SUFFICIENCY IN ALL THINGS by David Wilkerson | World Challenge

Why do so many believers experience weakness, feelings of despair and emptiness, as if they can't go on? It is because they do not have the revelation that the Holy Spirit gave to Paul—a revelation of all the provisions God has made possible for those who claim them by faith!

Do you fit Paul's description of a bountiful servant—one who has all he needs and more, at all times, in every crisis? Have you proven this by drawing on the bank of heaven?

For several years I worked with Kathryn Kuhlman, an American evangelist. I preached my heart out at her monthly rallies in Pittsburgh, PA, and Youngstown, OH. Services were held both in the morning and evening and usually by the end of the day I was wiped out. One night Ms. Kuhlman said to Gwen and me, "Let's go out and get something to eat." I told her, "I'm sorry—I'm too tired. I've got to go to the hotel and get some sleep."

She looked at me quizzically and asked, "David, did you preach under the Spirit's unction tonight?" I answered, "You know I was anointed. The altars were filled!"

Ms. Kuhlman said quietly, "Then you're missing something. If you are ministering under the power of the Holy Spirit, you should be stronger at the end of the service than when you started—because He is a quickening Spirit! You can rise above your flesh, because by the Spirit you can claim that freedom." Since that time I have proven that truth in my ministry.

"And God is able . . . that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work" (2 Corinthians 9:8). To abound here literally means, "ever-increasing; to have more at the end than at the beginning." In other words, as the battle gets hotter, God's grace increases! As weakness comes upon you, His strength comes on even greater—if you believe it.

ALL HE WANTS IS YOUR FAITH by David Wilkerson

THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014
ALL HE WANTS IS YOUR FAITH
by David Wilkerson
[May 19, 1931 – April 27, 2011]

God doesn't want your home, your car, your furniture, your savings, your possessions. All He wants is your faith—your strong belief in His Word. And that may be the one thing that other, more spiritual-appearing people lack. You may look at another person as being more spiritual than you but that person may actually be struggling hard to keep up an appearance of righteousness. Yet, as God looks at you, He declares, "There is a righteous man or woman." Why? Because you have admitted your helplessness to become righteous and trusted in the Lord to give you His righteousness.

Paul tells us we are counted as righteous in God's eyes for the same reason Abraham was. "Therefore it was imputed to [Abraham] for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; but for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead" (Romans 4:22-24).

You may claim, "I believe this! I have faith in the God who resurrected Jesus." Yet, here are some questions for you: Do you believe the Lord can resurrect your troubled marriage? Do you believe He can bring to life a spiritually dead relative? Do you believe He can raise you up out of the pit of a debilitating habit? Do you believe He can erase your cursed past and restore to you all the years that have been wasted?

When everything looks hopeless—when you are in an impossible situation, with no resources and no hope before you—do you believe God will be your Jehovah Jirah, seeing to your need? Do you believe He is committed to keeping His promises to you and that if even one of His words should fail, the heavens would melt and the universe collapse?

"For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it" (Isaiah 55:10-11).

FAITH MUST BE FOUNDED ON THE WORD by David Wilkerson | May 28, 2014

FAITH MUST BE FOUNDED ON THE WORD

by David Wilkerson | May 28, 2014

God is concerned that His people are being shaken in their faith—that they won't trust Him in their crisis. Beloved, our worst sin is our unwillingness to believe He will do what He promised. That offends Him more than adultery, fornication, drug and alcohol abuse or any other sin of the flesh.

His Word says, "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations" (2 Peter 2:9). "God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it" (1 Corinthians 10:13).

These verses are either the truth or they are lies. But if they are the truth, then we must stand on them. God wants us to be able to say, "Lord, if I die standing here, then let me die in faith. I trust You to see me through, so live or die, I'm Yours."

Let all the winds and waves of hell come at you. Let everything come at you. Our God said He is able—and He knows how to deliver you.

He intended that you and I have joy, peace, victory and rest in our walk with Him. He is looking for men and women who will stand against what is coming in this dark age—servants who will stand with a calm and a peace because Christ abides in them.

God desires that you come into a place of such trust that you will never again fear, but truly rest in His power and ability. He knows how to deliver you from all snares, trials and temptations—if you will trust Him.

"He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us" (Psalm 62:6-8).

THE EYE OF THE LORD IS ON HIS CHILDREN by David Wilkerson | World Challenge

In the midst of this worldwide "shaking of all things," what is God's great concern? Is it the events in the Middle East? No! The Bible tells us God's vision is trained on His children: "Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy" (Psalm 33:18).

Our Lord is aware of every move by every living thing on Earth. And yet His gaze is focused primarily on the well-being of His children. He fixes His eyes on the pain and needs of each member of His spiritual body. Simply put, whatever hurts us concerns Him.
To prove this to us, Jesus said, "Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matthew 10:28). Even in the midst of great world wars, God's primary focus is not on the tyrants. His focus is on every circumstance in His children's lives.

Christ says in the very next verse: "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father" (Matthew 10:29). In Christ's day, sparrows were the meat of the poor and sold two for a penny. Yet, Jesus said, "Not one of these small creatures falls to the ground without your Father knowing it."

Jesus' use of the word "fall" in this verse signifies more than the bird's death. The Aramaic meaning is "to light on the ground." In other words, "fall" here indicates every little hop a tiny bird makes.

Christ is telling us, "Your Father's eye is on the sparrow not just when it dies but even when it lights on the ground. As a sparrow learns to fly, it falls from the nest and begins to hop along the ground. God sees every little struggle it has and He is concerned over every detail of its life."

Jesus then adds, "Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows" (Matthew 10:31). Indeed, He says, "The very hairs of your head are all numbered" (10:30). Simply put, the One who made and counted all the stars—who monitored every action of the Roman Empire and who keeps all the galaxies in the orbits—has His eye fixed on you. And, Jesus asks, "Are you not worth much more to Him?"

WHERE DOES YOUR SONG COME FROM?

WHERE DOES YOUR SONG COME FROM?

"Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth." Psalm 96:1

By Dan Grassi, Worship Pastor

Thelma and I have two wonderful daughters—Madeline age 11, and Ruth age 9. Both are very creative, active girls with great imaginations. They are also quite good singers. For example, we typically don't listen to the radio or CDs in the car. Instead, our girls "accompany" our ride by singing at the top of their lungs! Most of the time, they choose a favorite church song or make up some silly song they think up in the moment. It can drive us crazy, and does often, but we love to hear them sing.

