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Name: Max Hashbarger From: Mexico E-mail: Contact

I know that there are many hurting, lonely and abandoned people in the world at this time of year. It seems like that at Christmas our senses are more aware of life's difficulties and injustices. But, please, don't give up, give in or give out. You are, just as your are, some time very special to the Lord of all Creation. Hey, as they say, 'God don't make no junk.' And, He didn't start making junk when he made you. Just not true. Read this message I found and I hope that the Spirit of God will speak to your heart and encourage you to find your inner strength and the Helping Hand of God. You can make it. He's willing to help you. And, others are, too. God Bless you All. Max "It has been a long time since I was sitting on my couch willing my brain to turn off and let my body go to sleep. A very long time. If I remember correctly it was the first night that I found out my husband of 5+ years was cheating on me (and fell in love) with a woman that I trusted and called friend. That was a night of shear contemplation and lots of different emotions. That was a CRAPPY night. Tonight I sit up for different reasons, more than to do with feelings than thoughts. I have some great people that I am worrying about. Some people that are going through hard times, unsure of what the future holds, broken by people they loved as well as this great economy that we live in. It has been hard for all, whether you have a job or not, a relationship or not, a child or not, a life or not, a (fill in the blank here) or not. Too much to think about, too too much to think about but yet here I sit with my head flowing with people I love and the stresses, drama and problems that they are dealing with. It is hard to watch someone you love hurt, suffer or feel lost. I have always held my friends in my hand, wanted every possible happiness for them as long as it was a healthy happiness. As long as the path they were traveling was toward light and not toward darkness. But so few can see the light sometimes, the path is so dim because it is covered with trees. And worse is when you can’t see the path in any way around you and you just sit down, feel broken and cry. I sit and worry while I keep silent. Sometimes you just have to do that, as much as you may love someone you have to go silent. Fade into the darkness until they call for you. Speaking when a friend is lost, broken, unhappy, etc. can be one of the worst things. You can, in your compassion, actually cause more harm than good. Especially through emails and texts - the greatest things being words are interpreted by the reader how the reader sees fit. You may have the greatest intentions and yet even on a normal day words and their intentions can be read wrong. One of my favorite people complained of this just the other day during a visit, he shook his head at a text message and paused before replying back to it for some time to insure he was not mean because he took said text as such. All of this reminds me of a great quote which says “the road to hell is paved with good intentions” - Samuel Johnson, 1775. Is it a bad thing to walk away from a friend when they may seem at their weakest point, perhaps… I was very very weak last year. I was broken and suicidal. I had no faith in people and while it was not my fault, which I realize only now, at certain points I did need to been alone. I needed to get on my hands and knees and feel out my path in the darkness. My path had turned from light to darkness in a second, and gave me no sense in any direction of which way to move. It was a very scary time for me, but also a time of great growth, great review and great reorganization. My perception of my life was very different than others perception of my life. I realized that I protected my husband, I gave into his wants even when they were not my own, I let him say and do horrible things to me and all while instantly forgiving him. I let him break me, I let him change me, and I let him warp my mind and my morals. I gave so much to him because he was my husband and because in my mind once you marry you don’t walk away. There are vows that were taken, implied or said they had been ingrained in me since I was little. I picked him and I was going to make it work even if I was a shell of a person I was going to try and try and try my hardest to make him happy. As horrible as it was to find out what was happening in my house and right under my nose, it was him doing it, not me, NOT ME! A relationship only works if both people work at it, if both people accept to progress down the path of life together, hand-in-hand and relying on each other each time one of you shall stumble. And stumbling will and does happen. You will very rarely both be walking tall through the entire journey, but the faith is that one of you will. Hands holding each other through each step, even when the path is dim and neither of you can see. The problem is truly looking at that person, truly seeing that person. Removing all falsities, some of us can while others still feel a sense of obligation even perhaps a sense of guilt. Do they make you want to stand tall as a mighty oak or do they take an axe to your kneecaps? When you falter, do they wrap their arms around you and protect you or are they helping dig your grave? I know any of you sitting here reading this are thinking “how could someone…” but I tell you they do. The people that are supposed to be our #1 supporter can be the detriment to our entire being with one action. One word, one call and one thought. They can wreck our entire being and make us not repairable. I have reached out my hand to a couple of people as of recent. Some that asked with their mouths and others with their eyes. I remember bringing myself from brokenness as if super-gluing together a vase that had shattered into thousands of tiny unrecognizable pieces. Gluing one piece into a spot and realizing it didn’t fit there and looking for the right piece. It is a time of very quiet contemplation. It is a time of great solace because even when you look in the mirror you are upset with the person you see. Dark circles that show the true us even through the façade that we manifested. A façade is not good, truth even when it hurts is what each of us needs. We all go through patches of bad mixed with patches of good. WE ALL DO! No one’s life is perfect and even the best intentions end up hurting the intender or the intended. For some of the people that I love, and you know who you are, it is safer for me to pull away. I have said what I have said only to protect each of you. I have done things to try to bring you back from what shattered you only because I understand where you are, but this is the time that you and only YOU shall have to get on your hands and knees and feel your way towards the dim light in front of you. I am sorry that I could not be a better friend but this will be your dark time…. Just know that when you do call out my name, I will come back out of the shadows, pick you up, dust you off and hand you my hand and my flashlight. I love you all more than you know and know you can do this. You can repair yourself and you need to fill your life with those that make you want to be an oak and wrap their arms around you for not themselves but for you. Be what YOU want! Do not shatter further! You can review all your sadness, remove all the falsities and start to see the light on your path. You will have to squint a bit but know that YOU CAN."   Added: December 31, 2009

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Name: Max Hashbarger From: Mexico E-mail: Contact

#419 12 May 09 . . . "Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? . . . Luke 15:8 Grateful for . . . . THE WORD OF GOD ! (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) Greetings! Welcome to our new list readers! So thankful you could join us. God loves you! The parable of the lost coin should not be separated from the parable of the lost sheep, for they are intimately connected. Duplicate parables portraying the same truths were not uncommonly used by Christ. In this parable Jesus tells of the joy of the angels at the conversion of a single lost person. The application is plain. If the angels themselves rejoice, so ought all true believers to rejoice with them when a single soul is converted. By implication these words condemned the Pharisees and scribes for their criticism of Jesus' ministry to despised tax collectors and sinners. Be a blessing this week! * * * * * * * * * This week's Trivia's: [answer's below . . ] 1. What was the name of Abraham's first wife? 2. What eight-letter word means "a falling away from God's truth"? * * * * * * * * * That which has been decreed by heaven cannot be annulled by hell * * * * * * * * * BIBLE MEDITATION: "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name." John 20:31 "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: The same Jesus who turned water into wine can transform your home, your life, your family, and your future. This same Jesus is still in the miracle working business. And His business is the business of transformation. And when we believe that Jesus is the Christ, we will receive life through His name. Someone has well said that nature forms us, sin deforms us, penitentiary reforms us, education informs us, the world conforms us, but only Jesus transforms us. Why is it that sometimes when we read the Bible, we leave our common sense at the door? You don't just pick up a book, open it at random, and start reading in the middle of a paragraph. The book wouldn't make any sense. In order to understand and get the full appreciation for the book, we read it sequentially and in paragraphs or units. When you read the Bible, read for quality not quantity. Don't see how much of the Bible you