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Safety from Tornadoes

This passage reminds me of the chastisement coming upon a nation that is departing from God. Ignoring His voice.

Proverbs 1:20-33 KJV
20. Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:
21. She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,
22. How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
23. Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.
24. Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;
25. But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:
26. I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;
27. When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.
28. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
29. For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
30. They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.
31. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
32. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
33. But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

Struggling to Understand my Impression of a Parish

I visited a small Orthodox parish (OCA) in Southeastern PA for Liturgy this morning on account of some training I occasionally have to attend to in that area, and this is the second time that I was there for Liturgy since October of last year, and I was left with a feeling that the parish has somehow managed to build a strange sort of cocoon around itself, in an unsettling way being closed in upon itself and isolated, as if it's functioning as a mere local club of sorts, with no design or purpose beyond that. I don't know why I'm getting that impression. Perhaps it's because I'm a cleric that the lay people react to my presence in such a way as to lead me to having this impression of them. It's a curious thing to me. Maybe they'd interact with me differently if I wasn't wearing that riassa (outer cassock) that Fr. Matthew (ArmyMatt) gave me from Elijah's Mantle? I don't know. I get strange vibes about the people there. But maybe the problem is with me and my expectations? Just musing about the thing.

persecuted church news

"Take away from me scorn and contempt,
for I have kept Your testimonies.
Even though princes sit plotting against me,
Your servant will meditate on Your statutes."
~ Psalm 119:22-23 ESV​

SOUTH ASIA: Persecuted Christians Translate New Testament​

Sources: Mission Network News, Wycliffe Associates​

A man reading the Bible (Unsplash image)


"Seeds of the Gospel often grow in secret in this part of the world.... Oppression and persecution are lurking around every corner...and everyone is watching. Always. To lead a Bible translation team in this part of the world – coming up against spiritual strongholds that have been in place for centuries – men and women risk everything." This is the way that the Wycliffe Associates ministry describes the Bible translation work that is being done by dedicated servants in Asia. Despite the dangers, these believers are responding to the need for the Gospel message to be spread.
Persecuted Christians in a particular South Asian country (unnamed for security reasons) were recently able to celebrate the work of local translators, together with the team at Wycliffe Associates, over the completion of the first New Testament in the "heart language" of a minority people group. The translation team is excited to now receive an opportunity to translate the Old Testament as well. Wycliffe has also identified five other languages used within the nation that are still in need of Bible translations.
Tony Tophoney, Director of Field Operations for Wycliffe Associates, entreats Christians around the world: "Join us in prayer for these brave souls who are really serving Christ, in some cases being martyred, for the cause of Bible translation in their area."
Praise God that His Word is now being made available to this rural people group, thanks to the dedication of faithful servants who are willing to risk their lives in order to translate the Scriptures for their people. May He continue to bless their efforts by providing the resources needed to complete the translation of the Old Testament and protection from opposition throughout the process. As a result of their unwavering commitment to ensure community members have access to the Scriptures in their own language, may many new names be written in the Lamb's "Book of Life" (Revelation 21:22-27).

REPORT UPDATES​

CHINA: Uyghur Pastor Released After 15 Years​

Sources: ChinaAid, Release International, Church in Chains​

Alim, his wife, and his children about fifteen years ago.

Alimujiang Yimiti and his family several years ago.
Photos: ChinaAid

After serving 15 years in prison, Alimujiang Yimiti has finally been released. While other details relating to his release are unconfirmed, the house church pastor, also known as Alim, is now home with his family. Ethnically, this faithful Christian leader happens to be of the Uyghur (Turkic) minority group, which is also experiencing severe human rights abuses in China.
Alim's sentence took place as a result of a phone call he had with an American colleague in 2007. During their conversation, Alim reminded the businessman that the call could be monitored. He was correct. Yet, because Alim merely pointed out that possibility, he was charged with "unlawfully providing state secrets to overseas organizations." During his trial, no reference was made to indicate that any sensitive information had even been shared during the call.
Despite this lack of evidence, Alim was sentenced in 2009. His two consequent appeals, which took place during the years of 2010 and 2011, were both rejected – though the additional charge of "inciting separatism" was eventually dropped. Throughout the trials, members of Alim's family were prohibited from attending. For more information on the persecution of Christians in China, including reports detailing Alim's previous trials, go to our country report.
Praise God that Alim has finally been released from prison and reunited with his loved ones! After so many years of separation, may their time of adjustment be filled with grace and joy. Pray that government officials will not opt to renew the prosecution of this long-suffering church leader, but instead may they allow him to resume his ministry of reaching out to others – including the oppressed Uyghur people – with the message of the Gospel.

MYANMAR: Terrorism Charges Filed Against Detained Church Leader​

Sources: Human Rights Watch, Christianity Today, Reuters​

Dr. Samson speaking publicly.

Rev. Dr. Samson
Photo: VOMC Contacts

On December 5th, a prominent Christian leader of the Kachin Baptist Convention, Dr. Hkalam Samson, was arbitrarily arrested at the airport as he was boarding a flight to Bangkok for medical treatment. (For details on Dr. Samson's arrest, go to this page.) In the weeks that followed, his concerned family members were forbidden visitation. They were also not allowed to provide the 65-year-old Christian man any food or medication, raising more concerns about his ongoing health needs.
Since Dr. Samson had been charged under the regime's counterterrorism law, the hearings relating to his case were held in secret at a special court located within the Myitkyina prison. The charges against him arose from instances when the church leader met with former leaders of the country, including a prayer meeting that took place in January 2022 with members of the National Unity Government (NUG) – a group of elected lawmakers and members of parliament who were ousted when the military overthrew the government in 2021. The ruling junta has since declared the NUG to be a terrorist organization.
Human Rights Watch refers to Dr. Samson's arrest, among others, as "a heavy-handed attempt to chill all dissent among ethnic minority leaders." For more reports addressing the persecution of Christians in Myanmar, go to our country report.
Please prayerfully uphold Dr. Samson during this time of incarceration, asking the Lord to strengthen him both physically and emotionally. Pray that the charges against him will soon be dropped so he can be freed and reunited with his family. While awaiting due vindication, may they experience a renewed sense of God's "ever-present help in times of trouble" (Psalm 46:1). Also pray that the Lord's work will powerfully continue through the ministry of the Holy Spirit among the Kachin people of Myanmar.

PAKISTAN: Acquitted Christian Remains in "Virtual Prison"​

Source: Steadfast Global​

Sawan Masih sitting with his family; all faces pixelated except Sawan's.

