being authentic and maintaining integrity.
Unfortunately, it seems that keeping one's word for many anymore doesn't amount to too much. Like a worker I used some time ago who claimed to be involved in Promise Keepers. It was a joke. He rarely kept either his word or his promises. Sadly, a person who doesn't keep his word or his promises can't be relied upon. Neither can he be trusted. And a person who claims to be a Christian and doesn't genuinely and consistently seek to keep and obey God's Word can't be relied on either. Perhaps not trusted either?
As James said, "Don't fool yourselves. For if a person just listens and doesn't obey, he is like a man looking at his face in a mirror; as soon as he walks away, he can't see himself anymore or remember what he looks like. But if anyone keeps looking steadily into God's law for free men, he will not only remember it but he will do what it says, and God will greatly bless him in everything he does."2
If we are mature, we will act in a mature fashion. If we are responsible, we will act in a responsible manner. And if we are sincere and genuine, we will act accordingly and be known as men and women whose word is their bond.
For after all –
It's what we do
Not what we say –
That says the most of all.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to be a man/woman of my word and, with your help, one who seeks to obey your word. Always. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' Name. Amen."
1. James 1:22–24 (TLB).
2. James 1:22–25 (TLB).
<:))))><
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Stepping out of One's Comfort Zone
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
1. Stepping out of One's Comfort Zone
"'Lord, if it's you,' Peter replied, 'tell me to come to you on the water.' 'Come,' he [Jesus] said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus."1
One of the best decisions I ever made in my life was also one of the scariest. I struggled with it for about three years. As a young man I felt a deep sense of God's call to full-time Christian ministry but knew that to be effective I would need to be adequately trained. For ministry I had no training whatsoever. I hadn't even been to high school. I was only 13 when my father made me quit school and go to work. As a teenager I attended technical college part time and became well trained as a carpenter and joiner (joiners make windows and doors and those kinds of things). I could build houses, but to get up in front of people and speak—forget it!
But the "Hound of Heaven" kept bugging me.
"You've got to be kidding, God," I argued. "You mean you want me to leave my home, my family, my friends, and my security to go overseas for training! Don't you know how insecure I am? I'm only a carpenter and you want me to do what—to step out of my security boat and walk on water!"
"Yes, that's correct," God said in his not too still small voice. "Did you forget that Peter was only a fisherman? And by the way, my Son, Jesus, was a carpenter."
"Okay, God," I finally said, "You win. I know what I have to do." I said this when I was flat on my back on a hospital bed following an accident I had on a construction site. For some of us we have to be hit over the head, as it were, by a four-by-four in order for God to get us to listen—I mean, really listen!
As quickly as I could I worked to save enough money for my one-way airfare to the U.S. and to get started in my first semester in college (providing I could find part-time work). I also had to be put on probation because I had never been to high school. All through Bible school, college and graduate school I worked part time to finance my education. This included working three jobs in the summer months when I drove a CTA passenger bus in Chicago during the morning and evening rush hours shifts, painted houses in the middle of the day, and worked as a janitor in a large church in the evenings and weekends.
Was it easy? Not really. But with a burning conviction that this is what I was meant to do, I was never without motivation to keep on keeping on. Plus, I was never without needed work, was able to pay all my bills—and passed every course.
And now, by the grace of God, here I am today—40+ years later—with the wonderful privilege of being able to reach around the world every day of the year with the saving gospel message of Jesus Christ. My life has never been more blessed or fulfilling.
How I thank God that he kept urging me to answer his call and say yes to him. After accepting Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, stepping out of my comfort zone and going back to college to train for what I am doing today was the greatest (and about the scariest) decision of my life.
If you sense that God is calling you to step out of your comfort zone to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior and/or to an area of service for him—be it in a voluntary or full-time capacity—I urge and encourage you to say yes to God today. It is a decision you will never regret and be thankful for all eternity.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you call each one of us to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and therein receive your forgiveness for all our sins and your gift of eternal life—and to serve you according to the gifts and talents you have given to each one of us. Please help me to hear your call to me and give me the courage to step out of my comfort zone and say yes to you today. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus name, amen."
1. Matthew 14:28-29 (NIV).
<:))))><
1. Stepping out of One's Comfort Zone
"'Lord, if it's you,' Peter replied, 'tell me to come to you on the water.' 'Come,' he [Jesus] said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus."1
One of the best decisions I ever made in my life was also one of the scariest. I struggled with it for about three years. As a young man I felt a deep sense of God's call to full-time Christian ministry but knew that to be effective I would need to be adequately trained. For ministry I had no training whatsoever. I hadn't even been to high school. I was only 13 when my father made me quit school and go to work. As a teenager I attended technical college part time and became well trained as a carpenter and joiner (joiners make windows and doors and those kinds of things). I could build houses, but to get up in front of people and speak—forget it!
But the "Hound of Heaven" kept bugging me.
"You've got to be kidding, God," I argued. "You mean you want me to leave my home, my family, my friends, and my security to go overseas for training! Don't you know how insecure I am? I'm only a carpenter and you want me to do what—to step out of my security boat and walk on water!"
"Yes, that's correct," God said in his not too still small voice. "Did you forget that Peter was only a fisherman? And by the way, my Son, Jesus, was a carpenter."
"Okay, God," I finally said, "You win. I know what I have to do." I said this when I was flat on my back on a hospital bed following an accident I had on a construction site. For some of us we have to be hit over the head, as it were, by a four-by-four in order for God to get us to listen—I mean, really listen!
As quickly as I could I worked to save enough money for my one-way airfare to the U.S. and to get started in my first semester in college (providing I could find part-time work). I also had to be put on probation because I had never been to high school. All through Bible school, college and graduate school I worked part time to finance my education. This included working three jobs in the summer months when I drove a CTA passenger bus in Chicago during the morning and evening rush hours shifts, painted houses in the middle of the day, and worked as a janitor in a large church in the evenings and weekends.
Was it easy? Not really. But with a burning conviction that this is what I was meant to do, I was never without motivation to keep on keeping on. Plus, I was never without needed work, was able to pay all my bills—and passed every course.
And now, by the grace of God, here I am today—40+ years later—with the wonderful privilege of being able to reach around the world every day of the year with the saving gospel message of Jesus Christ. My life has never been more blessed or fulfilling.
How I thank God that he kept urging me to answer his call and say yes to him. After accepting Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, stepping out of my comfort zone and going back to college to train for what I am doing today was the greatest (and about the scariest) decision of my life.
If you sense that God is calling you to step out of your comfort zone to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior and/or to an area of service for him—be it in a voluntary or full-time capacity—I urge and encourage you to say yes to God today. It is a decision you will never regret and be thankful for all eternity.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you call each one of us to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and therein receive your forgiveness for all our sins and your gift of eternal life—and to serve you according to the gifts and talents you have given to each one of us. Please help me to hear your call to me and give me the courage to step out of my comfort zone and say yes to you today. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus name, amen."
1. Matthew 14:28-29 (NIV).
<:))))><
Monday, March 31, 2008
Who Is The King of The North?
At the beginning of my letter I would like to introduce myself.
My name is Ryszard Ewiak and I live in Poland. I believe that the Bible is God's Word in which He revealed what will happen in the future and also the road to people's salvation. For over 30 years I have studied God's prophecies. Recently I have decided to send a short biblical analysis to people all over the world. (Amos 3:7,8)
To achieve this I am searching the Internet for people who love God and are interested in His prophecies.
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I am sending you a short analysis on Daniel, Chapter 11. This vision is the pearl of great price. (Da.10:14)
Who is "the king of the north"?
Some insightful Bible students noticed, the proof lies in the obvious identity that exists between Daniel's "the king of the north" in the last days and Ezekiel's "Gog" of the latter days. By comparing what is said about each of them in the two prophecies, it is manifest that they can only be different titles for the same being.
Ezekiel, Chapter 38 and 39 = Daniel 11:45
1.
Their geographical position is the same. "Gog's" country is in the north part in relation to the Holy Land; as it is written, "Thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts".
"Gog" is therefore "the king of the north", his place or country being there.
2. Both of them are adversaries of Israel and invaders of the Holy Land. The eleventh chapter of Daniel abundantly proves this in relation to "the king of the north"; and of "Gog", Yahoueh said: "Thou shalt come up against my people Israel, as a cloud to cover the land".
3.
The time they invade the land is the same. "The king of the north" invades in the last days. Of "Gog" it is said:
"It shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land".
4. The same peoples are named as components of their armies. The Libyans and Ethiopians are allies with "the king of the north"; and in the enumeration of Gog's forces, it says, "Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them".
Who is "Gog"? Which land is the land of "Magog"?
Some people think that "Gog" is the Devil. But does the context support this idea? Ezekiel wrote that after "Gog's" last attack he will fall and then be buried by the people.
(Ez.39:4,11) So there is no need to prove that "Gog" represents the Devil as we know that the devil does not have a body of flesh and bone and has no need for a grave. Thus, in actuality, whom does "Gog" symbolize?
"Gog" is the chief prince of Meschech and Tubal.
"Meshech, the sixth son of Japheth (Genesis 10:2) is the founder of a tribe (1
Chronicles 1:5; Ezekiel 27:13; 38:2,3). They were in all probability the Moschi people, inhabiting the Moschian Mountains, between the Black and the Caspian Seas. In Psalms 120:5 the name occurs simply as a synonym for foreigners or barbarians. "During the ascendency of the Babylonians and Persians in Western Asia, the Moschi were subdued; but it seems probable that a large number of them crossed
the Caucasus range and spread over the northern steppes, mingling with the Scythians. There they became known as Muscovs and gave this name to the Russian nation and its ancient capital by which they are still generally known throughout the East" (Easton's Bible Dictionary).
Many ancient sources have clearly identified "Magog" as referring to the "Scythians".
One of the earliest references to Magog was made by Hesiod, "the father of Greek
didactic poetry" who identified Magog with the Scythians and southern Russia in the 7th century B.C. Hesiod was a contemporary of Ezekiel.
Josephus Flavius clearly identified Magog. "Magog founded the Magogians, thus named after him, but who were by the Greeks called Scythians".
(Josephus, Antiquities, 1.123; Jerome, Commentary on Ezekiel 38:2)
The Greek historian Herodotus wrote that in the fifth century B.C. the Scythians ruled from the Don River, in present southern Russia, to the Carpathian Mountains in central Europe.
Philo, is another historian in the first century A.D. who identified "Magog" with southern Russia.
Ancient authorities clearly identified the Scythians as the ancestors of the present day Russians.
However, even without that information, the identity of "Magog" is not too difficult to figure out. In Ezekiel 38:15, it says: "And thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts, thou, and many people with thee". The "north parts" is literally the "extreme, or uttermost" parts of the north.
Who are "the kings of the north" and "south"? Who are the "kings" of this chapter?
Daniel 11:2
Since the Prophecy was given in the third year of Cyrus (Daniel 10:1), the three kings that were to "stand up yet", that is, "after him", were Cambyses II, Smerdis the Magian imposter, Darius I Hystaspes.
The fourth king, Xerxes I, stirred up Persia against Greece, which he invaded in 480 B.C. but failed to conquer. Since prophecy touches only upon important events and characters, the remaining kings of Persia are omitted, and the prophecy jumps over
nearly 150 years to the time of Alexander the Great 336-323 B.C.E.
Daniel 11:3,4
"A valiant king", Alexander the Great, whose kingdom after his death was divided into four parts.
1) Seleucus I - who began the Seleucid (Syrian) empire, from Turkey to India.
2) Cassander - who took over Macedonia (Greece).
3) Lysimachus - who took Thracia (between Greece and Turkey).
4) Ptolemy I - who ruled over Egypt.
Daniel 11:5
After the death of Alexander the Great in 323 B.C., the throne of Egypt fell to Ptolemy I Soter, the son of Lagus, the king of the south.
"One of his princes", Seleucus I, Nicator ["the king of the north"] also rose to power, and took over the region of Syria. He eventually became more powerful than his former Egyptian ruler.
Daniel 11:6
"The daughter of the king of the south" = Berenice II, daughter of Ptolemy II Philadelphus.
"The king of the north" = Antiochus II Theos.
Two years after the marriage, Berenice's father (Ptolemy Philadelphus) died.
Antiochus restored Laodice and put away Berenice. He was then poisoned by Laodice.
Berenice fled with her children to Daphne where she was killed.
Daniel 11:7-9
A "branch of her roots" will come with an army. This was Berenice's brother, Ptolemy III Euregetes, "the king of the south".
"The king of the north" is Seleucus II Kallinikos, son of Laodice who was defeated in a later invasion of Egypt. He lost most of Asia Minor along with losing to the military expansion of Ptolemy III who put his mother, Laodice, to death.
Verse 9: "And [the king of the north] will enter into the kingdom of the king of the south, but will return to his own land".
(literal translation)
Seleucus II, son of the deceased Laodice, sought revenge for the vengeance taken by Ptolemy III. "Justin says that he fitted out a great fleet, which was destroyed by a violent storm; and after this he raised a great army to recover his dominion, but was defeated by Ptolemy, and fled in great terror and trembling to Antioch".
(Gill's Commentary)
Daniel 11:10-12
His ["the king of the north"] sons = Seleucus III Ceraunus and Antiochus III the Great.
"The king of the north" = Antiochus III, the Great.
"The king of the south" = Ptolemy IV Philopator.
Ptolemy IV defeated the much larger army of Antiochus III at the Battle of Raphia in 217.
Daniel 11:13-17
"The king of the south" = Ptolemy V Epiphanes.
"The king of the north" = Antiochus III.
Antiochus III gives his daughter Cleopatra I to Ptolemy V, in hopes of permanent influence in Egypt.
Verse 14a: "And in those times many will rise against the king of the south".
At this time, many of the Egyptians began rebelling against the ruling Grecian family and began rioting and defying them.