Last week, their singing game became serious. Madeline and Ruth were having a musical "argument" in the back seat on our way to church. Madeline started a song she thought she knew. When she got stuck and couldn't remember the tune or words, Ruth jumped in for the finish! They argued all the way to church on who was right, and who would be the first one to sing the song all the way through with no mistakes! It was comical and typical of our girls.

I kept thinking of one of my favorite classic Christian authors, and pastor, Dietrich Bonheoffer. His book, Life Together,  explains the priority of Christian worship in the fellowship of God's people. In it, he says this of worship:

"Sing and make melody in your heart to the Lord (Eph. 5:19). The new song is sung first in the heart. Otherwise, it cannot be sung at all. The heart sings because it is overflowing with Christ. That is why all singing in the church is a spiritual performance. Surrender to the Word, incorporation in the community, great humility, and much discipline—these are the prerequisites of all singing together."

Then Bonheoffer gives us his final (and my favorite) thought…

"Where the heart is not singing there is no melody, there is only the dreadful medley of human self-praise. Where the singing is not to the Lord, it is singing to the honor of the self or the music, and the new song becomes a song to idols."

His words remind us that our "hearts sing the song first," then our voices join second. Madeline and Ruth, in child-like desire, wanted to be the "first" one to sing their song into the world. I smile when I think about it. This is exactly the way our Father has designed us, His children, to behave in worship in His house. Our heart must first jump to the chance to sing the melody true, and then our music may stem from our instruments or our throats in praise.

The Power of Truth:
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." Col. 3:16

"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song." Psalm 28:7

Suggestion for Prayer:
Is your heart overflowing with Christ? Sing your praises to Him. Let your rejoicing be your prayer!
 

In His Service, 

Dr. James E. Grassi, Founder/President

YOU ARE BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING by Gary Wilkerson

MONDAY, MAY 23, 2014

YOU ARE BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING 
by Gary Wilkerson 

"And [Jesus] told them a parable, saying, 'The land of a rich man produced plentifully'" (Luke 12:16, ESV).

God is a generous, gracious Father who loves to lavish gifts on His children. But I want to show you the contrast here because this story takes a turn into the wrong direction. Verse 17 says, "And [the rich man] thought to himself."

God begins to bless and you start thinking to yourself, "What am I going to do with this? Where do I go next?" This thought process will lead you down the wrong course and usually leads toward selfishness. In Genesis 26, we read about Isaac, who wisely asked the Lord what he should do with his resources, in contrast to this foolish rich man Jesus talks about.

When we start thinking to ourselves, we lose the Holy Spirit's discernment. When we start thinking about what we desire, we go astray—and that is exactly what happened to this rich man. Look at the language here: "And he thought to himself, 'What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?'" (Luke12:17, ESV).

Whose crops were they? They belonged to God. Everything belongs to God! So this man was getting selfish. He was beginning to see this gift from God, all his talents and relationships, as things that could be used for his own benefit and selfishness, and these thoughts began to permeate the very fiber of who he was.

"And he said, 'I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry"'" (Luke 12:18-19, ESV).

The problem with some types of teaching about the blessing of God is not the reality that God wants to bless, it is why God wants to bless. Is the blessing of God all for me? Is it to heap these goods upon myself? Is it to create for myself this perfect little cocoon of a world that I've always wanted?

You are blessed! From the very beginning of God's covenant of blessing with mankind, you are blessed to be a blessing, Church.

I'll say it again. You are blessed to be a blessing!

