Pensacola Sunset
REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS!
The mainstream news media is distorted but the more accurate alternative news is disturbing - what do we do? Well, first off, we REJOICE! And we are not to worry but we are to pray to the Lord with thankful hearts. I like Philippians 4 which says, "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." AMEN!

DEUTSCH
Sonnenuntergang in Pensacola
FREUT EUCH IM HERRN ALLEZEIT!
Die Haupt-Nachrichtenmedien sind verdreht, aber die korrekteren alternativen Nachrichten sind beunruhigend - was tun wir? Zuallererst FREUEN wir uns! Und wir machen uns keine Sorgen, sondern beten mit dankbaren Herzen zum Herrn. Ich mag Philipper 4, wo es heißt: "Freut euch im Herrn allezeit! Wiederum will ich sagen: Freut euch! Eure Milde soll allen Menschen bekannt werden; der Herr ist nahe. Seid um nichts besorgt, sondern in allem sollen durch Gebet und Flehen mit Danksagung eure Anliegen vor Gott kundwerden; und der Friede Gottes, der allen Verstand übersteigt, wird eure Herzen und eure Gedanken bewahren in Christus Jesus. Übrigens, Brüder, alles, was wahr, alles, was ehrbar, alles, was gerecht, alles, was rein, alles, was liebenswert, alles, was wohllautend ist, wenn es irgendeine Tugend und wenn es irgendein Lob gibt, das erwägt!" AMEN!

Path along a Pensacola bayou
THIS IS THE DAY WHICH THE LORD HATH MADE; WE WILL REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT! (Psalm 118:24)
This morning while walking along a nearby bayou, I took a deep breath of cool, refreshing air, gazed into the beautifully clear blue sky to worship God and out of my lips came the above verse. What, you may ask, you weren't in church on Sunday morning? Oh yes, today I had church with the Lord outdoors. Of course I must confess that I have church everyday - sometimes with Jesus alone and other times with friends. In fact, every Saturday & Wednesday night I join friends in a home for worship, prayer, Bible study, fellowship, fun, and sometimes food! But really, we who believe and follow the Lord Jesus Christ are the church, we are the body of Christ, we are His bride who are looking for His return. Sometimes we meet in a home, in a large building, on the beach, or elsewhere. Do you remember what Jesus said in Matthew 18:20? "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." WE ARE THE CHURCH!

DEUTSCH
Weg entlang einer Bucht in Pensacola
DIES IST DER TAG, DEN DER HERR GEMACHT HAT! SEIEN WIR FRÖHLICH UND FREUEN WIR UNS IN IHM! (Psalm 118,24)
Heute morgen, als ich eine nahegelegene Bucht entlang lief, nahm ich einen tiefen Atemzug kühler, erfrischender Luft, blickte in den wunderschönen blauen Himmel, um Gott anzubeten und von meinen Lippen kam der obige Vers. Was, fragst du vielleicht, du warst am Sonntag morgen nicht in der Gemeinde? Oh ja, heute hatte ich mit dem Herr draussen Gemeinde. Natürlich muß ich sagen, daß ich jeden Tag Gemeinde habe - manchmal mit Jesus allein und zu anderen Zeiten mit Freunden. Tatsächlich treffe ich mich jeden Samstag und Mittwoch abend mit Freunden in einem Heim, um Lobpreis zu machen, zu beten, die Bibel zu studieren, Gemeinschaft zu haben, Spaß zu haben und manchmal gemeinsam zu essen! Aber im Ernst, wir, die wir dem Herrn Jesus Christus glauben und folgen, sind die Gemeinde, wir sind der Leib Christi, wir sind Seine Braut, die nach Seiner Rückkehr ausschaut. Manchmal treffen wir uns in einem Heim, in einem großen Gebäude, am Strand, oder sonstwo. Erinnerst du dich daran, was Jesus in Matthäus 18,20 sagte? "Denn wo zwei oder drei versammelt sind in meinem Namen , da bin ich in ihrer Mitte." WIR SIND DIE GEMEINDE!

