“Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God…‘They have beaten us in public without trial, men who are Romans, and have thrown us into prison; and now are they sending us away secretly? No indeed! But let them come themselves and bring us out.’”Acts 16:25-40

Confined to a prison cell, Paul demonstrated that his life truly had been transformed. Instead of being afraid or worried, he and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise so loudly that they were heard by the other prisoners. When the area was shaken by “a great earthquake,” cell doors were opened and chains were unfastened. But neither they nor the other prisoners escaped. In just a short time, Paul and Silas had demonstrated a faith that was contagious. And Paul was able to lead the jailer and his family to salvation. But Paul also could be practical. In the morning, he and Silas were told they were to be released. On the surface, we might have expected them to accept the release and move on. However, Paul had another perspective. His actions demonstrated another aspect of faith. The story of Paul’s life reveals that he was a good organizer, understanding political realities and his legal rights. When he came to Philippi, he knew this was the first time the Gospel had been brought to Europe. He was concerned with how his actions would impact the spread of the Gospel. He also was acting as God’s representative, serving under His authority. By demanding a public apology and standing up to these politicians, he put them on the defensive. Paul emerged in the dominant position and left prison on his terms. Brothers & Sisters in your life, seek to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Always remember Jesus’ words, to be “wise as serpents but innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Be rooted in God’s Word, and seek first His Kingdom. Be bold, standing strongly for Him. SPIRITUAL & PRACTICAL!

“The great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan,who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.”Revelation 12:9

By definition, deception is the “practice of misleading somebody,” making them think one thing, but then doing another. The Bible says deception is central to Satan’s character. He wants us to wander away from the right course and go astray. The enemy doesn’t want us to remain stable or committed to God, but wants to fool us into thinking his ways are beneficial. Satan promises excitement, pleasure, and rewards. He seeks to deceive us about God’s Word, saying it’s narrow-minded and outdated. He does everything possible to keep us from experiencing God’s blessings. In fact, Satan seeks to deceive “the whole world”—Christians and non-Christians, rich and poor, men and women, young and old, politicians and celebrities, students and scholars, entire nations…everyone! He doesn’t play fair, but will do anything to win—lie, cheat, spread rumors, or make false accusations. He succeeds when someone believes his lies. Brothers & Sisters Today, remember that Satan wants to deceive you! Be warned. Be on guard. Remember that in the name of Jesus you have power over the enemy. When you resist him, he must flee from you. Put on the full armor of God. Take up the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Stand for truth. Develop an intense prayer life. And beware of deception! PROTECTED FROM DECEPTION!

“You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.”James 2:19

Sometimes we can think the Bible is a kind of hidden treasure, unknown to our spiritual enemies. But the Bible makes it clear that Satan and his demons know God’s Word, and they know it very well. They use this knowledge to spread confusion and doubt. If we let them, they will use this knowledge to defeat us! This is exactly what Satan did with Eve in the Garden of Eden. He knew what God had said, but he was “more crafty than any beast of the field,” twisting God’s words into a message that deceived her (Genesis 3:1-8). Likewise, Satan used actual Scripture verses when he confronted Jesus in the wilderness. Not just once, but repeatedly, the devil twisted God’s Word and quoted it out of context in order to tempt Jesus. However, Jesus was aware of Satan’s grasp of Scripture, and He wasn’t fooled. In fact, He used Scripture to defeat the devil’s lies (Matthew 4:1-11). Satan attacks us in the same way today! Sadly, some Christians will become victims of his deception. Like Eve, they are spiritually vulnerable, unable to resist the enemy’s shrewd strategies and crafty words. This is how cults are formed and false doctrines develop. This also is how Believers can get into trouble and drift into sin and deception. What can you do to ensure victory over this deceptive enemy? First, you need to know the Word. You can’t take this for granted! Read it every day. Memorize it. Study it. Then put it into action and stand on its promises. Brothers & Sisters,don’t let the enemy fool you. Fight back. When you’re tempted, quote Scripture. Be strong in the Holy Spirit. Don’t accept defeat or give up. You can be victorious in Jesus’ name! DEFEATING YOUR ENEMY WITH THE WORD!