Sawan Masih and his family.
Photo: Steadfast Global

In 2013, Sawan Masih was arrested after his neighbour accused him of committing blasphemy. When the accused Christian man was convicted in 2014, he received the death sentence. After serving six years in prison, he was acquitted of all charges on October 5th, 2020, by the Lahore High Court. For more details on his case, go to this page.
Over five months ago, a Persecution & Prayer Alert report was posted describing the dire situation facing Sawan and his family (read more). Sadly, even though he has been acquitted, the persecution still being experienced by him and his family is cause for great concern. Steadfast Global, VOMC's partnering ministry in Scotland, reports that the family is unable to leave the refuge of a safehouse because of ongoing death threats. As a result of the circumstances, they remain virtually in prison.
Steadfast Global has been able to arrange living accommodations for them in Scotland, provided the UK government gives Sawan and his family permission to enter the country. Petitions to governmental leaders continue to be made on behalf of this persecuted family, in hopes they will be allowed to travel soon.
Praise God for the diligent advocacy work of the Steadfast Global team in their efforts to provide Sawan and his family safety and freedom in the UK. May these endeavours be used to raise greater awareness of their plight and further encourage governmental leaders to proactively respond, so this endangered family can be rescued from their virtual prison. In general, please pray for persecuted believers throughout Pakistan, asking God to give them wisdom and guidance as they interact with those opposed to the Gospel, so that similar situations would not arise. Ultimately, may God's Spirit work throughout the nation of Pakistan, enlightening many who are living in darkness with the light of His truth and bringing conviction to the hearts of sinners in need of the Saviour's mighty rescue.

FRUIT AND TRUTH EASTER MESSAGE 1 ENGLISH AND CHINESE

Welcome to Fruit and Truth Devotions
欢迎来到果实和真理敬拜
These devotions are unique, they are the only ones in the world (to my knowledge), that are in English and English with Chinese translation, underneath each other.. These will help my Chinese friends to learn English.
这些敬拜是独一无二的,他们是世上唯一(就我所知)以英文和英汉翻译所做的敬拜..这将有助于我的中国朋友们学习英文。
Below the devotions are two resource sections:
敬拜来自于以下两部分:
Soak in Scripture.. the very best sermons in English and Chinese
Intense intercession. Prayer for people groups and Countries
沉浸于经文中..非常好的英文布道和热切的汉语代祷。
为团体和国家的人们祷告。
Copy the links into your browser or click on the links
在你的浏览器中复制链接,或直接点击链接。
Please read, listen and pray, and if you have been blessed, then share.
请阅读、倾听和祷告,如果你感到被祝福,请分享它。
ENGLISH

WHAT HAS HE DONE?

Today was an unusual day, I am the middle cross that sits on a hill called Calvary.

Let me tell you, what happened to me today

Today was not an ordinary day.
I see many men die, every day, men are put to death on me.

But this was different.
There was a massive crowd, I was carried by a man who was too weak to carry me.

They were cursing this man.

What had he done?

He dropped the cross, someone was called to pick it up.

I was dragged up to calvary.

I heard the curses of the soldiers.

I heard the insults of the pharisees.

What were the pharisees doing here?

They never came

They were taunting this man, they wanted him to come down from the cross.

Even the other criminals were insulting this man, what had he done?

A sign was placed on the top, this is Jesus King of the Jews.

I heard the insults, but I heard things, I had never heard before.

This man prayed for the people insulting him, father forgive them.

Never had I heard words like this, never had I seen a crucifixion, like this.

Women stood by the cross, this man's mother, he had someone take care of her.. what love.
But what I heard next shook me to my foundations.

MY GOD MY GOD WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME AND IT IS FINISHED.

Who was this man?

I heard some say, his name was Jesus.

Then one of the other criminals was speaking to Jesus, he came to faith.

The people were amazed and now the ground is shaking.

There is an earthquake, I'm going to fall.
Its dark now, for three hours total darkness.
But it's midday, what's happening?

The soldiers are running, but one stands there and speaks.

Surely, this is the son of God.

The friends of this man come to take him down.
His blood is smeared through my bark.

My friends, I am the cross, I saw Jesus' die, his blood runs all down me.

I am covered with his blood.

My question is this:

What has he done?

He has saved us; he has reconciled us to God. He gave his blood to save us, without blood there is no remission of sin.

Are you covered by the blood of Jesus?
He is real, he brings life.

The answer to the question at the top is this.

He has gained salvation through his death on the cross, we can be reconciled to God, but it takes coming to the foot of the cross, in repentance, faith and with a broken and humble spirit.

The burden of sin is taken away at Calvary.

The Father's justice was satisfied at Calvary, the father's love, mercy and grace were put on full display at Calvary.

Calvary is all about Christ. He gave his life for you.

The Father will draw you to the cross, the holy spirit will convict you of your sin and the precious blood of Jesus will cleanse you from all your sin.


CHINESE/ENGLISH

WHAT HAS HE DONE?
他做了什么?
Today was an unusual day, I am the middle cross that sits on a hill called Calvary.
今天是不寻常的一天,我是一个坐落在加略山上的十字架。
Let me tell you, what happened to me today
让我来告诉你,我今天发生了什么
Today was not an ordinary day.
I see many men die, every day, men are put to death on me.
今天并不是普通的一天。我看到许多人死去,每一天,人们在我上面被处死。
But this was different.
There was a massive crowd, I was carried by a man who was too weak to carry me.
但这次不同,有一大群人,我被一个人背着,他太瘦弱了几乎背不动我。
They were cursing this man.
他们在诅咒这个人。
What had he done?
他做了什么?
He dropped the cross, someone was called to pick it up.
他的十字架掉下来,有人喊着要他重新背上。
I was dragged up to calvary.
我被拖到了加略山
I heard the curses of the soldiers.
我听到士兵们的咒骂
I heard the insults of the pharisees.
我听到法利赛人的羞辱
What were the pharisees doing here?
法利赛人在这里做什么?
They never came
他们从不来
They were taunting this man, they wanted him to come down from the cross.
他们在羞辱这个人。他们要他从十字架上下来。
Even the other criminals were insulting this man, what had he done?
甚至其他罪犯也在羞辱这个人,他做了什么?
A sign was placed on the top, this is Jesus King of the Jews.
顶端写着一个标语,这是犹太人的基督之王。
I heard the insults, but I heard things, I had never heard before.
我听到了那些羞辱,但我听到了一些之前从未听过的事。
This man prayed for the people insulting him, father forgive them.
这个人为那些羞辱他的人祷告,希望父神宽恕他们。
Never had I heard words like this, never had I seen a crucifixion, like this.
我从未听到过类似这样的话,也从未看到过类似这样的刑罚。
Women stood by the cross, this man's mother, he had someone take care of her.. what love.
But what I heard next shook me to my foundations.
女人们站在十字架旁,是这个人的母亲,他让一些人照顾她..这是什么样的爱。但我之后听到的颠覆了我的三观。
MY GOD MY GOD WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME AND IT IS FINISHED.
我的神我的神为什么离弃我,此事成了。
Who was this man?
这人是谁?
I heard some say, his name was Jesus.
我听到有人说,他叫耶稣。
Then one of the other criminals was speaking to Jesus, he came to faith.
接着另一个罪犯和耶稣说话,他获得了信心。
The people were amazed and now the ground is shaking.
人们惊奇了,现在全地都震惊了。
There is an earthquake, I'm going to fall.
Its dark now, for three hours total darkness.
But it's midday, what's happening?
没有地震,我即将陷落。天是黑的,三个小时完全黑暗。但这是正午,发生了什么?
The soldiers are running, but one stands there and speaks.
士兵们在奔跑,但有一个人站在那里讲话。
Surely, this is the son of God.
这真的是神的儿子。
The friends of this man come to take him down.
His blood is smeared through my bark.
这个人的朋友上前把他抱下来,他的血沾染在我的外皮上。
My friends, I am the cross, I saw Jesus' die, his blood runs all down me.
朋友们,我是十字架,我看到了耶稣之死,他的血将我打倒。
I am covered with his blood.
我被他的血掩盖。
My question is this:
我的问题是:
What has he done?
他做了什么?
He has saved us; he has reconciled us to God. He gave his blood to save us, without blood there is no remission of sin.
他救了我们;他与神和好。他用他的宝血救了我们,没有血,就没有罪的赦免。
Are you covered by the blood of Jesus?
He is real, he brings life.
耶稣的宝血保护你了吗?他是真实的,他带来生命。
The answer to the question at the top is this.
这就是对顶端标语的回答。
He has gained salvation through his death on the cross, we can be reconciled to God, but it takes coming to the foot of the cross, in repentance, faith and with a broken and humble spirit.
他藉由他在十字架的死赢得了救赎,我们得以与神和好,但这需要来到十字架脚旁,以破碎和谦卑的心忏悔、信任他。
The burden of sin is taken away at Calvary.
罪的重担在加略山被除去。
The Father's justice was satisfied at Calvary, the father's love, mercy and grace were put on full display at Calvary.
父神的公正在加略山得以圆满,父神的爱,怜悯和恩典在加略山得到完全显现。
Calvary is all about Christ. He gave his life for you.
加略山是基督的一切,他为你献出了生命。
The Father will draw you to the cross, the holy spirit will convict you of your sin and the precious blood of Jesus will cleanse you from all your sin.
父神将拣选你来到十字架旁,圣灵因你的罪将你定罪,耶稣的宝血将洁净你所有的罪。


