The Father- “The Lord bless thee, and keep thee;

The Son- “The Lord make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee;”

The Holy Spirit- “The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”

There are plenty of images and decorations for Christmas.  Because of Constitutional concerns over separation of Church and State, you don’t find many of them displayed on government property.  The state of Iowa is an exception; it permits religious displays on government property during holiday periods.  A Nativity set was put up on the rotunda of the Iowa state capitol. 

No sooner was the Nativity up than the Satanic Temple of Iowa demanded they be allowed to erect an altar at the Iowa state house, not far from the Nativity.¹   Though the Governor personally opposed such a display, she said, by law, they must also be allowed to display their religious symbol.  The symbol is said to represent the pagan idol Baphomet, a figure with a gilded ram’s head, wearing a cape.  The state did insist they not use a real ram’s head.

An ordained minister in the Christian and Missionary Alliance stirred up public debate by agreeing with the Governor that government neutrality on religion on religion and First Amendment rights meant allowing the satanic statue to be displayed.

A Navy pilot and former congressional candidate from Mississippi saw the debate on social media.  He drove to Des Moines and cut off the head of the satanic idol.  For his moral outrage, he was charged with fourth degree criminal mischief, and could be awarded a year in prison along with the opportunity to donate up to $2650 to Iowa.

When I first learned of the Naval officer’s action, I shouted, “Hoo-rah Navy!”  Politicians already have a difficult enough time making morally correct decisions without placing a satanic statue on their pathway to legislation.  

I discovered there is a Satanic Temple somewhere in North Carolina, though I don’t think it has any branches in eastern NC where we live.  Its stated purpose is to “positively impact the residents of North Carolina.”  Such an impact, if they were to erect a satanic idol, might result in many representatives of all Armed Forces, active and retired, volunteering to cut the head off the statue.

When I discussed the news story at a recent pastors meeting, several interesting points were raised about the greater importance of telling someone about your faith instead of pointing to pictures or statues.  I did a little research and discovered most members of the Satanic Temple are atheists who use Satan as a metaphor for not being subject to any rules.  That’s good insight because Jesus told us we would encounter opposition from false teachers, and we should use the opportunity to witness to them (Luke 21:13).

Another interesting point was most people have seen numerous pictures of a baby in a manger, angels, crosses, drawings of Jesus, etc. So much so that, today, fewer and fewer people can tell you what those images truly mean. Perhaps we should be less concerned about displays of Christianity on government property and more concerned about speaking to people about the truth of God’s word and the coming of His Son to earth as a baby in a manger. As believers, we are to be witnesses for Jesus throughout the world (Acts 2:32). It is more difficult to go tell it on the mountain this Christmas, than to sing Go Tell It On the Mountain. Why not do both?

”For with God nothing shall be impossible.“
‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭37‬ ‭KJV‬‬

”Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.“
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Every time we call Him Jesus we are saying, God with us (Immanuel), He is God, He is God with us and God for us. He is our Savior, born of a virgin. Have you put your trust in Him?…?

”For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.“
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

”Into thine hand I commit my spirit: Thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.“
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭31‬:‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

”Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”“
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬-‭23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

What better day to remember the importance of how Jesus was conceived than Christmas Eve.

The Right Kind of Help

By Oswald Chambers

And I, if I am lifted up…will draw all peoples to Myself. —John 12:32

Very few of us have any understanding of the reason why Jesus Christ died. If sympathy is all that human beings need, then the Cross of Christ is an absurdity and there is absolutely no need for it. What the world needs is not “a little bit of love,” but major surgery.

When you find yourself face to face with a person who is spiritually lost, remind yourself of Jesus Christ on the cross. If that person can get to God in any other way, then the Cross of Christ is unnecessary. If you think you are helping lost people with your sympathy and understanding, you are a traitor to Jesus Christ. You must have a right-standing relationship with Him yourself, and pour your life out in helping others in His way— not in a human way that ignores God. The theme of the world’s religion today is to serve in a pleasant, non-confrontational manner.

But our only priority must be to present Jesus Christ crucified— to lift Him up all the time (see 1 Corinthians 2:2). Every belief that is not firmly rooted in the Cross of Christ will lead people astray. If the worker himself believes in Jesus Christ and is trusting in the reality of redemption, his words will be compelling to others. What is extremely important is for the worker’s simple relationship with Jesus Christ to be strong and growing. His usefulness to God depends on that, and that alone.

