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A Week Filled With ‘Wars and Rumors of Wars’ – By Amir Tsarfati – https://harbingersdaily.com/amir-tsarfati-a-week-filled-with-wars-and-rumors-of-wars/ (Galilee, Israel) — Shalom from Northern Israel. What a week it has been. If there’s a biblical phrase that best describes my region of the world over the last seven days, it’s “wars and rumors of wars”. From the attack in Syria that killed multiple high-level Iranian personnel to the looming war with Hezbollah in the north to the imminent invasion of the IDF into Rafah in the Gaza Strip, the tension has reached unprecedented levels. If that’s not enough, Israel is making preparations for a potential and imminent confrontation with Iran in the days ahead. More on that below. What’s worse is that Israel’s longtime friend in the west, the United States, has become unreliable during some of Israel’s darkest days since the nation was reborn in 1948. This is largely due to the current administration. Moreover, some well-known “conservative” voices in the west are beginning to adopt the mindset that it’s un-American to pour resources into other countries, including Israel. To those considering this same mindset, I would challenge you with a simple reminder that God will one day judge the nations based on their treatment of Israel, and Israel only. Genesis 12:3a KJV – “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee…” Joel 3:1-2 KJV – “For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, 2 I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.” Matthew 25:37-40 KJV – “Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” God will not ask anyone if they stood up for America or any other nation. He will only ask if they stood up for Israel. In these historic times of biblical proportions, let the enemy not deceive you. Standing with Israel is not an option from God; it’s a commandment from God. Israel As I mentioned, the tension is at an all-time high inside Israel right now. In addition to the much-needed judicial reform in my country, the war in Gaza rages on, we’re bracing for escalations with Iran, and we’re receiving strikes almost daily up near our northern border. I can assure you, a conflict with Hezbollah is also on the horizon. However, the aim of the IDF and Israel’s government is to finish business in Gaza first – specifically, the city of Rafah, which is the final stronghold of Hamas. And yes, regardless of what the world media is telling you, we’re going to enter into Rafah soon and finish the job. Attacks are already happening there. Maybe you’re thinking, “Amir, won’t this isolate Israel all the more if countries pull their support due to Israel not achieving a ceasefire?” To this, my response is twofold: 1) Hamas has rejected every ceasefire proposal put forth. 2) While it’s a shock to live through these biblical times, my God revealed ages ago that Israel would one day be isolated from the rest of the world so that only He will intervene on her behalf. Again, these are tumultuous times, but the God of Israel will make good on His promises. Gaza & Hamas One of the biggest complaints coming out of the UN and the global community has to do with the alleged death toll of civilians in Gaza. First of all, war is ugly, but the IDF does everything it can to minimize and avoid civilian fatalities. And let’s not forget that Hamas uses its people as human shields. They have perfected the act of cowardice. Secondly, it surfaced in a report on Wednesday that the Hamas-run organization responsible for keeping track of the death toll in Gaza couldn’t validate over 1/3 of the alleged deaths. Over 11,000 of the 30,000+ deaths could not even be verified. On Tuesday, it surfaced that an Israeli attack killed three sons of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Additionally, some of his grandchildren were killed. One would think there would be great mourning. This is not the case when you love death more than you value life. He thanked his nonexistent god for their martyrdoms. The IDF continues to operate in multiple areas inside of Gaza at this time. Often, forces will temporarily remove themselves from some key locations, which causes the terrorists to come out of their holes, exposing them, leading to their elimination. Lebanon, Syria, and Hezbollah As previously alluded to, Israel can see a war with Hezbollah on the horizon – it’s only a matter of time. And if we don’t deal with a direct attack from Iran, you can make a safe bet that we’ll deal with increased attacks coming over our northern border. By God’s grace, we haven’t had to deal with Hezbollah while we wrap things up in Gaza, which has allowed us time to move reinforcements up north and manufacture more ammunition and weapons. Iran In what’s not a surprise, the Islamic state of Iran continues to develop its nuclear program in