This week from Hal Lindsey Media Ministry

May 23rd, 2014 This week on 'The Hal Lindsey Report' We've known for a long time that U.S. students are falling behind the rest of the world. It's true that there are tremendous problems in American education, but the negative claims have often been exaggerated for political purposes. And the "solution" is always the same -- the federal government needs to intervene, take control, and rescue us.  During Ronald Reagan's presidency, Charlotte Iserbyt was an adviser to the Department of Education. She later wrote a book titled, "The Deliberate Dumbing Down of America."  In it, Ms. Iserbyt wrote, "...I realized that America's transition from a sovereign constitutional republic to a socialist democracy (would come) through the implementation and installation of the 'system' in all areas of government -- federal, state, and local. The brainwashing for acceptance of the 'system's' control would take place in the school -- through indoctrination and the use of behavior modification."  The ultimate goal of American education is no longer a well-informed, thoughtful citizenry. In fact, it's just the opposite. It's about creating a compliant citizenry that defers to the authorities on everything. To that end, we've had thrust upon us a series of national education initiatives: "Whole Child," "Outcome Based Education," No Child Left Behind," "Race to the Top," and now, "Common Core."  For those whose unspoken goal is to destroy the American way of life and obliterate Bible-centered Christianity, national and international testing standards are about politics, not math and science. They encourage memorization and focused test preparation, not long-term learning. And the standardization provides opportunity for the federal government to use poor performance in those states that don't toe the national line (there are only five states that reject Common Core) to threaten the loss of federal funds and force compliance.  Young people are leaving the church in record numbers. In the past, we've assumed that our youth abandoned their faith under the tutelage of university professors. However, recent studies show that they're "leaving" much earlier. The book, "Already Gone," details research commissioned by Answers in Genesis and conducted by America's Research Group. The authors make this shocking observation: "Almost 90 percent of them were lost in the middle school and high school. By the time they got to college they were already gone! About 40 percent are leaving the Church during elementary and middle school years."  Why is it happening so early? Who can be trying to draw young children away from the faith of their parents? Who has enough access to our youngest children that they exert sufficient influence to turn them against the church?  After the parents, the two greatest influences on a young child's life are his or her teachers and the entertainment industry. We already know how corrupt and devious the entertainment business has become. Unfortunately, most parents fail to calculate how corrupt and devious American education has become.  The infuriating intolerance and political correctness that traditionally was de rigeur in American colleges and universities has now slobbered its way into our elementary and middle schools. Our children are being deliberately conditioned to reject the faith of their parents because that faith might interfere with their willingness to comply with the government's wishes. Just last week, in a high school graduation speech, First Lady Michelle Obama encouraged teens to monitor their parents' and older relatives' attitudes and confront them when those attitudes don't reflect accepted norms (i.e., politically-correct attitudes). Trust me, next will come encouragement for children to report their parents' "thoughtcrimes" to the appropriate authorities. "1984" is here, folks.  If you don't have children in school (and maybe even if you do), you may not realize that we aren't living in Mayberry any more. A book called, "It's Perfectly Normal" has been around about 20 years but is experiencing a resurgence. It's available in many -- if not most -- elementary school libraries. It's also available online as an e-book. Supposedly, it's written for middle school students, but it seems aimed at those much younger.  To be blunt, it's pornography for children. Maybe "technically" or "legally" it's not pornography, but its effect is pornographic. It purports to educate very young children about their bodies and their sexual awakenings and desires. It also teaches them about reproduction, shows them how to please themselves, and describes -- using lurid cartoon illustrations -- various sexual practices, including "alternative" lifestyles. All of which are "Perfectly Normal."  Proverbs 22:6 gives every parent a promise. It says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not depart from it." But "train up a child" implies more than just sending them to kids' church on Sunday morning. Do not leave your child's education fully in the hands of the educational establishment. It is not your friend. Instead, prayerfully seek to inculcate in your children the precepts and values of Jesus Christ. It will be their salvation in the only "future" that really counts -- eternity.  Also on this week's program, I will discuss HGTV's banning of the Benham brothers' new television show -- before they even shot the first episode! Their crime? They made the mistake of being publicly pro-life and pro-traditional marriage. Now the gay movement has moved into preemptive strike mode. Their goal is to prevent people of faith or family values from achieving any level of prominence from which to influence society.  Satan's tactic is to kill newborns before they can grow into what God intended them to be. Sound familiar? Now, what describes "America's shame" may also describe America's future. Notice how stepping outside the lines of political correctness doesn't just cost votes for politicians, but dollars for businessmen? The Bible describes a day when people won't be allowed to buy or sell anything unless they hold "politically correct" views as shown by a willingness to carry the appropriate mark on their hands or foreheads.  I'll also tell you about the new proposed city council ordinance in Houston, Texas. It's similar to the one that successfully passed into law in San Antonio. Thankfully, the provision that allows a man or woman to use whichever restroom or shower facility he/she wants based on his/her gender identity that day didn't survive the public backlash. But though the ordinance is promoted as a "non-discrimination" measure, in reality it allows the Houston city government to legally discriminate on the basis of religious belief. It's another one of those laws that purports one thing, but actually seeks another. And it works through intimidation. This law doesn't just give homosexuals and transgendered individuals equal rights, it gives them special rights.  There's something I still find almost unbelievable. Without fail, every survey and every poll taken shows that Americans OVERWHELMINGLY support traditional values -- the right to life, the sanctity of marriage, the value of the family, the integrity of our national borders, the right of self-determination in our work choices and our worship choices, and the sacredness of our right to our own opinion and the opportunity to express that opinion. Yet, somehow, we have allowed an unbelievably small group of people to maneuver themselves into a position to effectively determine what we can and cannot say or even believe. And we sit silently and watch them literally destroy everything we -- the vast majority -- hold dear.  Of course, I realize that that minuscule collection of misguided people has a formidable ally that animates and energizes everything they do. His name is Satan.  And I also know that in these last of the last days, Satan will mislead many by a strong delusion. Is there a better description of what we're witnessing in our nation today?  But there is a silver lining, folks. The sheer fact that this describes what we're seeing in America right now is a perfect confirmation that the Bible is absolutely correct in its description of these days. And that means that the other things it prophesies are about to take place, too.  So, don't be discouraged. Instead, be challenged to get ready to leave this old world. That same Bible says that Jesus is coming to catch away His redeemed Church. And soon!  One final note. On this Memorial Day, let's remember the brave men and women of our armed forces, past and present, and give thanks for the hundreds of thousands who sacrificed their lives to safeguard our way of life. We are truly a blessed nation. Not only blessed by our wonderful Creator who made possible this great adventure called The United States of America, but blessed by those unselfish men and women who offered themselves to protect it.  We owe them, and those who serve today, an immeasurable debt of gratitude.  God bless you all and God bless America.  Don't miss this week's Report on TBN, Daystar, CPM Network, The Word Network, various local stations, www.hallindsey.com or www.hischannel.com. Check your local listings. God Bless, Hal Lindsey mail: HLMM, P.O. Box 470470, Tulsa, OK 74147 email: comments@hallindsey.com web: http://www.hallindsey.com

HOLY DESPERATION by Carter Conlon | World Challenge

You and I are living in what I call "an hour of holy desperation."

Our society is degenerating very rapidly, and horrific crimes are occurring so often that we are becoming dulled to it all. The abnormal is becoming normal; evil is becoming good. As you look around perhaps you wonder, "How do I fit into this moment in time? What can God do through my life? And if He is going to do something, why is it that my prayers, that I know are according to His Word, have not yet been answered?"

To help address some of these questions, let's look at another time in history when a desperate hour came upon a nation. The book of First Samuel speaks of a season when there was no clear word or vision. The priesthood that was supposed to represent God was instead deeply compromised (see 1 Samuel 2:22-24, 3:1). God's character, purpose, and mind were hidden from the people, leaving them without answers to the questions in their hearts: "What is happening in our society? Where are we going?"

This situation was very similar to the day in which we live when it seems as if the presence of God—His power and provision that we have known throughout our history—is suddenly gone. It appears that the enemies of God now have the upper hand, dictating to us when we can pray, what we can teach our children, what is right and what is wrong. As a result, a deep cry is beginning to form in the hearts of the people.

Psalm 107 speaks of these seasons of holy desperation that recurred throughout history. The psalmist describes a people who were wandering, hungry, fainting and held captive. It was a time marked by a foolish handling of the truth of God. Yet it is in these very moments of desperation that the general population begins to cry out to God, as is beginning in our day. There is a cry rising in this generation—a cry not necessarily heard by the natural ear, but God hears it. It is like the time He came to Moses and said, "I have heard the cry of the people and I have come down to deliver them" (see Exodus 3:7-8). In other words, I have heard their groans of hopelessness. Today the Lord hears the cries of those whose dreams have been shattered, of parents whose children have gone astray, of those who ask, "What happened to us?"

"I have surely seen the affliction of my people . . . and have heard their cry" (Exodus 3:7).

YOU NEED THE HOLY SPIRIT by David Wilkerson | World Challenge

In order to be a good soldier in the service of our Lord Jesus Christ, it not enough to just be saved. There is much more for you: You need to be baptized with the Holy Ghost!

In Paul's time, some believers didn't even know there was a Holy Ghost. "He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since you believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost" (Acts 19:2). These people were saved, but it is clear they were not filled with the Holy Ghost.

I believe we are saved through the power and ministry of the Holy Ghost. But Scripture tells us that in addition to this, there is also a baptizing, an infilling that the Holy Ghost does.

Jesus did not send His disciples into the world until they had been baptized with the Holy Ghost. The disciples had pure hearts and faith to heal the sick and they were witnesses to His resurrection. They were even willing to die for Jesus, so what more could there be?

Clearly there was more! "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

Do you really want the Holy Ghost? You have to be convinced this is for you. You must come to the place where you know you are nothing, have nothing, and can do nothing without the power and leading of the Holy Ghost.

