Some golden daybreak the trump is going to sound and the dead in Christ shall rise first and we who are alive and remain shall be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. Then: “We must all appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men...” (II Cor. 5:10,11).
When I stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ
And He shows me His plan for me;
The plan of my life as it might have been
Had He had His way, and I see
How I blocked Him here and checked Him there
And I would not yield my will,
Shall I see grief in my Savior’s eyes;
Grief though He loves me still?
Oh, He’d have me rich, and I stand there poor,
Stripped of all but His grace,
While my memory runs like a hunted thing
Down the paths I can’t retrace.
Then my desolate heart will well-nigh break
With tears that I cannot shed.
I’ll cover my face with my empty hands
And bow my uncrowned head.
No! Lord of the years that are left to me
I yield them to Thy hand.
Take me, make me, mold me
To the pattern Thou hast planned.
—Author Unknown
May God give us the strength to redeem the time wisely. Only one life; ’twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Apr 1, 2012
Mar 30, 2012
Mar 8, 2012
My Hightower
(by Berit Kjos - http://www.crossroad.to)
Seeing the World from His perspective
“The Lord is... my High Tower and my Refuge.” 2 Samuel 22:2-3
My strong Tower rises high above the ground, offering an entirely new view of earth and its people. Its lofty shelter offers me peace and safety in the midst of all kinds of struggles. Whether I stand at the top or hide within His impenetrable walls, the troubles and turmoil of the world cannot reach me.
Jesus is that unshakable Tower. My Lord has raised me up and seated me with Him in the heavenly places. (Eph. 2:6) There He shares with me the perspective and the safety of His heights. In the wonderful peace of His presence, I can rest while He shows me His majestic view of the world and the people He loves.
From His high vantage point everything looks new and different. The Goliaths — the overwhelming giants below, which looked so terrible at ground level - seem tiny from up here. Why did I fear them so?
Through His eyes I see the people I love, those who hurt and reject me, those who misunderstand, those I cannot understand.... They look different from up here — smaller, more fragile.... I see God’s hand on them - His personal path for each, His chosen struggles to teach dependence on Him.... I see loneliness and pain in those who had seemed so happy and composed.
In the calm and safety of my High Tower, I turn all my worries over to Him. He is my strength and my defense. No need to fear when He is near. Instead I simply listen and learn without stress or distractions. When I delight in Him, My King smiles to me. He always has new things to share.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts,” He whispers. “Abide in Me!" (Isaiah 55: 8-9, John 15:4-5)
In His nearness, my mind is renewed and my heart overflows with His joy. Filled with His Spirit, I’m ready to let His compassionate love reach out to others who need a refuge and hope. How can I bring them to my Tower? How can my walk on earth help others see the Tower through me? I trust Him to show me!
Precious Lord, my High Tower, let me rest in the heights with you every moment, even as I live and work in the world. Hide me within your walls, so that I won’t be hindered by my human feelings of anxiety. Be to me “a tower of deliverance” from all the enemies of your kingdom - fear, anger, anything that is out of harmony with your life in me. Let me see all people and things, not from my own limited earthly perspective, but from your high vantage point. Then, by your grace, I can lead others to your safety and strength. Thank you.
1 Samuel 17:26, 32-47; 2 Samuel 22:2-3, 51; Psalm 18:2; 61:3, 144:2; Isaiah 55:8-9; Ephesians 2:6
Seeing the World from His perspective
“The Lord is... my High Tower and my Refuge.” 2 Samuel 22:2-3
My strong Tower rises high above the ground, offering an entirely new view of earth and its people. Its lofty shelter offers me peace and safety in the midst of all kinds of struggles. Whether I stand at the top or hide within His impenetrable walls, the troubles and turmoil of the world cannot reach me.
Jesus is that unshakable Tower. My Lord has raised me up and seated me with Him in the heavenly places. (Eph. 2:6) There He shares with me the perspective and the safety of His heights. In the wonderful peace of His presence, I can rest while He shows me His majestic view of the world and the people He loves.
From His high vantage point everything looks new and different. The Goliaths — the overwhelming giants below, which looked so terrible at ground level - seem tiny from up here. Why did I fear them so?