can read. See how much of the Bible you can assimilate and apply! Maybe what you need to do is spend a week studying one verse. ACTION POINT: What are you to trust Christ for today? A miracle? Or for more of Him? Your very next breath is a miracle. Thank God for the miracle of life He has given you today. In your Bible reading today, stop and ask yourself, "What is God telling ME?" Not, "What does this say?" But, "What is God saying to me?" Then, seek to put that into practice today. from the Ministries of Love Worth Finding .. by Adrian Rogers * * * * * * * * * What Jesus says is more certain than anything we can feel * * * * * * * * * Fresh Eyes by David Jeremiah There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28 It's almost impossible not to do it—see the differences in people, that is. We walk down the street, enter a crowded room, or visit a shopping mall, and immediately our visual radar begins to sort people out: tall or short, rich or poor, black, white, or brown; and countless other differences are immediately apparent. The problem starts when we begin to make judgments about those people without even knowing them, or treating them differently once we do meet them. When we play favorites or show prejudice, we are violating God's standards. In spite of our physical, economic, or ethnic differences, God sees all human beings the same way. All have the same spiritual need (being reconciled to Him) and all are free to have their need met the same way (through the universal offer of the Gospel of Christ). None are God's favorites when it comes to receiving His love and grace. And none should be our favorites when we are representing Him in this world. You can't keep from seeing the external differences in people, but you can keep from acting on them. Ask God to give you fresh eyes to see the world as He does. Recommend reading .. James 2:1-9 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Blessing: "I have said this to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Beware lest we mistake our prejudices for our convictions. Harry A. Ironside * * * * * * * * * This week's teaching by John MacArthur on the book of Revelation: Because The Time IS Near. THE BELIEVERS OF THE TRIBULATION THE POWER UNLEASHED Then out of the smoke came locusts upon the earth, and power was given them, as the scorpions of the earth have power. They were told not to hurt the grass of the earth, nor any green thing, nor any tree, but only the men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. And they were not permitted to kill anyone, but to torment for five months; and their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it stings a man. And in those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will long to die, and death flees from them. 9:3-6 Out of the vast, billowing, ominous cloud of smoke that darkened the sky and caused panic among earth's inhabitants, John saw a new terror emerge. Vile demons, taking on a visible form resembling locusts, swarmed out of the abyss to plague the earth. The imagery of smoke is a fitting depiction of a locust plague, since millions of the grasshopper-like insects swarm so thickly that they can darken the sky and blot out the sun, turning day into night. One swarm over the Red Sea in 1889 was reported to have covered 2,000 square miles. The destruction they can cause to crops and other vegetation is staggering .. 2 Chron 7:13 .. Yet these were not ordinary locusts, but demons, who, like locusts, bring swarming destruction. Describing them in the form of locusts symbolizes their uncountable numbers and massive destructive capabilities. The fact that three times in the passage (verses 3, 5, 10) their power to inflict pain is compared to that of scorpions indicates they are not actual locusts, since locusts have no stinging tail as scorpions do. But the devastating pain inflicted by these demons will be far worse than that of actual scorpions. In this judgment God brings demons into direct contact with the unrepentant people. The fact that these locust-and scorpion-like creatures come from the pit and that their leader is the "angel of the abyss" (9:11) indicates that demons must be in view in this scene. Sadly, even the horrifying experience of this demon infestation will not cause many to repent (9:20-21), if any. Strict limitations were placed on the activities of this demonic host. This judgment, unlike the first four trumpet judgments, is not on the physical world. God forced the locust horde not to hurt the grass of the earth, nor any green thing, nor any tree (8:7). That again shows that they were not actual insects, since real locusts devour plant life. The reference to the grass of the earth suggests that some time has passed since the first trumpet judgment scorched all the grass that was then in season. The damaged grass has grown again and is to remain untouched in this plague, indicating that enough time has elapsed for a partial recovery of the earth's environment. Certainly Satan would want to kill all the unregenerate to keep them from repenting. But God, in His mercy, will give people torment for five months (the normal life span of locusts, usually from May to September), during which they cannot die but will be given the opportunity to repent and embrace the gospel. That five-month period will be one of intense spiritual and physical suffering inflicted on unbelievers by the judgment of God. That fearful judgment is likened to the torment inflicted by a scorpion when it stings a man. Unbelievers will also hear the message of salvation in Jesus Christ preached by the 144,000 Jewish evangelists, the two witnesses, and other believers. The five months will be for many people the last opportunity to repent and believe (9:20-21; 16:9, 11). So intense will be the torment inflicted on unbelievers in those days that "people will seek death and will not find it." The earth people have loved will have been devastated, the land ravaged by earthquakes, fires, and volcanoes, the atmosphere polluted with gases and showers of heavenly debris. The dream of a worldwide utopia under the leadership of Antichrist (the beast of 13:1ff) will have died. There will be no escape from the agony inflicted by the demons or from divine judgment. next week: THE APPEARANCE UNVEILED * * * * * * * * * Satan binds us to the past while Jesus frees us for the future * * * * * * * * * THE WAY TO HUMILITY * * * * * * * * * * Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven Matt 5:3 ACHIEVING HUMILITY DOESN'T mean merely putting yourself down. Because of sin, you are already spiritually down, whether you know it or not, humility just recognizes this truth. Furthermore, this recognition comes only from God, which is why ascerticism, self-denial, and other human efforts are so futile in seeking humility. Yet even though genuine humility results from God's sovereign, saving work, He still commands it of men and women .. Matt 18:4; 23:12; Jas 4:10; 1 Pet 5:5 .. Therefore it is always helpful to remember some basic steps to take from our side of the divine equation. First, we must take our eyes off ourselves and look to God -- through study of the Word, time in prayer, and sincerely desiring to be close to Him. Second, we must starve our flesh by removing the things on which it feeds This means removing those things that promote pride. Third, and most important, we must simply ask for it. God alone can help us keep our lives in balanced perspective, and He will respond when we seek humility with all our hearts. David prayed, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" .. Ps 51:10 .. He desired to be steadfastly humble, and knew only God could grant such a request. The Father stands ready to answer this prayer long before we even utter it -- humility is that important. Ask YOURSELF Fashion your own prayer today, deliberately confessing your tendency toward pride, acknowledging your inability to conjure up true humility within yourself, and asking for the Lord's enablement in pursuing a life of genuine, godly perspective. He will love hearing this prayer from you. * * * * * * * * * Just because you cannot see God working, does not mean He is not at work * * * * * * * * * We just learned a new song in church last Sunday, here are the words: Jesus, be the center Jesus, be the center Be my source, be my light .. Jesus Be my hope, be my song .. Jesus Be the fire in my heart, Be the wind in the sails. Be my vision, be my path Be the reason that I live. Be my source, Be my God. Jesus ... Jesus * * * * * * * * * Don't be under a burden by other people's criticism. You can't make yourself sick trying to make someone else well. * * * * * * * * * Answers to this week's Trivia's: 1. What was the name of Abraham's first wife? A. Sarah or Sarai Gen 12:5 2. What eight-letter word means "a falling away from God's truth"? A. Apostasy * * * * * * * * * This week's chuckle: Here are a few funny reasons [that someone came up with] as to why God created Eve: God knew that one day Adam would need someone to help him find the remote. God knew Adam would never make a doctor's or dentist's appointment on his own. God knew Adam would never remember which night to put out the trash. God knew Adam would need someone else to blame. * * * * * * * * * That was only a few . . . ; ) Until next time, remember, "Keep Looking Up!" God loves you and yours . . . He really does! Nancy <\\\><< This week's Memory Verse: Romans 12:2 Read it out loud a few times, I did. ~ This is a FREE e-mailing ~ This Bible Study is sent to subscribers only according to our strict NO SP*M policy. If you appreciate the information contained in this letter, please forward it to your friends. If you have acquired this letter from a friend and want to subscribe: Send an e-mail with Subscribe in the subject to: hisfootprints4us@verizon.net   Added: May 18, 2009