Every hour of the day, multitudes worldwide have read of this promise in the Bible or have heard it preached. So they have cried out in prayer and been baptized with the Holy Ghost.

"And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh . . . I will pour out in those days of My Spirit" (Acts 2:17-18). He is yours for the asking: "How much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?" (Luke 11:13).

AN ANCHOR IN THE STORM by David Wilkerson | World Challenge

"Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil" (Hebrews 6:19).

The anchor of the soul referred to in this passage of Scripture is hope. This is not the hope of the wicked world we live in but the hope founded on God's promise to keep, bless and govern those who trust Him. Biblical hope is not wishful thinking or an optimistic outlook; rather, it is a confident expectation based on the certainty of God's Word that as He has anchored us in the past, so He will in the future.

This hope alone is our anchor in the storms falling on the earth at the present time. The writer of Hebrews admonished, "Be not slothful (slow, sluggish), but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises" (Hebrews 6:12).

God made an oath to the "heirs of promise"—all those who are in Christ. He made this oath in order to end all striving—all doubts—so that "we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us" (Hebrews 6:18).

Here is our hope: God has sworn to fulfill His promises and it is impossible for God to lie!

He kept His word to Abraham and He will keep His word to you as you trust Him. We need strong consolation in these troubled times.

After all is said and done—and all the sermons on hope have been preached—it comes down to this: Are we willing to commit all into His hands—to rest in His Word—and to stand without wavering in the love of God, fully convinced that His promises to you will be fulfilled?

"Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise" (Hebrews 10:35-36).

THE MERCY OF GOD by David Wilkerson | World Challenge

In Acts 9 we see a man called Saul of Tarsus, one of the most religious men who ever lived, traveling to Damascus. Why was he making this journey?

Saul was so full of hatred toward Jesus that he determinedly persecuted the church of God, even outside of Jewish territory. So he was on his way to Damascus seeking to destroy the Lord's people.

"And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, and desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any [Christians], whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem" (Acts 9:1-2).

Consider God's action toward this man who later became the greatest Christian evangelist who ever lived. Suddenly a stunningly bright light from heaven shone all around him: "And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: and he fell to the earth" (Acts 9:3-4). Saul would later say, "I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day" (Acts 23:1).

What was the purpose of this bright light? To confound Saul? To put him under guilt and condemnation? To destroy him? To pronounce wrath and judgment on him? No—it was to announce that his iniquity was forgiven and his sins were covered.

Let us picture Saul lying prostrate before the shining light and hearing the voice of Jesus. Instead of hearing denunciation from a holy God for the path he was on, heard the startling words, "I am Jesus whom thou persecutest!" There was not a word about the wicked manner in which Saul was living—the persecution and threatening. Why was this? Because the One he persecuted was his greatest Friend.

Beloved, this same Jesus offers us the same mercy. Deserving judgment, we hear Him say, "I am Jesus, your Redeemer."

Thank Him this day for the mercy He has shown to you.

THE FATHER’S KISS by David Wilkerson | World Challenge

A great blessing becomes ours when we are made to sit in heavenly places. What is this blessing? It's the privilege of acceptance: "He hath made us accepted in [Christ]" (Ephesians 1:6). The original language for accepted means "highly favored." Paul's use of the wordaccepted in this verse translates as, "God has highly favored us. We are very special to Him because we are in our place in Christ."

Because God accepted Christ's sacrifice, He now sees only one corporate man—Christ—and those who are bound to Him by faith. Our flesh has died in God's eyes. How? Jesus did away with our old nature at the cross, so now when God looks at us, He sees only Christ. In turn, we need to learn to see ourselves as God does. That means not focusing solely on our sins and weaknesses, but on the victory that Christ won for us at the cross.

The parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-31) provides a powerful illustration of the acceptance that comes when we are given a heavenly position in Christ. You know the story: A young man took his inheritance from his father and squandered it on a sinful life. Then, once the son became completely bankrupt—morally, emotionally and physically—he thought of his father but he was convinced that he had lost all favor with him.

The Scripture tells us that this broken young man was full of grief over his sin and cried out, "I'm unworthy. I've sinned against heaven." But then the Prodigal told himself, "I will arise and go to my father" (verse 18). In doing so, he was exercising his blessing of access. Are you getting the picture? The Prodigal had turned from his sin and returned to the open door his father had promised him. He was walking in repentance and appropriating access.

What happened to the Prodigal Son? "When he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him" (Luke 15:20). What a beautiful scene. The sinful son was forgiven, embraced and loved by his father, with no wrath or condemnation. When he received his father's kiss, he knew he was accepted.

MY INHERITANCE by Gary Wilkerson | World Challenge

Jacob, one of Isaac's sons, wrestled with God for a large portion of his life. Even in his mother's womb, because his brother was coming out first, Jacob grabbed hold of Esau's heel and tried to pull him back in. Why? Because Jacob wanted to be first—he was wrestling for the blessing (see Genesis 25:24-26).

You know the story of how Jacob bribed his brother with stew (Genesis 25:29-34) and then deceived their father into giving him Esau's rightful blessing (Genesis 27:27-29). Jacob was a man who always felt empty and unblessed on the inside. He did not feel God's favor on him so he spent his whole life wasting time and energy trying to attain something he already had. He was always wrestling, wrestling, wrestling with God . . . for what? You can hear him say it time and time again: "Bless me, Lord! Let me have my inheritance."

Wrestling with God sometimes causes us to lose the very blessing that He has provided for us. We must come into rest, into that place of trust, and say, "God, I don't care what the situation around me seems like, I'm going to trust You."

Do you remember the actual wrestling that Jacob did with God? The angel descended and there was an overnight battle. The Bible says Jacob wrestled with God and he prevailed (Genesis 32:23-30).

God was saying to Jacob, "Let it go, Jacob. This battle is over. You have been fighting to be blessed your whole life and you haven't known that I have already blessed you. I have given you My inheritance, My love, My grace, and My power. I have given you everything you need according to My riches in glory so you need to stop wrestling for it. Just receive it by faith and walk in obedience with Me. Do what your father did, do what Abraham did, and you will see the blessing of God on your life." And so finally Jacob trusted God!

God wants to favor you and enrich your spiritual life. He wants your discernment to be clear so that you will make wise decisions that lead to blessing in your life. Remember, God wants to bless you!

Matthew 2:1-23 KJV

Matthew 2:1-23 KJV

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son. Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life. And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene."