" And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."Romans 8:28

You know how sometimes we get a phone call from someone who didn’t intend to dial us? And what do we usually say? Sorry, you have the wrong number. Well, here’s a bit of food for thought. What if it’s not the wrong number they just dialed? What if they actually dialed the right number, only they didn’t know it?? Some of you may think it's a little radical but I answered a phone call like that ... and over an hour later, we were still talking about the Lord. This young man got an earful and boy was he ever touched. God is everywhere and He is in everything. Nothing happens that He didn’t know from the beginning of time. We need to be ready to jump on an opportunity to share His goodness even though in the natural it might seem a little strange -- forget natural! We need to be operate in the supernatural!! Brothers & Sisters, we need to learn to expect the supernatural with the Lord. He doesn’t always work in the way we think He should. Let’s open our minds and our hearts to what He is doing. HELLO? ANYONE HOME?

“‘Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you’…The king went off to his palace and spent the night fasting, and no entertainment was brought before him; and his sleep fled from him.” Daniel 6:16-18

Darius had no choice. When Daniel, his most trusted advisor, was caught praying to God, Darius knew he was required to sentence him to the lion’s den. He’d been tricked into approving a law that no one could “petition to any god or man” except him for thirty days. However, before the den was sealed, he told Daniel he hoped he would be saved. Darius could have assumed the matter was closed, but he didn’t give up. Instead, he set aside his normal activities and spent the night fasting, seeking God as best he could on behalf of his friend. In the morning, he “went in haste to the lions’ den” and was overjoyed to learn that Daniel had been spared! What a powerful testimony that Daniel truly was the “servant of the living God…whom you constantly serve.” The Bible says Daniel was saved “because he had trusted in his God.” But Darius, too, may have played a part. When no one else in the kingdom seemed to care or believe, Darius spent time praying and fasting for God’s intervention. Brothers & Sisters today, how do you react to problems in your life and the world? Do you pray halfheartedly, without conviction? If you don’t see immediate results, do you give up and stop trying? The Bible reminds us that prayer is powerful, but we must pray “without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). We must remember, and believe, that “the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” (James 5:16). Right now, commit your needs to God. Pray seriously. Pray fervently. And remember to pray for your country and the world.

"Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, And the strength of salvation; The fear of the Lord is His treasure."Isaiah 33:6

It was 1986, in the midst of a three year drought, when two brothers who lived in a kibbutz near the Sea of Galilee made an incredible discovery. As these two fisherman monitored their equipment on the lake, they noticed something glistening in the sun covered in mud. It was a fishing boat. Upon deeper examination, archaeologists determined that these two brothers had discovered an ancient boat from the time of Jesus. It's was called the "Jesus boat" and is now located in a museum next to the Sea of Galilee. Hidden under water for centuries, the only reason it was discovered was that the severe drought had lowered the lake surface so drastically; so that even when no one was looking for it -- this treasure was discovered totally unexpectedly. Brothers & Sisters, you may have noticed -- it's becoming more and more spiritually dry in this world and sometimes I wonder, will anything good ever come out of this mess? Yet I think the same thing can happen for us as happened to those two fisherman. When things get low, and dry, and sparse, suddenly when we least expect it, God can reveal treasure that we couldn't see or know about because everything was abundantly okay. Maybe it's a friendship that blossoms because of the pressure or need ... or, maybe just a new and deeper insight into the Lord's own sufferings; or maybe a new spiritual gift of encouragement ... there are many possibilities, and I think we ought to be looking for them, though they might appear when we least expect it. IN TIMES OF EXTREME DROUGHT - - FIND YOUR TREASURE!