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Name: Max Hashbarger From: Mexico E-mail: Contact

#417 28 April 09 . . . In Him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in Him, were 'sealed' with the promised Holy Spirit, which is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it . . . Ephesians 1:13 -14 Grateful for . . . . THE WORD OF GOD ! (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) Greetings! Thank you for your encouraging words .. you make my day! I was just thanking the Lord for you. Believers are saved by Christ and sealed by the Holy Spirit. Scripture states that Christ Himself was sealed as Messiah by God the Father .. Jn 6:27 .. Paul says that God has put His seal upon us and given us His Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee .. 2 Cor 1:22 .. The seal consists of the indwelling Holy Spirit Himself and this guarantee is for the day of redemption .. 4:30 .. Symbolically, this sealing implies: 1) an ownership or title to the believer which is vested in God .. 2 Tim 2:19 .. 2) the certainly of final salvation or redemption .. 4:30 .. Be a blessing this week! Take a moment and thank Jesus for His faithfulness and His promises. * * * * * * * * * This week's Trivia's: [answer's below . . ] 1. Whose wife helped him escape from Saul by letting him down through a window? 2. What occurred when Jonathan and his armor-bearer attacked the Philistines? * * * * * * * * * Our old history ends with the cross; our new history begins with the resurrection. Watchman Nee * * * * * * * * * BIBLE MEDITATION: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1 "That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death." Philippians 3:10 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Did you know that it is an impossibility of geography to have a valley without a mountain? They are beautiful complements in God's grand creation. The valley is the place of vision. It is the place of repose and reflection. The mountain is the place of discovery and a place to become strong. If you find yourself in a valley, it is because you have come down from a mountain. If you're on a mountain, you came to that place by way of the valley. One day I was making a call on a businessman with a friend of mine. This dear man of God began giving his testimony of how the Lord saved him, but then he said something that really shocked me. I was speechless. He said, "I used to believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross and that He was buried and rose again, but I don't believe it anymore." I was stopped dead in my tracks. Then with a smile on his face, he said, "I don't believe it anymore. Now, I know it!" Oh, to go from believing to knowing the Savior. What a change of thought. What a change of heart. What a glorious revelation and transformation! ACTION POINT: Are you in the valley or on the mountaintop? Read Psalm 46 about the strength of the Lord. Rest and rejoice in His strength wherever God has you right now. Do you know Him -- really know Him -- today? Or do you just believe that He died, was buried, and rose again? from the Ministries of Love Worth Finding .. by Adrian Rogers * * * * * * * * * It's what you sow that multiplies, not what you keep in the barn Stanley Tam * * * * * * * * * The Victory Is His by David Jeremiah Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. Revelation 19:11 Recommended Reading Daniel 11:36 - 12:1 When the nations of the world battled in Europe from 1914 to 1918, they fought what was then called "The War to End All Wars." But the peace didn't hold. When a second international war broke out in the 1940s, the "War to End all Wars" was simply labeled World War I. After World War II, a "Doomsday Clock" was instituted with the minute hand hovering perilously near 12:00—the "doomsday" hour of destruction. The question is, "Will there be a World War III?" Analysts and strategists who debate the question believe the next global war will be the last one since nuclear weapons are likely to be involved. Whether it is World War III, IV, V, or beyond, the Bible tells us clearly that there will be a final conflagration in which the armies of the nations are gathered—not against each other, but against the King of Heaven, Jesus Christ, as He comes to rescue His people, the Jews. And we know who will win! As you scan today's headlines and wonder about tomorrow, let your confidence be in this biblical truth: God will prevail in earth's final battle and establish His kingdom forever. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Blessing: And you will have confidence, because there is hope; you will be protected and take your rest in safety. Job 11:18 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * A Proverb is a short sentence based on l o n g e x p e r i e n c e Miguel de Cervantes * * * * * * * * * This week's teaching by John MacArthur on the book of Revelation: Because The Time IS Near. THE BELIEVERS OF THE TRIBULATION THE FOURTH TRUMPET The fourth angel sounded, and a third of the sun and a third of the moon and a third of the stars were struck, so that a third of them would be darkened and the day would not shine for a third of it, and the night in the same way. Then I looked, and I heard an eagle flying in midheaven, saying with a loud voice, "Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!" Rev 8:12-13 As the fourth angel sounded, the focus of divine judgment shifted from the earth to the heavens. The heavenly bodies are hit with a plague from God so that a third of them would be darkened and the day would not shine for a third of it, and the night in the same way. This partial eclipse is temporary, as God will later increase the amount of heat coming from the sun .. 16:8-9 .. At this point, the loss of heat from the sun will cause temperatures to plunge drastically all over the world. That will severely disrupt the earth's weather patterns and the seas' tides, leading to violent, unpredictable storms and tides, the destruction of crops, and further loss of animal and human lives. The Old Testament prophets associated such signs in the heavens with the day of the Lord. Speaking through the prophet Ezekiel, God declared, "I will cover the heavens and darken their stars; I will cover the sun with a cloud and the moon will not give its light. All the shining lights in the heavens I will darken over you and will set darkness on your land" .. Eze 32:7-8 .. Isaiah, Joel, and Amos also wrote of the sun going dark .. Isa 13:9-10; Joel 2:10, 31; 3:15; Amos 8:9 .. The Lord Jesus Christ added His own prediction, warning that "there will be signs in sun and moon and stars" .. Lk 21:25; cf. Mrk 13:24 .. The dimming of the celestial lights sets the stage for a startling and ominous announcement. As John looked, he heard "an eagle flying in midheaven, saying with a loud voice, 'Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!' " the imagery is that of a strong bird of prey rushing to consume its victim. In this case, it refers to the rapid approach of God's final vengeance. Depicted in the vision as flying in midheaven, the bird would be at the height of the midday sun, visible to all. His loud voice assures that everyone will be able to hear his pronouncements. The eagle's dire warning is that the last three trumpet judgments will be even more devastating than the first four. While double woes are used for emphasis ..cf. 18:10,16, 19; Eze 16:23 .. the eagle's triple pronouncement of "woe, woe, woe" introduced one threat for each of the remaining three trumpets about to sound .. 9:1-21; 11:15ff .. Woe is used throughout Scripture as an expression of judgment, destruction, and condemnation. God's wrath and judgment will come upon "those who dwell on the earth," a descriptive phrase used in Revelation for those who reject the gospel .. 6:10; 11:10; 13:8, 12, 14; 17:2, 8 .. Although they will acknowledge that the disasters have come from God .. 6:15-17 .. they will not repent. They will be destroyed because they fail to listen to the warning God addresses to all sinners .. Heb 3:7-8 .. next week: THE FIFTH TRUMPET * * * * * * * * * Everyone has a right to his own opinion, but no one has a right to be wrong about the facts * * * * * * * * * WHAT IS POVERTY OF SPIRIT? * * * * * * * * * * * * * Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven Matt 5:3 POVERTY OF SPIRIT MEANS recognizing how truly deficient we are apart from God. It means seeing ourselves as we really are: spiritually lost, hopeless, and helpless. Without the gospel of Jesus Christ, everyone is spiritually impoverished, regardless of his or her material accomplishments, educational achievements, or even religious knowledge and church activities. The "poor in spirit" are people who have recognized that their spiritual destitution and their total inability to save themselves - their complete dependence on God. They know their only hope of salvation is to repent and ask for forgiveness, leaning on the sovereign grace and mercy of God. Such a person knows he has no spiritual merit of his own and that his personal strength or wisdom is insufficient to earn him lasting spiritual reward. "In spirit" expresses the understanding that poverty of spirit can't be merely a hypocritical, outward act. Being a genuine spiritual beggar reflects true humility, not some phony, pretentious, mild-mannered behavior. Real poverty of spirit is what the prophet said the Lord looks for and affirms: "But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word" .. Isa 66:2; Ps 34:18; 51:17 .. Augustine in his Confessions says pride was his greatest barrier to salvation. Until he realized that his achievements and possessions were nothing, Christ could do nothing for him. It's the same for any who would be poor in spirit. Ask YOURSELF What specific items or attitudes threaten your ability to remain "poor in spirit"? How does a person maintain a comfort level in God's presence without losing the perspective of being undeserving of the privilege? * * * * * * * * * Some people can't find Christ for the same reason a thief can't find a policeman * * * * * * * * * I would like take this opportunity to remind you of the Bible Challenge that goes out with this Bbl Stdy to those who like to take quizes. There are only 10 questions. It is fun and helps you to learn things about the Bible that you didn't know or where to find things you couldn't find. Also 'brushes' you up on what you do know, just to keep your mind on Him. Plus I have a prayer chain if you ever have a prayer need. If you desire to receive the quiz or would like to become a chain-link to the prayer chain, just let me know. We could always use another prayer warrior who likes to pray for others in need . Thanks! ~N * * * * * * * * * There are two classes of people in this world: those who take things for granted and those who take things with gratitude * * * * * * * * * Q & A with McGee . . . Q. How can a just God comdemn the millions who have not heard the Gospel? A. This question assumes that the difficulty is that these people have not heard. You and I are not living in a race that is waiting on its tiptoes to hear the gospel; we are living in a race that's already condemned. God would still be a just God if He should absolutely obliterate this earth and bring it to nothing, because we are in rebellion against Him. It's only by His grace and His love that any are saved, friends. That is the way to approach the problem. Sometimes in our zeal missions programs are presented that unless you and I give in a hurry millions are going into a lost eternity. I do not personally believe that the salvation of anyone is dependent upon the generosity or selfishness of any Christian. I believe that those who will hear the gospel and believe are going to get it, and God permits those of us who are His children to have part in that enterprise. There's an argument that if we all gave everything and got down to business, the whole world still wouldn't hear the gospel.. Yes it would! We read in Colossians that at that time the whole world had heard .. Col 1:6 .. What does Paul mean? The word "world" there is cosmos, meaning the civilized world. So in a period of about thirty-five years after the death and resurrection of Christ, the gospel had penetrated throughout the Roman world. And we have every reason to believe it went beyond the confines of the Roman Empire in the first century. If we meant business today, certainly we could see the world evangelized. But don't believe that men are going into a lost eternity because the church is selfish today and has lost its vision. That's not the reason. We're already lost - all of us are. But what a privilege it would be to take this gospel to lost men and have part in seeing some turn to Christ. Many are being reached with the gospel. Right now a great penetration is being made of the tribes of the earth. Missionaries are doing a most excellent job of reaching in and touching tribes that have never been reached before. * * * * * * * * * Answers to this week's Trivia's: 1. Whose wife helped him escape from Saul by letting him down through a window? A. David's .. 1 Samuel 19:12 2. What occurred when Jonathan and his armor-bearer attacked the Philistines? A. An Earthquake. 1 Samuel 14:11-15 * * * * * * * * * God is like . . . the U.S. POST OFFICE Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet nor ice will keep Him from His appointed destination. * * * * * * * * * Amen to that! ; ) Until next time, remember, "Keep Looking Up!" God loves you and yours . . . He really does! Nancy <\\\><< This week's Memory Verse: 1 John 1:7 Read it out loud a few times, I did. ~ This is a FREE e-mailing ~ This Bible Study is sent to subscribers only according to our strict NO SP*M policy. If you appreciate the information contained in this letter, please forward it to your friends. If you have acquired this letter from a friend and want to subscribe: Send an e-mail with Subscribe in the subject to: hisfootprints4us@verizon.net   Added: May 8, 2009