Matthew 1:1-25 KJV

Matthew 1:1-25 KJV

"The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judah and his brethren; And Judah begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram; And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon; And Salmon begat Booz of Rahab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias; And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa; And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias; And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias; And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias; And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon: And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel; And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor; And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud; And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob; And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations. Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS."

TRANSFORMED FOR TRIUMPH by Claude Houde | World Challenge

"Simon, Simon, Satan had desired to have you, to sift you as wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith would not fail and when you come back, you will strengthen your brothers"(Luke 22:31-32).

Jesus fixed His prophetic gaze upon Peter and saw something terrifying. He saw Peter deny Him and blaspheme His name to prove that he did not walk with Christ. Jesus caught a glimpse of the immediate future, the satanic trap and intent, as He saw Peter weeping bitterly, staggering away and abandoning everything to go back to his fishing vessel. Peter was returning to the nets of his past, in a state of profound resignation and despair. Satan had desired to sift you as wheat, but I have prayed for you.

Jesus saw the somber threat, demonic, dark, menacing and destructive, hovering over Peter. He sees and knows what could destroy us. He is Alpha and Omega, the first and the last page of our existence. He is never stunned or disgusted by our mistakes, our secrets, and our failures. He never "finds out" anything about us. He is all knowledge and all love and He never gives up on us and our future.

Jesus is not naïve, like a sweet "momma" who is sometimes blinded by unrealistic love that causes her to lose all lucidity or objectivity about "her baby." No, to the contrary, Jesus possesses the divine and redemptive capacity to vividly see the worst threat in Peter's life, but also to pray for him and to supernaturally foresee, by the Spirit of the Lord upon Him, that barely fifty days later, on the Day of Pentecost, Peter would stand in the midst of an agitated and tumultuous crowd and speak words that would literally give birth to the Church! "When you come back, you will strengthen your brothers."

Jesus was already seeing Peter being transformed for triumph—from weeping to worship; denying to deliverance; feebleness to faith; blasphemy to blessing; ruin to revival—and from almost dead to authority and destiny. This is how Jesus sees you! He never only sees what you have been or what you are presently, He sees what you can become by faith in Him. He knows what has been prepared for you in the invisible realm. He wants us to learn to see ourselves, as well as others, through that dimension of faith.

News from Hal Lindsey Media Ministries

May 16th, 2014 This week on 'The Hal Lindsey Report' A few days ago, the leader of a small political party in England was arrested after speaking on the steps of Guildhall in Winchester. Paul Weston is chairman of Liberty-GB. To see his picture, you would think he is a lawyer or a doctor or a CPA or even a local pastor. However, Paul Weston must be a rabble-rouser, at the least, or an anarchist, at worst, who advocates the overthrow of the British government. Otherwise, why would the authorities arrest him for his public speech? He may be a rabble-rouser, but he's not an anarchist. The public comments that caused Weston's arrest on "suspicion of racial harassment," were much more incendiary than the toppling of the government or the overthrow of the monarchy. Weston was critical of Islam. On top of that, it wasn't even Weston's words which were critical of the world's most protected and coddled religion and to which the authorities objected. They were the words of none other than Great Britain's revered favorite son: Sir Winston Churchill. Mr. Weston read a passage from a book by Churchill entitled The River War. A young Churchill wrote the book around 1899 based on his experiences as a British Army officer during the Mahdist War in the Sudan. I have long been an admirer of Winston Churchill and have quoted him often on The Hal Lindsey Report. I have also been critical of Mr. Churchill's complicity in the naive drawing of the borders of the nations of the modern Middle East. Despite those criticisms, however, I have always acknowledged that few men in history had a way of grasping a situation and its implications as thoroughly as Winston Churchill. That's why it's worth noting when Winston Churchill describes Islam by saying, "The influence of the religion paralyses the social development of those who follow it. No stronger retrograde force exists in the world." And those are just some of the words that landed Paul Weston in jail. I think it's eerily ironic that the two practices you cannot criticize without risking your livelihood, your social standing, or even your life are Islam and homosexuality. But what's even more bizarre is that if you're Muslim and live in a society governed by Sharia law, it's acceptable to not only criticize homosexuality, but execute homosexuals. And though the Gay movement doesn't hesitate to publicly crucify - even destroy - anyone who doesn't "approve" of their agenda, they're strangely silent when it comes to criticizing Islam for its beliefs and practices. That's part of the problem they're facing over the Beverly Hills Hotel. A company owned by the Sultan of Brunei now owns the famous hotel, home of the even more famous Polo Lounge, long a gathering place of Hollywood's A-list. Brunei is a tiny, oil rich country in Southeast Asia. And what the country owns belongs to the Sultan. That's why he's one of the world's richest people. That's not the problem, though. His wealth and mind-blowing extravagance (he has 7,000 cars and, probably, his very own parking garage!) alone would make him a really popular guy in Hollywood. But the rub comes when his nation, Brunei, acted in accordance with its Islamic roots and recently instituted laws that include death by stoning for homosexuals and adulterers. Now, it's understandable that that news would shake up a lot of folks in Hollywood. If someone stoned all the homosexuals and adulterers there, the place would probably be buried in rocks. Of course, the media is once again focusing on the disapproving celebrities and not on the real story -- these shocking laws are just another example of what happens when Islam rules. And, if Paul Weston's story is any indication, it may not be long before Islam rules in Great Britain. It's already secured more than a foothold in other European nations where the Islamic population is growing nine times faster than the non-Islamic population. And, as I shared with you a few weeks ago, Muslims are demanding that they be allowed to live their lives according to Sharia law, not the law of the host nation. And some Europeans want to capitulate and allow them to do so. But, be warned, that won't satisfy them. They will demand more and more until, finally, they will demand that the entire nation be governed by Sharia law. In Nigeria, in an effort to appease radical Muslim groups, the government allowed the northern part of the nation to be subject to Sharia. But that's not enough to satisfy some Nigerian Muslims. They want the entire nation to submit. That desire gave birth to a group loosely called Boko Haram. That westernized name is best translated, "Non-Muslim education is forbidden." However, the formal name of the group includes (in various translations) the words "jihad" or "Holy War." So you get the idea. In the last few years, Boko Haram has grown increasingly radical and aggressive. Last month, they raided a girls' school and kidnapped 276 young women. They were whisked away into a forbidding jungle larger than the state of Indiana. Boko Haram's leader has announced that he plans to sell the girls as slaves or child brides, for as little as $12 each. In fact, he insists that he's acting in accordance with the teachings and traditions of Islam, and on the direction of Allah. And it's difficult for so-called "moderate" Muslim groups around the world to denounce him because they have to acknowledge that he is, indeed, Koranically-correct. What makes this heinous crime even more despicable is that no serious observer believes Boko Haram is bluffing. In February, they raided a Christian boys' school and slaughtered 50 boys. The Muslim jihadists shot some of them in their beds, slit others' throats, hacked them to death, or locked them in their dorms and burned them alive. Simply because they were Christians and being educated as such. Some analysts say that Boko Haram has killed more than 10,000 people. Almost no media reported when the boys were killed. Hundreds of Christians have been slaughtered and their churches burned while the mainstream media and the American government yawned. In fact, the media and the administration ignored the kidnapping of the girls until a frantic social media campaign, mostly on Twitter, shamed them into action. Why? Why did former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton refuse to designate Boko Haram as a terrorist group, although now she feigns disgust at their actions? I think it's because President Obama, Hillary Clinton, and a host of other world leaders, past and present, made a strategic choice to get along with Muslim terrorists by giving in to them. Appeasement became the mantra of the day. Winston Churchill must be spinning in his grave. I know beyond doubt that, if he were alive today (and based on his life's example), he would remind us that if we don't recognize the nature of the enemy and the struggle we're in, we'll lose before we even start to resist. As he warned his fellow Britons almost 75 years ago, we must understand WHO and WHAT we're fighting if we have any hope of winning. Even former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld recognizes this mistake. In an interview on CNN, he said: "The Bush administration didn't do a good job.... you can't win a battle of ideas unless you describe the enemy, say who it is, say what's wrong with it, say what we do and why it"s right. We did that in the Cold War and we defeated Communism. We were tongue-tied over this and the Obama administration is much worse, they won't even use the word." You probably know some "moderate" Muslims. That's okay. I do, too. They are usually very sweet and courteous. In fact, in The River War, Churchill also wrote that some "individual Moslems may show splendid qualities." But the fact is, "moderate Muslims" are not "good Muslims." To the extent that Muslims are moderate, they are not following the literal Koran and the Hadith. Once again, the media is telling the story in a way that actually protects the source of the problem, and that is Islam itself. Somehow in our politically-correct, multicultural society, we've come to confuse "All men are created equal" with the notion that "all ideas are equal." They are not. Some ideas are just bad. And Islam is a bad idea. Don't miss this week's Report on TBN, Daystar, CPM Network, The Word Network, various local stations, www.hallindsey.com or www.hischannel.com. Check your local listings. God Bless, Hal Lindsey mail: HLMM, P.O. Box 470470, Tulsa, OK 74147 email: comments@hallindsey.com web: http://www.hallindsey.com

BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST! by David Wilkerson | World Challenge

In both the Old and New Testaments, the Holy Spirit fell upon people in the most unusual ways. People began to praise Him—in new tongues as the Holy Spirit took full control!

At Pentecost He came with a mighty, rushing wind. Fire fell! When the Holy Spirit comes down, things get shaken up. "And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness" (Acts 4:31).

John the Baptist preached, "I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire" (Luke 3:16).

Beloved, the Bible makes it very clear: When Jesus comes to you, He desires to baptize you with the Holy Ghost and fire! The Holy Ghost brings fire—a red hot, consuming love for Jesus. Why are so many believers hot one minute and then cold the next, never totally yielded, never sold out? Is it because they refuse to let Jesus baptize them with the Holy Ghost?

"When [the Holy Ghost] is come, he will reprove the world of sin" (John 16:8). Could it be that these believers are not convicted because the Holy Ghost has not yet been invited to take His rightful place in them? He is God's plumb line. Anything that does not measure up to Christ, He reveals—and He convicts us and empowers us to conform to His Word! Truly He becomes our Comforter in this, because as He convicts us of sin, He empowers us to forsake it. This is true comfort!

The Holy Ghost will never make you do anything stupid, but He may come upon you in such a way that sinners may think you are drunk. He is not welcome in many churches because He is thought to be too noisy, too upsetting, too unpredictable!

SATISFIED WITH TOO LITTLE! by David Wilkerson | World Challenge

God has so much He wants to give you. His desire is to "open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it" (Malachi 3:10). He stand in a full storehouse, saying, "I am a giving God—but so few will receive from Me. They will not let me be God to them!"

Of course, we are to thank God for all He has done and given already. Yet, we are not to be satisfied with what we think is a lot! Many Christians are satisfied to sit in church and be blessed by God's presence. Such people are no more than "satisfied sponges" soaking up everything—but they limit God in their lives, when He so wants to anoint them for service.

When the disciples marveled at Christ's miracles, Jesus replied, "God has an ever greater work for you!" Most of us are like the disciples. We see one miracle, and we are satisfied to talk about it for the rest of our lives. Yet, if we really knew God and let Him be God to us, we would ask Him for so much more.

• We would reach into the heavenlies by faith, believing God to bring down the godless leaders in local, state and federal agencies. We would bring down principalities and powers, as God said!
• We would believe God to help us saturate our city with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We would stand up in faith against every weapon aimed against us, and we would be putting down satanic stronghold in our families and churches.

Our vision would be limitless. We would believe God for even greater things for His kingdom!

"Now unto him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end" (Ephesians 3:20-21).

TO KNOW HIS VOICE by David Wilkerson | World Challenge

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27).

Those who truly know God have learned to recognize His voice above all others. He wants you to be absolutely convinced that He desires to talk to you—to tell you things you've never seen or heard before.

I believe that three things are required of those who would hear God's voice:

1. An unshakeable confidence that God wants to speak to you. You have to be fully persuaded and convinced of this. Indeed, He is a speaking God—and He wants you to know His voice so that you can do His will. What God tells you will never go beyond the boundaries of Scripture.
2. Quality time and quietness. You need to be willing to shut yourself in with God and let other voices completely hush away. True, God speaks to us all day long. But whenever He has wanted to build something significant into my life, His voice has come only after I shut out every other voice but His.
3. Asking in faith. We do not obtain anything from God (including hearing His voice) unless we truly believe He is able to convey His mind to us—to enable us to understand His perfect will!

God is not a tease! He will not allow the enemy to deceive you. When God speaks, peace follows and Satan cannot counterfeit that peace!

"But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice; and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers" (John 10:2-5).

PRAISING GOD FOR HIS GOODNESS by David Wilkerson | World Challenge

"I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works. And men shall speak of thy terrible acts; and I will declare thy greatness. They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness" (Psalm 145:5-7). The wordterrible used here means that His acts are so great that they cause astonishment and awe.

We cannot deny God's claim that we are to praise Him in all His excellence, but we are especially called to praise Him for His goodness.

Note that the psalmist insists on an abundance of praise in memory of the Father's goodness. It was common for David to sing these praises as lavish utterances, as if to cause the praise to gush out like water rushing from a fountain.