Through His eyes I see the people I love, those who hurt and reject me, those who misunderstand, those I cannot understand.... They look different from up here — smaller, more fragile.... I see God’s hand on them - His personal path for each, His chosen struggles to teach dependence on Him.... I see loneliness and pain in those who had seemed so happy and composed.
In the calm and safety of my High Tower, I turn all my worries over to Him. He is my strength and my defense. No need to fear when He is near. Instead I simply listen and learn without stress or distractions. When I delight in Him, My King smiles to me. He always has new things to share.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts,” He whispers. “Abide in Me!" (Isaiah 55: 8-9, John 15:4-5)
In His nearness, my mind is renewed and my heart overflows with His joy. Filled with His Spirit, I’m ready to let His compassionate love reach out to others who need a refuge and hope. How can I bring them to my Tower? How can my walk on earth help others see the Tower through me? I trust Him to show me!
Precious Lord, my High Tower, let me rest in the heights with you every moment, even as I live and work in the world. Hide me within your walls, so that I won’t be hindered by my human feelings of anxiety. Be to me “a tower of deliverance” from all the enemies of your kingdom - fear, anger, anything that is out of harmony with your life in me. Let me see all people and things, not from my own limited earthly perspective, but from your high vantage point. Then, by your grace, I can lead others to your safety and strength. Thank you.
1 Samuel 17:26, 32-47; 2 Samuel 22:2-3, 51; Psalm 18:2; 61:3, 144:2; Isaiah 55:8-9; Ephesians 2:6
Mar 3, 2012
Knowledge Shall Increase
(1) A camera on a military drone with an 1.8 gigapixel camera (“Latest US Military drone,” Digital Trends, Jan. 3, 2012). The camera, which is part of the Argus-IS drone helicopter package, is 900 times the resolution of a standard 2-megapixel camera. The drone can lock on multiple targets simultaneously from altitudes as high as 20,000 feet.
(2) A nano-ear capable of detecting sounds six orders of magnitude below the threshold of human hearing to detect sounds made at the bacterial level (“The World’s First ‘Nano-Ear,’” Popular Science, Jan. 11, 2012). The invention uses an optically-trapped gold nanoparticle as a listening device. The particle is 60 billionths of a meter or roughly a thousand times smaller than a human hair.
(3) Microrockets that can zip around the human stomach, powered by hydrogen bubbles (“Microrockets,” Popular Science, Jan. 18, 2012). A team from the University of California, San Diego, has created the tiny self-propelled motors that can move around in an acidic environment without the need for any external fuel. The power is supplied by hydrogen bubbles produced by a reaction between an acidic solution and the zinc that the microrocket is made of.
(4) X-Ray laser that super-heats aluminum foil to 3.6 million degrees (“World’s Most Powerful X-Ray Laser,” Popular Science, Jan. 25, 2012). The Linac Coherent Light Source SXR chamber at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory creates and measures 2-million-degree matter, which can be used to watch biological molecules at work and to understand the processes of nuclear fusion. (5) First bionic leg that fuses to the body to be fitted in Australia (“Woman’s Bionic Leg,” Fox News, Feb. 13, 2012). The leg, which will be fitted to a woman who lost her leg after falling beneath a train on the London Underground in 1996, is supposed to fuse to muscle and bone. Orthopedic surgeon Munjed Al Muderis described the procedure as “the future for amputee patients.” About 2,500 years ago, during the Medo-Persian Empire, an angel told the prophet Daniel, “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased” (Daniel 12:4). The Psalmist said, “Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever” (Psalms 119:160). (Friday Church News Notes, www.wayoflife.org)
Feb 16, 2012
Who's Preaching The Truth?
Most Won't Listen, But Some WILL!
"And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. So Paul departed from among them. Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them." -Acts 17:32-34
Even though most people didn't readily receive the Apostle Paul's message... "certain men clave unto him." Although some people mocked Paul, and others were reluctant to receive his message, a small handful of people (men and women) did wholeheartedly receive Paul's message, and wanted to know more. They "clave" to the truth!
We read in 2nd Thessalonians 2:10 that many people will be woefully deceived in the last days BECAUSE THEY LOVED NOT THE TRUTH. Even today, we see that the masses of this world are being woefully deceived by false religions, greedy televangelists, criminal political leaders, and crooked businesses. And the greatest tragedy of all is that most of America's churches today are SILENT!