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#416 21 April 09 . . . To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven… A time of war, and a time of peace . . . Ecclesiastes 3:1, 8b Grateful for . . . . THE WORD OF GOD ! (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) Greetings! Here is a word from David Jeremiah: There has never been a generation that hasn't seen some sort of conflict or war somewhere in the world. It is evil that exists because of man's sin, and ironically, it is used as a means for providing and ensuring peace. As the late President Ronald Reagan stated, "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same…" Though we must temporarily endure the realities and tragedies of war for the sake of earthly peace and protection, there will come a day when the final battle is fought and true divine peace rests upon the earth. The Bible says, "They shall not hurt nor destroy…for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea" .. Isaiah 11:9 .. Sin will no longer provoke us to fight with one another, and freedom will belong to everyone without struggle. Meanwhile, as we watch countries collide in battles of freedom and justice, let us stand firm in His Word as we hope and pray for that glorious day. Be a blessing this week! Something to pray for .. 'Divine Peace' .. * * * * * * * * * This week's Trivia's: [answer's below . . ] 1. Who was the father of Seth? 2. In what part of the Bible do we find the quotation "God helps those who help themselves..."? * * * * * * * * * If you want peace, understand war. B. H. Liddell Hart, military historian * * * * * * * * * BIBLE MEDITATION: "Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever." Revelation 7:12 "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over. . ." Luke 6:38 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: I heard about a man who got a little excited in church and kept shouting, "Praise the Lord!" One day, some of the brethren called on him while he was plowing his fields. When they were finished talking, he hung his head and said, "I know it's the truth. I have disturbed the services, but you know, I sit there and think what the Lord has done for me, how He died in agony and bled for me upon the cross, how He's forgiven all of my sins, how He's filled me with the Spirit, and here, hold this mule while I shout!" If being a Christian and going to heaven doesn't excite you, then you have calluses on your soul. It's exciting to know the Lord Jesus Christ! When God created the herbs of the field, He said, "Let them bring forth after their kind" (Genesis 1:12). Whatever we sow, we're going to reap. If you sow to the flesh, then you're going to reap what you sow. On the other hand, if you sow to the spirit, you cannot fail to reap good things. You can't even give a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple and lose your reward. Every seed you plant for Jesus is going to sprout. Whatever it is you want, plant it, sow it, give it, "and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together." ACTION POINT: When was the last time you raised your hands and shouted "Praise the Lord!" Maybe right now is a good time! Would you like to have better relationships? Then start sowing seeds of encouragement and good deeds. . from the Ministries of Love Worth Finding .. by Adrian Rogers * * * * * * * * * The story of every great Christian achievement is the history of answered prayer. E. M. Bounds * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Blessing: Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that you may do the will of God and receive what is promised. Hebrews 10:35, 36 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * He who breathes into our hearts the heavenly hope will not deceive or fail us when we press forward to its realization. Anonymous * * * * * * * * * This week's teaching by John MacArthur on the book of Revelation: Because The Time IS Near. THE BELIEVERS OF THE TRIBULATION THE SECOND TRUMPET The second angel sounded, and something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea; and a third of the sea became blood, and a third of the creatures which were in the sea and had life, died; and a third of the ships were destroyed. Rev 8:8-9 The judgment of the first trumpet fell on the land, that of the second trumpet on the sea. God created the sea to be a blessing to humanity, but people have repaid God's gracious provision with ingratitude and idolatry, revering the sea as the supposed source of their remotest evolutionary ancestors. As He had devastated the land environment, the true God judges the sea. The massive object plunging through the sky looked to the terrified observers on earth "like a great mountain burning with fire." This is evidently a giant meteorite or asteroid, surrounded by flaming gases set ablaze by the friction of the earth's atmosphere. The current doomsday scenarios about an asteroid hitting the earth will come true with a vengeance. Everyone will see it, either live or on television. As the world's telescopes see it coming, many predictions will no doubt be made about whether it will hit the earth or not. It will strike somewhere in the world's oceans with an explosive power far greater than that of an atomic bomb. Because all the world's oceans are connected, the devastation will spread across one-third of the ocean waters, causing a third of the sea to become blood. Three catastrophic, supernaturally designed effects result from the collision: (1) one-third of the sea became blood; (2) as a result of that effect one-third of the creatures which were in the sea died; and (3) giant waves will destroy a third of the ships on the world's oceans, capsizing huge vessels and completely swamping ports. The resulting disruption of commerce and transportation will cause economic chaos. So the first two trumpets will bring devastating judgment on both the land and the sea, which are the beginning of the final catastrophes God will unleash on a rebellious world. THE THIRD TRUMPET The third angel sounded, and a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of waters. The name of the star is called Wormwood; and a third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the waters, because they were made bitter. Rev 8:10-11 As the third angel sounded his trumpet, another flaming object hurtled toward the earth. John described it as a great star that fell from heaven. The Greek word here for "star" can refer to any celestial body other than the sun and moon. The massive object that smashed into the ocean remained intact, but this object disintegrated as it reached Earth's atmosphere. The fact that it is described as burning like a torch supports that it is likely a meteor or comet, since torches were used in ancient times to describe meteors and comets. Its fiery debris fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of waters, polluting the fresh water around the globe. Because of its deadly effects, the star will be called Wormwood. Wormwood is mentioned only here in the New Testament. It is a shrub whose leaves are used in the manufacture of absinthe, a liqueur to toxic that its manufacture is banned in many countries. Wormwood is mentioned eight times in the Old Testament, where it is associated with bitterness, poison, and death .. Deu 29:18; Pro 5:4; Jer 9:15; 23:15; Lam 3:15, 19; Amos 5:7; 6:12 .. In three of those uses, wormwood is connected with poisoned water. Whatever the poison represented by the name Wormwood is, it destroys a third of the fresh waters. The repeated pattern of one-third destruction demonstrates that these are not natural events, but divine judgments. With the third trumpet judgment, John records that many men died from the waters, because they were made bitter. The rivers will run with deadly poison. The wells will become springs of death. The lakes and reservoirs will be filled with toxic waters. Yet, the worst is yet to come. next week: THE FOURTH TRUMPET * * * * * * * * * Never was anything more futile than the war against the Lamb. William S. Plumer * * * * * * * * * DISTINCTIVENESS OF THE BEATITUDES * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven Matt 5:3 THE SERIES OF CONDITIONAL blessings Jesus promises, beginning with this verse and continuing through verse 12, are known as the Beatitudes. This name refers to a state of happiness or bliss. The blessedness promised in each is a divine characteristic, one that men and women can realize only as they share in God's nature .. cf. 2 Peter 1:4 .. When believers are truly blessed, they don't experience merely an external, circumstantial feeling of happiness, but a deep sense of spiritual contentedness and well-being based on the objective spiritual reality that they belong to God. We must understand that Christ's beatitudes are distinctive and firm pronouncements, not merely ambiguous probabilities. Our Lord does not say that if we have the qualities the Beatitudes set forth, we are only likely to be happy; nor is this simply His wish for us. Adherence to these attitudes and practices will result in blessedness, just as surely as judgmental woes await those who are the subject of His pronouncements in Matthew 23. The blessed life is the opposite of the cursed life. Blessedness is possessed by those who truly have the inner characteristics of the Beatitudes. Conversely, cursedness represents those who don't know the Beatitudes, such as the Jewish religionists of Jesus' time. The Beatitudes are also distinctively progressive, each leading to the next in logical succession. Poverty of spirit demonstrates a right attitude about ourselves. That leads to mourning, gentleness, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, showing mercy, purity of heart, and peacemaking. If we have these traits we will rebuke the world so that it persecutes us and allows us to be lights in its midst. Ask YOURSELF We have often stated - rightly so - that God is more interested in making us holy than making us happy. So does it surprise you to see that happiness is a fight Jesus offers to those who take His Word to heart? What's wrong with a theology that looks suspiciously at happiness? * * * * * * * * * When faithfulness is most difficult, it is most necessary. Unknown * * * * * * * * * Amazing Grace Amazing grace, how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now I see. 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear And grace my fears relieved. How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed. The Lord has promised good to me, His Word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures. Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come. 'Tis grace that brought me safe thus far And grace will lead me home. When we've been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun, We've no less days to sing God's praise Than when we'd first begun [can you imagine living 10,000 years!!?? only possible with the Lord!] * * * * * * * * * Answers to this week's Trivia's: 1. Who was the father of Seth? A. Adam Gen 4:25 2. In what part of the Bible do we find the quotation "God helps those who help themselves..."? A. Not in the Bible ... it says in 2 Cor 12:9 .. but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. * * * * * * * * * "Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is." 1 John 3:2 Every once in a while someone in the print media, or the TV media will create a story about animal owners who look like their pets. It is rather humorous to see the man who looks like his Bulldog, or the woman with the long sharp bug-eyed features of her Chihuahua. Some people are shaggy, just like their Sheepdogs, while others are flat faced like their Pugs. Of course there is a human counterpart to this phenomena. Married couples tend to become more like each other as the years pass. While a few begin to look like their mates, most come to think like and act like their spouses. Just last weekend I started to say something to a visiting friend - and my lovely Janette finished the sentence with exactly the same words I was about to use! It is scary that she might actually become like me! I rather hoped I would become like her. She has such good traits. All of this goes to make a point. The longer we "hang" with someone, the more we become like him or her. Think about it. Janette and I have been married going on eleven years. Indeed, we are likely to think alike. I once attended a seminar at a church in Orlando. The ministry team, all from a "famous" church from Oklahoma, had been together so long they all prophesied in "poetry"! No really, they spoke in rhythm and rhyme. And it wasn't just one of them - it was the whole bunch! What are the odds that they would have come together on the day they ministered - and all had the same "talent"? Not likely. They adopted each other's skills and practices. This came through long intimate contact. While I may not want to speak in poetic form, and Janette will never want to "look" like her husband, there is someone that I want to look like, talk like, walk like, breath like, teach like, and BE like. Jesus is the example that we all strive to emulate. But it only comes by a close intimate relationship with Him. We will never be like Him if our only contact with Him is on Sunday morning - or even Saturday night and Wednesday night. No, our intimacy must be on a daily basis. We need to listen to Him speak if we are to talk like Him. We need to study His teachings if we are to teach like Him. We must walk in His footsteps if we are to walk like Him. Of course there is a down side to all of this "like" stuff. Just like Janette doesn't want to "look" like me - and I don't think I want herto grow a beard - there are a few problems with walking, looking, talking, living, being like Jesus. If we are like Him in the most intimate of ways, we will also have to suffer like Him. We will be ridiculed like Him. We will be betrayed like Him. We will be misunderstood like Him. We may even suffer physical harm like Him. It all goes with the territory. But then, even that has its just rewards. If we are that much like Him, then we will live with Him. We will reign with Him. We will please the Father like Him. We will heal the sick, raise the dead, touch the broken-hearted, and bless those who curse us like Him. Oh, one more thing: we will live eternally in the presence of the Father with Him! I think the trade-off is worth it. Don't you? Hallelujah, Amen and Amen. Pastor Jeff Lilley * * * * * * * * * Until next time, remember, "Keep Looking Up!" God loves you and yours . . . He really does! Nancy <\\\><< We all need to memorize scripture, why not do it together? This week's Memory Verse: Ephesians 4:32 Read it out loud a few times, I did. ~ This is a FREE e-mailing ~ This Bible Study is sent to subscribers only according to our strict NO SP*M policy. If you appreciate the information contained in this letter, please forward it to your friends. If you have acquired this letter from a friend and want to subscribe: To Subscribe Send an e-mail with Subscribe in the subject to: hisfootprints4us@verizon.net   Added: April 26, 2009