pursuit of obtaining a nuclear weapon – something they’re no longer vague about. Iran also continues to strategically sow chaos in the Middle East through its proxies in the region. Furthermore, Israel is prepared to deal with a military confrontation with Iran any day now following the targeted killing of two Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) generals and five others associated with the terror organization. This happened when the Israel Defense Force (IDF) leveled an annex in Damascus, Syria, that belonged to the Iranian embassy. One of Iran’s personnel that was killed was in the decision-making circle for Hezbollah and played a crucial role in the planning of the October 7 massacre. The Iranians know that if they attempt to attack Israel directly, their nuclear sites will enter the crosshairs of the IDF. The United States While periodic support for Israel is expressed from the US government, the current administration is flirting with a dangerous line concerning the jeopardizing of its relationship with us during some of our darkest hours. Some of the more recent negative revelations coming out of the US include the decision to label products coming from “Jewish settlements in occupied West Bank”, increased pressure in the form of withholding aid if we don’t pursue a ceasefire in Gaza, and more. Commander of the US Central Command, General Michael E. Kurilla, is visiting Israel now to consult with top military officials in preparation for an attack from Iran. Time will tell, but this current administration in the US is putting itself in a very weak and compromised position if it wasn’t there already. Will Much of The Middle East Soon Be Turned Into “A Pile of Smoking, Radioactive Rubble”? - by Michael Snyder - https://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/will-much-of-the-middle-east-soon-be-turned-into-a-pile-of-smoking-radioactive-rubble/ Most people have absolutely no idea how close we are to a nightmare scenario in the Middle East. Yesterday, I wrote about the fact that Bloomberg was reporting that an Iranian attack on Israel was “imminent”. At that time we were waiting for the other shoe to drop in the Middle East, and we are still waiting. Ynet News is claiming that Iran was “ready to launch its attack on Israel” but had a change of heart before it pulled the trigger… Iran was ready to launch its attack on Israel but decided to change or postpone it by a few days, likely after warnings from the Biden administration. Overnight, the official Iranian news agency Mehr posted on X that that Iran temporarily grounded all air activity over Tehran’s airspace starting from midnight due to “military maneuvers.” Mehr also shared a video showing missiles with the caption “Maybe tonight… Stay tuned.” The agency quickly deleted both items. I think that the Iranians realize that if they strike Israeli territory there will be an overwhelming response from the IDF. And Joe Biden is promising “ironclad” support for Israel if the Iranians attack… US president Joe Biden on Wednesday vowed that American support for Israel is ‘ironclad’, amid fears the Middle Eastern nation will soon be attacked by Iran. ‘As I told Prime Minister Netanyahu, our commitment to Israel security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad. Let me say it again: ironclad. We’re going to do all we can to protect Israel security,’ Biden said at a press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Biden’s top diplomat, Anthony Blinken, affirmed his words and told Israel’s defence minister Yoav Gallant on a phone call that the US would stand behind Israel if Iran decides to attack. Does this mean that we will be at war with Iran the moment that Iranian missiles start hitting targets inside Israel? Because that is what it sounds like. I can understand how the possibility of war with the United States would make the Iranians think twice. But even though they may have hesitated, they are clearly not backing down yet. On Thursday, Iranian leaders did confirm that they fully intend to “punish” Israel in the days ahead… Tehran must retaliate for the deadly attack on its consular compound in Damascus last week because the U.N. Security Council failed to condemn the strike or take any action against Israel, Iran’s U.N. mission said in a statement posted Thursday on the X platform. “Had the U.N. Security Council condemned the Zionist regime’s reprehensible act of aggression on our diplomatic premises in Damascus and subsequently brought to justice its perpetrators, the imperative for Iran to punish this rogue regime might have been obviated,” the statement said. So some sort of an attack is definitely coming. If Iran hits targets that are outside the land of Israel, that may not spark an all-out war in the region. But if Iran hits targets inside the land of Israel, that will literally push us to the brink