Be blessed by the following links to pray for China /the world and listen the sermons

Soak in scripture

ENGLISH

The Reflections of a Heavenly Citizen

Rev. Arnoud T. Vergunst
| Let's Study Philippians

Reformed Congregations of NZ

sermonaudio.com/sermon/225232351583940

Spiritual Warfare

Phil Johnson


The GraceLife Pulpit

sermonaudio.com/sermon/31423161785924

CHINESE

天上的样式与地上的样式(一):实体与影像 — 希伯来书8:1–5

Patrick Yan
| 主日讲道 希伯来书

Chinese
Toronto Christ Gospel Church

sermonaudio.com/sermon/10422057265701

看哪,你的王! Behold, Your King!

Our Pastor


Chinese
Truth Baptist Church

sermonaudio.com/sermon/41122746545216

Just my opinion why kids have guns and shooting kids

The more we put the Lord aside in schools, teach envy regarding the backbone of Americans [the rich who worked], renounce freedom to succeed, push socialism and captivity FROM the state, regard sins as optional lifestyles to be praised now, follow the government instead of the Lord...
we will continue to see more angry children.

Guns are not the problem, it's the hearts of those who gain access to them.

Taking away the Lord from every possible venue and expecting happy hearts is like jumping into a sewer and wanting it to be clean like untainted fresh water.


GUNS are the 'outcome' lacking the Lord. He's been taken out of schools, government buildings, speeches, media, entertainment, and sadly even many churches.
And yet we expect happy, mentally & emotionally healthy future generations.
Kids aren't praying, they're in games slaying.

Now they're being taught a HUGE lesson that attacks the Lord.
That the Good Lord Himself was so in error to give them dna of the gender He created.
Adds more fuel to hatred towards Him the Creator.

This world has very little to offer our children that is a climate for 'true' tolerance and love. Which is the opposite of applauding sin. But helping others.
For the Good Book in the OT states, if you see someone in sin and do not warn or help them, they will suffer and so will you.

But here we are... shaking in corners afraid to rock any boats.
Church leaders allowing sins in their doors. et al



I posted this in another area, regarding the bill of rights for parents to know what's up in schools.
Someone mentioned guns...
So I surmised why guns have been a problem.
We are giving hurting ugly hearts to children and wonder ...
Also many parents have never emotionally developed due to their own crisis in the heart. And out doing drugs and neglecting children. Nobody is teaching them about the Lord so much and about avoiding sins. [unless in some crazy abusive manner which has the absolute opposite affect on a child in their journey to Heaven]

Our Lady’s Teaching on Prayer – A Lenten Course on Prayer

Part Five – Our Lady and Mystical Contemplation
Everyone has experienced what it feels like to be captivated by a wonderous landscape or a gloriously calm and serene seascape that enthrals the senses. As the sun sets on the horizon it is set aglow, emblazoning the low-lying clouds with a kaleidoscope of different shades of fiery splendour. We are still enthralled even when the light finally fades away and darkness begins to envelop us so we can no longer be enraptured by the beauty of God’s creation. Even as we wander away back into the world of hustle and bustle whence we came, the feeling of inner peace and serenity into which we were plunged remains, at least for a while.

The Meaning of Contemplation

Continued below.

‘Pray for God’s hand’ over Mississippi: destructive tornado kills, injures dozens

(OSV News) — At least one powerful tornado tore through rural Mississippi the night of Friday, March 24, killing or injuring dozens and causing widespread destruction.

By Saturday night, an update from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) reported the death toll had risen to 25 and dozens of others were injured; four persons reported missing are accounted for. The update said multiple state agencies and partners are working together to help in response and recovery efforts.

“The loss will be felt in these towns forever,” Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said in a Twitter post on Saturday. “Please pray for God’s hand to be over all who lost family and friends.”

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz of the Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi, extended his prayers and encouraged Catholics to support all communities affected by this tragic event. “We join in prayer for all those affected by the storms that crossed our state,” he said in a statement posted on the diocesan website March 25.

The National Weather Service confirmed tornado damage about 60 miles (96 kilometers) northeast of Jackson, Mississippi, with most of the destruction reported in Silver City and Rolling Fork, a rural town of about 1,800 people.

Processing information from damage surveys could take days to complete, but the National Weather Service noted the Rolling Fork/Silver City tornado has a preliminary EF-4 rating, which estimates wind speeds to have been 166-200 mph.

Continued below.
  • Wow
Reactions: WarriorAngel

Prayer for my mom.

My mom has recently been diagnosed with kidney disease. The last visit three months ago he said her kidneys werent bad at all she is just barely barely ine arly stages. But she got a call this past week, saying test came back not so good. Needless to say you guys, im stressed leik crazy and she si acting ok about it, saying Gods got this, but tis hard for me to have that faith. Bottom line is, she needs prayers! Please any prayers would be appreciated. Pray that its nothing too serious. Pray Gods gives her peace about this and that it;s nothing too serious. Please and thank you!