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Name: Max Hashbarger From: Mexico E-mail: Contact	Dear Keijo, from Sweden, I am glad to hear from you and to read your comments. I agree with you and am very happy that these studies are of help to you. I visited Denmark, Sweden and Norway, in the late 70s. It's a beautiful country and I have always wanted to go back to visit friends there but have never had the chance. God Bless You and Yours. In Him, His, Max   Added: April 26, 2009

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Name: keijo From: sweden E-mail: Contact

"BUt godliness with contentment is great gain."SO we all has get big gaín when we came into Christ and he gave our sin forgiven and heavenly Spirit begin enter in with peace and power and milk with honey and food from heaven so thanks to God for my joy and of the ´Holy Spirit wonderful joy and power with wisdom and holiness and visions and hope,thanks and bless and pray,keijo sweden   Added: April 16, 2009

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#405 3 Feb 09 . . . "Assemble yourselves and come, draw near together, you survivors of the nations! They have no knowledge who carry about their wooden idols, and keep on praying to a god that cannot save. Declare and present your case; let them take counsel together! Who told this long ago? Who declared it of old? Was it not I, the LORD? And there is no other god besides me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none besides me. Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other." . . . Isaiah 45:20-22 Grateful for . . . . THE WORD OF GOD ! (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) Greetings! Those are powerful words in the verse' above, yes? He was lovingly speaking to us hundreds of years before John the Baptist came on the scene! Verse 20 speaks of great idolatry. But a loving God extends a universal call to all men. It is clear that all need to be saved and that all who come can be saved. Praise the Lord! Time is getting short my friend, don't let the opportunity pass you by to share the gospel with someone who is not saved, that needs to be. There are many gods, but only One True God Almighty! Be a blessing this week! * * * * * * * * * This week's Trivia's: [answer's below . . ] 1. At 969 years, Methuselah was the longest - lived man. Who came in second at 962 years? 2. Who was the first drunk? * * * * * * * * * Obedience is the validation of your salvation * * * * * * * * * BIBLE MEDITATION: "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:8 "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God." Colossians 3:1 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: A man named Solomon Peas died. His tombstone in London reads: "Beneath these clouds and beneath these trees lies the body of Solomon Peas. But this ain't Peas - it's just the pod. Peas shelled out and went to God." I like that. That's what your body is. It's just a pod. What happens to a child of God who has trusted Christ as his personal Savior? When he closes his eyes in this life, he opens them in the next. Jesus did not say, "After two or three thousand years, you'll be with Me in paradise." Jesus said, "Today, truly, you'll be with Me in paradise" (Luke 23:43). First Peter 2:11 says that we are aliens and strangers in this world. We are in the world, but we are not of the world. We are twice-born in a world of once-born people, and we're going to find ourselves going against the tide most of the time. It's like a deep sea diver who is underwater and outside his natural environment. He could not live if he weren't linked to his life supply above. That's the way we need to live. If we are to survive, we must stay linked to Jesus who is our life. The Bible says we're not to set our affections on things beneath, but on things above where Christ sitteth at the right hand of the Father. (Colossians 3:1) ACTION POINT: Are you confident that, if you died today, you'd be with Jesus in paradise? If not, then confess your sins and believe upon His name to save you. It's time to check your lifeline...are you trusting in anything in this world? Are you making friends with the things of this world? from the Ministries of Love Worth Finding ... by Adrian Rogers * * * * * * * * * You cannot win anything in the spirit while in the power of the flesh * * * * * * * * * This week's teaching by John MacArthur on the book of Revelation: Because The Time IS Near. The Tribulation's SEAL Judgments Rev 6:1-17 The 6th Seal Cosmic darkness -- physical destruction I looked when He broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood; and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, as a fig tree casts its unripe figs when shaken by a great wind. The sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains; and they said to the mountains and to the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?" 6:12-17 Three features describe the overwhelming fear associated with the sixth seal: the reason for fear, the range of fear, and the reaction of fear. THE REASON FOR FEAR .. 6:12-14 .. Unlike the first five seals, each of which unvolved humans in one way or another, God acts alone with the sixth seal. By the time this seal is opened, the tribulation's midpoint has passed and the world is in the "great tribulation" .. Matt 24:21 .. By then the final Antichrist has desecrated the temple in Jerusalem (the "abomination of desolation", the world worships him, and a massive persecution of Jews and Christians has broken out. Incredibly, in the midst of all the turmoil and chaos from the divine judgments on the world, it will be business as usual for most people .. Matt 24:37-39 .. But the sixth seal will be so devastating and terrifying that it will be attributable only to God. First, will be a great earthquake. There have been many earthquakes in recorded history and more during the first half of the tribulation .. Matt 24:7 .. Yet the event John saw in this seal is to be far more powerful and devastating than any previous earthquake. In fact, this one will shake more than just the earth .. 6:13-14 .. The Greek word translated here as "earthquake" literally means "a shaking." In Matthew 8:24 it describes a great storm on the Sea of Galilee. God has often make His presence felt in human history by shaking the earth .. Exo 19:18; Ps 68:8; 1 Ki 19:11-12; Matt 27:51, 54 .. This event, however, causes far more than the earth to be shaken. It will shake the heavens as well as the earth. On the heels of the earthquake comes a second disaster, as the "sun became black as sackcloth made of hair." Sackcloth was rough cloth worn by mourners, usually made from the hair of black goats. Following the violent earthquake that devastates the earth, the sun will turn as black as a mourner's robe. The prophet Joel spoke of these same phenomena in connection with the day of the Lord: "The sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes" .. Joel 2:31 .. Darkness is associated with judgment elsewhere in Scripture .. Ex 10:21-22; Matt 27:45 .. The third disaster is closely connected with the darkening of the sun, as the whole "moon became like blood." There will be vast clouds of ash and smoke spewed out by the volcanic activity associated with the great worldwide earthquake. That ash and smoke will eclipse the moon, coloring it bloodred as it attempts to pierce the smoke-darkened sky. Isaiah also described this strange and terrifying phenomenon, writing in Isaiah 13:10, "The sun will be dark when it rises and the moon will not shed its light." Joel adds, "The sun and the moon grow dark" .. Joel 2:10, 31 .. These phenomena will affect every aspect of life as the normal cycle of daylight and darkness is disrupted. The total eclipse of the sun and moon will add more reason for the world to be in panic. Then, out of the darkened sky comes the fourth disaster; John records that the stars of the sky fell to the earth. The word translated "stars" can refer to actual stars, but it can also describe any heavenly body other than the sun and the moon. In this context it does not refer to actual stars, since they are far too large to fall to the earth and would incinerate it long before striking it. Also, the stars are still in place later when the fourth trumpet sounds .. 8:12 .. This is most likely a reference to asteroid or meteor showers bombarding the earth. The fifth disaster in this seal affects the earth's atmosphere, because the sky appears to split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up. This is the human perception of the magnitude of this judgment, but is not the final dissolving of heaven, which comes later .. 21:1; 2 Peter 3:10 .. John likens the sky to an unrolled scroll that splits in the middle and rolls up on either side .. Isa 34:4 .. John describes a sixth devastating natural phenomenon, noting that every mountain and island were moved out of their places. The whole unstable crust of the earth begins to move and shift. The devastating natural disasters accompanying the sixth seal will be the most terrifying events ever to affect the earth. Their cumulative impact will be far more destructive than any of the current doomsday scenarios about asteroids hitting the earth. THE REACTION OF FEAR .. 6:15-17 .. The debilitating fear caused by the disasters associated with the sixth seal will affect all unbelievers. These seven categories embrace all classes of society. "The kings of the earth" refers to the heads of state throughout the world. "The great men" are the high-ranking officials in government. "The commanders" are the military leaders, while "the rich" are those who control commerce and business, and "the strong" may well be the influential. Together, they comprise the elite elements of human society. Ironically, these are the very people who ignored the warning of God's impending judgment and persecuted believers. "Every slave" and "every free man" encompass all other individuals. The reaction of the unbelieving world to the terrors unleased by the sixth seal will not be repentance, but panic. They will finally acknowledge that the disasters they have experienced are God's judgment. Yet they will continue to follow Antichrist. As a result, God will abandon them .. 2 Thess 2:11-12 .. Those who repeatedly harden their hearts will have their hearts hardened by God. The panic-stricken sinners will react irrationally, foolishly attempting to hide themselves "in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains" .. Isa 2:17-21 .. the very places that are being shaken. They are no doubt seeking refuge from the swarms of meteors and asteroids bombarding the earth. But in light of the massive earthquake and its continuing aftershocks, the widespread volcanic eruptions, and the other disturbances to the earth's crust, such hiding places will offer no safety. The terrifying events prompt a worldwide prayer meeting, but the prayers are to Mother Nature, not to God. They will say to the mountains and to the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?" People will be so terrified that they would rather die than face the wrath of a holy God. "Him who sits on the throne" refers to God .. 4:2,3,9,10 .. They will have, by then, come to a clear understanding that God has been behind all the judgments. More specifically, they "fear the wrath of the Lamb." The Lamb, Jesus Christ .. 5:6-8 .. is the agent of direct judgment. The wrath of the incarnate Jesus has displayed only twice before .. Jn 2:13-17; Matt 21:12-13 .. In the future, He will judge like a lion .. 5:5 .. "The great day of their wrath" is another term for the day of the Lord. These "day of the Lord" horrors precede the coming of the Lord and even anticipate the worst that is yet to come in the seventh seal, which includes the trumpet .. 8:1 - 9:21 .. and bowl .. 16:1-21 .. judgments. The scene closes with the asking of the rhetorical question "Who is able to stand?" The answer is "No one." This picture, horrifying and frightening as it is, is not altogether hopeless. The church will be delivered from that time .. 3:10 .. Great multitudes of people will be saved in the midst of the terrors of divine judgment, both Gentiles .. 7:9 .. and Jews .. Rom 11:26 .. But for the rest the words of Hebrews will apply: "It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God" .. Heb 10:31 .. next week: The TRIBULATION SAINTS Rev 7:1-17 (you might want to read this and be prepared for the teaching...) * * * * * * * * * Beware of begging God for non-essentials .. in time you will hate the very thing you had to have. * * * * * * * * * TRUE BAPTISM -- CHRIST IMMERSED * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water. Matt. 3:16a Christians, especially new believers, sometimes wonder what mode of baptism Jesus underwent, and therefore wonder which is correct for them to experience. Since genuine baptism represents cleansing from sin and symbolizes the believer's identification with Christ's death and resurrection, the ordinance must involve immersion, not merely sprinkling or pouring. The Greek word .. baptizo .. literally means to dip or submerge an object into water or another liquid. Confusion regarding the word's meaning resulted largely because latin and more modern-language translations of Scripture simply transliterated many occurrences of the Greek word. Until the middle Ages, the Christian church knew and officially practiced no form of baptism but immersion. Then the Roman Catholic Church formally introduced and sanctioned baptism by sprinkling or pouring. Prior to that, even the great Catholic theologian Thomas Aquinas wrote, "In immersion the setting forth of the burial of Christ is more plainly expressed, in which this manner of baptizing is more commendable." That Jesus "came up immediately from the water" indicates He had been completely in the water - in others words, almost surely immersed. John baptized people in the Jordan River .. Matt 3:6 .. and at other places where "there was much water" .. Jn 3:23 .. That would not make sense if he had baptized only by pouring or sprinkling .. Acts 8:38-39 .. Unlike immersion, those other modes just do not fully symbolize dying to sin and being raised to new life. Ask YOURSELF Baptism is a one-time exercise in obedience, but the reality of being crucified with Christ and raised to "walk in newness of life" .. Rom 6:4 .. is an ongoing experience. How do you remind yourself of this on your average day? Pray that the gift of God's grace never loses its wonder. * * * * * * * * * God loves us just the way we are. But .. He loves us too much to leave us that way. * * * * * * * * * GREAT EVENTS: JUDGMENT OF SOLOMON . . . . Knowing that the true mother would save her own child, Solomon dramatically orders an infant to be cut in two. King Solomon was renowned for his great wisdom. Early in his reign Solomon dreamed that God appeared and promised to grant him a gift. The young king asked for "an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil" .. 1 Ki 3:9 .. One day, soon after this dream, two women came to see Solomon at his court. The women lived in the same house, and each had given birth to a baby boy, but one of the babies was now dead. The first woman claimed that the other woman had turned over on her child in her sleep, and then switched the dead baby with the living one .. 1 Ki 3:19-20 .. She demanded that her child be returned. The woman being accused hotly refuted this story, saying, "No, the living son is mine, and the dead son is yours" .. 1 Ki 3:22 .. No one knew for certain which woman was telling the truth. So Solomon cooly asked for a sword and told one of his men, "Divide the living boy in two, then give half to the one, and half to the other" .. 1 Ki 3:25 .. As the king had expected, the rightful mother protested, offering to give up the infant rather than see him die. But the other woman agreed to his harsh solution: "It shall be neither mine nor yours; divide it" .. 1 Ki 3:26 .. Solomon quickly changed his ruling. He ordered that the child be given to the compassionate woman, explaining, "She is his mother" .. 1 Ki 3:27 .. DID YOU KNOW ?? Although legal cases in ancient Israel were usually handled by appointed judges, the king served as the final court of appeals. * * * * * * * * * It is inevitable when you step out for God you will be confronted with Spiritual conflict * * * * * * * * * Answers to this week's Trivia's: 1. At 969 years, Methuselah was the longest - lived man. Who came in second at 962 years? A. Jared Gen 5:20 2. Who was the first drunk? A. Noah, who planted a vineyard after leaving the ark. Gen 9:21 * * * * * * * * * This week's chuckle: This really isn't a 'joke' .. but it sure put a smile on my face! In Florida, an atheist created a case against the Easter & Passover holy days. He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians, Jews & observances of their holy days. The argument was, it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized day(s). The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring, 'Case dismissed.' The lawyer immediately stood objecting to the ruling saying, 'Your honor, how can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter & others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur & Hanukkah. Yet my client & all other atheists have no such holidays.' The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, 'But you do. Your client, counsel, is woefully ignorant.' The lawyer said, 'Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists.' The judge said, 'The calendar says April 1st is 'April Fools Day.' Psalm 14:1 states, 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his day. Court is adjourned. * * * * * * * * * Need I say more? ; ) Until next time, remember, "Keep Looking Up!" God loves you and yours . . . He really does! Nancy <\\\><< Something of Interest: * * * * * * * * Isa 47:8-13 ... is a 'New Age' movement line.   Added: February 20, 2009

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Name: Max Hashbarger From: Mexico E-mail: Contact