Verse 14b: "And the sons of the violent ones of your people shall rise up to establish the vision, but they shall stumble". (LIT)
This verse speaks of the violent sons of Daniel's nation. Many commentators suggest that these people will stand up against the king of the south, but this text foretells that these people will lift themselves up to establish the vision. They were called a violent people by Ezekiel who in this way described them as shedders of
blood. (18:10a) The word vision [in Aramaic chezev; in Hebrew, chazown] is used in the Book of Daniel e.g. in: 7:1,2,7,13,15; 8:1,2,13,15,17,26; 9:24; 10:14; 11:14. All of these visions prophecy of the future persecution of God's nation, that would be fulfilled in the distant future. (Daniel 8:17; 10:14)
What kind of violent people would lift themselves in the ancient time, to fulfill the inspired visions and prophecies before their time? The First Book of the Maccabees clearly indicates the Maccabees as being these violent people. (1:54; 6:7) Until now, many commentators believe that the Maccabees fulfilled the prophecies of the Book of Daniel. But Jesus said that the vision which concerns the abomination
of desolation and the persecutions of God's nation will be fulfilled in the future. (Compare Matthew 24:15; Revelation 13:1-8)
Verse 11:16b "and he standeth in the desirable land, and it is wholly
in his hand". (YLT)
After one hundred years, Palestine again changed hands. The Seleucid king, Antiochus III, took control of Palestine c. 200 B.C.E.
Daniel 11:18
Antioch III against the Roman Empire.
"Ruler" = Lucius Cornelius, the Roman general.
The Romans humbled him (191) at Thermopylae and again at Magnesia (190).
Daniel 11:19a
Subsequently, Antiochus was forced to campaign within his own lands to stop his
satraps from declaring themselves independent rulers.
Daniel 11:19b
"He shall stumble and fall, and shall not be found" = end of the period of greatness for the Seleucid Empire. (Compare Revelation 18:21; Jeremiah 51:64)
Daniel 11:20
"And stood up on his station hath one causing an exactor to pass over the honour of the kingdom, and in a few days he is destroyed, and not in anger, nor in battle". (YLT)
"The king of the north" = Caesar Augustus. The first Roman emperor.
"The king of the south" not on the scene.
In 2 B.C., Augustus sent out "an exactor" by ordering a registration, or census, most likely to learn the size of the population for purposes of taxation and military conscription. Because of this decree, Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem for registration, resulting in Jesus' birth at that foretold location.
(Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1-12)
Daniel 8217; Did not prophecy that "the king of the north" would die "after a few days" from this event, but would die in the undetermined future "after a few days". In the end of July, in the year 14 A.D., August left Rome. He took a vacation in his old age and health. On the 19th of August, after a short sickness, he "passed away peacefully, not feeling any pain". While traveling in Campania, Augustus died "in a few days", neither "in anger" at an assassin's hands nor "in warfare", but after a short illness.
Many say that "the king of the north" is Seleucus IV Philopater, who sent out his finance minister, Heliodorus to collect taxes. But Seleucus was murdered in a conspiracy engineered by Heliodorus. It is said that the king here was to however die a natural death (not one of anger or of battle). Therefore, this writing does not
conform to Seleucus IV. Also, verse 21 cannot carry over to the rule of Antiochus IV Epiphanes!
Daniel 11:21-23
Verse 21: "And in his place shall arise a despised. And they will not give him the royal majesty. He will come in a time of peace and will seize the kingdom through duplicity".
"The king of the north" = Tiberius 14-37.
"The king of the south" not on the scene.
"The ruler of the covenant" = Jesus [Yeshua].
Augustus only chose him after more favored heirs had died.
The New Encyclopoedia Britannica says, Tiberius played politics with the Senate and did not allow it to name him emperor for almost a month [after Augustus died]". He told the Senate that no one but Augustus was capable of carrying the burden of ruling the Roman Empire and asked the senators to restore the republic by entrusting
such authority to a group of men rather than to one man. "Not daring to take him at his word", wrote historian Will Durant, "the Senate exchanged bows with him until at last he accepted power". Durant added: "The play was well acted on both sides. Tiberius wanted the principate, or he would have found some way to evade it; the Senate feared and hated him, but shrank from reestablishing a republic based, like the old, upon theoretically sovereign assemblies". Thus, Tiberius took hold of the kingdom by means of duplicity.
Verse 22: "And the arms of the flood shall be swept from before his face, and they will be broken, and also the ruler of a covenant".
In 15 A.D., Germanicus led his forces against the German hero Arminius, with some success. However, the limited victories were won at great cost, and Tiberius thereafter aborted operations in Germany. Instead, by promoting civil war, he tried to prevent German tribes from uniting. Tiberius generally favoured a defensive foreign policy and focused on strengthening the frontiers. This stance was fairly
successful. In this way "the arms of the flood" were controlled and were "broken".
"Broken" too was "the Leader of the covenant" = Jesus [Yeshua]. (Compare Isaiah 55:4; Daniel 9:25, 27a)
Verse 23: "And after they join themselves to him, he will do guile,
and he will exalt himself, and will do strong by a few of the people".
The oath of loyalty bound the army and officials to the Tiberius.
"Sextus Pompeius and Sextus Apuleius, the consuls, were the first to swear allegiance to Tiberius Caesar, and in their presence the oath was taken by Seius Strabo and Caius Turranius, respectively the commander of the praetorian cohorts and the superintendent of the corn supplies. Then the Senate, the soldiers and the people did the same". Those few people were the Roman Praetorian Guard, encamped close to Rome's walls. Its proximity intimidated the Senate and helped Tiberius keep in check any uprisings against his authority among the populace. By means of some 10.000 guards Tiberius remained mighty.
Daniel 11:24
"In a time of peace he will come against [sense: will attack] the fattest [sense: mighty] of the land, and he will do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers: prey, and spoil, and substance, their possession he will distribute. And against strongholds he will devise his schemes until the appointed time".
"The king of the north" = Tiberius and next emperors.
"The king of the south" not on the scene.
The word "mashman" refers here to fattest [sense: mighty].
(Compare Ps.78:31 and Is.10:16) Because he was very suspicious, Emperor Tiberius, extended the law of laesa majestas. Many senators were put to death on a charge of treason against the emperor. For the people of the provinces, it was a peaceful and well-ordered time.
Daniel 11:25,26a
Aurelian (270-275) against Queen Zenobia of Palmyra ["the king of the
south"].
The Palmyrene army occupied Egypt in 269 B.C.E. under the pretext of making it secure for Rome. Zenobia wanted to make Palmyra the dominant city in the east and wanted to rule over Rome's eastern provinces. Alarmed by her ambition, Aurelian aroused "his power and his heart" to proceed against Zenobia.
Zenobia valiantly defended it, but without success. She and her son fled toward Persia, only to be captured by the Romans at the Euphrates River. The Palmyrenes surrendered their city in 272 B.C. Aurelian spared Zenobia, making her the prize feature in his triumphal procession through Rome in 274 B.C. She spent the rest of her life as a Roman matron.
Aurelian himself 'did not stand because of schemes against him.' In 275 B.C., he set out on an expedition against the Persians. While he was waiting in Thrace for the opportunity to cross the straits into Asia Minor, those who 'ate his food' carried out schemes against him and brought about his "breakdown". He was going to call his
secretary Eros to account for irregularities. Eros, however, forged a list of names of certain officers marked for death. The sight of this list moved the officers to plot Aurelian's assassination and to murder him.
Daniel 11:26b. (Compare Daniel 9:26b)
"and his army will be flooded and many will fall down slain".
Decline and fall of the Roman Empire.
"The strength of Aurelian had crushed on every side the enemies of Rome. After his death they seemed to revive with an increase of fury and of numbers".
Daniel 11:27
"And both these kings, their hearts (will be) to do mischief, and at one table (they) will speak a lie. But it will not succeed, for yet (the) finish to (the) appointed time." (11:27, literal translation).
It certainly suggests that the verse does not concern to the ancient times. It describes the end of times right before the appointed time. (Compare Daniel 11:29a)
Russia and England (from second half of the XIX Century).
Egyptian history dates back to about 4000 B.C., when the kingdoms of upper and lower Egypt, already highly sophisticated, were united. Egypt's golden age coincided with the 18th and 19th dynasties (16th to 13th century B.C.), during which the empire was established. Persia conquered Egypt in 525 B.C.E, Alexander the Great subdued it in 332 B.C.E., and then the Ptolemaic dynasty ruled the land until 30 B.C., when Cleopatra, last of the line, committed suicide and Egypt became a Roman, then Byzantine, province. Arab caliphs ruled Egypt from 641 until 1517, when the Turks took it for their Ottoman Empire.
Napoleon's armies occupied the country from 1798 to 1801.
In 1805, Mohammed Ali, leader of a band of Albanian soldiers, became pasha of Egypt. After completion of the Suez Canal in 1869, the French and British took increasing interest in Egypt. British troops occupied Egypt in 1882, and British resident agents became its actual administrators, though it remained under nominal Turkish sovereignty.
In 1914, this fiction was ended, and Egypt became a protectorate of Britain.
Russia grew expanding its power over huge regions, and by the end of XIX century Russia possessed territories from the mouths of the Danube and Visla in the west, reached the Pacific Ocean in the east, began in the Euroasian tundra in the north and had borders with Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan and China in the south.
In 1907, an Anglo-Russian agreement divided Persia into English and Russian spheres of influence, a large Russian sphere in the north, covering the most valuable part of the country, a neutral sphere in the centre, and a smaller British sphere in the southeast.
Daniel 11:28
"And (he) ["the king of the north"] will go back (to) his land with great wealth; and his heart (will be) against the holy covenant; and will act effectively; and turned back to his own land."
(literal translation)
History of Russia after World War II.
The passage contains enough details, which allow for a correct interpretation.
Daniel foretells here that "the king of the north" [Russia] will not only be successful in WW II, but also that he returns to his land with a great amount of goods. If only Hitler had listened to Mussolini and the Japanese, who in 1943 advised him to stop military actions, the prophetic detail would have never been fulfilled.
Daniel 11:28b
"and turned back to his own land".
The break-up of the Soviet Union and return to the country of Russian garrisons (the liquidation of Russian military bases).
The prophecy of Daniel 11 is the key to understanding what is going to happen in the future.
The latter statements Jesus' and Daniel's are alike.
Matthew 24:5,6 (Luke 21:8,9) = Daniel 11:27,28 = XIX, XX, XXI Century, before the World War III.
"Many for will come in the name of me, saying: 'I am the anointed'; and many they will mislead." (Matthew 24:5, literal translation)
"He said, 'Watch out that you don't get led astray, for many will come in my name, saying, 'I AM,' and, 'The time is at hand.' Therefore don't follow them." (Luke 21:8, WEB)
"Don't be afraid when you hear of wars and revolutions; such things must happen first, but they do not mean that the end is near." (Luke
21:9, GNB)
Matthew 24:7 = Daniel 11:29,30 = WW III
Matthew 24:15 = Daniel 11:31 = "trampling of Jerusalem" [the great
tribulation of Christian minorities; compare Revelation 11:2]
Matthew 24:29 = Daniel 11:40 = WW IV
Daniel 11:29a
"At (the) appointed time (he) will return, and will enter into (the)
south."
1. Russian troops will be station abroad again.
2."The king of the north" will come into the South.
Daniel 11:29b,30
"But will not be as (the) former or as (the) latter. For will come against him (the) dwellers of coastlands of Kittim, and (he) will be humbled, and will return." (literal translation)
1. The West will come against the Russia.
2. "The king of the north" will be humbled, and will return.
(Compare Matthew 24:7; Revelation 6:4)
Daniel 11:31
1. The nations will trample "the holy city" [of those who belong to Christ] forty-two months. (Compare Revelation 11:2,7;
13:5,7a; Luke 21:24b; Matthew 24:21,22; Daniel 7:25; 9:27; Isaiah
29:1-8,20-24; Matthew 13:40-43,49,50; Ezekiel 13:8-16,20-23; 34:10; 2
Thessalonians 2:8b; Isaiah 28:1-4,17-22; 6:13; Malachi 3:1-5)
The religious organizations from among Christian minorities which Jesus compared to "the weeds", will be "burned". (Mt.13:30) Yahoueh will protect the righteous ones. (Re.11:1) "The wheat" will be put into "the storehouse" after the tribulation – which means that "the sons of the kingdom" will become gathered and unified at that time. They will shine as brightly as the sun after the tribulation.
2. "The abomination of desolation" [the World Government] will be set up. (Revelation 13:7b; Daniel 12:11)
Daniel 11:32-35
Details of their future global religious persecution. (Compare Daniel 8:11,12; Revelation 6:9-11; 12:15)
Daniel 11:36-39
Russia before the World War IV. (Compare Ezekiel 38:7)
Daniel 11:40
The World War IV. (Compare Luke 21:25; Isaiah 5:26-30; Matthew 24:29; Daniel 7:11; Revelation 13:3; Ezekiel 32:2-16; Habakkuk 1:5-17; Revelation 6:12; Zephaniah 1:14-18; Joel 2:1-11,31, ASV)
Daniel 11:41
Occupation of Israel. (Compare Ezekiel 39:23-29)
Daniel11:42,43
The triumph of Russia. (Compare Isaiah 10:12-15)
Daniel
11:44,45
Russia
again will attack Israel. (Compare Daniel 12:1; Joel 2:20; Isaiah
14:4-27; Habakkuk 3:3-16)
"Many will study, therefore understanding will be multiplied". (Daniel 12:4b)
Well, what is the Bible's scenario?
1. Russian troops station abroad again. (Daniel 11:29a)
2. "The king of the north" becomes very aggressive and enters into the south. (Daniel 11:29a)
3. The West opposes Russia.
(Daniel 11:30; Matthew 24:7a; Revelation 6:4)
4. "The king of the north" is humiliated, and turns back.
(Daniel 11:30). He does not make the same mistake as Hitler did, he
does not fight to the death and this is why Russia is not occupied.