NEW BOOK: Revolution by George Barna
Worldrenowned pollster George Barna has the numbers, and they indicate a revolution is already taking place within the Church; one that will impact every believer in America. Committed, born again Christians are exiting the established church in massive numbers. Why are they leaving? Where are they going? And what does this mean for the future of the Church? Using years' worth of research data, and adhering to an unwavering biblical perspective, Barna predicts how this revolution will impact the organized church, how Christ's body of believers should react, and how individuals who are considering leaving (or those who have already left) can respond. For leaders working for positive change in the church and for believers struggling to find a spiritual community and worship experience that resonates, Revolution is here. Are you ready?

DEUTSCH
NEUES BUCH: Revolution von George Barna
Der weltberühmte Meinungsforscher George Barna hat die Statistiken, und sie zeigen, daß in der Kirche schon eine Revolution stattfindet; eine, die jeden Gläubigen in Amerika beeinflussen wird. Hingegebene, wiedergeborene Christen verlassen die etablierte Kirche in großer Zahl. Warum verlassen sie sie? Wohin gehen sie? Und was bedeutet das für die Zukunft der Kirche? Indem er die Daten jahrelanger Forschung benutzt, und an einer standhaften biblischen Perspektive festhält, sagt Barna vorher, wie diese Revolution die organisierte Kirche beeinflussen wird, wie der Leib Christi reagieren sollte und wie Einzelne, die in Betracht ziehen, die Kirche zu verlassen (oder solche, die sie schon verlassen haben) reagieren können. Für Leiter, die für eine gute Veränderung in der Kirche arbeiten und für Gläubige, die damit kämpfen, eine geistliche Gemeinschaft und Lobpreiserfahrung, die nachhallt, zu finden, ist die Revolution da. Bist du bereit?

PSALM 118 (listen)
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever. I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes. All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them. They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. They compassed me about like bees: they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me. The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death. Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD: This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter. I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD. God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

DEUTSCH
Psalm 118
Preist den HERRN, denn er ist gut, denn seine Gnade währt ewig! Es sage Israel : Ja, seine Gnade währt ewig! Es sage das Haus Aaron: Ja, seine Gnade währt ewig! Es sagen, die den HERRN fürchten: Ja, seine Gnade währt ewig! Aus der Bedrängnis rief ich zu Jah. Jah antwortete mir in der Weite. Der HERR ist für mich, ich werde mich nicht fürchten. Was könnte ein Mensch mir tun? Der HERR ist für mich unter denen, die mir helfen. Ich werde herabsehen auf meine Hasser. Es ist besser, sich bei dem HERRN zu bergen, als sich auf Menschen zu verlassen. Es ist besser, sich bei dem HERRN zu bergen, als sich auf Edle zu verlassen. Alle Nationen hatten mich umringt. Im Namen des HERRN - ja, ich wehrte sie ab. Sie hatten mich umringt, ja, mich eingeschlossen. Im Namen des HERRN - ja, ich wehrte sie ab. Sie hatten mich umringt wie Bienen. Sie sind erloschen wie Dornenfeuer. Im Namen des HERRN - ja, ich wehrte sie ab. Hart hat man mich gestoßen, um mich zu Fall zu bringen. Aber der HERR hat mir geholfen. Meine Stärke und mein Gesang ist Jah. Er ist mir zur Rettung geworden. Klang von Jubel und Heil ist in den Zelten der Gerechten. Die Rechte des HERRN tut Gewaltiges. Die Rechte des HERRN ist erhoben, die Rechte des HERRN tut Gewaltiges. Ich werde nicht sterben, sondern leben und die Taten Jahs erzählen. Hart hat mich Jah gezüchtigt, aber dem Tod hat er mich nicht übergeben. Öffnet mir die Tore der Gerechtigkeit! Ich will durch sie eingehen, Jah will ich preisen. Dies ist das Tor des HERRN. Gerechte ziehen hier ein. Ich will dich preisen, denn du hast mich erhört und bist mir zur Rettung geworden. Der Stein, den die Bauleute verworfen haben, ist zum Eckstein geworden. Vom HERRN ist dies geschehen, es ist ein Wunder vor unseren Augen. Dies ist der Tag, den der HERR gemacht hat! Seien wir fröhlich und freuen wir uns in ihm! Ach, HERR, hilf doch! Ach, HERR, gib doch Gelingen! Gesegnet sei, der kommt im Namen des HERRN. Vom Haus des HERRN aus haben wir euch gesegnet. Der HERR ist Gott. Er hat uns Licht gegeben. Bindet das Festopfer mit Stricken bis an die Hörner des Altars! Du bist mein Gott, ich will dich preisen! Mein Gott, ich will dich erheben. Preist den HERRN, denn er ist gut! Ja, seine Gnade währt ewig!