:prayer::groupray:

The Wine of Wrath

Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 51:23 reveals the manner in which the Wine of Wrath is to be poured out. 17/71



Eight Questions carefully presented with their Words and Letters numerically comprising the integral reduced value of Eight . 17/107





Q: What people are historically known for utilizing the Body of an Israeli Jew to pave their street? 17/80



Q: Who is it that invented the Printing Press? 8/35



Q: What is the heritage of Tyndall & Wycliffe, whose Translation was evidently used to forge the KJV? 17/80



Q: Which Translation Paved the Way for the English speaking peoples to Convert to the Judaic Christian faith? 1789



Q: From what linguistic branch is the English language? 8/44



Q: What is it, that was taken out of the Hand/Manual of the Jew, and placed in the Hand/Manual of those who desired to Crossover? 26/98



Q (retorical): Before their Conversion to Christianity, what is the name that the Celtic people ascribed unto their Deity? 17/89



Q: What other name did the Biblical Hebrew use when making reference unto the Celtic/Kheldti/Chaldea peoples? 17/89



Micah 4:10 reveals an occasion when Yah will redeem us from the Hand/Manual of our enemy. 17/71



Whosever it is that offers praise (to whomsoever), they are (actually) praising יהוה Yahuah, (regardless to the ignorance of their heart in the matter), for יהוה ‘He Is’ יהוה ‘That which Is’ יהוה ‘That which Was’ and יהוה ‘That which Is to Come’, הוהי (Hawv’aii) ‘Existence’ itself, nevertheless, he only Promised to Reveal his Salvation unto those who order their conversation appropriately. 62/305



Yeshua [the Salvation of Yah] declared, we shall not See הו (Ho) ‘Him’ שנה (shanah) ‘Again’ שנה ‘the Second time’ til we say, הושנה (Hosannah) ‘Blessed is the One’ who comes in the Name of יהוה, as did the Babes which ushered him into Yerushalem, saying Blessed is the Kingdom of our Father David Who Comes in the Name of יהוה Yahuah. 62/251



I am יהוה (Yahuah) ‘That which Exists, and there is Nothing, Nor Anyone else besides me, neither is there an אלהים (Alohym) ‘Sovereign Author’ besides me, nor אלהים (Alohym) ‘Sovereign Authority’ besides mine. [ref., Yeshayahuw (Isaiah) 45:5]



I made the Earth of myself, and Adam from it…the One who created Heaven, and made the Earth of himself, he did not Create it from Nothing, for No One or No Reason, he created it to be inhabited, I am יהוה (Yahuah) ‘That which Exists, and there is Nothing else. [Yeshayahu (Issiah) 45:12 & 18]



Thus there was Nothing else for Yahuah to create Heaven and Earth from, nor anyone else for him to create it for, let alone inhabit it. 26/107



The Sin of a Jew is engraved with an iron pen, because they did not heed the warning as it pertains to transcribing a record of his speech, neither did they teach this to their children or grandchildren, neither did they remember, nor perpetuate the memory of the Rock and Consuming Fire who Raptured the children of Ishrael, when he Carried them upon the Wings of a Great Eagle, and brought them unto his Heavenly Abode, a Great Mountain Burning with Fire. where he spoke to them from the midst of the Fire, and then called Moshé up into his Abode for forty days and forty nights. 107/



It was from the vicinity of 19.5 Egypt that he duly instructed the children of Ishrael to Go from One side of Heaven (antipode) to the other side, and inquire if anyone has ever שמוע (Samoa) ‘Heard’ of such a thing, for if & when they decide to שמע ‘Listen’ & שמע ‘Comply’ with his Voice, and Go עבר antipodal unto 19.5 Hawv’aii, they shall discover that there is a people of שמע ‘Samoa’ in the Polynesian islands, who have indeed שמוע ‘Heard’ his Voice, and reverently Glorify the one who resides in the Fire of the islands, 98/404



הוי Hawva’ii is the Land Shadowing with Wings, which is עבר Antipode the rivers of Ethiopia (Africa)…. 17/80 [ref., Yeshayahu 18:1



….whose land the rivers have spoiled, to the place of the name of the Host of Yahuah, the Mount of Zion. [ref., Yeshayahu 18:7]



Psalms 17:8, 36:7, 57:1, 63:7 are all references to the Shadow of Yah’s Wings, worthy of reading. 17:71

Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ In The Garden Of Gethsemane

Hey.
With Holy Week coming up, I thought I'd write some meditations.
I find this helpful to me - I mean the writing - and at the same time the praying.
I put them up on my website.
I find myself particularly drawn to meditation upon Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.
I don't know why, but I find this such an impossible mysetery.
Maybe it is to do with choice.
Maybe here is a decision-point - indeed the decision point.
I find I take myself in prayer to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.

This is on my website - so maybe here a plug: Listen To The Bible KJV! :) | Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ In The Garden Of Gethsemane
This is a part of what I wrote - which I think is good and I hope you like me to share:

‘And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.’ – Luke 22:44

As I meditate on the love of Jesus Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, my heart is heavy with the weight of Jesus’ agony. In Matthew 26:39, Jesus prays to God, saying: ‘O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.’ This moment, the night before Jesus’ crucifixion, is a poignant reminder of the depth of Jesus’ love for humanity.

The Garden of Gethsemane, located at the foot of the Mount of Olives, was a familiar place to Jesus and to his disciples. But on this night, it was different. Jesus knew that his time on earth was coming to an end, and Jesus was filled with anguish as he contemplated the suffering and death that lay ahead. As Jesus prayed, he sweat drops of blood, a physical manifestation of his emotional and spiritual pain.

As I reflect on Jesus’ agony in the Garden, I am struck by the enormity of the burden Jesus was carrying. Jesus was not just facing his own suffering and death, but also the weight of the world’s sin and suffering. Jesus knew that he was the only one who could take on this burden, and he was willing to do so out of love for humanity.

In this moment, Jesus’ prayer is a beautiful example of submission to God’s will. Despite his agony, Jesus chose to surrender his own desires and accept God’s plan for his life. Jesus knew that this was the only way to bring salvation to the world. This act of selflessness is a testament to Jesus’ deep love for humanity.

As I meditate on Jesus’ willingness to submit to God’s will out of love for humanity, I am inspired to examine my own life and faith. How often do I choose my own desires over God’s plan for my life? How often do I resist the call to serve others and share the love of Christ with the world? Jesus’ example challenges me to surrender my own will to God’s will, and to follow Jesus’ example of sacrificial love.

‘Christ’s prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane always makes us feel the crushing weight of evil borne by the Son of God. Yet there is always an even deeper dimension: the certainty of Christ’s victory over evil, which becomes a seed of hope for the entire world.’ Pope Francis

Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | The Love Revealed In Jesus’ Betrayal And Arrest

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.’ – Matthew 5:44

As I meditate on the love of Jesus Christ, I am struck by the depth of his love even in the face of betrayal and abandonment. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was betrayed by one of his own disciples, Judas Iscariot, and later abandoned by the rest of his disciples as he was arrested by the soldiers.