5. The World Government appears after that war which replaces the ineffective UNO. Its power gradually rises up.
(Revelation 13:1,2,7b; Daniel 11:31b)
6. Russia rebuilds its military power very fast and acts effectively on the world scene. (Daniel 11:30b)
7. "Russia's rulers
pay attention to those "who forsake the holy covenant".
(Daniel 11:30b)
8. A man "of fierce countenance, and understanding ambiguous sayings" becomes the president of the USA, and he begins to fight with Christian minorities. (Daniel 8:23-25)
9. There is a tribulation of "Jerusalem" = it is a tribulation of Christian minorities, which lasts 42 month’s.
(Daniel 11:31a; Matthew 24:15; Revelation 13:5-7a; Matthew 13:40-42,49,50; 24:48-51)
The Christian communities, which are now called sects, are decimated. It is the biggest genocide concerning religion in history. The eyes of people who were deceived by them will be opened. (Isaiah 6:9-13)
The "tyrant", according to LXX “lawless” = the rulers of
Christian minorities will be removed. (Isaiah 29:1-8,20,21) Ezekiel
calls them "women". (Ezekiel 13:17-23; Revelation 14:4a; Isaiah 3:12) Paul names them "the man of lawlessness". (2 Thessalonians 2:4,8b)
10. Immediately after the tribulation of those days "the abomination
of desolation", in other words the World Government will be set up [will given authority; Revelation 13:7b]. (Daniel 11:31b; 12:11)
The Book of Revelation calls it a "beast". (11:7; 13:1,2,7,8)
11. The spirit is poured out upon people who belong to Jesus. (Revelation 11:11-13) The "wheat" = the sons of kingdom, will be gathered into the "storehouse" after burning the "weeds" = organized Christian churches which earlier posed as the churches of Christ. (Matthew 13:30b; Eph.1:9,10) And then Jesus will set up a "faithful slave" over his whole possession. (Matthew 24:45-47)
12. The seven trumpets start to sound. Those who belong to Jesus are revealing future events to the World. They will also try to explain what God thinks of certain issues. (Revelation 8:6-10:11)
13. The power in Russia will be taken over by a dictator who is atheist. The military power will be his god. (Daniel 11:36-39)
14. Not longer after that, there will be the WW IV. That time Russia will triumph the same as it did after the WWII. (Daniel 11:40; Daniel
7:11; Luke 21:25; Revelation 13:3a). "The king of the north" will act as a "God's hammer" ravaging many countries like Babylon in ancient times. (Jeremiah 51:20,25)
15. Russia occupies Israel as well. (Daniel 11:41)
16. After that war the World Government is resuscitated. The "purple
beast" will be given even more power. The politicians will
relinquish their sovereignty in favour of the beast. (Revelation
13:14; 17:8,17)
17. Attack on "Babylon the Great" = big, apostasized churches,
drunk with blood of innocent people, which betrayed God and Jesus by
co-operating with kings of the earth. (Revelation 17:16)
18. Next, nations see the sign of the Son of man (Matthew 24:30).
Probably it will be connected with the first resurrection (Revelation
20:6). People who have died in union with Jesus will rise first
(among 144.000). They will get a spirit body at the resurrection. (1
Corinthians 15:35,44) What will be the proof of the resurrection?
Immediately after that, remaining of 144.000 will be transfigured (1
Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17). Simultaneously they will
be caught away from the earth and taken to heaven. The transfigurations of belonging to Jesus dependably will not be seen
and it will cause a great expression on nations.
19. The whole nation of Israel is converting and gathering. (Ezekiel
39:25-29; Romans 11:25-32). After taking to heaven belonging to group
of 144.000 nation of Israel will be a light for the nations. God will
be with them and will pour his spirit over them. (Ezekiel 39:29)
20. Rebuilding of the Temple according to directions given to Ezekiel.
(Ezekiel 37:24-28; 43:11)
21. There will be collection of chosen, separation the "sheep from the goats". (Matthew 24:31; 25:31-44; Revelation 14:15,16)
22. "The king of the north" will attack people who worship the
true God [Israel] (Ezekiel 38:10-12). "The beast" [the word
government] also will take part in this attack. (Revelation 19:19)
23. After Armageddon the power on the world will be taken over by the "new heaven" = the kingdom of God i.e. Jesus and belonging to him. (Daniel 7:27; Matthew 6:10; Revelation 21:1-4) "The old heaven" = imperfect system of authority created by man will go away. Rules and the law created by imperfect people which are captivating and making difficulty will be untied. All activities remaining uncovered, good or bad will be revealed, all crimes will come to light. (2 Peter 3:10; 1 Timothy 5:25)
24. The rest of dead will come to life! The earth will become the
paradise. (Acts 24:15; Psalm 37:29; Isaiah 11:6-9; 25:8; 35:5-7).
When the thousand year’s period of Jesus’ kingdom will end people who come to life during this period are put to the test. And then they will really come to life God’s point of view and then they will get ability to live forever. (Revelation 20:5a,7,8; comp. Luke 15:32; 1 John 3:14).
"Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth will I cause you to hear them".
(Isaiah 42:9)
With best wishes in Christ,
Ryszard Ewiak
My name is Ryszard Ewiak and I live in Poland. I believe that the Bible is God's Word in which He revealed what will happen in the future and also the road to people's salvation. For over 30 years I have studied God's prophecies. Recently I have decided to send a short biblical analysis to people all over the world. (Amos 3:7,8)
To achieve this I am searching the Internet for people who love God and are interested in His prophecies.
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I am sending you a short analysis on Daniel, Chapter 11. This vision is the pearl of great price. (Da.10:14)
Who is "the king of the north"?
Some insightful Bible students noticed, the proof lies in the obvious identity that exists between Daniel's "the king of the north" in the last days and Ezekiel's "Gog" of the latter days. By comparing what is said about each of them in the two prophecies, it is manifest that they can only be different titles for the same being.
Ezekiel, Chapter 38 and 39 = Daniel 11:45
1.
Their geographical position is the same. "Gog's" country is in the north part in relation to the Holy Land; as it is written, "Thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts".
"Gog" is therefore "the king of the north", his place or country being there.
2. Both of them are adversaries of Israel and invaders of the Holy Land. The eleventh chapter of Daniel abundantly proves this in relation to "the king of the north"; and of "Gog", Yahoueh said: "Thou shalt come up against my people Israel, as a cloud to cover the land".
3.
The time they invade the land is the same. "The king of the north" invades in the last days. Of "Gog" it is said:
"It shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land".
4. The same peoples are named as components of their armies. The Libyans and Ethiopians are allies with "the king of the north"; and in the enumeration of Gog's forces, it says, "Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them".
Who is "Gog"? Which land is the land of "Magog"?
Some people think that "Gog" is the Devil. But does the context support this idea? Ezekiel wrote that after "Gog's" last attack he will fall and then be buried by the people.
(Ez.39:4,11) So there is no need to prove that "Gog" represents the Devil as we know that the devil does not have a body of flesh and bone and has no need for a grave. Thus, in actuality, whom does "Gog" symbolize?
"Gog" is the chief prince of Meschech and Tubal.
"Meshech, the sixth son of Japheth (Genesis 10:2) is the founder of a tribe (1
Chronicles 1:5; Ezekiel 27:13; 38:2,3). They were in all probability the Moschi people, inhabiting the Moschian Mountains, between the Black and the Caspian Seas. In Psalms 120:5 the name occurs simply as a synonym for foreigners or barbarians. "During the ascendency of the Babylonians and Persians in Western Asia, the Moschi were subdued; but it seems probable that a large number of them crossed
the Caucasus range and spread over the northern steppes, mingling with the Scythians. There they became known as Muscovs and gave this name to the Russian nation and its ancient capital by which they are still generally known throughout the East" (Easton's Bible Dictionary).
Many ancient sources have clearly identified "Magog" as referring to the "Scythians".
One of the earliest references to Magog was made by Hesiod, "the father of Greek
didactic poetry" who identified Magog with the Scythians and southern Russia in the 7th century B.C. Hesiod was a contemporary of Ezekiel.
Josephus Flavius clearly identified Magog. "Magog founded the Magogians, thus named after him, but who were by the Greeks called Scythians".
(Josephus, Antiquities, 1.123; Jerome, Commentary on Ezekiel 38:2)
The Greek historian Herodotus wrote that in the fifth century B.C. the Scythians ruled from the Don River, in present southern Russia, to the Carpathian Mountains in central Europe.
Philo, is another historian in the first century A.D. who identified "Magog" with southern Russia.
Ancient authorities clearly identified the Scythians as the ancestors of the present day Russians.
However, even without that information, the identity of "Magog" is not too difficult to figure out. In Ezekiel 38:15, it says: "And thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts, thou, and many people with thee". The "north parts" is literally the "extreme, or uttermost" parts of the north.
Who are "the kings of the north" and "south"? Who are the "kings" of this chapter?
Daniel 11:2
Since the Prophecy was given in the third year of Cyrus (Daniel 10:1), the three kings that were to "stand up yet", that is, "after him", were Cambyses II, Smerdis the Magian imposter, Darius I Hystaspes.
The fourth king, Xerxes I, stirred up Persia against Greece, which he invaded in 480 B.C. but failed to conquer. Since prophecy touches only upon important events and characters, the remaining kings of Persia are omitted, and the prophecy jumps over
nearly 150 years to the time of Alexander the Great 336-323 B.C.E.
Daniel 11:3,4
"A valiant king", Alexander the Great, whose kingdom after his death was divided into four parts.
1) Seleucus I - who began the Seleucid (Syrian) empire, from Turkey to India.
2) Cassander - who took over Macedonia (Greece).
3) Lysimachus - who took Thracia (between Greece and Turkey).
4) Ptolemy I - who ruled over Egypt.
Daniel 11:5
After the death of Alexander the Great in 323 B.C., the throne of Egypt fell to Ptolemy I Soter, the son of Lagus, the king of the south.
"One of his princes", Seleucus I, Nicator ["the king of the north"] also rose to power, and took over the region of Syria. He eventually became more powerful than his former Egyptian ruler.
Daniel 11:6
"The daughter of the king of the south" = Berenice II, daughter of Ptolemy II Philadelphus.
"The king of the north" = Antiochus II Theos.
Two years after the marriage, Berenice's father (Ptolemy Philadelphus) died.
Antiochus restored Laodice and put away Berenice. He was then poisoned by Laodice.
Berenice fled with her children to Daphne where she was killed.
Daniel 11:7-9
A "branch of her roots" will come with an army. This was Berenice's brother, Ptolemy III Euregetes, "the king of the south".
"The king of the north" is Seleucus II Kallinikos, son of Laodice who was defeated in a later invasion of Egypt. He lost most of Asia Minor along with losing to the military expansion of Ptolemy III who put his mother, Laodice, to death.
Verse 9: "And [the king of the north] will enter into the kingdom of the king of the south, but will return to his own land".
(literal translation)
Seleucus II, son of the deceased Laodice, sought revenge for the vengeance taken by Ptolemy III. "Justin says that he fitted out a great fleet, which was destroyed by a violent storm; and after this he raised a great army to recover his dominion, but was defeated by Ptolemy, and fled in great terror and trembling to Antioch".
(Gill's Commentary)
Daniel 11:10-12
His ["the king of the north"] sons = Seleucus III Ceraunus and Antiochus III the Great.
"The king of the north" = Antiochus III, the Great.
"The king of the south" = Ptolemy IV Philopator.
Ptolemy IV defeated the much larger army of Antiochus III at the Battle of Raphia in 217.
Daniel 11:13-17
"The king of the south" = Ptolemy V Epiphanes.
"The king of the north" = Antiochus III.
Antiochus III gives his daughter Cleopatra I to Ptolemy V, in hopes of permanent influence in Egypt.
Verse 14a: "And in those times many will rise against the king of the south".
At this time, many of the Egyptians began rebelling against the ruling Grecian family and began rioting and defying them.
Verse 14b: "And the sons of the violent ones of your people shall rise up to establish the vision, but they shall stumble". (LIT)
This verse speaks of the violent sons of Daniel's nation. Many commentators suggest that these people will stand up against the king of the south, but this text foretells that these people will lift themselves up to establish the vision. They were called a violent people by Ezekiel who in this way described them as shedders of
blood. (18:10a) The word vision [in Aramaic chezev; in Hebrew, chazown] is used in the Book of Daniel e.g. in: 7:1,2,7,13,15; 8:1,2,13,15,17,26; 9:24; 10:14; 11:14. All of these visions prophecy of the future persecution of God's nation, that would be fulfilled in the distant future. (Daniel 8:17; 10:14)
What kind of violent people would lift themselves in the ancient time, to fulfill the inspired visions and prophecies before their time? The First Book of the Maccabees clearly indicates the Maccabees as being these violent people. (1:54; 6:7) Until now, many commentators believe that the Maccabees fulfilled the prophecies of the Book of Daniel. But Jesus said that the vision which concerns the abomination
of desolation and the persecutions of God's nation will be fulfilled in the future. (Compare Matthew 24:15; Revelation 13:1-8)
Verse 11:16b "and he standeth in the desirable land, and it is wholly
in his hand". (YLT)
After one hundred years, Palestine again changed hands. The Seleucid king, Antiochus III, took control of Palestine c. 200 B.C.E.
Daniel 11:18
Antioch III against the Roman Empire.
"Ruler" = Lucius Cornelius, the Roman general.
The Romans humbled him (191) at Thermopylae and again at Magnesia (190).
Daniel 11:19a
Subsequently, Antiochus was forced to campaign within his own lands to stop his
satraps from declaring themselves independent rulers.
Daniel 11:19b
"He shall stumble and fall, and shall not be found" = end of the period of greatness for the Seleucid Empire. (Compare Revelation 18:21; Jeremiah 51:64)
Daniel 11:20
"And stood up on his station hath one causing an exactor to pass over the honour of the kingdom, and in a few days he is destroyed, and not in anger, nor in battle". (YLT)
"The king of the north" = Caesar Augustus. The first Roman emperor.