The calling of a New Testament worker is to expose sin and to reveal Jesus Christ as Savior. Consequently, he cannot always be charming and friendly, but must be willing to be stern to accomplish major surgery. We are sent by God to lift up Jesus Christ, not to give wonderfully beautiful speeches. We must be willing to examine others as deeply as God has examined us. We must also be sharply intent on sensing those Scripture passages that will drive the truth home, and then not be afraid to apply them.

Thanks NCDR David for sharing…

”“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.“
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭13‬:‭45‬-‭46‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Pearl of great price…

I have only one photo today, as usual, everyone can take pictures, videos and even fly drones, but not us.

I only complain on almost every post because I love to take photos and display them on this site.

All of our recovery work will cease tomorrow. We have a sort of a job that does not include wearing tyvex and masks. That is a good thing, because we spent the better part of the day working in them.

It is strange to think that our three weeks are over and tomorrow is our last job in Lahaina. We have met and served many property owners, and have performed our job like no other Fire we have worked before.

”And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.“
‭‭Mark‬ ‭6‬:‭31‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Jesus told His disciples to rest a while. My prayer is that my NCDR team, David, Mike, Jim and Joel are resting for a while. My prayer will be for Mark, Kent, Janice will rest a while.

Rest a while. This can only be accomplished if you have put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ. If you’re reading this by chance and have not placed your faith in His hands, Do it today, don’t wait!

Rest a while…

”He also taught me, and said to me: “Let your heart retain my words; Keep my commands, and live.“
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“The heart will blaze the trail that the feet will follow.”

The Gospel is written a chapter a day

By the deeds that you do and the words that you say.

Men read what you say whether faithless or true.

Say, what is the Gospel according to you?

Love incarnate, love divine
Star and angels gave the sign
Bow to babe on bended knee
The Savior of humanity
Unto us a Child is born
He shall reign forevermore

Noel, Noel
Come and see what God has done
Noel, Noel
The story of amazing love!
The light of the world, given for us
Noel

A typical day for us, prayer, breakfast, vans, ice chests, screens, tarps, shovels, five gallon buckets, gloves, tyvex suits, N95 masks, pump sprayers, golf carts, walking, searching, praying, talking, digging, lunch, more digging, sifting, cleaning, driving, paperwork, showers, Bible study, dinner, prayer, debriefing, prayer, meetings, bed, and rinse and repeat, same tomorrow…

We would not have it any other way….

”But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.“
‭‭I Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

After church we had a great lunch with North Carolina Mike. We had some plans to visit some more of Maui, but eventually just hung out and rested for the remainder of our day off…

What can wash away my sins?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus;

What can make me whole again?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Oh! precious is the flow

That makes me white as snow;

No other fount I know,

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

“Man of sorrows!” what a name

For the Son of God who came

Ruined sinners to reclaim!

Hallelujah! what a Saviour!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,

In my place condemned He stood;

Sealed my pardon with His blood;

Hallelujah! what a Saviour!

Guilty, vile and helpless, we;

Spotless Lamb of God was He:

“Full atonement!” can it be?

Hallelujah! what a Saviour!

“Lifted up “ was He to die,

“It is finished,” was His cry;

Now in heaven exalted high;

Hallelujah! what a Saviour!

When He comes, our glorious King,

All His ransomed home to bring,

Then anew this song we’ll sing:

Hallelujah! what a Saviour!

P. P. Bliss

“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭28‬-‭31‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

This a great way to end a beautiful ministry opportunity that the Lord provided for us, lunch at the ocean. Our teammate Mike was under the weather for a while and then decided he would rather hang out with the Incident Command team than us. So we had lunch at the beach and ate ice cream without him. All kidding aside, our Chaplain and team did some of the best and most needed ministry to a family today. You could step back and see the Lord working through them…

After lunch we went to the Maui Civic Center where the Disaster Relief Recovery resource center is. It was like old home week for Norma and she introduced me to all of the people she worked with back in September. I felt like I was with a celebrity…

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭27‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Not only in Disaster Relief, but in your everyday life…