It is hard to imagine the pain and hurt that Jesus must have felt in these moments. Yet, even as he was being betrayed and abandoned, Jesus still showed love and compassion towards his disciples. Jesus did not lash out in anger or retaliate against those who had turned against him. Instead, Jesus demonstrated forgiveness and love.

In reflecting on Jesus’ love for Judas, I am reminded that Jesus’ love is not conditional. Jesus loved Judas even though he knew that Judas would betray him. Jesus’ love is not limited by our actions or our failures. Jesus loves us despite our flaws and imperfections. This is a powerful reminder of the depth and magnitude of Jesus’ love for us.

As I reflect on Jesus’ willingness to suffer for the sake of love, even in the face of betrayal and abandonment, I am inspired to examine my own relationships with others. How often do I respond to betrayal or hurt with anger or resentment? Jesus’ example challenges me to respond with love and forgiveness, even in the face of pain and suffering.

Jesus’ arrest and betrayal also remind me that love requires sacrifice. Jesus was willing to suffer and even die for the sake of love. Jesus’ example challenges me to consider what sacrifices I am willing to make for the sake of love.

‘Jesus shows us the path to love by his patience in enduring our infidelity, in bearing our weaknesses and failings, in forgiving us seventy times seven, in constantly lifting us up from our sins and mistakes.’ Pope Francis

Putin says Moscow to place nuclear weapons in Belarus

March 25 (Reuters) - Russia will station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday, sending a warning to NATO over its military support for Ukraine and escalating a standoff with the West.

Putin likened his plans to the U.S. stationing its weapons in Europe and said that Russia would not be transferring control to Belarus. But this could be the first time since the mid-1990s that Russia were to base such weapons outside the country.

Putin did not specify when the weapons would be transferred to Belarus, which has borders with three NATO members - Poland, Lithuania and Latvia. He said Russia would complete the construction of a storage facility there by July 1.

"This is part of Putin's game to try to intimidate NATO ... because there is no military utility from doing this in Belarus as Russia has so many of these weapons and forces inside Russia," said Hans Kristensen, director of the nuclear information project at the Federation of American Scientists.

The Cross : Power To Stand

How do you get the victory over your flesh, the world and the devil?

How?

How do you end up here......."""i can do ALL things Through Christ, which Strengthens me", and. "Christ ALWAYS gives me the Victory"""... over the the flesh, the world and the devil.
How do you go from...>"that which i would do, i can't, "....to....>""i can do all things through Christ"......and "Christ always Gives me the Victory".

So, i'll show you, and this is from Paul The Apostle.

1st) ...
Are you born again, or just a church member, sprinkled and confirmed, water baptized, and religious?
Do you own a memory that you can pull up in your head, right now, that IS that moment when you heard the Truth, the Gospel of Christ... and kneeled before God and that Cross in your HEART and said...."save me God, im a sinner.....I believe Jesus is the Savior.....I want to be SAVED......save me, I DO trust in you JESUS !".
Do you have that MEMORY?.... as that is the day God took you as His Own for eternity, and if you dont have that memory.....then "TODAY is the day of Salvation".

="all that call on the Name of Jesus, shall be saved".

= "The work of God is that you BELIEVE on Jesus, whom God sent".

= Jesus said...."""ALL that believe in me, i give unto them Eternal LIFE, (Salvation) and they shall never perish"""
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So how do you get this and keep it ?

1.) = "to STAND"... in the "evil day".

And what is the evil day?
Well, Its everyday....as all the days down here, are "evil" as the "god of this world" has created them to be so, and you are to STAND in righteousness against this ""evil day"
How?
How is it accomplished?
Its very simple., yet very profound....

1st.) You have to understand that God has made you righteous, proven by being born again.... and that not by works or law or water or commandments..., but ONLY by the Blood and Death of Jesus....= The Cross Of Christ
This is the "Blood Atonement". .. This is the Cross of Christ and God gave this to the world so that by this one time SACRIFICE OF JESUS, you can be forgiven all your sin and then returned to God as a spiritual Son/Daughter.
And for how long does that last? Its ETERNAL Life. So, your Salvation lasts for as long as God exists.

Listen,

The moment you were saved, God took redeemed all your sin because Christ died for them all, """for God made Jesus to be sin for us"""...and God took Christ's righteousness and gave it to you as "The GIFT of Righteousness".... and then God re-birthed your spirit, with His Holy Spirit, into Himself...as "God is A Spirit".
So, that is to be BORN AGAIN.......into God.......and this is understood as "in Christ' "made Righteous",.. having become a ""NEW CREATION"".

Do you = See that New Creation. ???? That is you now and forever, IF you are born again, and not just water baptized and religious.

So.....That is the first step into "Power To Stand". and Until you see it, until you get this revelation, you wont stand long.


2nd.)

You have to get the same mind that God has, concerning who you have become as a "new Creation" in Christ.

This is the "mind of Christ".

This is the RENEWED Mind.
The renewed mind that Paul tells you to get and keep, is, simple.....its to ONLY an ALWAYS see yourself only and always as God sees you.
= Is to have God's perspective of you, as your only perspective of you., and keep that ""renewed mind.""

And how does God see you at all times if you are born again?

Reader.....He ONLY sees you as 1 John 3:9...... In other words, God does not see the real you, as flesh or mind. He only SEES YOU as Himself.. = a SPIRIT....and that is our BORN AGAIN "new Creation"
Listen carefully.. = the REAL YOU is the Son/Daughter of God that has been spiritually birthed into God by the Holy Spirit,= Born again as a ""NEW Creation, in Christ.""
Your body is dead "because of sin", and you'll get a NEW Body. And you mind has to be RENEWED.
So, what is left of you....is what GOD has BIRTHED as His Son/Daughter......and that is the Born again Spirit, the "NEW CREATION< in Christ."" "seated in Heavenly places .."""in Christ""".. "made righteous"..."One with God".

Now, see that MIND you have to get?
That is a REVELATION and you have to come to this Knowledge and it become your FAITH.
When you do, you finally have the revelation of who you have become "in Christ", and you have "worked out your Salvation".
And then.... when you read this next verse......you'll understand it....

""" As JESUS IS.....so are the born again... IN... THIS....WORLD"....

and when you SEE this revelation at Truth, you will then understand why God told you to be ..."in the world but not OF IT"> as the Born Again Spirit is in God, and not of this world.

And when you see it...this revelation.... and BELIEVE IT..= You have just "Put on the Helmet of SALVATION" by revelation knowledge regarding who you have become as a "new Creation, "in Christ". 'Made Righteous"... "one with God". "having eternal Life".
And that Spiritual Revelation Helmet allows the rest of God spiritual Armor to be worn, and when you wear this LIGHT OF REVELATION Knowledge every day.....you will find THE ::

= "Power to Stand."

