Devot. God Our Help

Dear Friends, 

 

I hope you all had a very blessed, peaceful and Christ filled Christmas as me and my family did.   

 

As I was preparing this devot. I remember a New Year's Eve tradition from when I was a child that I would like to share with you.

 

Early evening on New Years Eve we would go to spend the evening at the home of a very Godly Christian family. We knew that we and the other Christian families who went to their home would have a fun family time, yet without all the alcoholic drinking and ungodly carousing that other homes would host. 

 

We would have a meal and munch through the night.  The kids would play hide and go seek,  indoor Capture the Flag (of sorts) watch Little House on the Prairie  and the adults would chat and catch up with other couples that they only saw this one time a year. 

 

A hour before midnight all the families would gather in the living room to have a Yankee Swap.  Everyone brought a gag gift, sometimes a nice one would appear, to open and then  you could trade for what you really wanted to take home!  It was so much fun for everyone!   I think I still have some of the artificial fruit from the fake fruit tree we seemed to get stuck with! :)

 

Then 5 minutes before 12 we would gather on their wraparound porch with pots and pans.  But the very neatest 'noisemaker' of  all was the host family's Shofar (a ram's horn that the Jewish people would blow on special days, to warn of attack from the enemy or as a signal during battle).   We would count down the seconds to midnight and the at 12 the man of the house would blow on the shofar to welcome in the New Year.   All the guest would then come into the house and close the night, or should I say open the New Year, with a few minutes of prayer. 

 

The reason I share this is to encourage you to have a Godly 'family friendly time' this New Year's Even and make the Lord the center of your and your family's lives this New Year.

 He has brought you through 2014 and will help you through another year.  Shouldn't we acknowledge the One who has sustained us all this time much less given us the breathe to make it to another year?!  "Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!"  (Ps. 107:8)

As I have reflected this Christmas and New Year on what my family has done in the past, I am thankful for how I was brought up.  The end of Ps. 16:6 says, "yea, (Yes!) I have a goodly (beautiful, godly) heritage."   

 

I pray that my reflections of this season will inspire you to start similar traditions in your own.  Even if it is just you, or the kids are out of the house, start it for you and as a way to honor the Lord, let your light shine for Him.  (Mathew 5:14-16)

 

May the Lord bless you and your family with His peace, presence, joy in living for Him, and good health this year.  Happy New year from me and my family to you and yours!

 

Devot.http://www.icr.org/article/remembering-god-our-help   (Used by permission. Taken from http://www.icr.org/)  

 

Song:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDN623rmnEY

Devot. Treasure of the Heart

Dear Friends,

I hope you had a super weekend!  It is hard to believe that Christmas will be here and gone by the end of this week.

But as I have been telling my students, we have something of value and substance that we can carry and celebrate in our hearts all year long-Jesus Christ, who is our Hope of Heaven and the Gift of eternal life, life in Heaven with Him.

 

This is a gift that is free to all who wish to receive Jesus as Lord and Saviour of their lives(Ephesians 2:8-9) and it is a gift that never goes out of style, fades or can be stolen (John 5:11-15).  It is yours for keeps!

 

This devot. perfectly describes what I wish to explain when I think of my ticket for Heaven being paid for in Christ's blood and the day I received Jesus and His ticket to Heaven (I accepted that His death and resurrection paid my sin debt).

I pray that all of you make the True Reason for the season ring in your hearts and homes this Thursday.  It's the only thing that will last past the gifts.   From my family to yours, Merry Christmas!

Devot. http://www.icr.org/article/treasure-heart   (Used by permission.  Taken from http://www.icr.org/)

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqFsFY0M8WI

Devot. Christmas- A Personal Promise

Dear Friends,

I hope you had a blessed, and safe week!

The devot. today is a neat one.  It explains how Christmas is God's own personal promise to the one who has trusted Him for salvation.

 

I wanted to share something I am doing with the students I teach to get them thinking about the True Reason for the season and why it is important in their lives.  I hope it would maybe inspire you to do this with the young people in your life.

 

During Christmas time, I call our living/dinning room areas 'Manger City' because of the 3-4 manger scenes that grace these rooms. 

They are all different kinds, styles, and with sentimental value, like the one my sister in law  made me for my 1st Christmas.  

 I have all the 'key players' (wise men, shepherds etc..) set up, but I have left out Baby Jesus. I ask each of my students to see if the manger scenes look aright to them, everything there etc... I am looking to see how observant the kids are:) 

Many of them have caught on in a few moments and after a few looks that Baby Jesus is not there!

