Here’s another one of those encouraging testimonies from indigenous missionaries supported by the Gospel for Asia. This is the story of Mihir Gavde whose church has made considerable headway in bringing folks to Christ in his village through a number of miraculous healings. Read the account, it will encourage and empower your own faith. *Top
Posted in -Asia, Healing Ministry, Miracles, Missions, Testimony
Tagged Healing Ministry
This is Tim Tebow’s 2nd season in the NFL. First he had to endure a slew of experts who knowingly claimed that he would never be a successful quarterback in the pros.
Then when he became a sensation by helping his Denver Broncos win a number of close games he also became the subject of ridicule from folks like atheist Bill Maher, along with comedy sketches from SLN and South Park. Plus several opposing players mocked Tebow by pretending to knell in prayer on the field right in front of him.
Meanwhile Tim Tebow took it all in good humor and responded with total classiness towards all while praising God and thanking Jesus.
Then last weekend in a playoff game against the Steelers who were supposed to be a far better team then the Broncos, Tim Tebow pulled off an overtime ‘miracle’ win for his team. In the process he passed for an incredible 316 yards and averaged 31.6 yards per pass before a TV audience that achieved a 31.6 rating producing a repeated set of numbers that was reminiscent of Tim’s favorite Bible passage- John 3:16.
This week in the aftermath, one article after another has been published by one religious leader after another reminding us that is is just football after all and God would never be aroused from his great responsibilities to help one Christian win a game over another team that after all also had some Christians on it. Worse yet, the secular media has gone out of its way to find one pastor after another to criticize Tebow for dragging the name of Jesus onto a football field.
Up to this point, it has all mostly been in fun and it has been nice to see a young Christian succeed against all of the long odds against him and continue to win in the face of all of the opposition against him and then praise the Lord in the aftermath.
However, it is hard to calculate how despised and resented Tebow is in the secular and atheist community. It is also impossible to gauge how much of a hero he has become among many Christians. For better or worse he has become a symbol for evangelicals in America and a lightening rod for the opposition against Christianity.
Now comes an unfortunate turn of events. Today, it was reported that a coven of witches in Salem, Mass. were casting spells, doing rituals, and calling on ‘Spirits’ to help Tom Brady and the New England Patriots defeat Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos tomorrow.
What was destined to be a fun football game has now become a spiritual confrontation instead. It may not be Mt. Carmel, but a ‘spiritual’ gauntlet has been thrown down none the less.
On the face of it, Tom Brady is a far better quarterback and the Patriots are heavily favored in the contest having soundly beaten the Broncos earlier in the season. They really didn’t need the extra ‘spiritual’ help and it will take a miracle to beat them.
Up to this point, I really didn’t care who won the game until the witches got involved. Now I will be praying and rooting for Tebow and the Broncos. *Top
Posted in Christian Living, Witnessing
Tagged Tebow
(Image via Wikipedia)
Top Posts Written in 2011
Here’s our top ten list of posts written in 2011 based upon the number of views and comments:
1. -Iran Cracking Down on the Christian Revival
2. -What is Really Behind the Chaos in the Middle East
3. -25,000+ Young People Attend ‘Onething’ IHOP Conference
4. -71,000 Christians Attend Prayer Event in Cairo, Egypt
5. -Japan: A New Opportunity to Spread the Gospel and Bring Revival?
6. -Church Today Not What God Intended?
7. -Baptist Revival: Candies Creek Move
8. -The Hospital Healing Prayer Initiative
9. -Double Dip Recession, Depression, and Israel?
10. -What is it About the Marketplace?
May God Bless you and yours during this new year.
With the new year, many want to improve their lives in 2012. One of the best ways to do that is to read the Bible daily in the new year.
Several polls taken during the last year have unfortunately demonstrated that American Christians are somewhat illiterate when it comes to the Bible and particularly Biblical teachings. One good way to reverse the trend is to set aside time to read the good book everyday. An excellent idea is to read through the whole Bible or at least the New Testament during 2011. There are a number of good programs to help you in the process.