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7

It was with a sense of finality that Paul wrote to Timothy. Knowing that “the time of my departure has come,” Paul wanted to share important truths that Timothy would need after Paul was gone. Paul also paused to reflect about his life. He could look back with confidence that he would receive “the crown of righteousness.” He knew he had been involved in “the good fight.” He had battled for God and His Kingdom, struggling against the enemies of the Gospel. Paul had not been distracted, but instead remained focused on the mission God had given him. He always had sought to serve Him. He was confident that Jesus had been his Lord, and that he had been a faithful steward of the resources he had been given. As he reflected on his God-given assignments, Paul realized he had “finished the course” and “kept the faith.” As you think about Paul’s confidence, pause to think about your life. Are you certain about God’s call for you? Do you know the work for which you were called? Do you have a clear sense of the mission He has given you to complete? Are you “fighting” the right causes and involved in the right issues? Are you spending your time and resources in the right way? Are you distracted or sidetracked in ways that keep you from fulfilling God’s plan and purposes? In your life, can you say, like Paul, that you have “finished the course”? Or do you have a sense that there is more for you to do? Brothers & Sisters,if you have a sense that you haven’t finished your course, commit yourself to focus on these God-given goals. What are the things that you have not finished? What more does God want you to do for Him?

" To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified."Isaiah 61:3

The ninth day of the fifth month of the Hebrew calendar year is a bad day to the Jewish people. Some of you may know that a lot of bad things have happened to the Jewish people on this date, the first of which was when the spies returned with an evil report of Canaan, the Promised Land, recounted in Numbers 13 and 14. Both the first and the second Temple were destroyed on this exact date, hundreds of years apart. The Crusades began on this day in 1095. The Jews were expelled out of England on this day in 1290, and again were expelled from Spain and Portugal on Tisha B'Av in 1492. And there are many more examples of this infamous day in Jewish history! The number "nine" is sometimes associated with "judgment" or "fruit" in scripture. Not taking this too far, yet we may still see repeated expressions of the Lord's judgment through this recurring historical pattern. Moses warned, especially in Deuteronomy, of the terrible things which would happen to the Jewish people throughout history were they to abandon the Lord, worship false gods, and forsake His covenants. And He often used idolatrous nations who hated or were jealous of Israel, to bring judgment upon their disobedience, though they often went way too far and angered the Lord bringing His judgment against them as well. But God's judgments are almost always tempered with His mercy and grace, for one constant purpose -- and that is to bring people back to Himself! We see this in our own lives and in the history of nations throughout the world. But as the saying goes, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it". Israel's idolatry brought God's judgment upon her. And as the Jewish people around the world are fasting in preparation for the observance of this "day of judgment", we may remind ourselves of our own past failures which we don't want to repeat! Brothers & Sisters, will we remember and learn from these past failures? We are not doomed to a fate of failure. If repentance is sincere and deep, we can avoid the judgments and consequences of past sins, and learn from history. If we seek the Lord to expose the roots of failure in our lives, and pray with faith for healing and deep repentance, trusting Him for the power to overcome the sinful nature...we really can avoid a pattern of judgment. Let's spend the time with Him now... so we don't need to return to Him through the terrible shame and sorrow of "Tisha B'Av." Will we learn from history?

"But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers."1 Peter 4:7 ; "And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel. "Revelation 8:3-4

A foreign soldier was brought before his commanding officer and accused of communicating with the enemy. He had been seen emerging from an area where their troops were known to patrol. The poor man summed up his defense in a few words, stating that he had slipped away to spend an hour alone in prayer. "Have you been in the habit of spending an hour in private prayer?" demanded the officer. "Yes, Sir," he replied. "Well" said his commander, "never in your life have you been in more need of prayer than right now. Kneel down and pray aloud so that we all may hear you." Expecting cruel punishment, maybe even death, the soldier dropped to his knees and poured out his heart to God. His prayer revealed a deep intimacy with God. His earnest fluency, humble appeal for divine intervention, and very evident trust in one who was strong to deliver, told without a doubt that he came regularly to the throne of grace. "You are free to go," said the officer. "No one could have prayed that way without a long apprenticeship -- soldiers who never attend drill are always ill at ease for the review." This soldier was praying intensely because he was plunged in the midst of a battle -- the entire world is a battlefield on an epic level spiritually, and you're in the thick of it. The enemy of our souls wants us never to realize the power of prayer, and tries his best to prevent us from praying. Sadly, I read a statistics recently that the average Christian spends just seven minutes a day in prayer. Brothers & Sisters, let's realize the tactics of the enemy, and become disciplined in prayer. As you pray, remind yourself that you're not just praying, but warring against principalities and powers in the heavenly places. As we come to a realization that we're are battling, our prayers will become more intensified and our actions will then be backed by the power of prayer -- this is how we change the small world around us! YOU'RE IN THE MIDDLE OF A WAR!

"Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's."Psalms 103:5

From the moment we were conceived we began aging, growing older by the day. We may slow down the physical aging process by exercising, eating right and other natural techniques – but we cannot ultimately stop it. This mortal flesh, our outer man, is "wasting away" and moving toward decay as we await the immortal bodies promised us in the Resurrection. Yet this scripture offers us a renewal of our youth. And we see some remarkable examples of this, especially in the Old Testament. It is said of Moses at the age of a hundred and twenty that "his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone." [Deuteronomy 34:7] His successor Joshua had this testimony: "So here I am today, forty-nine years old! I am not strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m not as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then." [Joshua 14:10-11]. Even after the flood of Noah's day, it seems we have no access to longevity and vigor. Our Spring of Living Water, our source of youth and vigor is our God, our Father in Heaven, His Son Jesus, and His Presence and His indwelling Holy Spirit. The Way, the Truth, and THE LIFE, lives within every born again believer. Dwelling in His Presence, as did Moses and Joshua, is the fountain of renewed youth for us. Both Moses and Joshua spent great amounts of time in and near the Presence of God. Check it out for yourself. Moses even glowed from it, once, and it clearly affected his physical constitution. Spending time with God, in His Presence, in His Word, will renew your youth; physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Brothers & Sisters, are you feeling old today? Get into His Presence; get into His Word, and be renewed once again! DRINK FROM THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH!

"Now when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his three hundred and eighteen trained servants who were born in his own house, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. He divided his forces against them by night, and he and his servants attacked them and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus. So he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his brother Lot and his goods, as well as the women and the people."Genesis 14:14-16

Abraham's rescue of Lot and his household from the four Mesopotamian Kings in the middle of the night was an act of holy chutzpah! Israel's first patriarch demonstrated great faith, courage, family loyalty, and military strategy during this successful rescue operation. This example of courage and daring ought to inspire us in certain situations where evil should be boldly and radically confronted. There are times when we, too, can and should operate with holy chutzpah, surprising the enemy with fearless courage, faith-filled action, and laser sharp strategy. "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you." [Luke 10:19] Brothers & Sisters, there is a time to wage war with holy chutzpah. When our cause is righteous and the goal is rescue and deliverance from evil then we ought not to be passive. In these situations we need the Lord's strategy and the courage which comes with true righteousness. Perhaps it will require a strong word spoken in love; perhaps a day or a week of serious fasting and prayer. It may even involve addressing an evil spirit as the Apostle Paul did in Philippi [Acts 16:18]. There are times for radical action without fear that it can’t be done. Our Lord, on the cross, exemplified tremendous courage and heroism to rescue us from our sins and the devil's power. In the power if His spirit we also can be instruments of dramatic deliverance – with Holy chutzpah! IN WAR YOU NEED CHUTZPAH!

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look, And see the reward of the wicked. Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;"Psalm 91: 1-10

Psalm 91 powerfully expresses Jesus' protection of His people who choose to dwell in His shelter. People who love and protect life as part of their faith tradition have certain promises in these words. It is a protection promised all the more to those who truly walk by faith in the righteousness of Messiah (Jesus). "A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look, And see the reward of the wicked." Brothers & Sisters, abide in the secret place of the Most High – rest there. He is your refuge and your fortress, and walking in His righteousness will be your own "Iron Dome", but better. Now, at this season for thankfulness we can all express our gratitude to Him for both---the temporal, and the eternal safety He has provided us. REST UNDER HIS WINGS!