In Psalm 107:8-9, David writes, "Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness."

This truth of praising God for His past goodness struck a chord in my heart and I have been moved upon to do as David did. We are called to celebrate His goodness!

David opens up about the goodness he speaks of—God's inclination to use mercy as He sympathizes with our afflictions and miseries. David borrowed from Exodus 34:6, where God spoke to Moses: "The Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth."

Beloved, look back over the past and remember how good the Lord has been to you. Meditate on His compassions that never failed to bring you through. I am finding pleasure in praising God for all things, but especially for His goodness. Not only for past goodnesses, but for those I see daily—the good I see all around me in the present.

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever" (Psalm 23:6).

News from Angus

My dear friends, We are living in changing times. Things are speeding up. Jesus is not coming soon, He is already on His way! We have said that many times before, but we can see it now. It is evident everywhere we go. In Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, the Lord is very specific about time. There is a time to be born, there is a time to die, there is a time to sow, there is a time to reap, there is a time to weep, there is a time to laugh, there is a time to mourn and a time to dance. I think we need to be very aware of the change in the seasons. This morning, I went out for an early morning jog. I was running with a headlamp because it was still dark, the stars were so beautiful and clear and there was not a sound anywhere. All of a sudden, I was caught by surprise as a cool breeze came up from out of nowhere and blew through the maize crop on our neighbour's farm. I became so aware of a complete change. It was as if the Lord was saying to me that there are severe changes coming soon in the earth. This may make you even feel a little bit anxious. The Lord says in Philippians 4:6 (NKJV), "Be anxious for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." As I was running down the road in the dark with the sudden cool breeze, the Lord reminded me again of how things can change so quickly and we do not need to be fearful if we are following the Word of God. In Matthew 24:35 (NKJV) Jesus says to us, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Words will by no means pass away." Our strength, our security and our peace must be in the knowledge that the Lord Jesus Christ will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5) and that He remains constant even though change is taking place all the time. Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV) says,"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." That bought a tremendous peace to my heart. One man reminded me just today, that the Word of God without faith is useless, because the Bible just becomes another history book. We need faith. Now, how do we get faith? Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. We need to be attentive to what God is saying to us. We need to have regular quiet times every day. That will keep us sane (in our right minds) and will give us direction for the way forward during these times of change. Remember, the worst thing we can do when we see extremes taking place is to panic. I firmly believe that in these last days, God will use His people to be like a corner post; solid and immoveable. People in the world will come to us for counsel, for direction, for comfort and for leading and we will be able to help them if we stand firm on the Word of God. In these times of change, we need to know the Word of God, because many wolves will come in sheep's clothing. The only way we will be able to identify them is by using the Bible as our reference. If anyone preaches anything that is not in the Word or cannot be verified by the Word, then do not listen to them. I do not care who it is or where they come from. Remember the Lord said Himself, that nothing must be added or taken away from the Bible, it is complete in itself. I am confident that God will take care of His own, that the Bible will become a compass especially in times of darkness and will become a friend that sticks closer then any brother. Proverbs 18:24(NKJV), "But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." As I write this letter, I am getting ready to take a trip to the USA. I am very excited for what God is going to do there, especially amongst the men again. Please keep us in your prayers. I recently had the privilege to speak at a meeting in Howick (Kwa-Zulu Natal). At the end of the meeting, a lovely elderly lady come up and said she had a photograph for me. The lady gave me a photograph of myself and my brother that was taken over sixty years ago. I was barely seven years old and my brother was five. It felt like yesterday! Again, the Lord is emphasizing the importance of not wasting time on trivial things, but on getting down to the fact of life. The fact is, life is but a vapor. Do not put off for tomorrow what you can do today. We have many overseas trips ahead of us and it is always a tough time having to be separated from family, but we do it because God has called us to do it. Please keep us in your prayers. The television and radio programs are continuing, please pray for us to remain consistent. Consistence is what God is looking for from each one of us. May we be found to be consistent believers, as we see the great day drawing near. May God bless you as you continue to serve Him in every area of life. Yours in Christ's service, Angus and Jill Buchan.

YOU’RE BLESSED by Gary Wilkerson | World Challenge

"There was a famine in the land, besides the former famine" (Genesis 26:1, ESV). Now if you're a farmer and your whole sustenance depends on crops, you don't want to hear that there was a famine in the land. Nor do you want to hear ". . . besides the former famine."

This is what Isaac was facing. His father had been through a famine and now he was going through a second famine. He probably had memories of how difficult the first one had been and there was concern in his heart.

The Bible says something interesting: "And Isaac went to Gerar to Abimelech king of the Philistines. And the LORD appeared to him and said, 'Do not go down to Egypt; dwell in the land of which I shall tell you. Sojourn in this land, and I will be with you and will bless you, for to you and to your offspring I will give all these lands, and I will establish the oath that I swore to Abraham your father. I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and will give to your offspring all these lands. And in your offspring all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because Abraham obeyed my voice and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws'" (Genesis 26:1-5, ESV).

A key word in verse 5 is obeyed. Abraham obeyed the Lord and so did Isaac. In fact, Isaac here was gloriously obedient to God. I want to say this as clearly and simply as I can—when you obey God, the result is His blessing. You are saved by grace and yet you are called by God to be an obedient people.

When you take a step of faith and say, "God, this is hard. I'm not sure I can do this, but I'm going to obey," then the windows of heaven will open to you.

No matter what God asks you to do, obey Him. If He tells you to give, obey Him. If He tells you to go, obey Him. Don't live by what you want to do; live by what God wants you to do and you will find blessing coming to you, on you and around you.

INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT CHURCH LIFE by Jim Cymbala | World Challenge

The clearest instructions about church life come when Paul tells young Timothy how to proceed. "I urge then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone" (1 Timothy 2:1).

Later in the same chapter (verse 8) Paul says, "I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing." That is a sign of a Christian church.

The book of Revelation says that when the twenty-four elders fall at the feet of Jesus, each one will have a golden bowl—and do you know what's in the bowls? What is this incense that is so fragrant to Christ? "The prayers of the saints" (Revelation 5:8).

Just imagine . . . you and I kneel or stand or sit down to pray, really opening our hearts to God—and what we say is so precious to Him that He keeps it like a treasure.

Do you know of a church in your community that says because prayer is so great, so central to Jesus' definition of the church, that on a prominent night of the week they are going to concentrate on prayer . . . with all their leaders present?

For myself, I have decided that our church's Tuesday night prayer meeting is so crucial that I will never be out of town two Tuesdays in a row. If that means that I cannot accept certain speaking invitations, so be it. Why would I prefer to be anywhere else?