One of the easiest ways to get it done is to get a ‘One Year Bible’ where the whole year is divided up into daily readings usually with a selection from the New Testament, the Old Testament, and from Psalms. You can even get it in your favorite version at the book store or at Amazon.
If you find that reading all of it in one year is maybe too much, then you could read just the New Testament and Psalm offerings for each day and then maybe save the Old Testament or the following year (or visa versa).
There are also a number of good plans available that allow you to use your regular Bible for the reading. Here’s a few online: The One year Bible Online, Bible Year-eSword, Bible Gateway
You could also get the Bible on CD or tape and listen to it on the way to work this year or download it into your iPod, iPhone or MP3: iTunes, Apps me now
There are lots more Bible helps available just search online.
May God Bless us all in 2012. *Top
Posted in Bible Study, New Year
Tagged Happy New Year
(Image via Wikipedia)
An Assemblies of God church in Ahwaz, Iran was raided by authorities during Christmas services and everyone was arrested, detained, threatened, and interrogated including the children.
Most were eventually released except the senior Pastor Farhad and his family, plus several other leaders. This is a good time to remember them in your prayers.
The strange part is that this is one of the 70 ‘official’ churches in Iran that are supposed to be allowed to worship out in the open. Nevertheless an example was made of them on Christmas.
Perhaps the authorities were frustrated in their efforts to find some of the hundreds of house churches on Christmas and they took it out on a legal church instead. *Top
Posted in Christmas, Iran, Middle East, Persecution
(Image via Wikipedia)
Merry Christmas to you and yours and may God truly bless you this Christmas Day.
The Real Christmas Story
Last night before we tucked the Grandchildren in bed for a long winter’s night we gathered around the Tree and carried on our family Christmas Eve tradition reading about the ‘real’ Christmas story in the Bible.
You’ve probably seen a dozen or so ‘Christmas stories’ on TV in the last couple of weeks but the real Christmas story is found in Matthew (Matt. 1:18-2:18) and in Luke ( Luke 1:26-56, 2:1-40). However, Isaiah should never be ignored:
Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
Matthew gives us the story largely from the perspective of Joseph, including the dreams that he had and his family genealogy. In this gospel the ‘Kingship’ of Jesus is the major topic. Starting with the Davidic Kingly genealogy through Joseph and the coming of the Magi (Wisemen) who are looking for the new king. Also King Herod’s reaction is in Matthew.
The events in Luke are given to us from Mary’s view. The angel Gabriel appears to Mary and announces the coming of the child. Mary’s genealogy is also given in Luke (Luke 3:23-38), she was also a descendant of David, but not in the ‘Kingly’ line. Chapter 2 begins with the Christmas story that everyone is familiar with:
1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
However, nothing explains the real reason for the season better than John 3:16-17:
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. -KJV
(Image via Wikipedia)
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
–Luke 2:14
This is a good time to remember our Iranian brothers and sisters in Christ. Iranian authorities are threatening to arrest any Christians that outwardly celebrate Christmas this year. We have posted in the past about the continuing revival going on in Iran. Like China, it is a house church movement that is increasing through dreams, visions, and healings.
We should also remember Christians in Egypt. The recent election indicates that radical Islamists will soon be running the country. Over 60% of the vote went to Muslim Brotherhood and the more radical Nour Party. Last year during the Coptic Christmas (Celebrated in January) celebration there were several attacks on the Christian community. This year more attacks are expected since the central government no longer even tries to protect the Christians.
Again this year, we should remember Christians in Iraq. The last several years there have been incidences of Churches, Christian businesses, and homes being attacked by radical Muslims during the Christmas season.
Also, the violence continues to rage against Christian communities in northern Nigeria. There seems to be no end in sight as Muslim mullahs continually incite Muslim ‘worshippers’ to attack Christians following Friday services. Literally there is at least one violent incident a week in that country.
In America, we are still blessed and far more fortunate than most of the Christians around the world. We might have to put up with atheists kicking our Nativity scenes out of City Hall and our children no longer being allowed to sing Christmas carols in school but we can go to sleep at night secure in our homes.