I then ask them why I would keep Baby Jesus out of the manger scene since HE is THE MOST IMPORTANT PART of Christmas?!
They usually respond that He hasn't been born yet:)  I affirm that Mary has not delivered yet since she is still 1 week early:)

I then take this chance to ask them what would they say if someone asked them what Christmas meant to them and why that was important?

The majority of them have responded that Christmas is important because it is Jesus' Birthday.  I then ask them why that is important.

Many of them have responded that His birth is important because He came to this earth to die for our sins so that we could be saved from hell,and go to Heaven by trusting in Him.

Folks this is the heart of the matter.   My point for this live example is two fold:  1.  What these children have said is the heart of this season.  They get it.  2.  What are we doing it to make this Reason an active part of our hearts, homes, families?  Are we teaching this to the young ones in our lives or is there 'No Room' for Him in our lives?  Remember how I said last week that so far, we have the freedom to emphasize The True Reason for the season.  We must take these opportunities in life to give our young people values of substance that will help them see their need to accept Jesus as their way to get to Heaven (they are smarter than we give them credit for and understand more than we assume in this area), build them into being a godly light in the next generation, sustain them though the tough times in life and prepare them for Heaven.

It's never too early to start and never to late to emphasize this.  But we have to make a conscious effort to do so, like using the manger scenes.

This example is what my parents did with me as a child, and it has stuck all these years later.

 

The devot. below is about how we can prepare our hearts and homes for Christmas and how this glorious day is a special promise from Him.

Lord bless you this weekend!

 

Devot. http://www.intouch.org/resources/article-archive/content.aspx?topic=Christmas_A_Personal_Promise_Article#.VH-nY-ktBMs   (Used by permission)

 

Song Below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMus8df0HBU

Devot. and Your First Christmas Card!

Dear Friends,

I pray you had a blessed Thanksgiving and weekend!

Well it is the beginning of December and I am sending you your first Christmas card and Christmas devot. of the season.

I was emailed this forward below last year and saved it for now.  You know that I am direct and say how things are. 

The forward is sadly how things are in our country right now.  My parents reflect that it was not like this in their or their parent's day.

 But it doesn't have to stay that way though.  We are still a free country and people, Praise God, and can still stand up for how things should be. 

God has placed us here to be lights in a dark world (Matthew 5:14-16) and it is at this time of year when we can let the love of Jesus shine from us. 

People are looking for lasting meaning to their lives and this season beyond the gifts and parties. When all that is gone, what will they have left to help them through the rest of the year?  Hopefully Jesus if we have the courage to share Him with a hurting world this year.

Remember that Christmas was about Christ before commercialization and all the rest of that came about. 

 

While I know that some may not choose to keep The True Meaning in the season, and they are free to do so as citizens of the US, individuals and even God gives us free choice, we should have a right to keep Him in the season for us, our families and future generations.  

I pray the devot. below is a great start to your Christmas season and the forward is a reminder of the state of our union and what we as Christians can do to make a difference at this time of year.  God bless you this week!

Devot. http://www.icr.org/article/celebrating-kingdom-christmas  (Used by permission.  Taken from http://www.icr.org/)

                                                               Twas the  month before Christmas

                                          When all  through our land,

 Not a  Christian was praying

 Nor taking  a stand.

 Why the PC  Police had taken away

The reason  for Christmas - no one could  say.

 

 The  children were told by their schools not to  sing

 About  Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and  things.

 It might  hurt people's feelings, the teachers would  say

 December  25th is just a ' Holiday '.

  Yet the  shoppers were ready with cash, checks and  credit

 Pushing  folks down to the floor just to get  it!

 CDs from  Madonna, an X BOX, an I-Pod

 Something  was changing, something quite  odd!

 

 Retailers  promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa

 In hopes  to sell books by Franken &  Fonda.

 As Targets  were hanging their trees upside  down

At Lowe's  the word Christmas - was no where to be  found.

 At K-Mart  and Staples and Penny's and  Sears

You won't  hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your  ears.

 Inclusive,  sensitive, Di-ver-is-ty

 Are words  that were used to intimidate me.

 Now  Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf  Blitzen

 On Boxer,  on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton  !

 At the top  of the Senate, there arose such a  clatter

 To  eliminate Jesus, in all public  matter.