#404 27 Jan 09 . . . Therefore He had to be made like his brethren in every respect, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people. For because He himself has suffered and been tempted, He is able to help those who are tempted. . . . Hebrews 2:17-18 Grateful for . . . . THE WORD OF GOD ! (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) Greetings! Study bibles are wonderful to have, their notes on certain verses help to understand what the message is: The term make expiation represents the Greek hilaskomai, "to propitiate," "to make atonement." Christ accomplished His redemptive work on Calvary, where He atoned for the sins of mankind. Three elements are involved in the term "atonement": 1. the idea of covering - to put "under the blood" is to cover over, an idea which is emphasized by the Old Testament term kipper -" to cover over, or atone for" 2. the idea of reconciliation, by which the broken relationship between sinners and God was restored through the death of Christ 3. the idea of substitution, which requires that someone else actually stand in the sinner's place and bear the penalty due him .. Isa 53:5 Old Testament illustrations of atonement are found in Ex 12:3-14 and Lev 16. Christ's atonement is founded upon the necessity of the shedding of blood for sin .. Lev 17:11; Heb 9:22 .. It was a once for all sacrifice. Its benefits are secured to the believer by faith .. Jn 1:12; 3:16; 5:24; 14:6; Eph 2:8 .. Be a blessing this week! * * * * * * * * * This week's Trivia's: [answer's below . . ] 1. Who rolled back the stone from Jesus' tomb? A. The angel of the Lord. Matt 28:2 2. In which gospel did Jesus predict that children rebelling against their parents would be a sign of the end times? A. Mk 13:12 * * * * * * * * * God will never abandon His "little flock" * * * * * * * * * BIBLE MEDITATION: "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 "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God." 1 Peter 3:18 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Over and over again, people will ask me this question, "If there is a God, why is there so much suffering?" There's never an easy answer to that question when someone is grieving or suffering, but God has taught me that the universe has a disease. And God cannot remove the pain until the last vestige of sin is gone. The worst thing that could happen to human beings would be for us to live in a world cursed by sin, and yet the world seem to be a paradise. We would never come to God. Suppose someone were to punch you in the nose? And suppose in an act of compassion you were to say to that person who punched you, "I forgive you." And suppose they responded, "There's no need for you to forgive me. I've already forgiven myself." You'd feel a little cheated. Only the one who was punched can forgive the hitter. Sin is a clenched fist in the face of God, and only God can forgive sin. There's enough Gospel dynamite in 1 Peter 3:18 to blow the sin, the hatred, the sorrow, and the sickness out of anybody's life, but that dynamite must be ignited by the spark of faith. ACTION POINT: God has showered this world with immeasurable mercies. Focus today, not on the suffering, but on the provision of God's grace. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive? Maybe someone from whom you need to ask forgiveness? Go do it now. Tomorrow may never come. * * * * * * * * * Imitate those who imitate Christ * * * * * * * * * This week's teaching by John MacArthur on the book of Revelation: Because The Time IS Near. The Tribulation's SEAL Judgments Rev 6:1-17 The 5th Seal Divine judgment When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be kolled even as they had been, would be completed also. 6:9-11 The fifth seal marks the midpoint of the tribulation, bridging the gap between the beginning of God's wrath in the first half of the tribulation and its full fury revealed in the second half. Like the horsemen of the first four seals, it also protrays a force. That force is the prayers of God's saints. Three features become evident. The Persons .. 6:9 .. First, John saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain. These are martyrs, killed during the time of the judgments. In addition to divine judgment, there will be widespread persecution of believers led by Satan, his demons, and the final Antichrist. The persecution of believers, which will begin early in the first half of the tribulation, will intensify dramatically after Antichrist sets himself up as God. At that time he will "make war with the saints and ... overcome them" .. 13:7 .. With the whole world worshiping Antichrist as God, believers will be considered blasphemers for opposing him. That will bring upon them persecution from Antichrist's false religious system. Revelation 9:21 speaks of the proliferation of murders at this time; many of the victims will no doubt be believers, the victims of mob violence. John described the martyrs he saw underneath the altar as souls because their bodily resurrection had not yet taken place .. 20:4 .. They are the firstfruits of those who will be saved during the tribulation. Some will be Jewish, foreshadowing the salvation of Israel as a whole at the end of the tribulation .. Zech 12:10; 14:1; Rom 11:26-29 .. The text does not define which altar is in view, nor does the scene in heaven parallel the earthly temple or tabernacle. The altar John saw is most likely comparable to the altar of incese in the Old Testament .. Exo 40:5 .. because of the association of incense with prayer .. 5:8; 8:3-4; Ps 141:2; Lk 1:10 .. John gives two reasons why the martyrs will be slain: "because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained." They will correctly interpret what they see going on around them, calling on people to repent and believe the gospel. Antichrist and his followers will not tolerate their bold preaching and will kill them. "Because of the testimony" which they had maintained refers to their loyalty to Jesus Christ .. 1:2,9; 12:17; 19:10; 20:4 .. demonstrated by their proclamation of God's Word despite life-threatening hostility. The Petitions .. 6:10 .. The fifth seal is not martyrdom, as some suggest, because martyrdom could not be judgment from God. The seals depict God's wrath and judgment on the evil, not His children. The force, then, that is involved in the fifth seal is the prayers of the tribulation martyrs for God to enact vengeance on their murderers. Prayer will play a vital role in God's judgments on the earth. This prayer of the martyrs is similar to the imprecatory psalms. A prayer for pardon is appropriate in a time of grace. But when judgment comes, prayers for divine judgment are fitting. Such prayers are not from a desire for revenge, but a protest against all that is sinful and dishonoring to God. God's hand of judgment will move in response to the martyrs because their prayers will be urgent and consistent with His purpose. The word translated "cried out" emphasizes the urgent need and denotes strong emotions. The twenty-four elders and the angels loudly praised God .. 5:12 .. and the tribulation martyrs will petition Him with a loud voice. In keeping with their call for vengeance and justice, they address Him as the "Lord, holy and true." The word translated "Lord" speaks of God the Father's power and authority. The martyrs' question "How long ... will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" does not reflect a personal vendetta. They are asking Him the question because they have a holy desire to see Satan and Antichrist destroyed. "How long" is a well-known cry of suffering Israel, reflecting the perplexing question of the righteous asking when their pain will end .. Ps 13:1; 35:17 .. The phrase "those who dwell on the earth" is a technical one used throughout Revelation for the ungodly. As was the case with murdered Abel, the very ground cries out for their blood. The Promise .. 6:11 .. Two elements make up God's response to His martyred saints: a symbolic gift, and a spoken word. The gift given to each of them was a white robe. These long, brilliant white robes were a reward of grace .. 7:9, 14 .. symbolizing God's gift of eternal righteousness. They symbolize all the glory that redeemed saints will enjoy in heaven. These were not actual robes, since this vision is before the resurrection of the bodies of the redeemed, which occurs for tribulation saints at Christ's return .. 20:4-5 .. Along with this gift came God's spoken word, that they should "rest for a little while longer." That is not a rebuke for impatience, but an invitation to stop the cry for vengeance and enjoy heavenly rest until God's wrath arrives. The phrase "for a little while longer" .. Jn 7:33; 12:35 .. indicates that the time will not be delayed. This seal is best seen as describing a period in the middle of the seven years of tribulation. There is a verbal similarity to the phrase in Revelation 10:6, "there will be delay no longer." Some time will clearly elapse between 6:11 and 10:6. God's day of judgment and vengeance is about three and a half years ahead, and will not come until the number of the martyrs' fellow servants would be completed. "Fellow servants and brethren" are two classes of people. The first group was alive and willing to die like the martyrs, though they would not. The second group were those who will be killed. next week: The 6th Seal Cosmic darkness -- physical destruction JESUS' WORDS: THE SEAL: ITS CONTENTS: Matt 24:29 The 6th Seal Cosmic darkness -- physical destruction * * * * * * * * * Faith in God is the essential element for Spiritual change * * * * * * * * * SYMBOLS FROM JESUS' BAPTISM * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Jesus answering said to him, "Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Matt. 3:15a The most important symbol Jesus' baptism gives us is a perfect example of obedience to God the Father. Our Lord always modeled obedience in all things .. Phil 2:6-8; Matt 17:25-27 .. In submitting to baptism, Jesus affirmed the validity of John's standard of righteousness and demonstrated that baptism was God's will to which every believer should be obedient. Furthermore, Jesus' baptism is a profound, symbolic identification with sinful humanity. Hundreds of years earlier the prophet Isaiah stated that the Messiah "was numbered with the transgressors; yet He himself bore the sin of many, and interceded for the transgressors" .. Isa 53:12 .. The sinless One took His place among sinners, and that in part entailed submitting Himself to a sinner's baptism. Finally, Jesus' baptism is a symbol of His death and resurrection, and therefore a prefigurement of our Christian baptism. Concerning His death, Jesus later said, "I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished!" .. Lk 12:50 .. In pointing to His obedient identification with siners .. Isa 53:11; 2 Cor 5:21 .. and His subsequent atoning death and bodily resurrection, the key symbols stemming from Jesus' baptism remind believers of their need to faithfully obey and be baptized. Ask YOURSELF He became one of us, identifying with our sin. Marvel again at the amazement and immensity of this truth. What grace! What humility! What kind of worship should flow from this reality? Worship Him today as the One who was not ashamed to take your place, who stooped down so that you could stand. * * * * * * * * * God's Truth uncovers Satan's lies * * * * * * * * * Q and A with J. Vernon McGee Q: Are the Gfts of Pastor and Teacher Separate or the Same? A: Its quite popular now for a great many to be called a pastor/teacher. Now the Lord gives to the church men with certain gifts. We're told in Ephesians 4:11, "And he gave some [that is, to some local churches], apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists [actually that is missionaries]; and some, pastors and teachers." All of these are different gifts. That doesn't mean that a man who is an evangelist cannot teach the Word of God or that a pastor cannot teach also, but that's not his gift. If the Lord is permitted to have His way, the Spirit of God will put into the church what that church needs. Some churches need a pastor. Now the word "pastor" is "shepherd." A shepherd is one who watches over the sheep. He spends time counseling them, visits them, goes with them through their times of sorrow and crisis, and all of us have those things. There are certain men who have that gift as a pastor. Now let me speak very frankly. I have known men who have been pastors of churches who are lousy preachers and teachers, yet they were excellent pastors. And I have seen those men build great churches by exercising the gifts of a pastor, but not preaching and teaching. The church did suffer, though, and that's my reason for believing that if the senior pastor has a gift of teaching he ought to get someone in as an assistant who has the gift of pastor (shepherd) and vice versa. If he finds out that he is a good pastor, then let him get somebody who is a good teacher. That's how you get a well-rounded church. That's the reason why we have these lopsided churches today. Some of them have been pastored to death. They're a bunch of [spiritual] babies and the pastor is just a wet nurse running around burping babies. They need teaching! Wasn't I a pastor all of those years? I had to be. But I have to be very frank and confess to you, that was a part of my ministry that I did not enjoy. Some men just revel in it, they love it. I don't. I want to study the Word of God and preach and teach. That's what I wanted to do. And I think if any man that's in the ministry today tries to claim he has two gifts - and some of them think they are song leaders, too - I think there's one he ought not to be doing. I think a man has just one gift. I remember Dr. Chafer used to say, "A man may have two gifts, but I've rnever met him yet." God gives each one of us one gift. If I have any gift, it's been that of teacher. I think that's the reason the Lord has let me have a radio ministry. It's because I don't have to be a pastor. I can just be a teacher, and I can help a great many pastors. I want to do that, because they have a gift I don't have, and God's using them. * * * * * * * * * If you say, "I'm no worse than the rest," you fail life's ultimate test * * * * * * * * * Answers to this week's Trivia's: 1. Who rolled back the stone from Jesus' tomb? A. The angel of the Lord. Matt 28:2 2. In which gospel did Jesus predict that children rebelling against their parents would be a sign of the end times? A. Mk 13:12 * * * * * * * * * This week's chuckle: I was preparing to go cash a paycheck when I realized my husband, Mark, hadn't signed it. So I sent four-year-old Chelsea upstairs to "get Daddy's name on the back of it." She came back, handed it to me, and said, "He was sleeping and I knew his name so I did it myself." On the back of the check, she had printed, "D-A-D." * * * * * * * * * Hmmm, think the bank will accept it? Until next time, remember, "Keep Looking Up!" God loves you and yours . . . He really does! Nancy <\\\><< Point of Interest: * * * * * * * * * One of the reasons we study God's Word is so we can pass it on through a sustained life-purpose.   Added: January 29, 2009

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Name: Max Hashbarger From: Mexico E-mail: Contact