of the unthinkable. Earlier today, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio posted the following message on social media… Iran wants to launch a large scale attack from their own territory against #Israel Israel will respond instantly with an even more severe counterattack inside of Iran What happens next is the most dangerous Middle East moment since 1973 I agree with his assessment except for one thing. I believe that what we are facing is far more dangerous than anything that we witnessed in 1973. One British news source is reporting that a war simulation that was “crafted by military and security experts” indicates that all-out war is likely if Iran starts hitting targets inside Israeli territory… Iran and it’s terror proxies including Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis all have powerful long-range, high-precision rockets which they use to hit key Israeli targets. Israel hits back and is fighting off Iranian proxies on a frontline in Syria and Lebanon near its border while striking Iran by air. Tel Aviv appeals to the US several times for intervention but with no luck becomes isolated in its fight against Iran. According to the simulation, nuclear weapons are likely to be used as the conflict progresses… Eventually it resorts to a non-lethal nuclear detonation in an attempt to make Iran surrender, which it does not. A desperate Israel eventually launches 50 nuclear weapons towards Iran, who unleashes its own nuke ambush against an air base with US troops. The war game simulation ends here with a conflict that would involve Syria, Lebanon, even Yemen and could reduce large parts of the Middle East to a pile of smoking, radioactive rubble. In the entire recorded history of the world, we have never seen a war like this. Can you imagine the chaos that would erupt all over the globe if major cities in the Middle East were reduced to piles of “smoking, radioactive rubble”? Let us hope that the war simulation described above is not accurate. But without a doubt, we have entered a danger zone. Once Iran and Israel start lobbing missiles at one another, there will be no turning back. For a long time, I have been warning my readers that an apocalyptic war in the Middle East would be coming. Now we are almost there. My hope is that the Iranians will back down and that their response to Israel will turn out to be very weak. If that turns out to be the case, that could buy us a little bit more time. But one way or another, I believe that this is the year when the Middle East descends into chaos. So buckle up and hold on tight, because it appears that things are about to get really crazy. DOWNLOAD THE PROPHECY UPDATE APP Prophecy Update Videos Must Watch Videos! Videos You Can Trust
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DONATE HERE Your can also mail your support to: Prophecy Update PO Box 40516 Bakersfield, CA 93384 The decline of church attendance in America - By Mark Creech - https://www.christianpost.com/voices/the-decline-of-church-attendance-in-america.html There’s a charming old tale about three pastors hailing from the American South who found themselves sharing lunch at a quaint diner. One of the pastors spoke up, a furrow of concern etched on his brow. “You know, ever since summer descended upon us, I’ve been grappling with a rather vexing issue at my church. Bats — countless bats — have taken up residence in our loft and attic. I’ve exhausted every conceivable method to rid ourselves of them — noise, sprays, traps, even enlisted the help of felines — but alas, they persist.” A sympathetic nod passed among the trio as another pastor chimed in, his burden carried a similar tone. “Indeed, I share your plight. Our belfry and attic are overrun with bats numbering in the hundreds. I’ve resorted to extreme measures, even resorting to fumigation, yet they remain undeterred in their residency.” Then came the third pastor, a twinkle in his eye betrayed a hint of mischief. “Ah, well, I took a rather unconventional approach with the bats that plagued the heights of our church,” he said. “I performed baptisms on them, and since then, they only grace us with their presence during Christmas and Easter.” Concerns about regular church attendance have always challenged most faith leaders. However, according to a recent Gallup poll, a decline in consistent church attendance is at an all-time low. The survey, conducted from 2021 to 2023 with over 32,000 participants, reveals that only 30% of U.S. adults are steady in their church attendance. Protestant churches and non-denominational groups were among the highest at 44%, while Catholics were at 33%. Notably, there has been a significant drop over the past two decades, particularly among Catholics, whose regular attendance fell by a whopping 12%. The decline is attributed largely to the rise in Americans with no religious