 

 And we  spoke not a word, as they took away our  faith

 Forbidden  to speak of salvation and grace

 The true  Gift of Christmas was exchanged and  discarded

The reason  for the season, stopped before it  started.

 

 So as you  celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream  Tree'

 Sipping  your Starbucks, listen to me.

 Choose  your words carefully, choose what you  say

 Shout  MERRY CHRISTMAS,

not Happy  Holiday!

 

 Please,  all Christians join together and wish  everyone you meet

 MERRY  CHRISTMAS!

 

 Christ is  The Reason for the Christ-mas  Season!

If you  agree please forward, if not, simply  delete.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Devot. A Heritage of Thanksgiving

Dear Friends,

I hope you all had a peaceful weekend! Well Thanksgiving is this week!  Where did the time go?

The devot. for today is a bit of a refresher in the history of our country.

I read a statement online this week that said Thanksgiving is not a religious holiday. 

 I agree in one way and beg to differ in another way.

 

I agree that Thanksgiving is not a religious holiday.  At least it is not celebrated in that way by many at this point in our country.  I say this with deep sadness. I do agree though that at one point in our nation's history it was a time when family's reflected on God's blessings, realizing from Whom "all blessings flow" (words from a hymn) and they offered up heartfelt thanks  to the Lord around the Thanksgiving table. 

 I also wanted to state that at the heart of the first Thanksgiving was 'religion.' The Pilgrims came to this country from a distant land so that they could worship as they pleased without the penalty of persecution.  They wanted to go to the church of their choice, worship God from their hearts.  not go to a specific church because it was the law of their country and worship God based on traditions and rituals of that church or country's religion.   

 

At the first Thanksgiving, the Pilgrims decided to give thanks for even the little bit they had.

They had survived a very hard winter, lose of loved ones due to starvation and yet they wanted to thank God for the meager provisions they had, the friendship of their new Indian neighbors and the fact they lived to make it to another day in their new country.

 As I said last week, we should be mindful, thankful, and prayerful for what we do have-however little or much- as it is more than some. 

I also wanted to share something neat, a statement that was a blessing to me.  My church had a Thanksgiving Praise service at my church yesterday-church service, hymns that were Thanksgiving in theme, a traditional Thanksgiving meal afterwards, and a chance to say in church what we were thankful for.  One lady who is new in church said that this was her first time to celebrate Thanksgiving!  She is from Australia and they do not celebrate it down there.  She really made me think when she said very fervently that she thinks every country should celebrate Thanksgiving as it is a time to set aside to really thank God for His blessings.  I think she is very true!

 

In closing, I pray this devot, would remind you of this history of Thanksgiving and give you a burden to share with your children, grandchildren the true meaning of this Thursday.  Based on curriculum in school now a days, they may not get the full story, esp. the spiritual side of the Pilgrims search for religious freedom which is what even led to the first Thanksgiving.

Please feel free to pass this devot. on as well.  Just please erase my email:)

May the Lord bless you and your family this Thanksgiving with His grace, and presence!  From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!  (Devot. and song link below)

Devot. http://www.icr.org/article/heritage-thanksgiving/    

 

Thanksgiving Song Link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGt4-KyFwe4

Devot. Thanksgiving

Dear Friends,

I hope you had a super weekend!

The devot. for today shows that there are 2 ways to give thanks-thanksgiving and praise-giving and the devot. explains the difference between the two.

 

Scripture says that "in every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

I know that it isn't always easy to thank God for problems in life, situations that come up.  It's easier to complain than to have a grateful heart and character to say 'thank you.'  But Scripture says we are supposed to AND it is God's will that we do too:)

I was saying yesterday to our church that in spite of what we don't have or want and don't have, we have more than most. 

Think of our brothers and sisters in Christ in Iraq who have lost homes, towns and children because of the  evil that is terrorizing them right now!  I know none of us are going through that at this time, thank the Lord.

When I start complaining about something, my mom lovingly reminds me that I can see, walk, talk, hear, breathe on my own and have a roof over me, food on the table. 

More than most....

 

In regards to our suffering brothers and sisters in Iraq, they are in need of clean water and warm blankets as they don't have access to drinkable water and the temps in Iraq are below bitter right now.    If you, your church, work group, Sunday School, children's youth group/sports team could help, RUN Ministries is asking for any amount of help and it is tax deductible.  http://runministries.org/

 

It saddens me when I think that folks have been driven out of their homes, lost children due to ISIS and it spurs me to help through my daily prayers and any other way.