"The king of the south" not on the scene.
In 2 B.C., Augustus sent out "an exactor" by ordering a registration, or census, most likely to learn the size of the population for purposes of taxation and military conscription. Because of this decree, Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem for registration, resulting in Jesus' birth at that foretold location.
(Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1-12)
Daniel 8217; Did not prophecy that "the king of the north" would die "after a few days" from this event, but would die in the undetermined future "after a few days". In the end of July, in the year 14 A.D., August left Rome. He took a vacation in his old age and health. On the 19th of August, after a short sickness, he "passed away peacefully, not feeling any pain". While traveling in Campania, Augustus died "in a few days", neither "in anger" at an assassin's hands nor "in warfare", but after a short illness.
Many say that "the king of the north" is Seleucus IV Philopater, who sent out his finance minister, Heliodorus to collect taxes. But Seleucus was murdered in a conspiracy engineered by Heliodorus. It is said that the king here was to however die a natural death (not one of anger or of battle). Therefore, this writing does not
conform to Seleucus IV. Also, verse 21 cannot carry over to the rule of Antiochus IV Epiphanes!
Daniel 11:21-23
Verse 21: "And in his place shall arise a despised. And they will not give him the royal majesty. He will come in a time of peace and will seize the kingdom through duplicity".
"The king of the north" = Tiberius 14-37.
"The king of the south" not on the scene.
"The ruler of the covenant" = Jesus [Yeshua].
Augustus only chose him after more favored heirs had died.
The New Encyclopoedia Britannica says, Tiberius played politics with the Senate and did not allow it to name him emperor for almost a month [after Augustus died]". He told the Senate that no one but Augustus was capable of carrying the burden of ruling the Roman Empire and asked the senators to restore the republic by entrusting
such authority to a group of men rather than to one man. "Not daring to take him at his word", wrote historian Will Durant, "the Senate exchanged bows with him until at last he accepted power". Durant added: "The play was well acted on both sides. Tiberius wanted the principate, or he would have found some way to evade it; the Senate feared and hated him, but shrank from reestablishing a republic based, like the old, upon theoretically sovereign assemblies". Thus, Tiberius took hold of the kingdom by means of duplicity.
Verse 22: "And the arms of the flood shall be swept from before his face, and they will be broken, and also the ruler of a covenant".
In 15 A.D., Germanicus led his forces against the German hero Arminius, with some success. However, the limited victories were won at great cost, and Tiberius thereafter aborted operations in Germany. Instead, by promoting civil war, he tried to prevent German tribes from uniting. Tiberius generally favoured a defensive foreign policy and focused on strengthening the frontiers. This stance was fairly
successful. In this way "the arms of the flood" were controlled and were "broken".
"Broken" too was "the Leader of the covenant" = Jesus [Yeshua]. (Compare Isaiah 55:4; Daniel 9:25, 27a)
Verse 23: "And after they join themselves to him, he will do guile,
and he will exalt himself, and will do strong by a few of the people".
The oath of loyalty bound the army and officials to the Tiberius.
"Sextus Pompeius and Sextus Apuleius, the consuls, were the first to swear allegiance to Tiberius Caesar, and in their presence the oath was taken by Seius Strabo and Caius Turranius, respectively the commander of the praetorian cohorts and the superintendent of the corn supplies. Then the Senate, the soldiers and the people did the same". Those few people were the Roman Praetorian Guard, encamped close to Rome's walls. Its proximity intimidated the Senate and helped Tiberius keep in check any uprisings against his authority among the populace. By means of some 10.000 guards Tiberius remained mighty.
Daniel 11:24
"In a time of peace he will come against [sense: will attack] the fattest [sense: mighty] of the land, and he will do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers: prey, and spoil, and substance, their possession he will distribute. And against strongholds he will devise his schemes until the appointed time".
"The king of the north" = Tiberius and next emperors.
"The king of the south" not on the scene.
The word "mashman" refers here to fattest [sense: mighty].
(Compare Ps.78:31 and Is.10:16) Because he was very suspicious, Emperor Tiberius, extended the law of laesa majestas. Many senators were put to death on a charge of treason against the emperor. For the people of the provinces, it was a peaceful and well-ordered time.
Daniel 11:25,26a
Aurelian (270-275) against Queen Zenobia of Palmyra ["the king of the
south"].
The Palmyrene army occupied Egypt in 269 B.C.E. under the pretext of making it secure for Rome. Zenobia wanted to make Palmyra the dominant city in the east and wanted to rule over Rome's eastern provinces. Alarmed by her ambition, Aurelian aroused "his power and his heart" to proceed against Zenobia.
Zenobia valiantly defended it, but without success. She and her son fled toward Persia, only to be captured by the Romans at the Euphrates River. The Palmyrenes surrendered their city in 272 B.C. Aurelian spared Zenobia, making her the prize feature in his triumphal procession through Rome in 274 B.C. She spent the rest of her life as a Roman matron.
Aurelian himself 'did not stand because of schemes against him.' In 275 B.C., he set out on an expedition against the Persians. While he was waiting in Thrace for the opportunity to cross the straits into Asia Minor, those who 'ate his food' carried out schemes against him and brought about his "breakdown". He was going to call his
secretary Eros to account for irregularities. Eros, however, forged a list of names of certain officers marked for death. The sight of this list moved the officers to plot Aurelian's assassination and to murder him.
Daniel 11:26b. (Compare Daniel 9:26b)
"and his army will be flooded and many will fall down slain".
Decline and fall of the Roman Empire.
"The strength of Aurelian had crushed on every side the enemies of Rome. After his death they seemed to revive with an increase of fury and of numbers".
Daniel 11:27
"And both these kings, their hearts (will be) to do mischief, and at one table (they) will speak a lie. But it will not succeed, for yet (the) finish to (the) appointed time." (11:27, literal translation).
It certainly suggests that the verse does not concern to the ancient times. It describes the end of times right before the appointed time. (Compare Daniel 11:29a)
Russia and England (from second half of the XIX Century).
Egyptian history dates back to about 4000 B.C., when the kingdoms of upper and lower Egypt, already highly sophisticated, were united. Egypt's golden age coincided with the 18th and 19th dynasties (16th to 13th century B.C.), during which the empire was established. Persia conquered Egypt in 525 B.C.E, Alexander the Great subdued it in 332 B.C.E., and then the Ptolemaic dynasty ruled the land until 30 B.C., when Cleopatra, last of the line, committed suicide and Egypt became a Roman, then Byzantine, province. Arab caliphs ruled Egypt from 641 until 1517, when the Turks took it for their Ottoman Empire.
Napoleon's armies occupied the country from 1798 to 1801.
In 1805, Mohammed Ali, leader of a band of Albanian soldiers, became pasha of Egypt. After completion of the Suez Canal in 1869, the French and British took increasing interest in Egypt. British troops occupied Egypt in 1882, and British resident agents became its actual administrators, though it remained under nominal Turkish sovereignty.
In 1914, this fiction was ended, and Egypt became a protectorate of Britain.
Russia grew expanding its power over huge regions, and by the end of XIX century Russia possessed territories from the mouths of the Danube and Visla in the west, reached the Pacific Ocean in the east, began in the Euroasian tundra in the north and had borders with Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan and China in the south.
In 1907, an Anglo-Russian agreement divided Persia into English and Russian spheres of influence, a large Russian sphere in the north, covering the most valuable part of the country, a neutral sphere in the centre, and a smaller British sphere in the southeast.
Daniel 11:28
"And (he) ["the king of the north"] will go back (to) his land with great wealth; and his heart (will be) against the holy covenant; and will act effectively; and turned back to his own land."
(literal translation)
History of Russia after World War II.
The passage contains enough details, which allow for a correct interpretation.
Daniel foretells here that "the king of the north" [Russia] will not only be successful in WW II, but also that he returns to his land with a great amount of goods. If only Hitler had listened to Mussolini and the Japanese, who in 1943 advised him to stop military actions, the prophetic detail would have never been fulfilled.
Daniel 11:28b
"and turned back to his own land".
The break-up of the Soviet Union and return to the country of Russian garrisons (the liquidation of Russian military bases).
The prophecy of Daniel 11 is the key to understanding what is going to happen in the future.
The latter statements Jesus' and Daniel's are alike.
Matthew 24:5,6 (Luke 21:8,9) = Daniel 11:27,28 = XIX, XX, XXI Century, before the World War III.
"Many for will come in the name of me, saying: 'I am the anointed'; and many they will mislead." (Matthew 24:5, literal translation)
"He said, 'Watch out that you don't get led astray, for many will come in my name, saying, 'I AM,' and, 'The time is at hand.' Therefore don't follow them." (Luke 21:8, WEB)
"Don't be afraid when you hear of wars and revolutions; such things must happen first, but they do not mean that the end is near." (Luke
21:9, GNB)
Matthew 24:7 = Daniel 11:29,30 = WW III
Matthew 24:15 = Daniel 11:31 = "trampling of Jerusalem" [the great
tribulation of Christian minorities; compare Revelation 11:2]
Matthew 24:29 = Daniel 11:40 = WW IV
Daniel 11:29a
"At (the) appointed time (he) will return, and will enter into (the)
south."
1. Russian troops will be station abroad again.
2."The king of the north" will come into the South.
Daniel 11:29b,30
"But will not be as (the) former or as (the) latter. For will come against him (the) dwellers of coastlands of Kittim, and (he) will be humbled, and will return." (literal translation)
1. The West will come against the Russia.
2. "The king of the north" will be humbled, and will return.
(Compare Matthew 24:7; Revelation 6:4)
Daniel 11:31
1. The nations will trample "the holy city" [of those who belong to Christ] forty-two months. (Compare Revelation 11:2,7;
13:5,7a; Luke 21:24b; Matthew 24:21,22; Daniel 7:25; 9:27; Isaiah
29:1-8,20-24; Matthew 13:40-43,49,50; Ezekiel 13:8-16,20-23; 34:10; 2
Thessalonians 2:8b; Isaiah 28:1-4,17-22; 6:13; Malachi 3:1-5)
The religious organizations from among Christian minorities which Jesus compared to "the weeds", will be "burned". (Mt.13:30) Yahoueh will protect the righteous ones. (Re.11:1) "The wheat" will be put into "the storehouse" after the tribulation – which means that "the sons of the kingdom" will become gathered and unified at that time. They will shine as brightly as the sun after the tribulation.
2. "The abomination of desolation" [the World Government] will be set up. (Revelation 13:7b; Daniel 12:11)
Daniel 11:32-35
Details of their future global religious persecution. (Compare Daniel 8:11,12; Revelation 6:9-11; 12:15)
Daniel 11:36-39
Russia before the World War IV. (Compare Ezekiel 38:7)
Daniel 11:40
The World War IV. (Compare Luke 21:25; Isaiah 5:26-30; Matthew 24:29; Daniel 7:11; Revelation 13:3; Ezekiel 32:2-16; Habakkuk 1:5-17; Revelation 6:12; Zephaniah 1:14-18; Joel 2:1-11,31, ASV)
Daniel 11:41
Occupation of Israel. (Compare Ezekiel 39:23-29)
Daniel11:42,43
The triumph of Russia. (Compare Isaiah 10:12-15)
Daniel
11:44,45
Russia
again will attack Israel. (Compare Daniel 12:1; Joel 2:20; Isaiah
14:4-27; Habakkuk 3:3-16)
"Many will study, therefore understanding will be multiplied". (Daniel 12:4b)
Well, what is the Bible's scenario?
1. Russian troops station abroad again. (Daniel 11:29a)
2. "The king of the north" becomes very aggressive and enters into the south. (Daniel 11:29a)
3. The West opposes Russia.
(Daniel 11:30; Matthew 24:7a; Revelation 6:4)
4. "The king of the north" is humiliated, and turns back.
(Daniel 11:30). He does not make the same mistake as Hitler did, he
does not fight to the death and this is why Russia is not occupied.
5. The World Government appears after that war which replaces the ineffective UNO. Its power gradually rises up.
(Revelation 13:1,2,7b; Daniel 11:31b)
6. Russia rebuilds its military power very fast and acts effectively on the world scene. (Daniel 11:30b)
7. "Russia's rulers
pay attention to those "who forsake the holy covenant".
(Daniel 11:30b)
8. A man "of fierce countenance, and understanding ambiguous sayings" becomes the president of the USA, and he begins to fight with Christian minorities. (Daniel 8:23-25)
9. There is a tribulation of "Jerusalem" = it is a tribulation of Christian minorities, which lasts 42 month’s.
(Daniel 11:31a; Matthew 24:15; Revelation 13:5-7a; Matthew 13:40-42,49,50; 24:48-51)
The Christian communities, which are now called sects, are decimated. It is the biggest genocide concerning religion in history. The eyes of people who were deceived by them will be opened. (Isaiah 6:9-13)
The "tyrant", according to LXX “lawless” = the rulers of
Christian minorities will be removed. (Isaiah 29:1-8,20,21) Ezekiel
calls them "women". (Ezekiel 13:17-23; Revelation 14:4a; Isaiah 3:12) Paul names them "the man of lawlessness". (2 Thessalonians 2:4,8b)
10. Immediately after the tribulation of those days "the abomination
of desolation", in other words the World Government will be set up [will given authority; Revelation 13:7b]. (Daniel 11:31b; 12:11)
The Book of Revelation calls it a "beast". (11:7; 13:1,2,7,8)
11. The spirit is poured out upon people who belong to Jesus. (Revelation 11:11-13) The "wheat" = the sons of kingdom, will be gathered into the "storehouse" after burning the "weeds" = organized Christian churches which earlier posed as the churches of Christ. (Matthew 13:30b; Eph.1:9,10) And then Jesus will set up a "faithful slave" over his whole possession. (Matthew 24:45-47)
12. The seven trumpets start to sound. Those who belong to Jesus are revealing future events to the World. They will also try to explain what God thinks of certain issues. (Revelation 8:6-10:11)
13. The power in Russia will be taken over by a dictator who is atheist. The military power will be his god. (Daniel 11:36-39)
14. Not longer after that, there will be the WW IV. That time Russia will triumph the same as it did after the WWII. (Daniel 11:40; Daniel
7:11; Luke 21:25; Revelation 13:3a). "The king of the north" will act as a "God's hammer" ravaging many countries like Babylon in ancient times. (Jeremiah 51:20,25)
15. Russia occupies Israel as well. (Daniel 11:41)
16. After that war the World Government is resuscitated. The "purple
beast" will be given even more power. The politicians will
relinquish their sovereignty in favour of the beast. (Revelation
13:14; 17:8,17)
17. Attack on "Babylon the Great" = big, apostasized churches,
drunk with blood of innocent people, which betrayed God and Jesus by
co-operating with kings of the earth. (Revelation 17:16)
18. Next, nations see the sign of the Son of man (Matthew 24:30).
Probably it will be connected with the first resurrection (Revelation
20:6). People who have died in union with Jesus will rise first
(among 144.000). They will get a spirit body at the resurrection. (1
Corinthians 15:35,44) What will be the proof of the resurrection?