IS YOUR NAME WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE?
In Philippians 4:3 Paul wrote, "And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life." While studying the book of Revelation, the "book of life" is mentioned several times. In Revelation 3:5 it says, "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels." In Revelation 13:8 it says, "And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." Revelation 17:8 says, "The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is." In Revelation 20:12 it says, "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works." Revelation 20:15 says, "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." Then in Revelation 21:27 it says, "And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life." And lastly, Revelation 22:19 says, "And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." These are all sobering scriptures which we need to take seriously as time is short.

DEUTSCH
STEHT DEIN NAME IM BUCH DES LEBENS?
In Philipper 4,3 schrieb Paulus: "Ja, ich bitte auch dich, mein rechter Gefährte , stehe ihnen bei , die in dem Evangelium zusammen mit mir gekämpft haben, auch mit Klemens und meinen übrigen Mitarbeitern, deren Namen im Buch des Lebens sind." Wenn man das Buch der Offenbarung liest, wird das "Buch des Lebens" mehrmals erwähnt. In Offenbarung 3,5 heißt es: "Wer überwindet, der wird so mit weißen Kleidern bekleidet werden, und ich werde seinen Namen aus dem Buch des Lebens nicht auslöschen und seinen Namen bekennen vor meinem Vater und vor seinen Engeln." In Offenbarung 13,8 heißt es: "Und alle, die auf der Erde wohnen, werden ihn anbeten, jeder, dessen Name nicht geschrieben ist im Buch des Lebens des geschlachteten Lammes von Grundlegung der Welt an." In Offenbarung 17,8 steht: "Das Tier, das du gesehen hast, war und ist nicht und wird aus dem Abgrund heraufsteigen und geht ins Verderben; und die Bewohner der Erde, deren Namen nicht im Buch des Lebens geschrieben sind von Grundlegung der Welt an, werden sich wundern, wenn sie das Tier sehen, daß es war und nicht ist und da sein wird." In Offenbarung 20,12 heißt es: "Und ich sah die Toten, die Großen und die Kleinen, vor dem Thron stehen, und Bücher wurden geöffnet; und ein anderes Buch wurde geöffnet, welches das Buch des Lebens ist. Und die Toten wurden gerichtet nach dem, was in den Büchern geschrieben war, nach ihren Werken." In Offenbarung 20,15 steht: "Und wenn jemand nicht geschrieben gefunden wurde in dem Buch des Lebens, so wurde er in den Feuersee geworfen." Dann, in Offenbarung 21,27 heißt es: "Und alles Unreine wird nicht in sie hineinkommen, noch derjenige, der Greuel und Lüge tut, sondern nur die, welche geschrieben sind im Buch des Lebens des Lammes." Und schließlich steht in Offenbarung 22,19: "Und wenn jemand von den Worten des Buches dieser Weissagung wegnimmt, so wird Gott seinen Teil wegnehmen aus dem Buch des Lebens, und aus der heiligen Stadt, und von den Dingen, die in diesem Buch geschrieben sind." Dies alles sind ernüchternde Bibelstellen, die wir ernst nehmen müssen, weil die Zeit kurz ist.

DO YOU HAVE OIL FOR YOUR LAMP?
Jesus often spoke in parables to explain what the kingdom of heaven will be like and lately I've been thinking of the story of the ten virgins, five of them wise and five of them foolish. All ten took their lamps to meet the bridegroom but the foolish virgins took no oil with them. As a result these same five missed the bridegroom and he later told them that he didn't know them. Then Jesus ends the parable by saying, "Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." May we each be watching for His coming with oil for our lamps!