Please pray about it how groups you may know could help and certainly be praying for RUN that the Lord would abundantly meet those needs.

 

Below are two reminders (devot. and song link) of all we have to be grateful for.  

 

Lord bless your week with His peace and protection!

Devot. http://www.icr.org/article/1245  (Used by permission.  Taken from http://www.icr.org/)

 

Song Link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0svXA-oRTk  (FYI The pianist in this video is blind.)

Devot. The Eyes of the Lord

Dear Friends,

I pray that you and your families have had a blessed, healthy and safe week!

The devot. for today is a reminder that the Lord knows where you are, sees you,

and knows your needs-spiritual and physical needs, He knows all about you.

Pray the devot. is a blessing and Lord bless and keep you and your families safe this weekend.

 

Devot. http://www.icr.org/article/4688/  (Used by Permission.  Taken from http://www.icr.org/)

 

Song Link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOm2mMusqUw 

 

P.S.  Off the subject, but I have been thinking over the last week that as the weather turns colder and some states already have snow that as you drive to and fro, keep your eyes open for any animals that are outside (dogs, horses etc..) that may not have proper shelter or have been outside for too long (like your neighbors dogs).  I had a 'Humane Law Enforcement Officer tell me once that it was the public, in part, that kept them informed of needs and concerns.   I have a big heart and concern for animals and when this time of year comes I worry:)  I try to make others aware of their everyday surroundings and encourage them to contact their local animal shelter, animal control, local police (you can remain anonymous) if you see something that just doesn't seem right.   

Just felt led to mention:)  Blessings.

Devot. Election Day

Dear Friends,

 

 

I hope you had a super weekend!  Well tomorrow is the General Election for the US.  The devot. below gives a reminder to believers that we can make a difference in our nation by our vote. 

 

Remember 2 Chronicles 7:14? "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways;  then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." 

 

Our land being healed, restored, turning back to the Lord and the values of the Bible begins with us-the believers in the land, not anyone else. 

 

Also based on the Bible, what type of a leader should we vote for? I have also included a very short devot. on the qualifications of a good leader.  The verses gives apply to a pastor or deacon, but the qualities can apply to any man (or tweak it a bit for a lady).  Some of the qualifications based on Scripture are those who choose life, moral/family values just to name two.

 

I was also just thinking of Romans 13:1, "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."

This was is a blessed reminder to me that no matter the outcome of the elections in our states, the Lord calls us to obey our authorities because He is the one who 'ordains',

sets in place, those who hold office.

 

I pray that as you read this devot. and compare it to who you are voting for, may the Lord give you wisdom in making wise choices that will honor Him and help to turn our nation back to Him. 

Lord bless you and your family this week! (Scripture links and devot., qualifications devot. below)

 

Scripture Link: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=phil.+3%3A17-21&version=KJV  (A reminder from Paul to the Philippian church to follow the examples of other true believers, that there are those out there who are enemies of the cross of Jesus, but that our 'conversation'- means 'citizenship' in the Greek, is really in Heaven.  Earth is our temporal home until we get to Heaven.)  

 

 Devot. http://www.icr.org/article/election-day/   

 

A short list of qualifications: http://www.icr.org/article/qualifications-leaders/

Devot. The Devil and Halloween

Dear Friends,

I pray you have had a good start to your week!

 

I wanted to write some things that have been a burden on my heart this week.  Please bear with me as I share.

The first is the title of this message.   For many folks Halloween is something fun to dress up for, esp. with the little people in your life. For some of us this event has deeper spiritual ramifications because we have learned what is behind the traditions, what it really means

to those who do not believe that Jesus is God, but that their god is Satan.  He is spoken of in Scripture as being 'the god of this world' that has blinded folks who do not know Jesus to the Truth (2 Cor. 4:4).  

I'm going to give you a little challenge.   Go to Wikipedia.com and type 'Halloween.'   A cursory read esp. from sections 2.1 to 4, will give the history behind Halloween, certain 'traditions' (pumpkins, jack-o-lanterns).  It is eye opening and I pray you  will take it seriously and see if from a spiritual standpoint.  Ask yourself the question: Am I a spreading spiritual 'light' or darkness by advocating, following these 'traditions.'  What Would Jesus Do?" 