Hi

Hi,I am Shawna and been a Christian since 2011.It was after I was sexually assaulted and raped while I was in the Marines.Good thing was the 5 guys in the same unit I was in with that did this to me were arrested,charged and convicted of sexual assaulting and raping me.Another survivor introduced it to me going to the same church she goes to and has been a good help in my recovery which I was diagnosed with PTSD.Still in the recovery process with support from family and friends.I was honorably discharged and the 5 guys that did it to me recieved a dishonorable discharge.I am also a step mom of 3 married to a great husband.Proud of my 14 years in the Marines still.

"Tonsuram Devotionis" – A Curious & Fascinating Revival of an Ancient Practice

שלום, Ειρήνη, Pax!

When I was still a Dominican Friar in the Studium, I recall an amusing conversation while one of my fellow friars ("brother barber") was cutting my hair. I was new to the Priory, and he said that – basically – any hair-style (unless completely, obviously ridiculous) was permitted for us. One exception was made very clear however: a Roman tonsure. He even joked that many of the brothers would get a tonsure in the barber's chair, just to see how it looked, then shaved it off. :D

Naturally, this made sense because we're only about 50 years out from a time when the tonsure, which began as an ascetic practice rooted in Second Temple Judaism (the Nazarite Vow, Numbers 6:18) & the example of St. Paul, who made one (Acts 18:18), was abolished in the restorative, post-conciliar reforms by St. Paul VI. Historically, as time passed, this simple practice of asceticism, which was even part of the baptismal rites, became thought of as an Apostolic institution, and was made a necessity in both monastic (and, later, other consecrated life-types) profession, and entrance into what became called the "clerical state" in canon law. The document Ministeria Quaedam ("Certain Ministries", A.D. 1972) did away with tonsure primarily because it was so tied to the clerical state canonically. The goal wasn't so much the ending of tonsure as it was to distinguish lower orders of ministry (then reduced to Lector & Acolyte/Subdeacon – now, including Catechist – in the Latin Church) as lay in nature. Conversely, only ordination to the Apostolic ministries of Deacon, Presbyter/Priest, and Bishop would be considered "clerical." This, in many ways, helped clarify an area of confusion, as well as stress the newly reaffirmed sacramental nature of the Apostolic Holy Orders (cf. Lumen Gentium, Ch. III).

Anyhow, there were three major types of tonsure; only two of which remain to this day. The first is the "Oriental" tonsure, which owes itself to the Nazarite practice & St. Paul: total shaving of one's head. This is primarily still practiced in the Eastern Catholic Churches, to varying degrees & methods. Then there was apparently a "Celtic" tonsure; the exact nature of which is not clear. It likely derived from the Druid tonsure, but it was used by Christian monks especially. It was supplanted by the "Roman" tonsure. The last is very noticeable because it creates a "crown" of hair, and it resembles the Apostle St. Peter's balding head in some iconography. Many Roman Catholics are at least familiar with the look. Since A.D. 1972, the Latin Church no longer confers tonsure, excepting (at the moment) certain religious orders who maintain it as a custom. The Eastern Catholic Churches maintain it in accord with their various traditions, as per Vatican II's Decree, Orientalium Ecclesiarum – which itself follows previous Papal practice.

Yet, there seems to be a rising resurgence of the original purpose of tonsure: that of devotion & asceticism. The point of tonsure in ancient times was to, frankly, disfigure the hair of one seeking to live the Christian life. In other words, it was an attack on the vanity of the prevailing culture (then and now, really) in which the styling of hair was important. Among some modern Roman Catholics, I've noticed various tonsure-like cutting of the hair; up to and including the Roman style (although I have only seen that as a devotional practice among Benedictine monks). Indeed, I myself observe it out of my own deeply held sense of vocation & delight in being an instituted Lector. I do so according to the late, devolved practice of the 20th century: that is, simply by having my barber shave completely to the scalp a round, quarter-sized area in the back of my skull. Ironically, this degraded type of "tiny tonsure" in the West was a major reason it was abolished among secular clergy even.

All that said, it's an interesting concept and even more fascinating that it's being revived privately; especially among millennials like myself and those generations of young Catholics coming up after us. Moreover, I see it increasingly in monastic communities (especially Benedictines). And this not as part of the profession rite (as far as I know in most communities now), but rather as a devotional practice. I have also encountered Byzantine Catholics and other Eastern Catholics, mostly laymen, who shave their heads for devotional reasons. It's also interesting to note that the basics of Nazarite Vow is still possible for any Christian to do – albeit without the Temple rites, for obvious reasons. Hence, some Hebrew Catholics will take the basic Nazarite Vow to shave their heads, to abstain from wine or any fermented drink (nor even to drink grape juice or eat grapes or raisins, not even the seeds or skins), and to not to cut his hair for the length of the vow (it is temporary). Lastly, to not to go near a dead body nor touch one. Moreover, there are some interesting canons from the Early Church & late Patristic period that seem to incorporate some of these ideas. For example, an ordained Lector/Reader (and probably higher up the ladder) was not to be involved in any shedding of blood; not even butchering to prepare food and much less serving militarily. The warrior monks of the Crusades sort of blew that one out of the water, lol.

One of the things that millennials and many other younger generations want is authenticity & identity. We grew up in a world where both of those were and are in scant supply; often even in the Church, at times. Hence, the revival of many practices voluntarily reflects a desire for both these things – not to mention the longing to be closer to God in a world that only offers continuous emptiness. Fasting, asceticism in general, novenas, better liturgy, use of the Divine Office, devotional cutting of hair...all of these are manifestations of this, I contend.

So what do y'all think? Is this a good thing; a trend in a better direction? Or is it out of place, or otherwise not to be encouraged? After all, as I said, it was not long ago that tonsure had a very specific meaning in the Church...and still does in some places. What think ye?

A look at baptism, part 1

Those of you who have read any of my other studies are aware that I talk about, The N.T. is Jewish; there is nothing new in the N.T., how we have to find out the meaning of things by looking in the O.T., "that the English translations are incorrect, things have been added, etc. These are all legitimate statements that I have proven time and time again. But, despite the number of different things people believe, whether things are true or not is one question that applies to everything and anything that people believe. The question is, why do they believe what they believe?
In this instance, I am not concerned with individual beliefs but rather what groups of people believe in the arena of Scripture. There is not one individual who holds to certain beliefs that others do not hold. In order to understand why people believe what they believe in any era, we have to look at the history of what preceded the beliefs held today. What was taught before compared to what is taught today, where and when things changed, and why they changed.
Many things today that are believed about what the N.T. teach are not what was originally believed or taught. Before I continue, I want to let the reader know that this study will require a lot of reading and it will take me three or more posts before I even get around to baptism.

Many things taught from the N.T. today are not based on O.T. teaching. There are things taught that come straight from paganism. There are things taught that come from the secular world. The meaning of things in the N.T. has been changed. Made-up words and verses have been added to the N.T. Verses have been taken away. English words that are not the proper equivalent of the original Hebrew and Greek are used. Unbiblical words have been forced into translation.

There are two major problems that, if understood properly, and kept in place, would have prevented all of the above.