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.””
‭‭Daniel‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Sing to the Lord; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods. The gods of other nations are mere idols, but the Lord made the heavens! Honor and majesty surround him; strength and beauty fill his sanctuary. O nations of the world, recognize the Lord; recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong. Give to the Lord the glory he deserves! Bring your offering and come into his courts. Worship the Lord in all his holy splendor. Let all the earth tremble before him. Tell all the nations, “The Lord reigns!” The world stands firm and cannot be shaken. He will judge all peoples fairly. Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy! Let the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for he is coming! He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with justice, and the nations with his truth.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭96‬:‭1‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This is Henry. He is a decorated war veteran and we had the privilege of finding three of his four war medals that he really wanted to recover. A Navy veteran…

“There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of his roots. The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. His delight is in the fear of the Lord, And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, Nor decide by the hearing of His ears; But with righteousness He shall judge the poor, And decide with equity for the meek of the earth; He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins, And faithfulness the belt of His waist. “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, The leopard shall lie down with the young goat, The calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; Their young ones shall lie down together; And the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play by the cobra’s hole, And the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper’s den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord As the waters cover the sea. “And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, Who shall stand as a banner to the people; For the Gentiles shall seek Him, And His resting place shall be glorious.””
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭11‬:‭1‬-‭10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Jesus is the Restored King, Anointed King, Righteous King, Edenic King, and the Universal King.

A warm day of work. Our team was able to assist two families today. Both jobs were difficult due the type of construction of their homes. Our team consists of me, from Arizona and four fellas from North Carolina. We are probably the best team in Lahaina!

I got to assist with the cultural briefing today.

The clouds went away just in time for a fantastic sunset. Norm was at the reception center helping residents with the numerous organizations there. It was a good day…for both of us…

We are blessed to be serving in Maui again. Norm served and then I served and now we are back again, this time together.

What makes Thanksgiving so special? 

Why do we celebrate this holiday?

Thanksgiving is unique as it celebrates the larger concept, something everyone, regardless of religion, race, or creed, can relate to and recognize—something uniquely American. 

It’s deeper than just Pilgrim’s dressed in top-hats sharing some turkey with the American Indian natives. 

There is a reason we, as grade schoolers, were taught about the Mayflower and the first Thanksgiving before we were ever taught about the first English colonies in the New World. 

The original English colonies in North America emerged either for economic gain or in pursuit of royal glory on behalf of the King. 

However, the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower and the communities they established went beyond mere colonies; they were the architects of America. And, that is why Thanksgiving is so important.

Why the Pilgrims came to North America

If not motivated by gold or glory, why would the Pilgrims make the journey across the Atlantic to settle on a strange, hostile coast? 

Of great importance, these Pilgrims were NOT adventurers—young men with strength and experience, nothing to lose and everything to gain—but rather established professionals with families, children, jobs, and EVERYTHING on the line. 

This was a very dangerous trek in which survival was not guaranteed. 

In fact, the Mayflower had a famously deadly first winter; 44 of the 102 original passengers died from a combination of disease and malnutrition.

If it was that dangerous, why leave in the first place? 

Many of the Pilgrims were Separatists, they were a religious group originating from England, inspired by the Protestant Reformation raging on the continent at that time. 

They firmly believed that reforms to the Church brought about by King Henry VIII’s divorce from the Catholic Church and the creation of the Church of England were insufficient. The felt that the only way to correct them was to break away and build a new, separate Church (thus Separatists). 

Yet, King Henry couldn’t allow that. He couldn’t allow the Separatists to live their lives as they saw fit as it would be a direct challenge to his “divine right to rule.” Henry burned or beheaded those that disagreed with his religious policies. 

So, the Separatists were persecuted, driven out of their homes, and fled across the ocean to fend for themselves in a remote and hostile land. The Pilgrims risked all for a chance to lead their lives in the way they believed God wanted for them.

Hardships Endured by the Pilgrims

The Pilgrims faced many hardships during the crossing, including a severe storm that nearly shattered the Mayflower and sent it far off course. Massachusetts, where they actually landed due to the storm, was hundreds of miles away from Virginia, where they had intended to land. 

This was a problem for the Pilgrims: the documents establishing their rights to be there, in Virginia, and the authorities that governed them, were now void. 

Yet, these courageous men and women who had just braved the Atlantic to escape the King were not ready to limp back to England to grovel at the King’s feet, renegotiate their charter, and risk beheading. Nor would they risk making the turn south towards Virginia around Cape Cod with its dangerous winds and shoals.

So, on November 11th, 1620, the pilgrims gathered and decided to write their own charter. In doing so, they began a legacy of self-governance that we can follow to the present day. 