Immediately after that, remaining of 144.000 will be transfigured (1
Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17). Simultaneously they will
be caught away from the earth and taken to heaven. The transfigurations of belonging to Jesus dependably will not be seen
and it will cause a great expression on nations.
19. The whole nation of Israel is converting and gathering. (Ezekiel
39:25-29; Romans 11:25-32). After taking to heaven belonging to group
of 144.000 nation of Israel will be a light for the nations. God will
be with them and will pour his spirit over them. (Ezekiel 39:29)
20. Rebuilding of the Temple according to directions given to Ezekiel.
(Ezekiel 37:24-28; 43:11)
21. There will be collection of chosen, separation the "sheep from the goats". (Matthew 24:31; 25:31-44; Revelation 14:15,16)
22. "The king of the north" will attack people who worship the
true God [Israel] (Ezekiel 38:10-12). "The beast" [the word
government] also will take part in this attack. (Revelation 19:19)
23. After Armageddon the power on the world will be taken over by the "new heaven" = the kingdom of God i.e. Jesus and belonging to him. (Daniel 7:27; Matthew 6:10; Revelation 21:1-4) "The old heaven" = imperfect system of authority created by man will go away. Rules and the law created by imperfect people which are captivating and making difficulty will be untied. All activities remaining uncovered, good or bad will be revealed, all crimes will come to light. (2 Peter 3:10; 1 Timothy 5:25)
24. The rest of dead will come to life! The earth will become the
paradise. (Acts 24:15; Psalm 37:29; Isaiah 11:6-9; 25:8; 35:5-7).
When the thousand year’s period of Jesus’ kingdom will end people who come to life during this period are put to the test. And then they will really come to life God’s point of view and then they will get ability to live forever. (Revelation 20:5a,7,8; comp. Luke 15:32; 1 John 3:14).
"Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth will I cause you to hear them".
(Isaiah 42:9)
With best wishes in Christ,
Ryszard Ewiak
What Will Matter
Monday, March 31, 2008
1. What Will Matter
Jesus said, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."1
Today's Daily Encounter is by Michael Josephson of Character Counts (390.3).
Ready or not, some day it will all come to an end. There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days. All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else. Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance. It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed. Your grudges, resentments, frustrations and jealousies will finally disappear. So too, your hopes, ambitions, plans and to-do lists will expire. The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away. It won't matter where you came from or what side of the tracks you lived on at the end. It won't matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant. Even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant.
So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured?
What will matter is not what you bought but what you built, not what you got but what you gave. What will matter is not your success but your significance. What will matter is not what you learned but what you taught. What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage, or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example. What will matter is not your competence but your character.
What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you're gone. What will matter is not your memories but the memories that live in those who loved you. What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what. Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident. It's not a matter of circumstance but of choice. Choose to live a life that matters.
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.2
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to live in light of eternal values so that my life will not be wasted but invested in the lives of others for all eternity so that my life will matter. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV).
2. © 2004 Josephson Institute of Ethics; reprinted with permission. Michael Josephson, one of the nation's leading ethicists, is the founder of the Josephson Institute of Ethics and the premier youth character education program, CHARACTER COUNTS! For further information visit www.charactercounts.org
<:))))><
1. What Will Matter
Jesus said, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."1
Today's Daily Encounter is by Michael Josephson of Character Counts (390.3).
Ready or not, some day it will all come to an end. There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days. All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else. Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance. It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed. Your grudges, resentments, frustrations and jealousies will finally disappear. So too, your hopes, ambitions, plans and to-do lists will expire. The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away. It won't matter where you came from or what side of the tracks you lived on at the end. It won't matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant. Even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant.
So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured?
What will matter is not what you bought but what you built, not what you got but what you gave. What will matter is not your success but your significance. What will matter is not what you learned but what you taught. What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage, or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example. What will matter is not your competence but your character.
What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you're gone. What will matter is not your memories but the memories that live in those who loved you. What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what. Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident. It's not a matter of circumstance but of choice. Choose to live a life that matters.
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.2
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to live in light of eternal values so that my life will not be wasted but invested in the lives of others for all eternity so that my life will matter. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV).
2. © 2004 Josephson Institute of Ethics; reprinted with permission. Michael Josephson, one of the nation's leading ethicists, is the founder of the Josephson Institute of Ethics and the premier youth character education program, CHARACTER COUNTS! For further information visit www.charactercounts.org
<:))))><
Saturday, March 29, 2008
When Things Go Wrong
Friday, March 28, 2008
1. When Things Go Wrong
"The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure."1
Today's Daily Encounter is from an insightful anonymous poet.
When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As everyone of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
So don't give up, though the pace seems slow –
For you may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than
it seems to a fain and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup.
And he learned too late when the night
slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure, turned inside out,
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt.
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit,
It's when things seem worst that you
mustn't quit.2
As Dale Carnegie said, "Most of the important things in the world have been accompanied by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all."
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, in all of life's struggles I commit and trust my life and way to you. Please give me the wisdom to know when to keep hanging on and never quit and when, if I am heading in the wrong direction, to stop, look and listen, and turn around and go in the right direction. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT).
2. Anonymous.
<:))))><
1. When Things Go Wrong
"The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure."1
Today's Daily Encounter is from an insightful anonymous poet.
When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As everyone of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
So don't give up, though the pace seems slow –
For you may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than
it seems to a fain and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup.
And he learned too late when the night
slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure, turned inside out,
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt.
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit,
It's when things seem worst that you
mustn't quit.2
As Dale Carnegie said, "Most of the important things in the world have been accompanied by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all."
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, in all of life's struggles I commit and trust my life and way to you. Please give me the wisdom to know when to keep hanging on and never quit and when, if I am heading in the wrong direction, to stop, look and listen, and turn around and go in the right direction. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT).
2. Anonymous.
<:))))><
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Happiness and the Golden Rule
Thursday, March 27, 2008
1. Happiness and the Golden Rule
Jesus Christ said, "Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets."1
"A fascinating study on the principle of the Golden Rule was conducted by Bernard Rimland, director of the Institute for Child Behavior Research. Rimland found that 'the happiest people are those who help others.'
"Each person involved in the study was asked to list ten people he knew best and to label them as happy or not happy. Then they were to go through the list again and label each one as selfish or unselfish, using the following definition of selfishness: a stable tendency to devote one's time and resources to one's own interests and welfare—an unwillingness to inconvenience one's self for others."2
"In categorizing the results, Rimland found that all of the people labeled happy were also labeled unselfish. He wrote that those 'whose activities are devoted to bringing themselves happiness ... are far less likely to be happy than those whose efforts are devoted to making others happy.' Rimland concluded: 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'"3
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that modern research has proven once again that the teachings of Jesus, as found in your Word, the Bible, are as relevant and as valid today as they were when written two thousand years ago. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Matthew 7:12 (NLT).
2. Rimland, "The Altruism Paradox," Psychological Reports 51 [1982]: 521.
3. Ibid., p. 522. Cited in: Martin & Diedre Bobgan, How to Counsel from Scripture, Moody Press, 1985, p. 123. Source: http://www.bible.org/illus.php?topic_id=697
<:))))><
1. Happiness and the Golden Rule
Jesus Christ said, "Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets."1
"A fascinating study on the principle of the Golden Rule was conducted by Bernard Rimland, director of the Institute for Child Behavior Research. Rimland found that 'the happiest people are those who help others.'
"Each person involved in the study was asked to list ten people he knew best and to label them as happy or not happy. Then they were to go through the list again and label each one as selfish or unselfish, using the following definition of selfishness: a stable tendency to devote one's time and resources to one's own interests and welfare—an unwillingness to inconvenience one's self for others."2
"In categorizing the results, Rimland found that all of the people labeled happy were also labeled unselfish. He wrote that those 'whose activities are devoted to bringing themselves happiness ... are far less likely to be happy than those whose efforts are devoted to making others happy.' Rimland concluded: 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'"3
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that modern research has proven once again that the teachings of Jesus, as found in your Word, the Bible, are as relevant and as valid today as they were when written two thousand years ago. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Matthew 7:12 (NLT).
2. Rimland, "The Altruism Paradox," Psychological Reports 51 [1982]: 521.
3. Ibid., p. 522. Cited in: Martin & Diedre Bobgan, How to Counsel from Scripture, Moody Press, 1985, p. 123. Source: http://www.bible.org/illus.php?topic_id=697
<:))))><
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Where's the Missing Link?
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
1. Where's the Missing Link?
"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth .... Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.' So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."1
"Evolutionists strongly deny the idea that men came from the apes. They insist both came from a hypothetical ape-like ancestor, or a missing link. In their story, man and apes diverged from the imaginary ancestor some seven million years ago. However, there is no evidence that this supposed 'missing link' ancestor ever existed. If it were true, surely some would be fossilized. But none have ever been found.
"Evolutionists strongly deny the idea that men came from the apes. They insist both came from a hypothetical ape-like ancestor, or a missing link. In their story, man and apes diverged from the imaginary ancestor some seven million years ago. However, there is no evidence that this supposed 'missing link' ancestor ever existed. If it were true, surely some would be fossilized. But none have ever been found.
"Evolutionists strongly deny the idea that men came from the apes. They insist both came from a hypothetical ape-like ancestor, or a missing link. In their story, man and apes diverged from the imaginary ancestor some seven million years ago. However, there is no evidence that this supposed 'missing link' ancestor ever existed. If it were true, surely some would be fossilized. But none have ever been found.
"Since there is no fossil evidence, let's look at it from the standpoint of genetics. How many genetic mutations it would require for the ape-like ancestor to transition into a human? The only way we know to acquire new genes is to alter existing genes through random mutation. The best alteration science has observed has produced only novel recombinations. Most mutations deteriorate the genetic information and thus harm the offspring. Many mutations are fatal. Evolution would require trillions of innovative mutations to produce man from lower forms. None have been observed."2
I am neither a scientist nor the son of a scientist but I know enough to know that people by and large believe exactly what they want to believe—what they choose to believe—what is most convenient for them. As the old saying goes, "Don't confuse me with the facts, my mind is made up."
As Joshua said to the ancient Israelites, "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.... As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."3
If you have never chosen to believe in and serve the LORD [God], I urge you to do that today. For help be sure to read: "How to Be Sure You're a real Christian Without Having to Be Religious" at: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you are the Great Creator and that the world and all that is in it was created by you and is in your hands. Thank you, too, because I have chosen to believe in and trust my life to you, my destiny for eternity is also safely in your hands. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Genesis 1:1;26-27 (NIV).
2. Adapted from Dr. John D. Morris, "If Apes Evolved into Humans, Why Do We Still Have Apes?" Institute for Creation Research, November 2006. Source http://kentcrockett.com/biblestudies/missinglink.htm
3. Joshua 24:15 (NIV).
<:))))><
1. Where's the Missing Link?
"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth .... Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.' So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."1
"Evolutionists strongly deny the idea that men came from the apes. They insist both came from a hypothetical ape-like ancestor, or a missing link. In their story, man and apes diverged from the imaginary ancestor some seven million years ago. However, there is no evidence that this supposed 'missing link' ancestor ever existed. If it were true, surely some would be fossilized. But none have ever been found.
"Evolutionists strongly deny the idea that men came from the apes. They insist both came from a hypothetical ape-like ancestor, or a missing link. In their story, man and apes diverged from the imaginary ancestor some seven million years ago. However, there is no evidence that this supposed 'missing link' ancestor ever existed. If it were true, surely some would be fossilized. But none have ever been found.
"Evolutionists strongly deny the idea that men came from the apes. They insist both came from a hypothetical ape-like ancestor, or a missing link. In their story, man and apes diverged from the imaginary ancestor some seven million years ago. However, there is no evidence that this supposed 'missing link' ancestor ever existed. If it were true, surely some would be fossilized. But none have ever been found.
"Since there is no fossil evidence, let's look at it from the standpoint of genetics. How many genetic mutations it would require for the ape-like ancestor to transition into a human? The only way we know to acquire new genes is to alter existing genes through random mutation. The best alteration science has observed has produced only novel recombinations. Most mutations deteriorate the genetic information and thus harm the offspring. Many mutations are fatal. Evolution would require trillions of innovative mutations to produce man from lower forms. None have been observed."2
I am neither a scientist nor the son of a scientist but I know enough to know that people by and large believe exactly what they want to believe—what they choose to believe—what is most convenient for them. As the old saying goes, "Don't confuse me with the facts, my mind is made up."
As Joshua said to the ancient Israelites, "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.... As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."3
If you have never chosen to believe in and serve the LORD [God], I urge you to do that today. For help be sure to read: "How to Be Sure You're a real Christian Without Having to Be Religious" at: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you are the Great Creator and that the world and all that is in it was created by you and is in your hands. Thank you, too, because I have chosen to believe in and trust my life to you, my destiny for eternity is also safely in your hands. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Genesis 1:1;26-27 (NIV).