 

As Christians we are to be 'salt and light' in this world (Matt. 5:13-16).   Just as salt adds flavor to food and light is supposed to bring brightness to darkness, so we are Christians are supposed to add a good 'flavor' to this world and shine for Jesus in our lives, not add to the spiritual darkness.  We are called to be an "example of the believers,...in conversation (lifestyle)."  1 Tim. 4:12  

I am very grateful that my parents choose to stop celebrating Halloween in our home when I was born.  They had trusted the Lord Jesus to save them shortly before my birth and then when I was little, they found a pamphlet at church that explained the deeper meaning behind this night.  They later read the book "Live Free" by Tom C. McKenney and it opened their spiritual eyes to the deeper meaning behind this scary night.  The Lord used it in a powerful way in our lives and I have felt very compelled to share this spiritual light with you through this devot. 

 

Secondly, I would love to ask each of you to join with me in praying once a day for our persecuted brothers and sisters in the world.  I was thinking today of the girls who are still being held captive in Nigeria; the ladies/children who have been taken by force by ISIS in Iraq; RUN Ministry (a ministry helping on the ground in Iraq) workers who have been murdered by ISIS and are in desperate need of prayer at this time; the refugees who RUN is been taking in and taking care; a Christian mom, Asia Bibli, in Pakistan who is due to hang for her faith (Her story is along the lines of Miriam).  There is a petition on aclj.org calling for her release that will only take a minute to sign.  It's on the left side of the screen, scroll down a bit.   Please sign!

Our prayers can change things.  James 5:16 says that 'the effectual ('able to produce a desired effect'-meriam-mebster.com), fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."   

Pray you have a blessed week and please consider all has been given this week.  The Lord burdened my heart to share, so please take it as a message from Him:)

Scripture Link: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+3%3A17-21&version=KJV  (An invite to walk in spiritual light)

Devot. http://www.icr.org/article/devil-halloween/

Devot. The Circle of the Earth

Dear Friends,

I pray you had a blessed week! 

I thought this was a neat science based devot.  It is insightful, inspirational and truthful.

Pray you have a blessed and relaxing weekend!


Devot. http://www.icr.org/article/1848/  (Used by Permission from ICR. http://www.icr.org/)


John 9: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+9&version=KJV   (Keep reading those 5 verses a day.  Think about what you have read; what it means in context-What is the chapter and surrounding verses dealing with?- and ask the Lord how it can apply to your everyday life.)


Song that reminds us Who created all!  http://www.youtube.com/watchv=u-ZAQwXZ7YQ (Another fav.)

Devot. Blood Moons Interview With Mark Blitz

Dear Friends,

I hope you have had a blessed week!

Did you see the blood moon Wed. morning? I got up early to catch a glimpse of it with my mom, and it was worth it!

The devot. for today is a short video clip of a gentleman named Mark Blitz who is studying the blood moons.

I want to specify that while I believe that the blood moons signify that something  significant is going to happen in our world between now and the last blood moon in September 2015, (could be a war in the Middle East or financial problems world wide) I cannot say for sure that it is the end of the world.

Mark 13:32 says, "But of that day and that hour knoweth  no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father."  

Jesus Himself nor the angels know when the Rapture will happen, only God the Father knows and we should not try to set a date.

But just as there are signs that a storm might be heading in a certain direction, there are many tangible signs in our world that things are not getting any better, spiritually or morally.   Rumors of wars, strange diseases, unusual or violent weather changes, persecution of believers is all documented in the Bible as happening right before the end times.  Right before could be 10 years from now for all we know. 

But the two keys to this is: 1. Watch the Middle East, specifically Israel, and what is going on there.  If you have been reading the devots. Israel has always played key in the blood moons.  2. Make sure your family, friends, those who mean something to you, know how to get to Heaven by trusting Jesus as their only way to get There.

Pray the video clip states what I've been trying to share clearly! Have a blessed weekend!  Devot. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPTG5gejO4E  (Not sure what 'a spirited debate' station endorses or advocates, but this interview is Mr. Blitz is very 'solid' and he is on the right Biblical track.  Also in regards to his comment that 'we will be around for awhile,' but based on the verse in Mark that I shared above, it's hard to say:)  If you can't watch this at work, fw it to your home computer.

 

Devot. Tomorrow's Blood Moon

Dear Friends,

 

I pray you had a blessed week!