Please keep in mind that John the Baptist wasn't imprisoned and executed for preaching the Gospel, but for preaching again Herod's adultery. John was a true preacher, who called it as he saw it, in light of God's Word. We are to preach the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth! Billy Sunday preached the truth uncompromisingly, and many hated him for it. The word "culture" is a very dangerous word for Bible-believing Christians. There was nothing cultural about Billy Sunday's preaching while he was throwing chairs, yelling, and swinging his arms.
Thank God for Billy Sunday. Street-preaching is not very "cultural." God help us to wake up--what will culture matter 125 years from now when ALL 6.3 billions people on earth are DEAD? Think about it. Who's preaching the truth? As long as America's preachers continue to be censored, dipping their sails in compromise, desiring only to preach within a pool of acceptable topics--America will continue to suffer at the hands of a murderous gang of God-hating thugs who are Satanists and traitors.
I sincerely ask you...
Who's Preaching The Truth?
"And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. So Paul departed from among them. Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them." -Acts 17:32-34
Even though most people didn't readily receive the Apostle Paul's message... "certain men clave unto him." Although some people mocked Paul, and others were reluctant to receive his message, a small handful of people (men and women) did wholeheartedly receive Paul's message, and wanted to know more. They "clave" to the truth!
We read in 2nd Thessalonians 2:10 that many people will be woefully deceived in the last days BECAUSE THEY LOVED NOT THE TRUTH. Even today, we see that the masses of this world are being woefully deceived by false religions, greedy televangelists, criminal political leaders, and crooked businesses. And the greatest tragedy of all is that most of America's churches today are SILENT!
Please keep in mind that John the Baptist wasn't imprisoned and executed for preaching the Gospel, but for preaching again Herod's adultery. John was a true preacher, who called it as he saw it, in light of God's Word. We are to preach the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth! Billy Sunday preached the truth uncompromisingly, and many hated him for it. The word "culture" is a very dangerous word for Bible-believing Christians. There was nothing cultural about Billy Sunday's preaching while he was throwing chairs, yelling, and swinging his arms.
Thank God for Billy Sunday. Street-preaching is not very "cultural." God help us to wake up--what will culture matter 125 years from now when ALL 6.3 billions people on earth are DEAD? Think about it. Who's preaching the truth? As long as America's preachers continue to be censored, dipping their sails in compromise, desiring only to preach within a pool of acceptable topics--America will continue to suffer at the hands of a murderous gang of God-hating thugs who are Satanists and traitors.
I sincerely ask you...
Who's Preaching The Truth?
Feb 14, 2012
The Wisdom of the Old Paths
Today most Christians wonder how to help troubled people without some form of counseling, from psychological to some form of biblical adaptation. Too many see the luscious-looking grass on the other side of the fence as being good for food, pleasant to the eyes, and desirable to make them wise.
Jesus is the good shepherd who leads His sheep to good pastures. He has given new life and sustains it through the Holy Spirit working in that new life. He has given His sheep wisdom from above through His Word, which is living, life-giving, and powerful. He is the one who searches the hearts of mankind. He is trustworthy to complete that which He has begun and to fulfill what He has promised.
Believers need to return to the old paths rather than sniff and nibble the grass on the other side of the fence. They need to stay close to the good shepherd and they need to be wary of those who through erudite speech would entice them to another pasture. They also need to watch out for those who would plant hybrid seeds that look even better than the real thing but starve the soul.
Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein (Jeremiah:6:16).
-Drs. Martin & Deidre Bogan
Jesus is the good shepherd who leads His sheep to good pastures. He has given new life and sustains it through the Holy Spirit working in that new life. He has given His sheep wisdom from above through His Word, which is living, life-giving, and powerful. He is the one who searches the hearts of mankind. He is trustworthy to complete that which He has begun and to fulfill what He has promised.
Believers need to return to the old paths rather than sniff and nibble the grass on the other side of the fence. They need to stay close to the good shepherd and they need to be wary of those who through erudite speech would entice them to another pasture. They also need to watch out for those who would plant hybrid seeds that look even better than the real thing but starve the soul.
Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein (Jeremiah:6:16).