affiliation, which more than doubled from 9% to 21%. Gallup anticipates that church attendance will likely continue falling, especially among younger Americans. The survey found that 35% of 18- to 29-year-olds have no religious preference or affiliation, with only 22% attending religious services. In 1937, seven out of every 10 Americans said they were part of a church. And even in the 1980s, around 70% still claimed to have membership in a church. The current findings, however, should be alarming, not just for faith leaders but for the entire country. Founding Father, John Adams admonished, “We have no government capable of dealing with an irreligious people.” Certainly, the demons howl when it’s said, but their loathing for the truth is what prompts their wailing. Nonetheless, the assertion holds as steadfast as the North Star: It is the religion of Christ that granted us freedom and provided America with unprecedented privileges in human history. This assertion is not intended to promote what some have called Christian nationalism. Neither is it made in pursuit of making America some sort of theocracy. Such interpretations are misguided and baseless. Rather, it is a simple acknowledgment of the profound historical role Christianity and the Church have played in shaping the principles and values of our society. To evaluate such impact, we need only compare the practice of Christianity with other religions in other places. For instance, examining the historical consequences of atheism or non-religion, one might consider the former Soviet Union and China, where totalitarian regimes have suppressed liberty and imposed strict controls. Similarly, Hinduism’s influence can be observed in India, where a hierarchical caste system has stratified society, determining individuals’ social status, occupation, and opportunities based on birth into specific social groups. Likewise, Islam’s effects can best be seen in Islamic nations, characterized by authoritarianism, terrorism, and unequal rights for women. We hold no disdain for any of these religions. Everything good in them comes from God, because all truth belongs to God. However, as Alfred Tennyson aptly termed them, they are akin to “broken lights.” While they possess some illumination, they remain incomplete and flawed, incapable of engendering the cherished liberty and quality of life embraced by the Western world. Derek Thompson, who is a self-proclaimed agnostic, recently wrote a column titled, “The True Cost of the Churchgoing Bust.” In the article, Thompson explores the declension of religion in America and its broad implications, more specifically, its profound implications for societal cohesion. Thompson says initially he viewed the waning of faith in a positive light, due to his perceived shortcomings of religion. However, today he believes religion has acted as a stabilizing force against American hyper-individualism. He expresses he now has concerns about the way religion historically provided Americans with a sense of community, identity, and ritual for people, which with religion’s deterioration is diminishing. The decline in religious attendance correlates with less face-to-face socializing, especially among young people and the working class, says Thompson. He adds the weakening of religion is leaving a void in communal activities, exacerbating the problems of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. The loss of religious influence with the rise of digital technology suggests that while smartphones, computers, etc. offer constant connectivity, they lack the embodied, synchronous, and collective nature of worship practices. “I wonder if, in foregoing organized religion, an isolated country has discarded an old and proven source of ritual at a time when we most need it. Making friends as an adult can be hard; it’s especially hard without a scheduled weekly reunion of congregants,” writes Thompson. “Finding meaning in the world is hard too; it’s especially difficult if the oldest systems of meaning-making hold less and less appeal. It took decades for Americans to lose religion. It might take decades to understand the entirety of what we lost.” These are very powerful words, especially coming from an agnostic! It’s important to clarify that church attendance is not synonymous with genuine spiritual transformation (Hebrews 10:25). The primary reason for church attendance stems from a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ (Matthew 18:20). Mere attendance doesn’t automatically guarantee that someone is right with God (Matthew 7:21). Indeed, many individuals within congregations lack a genuine encounter with Christ’s redemptive power (this can sometimes include pastors, priests, bishops, deacons, elders), which frees them from both the penalty of sin and its control over their lives (2 Timothy 3:5). It is a certainty that whenever