2. Adapted from Dr. John D. Morris, "If Apes Evolved into Humans, Why Do We Still Have Apes?" Institute for Creation Research, November 2006. Source http://kentcrockett.com/biblestudies/missinglink.htm
3. Joshua 24:15 (NIV).
<:))))><
When to Cut and Run
Monday, March 24, 2008
1. When to Cut and Run
"Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."1
A few months ago many will remember the terrible fires in Southern California that burned some "500,000 acres and destroyed nearly 1,500 homes. Seven people died in the blazes." We live in Southern California where one of the forest fires could be seen from our street—about 5 miles away. While our home was covered in dirt and ashes from the Santa Ana winds and the fires, we were tremendously grateful to God that we were safe and our home spared.
I've also experienced bush fires (as they call them in Australia) and have seen the terrible devastation they cause. I have joined with neighbors to fight fires on the hill where we then lived. It's scary stuff.
I don't know if the people who lost their lives in the California fires failed to heed the warnings to evacuate their home. However, of this we can be certain, thousands more would have lost their lives had they not evacuated ahead of the fires. We are extremely grateful for all the firemen and police officers who warned people to evacuate their home.
Temptation—which we all face from time to time—can also be like a raging fire and far too many people fail to heed God's warning to flee from it. Consequently, they end up getting burned badly and many make shipwreck of their lives.
Even more important is to heed God's warning concerning Hell fire at the end of this life. As God's Word warns, "Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire [hell] is the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life [God's book of life], he was thrown into the lake of fire."2
I don't know where and what hell is but we know that it will be eternal suffering in a life that is totally separated from the love and presence of God, the author of all love and life.
God's Word also warns, "How shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?" That is, if we ignore God's gift of forgiveness and eternal life.3
Whatever you do, make preparation to meet God while you have time and accept his gift of salvation and the forgiveness of all your sins. It is a free gift from God who loves you with an everlasting love and does not want you to miss out on Heaven and be lost in Hell.
Be sure to do this today. For help read, "How to Be Sure You're a real Christian Without Having to Be Religious" at: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you have provided a way of escape from the fires of Hell by sending your Son, Jesus Christ, to die in my place to pay the penalty for all my sins so you can justly forgive me and offer me your gift of salvation and eternal life to be with you in Heaven forever. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. 2 Timothy 2:22 (NIV).
2. Revelation 20:14-15 (NIV).
3. Hebrews 2:3 (NIV).
<:))))><
1. When to Cut and Run
"Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."1
A few months ago many will remember the terrible fires in Southern California that burned some "500,000 acres and destroyed nearly 1,500 homes. Seven people died in the blazes." We live in Southern California where one of the forest fires could be seen from our street—about 5 miles away. While our home was covered in dirt and ashes from the Santa Ana winds and the fires, we were tremendously grateful to God that we were safe and our home spared.
I've also experienced bush fires (as they call them in Australia) and have seen the terrible devastation they cause. I have joined with neighbors to fight fires on the hill where we then lived. It's scary stuff.
I don't know if the people who lost their lives in the California fires failed to heed the warnings to evacuate their home. However, of this we can be certain, thousands more would have lost their lives had they not evacuated ahead of the fires. We are extremely grateful for all the firemen and police officers who warned people to evacuate their home.
Temptation—which we all face from time to time—can also be like a raging fire and far too many people fail to heed God's warning to flee from it. Consequently, they end up getting burned badly and many make shipwreck of their lives.
Even more important is to heed God's warning concerning Hell fire at the end of this life. As God's Word warns, "Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire [hell] is the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life [God's book of life], he was thrown into the lake of fire."2
I don't know where and what hell is but we know that it will be eternal suffering in a life that is totally separated from the love and presence of God, the author of all love and life.
God's Word also warns, "How shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?" That is, if we ignore God's gift of forgiveness and eternal life.3
Whatever you do, make preparation to meet God while you have time and accept his gift of salvation and the forgiveness of all your sins. It is a free gift from God who loves you with an everlasting love and does not want you to miss out on Heaven and be lost in Hell.
Be sure to do this today. For help read, "How to Be Sure You're a real Christian Without Having to Be Religious" at: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you have provided a way of escape from the fires of Hell by sending your Son, Jesus Christ, to die in my place to pay the penalty for all my sins so you can justly forgive me and offer me your gift of salvation and eternal life to be with you in Heaven forever. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. 2 Timothy 2:22 (NIV).
2. Revelation 20:14-15 (NIV).
3. Hebrews 2:3 (NIV).
<:))))><
Friday, March 21, 2008
Celebrate Easter in Love and Peace
Friday, March 21, 2008
1. Celebrate Easter
He [Jesus] was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way when he went by. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God for his own sins!"1
This weekend we celebrate Good Friday and Easter...the time of the year when millions around the world celebrate the death and resurrection of the Savior of the world—the One who was rejected by men ... the One who came from heaven to earth to give his life a ransom for your sins and mine ... the One who is now in Heaven preparing a place for his followers ... the One who is coming again to take us to be with him in glory forever. How can we ever thank God and the Son of God enough for so great salvation? One of my favorite gospel songs written by Keith Green expresses my feelings very well. I trust it will yours too. Let's make this our prayer for today:
"Oh Lord, You're beautiful,
Your face is all I seek,
And when Your eyes are on this child,
Your grace abounds to me.
Chorus:
"I wanna take Your Word
and shine it all around.
But first help me just to live it, Lord!
And when I'm doing well.
Help me to never seek a crown.
For my reward is giving glory to You.
"Oh, Lord, You're wonderful,
Your touch is all I need,
And when Your hand is on this child,
Your healing I receive.
"Oh Lord, please light the fire,
That once burned bright and clear,
Replace the lamb of my first love,
That burned with holy fear."2
Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
To be sure you have accepted God's forgiveness and his gift of eternal life read, "How to Be Sure You're a real Christian Without Having to Be Religious" at: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9.
See also "The Glory of Easter" at: http://tinyurl.com/2g58uc
1. Isaiah 53:3-4 (NLT).
2. Keith Green.
<:))))><
1. Celebrate Easter
He [Jesus] was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way when he went by. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God for his own sins!"1
This weekend we celebrate Good Friday and Easter...the time of the year when millions around the world celebrate the death and resurrection of the Savior of the world—the One who was rejected by men ... the One who came from heaven to earth to give his life a ransom for your sins and mine ... the One who is now in Heaven preparing a place for his followers ... the One who is coming again to take us to be with him in glory forever. How can we ever thank God and the Son of God enough for so great salvation? One of my favorite gospel songs written by Keith Green expresses my feelings very well. I trust it will yours too. Let's make this our prayer for today:
"Oh Lord, You're beautiful,
Your face is all I seek,
And when Your eyes are on this child,
Your grace abounds to me.
Chorus:
"I wanna take Your Word
and shine it all around.
But first help me just to live it, Lord!
And when I'm doing well.
Help me to never seek a crown.
For my reward is giving glory to You.
"Oh, Lord, You're wonderful,
Your touch is all I need,
And when Your hand is on this child,
Your healing I receive.
"Oh Lord, please light the fire,
That once burned bright and clear,
Replace the lamb of my first love,
That burned with holy fear."2
Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
To be sure you have accepted God's forgiveness and his gift of eternal life read, "How to Be Sure You're a real Christian Without Having to Be Religious" at: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9.
See also "The Glory of Easter" at: http://tinyurl.com/2g58uc
1. Isaiah 53:3-4 (NLT).
2. Keith Green.
<:))))><
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Easter Message 1: Pure Religion
Thursday, March 20, 2008
1. Pure Religion
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."1
As the late Karen Carpenter used to mournfully sing, "Loneliness, it's such a sad affair." How true this is for so many in today's digital world.
Special holiday times such as Easter, Christmas, birthdays and even weekends are joyous occasions for many. For others these are some of the loneliness times of the year... especially for those who are alone, for those who have lost their spouse or a child, and for single adults ... all of whom remember happier times and suffer a deep kind of loneliness at these times.
Many Daily Encounter readers have been there. Some are there right now. I've been there, too. I know the pain. This is why all of us need to be sensitive to the needs of all in our circle of relationships, remembering that many a smiling face hides an aching heart. We need to reach out to those who are lonely and hurting—invite him, her, or them over for a meal. Call them on the phone or send them an email to let them know you are thinking about them. Ask if there is anything you can do for them. Visit an elderly friend or neighbor. Provide gifts for the children of a family that is in deep need. Provide some food for the hungry.
I had a dear friend whom I met in kindergarten. We went all through grade school and technical college together. We'd been in national service together, too, and even though we'd lived thousands of miles apart, we never lost contact with each other. A while ago my friend fell on hard times, became discouraged, withdrew into himself and took his life. A tragic waste! Sadly, he never let me know of his struggle. How sad it is when, in our hour of need, as adults, we forget to hold hands and reach out for the help and support we need—so we can, as Jesus taught, "bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ"—and practice pure and true religion!
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for all your endless blessings given to me. Help me always to be responsible, loving, kind, a burden-bearer, and above all to be Christ-like in all that I say and do. And when I need help, give me the courage to reach out and admit that I have a problem and ask for help. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. James 1:27 (NIV).
<:))))><
1. Pure Religion
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."1
As the late Karen Carpenter used to mournfully sing, "Loneliness, it's such a sad affair." How true this is for so many in today's digital world.
Special holiday times such as Easter, Christmas, birthdays and even weekends are joyous occasions for many. For others these are some of the loneliness times of the year... especially for those who are alone, for those who have lost their spouse or a child, and for single adults ... all of whom remember happier times and suffer a deep kind of loneliness at these times.
Many Daily Encounter readers have been there. Some are there right now. I've been there, too. I know the pain. This is why all of us need to be sensitive to the needs of all in our circle of relationships, remembering that many a smiling face hides an aching heart. We need to reach out to those who are lonely and hurting—invite him, her, or them over for a meal. Call them on the phone or send them an email to let them know you are thinking about them. Ask if there is anything you can do for them. Visit an elderly friend or neighbor. Provide gifts for the children of a family that is in deep need. Provide some food for the hungry.
I had a dear friend whom I met in kindergarten. We went all through grade school and technical college together. We'd been in national service together, too, and even though we'd lived thousands of miles apart, we never lost contact with each other. A while ago my friend fell on hard times, became discouraged, withdrew into himself and took his life. A tragic waste! Sadly, he never let me know of his struggle. How sad it is when, in our hour of need, as adults, we forget to hold hands and reach out for the help and support we need—so we can, as Jesus taught, "bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ"—and practice pure and true religion!
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for all your endless blessings given to me. Help me always to be responsible, loving, kind, a burden-bearer, and above all to be Christ-like in all that I say and do. And when I need help, give me the courage to reach out and admit that I have a problem and ask for help. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. James 1:27 (NIV).
<:))))><
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Build Up Your Self-Confidence
Monday, March 17, 2008
1. Build Up Your Self-Confidence
God to Joshua: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."1
According to Samuel Johnson, "Self-confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings." This is true for both the non-Christian and the Christian alike but what the Christian needs perhaps even more is God-confidence.
As another has pointed out, "Moses lacked self-confidence when God called him. Had Joshua had lots of self-confidence why would God have told him to not be afraid? Gideon certainly lacked self-confidence. And until the disciples of Jesus were filled with the Holy Spirit they had little if any self-confidence. When Jesus was taken captive, his disciples fled for their lives. Undoubtedly, just as I would have done had I been in their shoes. Had Paul had lots of self-confidence in all situations, why would God have sent an angel to him when he was in prison to tell him to fear not? And over and over God had to tell David not to fear."
Lacking self-confidence is par for the course for most of us for we all struggle with this to some degree. So how do we overcome?
First, we do this by building on our successes and not on our failures—and on what we can do, not on what we can't do! For instance, I may be a terrible bricklayer but that doesn't make me a terrible person.
Second, more importantly, building up our self-confidence needs to come from within; that is, building up my belief in myself. This comes mostly from being open, honest and transparent with at least one or two trusted friends to whom I reveal my total self—warts and all. As they love and accept me as I am, little by little I learn (in a healthy way) to love and accept myself as I am. As we grow in self-love, it is amazing how our self-confidence increases.
Third, and how do I build up my God-confidence? By choosing to trust him no matter how I feel. When I am lacking in self-confidence, I keep saying to God, "I'm afraid, but I choose to trust you in this situation." Eventually my feelings catch up with my choice to trust God.
Fourth, we also build up God-confidence through experience—by stepping out and practicing faith in God and doing what we believe he wants us to do. As we see God using us, our God-confidence grows.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you love and accept me as I am—and that you love me too much to leave me as I am. Please help me to accept myself as you do, and help me to grow to become the person you want me to be so that my God-confidence and self-confidence will increase greatly. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Joshua 1:9 (NIV).
<:))))><
1. Build Up Your Self-Confidence
God to Joshua: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."1
According to Samuel Johnson, "Self-confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings." This is true for both the non-Christian and the Christian alike but what the Christian needs perhaps even more is God-confidence.
As another has pointed out, "Moses lacked self-confidence when God called him. Had Joshua had lots of self-confidence why would God have told him to not be afraid? Gideon certainly lacked self-confidence. And until the disciples of Jesus were filled with the Holy Spirit they had little if any self-confidence. When Jesus was taken captive, his disciples fled for their lives. Undoubtedly, just as I would have done had I been in their shoes. Had Paul had lots of self-confidence in all situations, why would God have sent an angel to him when he was in prison to tell him to fear not? And over and over God had to tell David not to fear."
Lacking self-confidence is par for the course for most of us for we all struggle with this to some degree. So how do we overcome?
First, we do this by building on our successes and not on our failures—and on what we can do, not on what we can't do! For instance, I may be a terrible bricklayer but that doesn't make me a terrible person.
