Number 1
Like you, countless times I have met people who are searching for meaning in their lives. Perhaps they visited a church once or twice. Or maybe they were faithful members somewhere and something happened which caused them to leave the church. These seekers really want that which will satisfy but many are not sure where to look anymore. Let’s admit it-the church can be the most political institution in the world! We don’t like to admit it, but it is true. People are not hungry for more politics. They are not hungry for more expertise. They are not seeking something to do with all their spare time. Most have none! They are not really seeking anything other than God- The Living Water and The Bread of Life. Only a personal relationship with God the Father, the Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost satisfies. Only the Bride worshiping in adoration of the Bridegroom does that. When we live in relationship with our Lord we are satisfied. Then our thirst is quenched and our souls are satisfied.
My favorite setting for ministry has always been over a cup of coffee. Additionally, the porch swing has always been one of my favorite places in all the world. Several hundred years ago, King Solomon built a portico (porch) onto the Temple of the Lord. Many exciting things happened there. Believers gathered there and miracles took place. Teaching occurred there. Lives were changed there. Most importantly, Jesus the Messiah walked with believers there.
I want to minister to the folks on the fringes- the seeker who is unsettled about going to church. There are simply nuggets that the Lord has shared with me over the years! Some are for seekers and some are for believers who have been on the journey a good while.
GLORY AMEN!
Charles Spurgeon, in his work entitled Eccentric Preachers, told the story of Billy Bray, who lived in Cornwall, England. He came to the Lord at the age of 29 and was completely transformed from his previous alcoholic lifestyle. He had a deep sense of renewal not only of self, but of everything around him. He would jump and dance all the while shouting, “Glory!”
Once he admitted, “I can’t help but praise God. As I walk along., I lift one foot and it seems to say ‘Glory.’ And, then I lift the other foot and it seems to say, ‘Amen.’” After his salvation, he spent the rest of his life taking orphans into his home, building churches, and preaching. He never lost his enthusiasm.
When his wife passed away, even then he shouted praises. “Bless the Lord!@ My dearly beloved is gone up with the bright ones! Glory Glory! Glory!” Later his physician told him of his impending death and again h shouted, “Glory! Glory! Glory! I too, shall soon be in heave.” Gazing at his departure h, his last word was, “Glory!” When was the last time that you shouted? Was it a shout of joy or agitation? When did yo8 last dance? Which good news would make you shout for joy and dance inc jubilation? Winning the lottery? Knowing that God loves you and forgives you?
Ever Wonder Why?
…God would insist that Abraham pray for Abimelech for the healing of Abimelech’s wife and slave girls so that they bore children, when Abraham’s lying to the king caused the barrenness in the first place? (Reference Genesis 20:1-17)
Jewish tradition teaches that Abraham was to humble himself before God and the king by bending the knee in prayer. This act was one of humility. The king would witness a humble priest bowing to God. This is the first mention of prayer in the Torah.
Love
In the bok of Matthew, where the judgment day picture discloses our Lord seated on the Throne, dividing the sheep from the goats, the test of a man is not, “How have I believed?” but instead “How have I loved?” -Henry Drummond
A Cheerful Heart…
A police man was sitting at the intersection of a city street, A lady with seven children in her car ran the stop sign. The policeman followed her as she ran two more stop signs. The policeman stopped her and asked, “don’t you ever stop, lady?” She replied. “Oh, these are not all mine.”
Solomon’s Portico
Number 2
PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM
The Shelf Agreement
Presently there is an agreement called the Shelf Agreement which Christians need to understand. This agreement is in the hands of both Senators McCain and Obama. The EU, UN, and the Arab League have all approved this agreement. What is the agreement about? It is an agreement to divide the land of Israel in the Holy City of Jerusalem. Scripturally, God has said that we are not to divide His land. Furthermore, He says that the nation that divides the Holy City will be cursed with a curse. This needs to be a matter of sincere prayer. We need to be faithful in our prayers concerning this matter. Reference: The Jerusalem Prayer Team, Mike Evan September 2008 Newsletter
THE CHURCH IN THE WORLD TODAY
Lisbon Treaty
On July 16, 2008 Queen Elizabeth II, agreed to the Lisbon Treaty. What is the Lisbon Treaty? Member states of the common foreign and security policy actively comply with the Union’s actions. Having agreed with this treaty means that “They (those within the union) shall refrain from any action which is contrary to the interests of the Union or likely to impair its effectiveness as a cohesive force in international relations.” Those who have agreed with this treaty (members of the European Union) can no longer determine unilateral action for the defense of their country, nor form alliances with a second country such as the United States. They are now subservient to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Reference: Tomorrow’s World, September/October 2008.
THEOLOGICALLY SPEAKING
The Timeline
When I think about the things that are happening in these days two things come to mind. First, fear not. Second, remain prayerful. One of most comforting things about our faith is the recognition that our God is Sovereign. Nothing escapes His notice. Nothing catches Him by surprise. No matter what happens, God is still on the throne. We need to be prayerful and that prayer needs to include plenty of penitence. We need to repent of our individual sins but also the sins of our nation. The list should come easily.
Throughout history we can observe that whenever nations ceased to be monotheistic and became polytheistic they met their downfall. While we need to respect others whose faith is different than ours we do not need to accept their faith. All faiths are not equal. They never have been and they never will be. There is “One Lord, One Faith, and One Baptism.” It is not coincidental that the nations who have failed to acknowledge this One Lord have struggled and faced unbelievable and insurmountable difficulties. God has promised to bless the nation that acknowledges Him. He has also promised that we could pray, seek His face, repent, and turn from our wicked ways, He will heal our land. That is a conditional promise. God is always faithful in His part. We need to be more faithful in ours.
LOOKING AHEAD
Temple Priests Are Being Fitted For Their Holy Garments
Tailors at the Temple Institute have been taking measurements of the Kohanim. The Kohanim are to serve as priests in the Temple. There will be a third and final Temple. The priests are being fitted in anticipation of the final Temple. This is the first time in the past 2000 years that priests have been fitted for such garments. Reference: Israel My Glory September/October 2008
LAUGHTER DOETH GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE
A young man decided that it was time to marry. He wanted to make certain that his parents would accept his mate for life. He told his mother, “I want to bring 3 different ladies over for dinner on three different nights. I want to see if you can choose the one that I am going to marry.” The mother agreed. He brought home each woman. After all three ladies had dined with his family, he asked his mother, “Which one do you think I’ve asked to marry me?” “That’s easy,” she said. “The second one.” “How did you know?” he asked. “She’s the only one that I didn’t like!” replied his mother.
WORTH THE READ
The Kregel Pictorial Guide To The Life Of Jesus by Rob J. Bewley, copyright 2005, A Historical Guide to the Life and Times of Jesus Christ. This book explores the early years, ministry, last days, resurrection, purpose of Jesus and more. It is a wonderful presentation in art and history of studying the life of the Greatest Man That Ever Lived! It retails for only $9.99. Kregel Publishers, P.O. Box 2607, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-2607. You may order it on the following website www.kregel.com
Chance or Dance An Evaluation Of Design by authors Jimmy H. Davis and Harry L. Poe, copyright 2008, is a wonderful review of the scientific evidence of our creation and the detail by which it exists. This book requires something of a scholarly approach. It is not an easy general read. It is rich in its detail and worth the time investment required to read it. It may be ordered by contacting Templeton Press 484 531 8380 or www.templetonpress.org