This new charter, known today as the Mayflower Compact, had profound meaning for the Pilgrims, who saw it as an important part of their original mission: to create not only a new Church but also a new nation joined by a covenant with God. 

The Mayflower Compact would continue to be read at the beginning of government meetings for years, despite it being legally superseded only a year after its creation.

The First Thanksgiving

If you think back to grade school, you know where this story goes next. 

In March of 1621, an English-speaking Wamponaog Native American named Samoset made contact with a Pilgrim named Edward Winslow. Before long, the Wampanoag were teaching the Pilgrims how to survive in New England. 

That autumn, following a successful harvest, surviving the trek across the Atlantic and establishing their own government, the Pilgrims decided to celebrate with a three-day festival of prayer. 

The Pilgrim chronicler Edward Winslow noted in his journal that the colony’s governor, William Bradford, sent four men on a “fowling” mission in preparation for the three-day event. They invited their new Native American friends, brought out the pumpkin pie . . . well, pumpkins at least. The pie would come in later years. 

And, Winslow wrote, additionally, that the Wampanoag arrived with an offering of five deer they roasted over a fire on a spit . . .

With that, the First Thanksgiving was born.

What did these sojourned souls have to be thankful for? 

• They were forced to flee their homes
• Their ship barely made the crossing
• They landed in the wrong place
• Half their number died before the year was out
• They had to rely on strangers for their survival
• Everything that could have gone wrong did go wrong

So, why were they so thankful?

• They were thankful for their lives and the lives of their surviving friends and family
• They were thankful for their relationship with God, strengthened not only by their hardships but also by their newfound religious freedom that permitted them to worship God in the way they saw fit. 
• They were thankful for the generosity of strangers, who saw them in their struggles and stretched out a hand
• They were thankful that there was an English speaker among the Native Americans, over 3,000 miles away from England, in an area previously untouched by Europeans? Coincidence? I think not. 

While these things, family, food, and freedom, may seem trivial or basic to many of us here and now, they were everything and more to the Pilgrims. 

This week put yourself in the shoes of the first Americans, look around at all we have, be full and content with the grace of God smiling upon you with the simple basics of life.

“And although it be not always so plentiful, as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want, that we often wish you partakers of our plenty.” —Edward Winslow; (Pilgrim and diplomat) on the First Thanksgiving

May your Thanksgiving be full of thanks, joy and plenty.

Repost from our Doctor Adam Nally…

“Order for the Visitation of the Sick.“

“The minister shall say to the sick man: Do you believe that you cannot be saved but by the death of Christ? The sick man answers, Yes. Then let it be said unto him: Go to, then, and while thy soul abides in you, put all thy confidence in this death alone; place thy trust in no other thing; commit thyself wholly to this death; cover thyself wholly with this alone…And if God judge thee, say: Lord! I place the death of our Lord Jesus Christ between me and Thy judgment; otherwise I will not contend or enter into judgment with Thee.

“And if He shall say unto thee that thou art a sinner, say: I place the death of our Lord Jesus Christ between me and my sins. If He shall say unto thee, that thou has deserved damnation, say: Lord! I put the death of our Lord Jesus Christ between Thee and all my sins; and I offer His merits for my own, which I should have, and have not.

“And whosever of us can thus speak, to him the promise speaks out from the shadows of the tent of meeting: ‘This Christ, the Lamb of God, the true burnt offering, shall be accepted for thee, to make atonement for thee!’”

Anselm of Canterbury

The relationship between the first three books of the Bible…

-In Genesis- man is ruined.

-In Exodus- man is redeemed.

-In Leviticus- man is worshipping God.

“Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.””
‭‭John‬ ‭4‬:‭21‬-‭24‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“It has been said that Moses spent forty years in Pharaoh’s court finding out he was a somebody. He spent forty years in the wilderness finding out he was a nobody. And then he spent forty years finding out what God can do with a somebody who realizes they are a nobody.” Pastor Greg Laurie.

“But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out.”
‭‭Numbers‬ ‭32‬:‭23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Law demands—grace gives.

Law says “do.”—-grace says “believe.”

Law exacts—-grace bestows.

Law says “work.”—-grace says “rest.”

Law threatens, pronouncing a curse—-grace entreats, pronouncing a blessing.

Law says “Do, and thou shalt live.”—-grace says “Live, and thou shalt do.”