Second, more importantly, building up our self-confidence needs to come from within; that is, building up my belief in myself. This comes mostly from being open, honest and transparent with at least one or two trusted friends to whom I reveal my total self—warts and all. As they love and accept me as I am, little by little I learn (in a healthy way) to love and accept myself as I am. As we grow in self-love, it is amazing how our self-confidence increases.
Third, and how do I build up my God-confidence? By choosing to trust him no matter how I feel. When I am lacking in self-confidence, I keep saying to God, "I'm afraid, but I choose to trust you in this situation." Eventually my feelings catch up with my choice to trust God.
Fourth, we also build up God-confidence through experience—by stepping out and practicing faith in God and doing what we believe he wants us to do. As we see God using us, our God-confidence grows.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you love and accept me as I am—and that you love me too much to leave me as I am. Please help me to accept myself as you do, and help me to grow to become the person you want me to be so that my God-confidence and self-confidence will increase greatly. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Joshua 1:9 (NIV).
<:))))><
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Missing Chaldean Catholic Archbishop Found Dead in Iraq
The CNN has reported that Chaldean Catholic Archbishop Paul Faraj Rahho, who was kidnapped in northern Iraq last month was found dead on Thursday, according to a Nineveh province official.
According to Your Faith
Thursday, March 13, 2008
1. According to Your Faith
"If you can?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"1
Earl Nightingale tells about a strength test in which people were asked to squeeze a dynamometer (a machine that tests the power of your grip) as hard as they could. After that first squeeze had been measured, they were put under hypnosis and told they were very strong. When asked to grip the machine again, their scores averaged forty percent better.
Their physical strength did not increase under hypnosis. But their ability to use that strength did. It wasn't the hypnosis that did it, but their belief about themselves.
When we are led to believe we are stronger, we react accordingly. There is a sense in which we all go through life "self-hypnotized" in that a great deal of what we do is determined by what others have told us—and what we have told ourselves—and believed!
What we need to do is listen to what God's Word, the Bible, says about us, believe it, and act accordingly. As the Apostle Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" [that is, things that are in harmony with God's will].2
If there is one thing I have learned over the years it's that God never calls any of us to do anything that he hasn't equipped us to do. And he calls all of us to be faithful servants in his work on earth, and to be faithful stewards of all that he has given to us: our time, talents, money, and our resources.
Suggested prayer, "Dear God, I come to you making myself available. Please use me to be a part of your plans and the work you are doing in the world today. Like the doubting father in today's Bible text, I do believe; help me to overcome any and all unbelief. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Mark 9:23-24 (NIV).
2. Philippians 4:13 (NKJV).
<:))))><
1. According to Your Faith
"If you can?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"1
Earl Nightingale tells about a strength test in which people were asked to squeeze a dynamometer (a machine that tests the power of your grip) as hard as they could. After that first squeeze had been measured, they were put under hypnosis and told they were very strong. When asked to grip the machine again, their scores averaged forty percent better.
Their physical strength did not increase under hypnosis. But their ability to use that strength did. It wasn't the hypnosis that did it, but their belief about themselves.
When we are led to believe we are stronger, we react accordingly. There is a sense in which we all go through life "self-hypnotized" in that a great deal of what we do is determined by what others have told us—and what we have told ourselves—and believed!
What we need to do is listen to what God's Word, the Bible, says about us, believe it, and act accordingly. As the Apostle Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" [that is, things that are in harmony with God's will].2
If there is one thing I have learned over the years it's that God never calls any of us to do anything that he hasn't equipped us to do. And he calls all of us to be faithful servants in his work on earth, and to be faithful stewards of all that he has given to us: our time, talents, money, and our resources.
Suggested prayer, "Dear God, I come to you making myself available. Please use me to be a part of your plans and the work you are doing in the world today. Like the doubting father in today's Bible text, I do believe; help me to overcome any and all unbelief. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Mark 9:23-24 (NIV).
2. Philippians 4:13 (NKJV).
<:))))><
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Promises, Promises
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
1. Promises, Promises
"Your kingdom [God] is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made."1
"In the latter days of the Vietnam War, an American Colonel named Earl Woods made a promise. Woods believed that his friend, a South Vietnamese colonel named Vuong Phon, saved his life. In gratitude for that act, Woods promised to name his son after his friend, who was known as 'Tiger.' Sports fans will immediately understand that the promise was kept. That son has immortalized his father's friend for most everyone has heard of Tiger Woods."2
When I was growing up in secular Australia, in grade school every chapter in our English class readers [text books] had a moral that applied to healthy everyday living, and on the header over the door of every classroom was a motto. I still remember one of these that was from the Bible: "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might."3 We were also taught that "a man was as good as his word."
I also learned early in life that a man who didn't keep his word couldn't be trusted—such was a serious character flaw. Sadly today for many, giving their word doesn't mean a thing. Think of so many crooked business leaders who lie by cooking their financial books, politicians who make promises to get votes, promises they have no intention of fulfilling, and so many of the rest of us who place little value on the word we give and the promises we make.
So I ask myself the question, "Am I as good as my word? Am I a man of character who keeps his word and fulfills his promises?"
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you always keep your word, and that you always fulfill your promises. Please help me to do the same. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Psalm 145:13 (NIV).
2. By J. Michael Shannon, http://tinyurl.com/36bvwm
3. Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NIV).
<:))))><
1. Promises, Promises
"Your kingdom [God] is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made."1
"In the latter days of the Vietnam War, an American Colonel named Earl Woods made a promise. Woods believed that his friend, a South Vietnamese colonel named Vuong Phon, saved his life. In gratitude for that act, Woods promised to name his son after his friend, who was known as 'Tiger.' Sports fans will immediately understand that the promise was kept. That son has immortalized his father's friend for most everyone has heard of Tiger Woods."2
When I was growing up in secular Australia, in grade school every chapter in our English class readers [text books] had a moral that applied to healthy everyday living, and on the header over the door of every classroom was a motto. I still remember one of these that was from the Bible: "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might."3 We were also taught that "a man was as good as his word."
I also learned early in life that a man who didn't keep his word couldn't be trusted—such was a serious character flaw. Sadly today for many, giving their word doesn't mean a thing. Think of so many crooked business leaders who lie by cooking their financial books, politicians who make promises to get votes, promises they have no intention of fulfilling, and so many of the rest of us who place little value on the word we give and the promises we make.
So I ask myself the question, "Am I as good as my word? Am I a man of character who keeps his word and fulfills his promises?"
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you always keep your word, and that you always fulfill your promises. Please help me to do the same. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Psalm 145:13 (NIV).
2. By J. Michael Shannon, http://tinyurl.com/36bvwm
3. Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NIV).
<:))))><
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
The Curse of Theological Rigidity
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
1. The Curse of Theological Rigidity
"Care for the flock of God entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don't lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your good example."1
People who are theologically rigid are the very opposite of what God's Word encourages leaders to be. They see themselves as being very spiritual and good Christians. The Pharisees of Jesus' day saw themselves in the same light.
The fact is that people who are theologically rigid are not spiritual at all. They are theologically rigid because they are emotionally rigid. And they are emotionally rigid because they are living in denial—denying their insecurities and inner unresolved painful issues. Some are very angry. Others are control freaks. Some are both.
Furthermore, theologically rigid people who become leaders in the church (or in politics or any other area) do great damage to people both psychologically and spiritually. They keep people immature, over-dependent, and in denial just as they themselves are. They, like the Pharisees, love their rules more than they love people. They use people to fulfill their own manipulative purposes. They are legalists who demand that others conform to their unrealistic expectations and, if they refuse to do so, they will be rejected—in some religious and political environments they can be totally ostracized and/or even killed.
God's word describes people who fall back into legalism as being bewitched.2 Remember though; they only control us if we allow them to. In some extreme cultures one may be forced to be controlled outwardly or be killed but it is important that, with God's help, one keeps control of his or her mind and beliefs.
Suggested prayer:
"Dear God, please deliver me from the trap and curse of theological rigidity and legalism and give me the insight to recognize it whenever it appears. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. 1 Peter 5:2-3 (NLT).
2. Galatians 3:1.
<:))))><
1. The Curse of Theological Rigidity
"Care for the flock of God entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don't lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your good example."1
People who are theologically rigid are the very opposite of what God's Word encourages leaders to be. They see themselves as being very spiritual and good Christians. The Pharisees of Jesus' day saw themselves in the same light.
The fact is that people who are theologically rigid are not spiritual at all. They are theologically rigid because they are emotionally rigid. And they are emotionally rigid because they are living in denial—denying their insecurities and inner unresolved painful issues. Some are very angry. Others are control freaks. Some are both.
Furthermore, theologically rigid people who become leaders in the church (or in politics or any other area) do great damage to people both psychologically and spiritually. They keep people immature, over-dependent, and in denial just as they themselves are. They, like the Pharisees, love their rules more than they love people. They use people to fulfill their own manipulative purposes. They are legalists who demand that others conform to their unrealistic expectations and, if they refuse to do so, they will be rejected—in some religious and political environments they can be totally ostracized and/or even killed.
God's word describes people who fall back into legalism as being bewitched.2 Remember though; they only control us if we allow them to. In some extreme cultures one may be forced to be controlled outwardly or be killed but it is important that, with God's help, one keeps control of his or her mind and beliefs.
Suggested prayer:
"Dear God, please deliver me from the trap and curse of theological rigidity and legalism and give me the insight to recognize it whenever it appears. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. 1 Peter 5:2-3 (NLT).
2. Galatians 3:1.
<:))))><
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Sex and the Single Adult
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
1. Sex and the Single Adult
"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry."1
Having worked for a number of years with singles especially in the area of divorce and grief recovery, a constant question raised by many has to do with sexuality. As one person asked, "How far can [an unmarried] couple go regarding being intimate sexually without compromising their integrity as Christians?"
I heard one teacher say that sex for single adults wasn't a problem because if you aren't having sexual relations, you lose your desire for it. That makes about as much sense as saying if you aren't getting food, you lose your desire for it. I heard a well-known teacher state that the answer for sex and the single adult was discipline. Both of these teachers were married!
True, discipline is certainly needed but discipline alone isn't sufficient. Having been single myself for a number of years, I can understand the struggle and the challenge.
But why does the Bible teach that sex is for married couples only? There are a number of good reasons. It is so unwanted babies will not be brought into the world—or babies without both a mother and father to care for them. It is a protection against disease ... including the deadly disease of AIDS. Also, when a couple gets involved sexually too soon, they can become physically bonded without becoming bonded in a healthy manner emotionally and spiritually.
Also, sexual intimacy can blind a couple to reality and cause them to ignore major character weaknesses in their partner. It can stop them growing as whole persons and easily become an addiction. It can leave committed couples guilt-ridden and destroy what could have been a wonderful relationship.
For a couple that chooses to live in harmony with God's will and save sex for marriage, how can they cope with their powerful sex drive?
First, it is advisable to keep yourself accountable to a trusted friend or group of the same sex.
Second, it is wise to have interests so you can sublimate much of your sex drive by pouring your energy into creative and fulfilling pursuits such as serving others, having a hobby, or a work into which you can put your heart and best efforts.
Third, be sure to get legitimate needs met in legitimate ways. For example, we have a need for several areas of intercourse (besides sexual intercourse) such as the following:
Intellectual intercourse—a mutual sharing of ideas.
Social intercourse—being with and sharing social times with friends of both sexes.
Emotional intercourse—an honest sharing of feelings with trusted friends and
developing healthy non-romantic relationships.
Spiritual intercourse—relating to and staying in fellowship with God and living in harmony with his will.
These needs can all be met outside of marriage and can be a big help in waiting for marriage to get one's sexual needs met. However, if we don't get these needs met in healthy ways, we open ourselves to temptation in a vain attempt to get our needs met in unhealthy ways including through sexual intercourse. Big mistake!
Fourth, most importantly, be sure that your partner is committed to the Lord and to his will. This will include being committed to celibacy until marriage. Pray together often and, above all, commit and trust your life and your relationship to the Lord every day.
Fifth, don't allow yourself to be in compromising places and situations where you know you will leave yourself wide open to temptation.
Sixth, if you have already given in to sexual temptation, ask for God's forgiveness and start again determining, with God's help and wise planning, not to give in to sexual temptation.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you created us male and female, and for the gift of sexuality. With your help I choose to live in harmony with your will. I surrender my sexuality to you. Help me to get legitimate needs met in legitimate ways so that I will not set myself up for undue temptation and fall into sexual immorality. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Colossians 3:5 (NIV).
<:))))><
1. Sex and the Single Adult
"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry."1
Having worked for a number of years with singles especially in the area of divorce and grief recovery, a constant question raised by many has to do with sexuality. As one person asked, "How far can [an unmarried] couple go regarding being intimate sexually without compromising their integrity as Christians?"
I heard one teacher say that sex for single adults wasn't a problem because if you aren't having sexual relations, you lose your desire for it. That makes about as much sense as saying if you aren't getting food, you lose your desire for it. I heard a well-known teacher state that the answer for sex and the single adult was discipline. Both of these teachers were married!
True, discipline is certainly needed but discipline alone isn't sufficient. Having been single myself for a number of years, I can understand the struggle and the challenge.
But why does the Bible teach that sex is for married couples only? There are a number of good reasons. It is so unwanted babies will not be brought into the world—or babies without both a mother and father to care for them. It is a protection against disease ... including the deadly disease of AIDS. Also, when a couple gets involved sexually too soon, they can become physically bonded without becoming bonded in a healthy manner emotionally and spiritually.
Also, sexual intimacy can blind a couple to reality and cause them to ignore major character weaknesses in their partner. It can stop them growing as whole persons and easily become an addiction. It can leave committed couples guilt-ridden and destroy what could have been a wonderful relationship.
For a couple that chooses to live in harmony with God's will and save sex for marriage, how can they cope with their powerful sex drive?
First, it is advisable to keep yourself accountable to a trusted friend or group of the same sex.