 

Well here is another devot. on the upcoming 'Blood Moons.'   I was doing a bit of reading last night on them and inquister.com said that "this is not just a full lunar eclipse,...but what is...often referred to as the impossible eclipse."

 

But Jesus said Himself Luke 1:37, "Nothing is impossible with God." Colossians 1:14-17, "In whom (reference is Jesus based on previous verse) we have redemption through his blood,  even the forgiveness of sins:  Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:  For by him were all things created,  that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:  And he is before all things, and by him all things consist (hold together)."

 

And Psalm 19:1 says, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork."  The very heavens shout the glory of God and the skies show His workmanship.   Tomorrow morning is an example of that.

 

 

According to inquister.com, tomorrow's blood moon will appear around 6:25 AM, EST and the time to get a glimpse of it will be between 2-9 minutes. 

 

There are 5 more that will appear next year and then they won't be around again until 2032.   Based on the devot. I'm sending and a short video that summaries a bit of it,  there is a great deal of Bible significance to these Blood Moons and we should take notice of as they effect the Nation of Israel and subsequently us.

If you want to read more about tomorrow's Am sighting, go to http://www.inquisitr.com/ and it is under the 'news and politics' tab.

 

Share this info. with your loved ones and friends.  This is important info. that must be shared in order to see what God is doing right now and what we can expect.

 

If you are just visiting this blog, I would encourage you to read this post: http://thejourneyheavenward.blogspot.com/2014/09/devot-upcoming-blood-moons.html

It gives a more in depth look at the blood moons and their huge significance for Israel and the the rest of the world (this time of year, time in history, what the Bible has to say about this phenomenon).  

 

It's perspective is taken from the Old Testament, it's Scriptures, history and is absolutely amazing!

 

In this link http://thejourneyheavenward.blogspot.com/2014/09/devot-gods-purpose-in-troublesome-times.html  I give some links and sources (books, a news link) of where you can find answers to what is going on in our world right now.  I would HIGHLY ENCOURAGE YOU to look at this link and it's sources.  If you REALLY WHAT TO KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON IN OUR WORLD, the links I provide in the above link will do just that.   If you have any questions, please email the address in the "Contact" tab on the main screen.

 

Lord bless your week!  (Devot., short video clip below, please read and watch!)

 

Devot. http://www.wnd.com/2014/02/blood-moons-mania-to-shake-planet-earth/

 

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oK4O0um1gwo

Devot. The Upcoming 'Blood Moons'

Dear Friends,

I hope you have had an awesome start to your week!
 

I'm sure you have heard about the 'Blood Moons' that are come up at various times this year and next.  One is due to appear on October 8th, one next April and next September 2015.

This devot. is a lengthy article that combines that facts with Scripture.  It explains what this means for us  as Believers in Jesus, for the world and what is going to happen next in our world.   The devot. is really is a combo of Science, Jewish history, the Old Testament and Bible prophecy.

The article is long and detailed so here is what I suggest for all of you:  Read half of the article. 

Stop at the caption- "The Passover Week that Changed the World"  and 'digest it' really good.  Take your time reading it over during the week.   I will re-send it next Tuesday and encourage you to read another half.

If you want to read the whole thing this week, it's fine by me, I just didn't want to give you too much. So the choice is up to you:) 

I would also highly encourage you to read my devot. from 9/16/14-God's Purpose in Troublesome Times.  In it I give several book ideas and a news link that will explain the seriousness of what our world is experiencing, all the turmoil on so many fronts, what it means for the US, the world, and what we can expect next.   All the links are from a Bible and prophecy perspective, and also give the history of what the US and/or God's people (Israel) have gone through in the past and how that affects our future today.  And believe me, it does.

Please feel free to comment with questions or send me an email at the address in the connect tab. 

Pray that the Lord blesses your week with His peace and presence! 

Devot. Article:   http://www.pray4zion.org/TheComingBloodMoons.html

Devot. The Gift of Peace

Dear Friends,

I hope you had a great weekend!  The devot. for today is finding God's peace in the midst of turmoil in life.

How do you gain this peace and then keep it?  Jesus said to His disciples in John 14:27,

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."  The Lord can give us a peace that the world cannot even begin to offer us.

One of the Lord's titles in Scripture is "The Prince of Peace"  (Isaiah 9:6-a passage you hear frequently at Christmas) and Ephesians 2:14 says 'he is our peace.'  But the only way we can keep this peace is found in Isaiah 26:3,

"Thou (the Lord )wilt (will) keep him (anybody) in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."