What we consider as persecution here is just a minor inconvenience. We are not facing life or death situations for our faith like many around the world. May God continue to bless us all this Christmas season and may we not forget to pray for “Peace and Goodwill” for our brothers and sisters around the world who are not as fortunate. *Top
Tagged Christian Persecution, Christmas
And the angel said to them,
"Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger."
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" -Luke 2:10-14
Here’s some great suggestions for finding real joy during the busy Christmas season from Ron Edmondson pastor at Grace Community Church, in Clarksville, Tennessee: “5 Suggestions for Finding More Joy at Christmas”
Here are five suggestions to greater joy at Christmas:
Lower expectations of others - We shouldn’t hold others to expectation we set for them. People, even the best of people, will disappoint us.
Increase your investment in others – Something supernatural happens when we share with others. We are to give and extend grace, as it was given to us.
Examine your life/Address known sin – You can’t have joy w/a holy God if you are living contrary to His desires for your life
Change your perspective – Choosing to be greatly joyful is not based on circumstances, but comes by perspective.
Set your eyes on the prize – If you’re struggling to find joy in life, set your eyes on Jesus; the author and perfecter of your faith.
Posted in Christian Living, Christmas
Tagged Christmas
(Image via Wikipedia)
There seems to be far fewer attacks upon Christmas this year. As I go out into the stores I now see a variety of signs greeting me including ‘Merry Christmas’ most of the time. Some of the same stores only had the perfunctory ‘Happy Holidays’ on their signs last year.
Maybe some of the business administrators read the same poll I did that 70% of Americans prefer the ‘Merry Christmas’ greeting to ‘Happy Holidays’. Maybe some of the businesses in their haste to be ‘inclusive’ and not to offend a few now realize they were actually offending the many instead.
Some other polls that I have read find that between 85-92% of the country celebrates Christmas in some form or another.
Even for those who are not really believers, the Christmas season still brings the story of the birth of Jesus to the forefront for a few weeks out of the years at least. Though a cursory inventory of the shows on TV demonstrates a continuing trend towards the myth of Santa Claus and his reindeer and away from the true miracle of the season. For some the season should probably be called ‘Santa-mas’.
One disturbing thing I found over the weekend is that my grandchildren really do not know very many of the old traditional Christmas carols. They stopped singing them in schools so their exposure to traditional Christmas music is now limited to home and church and the car radio.
Over the weekend I came across President Obama’s message during the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in Washington DC. I think it was one of the very few times I was actually proud of this President. He actually told the real Christmas story and framed his message around the real reason for the season.
This Christmas season is a time of economic difficulty for many. I know in our own family we will not be spending as much on gifts as we have in the past. Nevertheless, this Christmas will not be diminished in any way since we plan to emphasis the ‘merry’ and the ‘Christ’ during this season and reach out to others when we can. *Top
(Image by bdec via Flickr)
This is a good time to look at the call of thankfulness in the life of the believer.
Throughout the scriptures in both the old and the new, believers are instructed to express praise and thankfulness to God as a part of their daily worship and devotion.
Here’s a few good ones to remember:
Ps 100:1-5
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
2 Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!3 Know that the LORD, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!5 For the LORD is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
ESVCol 3:15-17
15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
ESVPhil 4:4-7
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
ESV
In fact, thankfulness is the fruit and proof of one’s faith. According to Romans 1:21 the opposite is true for the ungodly who do not “honor him as God or give thanks to him.”
All believers are called to be thankful no matter what circumstances we may find ourselves in (See: I Thess. 5:18 below). In fact the very act of rejoicing, thanking, and praising God changes our very lives for the better. It also can open the door to miracles.
I am reminded of the occasion when Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown in prison. Most of us including myself would have probably complained about the situation and questioned God about why he allowed it to happen. But Paul and Silas gave thanks and sang praises and it changed everything (Acts 16:-40). I also know of one pastor who went through similar circumstances who sang praises and converted more than a few in prison in the process.
Even if our praises and thankfulness do not change the circumstances we find ourselves in, it does change us and open us up to greater intimacy with God. This is God’s will for our lives and real blessings follow.
1 Thess 5:16-18
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
ESV
Posted in Christian Living, Praise, Thanksgiving
Tagged Thanks to Almighty God
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