Second, it is wise to have interests so you can sublimate much of your sex drive by pouring your energy into creative and fulfilling pursuits such as serving others, having a hobby, or a work into which you can put your heart and best efforts.
Third, be sure to get legitimate needs met in legitimate ways. For example, we have a need for several areas of intercourse (besides sexual intercourse) such as the following:
Intellectual intercourse—a mutual sharing of ideas.
Social intercourse—being with and sharing social times with friends of both sexes.
Emotional intercourse—an honest sharing of feelings with trusted friends and
developing healthy non-romantic relationships.
Spiritual intercourse—relating to and staying in fellowship with God and living in harmony with his will.
These needs can all be met outside of marriage and can be a big help in waiting for marriage to get one's sexual needs met. However, if we don't get these needs met in healthy ways, we open ourselves to temptation in a vain attempt to get our needs met in unhealthy ways including through sexual intercourse. Big mistake!
Fourth, most importantly, be sure that your partner is committed to the Lord and to his will. This will include being committed to celibacy until marriage. Pray together often and, above all, commit and trust your life and your relationship to the Lord every day.
Fifth, don't allow yourself to be in compromising places and situations where you know you will leave yourself wide open to temptation.
Sixth, if you have already given in to sexual temptation, ask for God's forgiveness and start again determining, with God's help and wise planning, not to give in to sexual temptation.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you created us male and female, and for the gift of sexuality. With your help I choose to live in harmony with your will. I surrender my sexuality to you. Help me to get legitimate needs met in legitimate ways so that I will not set myself up for undue temptation and fall into sexual immorality. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Colossians 3:5 (NIV).
<:))))><
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Join Us for the Next Billy Graham Television Special
Real Happiness: Why is it so hard to find?
The pursuit of happiness … The American dream, or the American disappointment?
Money, fame, personal success … How many of us pursue happiness from the world, only to find it becomes “chasing after the wind”?
Join us for the next Billy Graham Television Special, airing nationwide March 1-9, which shares the stories of Americans whose shattered dreams were the first step to finding lasting joy in Jesus Christ.
To check local listings and see a preview of the program,
visit http://www.billygraham.org/TV.
© 2008 BGEA
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
The Rapture and Jesus' Return to Earth
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
1. The Rapture and Jesus' Return to Earth
"So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man [Jesus] will come [again] at an hour when you do not expect him."1
When one of my nephews was only five, he heard me talking about Christmas being the time when we celebrate Jesus Christ's coming to earth. He wanted to know if Jesus would come back to earth again. I assured him that Jesus promised that he would come back again.2
According to Bible scholars the return of, or second coming of, Jesus Christ is called the Rapture which comes from the Latin word "Rapare" which means to take away or to snatch out.
Following Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, he was "snatched away" and taken up to heaven. While Jesus' disciples were standing there looking up in amazement, two angels appeared to them and said: "Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."3
Jesus' first coming to earth 2000 years ago is an undeniable fact of history. His second coming is just as certain. The critical issue is to be ready for Christ's return. According to God's Word here's what will take place at the rapture: "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we [true followers of Jesus] who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever."4
Jesus is coming again just as he went. It could be today. He said that he would come at an hour when we do not expect him.5
To be absolutely sure you are ready for the rapture be sure to accept God's invitation for forgiveness and his gift of eternal life. To do so click on the God's Invitation" button below or for further help click on the "Know God" button or on: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, again I thank you for the promise of Christ's return. Thank you for your great salvation and the promise of a home in Heaven for all who believe in and have accepted you as their Savior. Help me to be sure I am ready today for Christ's return by having repented of my sins, asked for and accepted your forgiveness and received Jesus as my Savior. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
NOTE: For an interesting depiction of the Rapture click on: http://www.youtube.com/v/SmLhyPjHVes. We do not endorse any of the other links on this page.
1. Matthew 24:44 (NIV).
2. See John 14:3.
3. Acts 1: 11 (NIV).
4. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NIV).
5. See Matthew 24:44.
<:))))><
1. The Rapture and Jesus' Return to Earth
"So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man [Jesus] will come [again] at an hour when you do not expect him."1
When one of my nephews was only five, he heard me talking about Christmas being the time when we celebrate Jesus Christ's coming to earth. He wanted to know if Jesus would come back to earth again. I assured him that Jesus promised that he would come back again.2
According to Bible scholars the return of, or second coming of, Jesus Christ is called the Rapture which comes from the Latin word "Rapare" which means to take away or to snatch out.
Following Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, he was "snatched away" and taken up to heaven. While Jesus' disciples were standing there looking up in amazement, two angels appeared to them and said: "Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."3
Jesus' first coming to earth 2000 years ago is an undeniable fact of history. His second coming is just as certain. The critical issue is to be ready for Christ's return. According to God's Word here's what will take place at the rapture: "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we [true followers of Jesus] who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever."4
Jesus is coming again just as he went. It could be today. He said that he would come at an hour when we do not expect him.5
To be absolutely sure you are ready for the rapture be sure to accept God's invitation for forgiveness and his gift of eternal life. To do so click on the God's Invitation" button below or for further help click on the "Know God" button or on: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, again I thank you for the promise of Christ's return. Thank you for your great salvation and the promise of a home in Heaven for all who believe in and have accepted you as their Savior. Help me to be sure I am ready today for Christ's return by having repented of my sins, asked for and accepted your forgiveness and received Jesus as my Savior. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
NOTE: For an interesting depiction of the Rapture click on: http://www.youtube.com/v/SmLhyPjHVes. We do not endorse any of the other links on this page.
1. Matthew 24:44 (NIV).
2. See John 14:3.
3. Acts 1: 11 (NIV).
4. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NIV).
5. See Matthew 24:44.
<:))))><
Monday, February 25, 2008
Compassion and Kindness
Monday, February 25, 2008
1. Compassion and Kindness
"Be kind and compassionate [tenderhearted] to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."1
Michael Josephson of Character Counts shared how he "once read of a man on a subway with two young children who were being loud and unruly. The man seemed to ignore their behavior, so a fed-up passenger confronted him: 'Sir, don't you see how your children are disturbing everyone? How can you be so thoughtless?'
"The man sobbed, 'I'm so sorry. Their mom just died and I've been thinking of how we'll live without her.' In an instant the critic's self-righteousness turned to self-condemnation.
"Why is it that so many of us have to be hit over the head before we turn on our caring and empathy buttons?
"The next time you have the choice between being right and being kind, choose kindness."2
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please give me an understanding and compassionate heart so that I will always be kind when what is needed is understanding and kindness so that I will be 'more and more like Jesus in every way.' Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Ephesians 4:32 (NIV).
2. Michael Josephson, Character Counts, "Being Right or Being Kind." (533.5) Character Counts
<:))))><
1. Compassion and Kindness
"Be kind and compassionate [tenderhearted] to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."1
Michael Josephson of Character Counts shared how he "once read of a man on a subway with two young children who were being loud and unruly. The man seemed to ignore their behavior, so a fed-up passenger confronted him: 'Sir, don't you see how your children are disturbing everyone? How can you be so thoughtless?'
"The man sobbed, 'I'm so sorry. Their mom just died and I've been thinking of how we'll live without her.' In an instant the critic's self-righteousness turned to self-condemnation.
"Why is it that so many of us have to be hit over the head before we turn on our caring and empathy buttons?
"The next time you have the choice between being right and being kind, choose kindness."2
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please give me an understanding and compassionate heart so that I will always be kind when what is needed is understanding and kindness so that I will be 'more and more like Jesus in every way.' Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Ephesians 4:32 (NIV).
2. Michael Josephson, Character Counts, "Being Right or Being Kind." (533.5) Character Counts
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Friday, February 22, 2008
Letter from Barack Obama on Marriage and Gay Rights
Letter from Barack Obama on Marriage and Gay Rights
2004-02-11
As an African-American man, a child of an interracial marriage, a committed scholar, attorney and activist who works to protect the Bill of Rights, I am sensitive to the struggle for civil rights. As a state Senator, I have taken on the issue of civil rights for the LGBT community as if they were my own struggle because I believe strongly that the infringement of rights for any one group eventually endangers the rights enjoyed under law by the entire population. Since 1996, I have been the sponsor or a chief co-sponsor of measures to expand civil liberties for the LGBT community including hate-crimes legislation, adoption rights and the extension of basic civil rights to protect LGBT persons from discrimination in housing, public accommodations, employment and credit.
Today, I am a candidate for the U.S. Senate. Unlike any of my opponents, I have a legislative track record. No one has to guess about what I will do in Washington. My record makes it very clear. I will be an unapologetic voice for civil rights in the U.S. Senate.
For the record, I opposed DOMA [the Defense of Marriage Act] in 1996. It should be repealed and I will vote for its repeal on the Senate floor. I will also oppose any proposal to amend the U.S. Constitution to ban gays and lesbians from marrying. This is an effort to demonize people for political advantage, and should be resisted ... .
When Members of Congress passed DOMA, they were not interested in strengthening family values or protecting civil liberties. They were only interested in perpetuating division and affirming a wedge issue. ...
Despite my own feelings about an abhorrent law, the realities of modern politics persist. While the repeal of DOMA is essential, the unfortunate truth is that it is unlikely with Mr. Bush in the White House and Republicans in control of both chambers of Congress. ...
We must be careful to keep our eyes on the prize—equal rights for every American. We must continue to fight for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. We must vigorously expand hate-crime legislation and be vigilant about how these laws are enforced. We must continue to expand adoption rights to make them consistent and seamless throughout all 50 states, and we must repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” military policy.
I know how important the issue of equal rights is to the LGBT community. I share your sense of urgency. If I am elected U.S. Senator, you can be confident that my colleagues in the Senate and the President will know my position.
~ Senator Barack Obama
Democratic Candidate for the U.S. Senate
First Published by Windy City Media Group
N.B:
The Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, is the commonly-used name of a federal law of the United States that is officially known as Pub.L. 104-199, 110 Stat. 2419, enacted 1996-09-21 and codified at 1 U.S.C. § 7 and 28 U.S.C. § 1738C. The law has two effects.
1. No state (or other political subdivision within the United States) need recognize a marriage between persons of the same sex, even if the marriage was concluded or recognized in another state.
2. The Federal Government may not recognize same-sex or polygamous marriages for any purpose, even if concluded or recognized by one of the states.
The bill was passed by Congress by a vote of 85-14 in the Senate and a vote of 342-67 in the House of Representatives, and was signed by President Bill Clinton on September 21, 1996.
Renowned Author and Genealogist Darius A. Gray Presents 'Blacks in the Bible' and 'African American Roots'
22 Feb 2008 01:27 Africa/Lagos
African American History Month Celebration: Renowned Author and Genealogist Darius A. Gray Presents 'Blacks in the Bible' and 'African American Roots'
Darius A. Gray, renowned author, genealogist and co-director of the Freedman Bank Project, will speak about "Blacks in the Bible" at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History on Friday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. Gray's appearance is sponsored by New Detroit, the race relations leadership coalition, in partnership with the Wright Museum of African American History and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Friday night presentation is by invitation only but is open to media representatives.
On Saturday, Gray will present a free public workshop, "African American Roots" from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the museum. Gray, who is co-host of the television program "Questions and Answers" and a participant in the PBS series "Ancestors," will discuss the Freedman Bank records. Participants will learn about local family history centers and how to conduct online family searches. Free family search software will be provided for participants who bring their laptops. (The museum has wireless capability.) No pre-registration is required.
The Charles H. Wright Museum is located at 315 E. Warren Avenue in Detroit. Additional information is available by contacting the museum at (313) 494-5800.
Contact: Diana Christensen
(313)872-2202
dchristensen@bergmuirhead.com
PRNewswire-Feb. 21
First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:
Source: Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
African American History Month Celebration: Renowned Author and Genealogist Darius A. Gray Presents 'Blacks in the Bible' and 'African American Roots'
Darius A. Gray, renowned author, genealogist and co-director of the Freedman Bank Project, will speak about "Blacks in the Bible" at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History on Friday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. Gray's appearance is sponsored by New Detroit, the race relations leadership coalition, in partnership with the Wright Museum of African American History and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Friday night presentation is by invitation only but is open to media representatives.
On Saturday, Gray will present a free public workshop, "African American Roots" from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the museum. Gray, who is co-host of the television program "Questions and Answers" and a participant in the PBS series "Ancestors," will discuss the Freedman Bank records. Participants will learn about local family history centers and how to conduct online family searches. Free family search software will be provided for participants who bring their laptops. (The museum has wireless capability.) No pre-registration is required.
The Charles H. Wright Museum is located at 315 E. Warren Avenue in Detroit. Additional information is available by contacting the museum at (313) 494-5800.
Contact: Diana Christensen
(313)872-2202
dchristensen@bergmuirhead.com
PRNewswire-Feb. 21
First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:
Source: Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Launch of New Christian Networking Website
Launch of New Christian Networking Website
From Vince Rizzo.
Feb 20, 2008
Greetings In Jesus Name,
I just wanted to drop you a line to let you know that we have just created a new Christian network very much like MySpace or Facebook.
If you are enjoying our Ames Community Kingdom, this is the next step. We have created Faith-Space and students will now be able to blog, view and post videos, converse with other Ames Students and you will be able to invite any of your Christian friends to sign-up as well absolutely free. We invite you to visit us at: Faith-Space.
Blessings,
Dr. Vince & Laura Rizzo
www.freebiblecollege.com
From Vince Rizzo.
Feb 20, 2008
Greetings In Jesus Name,
I just wanted to drop you a line to let you know that we have just created a new Christian network very much like MySpace or Facebook.
If you are enjoying our Ames Community Kingdom, this is the next step. We have created Faith-Space and students will now be able to blog, view and post videos, converse with other Ames Students and you will be able to invite any of your Christian friends to sign-up as well absolutely free. We invite you to visit us at: Faith-Space.
Blessings,
Dr. Vince & Laura Rizzo
www.freebiblecollege.com
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