"And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands were heavy;and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun."Exodus 17:9-12

When Israel was fighting Amalek, Moses stood on top of the hill overlooking the battle, with his hands lifted high, and as long as they were lifted, Israel prevailed. When his arms became weary and dropped down, the battle went to Amalek; so Aaron and Hur drew up alongside Moses and they lifted up his hands, keeping them raised until sundown, because Moses didn't have the strength within him to fight the battle alone. Brothers & Sisters, do you know a brother or sister who's been going through a rough time? Someone you know who really needs prayer? I'm sure we all do. So be an encouragement this weekend – lift your brother or sister in prayer, stand beside them, and help them through the battle. You never know how your help might affect a far greater spiritual battle they're involved in. And with so much work to be done, remember too, that he who refreshes will himself be refreshed! CONTINUE TO LIFT YOUR BROTHER UP!

"And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, "Alas, my master! What shall we do?" So he answered, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." And Elisha prayed, and said, "Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."2 Kings 6:15-17

Throughout the history of the modern state of Israel, there have been accounts of angelic interventions protecting Israeli soldiers in the midst of intense warfare. One instance recounted by an Israeli military historian after the 1973 Yom Kippur war, describes an Israeli soldier in the Sinai taking captive an entire Egyptian column and leading them to where the Israeli troops were. The Egyptian commander was asked why he and his men gave themselves up to the lone Israeli soldier. He responded with surprise, "One soldier? There were thousands of them." Then he said that as they neared the Israeli lines, the soldiers began disappearing. The Israeli soldier reported that he was by himself when the Egyptian commander and his men surrendered to him. He was totally unaware of the thousands of soldiers the Egyptian soldiers saw with him, since he himself did not see them. The same is true for believers. We do not see the invisible military dynamics in the heavenlies above us, as we wage our spiritual war here on earth, and often haven't a clue of just how the Lord is surrounding us with his angelic protection. Brothers & Sisters, if there was ever a time in history to grab hold of this one truth – "do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those against us" -- it is now! DO NOT FEAR!

"But the Helper [Paraclete], the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you."John 14:26

The Lord gave us His promise to send us a helper -- the Holy Spirit. The word for "helper" in Greek is "paraclete". This word has more meaning than simply "helper" -- it was also an ancient term used in warfare. When Greek warriors went onto the battle field, they went out in pairs, so when the enemy attacked they could stand back-to-back, covering each other's blind side. The battle partner in Greek was called a "paraclete" -- he was there to watch your back! The Holy Spirit is more than our helper and comforter – He's our battle partner who covers our blind side and protects our well being. Brothers & Sisters, you're not in this fight alone. The Lord has given you a 'paraclete' to go along with you. Don't grieve Him – listen carefully – let Him lead as you fight the good fight of faith, and don't worry about your blind side -- He's got your back! YOUR BLIND SIDE IS COVERED!

"You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!' Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you." And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: "Praise the Lord, For His mercy endures forever." Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated."2 Ch 20:17,21-22

We've been encouraged by many people around the world who were praying and fasting for Zimbabwe and believers in the land for past few years-- and we so appreciate it, more than words could ever express! For the past few days the conflict in Gaza has been front page news. In this conflict some of the most sophisticated weapons ever developed are being deployed, and yet the amazing truth is that we, as believers, have a weapon far more powerful and effective than any man-made weapon ever created -- Worship! Most of us worship God when things are going well. And while worship can and should be a daily joyful exercise, and also an expression of praise for the Lord's victories, remember that worship has also been commissioned by God's people as one of the weapons in our spiritual arsenal. So we can learn something from Jehoshaphat. He assigned worshipers to lead the armies into battle -- and Israel crushed her enemies! Worship brought forth the victory in the midst of battle! Brothers & Sisters, in the midst of your spiritual battle, learn the power of praise and the weaponry of worship, to disarm principalities and powers in heavenly places. When fears, doubt, discouragement, and despair threaten to overwhelm you -- try warring with worship. Learn to praise Him in the midst of the battle...and soon enough you'll be praising Him even more, for the victory! LEARN TO DEPLOY A VICTORIOUS BATTLE STRATEGY!