The key to having perfect peace is your mind of Him and Who he is (the Price of Peace).  That peace comes from trusting in Him and is it "perfect" because is comes from Him!

I pray the devot. is a blessing!  I have also included a fav. hymn about peace that I will sing if I'm worried or un-peaceful :)

May the Lord bless, protect and keep healthy you and your family this coming week!  (3 links below)

Devot. http://www.intouch.org/resources/article-archive/content.aspx?topic=The_Gift_of_Peace_Article#.VCCKzhjD_mI 

(Used by Permission)

Listen:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDffdacBr64

John 7: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+7&version=KJV  (Public Domain)

2 Yr. Imprisonment of Pastor Saeed/Help Iraqi Believers!

Dear Friends,
Below is an update on Pastor Saeed and the situation in Iraq (persecution of believers in Iraq, but some amazing rescue stories!)
Please read carefully and prayerfully consider joining with RUN Ministries to help them as they rescue and provide help to persecuted believers in Iraq.

From the American Center for Law and Justice:

Will you join us in prayer for American Pastor Saeed?

Friday, September 26th, marks the two-year anniversary of Pastor Saeed's illegal imprisonment because of his Christian faith.

Two years apart from his wife. Two years without seeing his two kids.

All across the world, thousands of people are gathering to pray for Pastor Saeed and the persecuted Church.

There are over 500 prayer vigils scheduled in 33 countries around the world, including the kick-off event in front of the White House with Franklin Graham and Pastor Saeed's wife Naghmeh that I will be attending.

Please consider attending a prayer vigil nearest you, and invite your friends.

As we continue fighting globally for his release, it's time to pray for Pastor Saeed. It's time for his freedom.

Learn More and Attend a Prayer Vigil for Pastor Saeed.

Jordan Sekulow
ACLJ Executive Director

                                  =================================

 

From the Desk of:
Mat Staver
Chairman, Liberty Counsel Action

September 25, 2014

I've shared several dramatic testimonies from refugees who have been rescued by RUN Ministries volunteers in northern Iraq. This update is about one of the rescuers: a volunteer named "Abraham." His lifesaving work has been made possible through the support of Liberty Counsel Action friends like you. Please keep reading for a behind-the-scenes look at RUN's ongoing rescue and relief efforts — Mat.

For several weeks now, I've been writing to you about our partnership with RUN Ministries. President Eric Watt's team of volunteers is made up of believers from across the Middle East who are literally risking their lives to rescue Iraqi Christians and other religious minorities from ISIS terrorists.

Due to security concerns, I can't tell you how many RUN leaders have died carrying out this difficult and dangerous work. But lives are being saved today because of their sacrifice.

This morning, I got a powerful and inspiring email update from Eric detailing the amazing story of one RUN rescuer:

Abraham had been working non-stop for more than two days and was completely exhausted. But he knew that he could not rest; he had to go out one more time to look for those hiding in the Sinjar Mountain area of northern Iraq.

Earlier that day, he had gotten word that families may be still be hiding. So he and his teammate set out in the middle of the night. Within a couple of hours, Abraham spotted a family huddled together, eyes closed and trying to hide silently to avoid terrorists or wild animals.

He approached them and quietly announced that he was there to help, offering food, water, and safe passage to a peaceful camp.

Their fears subsided, and then the long journey through the mountains began. Hours later, as the sun began to rise, the "Community of Hope" refugee camp appeared. Abraham had rescued another family and led them to safety.

Eric says Abraham and his team have gone behind enemy lines to rescue more than 1,800 families -- so far! RUN Ministries is committed to continuing this dangerous, difficult, and lifesaving work, but they can't do it without our help.

More than 18,000 Iraqi Christians and other religious minorities are currently under RUN's care and protection. Hundreds more arrive every day! Eric's team just doesn't have enough shelter, food, water, medicine, or clothing to adequately address this continuous influx of new families.

The current military action in Syria and northern Iraq is expected to dramatically intensify this humanitarian crisis. Eric estimates that RUN Ministries will be caring for and protecting 20,000 Iraqi Christians and other religious minorities by this weekend. Even if you have donated to RUN previously, please do what you can to help their team of volunteers continue their difficult, dangerous, and lifesaving work.   http://runministries.org/

Thank you for your faithful prayers and generous financial support. God bless you!
 Mat Staver
Chairman, Liberty Counsel Action