#403 20 Jan 09 . . . Oh, that You would rend the heavens and come down. That the mountains might quake at Your presence - As fire kindles the brushwood, as fire causes water to boil - To make Your name known to Your adversaries, That the nations may tremble at Your presence! When You did awesome things which we did not expect, You came down, the mountains quaked at Your presence. For from days of old they have not heard or perceived by ear, Nor has the eye seen God besides You, Who acts in behalf of the one who waits for Him . . . Isaiah 64:1-4 Grateful for . . . . THE WORD OF GOD ! (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) Greetings! Welcome to our new list reader! God loves you. I received an aritcle from David Wilkerson with the above verse and he is convinced the Lord is trying to break through to his people as never before. As Scripture predicts, the devil has come down with great wrath, knowing his time is short. And right now God's people need a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit, a supernatural touch even greater than the one at Pentecost. Think of it: Jesus' followers at Pentecost didn't have to fear nuclear weapons. They didn't face gay marriages in mainstream society. They didn't tremble as the entire world economy trembled on the brink of collapse. It is clear we need Holy Ghost power to face these last days - its that simple. We have been blessed with more tools for evangelism than any other generation. We have more media outlets for the gospel - more books, web sites, TV and radio shows - Be a blessing this week! Be readily availble to be a 'tool' for the gospel of Jesus Christ .. and His soon return! * * * * * * * * * This week's Trivia's: [answer's below . . ] 1. What bone of a donkey did Samson use to kill 1,000 Philistines? 2. What city did Jesus ride into on a donkey? * * * * * * * * * Dedication to Christ is not a one-time choice but a daily challenge * * * * * * * * * BIBLE MEDITATION: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: When we ought to be enjoying victorious, abundant lives...what happens? Fear creeps in and grips us cold. Many of us lose priceless opportunities because of this boa constrictor of fear. When fear dominates, there is no room for Christ Who can comfort us .. John 16:33 .. Worry is the noxious first cousin to fear. They will do to you what grit does to machinery -- shut you down. But God gives us the victory with His power, His love, and the gift of a sound mind. The Holy Spirit is your Bodyguard. He walks with you. The man who can kneel before God can stand before any man. ACTION POINT: Jesus has you in His sight. You are in God's right hand. Write that down and post it in a place where you can meditate on it throughout the day. Now, ask yourself, "Knowing this, can anything this week change those truths?" * * * * * * * * * Without Christ we're not ready to die; with Christ we have every reason to live * * * * * * * * * This week's teaching by John MacArthur on the book of Revelation: Because The Time IS Near. The Tribulation's SEAL Judgments Rev 6:1-17 The 4th Seal .. Earthquakes -- death When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, "Come." I looked, and behold, an ashen horse; and he who sat on it had the name Death; and Hades was following with him. Authority was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by the wild beasts of the earth. Rev 6:7-8 The Lamb broke the seal and the fourth living creature summond the fourth horse and its rider. John described the final horse as an ashen horse. "Ashen" refers to a sickly, pale, yellow-green color. The horse's color vividly protrays the pale-green pallor of death characteristic of the decomposition of a corpse. The rider who sat on it had the name Death. Death on a massive scale is the inevitable consequence of widespread war and famine. In this terrifying scene, John saw Hades following with death. The extent of the death and destruction brought by war and famine is given. Authority was given to Death and Hades to destroy a fourth of the world's population. At the world's current population, that would amount to the staggering total of nearly 1.5 billion deaths. Death will use four tools in his grim task. The first three elements, the sword, famine, and pestilence, are often linked together in Scritpure .. 1 Chron 21:12; 2 Chron 20:9; Jer 14:12 .. and all four elements appear in Ezekiel 14:12-21. The sword (war) and famine have already been discussed in connection with the second and third seals. The fourth seal expands these conditions. "Pestilence" here may primarily refer to disease as the cause of death (2:23; 18:8) but is broad enough to encompass natural disasters such as the earthquakes predicted by Jesus .. Matt 24:7 .. floods, and volcanic eruptions. It could even refer to the effects of biological and chemical weapons. At first glance, the inclusion of "wild beasts" with war, famine, and disease seems puzzling, since most creatures dangerous to man are either extinct or isolated in unpopulated regions. But one explanation may be that the most deadly creature of all, the rat, thrives in all populated areas. Rats have been responsible for uncounted millions of deaths throughout history by spreading disease. The most devastating occurrence of rat-borne disease was a fourteenth-century outbreak of bubonic plague that wiped out one-fourth to one-third of Europe's population. In a world ravaged by war, famine, and disease, the rat population may run wild. next week: The 5th Seal Divine judgment JESUS' WORDS: THE SEAL: ITS CONTENTS: Matt 24:9 5th Seal Divine judgment Matt 24:29 6th Seal Cosmic darkness -- physical destruction * * * * * * * * * God keeps His Word -- You can count on it! * * * * * * * * * Testimony to JESUS' Sinlessness * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * John tried to prevent Him, saying, "I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?" Matt 3:14 John the Baptist's initial reluctance to baptize Jesus is a testimony to Jesus' sinlessness -- and John's awareness of his own sinfulness. In effect, John said to Jesus, "I'm a sinner, just like everyone else I baptize, so why should You, the sinless Son of God, want me to baptize You?" In an indirect yet definite fashion, John agreed with the later description of Christ by the writer of Hebrews, "One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin" .. 4:15 .. Jesus Himself testified to His perfect righteousness and His reason for wanting to be baptized, "Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness". Jesus' words did not deny His superiority to John the Baptist or His sinlessness. "Permit it at this time" is an idiomatic expression meaning that Christ's baptism, though seemingly not appropriate or necessary, was actually appropriate for this special time. The Lord understood John's strong hesitation, and knew it came from deep spiritual commitment and sincerity. Thus He gave John divine permission to do what he was otherwise reluctant to do, so he could perfectly fulfill the Father's plan. Ask YOURSELF How do you think you would have reacted to Jesus' request for baptism? How do you react today when you're in His presence, in awe of His holiness and purity? Pray for the spiritual understanding to know that by His grace, He has washed this same righteousness over you. * * * * * * * * * We can go through anything because Jesus goes before us. * * * * * * * * * UNVEILING THE FUTURE by Adrian Rogers Have you noticed all around us people are drowning in a rushing tide of depravity? They don't know what to do. They don't know where to turn. They are lost in a fog of error and ignorance and are desperate to find a way out. We have the light to show them the way. God has given us His Word to guide us and the Book of the Revelation is the golden clasp that brings the entire Bible together. It has four timeless truths that will guide us to dispel the fog and give a hope that is steadfast and sure. THE CENTRAL PERSON His name is Jesus. The first verse in Revelation says, "The Revelation of Jeus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to shew unto His servants ... "We are not looking for something to happen, we are looking for Someone to come". It is the revelation of one person - central person of the book - Jesus Christ. The word revelation means "uncovering" and comes from the Greek word apokalupsis. What is literally means is "unveiliing.": It is similar to the unveiling of a statue or monument, as when one pulls a drawstring and unveils a statue for the first time for everyone to see. Can you imagine the heartbeat of God the Father when He says, "Here is an unveiling of My dear Son, Who is the King of kings and Lord of lords"? THE CLEAR PURPOSE The first verse also gives us the clear purpose of the book: "to shew unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass." Only God knows the future and Jesus has come to show it to His servants. The word servant in the Greek is doulos, which means "bondslave" - those who willingly become slaves. May I ask if you a slave of Jesus Christ? If not, the bible may be a closed book to you. As it says, this book is a revelation to the bondslaves of Jesus Christ. Be mindful that Revelation is not an outline of history, beginning in the first century and continuing to the present day. The book is also not a spiritual allegory, comparing the battle of evil and good. Revelation deals with the consummation of the age to come. When you're certain of your future, you can concentrate on your present. THE COMFORTING PROMISE Did you know there is a blessing in the Book of Revelation? "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand!" Rev 1:3 Hear it. Jesus said, "If any man have an ear, let him hear" .. Rev 13:9 .. Do you remember your parents or teachers ever saying to you, "Do you hear me?" They were not asking if you heard them with your eardrums; they wanted to know if you understood what they were saying. Keep it. God wants more than just a curious mind when you read the Book of Revelation. There are commands in this book for you to obey. If you really believe the end of all things is close at hand, you will not be casual about the things of Christ. You will discover three blessings in studying the Book of Revelation. IT WILL UNLOCK THE MYSTERY OF HISTORY In eastern religions, history just goes in a cycle. That is why adherents of these religions believe in reincarnation. Religious followers keep coming back until they get it right. But the Bible history is not cyclical; it is linear. Christians are moving toward a goal. IT WILL BRING SENSE TO OUR SUFFERING Suffering is not God's final plan. Revelation 21:4 says: "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." IT WILL BRING STABILITY IN CHAOTIC TIMES The days in which we are living are absolutely mind-boggling. Knowing God brings stability in chaotic times. He is the Almighty! All it takes is the Almighty to give us that understanding. THE CERTAIN PROPHECY The time is at hand, Revelation 1:3 says, "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. What does John mean when he says the "time is at hand"? It does not mean that the time is immediate. It means that it is imminent. Jesus Christ can come at any moment. We are not waiting for some event to take place before Jesus can return; He can come whenever He chooses. Friend, we have been living in the last days for more than 2,000 years. The apostle Paul expected Jesus Christ in his lifetime. He was not wrong to believe that way; he was right. Every Christian should be living in the light of the imminent coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. How grateful I am that God gave us His Word to give us comfort, guidance, and assurance of His sovereign plan! One day in 1949, God changed the heart of Stuart Hamblin, a talented singer/songwriter in the old western movies. Stuart composed music and acted with such stars as John Wayne, Gene Autry, and Roy Rogers. John Wayne noticed the change in Stuart's life and asked him, "Stuart, what is your secret?" His answer became a beloved hymn: It is no secret what God can do. What He's done for others, He'll do for you. With arms wide open, He'll pardon you. It is no secret what God can do. Do you want to be ready when Christ returns? The only way to do that is to receive the One Who came and died on a cruel cross for the forgiveness of your sin and the salvation of your soul. It is no secret what God can do. What He's done for others, He'll do for you. * * * * * * * * * If Christ is kept on the outside, There's something wrong on the inside * * * * * * * * * Answers to this week's Trivia's: 1. What bone of a donkey did Samson use to kill 1,000 Philistines? A. Jawbone Judges 15:15 2. What city did Jesus ride into on a donkey? A. Jerusalem Matt 21:6-10 * * * * * * * * * This week's chuckle: here's a couple of cute shorties . . . 1. A Sunday school teacher said to her children, "We have been learning how powerful kings and queens were in Bible times. But, there is a higher power. Can anybody tell me what it is?" One child blurted out, "Aces!" 2. A pastor asked a little boy if he said his prayers every night. "Yes sir," the boy replied. "And, do you always say them in the morning, too?" the pastor asked. "No sir," the boy replied. "I ain't scared in the daytime." * * * * * * * * * Until next time, remember, "Keep Looking Up!" God loves you and yours . . . He really does! Nancy <\\\><< Point of Interest: * * * * * * * * * Beginning his reign at age 9, King Tut only reigned for 11 years but is the best known Pharoah from Ancient Egypt.   Added: January 23, 2009

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Name: Max Hashbarger From: Mexico E-mail: Contact