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."Philippians 4:6-7

When a storm swarms across the ocean surface, the fish know where the water is still -- deep down under. While, on the surface, the winds and the waves rage, fathoms below lies water completely at peace. Perhaps we should learn something from fish. In a shallow relationship with God we will find ourselves being tossed to and fro by stormy waves of circumstance. James describes such a person as "double-minded" and unstable. In his trials, he cannot exercise faith because he hasn't gone deep with the Lord. However, when we seek that deeper relationship with Him, we can enter another perspective on what's happening at the surface. Seeking and abiding in the depths of Jesus, our Shalom (Prince of Peace) will bring a peace that passes understanding, even in the midst of great storms. The double minded man has not yet sought or found this place -- since not everyone is willing to spend the time or effort for a deep relationship, however it is available for all who truly desire and take the time for it. Brothers & Sisters, are you distressed or worried? It's time to press in... seek that deeper relationship with Jesus and let Him lead you to the still water. He so wants to fill you with a "shalom" that passes all understanding! DIVE DEEPER!

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us."2 Corinthians 4:7

When the apostle Paul compared our lives to clay pots, he focused not on the earthen vessels, but rather the contents of those vessels. Jars of clay deteriorate over time, become chipped, cracked, and eventually broken. However, the real value of those ancient pots was not in the clay containers themselves, but in what they contained. We human beings tend to focus on the frailties and imperfections of our decaying "vessels", looking, characteristically, on the outward form rather than the substance within. But the inward reality is what matters to God, and ultimately, to us as well, since that reality is His living Presence within us; a treasure of wisdom, power and love with inestimable value. Brothers & Sisters, the Lord's evaluation of us is not by outward appearance, which is corruptible and deteriorates with time. His indwelling Spirit, His Living Word, and the dynamic intimate relationship into which He invites us--- are where the real treasure lies! BRING FORTH TREASURE!

“In the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.” – 2 Peter 3:3-4

Many people have the same attitude toward the storms of life. They aren’t prepared to face death, disease, or disaster. And far worse, many aren’t ready for eternity. They don’t take seriously the fact that they’ll face God and give an account of their lives. In fact, Peter wrote that many simply deny the possibility that Jesus will come again. They are like the virgins who weren’t ready when the Bridegroom returned in the middle of the night (Matthew 25:1-12). Brothers & Sisters Today, make sure you’re prepared for the storms of life and for Jesus’ return. Commit your life to the Gospel so others might be ready too.

"Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame."Revelation 16:15

What is this passage talking about -- anyone know? During the days of the Temple, the Levities were in charge of keeping the Temple holy. So throughout the night, the captain would make his rounds to make sure that those assigned were watching attentively, so that no one would defile the Temple during the night. If a watchman was found sleeping, he was beaten and his garments were set on fire so that he had to return home naked in his shame! Brothers & Sisters, we are today's watchmen! With the turmoil of events surrounding us in these last days, it's imperative that we watch carefully and do not become weary. We need to stay alert and awake to see danger coming from afar and be ready to defend what is what is holy! There's so much work to be done! KEEP YOUR CLOTHES!

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap,if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."Galatians 6:9-10

As we've been watching the news recently, it seems the word of the hour is crisis! It seems everywhere we turn we hear it -- it's a "financial crisis", a "political crisis" -- international, environmental, spiritual crisis! I came across an interesting fact recently. The Chinese word for crisis is composed of two symbols. They represent two words: danger and opportunity. Hmm. I like that. When we're in the midst of all these crises, it's tempting to focus on the danger. While it's important to be aware of the danger, we must be even more keenly aware of the opportunities it brings! Brothers & Sisters, God is allowing this world to be shaken a little today. Let's prepare ourselves to be a means of peace and light and strength to those who are afraid. Let's not grow weary in well doing – there's so much work to be done! CRISIS AHEAD!