someone has actually experienced God’s saving grace, they are not characteristically averse to attending church regularly (Acts 2:42). It’s at church they know they’ll hear the teaching and preaching of God’s Word, which contributes to their spiritual growth (Romans 10:17). They actively seek community within the church, finding support and accountability for their faith journey (I Thessalonians 5:11). Additionally, it’s via the church they can engage in evangelistic outreach and missions, aspiring to positive change beyond their immediate circles (Matthew 28:19-20). Worshipping and serving God alongside fellow believers fosters a shared identity grounded in eternal significance, unmatched by any other affiliation (Ephesians 2:19-22). A believer may occasionally falter morally or lose motivation, leading them to stop attending church for a time (I John 1:9). Still, a genuine follower of Christ does not desire to remain disconnected or isolated spiritually. Instead, they long to be united with their spiritual family and participate in the fellowship of believers wherever they gather (I John 3:14). Years ago, a local pastor from my hometown paid a visit to my grandfather, knowing he seldom attended church. In those days, my grandparents’ home lacked central heating, relying instead on small coal-burning fireplaces scattered throughout the rooms. During winter, the coals would be carefully stoked, blazing brightly to provide warmth. Occasionally, my grandfather would use fire poker to stir the coals, ensuring the fire remained vigorous. On the evening of the pastor’s visit, a stray coal rolled away from the others and onto the hearth. Observing this, the preacher pointed to the fading coal, its once-bright flame dimming with each passing moment. As the coal cooled, it turned black and lifeless, eventually cool enough for the preacher to handle. With insight, holding the coal in front of my grandfather, he said: “This is what happens to spiritual life and virtuous living without regular church attendance. Inevitably, it becomes dull and listless, emotionally disconnected and morally indifferent.” As it is for the individual, so it is for the nation. The serious decline in church attendance, whether complete absence or sporadic participation limited to Christmas and Easter, is not just an individual concern anymore; it’s evolving into a matter of national security, reflecting broader societal shifts and potential consequences for the nation’s survival. Is The Church Fighting an Uphill Battle with No End in Sight? – By JB Hixson - https://harbingersdaily.com/is-the-church-fighting-an-uphill-battle-with-no-end-in-sight/ Comedian Bob Hope once quipped, “It’s a wonderful world. It may destroy itself, but you’ll be able to watch it on TV.” I don’t know how wonderful this world is, but Bob Hope was right about one thing. We are witnessing the self-destruction of this sin-stricken world before our very eyes. I hate to be one of those people who bemoans the state of the world by beginning, “When I was a child…,” but I cannot contain myself. When I was a child, sin was less in-your-face. It was present, to be sure, and no doubt running rampant in certain corridors like it has been for millennia. But in my experience, it was lurking in the shadows, almost as if it was afraid to come out in public. Shame, though already losing its grip by the sixties and seventies, still had a modicum of influence. Certain behaviors were simply not acceptable in public. What a difference half a century can make! Today, the more offensive, ungodly, immoral, and vile something is the more it is protected, promoted, and praised. The Bible warns, “But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13). So, I guess we should not be surprised at how bad things have gotten. Yet, I still find myself bewildered at how awash the world has become in wickedness. It is one thing to comprehend the words of Scripture intellectually and theologically in 1 John 5:19, “The whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.” It is quite another to experience it firsthand. For those who know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior, it is easy to become discouraged and overwhelmed by how rapidly this world is “slouching towards Gomorrah,” as Robert Bork famously put it. Indeed, it seems like the church is fighting an uphill battle with no end in sight. There is an end, of course, to Satan’s earthly reign, but we have no guarantee Christ’s return to “rescue us from this present evil age” (Galatians 1:4) will occur anytime soon. I feel strongly that it will happen soon, as do many other experts in Bible prophecy. The signs are everywhere. Yet, what if it doesn’t? What if we must continue to endure for years to come this abject wickedness that is permeating our culture, our country, and yes, even the church? What if our grandchildren are