#402 13 Jan 09 . . . I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep . . . John 10:11 Grateful for . . . . THE WORD OF GOD ! (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) Greetings! Actually, verse 1 to verse 18 tells the story of The Good Shepherd. Please know that it is an allegory, not a parable. An allegory differs from a parable in one essential regard, and that is that all the details in an allegory are relevant, whereas the details in a parable, for the most part, are incidental to the main idea. In verse 11 Christ is called the good shepherd, the great shepherd in Heb 13:20, and the chief Shepherd in 1 Pet 5:4. We need not suppose that these words connote different aspects of the shepherd. They present Jesus as the one whose death on Calvary saves the sheep. The good shepherd gave His life; the great shepherd did the same through the blood of the eternal covenant; the chief shepherd will come again for His sheep. Be a blessing this week! Take 5 minutes and read verses 1 to 18 ... you'll be glad you did! * * * * * * * * * This week's Trivia's: [answer's below . . ] 1. What woman of Joppa gave away clothing to the widows? 2. Who, was instructed by God, struck a rock with his rod and caused water to come from it? * * * * * * * * * There is no one so bad he cannot be saved and no one so good he need not be saved. * * * * * * * * * BIBLE MEDITATION: "If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which He hath testified of His Son." 1 John 5:9 "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before." Philippians 3:13 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: I've been asked, "Pastor Rogers, do you expect me to believe in Jesus Christ just because your book says that He lived? That's not enough for me." I agree. You need something else. If you want to know who Jesus Christ is, ask the Holy Spirit. God says, "If you want to believe, I will help you to understand and to know that these things are true." Don't tell me that you cannot believe. You may refuse to believe, but I will tell you this. If you want to believe in Jesus Christ and if you seek Truth, God the Holy Spirit will speak to you and confirm to you that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Nehemiah was a man who knew how to get alone with God. He fasted, prayed, and wept, then God told him what to do. Have you done that? Have you sacrificed and surrendered to the Lord to discover His will for your life? Or are you just putting yourself into neutral and letting life happen to you? Do you have a focus? God has something that He wants you to do. You are special to God. Nehemiah said, "God had laid something on my heart." If you'll listen, God will lay something on your heart. ACTION POINT: Read Deuteronomy 4:29. Do you want to know the living God? He is there if you seek Him with all your heart. Get alone with God this week. Discover what He wants from your life to do His will. * * * * * * * * * You're free to choose. You're not free not to choose. And you're not free to choose the consequences of your choices. Your choices choose for you * * * * * * * * * This week's teaching by John MacArthur on the book of Revelation: Because The Time IS Near. The Tribulation's SEAL Judgments Rev 6:1-17 THE SECOND SEAL: WAR ... When He broke the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, "Come." And another, a red horse, went out; and to him who sat on it, it was granted to take peace from the earth, and that men would slay one another; and a great sword was given to him Rev 6:3-4 The world's attitude of peace and harmony will be shattered as the second horse and rider appear on the scene. As the Lamb broke the second seal, John heard the second living creature summoning the second horseman, saying, "Come." Immediately "a red horse went out." Red, the color of fire and blood, depicts war. God's judgment descends and the false peace led by Antichrist dissolves into war. Concerning the rider, John first notes that "to him ... it was granted to take peace from the earth." All that happens will be under God's control. He allows the false peace, and He ends it by bringing war on the earth. Contrary to the teaching of some, the judgments of the tribulation do not reflect the wrath of humanity or the wrath of Satan. They express God's wrath poured out on the world. Describing this time, Jesus said, "You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars... Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom" .. Matt 24:6-7 .. Men will kill one antoher on an unprecedented scale. While Scripture does not give the details, the advances in modern weapons suggest a terrible destruction. John also noted that "a great sword was given" to the rider. The Greek word for "sword" here refers to the short, stabbing sword a Roman soldier carried into battle. It was also a weapon used by assassins. The vision depicts a great sword to describe the extent of the war. Antichrist's false peace will dissolve in battle and revolt. Antichrist will play a major role in the wars that follow. When wars break out all over the world he will have no choice but to resort to war in order to preserve his power. He will be as skillful at war as he was at promoting false peace .. cf. Dan 8:24 .. Among his victims will be many of God's people .. cf. 6:9; Matt 24:9 .. Antichrist's setting up of the abomination of desolation .. Dan 11:31; 12:11; Matt 24:15 .. will touch off a massive conflict .. Dan 11:36-45 .. As head of a Western confederacy, Antichrist will initially portray himself as a champion of peace. He will even appear to bring peace to the troubled Middle East. He will make a treaty with Israel, posing as their protector and defender. Soon afterwards, however, his desire for dominance will provoke rebellion. Antichrist's attempts to crush his enemies will last throughout the remainder of the tribulation. Finally, when Jesus Christ returns, Antichrist will be cast into the lake of fire forever .. 20:10 .. THE THIRD SEAL: FAMINE When He broke the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, "Come." I looked, and behold, a black horse; and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard something like a voice in the center of the four living creatures saying, "A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do no damage the oil and the wine." Rev 6:5-6 As the Lamb broke the third seal, the mighty voice of the third living creature announced the coming of the third horse and rider. John's use of the word "behold" reveals how startled he was by the rider's appearance. The color black is associated with famine .. Lamentations 5:10 KJV .. Famine is a logical consequence of worldwide war as food supplies are destroyed. Jesus also predicted this future famine .. Matt 24:7 .. God has used famine as a means of judgment in the past, but this will be the most devastating famine in all of human history. The pair of scales the rider carried in his hand pictures the rationing that will result from the famine. Following the appearance of the black horse and its rider, John heard "something like a voice" in the center of the four living creatures. Since the four living creatures were stationed around the throne .. 4:6 .. this is likely the voice of God, the One sitting on the throne .. 4:2-3 .. God also speaks in connection with the fifth seal .. 6:11 .. He speaks here as a reminder that the famine is a direct judgment from Him. The famine's severity can be seen in the example given. A quart of wheat is barely enough to sustain one person for one day, while a denarius represents one day's wages for an average worker. The average worker's salary will barely provide enough food for himself for each day and not enough to feed his family. Those with families will be able to purchase three quarts of barely for a denarius. That will provide food for their families, but barely was low in nutritional value and often fed to livestock. God cautions people not to waste the oil and the wine. Basic food staples will become priceless lixuries. Olive oil and wine, used in the preparation and cooking of food, as well as the purification of water, will need to be carefully protected. next week: The 4th Seal .. Earthquakes -- death JESUS' WORDS: THE SEAL: ITS CONTENTS: Matt 24:7 4th Seal Earthquakes -- death Matt 24:9 5th Seal Divine judgment Matt 24:29 6th Seal Cosmic darkness -- physical destruction Matt 24:37 ff 7th Seal Cataclysmic events (the seventh trumpet) * * * * * * * * * Eternal life is not something you get when you die; it's something you get when you believe * * * * * * * * * JESUS' PUBLIC BAPTISM * * * * * * * * * * * * * Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan .. Matt 3:13a There is something majestic about Jesus' baptism that brought all the previous events of His earthly life into focus. Here He came fully onto the stage of the gospel story and His work and ministry truly began. Following an eternity past in heaven and thirty years of obscurity in Nazareth, God presented the Savior publicly to the world. John the Baptist, as "the voice of one crying in the wilderness," had heralded the coming of the Messiah .. Matt 3:3; cl. Isa 40:3 .. and now He was fully and publicly prepared to begin the fulfillment of His earthly mission. A parallel passage in Luke tells us that this was no private or secluded ceremony: "Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus was also baptized" .. Lk 3:21 .. The word translated "arrived" in Matthew 3:13 often indicated an official arrival or public appearance by a dignitary. From now on Jesus would be in the public eye and call no place His permanent earthy home .. 8:20 .. This important ipisode from the beginning of Christ's ministry clearly shows us that Jesus, though knowing what a high degree of visibility would ultimately cost Him, obediently stepped from the comfort of obscurity into the high-risk position of a public figure. His work would invite strong opinion, but in order to accomplish the Father's will, it must take place in full view of the world. It must come at the cost of being widely observed. Ask YOURSELF We are called to be salt and light, not merely to enjoy God's seasoning and illumination in our own lives but to be His conveyors of grace to others. How does this public calling alter the way you express and live your Christianity? Pray that you will live not in fear but in faith. * * * * * * * * * A rich man is poor when he has no treasure in heaven * * * * * * * * * THE WAKE-UP CALL by Adrian Rogers Today there needs to be a modern Paul Revere who tells us to wake up! The enemy is coming, and we need to sound the alarm. The sad thing is many of God's children are sound asleep when they ought to be awake -- the church is asleep, snuggled up in her pews with the covers pulled up over her head, and the sanctuary is dark. God's alarm clock is going off. This is no time to push the snooze button! In 1775, the light from two lanterns saved America from destruction and today the light from the Word of God is broadcasting another warning about a far deeper danger. We have been given a wake-up call by the Word of God -- is anyone listening? And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Romans 13:11-12 According to God's clock, it's time to wake up. Just as the Apostle Paul gave a wake-up call to the saints in Rome, how much mroe we need his wake-up call today! America is in a moral free fall like never before seen in history. The alarm has sounded, and we need to heed the call. But what are people doing? They are rolling over and yawning in the face of God. But Paul says "it is hight time to awake" and "the night is far spent." Jesus said in John 9:4, "I must work the works of Him that sent Me while it is day, for night cometh when no man can work." There are a lot of things you can do, but I'm going to tell you all the soul-winning that you're ever going to do, you're going to do while you are here on this earth. And it may be later in the day of opportunity than you realize. We have opportunities now that are unparalleled to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ! Not only is it time to wake up, but it's time to clean up. These verses continue to tell us to put off rioting, drunkenness, shamelessness, strife, and envy. You may think that's not possible, but this listener's testimony echoes so many we receive: I was raised in a Christian home, but I became agnostic and began studying other religions. Over the years I became bitter, subscribed to evolution, atheism, and eventually Satanism. It was during this dark time that I found Love Worth Finding on the radio. I listened with a full intent of mocking the message. But no matter how much my hate raged, I still listened. The more I heard, the more I resisted, but I couldn't stop listening. One day my cynicism burst like a dam. In the middle of Adrian Rogers' message I left work, bought a Bible, and began reading. Glory be to God, the Lord Jesus and His grace. I admitted all my sins, begged His forgiveness, and proclaimed my love for Him. Praise His name. If such an enemy of Christianity can turn and be saved, truly anyone can! Oh, how we need to come before our Lord in honesty and confession. Not only is it time to wake up, but it's time to dress up and put on the Lord Jesus Christ. Put Him on for direction because He is Lord. Put Him on for deliverance because He is Savior, and put Him on for dominion because He is King Messiah. So where do you think we stand as a culture, as a church, and you as an individual Christian? Paul sounded the alarm in the first century, and we need to sound it today as well. You've heard the alarm. Now you can either roll over and hit the "snooze" button, or we can get up, clean up, and dress up! * * * * * * * * * The devil gives the best first and the worst last, but the Lord saves the best for last. * * * * * * * * * Answers to this week's Trivia's: 1. What woman of Joppa gave away clothing to the widows? A. Tabitha Acts 9:39 2. Who, was instructed by God, struck a rock with his rod and caused water to come from it? A. Moses Ex 17:5-6 * * * * * * * * * This week's chuckle: Little Johnny's kindergarten class was on a field trip to their local police station where they saw pictures tacked to a bulletin board of the 10 most wanted criminals. One of the youngsters pointed to a picture and asked if it really was the photo of a wanted person. 'Yes,' said the policeman. 'The detectives want very badly to capture him.' Little Johnny asked, 'Why didn't you keep him when you took his picture'? * * * * * * * * * Good question Johnny! Until next time, remember, "Keep Looking Up!" God loves you and yours . . . He really does! Nancy <\\\><< Something To Ponder: * * * * * * * * * * * * There's no place like home if you don't have the money to go out.   Added: January 17, 2009

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