Law condemns the best man—-grace saves the worst man.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Please join us in prayer for the residents of Lahaina. Many are seeing their homes for the first time since August 8th…

“And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.””
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭14‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The Lord Jesus will not rest until all of His sheep are accounted for. We need to get the Word of God out to the lost. The world needs to see the salvation of the Lord…

The county here has been allowing residents to enter the town in zones and today, Monday has been my busiest so far. Very hot rewording work for the Lord. We are all trying to show the Love of Jesus to this community. Ninety nine lives lost. I remember every day I come to the site…

Day 2 started early, a 45 minute drive to the recovery center to catch a bus to the burn area. No photos can be taken of any property that has been affected. About 20 or so gold shirts spread out throughout the small area where we are allowed to work. Some work was scheduled and others was solicited. I helped on two properties, did two assessments and generally helped out where I could.

“The heart stands for what we are, the hand for what we do. What we are, that ultimately we do.”

““For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭43‬-‭45‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, Prosperity within your palaces.” For the sake of my brethren and companions, I will now say, “Peace be within you.” Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek your good.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭122‬:‭6‬-‭9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

One of the greatest proofs of the accuracy of Scripture is the existence of the nation Israel.

The Jew is the burning bush that should cause the unbeliever to turn aside and take a look.

The Jew has existed down through the centuries- amazingly. From the days of Moses to this present hour.

The Jew has attended the funeral of many nations that have come and gone. He is still here.

Israel has been in the fire of persecution since Egypt and counting.

“Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. Then Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.” So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.””
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Just like the burning bush Israel has not been consumed!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, Pray for Israel…

“And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.””
‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so. Proverbs 3:27.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=IJQnBuEGYU8&si=Nzsu9tLG62O7PN6P

In the video it says that there is “No Gospel in Calvinism,” I also can state from experience that there is “No Love in Calvinism.” I can’t understand why people will sit in a fellowship, under a Pastor that spews this false doctrine out week after week. I know Christians that even though they know it’s wrong, still go, or return to join in this false doctrine. “It’s my church.” No, it’s not a church, it’s a social club. “My family members still attend.” Tell them the Gospel Truth. Iron sharpens iron. Your life is a testimony to God and who God is to a lost world. Be an Example to your family and the world. Really though, when you get down to it, the average church member just doesn’t care. “Calvinism is just too hard to understand, it has no affect on me.” I have pretty much heard it all…

We will have to give an answer as to how we handled the Word of God. We will be held accountable!

Sadly, the average church person has no idea what Calvinism is. I didn’t. I certainly do now. Read your Bible, read commentaries, keep scripture in context, study the whole Word. The hurt and pain of seeing your church fall to Calvinism, the feeling that is given is that you are wrong, maybe your not even a believer, are you sure that God choose you? “You have a Bad Heart!”

This is really hard to put into words, but the one thing I know for sure…

There is no Love in Calvinism!

In January of 2010, Randy and his wife Bertha gave Norm and I on the job training on preparing food for flood victims in Salome Arizona. We still remember cooking 180 pancakes and 130 hot dogs. When Bertha went to be with the Lord in 2012, Randy gave Norm Bertha’s disaster relief kitchen apron.

That same year, Randy and Mitch, took me under their wing and guided me in learning so much more than feeding and chainsaw work. 2017 was the last year we served with Randy, he will be missed…

“Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart; He who does not backbite with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend; In whose eyes a vile person is despised, But he honors those who fear the Lord; He who swears to his own hurt and does not change; He who does not put out his money at usury, Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭15‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
‭‭I John‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“And Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin, and clothed them.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

He prayed for strength that he might achieve;

He was made weak that he might obey.

He prayed for health that he might do greater things;

He was given infirmity that he might do better things.

He prayed for riches that he might be happy;

He was given poverty that he might be wise.

He prayed for power that he might have the praise of men;

He was given infirmity that he might feel the need of God.

He prayed for all things that he might enjoy life;

He was given life that he might enjoy all things.

He had received nothing that he asked for- all that he hoped for;

His prayer was answered- he was most blessed.

Anonymous.

“And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.””
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“It is the call of Divine justice, which cannot overlook sin. It is the call of Divine sorrow, which grieves over the sinner. It is the call of Divine love, which offers redemption for sin.” Dr. W.H. Griffith Thomas.