The Bible has all these promises:

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7).

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13).

"You do not have, because you do not ask God" (James 4:2).

Isn't it time to say, "Stop! We're going to pray, because God said that when we pray, He will intervene."

This week on 'The Hal Lindsey Report'

May 9th, 2014 Public education records are usually referred to as "transcripts." They include information about a student's courses of study, classes taken, grades received, honors bestowed, and degrees conferred.  Copies of transcripts are always required when enrolling in institutions of higher learning and are often required when applying for certain jobs. Candidates for public office often make their transcripts available to the public.  But those kinds of education records may someday be a thing of the past. And "someday" may already be here.  If you don't have schoolchildren, you may not realize how "digital" schools are becoming. School systems are in a mad dash to get laptop computers, iPads and tablets, and other electronic devices into the hands of all the kids. Often with funding from Uncle Sam.  Some schools even give students their own laptops and encourage them to use them at home for all kinds of activities.  It seems like decades ago when schools started letting children use calculators in class. That's probably why so many young adults today have difficulty doing simple math in everyday life. I know of college students who can't tell time on a standard watch, only on digital ones.  On the face of it, we assume that educators want children to be as well-versed in the electronic age as possible, that's why they start them so young.  But there may be a more sinister motive. Whereas the old transcripts used to include only major information like classes, grades, honors, and degrees, the new records contain every keystroke, every click of the mouse, every word written, test question answered (correctly or incorrectly), and every website visited -- and who knows what else! And since the NSA has proven that there's no limit to the amount of information that can be harvested and stored -- forever -- this information will stay on the child's record forever. It really will be a "permanent record."  Add to this the information kept by the school administration about each student's life outside the classroom, such as guidance counseling, extracurricular activities, even cafeteria payments and transportation arrangements, and each student record becomes a gold mine of information about that child.  And the Department of Education has changed the guidelines to allow private companies and government agencies access to these records without obtaining student consent.  I guess you can see where this is headed. And it's more alarming than just the fact that the school districts may sell information about their students to advertisers. This vast new data mine will allow the government to chart each student's maturing process with computer algorithms that can identify "tendencies," among other things. Psychologists are probably already working on tests that will enable computer programs to determine each child's tendency toward anti-social behavior, like terrorism.  Big Brother will not be a human being watching over our children's every keystroke, but a network of government computers programmed to spot trouble BEFORE it happens. And if a student is part of the "subversive element" in our society, namely, those who believe in and act according to God's Word, the government will have its eyes and ears on them at all times.  Just think how valuable this information will be in the hands of the Antichrist.  I've often said that during Jesus Christ's ministry on earth, his disciple Peter only opened his mouth to change feet. That sort of describes Secretary of State John Kerry, too.  I'm not certain if Kerry's missteps arise from his arrogance, his naivete, his lack of skill at the job, or his flawed understanding of the world and the importance of his words. For whatever reason, a John Kerry comment has caused another uproar.  In speaking "off the record" to the Trilateral Commission, Secretary Kerry suggested that if Israel doesn't allow the establishment of a Palestinian state, it could end up either being "an apartheid state with second-class citizens... or ...a state that destroys the capacity of Israel to be a Jewish state."  Unfortunately for Kerry, but fortunately for Israel and those who support her, his comments were recorded and reported by a journalist.  The fact that a world leader of his stature would even imply that Israel is on the road to apartheid tells me that either he does not understand what apartheid is or he's duplicitous enough to use it as a club to bludgeon Israel into submission. Considering some of the other ill-starred and ill-timed comments Kerry has made, I think it's probably a little of both.  Jimmy Carter tried the same tactic once and lost much of the little credibility he had left.  Apartheid is a cruel system of oppression and violence that a ruthless minority uses to cling to power. It involves the denial of basic rights, the sequestration of majority populations to strictly controlled areas, and the suppression of education, opportunities, and liberties for the majority.  South Africa was the poster child for apartheid.  Israel bears no resemblance to South Africa. More than 1.5 million Arabs live in Israel and enjoy full Israeli citizenship. They sit in the Knesset. They sit on the Supreme Court. They study side by side with Jews in Israel's universities. They start and own businesses. They work in entertainment and in the professional fields. They even serve in the Israeli Defense Forces.  The Israeli Declaration of Independence welcomed, even encouraged, all Arabs in the land to join the Jews in "the upbuilding of the State on the basis of full and equal citizenship and due representation in all its provisional and permanent institutions."  Contrast that to the Palestinian Arabs in the West Bank and Gaza who want their own state, but insist that it be Jew-free. That's not just apartheid, that's "ethnic-cleansing," a practice that is forbidden by the rest of the world. NATO has even invaded countries to end ethnic-cleansing (though never when it's the Muslims doing the ethnic-cleansing).  The checkpoints and barricades between the Palestinian-controlled "West Bank" and Gaza and the rest of Israel exist because those are the areas from which terrorist attacks against the Jews are launched. The checkpoints are an effort to prevent those attacks. Unfortunately, checkpoints couldn't limit the 10,000 rocket and missile attacks launched against Israel from Gaza in the last few years.  As I've often said, the Palestinians could have peace in a day if they but laid down their arms of aggression. But they refuse to do so. Even though it's in their own best interest. They could exchange their rocket-propelled grenade launchers for a ballot and become a part of the thriving economy that is Israel. And that is what many of the rank-and-file Palestinians secretly crave.  But it's as if they have hardened their hearts, like Pharaoh of old. (Exodus 10:20)  When you add to Secretary Kerry's recent remark the fact that he's made other public statements that appear to tacitly approve Palestinian violence, encourage the increasing isolation of Israel, and promote continued efforts to de-legitimize the Israeli state, it could be argued that he may not actually believe that the Jews have a special connection to the land of Israel.  In fact, we now know this to be true. This week, in a speech to U.S. State Department staff in Africa, Kerry scoffed at people who believe that others should "live by their interpretation of something that was written down a thousand plus, two thousand years ago. That's not the way I think most people want to live."  I'm hurt. It's apparent from that statement that Mr. Kerry does not regularly watch "The Hal Lindsey Report." Those of us who believe in the inerrancy of Scripture and the accuracy of Bible prophecy are evidently not living the way he thinks "most people want to live."  And he's probably right -- for once.  Don't miss this week's Report on TBN, Daystar, CPM Network, The Word Network, various local stations, www.hallindsey.com or www.hischannel.com. Check your local listings. God Bless, Hal Lindsey mail: HLMM, P.O. Box 470470, Tulsa, OK 74147 email: comments@hallindsey.com web: http://www.hallindsey.com