forced to grow up in a world where morality and truth are relegated to the history books and Christians are driven underground? Lately, my thoughts have been consumed with this question, “Can it get any worse?” The answer chills me to the bone and keeps me awake at night. Discouragement and depression, however, are not the proper response to the heavy weight many Christians are feeling these days. I came across an inspiring anecdote in a book by Charles Swindoll. A recently retired man was sitting on his porch in Kentucky when the mailman arrived at his curb. He was expecting his Social Security check to be delivered, so he went to the mailbox to retrieve it. As he walked down his sidewalk, he thought to himself, Is this all my life is going to be from now on? Just sitting on the porch waiting for my next Social Security check to arrive? It was a discouraging thought. Determined to fight the depression that was setting in, the man took out a pad and began writing down all the gifts, all the blessings, all the talents, and everything that he had going for him. He listed them all, even small things. For example, he included the fact that he was the only one in the world who knew his mother’s recipe for fried chicken in which she used eleven different herbs and spices. This thought prompted him to go down to the local restaurant and ask if he could get a job cooking their chicken. Very soon the chicken became the most popular item on the menu. He opened his own restaurant in Kentucky. Then he opened a string of restaurants and eventually sold the Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise to a national organization for millions of dollars. He became their public representative and continued in that role until his death. That man, as you no doubt have figured out, was Colonel Sanders. The moral of this story? As discouraging as it may be, we must not sit back and watch this world self-destruct, as if we were watching a horror movie on TV. Christians have a job to do, and that job is not over until we either go the way of all flesh or meet the Lord in the air. In God’s divine plan, Christians in this present age are to “shine like lights” in the midst of a “crooked and perverse generation” (Philippians 2:15). We are here to share the good news about eternal salvation with a lost and dying world. As evil as this world has become, let us never forget the Holy Spirit is still alive and well, drawing people to Christ (John 12:32; 16:8). It is the Gospel that is “the power of God to salvation,” and our job is to share it clearly, accurately, and urgently (Romans 1:16). The Gospel message is simple: Christ died for your sins and rose from the dead to pay your personal penalty for sin. If you will place your faith in Him, and Him alone for eternal life, He will forgive your sin and give you the gift of salvation. “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). The next time you feel overwhelmed by this world awash in wickedness, get out a pen and a pad and begin jotting down all the ways you can be a light in an otherwise dark world. Whether the Lord’s return is today, tomorrow, or not for many years, there is an urgency to the hour! It is time for Christians to get off the porch and get busy. Daily Jot: The American Chronicles: Finding Jim Thorpe - Bill – www.dailyjot.com As we were winding our way through the backwoods in Vermont toward Rutland to visit our niece Megan and her husband Bill, we crossed over the Grand Canyon—the grand canyon of Vermont, that is. Chris, Service Dog Charlie and I got out and braved the speeding local traffic to walk out on the bridge for a view of this breathtaking overlook of the 165-foot Quechee Gorge, cutting through the Ottauquechee River. Then on to Megan and Bill’s. Great visit and a wonderful lunch cooked by Megan while Bill and I watched some college football. We were so excited to be with them we forgot to take the customary family photo before we left. The fam will probably pull our family membership card for that. From Rutland, we continued a ways to the Lake Bomoseen campground for our overnight before heading back home. The 2,400 acre Lake Bomoseen is the largest lake entirely within the boundaries of Vermont. The overnight there was very peaceful—no cell service, no internet…meaning no television. Well, camping isn’t what it used to be! I guess this is really called glamping. Up early the next morning and all ready to go when one of our camping neighbors frantically was waving at me to stay put. Seems I had forgotten to raise up the levelers beneath the van. It’s a wonderful thing—how the campers look out for one another. Levelers up. On our way to the next stop. We try not to travel more than 200 miles a day. There is good reason for that. This leg toward home, however, was about 325 miles to get to the campground at Tamaqua, Pa. It took us almost six