Any sinner may be healed if he will only come to Christ.
J. C. Ryle

The Sabbath was on the Seventh day…

The Levitical system was built on a cycle of sevens…

Jericho fell after seven Priests, with seven trumpets, for seven days, marched around its walls, and blew seven trumpets seven times on the seventh day…

Naaman dipped in the Jordon river seven times…

There are seven days of creation…

The Bible ends with a book of Sevens about the Ultimate Destiny of Creation…

There are 7 days in a week, 7 notes in music, 7 colors in a rainbow…

Seven is thought to stand for Completeness, a unit, fullness, Totality…

The “Seven Beatitudes” of Revelation-

Blessed is he that reads this prophecy (1:3).

Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord (14:13).

Blessed is he that watches for the Lord’s coming (16:15).

Blessed are those bidden to the Lamb’s marriage supper (19:9).

Blessed is he that has part in the first resurrection (20:6).

Blessed is he that keeps the words of this book (22:7).

Blessed are those that wash their robes (22:14).

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The seven names of God that meet our every need.

Jehovah-jireh, the Lord will provide.

Jehovah-rapha, the Lord that heals.

Jehovah-nissi, the Lord our banner.

Jehovah-Shalom, the Lord our peace.

Jehovah-ra-ah, the Lord my shepherd.

Jehovah-tsidkenu, the Lord our righteousness.

Jehovah-shammah, the Lord is present.

“Now the Lord had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.””
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Please pray for the peace of Jerusalem…

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“The most general forms into which the manifestation of the Unknowable are re-divisible are time, space, matter, force, motion.” Herbert Spencer.

“In the beginning (time) God created the heaven (space) and the earth (matter). And the earth was without form and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God (force) moved (motion) upon the face of the waters.” Genesis 1:1-2.

Creation or speculation, your choice. Choose wisely, your future beyond earth depends on it….

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Having heard the Gospel and seen the creation of God, you will be without excuse…

“Then Job answered the LORD, and said, I know that thou canst do every thing, And that no thought can be withholden from thee. Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? Therefore have I uttered that I understood not; Things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: But now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent In dust and ashes.”
‭‭Job‬ ‭42‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Job repented and God gave him restoration. God favored Job over his ‘friends.’ Job was not the wicked man, as his friends implied, but genuinely a righteous, man when brought face to face with The Lord of All, cried out “I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”

“I call this book, apart from all theories about it, one of the grandest things ever written. Our first, oldest statement of the never-ending problem: Man’s Destiny, and God’s ways with him in the earth. There is nothing written, I think, of equal literary merit.” Thomas Carlyle.

“The Book of Job is perhaps the greatest masterpiece of the human.” Victor Hugo.

“The Book of Job rises like a pyramid in the history of literature, without a predecessor and without a rival.” Philip Schaff.

The oldest book of Scripture talks of our need for an intercessor, Someone between God and man, Jesus Christ….

““Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭25‬-‭34‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The cure of anxiety: trust in the Father’s care.

“as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance;”
‭‭I Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

I NEEDED THE QUIET

I needed the quiet so He drew me aside,

Into the shadows where we could confide.

Away from the bustle where all the day long

I hurried and worried when active and strong.

I needed the quiet though at first I rebelled

But gently, so greatly, my cross He upheld,

And whispered so sweetly of spiritual things

Though weakened in body, my spirit took wings

The heights never dreamed of when active and gay.

He loved me so greatly He drew me away.

I needed the quiet. No prison my bed,

But a beautiful valley of blessings instead—

A place to grow richer in Jesus to hide.

I needed the quiet so He drew me aside.

Alice Hansche Mortenson.

“to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,”
‭‭I Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“It will always be new; it will never decay. No night ever comes; it will always be day.

How it gladdens my heart with joy that’s untold

To think of that land where nothing grows old.“

Stop looking at the present and start for Him to come…

My life in God—-that’s salvation!

My life with God—-that’s communion and fellowship.

My life for God—-that’s service.

“Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.”
‭‭II John‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Love is that in God which existed before He would care to exercise mercy or grace. Mercy on the other hand, is that in God which duly provided for the need of the sinful man. Grace is that in Him which acts freely to save because all the demands of holiness have been satisfied.” Dr. Lewis Sherry Chafer.

God can say, “I am love, and I am rich in mercy. I love you, and I have provided by My mercy a Saviour for you.”

Will you trust Him???

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.”
‭‭I John‬ ‭5‬:‭20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Christianity is not a religion. It is Person- Jesus Christ! If you have Jesus, you have salvation, not religion…