-Drs. Martin & Deidre Bogan
Jan 26, 2012
Encouragement from A-Z
A. "ABIDE in Me, and I in you.... for apart from Me you can do nothing." John 15:3-4
B. "BLESSED are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." Matt 5:6
C. "COME to ME, all who are weary are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt 11:28
D. "...your adversary the DEVIL prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, firm in your faith..." 1 Peter 5:8-9
E. "...let us run with ENDURANCE the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus...who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross..." Heb 12:1-2
F. "Our FATHER in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done...'" Matt 6:9-10
G. "My GRACE is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness!" 2 Cor. 12:9
H. "[Through Christ, I am born again] to a living HOPE.. to an inheritance...reserved in HEAVEN for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith..." 1 Peter 1:3-5
I. "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6
J. JESUS said, "I am the good Shepherd; and I know My sheep and am known by My own....I lay down My life for the sheep." John 10:14-15
K. "My KINGDOM is not of this world." John 18:36
L. "You shall LOVE the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind..." Luke 10:27
M. "...not by [our] works of righteousness...but according to His MERCY He saved us." Titus 3:5
N. "NOW therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say." Exodus 4:1
O. "Peter...said: 'We ought to OBEY God rather than men." Acts 5:29
P. "My PEACE I give to you; not as the world do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled..." John 14:27
R. "REJOICE always, PRAY without ceasing, in everything give THANKS..." 1 Thess 5:16-18
S. "The Lord is my SHEPHERD, I shall not want!" [He provides all I need to follow Him daily]." Psalm 23:1
T. "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the TRUTH, and the TRUTH shall make you free." John 8:31
U. "He opened their UNDERSTANDING, that they might comprehend the Scriptures." Luke 24:45
V. "Thanks be to God, who gives us the VICTORY through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord..." 1 Cor 15:57-58
W. "...do not be conformed to this WORLD, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove [demonstrate] that perfect will of God.... Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good." Romans 12:2, 9 ( Spiritual War)
X. "For I have given you an EXAMPLE, that you should do as I have done to you." John 13:15
Y. "Whom have I in heaven but YOU? ...My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:25-26
Z. "Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline. Be ZEALOUS therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any one hears My voice and opens he door, I will come in to him..." Rev 3:19-20
B. "BLESSED are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." Matt 5:6
C. "COME to ME, all who are weary are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt 11:28
D. "...your adversary the DEVIL prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, firm in your faith..." 1 Peter 5:8-9
E. "...let us run with ENDURANCE the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus...who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross..." Heb 12:1-2
F. "Our FATHER in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done...'" Matt 6:9-10
G. "My GRACE is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness!" 2 Cor. 12:9
H. "[Through Christ, I am born again] to a living HOPE.. to an inheritance...reserved in HEAVEN for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith..." 1 Peter 1:3-5
I. "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6
J. JESUS said, "I am the good Shepherd; and I know My sheep and am known by My own....I lay down My life for the sheep." John 10:14-15
K. "My KINGDOM is not of this world." John 18:36
L. "You shall LOVE the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind..." Luke 10:27
M. "...not by [our] works of righteousness...but according to His MERCY He saved us." Titus 3:5
N. "NOW therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say." Exodus 4:1
O. "Peter...said: 'We ought to OBEY God rather than men." Acts 5:29
P. "My PEACE I give to you; not as the world do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled..." John 14:27
R. "REJOICE always, PRAY without ceasing, in everything give THANKS..." 1 Thess 5:16-18
S. "The Lord is my SHEPHERD, I shall not want!" [He provides all I need to follow Him daily]." Psalm 23:1
T. "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the TRUTH, and the TRUTH shall make you free." John 8:31
U. "He opened their UNDERSTANDING, that they might comprehend the Scriptures." Luke 24:45
V. "Thanks be to God, who gives us the VICTORY through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord..." 1 Cor 15:57-58
W. "...do not be conformed to this WORLD, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove [demonstrate] that perfect will of God.... Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good." Romans 12:2, 9 ( Spiritual War)
X. "For I have given you an EXAMPLE, that you should do as I have done to you." John 13:15
Y. "Whom have I in heaven but YOU? ...My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:25-26
Z. "Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline. Be ZEALOUS therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any one hears My voice and opens he door, I will come in to him..." Rev 3:19-20
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