The biggest problem is the denial of the Jewishness, Jewish teaching, and Jewish theology of the New Testament. As if the teaching and theology of the O.T. stopped, and "new teaching" and "new theology" was introduced. We see this separation in every bible, a separation of the Old Testament and New Testament. (Which should properly be called the Old Covenant and the New Covenant.) as if they are two separate books. The reason for the separation? To create the illusion that the O.T. was only concerned with the Jewish people and the N.T. is only concerned with the Gentiles, "And never the twain shall meet." You might not be aware, but subconsciously, when you read the O.T., you think Jewish and only Jewish. When you read in the N.T., you think "Gentile." Today, most think "Christian" when in the N.T.

The other big problem, which works in conjunction with and bolsters the first, is the concept of "The Church." This is the false idea that Jesus came to do away with the Law and Judaism and any connection to the O.T. and start from scratch, a new faith created for Gentiles, ignoring Judaism, except for the Ten Commandments and prophecy, and christening this "new creation" as "The Church." In that Jesus turned the table and made the Gentiles the "true faith," and instead of the Gentiles "being on the outside looking in," any Jew that wanted to "get saved" now had to enter in through the Gentile "faith."
The word "church" is not a biblical word. There is not a Hebrew or Greek word that means "church!" The word and concept of "church" come straight out of paganism!

God set up everything through the Jewish people,
Deut 4:10,32-38
2Kings 17:34-39
Neh 9:13-15
Eze 20:11-12
John 4:22
Acts 3:18-25
Rom 2:17-20, 3:1-2, 9:4
Heb 11;1, 8:8-12.

Everything was set up through the Jews to bring the Jewish Messiah to earth. Do you mean to tell me that none of that meant anything after Jesus was born? Despite Jesus growing up as a Jew in Jewish culture, lived as a Jew, lived under the Torah, obeyed the Torah, and taught from the Torah? That of all of the prophecies that pointed to him, that the festivals all shadowed his coming, all of that was done away with? That his birth resulted in the death of Judaism, the Torah, and did away with the O.T.? This is what many believe! This is what many would have you believe!

The reality is that God chose Israel to be His inheritance, the keeper of His truth and Law, to the Jews alone!

As long as the Apostles were alive, and Paul, there was no question or doubt that what Jesus had taught and what they also taught was strictly Jewish, strictly from the O.T., and 100% Judaism! There was not a hint of any Gentile influence, thought, or philosophy included in the teaching. In the book of Acts, we see thousands of Jews coming to faith. What were they taught? What was the source of their teaching? The Old Testament! They were taught from true Judaism!
We don't see any Gentile converts until 14 years after the Ascension! What we call the N.T. wasn't completed until the late fourth century! What was the source of teaching for the Gentile believers until then? The Old Testament! In the beginning, and for many hundreds of years, the majority of Gentile believers were taught by Jewish believers, using only the Old Testament! For hundreds of years, many Gentile believers went to synagogues. There is a misconception that after Jesus ascended, the "Gentile Church" soon sprang into action, grew by leaps and bounds, and soon dominated the teaching of Scripture. Not So! The concept of "Christians" attending "church buildings" didn't even begin until the 3rd century! And that was only because the Gentile group that was forming up and would later become the Catholic Church had started confiscating or buying pagan temples and using them for "church service." The believers, Jewish and Gentile, would either meet at a synagogue or in each other's homes.

Before the Gentile believers became imprisoned (concerning the teaching of Scripture) by ruthless Gentile leaders, an article by George Florovsky titled, The Unity of the Bible, describes the attitude of the majority of Gentile believers.

To Gentiles, the message of Salvation was always presented in the context of the Old Testament. The Old Covenant was not destroyed by Christ, but was renewed and accomplished. In this sense, Christianity was not a new religion but rather the oldest. The "new" Christian Scriptures were simply incorporated into the inherited Hebrew Bible as its organic completion. And only the whole Bible, both Testaments, was regarded as adequate and a complete record of Christian revelation. There was no break between the Two Testaments, but unity.

He goes on to say, The first task of Christian theology is to show and explain in what way the Old Testament was the preparation and anticipation of the final revelation of God in Jesus Christ. The message of Scripture was not merely a proclamation of some doctrines, but first of all, a record of God's mighty acts and deeds through the ages. It is a history of Divine Sovereignty, and purpose resulting in the person of Christ Jesus sent to redeem His people.

AMEN AND AMEN!

End of part 1
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Dr Gerald Schroeder

Dr. Gerald Schroeder is a physicist and theologian who has taught at several universities and institutions. He earned his Ph.D. in nuclear physics and earth and planetary sciences from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and has taught at the college and graduate levels at MIT, Harvard University, Brandeis University, and the College of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem.

Dr. Schroeder is known for his work in the intersection of science and religion, particularly in the areas of cosmology and the origins of the universe. He has written several books on the subject, including "The Science of God: The Convergence of Scientific and Biblical Wisdom" and "Genesis and the Big Bang: The Discovery Of Harmony Between Modern Science And The Bible".

My question is how do you sort through science and religion? I assume that Schroeder taught science at MIT and Harvard. So does that mean he does not talk about religion in the classroom? Does he just stick to the textbook and teach that? Then if you want to know about his religion you have to read one of his books?

We know that atheism is rampant at our universities. Do they follow the same standard or is there a double standard? Because science in and of itself is agnostic. As I said before: Punctuated equilibrium was developed by Niles Eldredge and Stephen Jay Gould. Gould an atheist died early from cancer. Eldredge agnostic is still alive and may still even be working. I think cancer is a result of people being in conflict with themselves and not able to work out that conflict.

It is not what we believe so much as what we tell others, that God is going to hold us accountable for. This is why so many people want your approval so they can pull you into their corruption and drag you down with them.

What federal investment will bring us a 150% return?

The proposed increase in spending on the IRS’s enforcement activities would result in higher audit rates than those underlying CBO’s baseline budget projections. Between 2010 and 2018, the audit rate for higher-income taxpayers fell, while the audit rate for lower-income taxpayers remained fairly stable. In CBO’s baseline projections, the overall audit rate declines, resulting in lower audit rates for both higher-income and lower-income taxpayers. The proposal, by contrast, would return audit rates to the levels of about 10 years ago; the rate would rise for all taxpayers, but higher-income taxpayers would face the largest increase. In addition, the Administration’s policies would focus additional IRS resources on enforcement activity aimed at high-wealth taxpayers, large corporations, and partnerships. CBO estimates that if the proposals were enacted, tax compliance would be improved, and more households would meet their obligation under the law.
Yes, the $80 million invested in amping up the IRS (which is currently staffed at 1954 levels--when the U.S. population was half its current size) would result in $200 million more in taxes (both figures are calculated over 10 year periods.)

Have No Fear

Video Talk

Matthew 10:24-33 ESV


“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.
“So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
“So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.”