hours to get to Tamaqua. The last 40 minutes was winding around through the remote hills and valleys of Pennsylvania’s coal and logging country in the Pocono Mountains. We hadn’t eaten since our early breakfast and we were tired and hungry. All we really wanted was to sit down at a restaurant and have a nice meal. The check-in guy at the campground told me there was a restaurant about two miles away. We got there and it was closed. So Chris found a nice bar-b-q place. Another 7 miles. We got there and it wasn’t quite as advertised. It was a food truck and the rain started coming down. She found yet another restaurant about 8 miles away. That’s when we discovered Jim Thorpe. The Burrough of Jim Thorpe is this really neat town that served as a rail center for coal and lumber. Victorian architecture, a train station, just a gem in the middle of nowhere. Got its name when Jim Thorpe’s widow essentially negotiated the burial of the Olympic athlete there. Old town. Narrow streets, especially for our RV. I couldn’t make the turn up the street to the restaurant, so I had to back around and try to park along the street while holding up traffic. Found a place and began parallel parking. Chris and Charlie were in the back, supposedly guiding me. Then I scraped against a street sign. I think Chris was so tired she was just watching like she was watching a bad movie. Anyway, we got parked and walked up the hill to the restaurant, which was…closed. Now we are not only tired and hungry. We are both getting a little grouchy. Maybe more than a little. Walking down the street, it starts to rain heavier. We stopped and asked a goth-type girl who was working at one of the shops if there were any restaurants open. She said, “I’m not really sure. It seems most of them have closed.” Great help, Captain Obvious. I happened to look across the street and the best place had an “open” sign. It was the Inn at Jim Thorpe. Beautiful Victorian with all the trimmings. We took a seat on the balcony outside because the music coming from the pub inside was so loud—great singer, but loud. We had a very nice dinner, got over our hunger and grouchiness. And hurried back to the RV in the rain. Philippians 2:14 says, “Do all things without murmuring and disputing.” Uh-huh. Turned out to be a great day. Daily Devotion: The Believer’s Great Hope - by Greg Laurie – www.harvest.org So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. —2 Corinthians 4:18 https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/the-believers-great-hope/ - Listen Deep inside us, there is a sense that there’s something more in life. No matter what experiences we’ve had, no matter how wonderful they were, they were only a glimpse of what is still ahead. We are homesick for a place we’ve never been to, and that place is Heaven. The Bible says that we were wired this way, that God “has planted eternity in the human heart” (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NLT). This simply means we have a sense there is more to life, and that keeps us moving forward. It’s like the homing instinct we see in the animal kingdom. Our homing instinct, however, is for a place we haven’t yet seen. If you are a Christian, then you are going to Heaven. Jesus said, “There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am” (John 14:2–3 NLT). Interestingly, the Bible doesn’t tell us that much about Heaven. There are some passages about it, but not a lot. For example, the apostle Paul had the unique experience of dying, going to Heaven, and having to come back to earth. Paul didn’t go into great detail about what he saw on the other side. But he said this much: “I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell” (2 Corinthians 12:4 NLT). For us to try to understand something as glorious as Heaven would be like a six-month-old baby trying to understand an explanation about the beauty of Hawaii. It’s very hard for us to wrap our minds around. No matter what happens to us on this earth, it pales in comparison to this great hope. Writing to the church in Corinth, the apostle Paul said, “For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So, we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever” (2 Corinthians 4:17–18 NLT). This is the hope of the Christian. There’s a better world ahead. Until that day, there is nothing that will completely satisfy our lives. There’s something greater than what we are experiencing now. Yet, not everyone has this hope. If you don’t have this hope in Christ, then you ought to be afraid right now. You ought to be afraid if you don’t know whether you will go to Heaven. The believer has great hope beyond all of this. We have the great hope that a place called Heaven is waiting for us on the other side. 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Cathy
4/12/2024 05:30:32 pm
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