Willing To Die For Jesus

Above is a 10-minute interview of Myriam, a ten-year-old Iraqi Christian.  She survived an invasion of ISIS.  She thanks God and teaches the world a lesson on forgiveness. Watch Myriam as she shares her story of being displaced from Qaraqouish, Iraq by ISIS and forgives them.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Come Up Here

  The whole world seems to be in an uproar right now—anarchy reigns on some college campuses and in some cities—terrorist attacks take place daily someplace in the world—hate rules.  What would God have His people do?  Pray, pray, and pray some more. 

In Paris a pastor wondered what he could do for the people after the terrorist attack last week.  He felt led to go door to door to pray with the people.  See the video here. 

What should happen to the refuges streaming out of the Middle East?  See the chart above showing that Christians who are currently being wiped out in the Middle East have not been permitted into the United States in any number.  This is a definite prayer request that this situation will be remedied.

I’m studying Revelation with Bible Study Fellowship this year.  In chapter 4 verse 1 God calls to John with a voice like a trumpet –“Come up here!”  In the Spirit John was transported to the throne room of God.  We, as believers, can be in the throne room of God, in prayer, because of what Jesus did on the cross. 

Prayer makes a difference.  Remember the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life?”  When George was missing, prayers went up for him all over the city.  God sent Clarence the angel to help.  We need God’s help now.  Here are some additional suggestions for what God’s people can pray:

Proverbs 22:3 says, “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.”  Pray that the leaders of the United States would be prudent.

·      I Timothy 2: 1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ² for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

·       Numbers 22:31 That the eyes of The Church will be opened to see the truth about the social sins and false teachings in our churches.

·      Pray for our military, police, and fire fighters for protection and wisdom as they do their jobs.

·      Pray for honest judges and officials.

·      Pray for the media to produce family friendly entertainment. For movie stars to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. Reporters to report the facts without bias.

·      Business leaders to be honest and for dishonest people to be removed.

·      Our schools, teachers, and administrators to teach the “Golden Rule.”  For safety, and choice of schools for students.

·      Unity and love in our families.

What prayer requests would you suggest?  God will hear and answer.  We must not give up!

I Can't Believe It Isn't Even Thanksgiving

Aeon Store Okazaka, Japan-- photo by Toby Oxborrow

If you haven’t heard, there have been some complaints that the Starbucks cup being used this season doesn’t have any decorations depicting Christmas on it. I think that the guy who started the hubbub about the red cup just wanted more people to read his blog! The cup doesn't bother me, as I usually don't buy Starbucks coffee!

But what should a Christian do? Christians are supposed to be in the world but not of the world. One Christmas, when I was visiting my son in Japan, I noticed that in Japan at Christmas there are many Christmas decorations. Of course it is all about shopping and not Jesus. Now it is becoming the same here. It is all in God's plan, I believe. He is urging His people to seek Him. God wants us to spend time with Him in prayer. We have nowhere else to go. When the school Christmas concert is all about snowflakes we can start a prayer group to pray for the school and especially the music. They are losing out on some beautiful music by not using the traditional songs. We can try to identify the Christian teachers and give them Christmas cards with the emphasis on freedom of religion. We can pray for salvation for those in power. God holds their hearts in His hand and He can change them as well as our hearts. We need to be filled with God's love for those who are lost. God is working in their lives as well as ours. It's all about perseverance!  And yes, it is about spreading the gospel and making disciples.  Does a protest about a cup do that?  I don't think so.

Here are two blogs I read about the protest: Click here and here.

The Stone

Jerusalem

 Let me tell you why I think that the end of the world as we know it is imminent—according to the Bible.  Ezekiel 38-39 tells about Gog leading all the nations against Israel.    Zachariah 12 relates how God will destroy Israel’s enemies. Currently Russia is allying with Iran, Syria, and others. A One World Government is politically possible. A One World Religion is looking possible as the Pope reaches out to Muslims among others.  Everything is in place. With more and more violence against Israel the time is ripe for God to save His people. See the video below:

 Also, Israel has lost another major ally.  Canada is no longer a friend of Israel because of the election of Justin Trudeau in October. The following video tells the truth about Justin Trudeau and the liberals!! 

In Acts 4 we are told that salvation is found in no one else except Jesus.  “¹¹ Jesus is

“‘The stone you builders rejected, which
 has become the cornerstone.’^[A]

¹² Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” 

So, in what looks to be the last days, with the Apocalypse probably coming upon us very soon, it is time for everyone to make their peace with God—and that is only done by confessing our sins to God and accepting forgiveness through what Jesus did on the cross.

We live in exciting times.  God’s people have no fear, as we know that God is working everything out for our good.  He will come in and dwell with all who will accept His free gift.

Another One Gone; Another One Bites The Dust

I have decided that there are two more TV shows that I will no longer watch because the characters are sexually immoral. The story line tolerates this behavior as perfectly acceptable.  A jingle from a weight watcher commercial keeps going through my head--Another one gone; another one bites the dust!  Those shows have bitten the dust for me.   I felt a little disappointment at first -- then my resolve set in. Good-bye TV shows and no regrets!

In the past I continued to watch TV shows where some characters were jumping into bed with each other even though they were not married.  But I drew the line at approval of homosexuality.  Now I’m beginning to draw the line at unmarried people sleeping with each other. It’s just wrong! Saving yourself for marriage is the way to go.

I thought Glenn Beck had a good point on the Kelly File the other night.  See the above video. He said the problem with our country is that we are immoral.  I agree.  We no longer use the Bible as the plum line to direct our laws and lives.  Everyone does what he thinks is right in his own eyes.

  

I will continue to self censor and pray that my non-watching of certain shows will make a difference in my life and maybe other lives as well.  Maybe if every Christian stopped watching these types of TV shows they would go off of the air. At least our children won’t have to see these things on TV. But now even some commercials are no longer family friendly. I wonder how parents will explain such things to their kids?!

What do you think?