If we are true followers of Jesus Christ, then we are his disciples. And if we are not following him with our lives, but if we are still walking in sin, then we don’t even know him. We are not in fellowship with him. So we can’t be in Christ and not ever follow the Lord in obedience. This is not saying we will never sin again or that we couldn’t fall away and need to be brought back to repentance, but if we never died with Christ to sin, and if we never walked in obedience to his commands, then we did/do not know him.

So, if we are in Christ by God-given faith in Jesus Christ then we are his disciples. And if we are his disciples then we are his followers. And if we are truly following him in obedience to his ways, and if we are sharing the gospel of our salvation (the whole counsel of God), then just as Jesus’ enemies accused him of being of Satan, our enemies will accuse us of wrongdoing, too. But we are not to fear them or what they might do to us or say to us or about us, even when they treat us like Jesus Christ was treated.

For all that is now hidden, although it is not hidden from God, is going to be revealed one day. So whatever the Lord tells us to say, we are to say. And he tells us these things through his written Word and through the witness of the Holy Spirit living within us. But we must test the spirits to see if they are of God, for a lot of people are claiming to be speaking from the Holy Spirit who are speaking words of blasphemy against our Lord. So make certain you are hearing of the Spirit of God and not from other spirits.

So, just know that if Jesus Christ is truly your Lord and Master, and if you are following him in obedience to his commands, in truth and in righteousness, that his enemies will be your enemies. And they may be others professing faith in Jesus Christ, too, but who are still walking in sin and by the flesh and not in holiness and in righteousness, by the Spirit. And so they may resent your walk of faith or find it offensive to them because they are still walking in sin. So have no fear of them. Keep obeying Jesus!

[Matt 5:10-12; Matt 10:16-25; Matt 24:9-14; Lu 6:22-23; Lu 21:12-19; Jn 15:1-21; Jn 16:33; Jn 17:14; Ac 14:22; Rom 5:3-5; Phil 3:7-11; 1 Pet 1:6-7; 1 Pet 4:12-17; 2 Tim 3:12; 1 Thess 3:1-5; Jas 1:2-4; 2 Co 1:3-11; Heb 12:3-12; 1 Jn 3:13]

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For Our Nation

An Original Work / September 11, 2012

Bombs are bursting. Night is falling.
Jesus Christ is gently calling
You to follow Him in all ways.
Trust Him with your life today.
Make Him your Lord and your Savior.
Turn from your sin. Follow Jesus.
He will forgive you of your sin;
Cleanse your heart, made new within.

Men betraying: Our trust fraying.
On our knees to God we’re praying,
Seeking God to give us answers
That are only found in Him.
God is sovereign over all things.
Nothing from His mind escaping.
He has all things under His command,
And will work all for good.

Jesus Christ is gently calling
You to follow Him in all ways.

Men deceiving: We’re believing
In our Lord, and interceding
For our nation and its people
To obey their God today.
He is our hope for our future.
For our wounds He offers suture.
He is all we need for this life.
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A Needed and Neccessary Bible Version!

Our English versions of the Bible are not "source documents." While there is a level of accuracy, there are far too many mistakes, bad translations to be found, and things being added or taken away from the original writings. Every English version is guilty of altering God's original word. One would think that with the amount of information available concerning the language, history, culture, and Theology of the Jewish people, one would expect that at some point in the near future, an English version of Scripture that accurately conveys the true and accurate meaning of what was originally written down, especially the New Testament, would be available.

I am working on an accurate English translation of the gospels, putting them in chronological order and, as part of the narrative, either using the correct words, using the correct syntax, and explaining the Jewish figures of speech in a way that brings to light the correct meaning of what was spoken. In the narrative, I would phrase things in such a way that shows every time a direct quote or reference to the Old Testament is used. For example, I would phrase Mat 4:4, " Yeshua answered and said, "Just as it is written in Deut 8:3, man will not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God."
My version of Mk 12:28- A scribe who had heard the conversation and perceived that Jesus had given a good answer, asked Him, "Which commandment is the first and most important? Jesus replied, "The things I teach come straight from the Old Testament, where the Father gave us His commands. The first commandment, as it is written in Deut 6:4-5 is, "Hear O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord. And you will love the Lord thy God with all of your heart, soul and mind, with all of your strength. This is the first and most important commandment. The second most important is found in Lev 19:18,...You will love your neighbor as yourself, in that, as you would never treat yourself badly, do yourself any harm and only treat yourself well, treat your neighbor in the same way you treat yourself. None of the other commandments are greater than these two." (Jesus was instructing that if you obey and practice these two greatest commandments, you will never break any of the other commandments.)

I would also give the background of events so the reader can understand the dynamics of a particular scene. When one came to Luke 4:14-18, between verses 14 and 15, I would include, In those days, if a traveling priest or Rabbi were to enter a synagogue in another part of the country, the chief ruler of the synagogue, the person responsible for overseeing the religious activities of a synagogue, would often invite the visitor to participate in the teaching of Scripture. The speaker would stand as he read the Scripture and then sit down to expound on what was read. However, the speaker did not pick at random the part of Scripture he wanted to read. The Jewish people, then as now, followed a strict schedule of what was to be read and when. The next speaker would pick up at the exact point the last reader had stopped reading.
Verse 17 would read," And the scroll of Isaiah was handed to Jesus. Jesus found the part of Scripture where he was to start from and read Isaiah 61:1, The spirit of the Lord God is upon me..."

I would also group together teaching on the same subject, which in the gospels is scattered in different places and makes it hard to get the full teaching. One gross example of this is what Jesus taught about forgiveness. Most believe that the most important teaching Yeshua did on forgiveness is Mat 6:14-15. Unfortunately, this is taught to mean that God requires believers to forgive any and all sin committed against them, by any person, for any reason and if they don't do this, God will not forgive them! That is false teaching! Because Jesus taught another aspect about forgiveness in Luke 17:3. I would have Luke 17:3-4 immediately follow Mat 6:14-15. Here is a great example of the proper word definition being used and adding a little background, all to bring clarity and understanding to what is being read:

"As it is written in Scripture, Num 15:27-31, there are two ways to sin, unintentionally and intentionally. So I tell you that when you forgive anybody who has committed any unintentional sin against you, God your Father will forgive any unintentional sin you commit against another or God. But if you don't forgive others any and all unintentional sin against you, God will not forgive your unintentional sin.
But, now, pay attention to this! If your brother, another believer, commits intentional sin against you, you must rebuke and admonish him! And IF, and only if, he repents (acknowledges, feels remorse, and vows not to do it again), forgive him. If he doesn't repent, don't forgive him! If a brother intentionally sins against you seven different times in a day and repents each sin, you will forgive him! Those in God's family must not hold grudges and be quick to forgive (Eph 4:32)

This example shows how Mat 6:14-15 and Lk 17:3-4 do tie together and gives a complete understanding of what Jesus taught. Normally, if one were to read Mat 6:14-15 one day and seven days later, was to read Luke 17:3-4, the reader will not make the connection. So, what do you guys think? Is this a needed version? My initial thought to title this work is "The Self-Explanatory Gospel," with the subtitle "Read and Learn the Words of Jesus for Yourself."

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