Matthew 25:1-13
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

DEUTSCH
HAST DU ÖL FÜR DEINE LAMPE?
Jesus sprach oft in Gleichnissen, um zu erklären, wie das Königreich der Himmel sein wird, und vor kurzem habe ich über die Geschichte mit den zehn Jungfrauen nachgedacht, fünf von ihnen klug und fünf von ihnen töricht. Alle zehn nahmen ihre Lampen, um den Bräutigam zu treffen, aber die törichten Jungfrauen nahmen kein Öl mit. Demzufolge verpassten eben diese fünf den Bräutigam und er sagte ihnen später, daß er sie nicht kannte. Dann beendet Jesus das Gleichnis indem er sagt: "Deshalb schlaft nicht ein und haltet euch bereit, denn ihr kennt weder den Tag noch die Stunde meiner Wiederkehr." Möge jeder von uns, mit Öl für unsere Lampen, nach Seinem Kommen Ausschau halten!

Matthäus 25,1-13:
Man kann das Himmelreich auch am Beispiel der zehn Brautjungfern erklären, die ihre Lampen nahmen und dem Bräutigam entgegengingen. Fünf von ihnen waren töricht, und fünf waren klug. Die fünf törichten nahmen kein Öl für ihre Lampen mit, doch die fünf anderen waren so umsichtig, zusätzliches Öl mitzunehmen. Als sich der Bräutigam verspätete, legten sie sich alle hin und schliefen. Um Mitternacht wurden sie von dem Ruf aus dem Schlaf gerissen: 'Seht, da kommt der Bräutigam! Geht und begrüßt ihn!' Rasch standen alle Brautjungfern auf und machten ihre Lampen zurecht. Da baten die fünf törichten die anderen: 'Gebt uns doch ein wenig von eurem Öl ab, sonst erlöschen unsere Lampen.' Doch diese erwiderten: 'Wir haben nicht genügend Öl für uns alle. Geht und kauft euch welches.' Aber während sie noch unterwegs waren, um Öl zu kaufen, traf der Bräutigam ein. Die, die zu seinem Empfang bereit waren, gingen mit ihm zur Hochzeitsfeier, und die Tür wurde zugeschlossen. Als die anderen fünf Brautjungfern schließlich kamen, standen sie draußen und riefen: 'Herr, mach uns auf!' Aber er antwortete: 'Ich kenne euch nicht!' Deshalb schlaft nicht ein und haltet euch bereit, denn ihr kennt weder den Tag noch die Stunde meiner Wiederkehr.

Altar of Pergamon in Berlin, Germany
THE SPIRIT IS SPEAKING TO THE CHURCHES
While studying the Bible last night, I was reading in chapter 2 of Revelation and thought about the Pergamon Museum which I visited a few times while living in Berlin. On the steps of the Altar of Pergamon, described as "Satan's Seat" or the Throne of Satan in Revelation 2:12-13, early Christians were martyred for the Faith. In the late 1800's, it was excavated from present day Turkey and carefully shipped to Germany. There it was reconstructed in Berlin by Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1902 and was celebrated with an extravagant festival to the pagan gods. Later it became a powerful symbol in Germany under Hitler, who had a grand reproduction built at Nuremberg for his Nazi rallies. Although the Russians removed the Altar to Leningrad in 1945, they returned it after 13 years where it was re-erected in the Pergamon Museum in 1959. In 1999 Berlin again became the capital and the German Government moved back to the Reichstag and to the city where the Seat of Satan is displayed. (read more)

Interesting article: Patriot Act vs. Hitler's Enabling Act

The Lord Jesus Christ says, "And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it." (Revelation 2:12-17)

DEUTSCH
Pergamon-Altar in Berlin, Deutschland
DER GEIST REDET ZU DEN GEMEINDEN
Während ich gestern abend die Bibel studierte, las ich im zweiten Kapitel der Offenbarung, und dachte über das Pergamon Museum nach, das ich ein paar Mal besucht habe, während ich in Berlin lebte. Auf den Stufen des Pergamon-Altars, der in Offenbarung 2,12-13 als "Sitz des Satan" oder Thron Satans beschrieben ist, wurden frühe Christen für ihren Glauben gemartert. In den späten 1800ern wurde er in der heutigen Türkei ausgegraben und vorsichtig nach Deutschland verschifft. Dort wurde er in Berlin von Kaiser Wilhelm II 1902 wiederaufgebaut und mit einem extravaganten Fest den heidnischen Göttern Ehre erwiesen. Später wurde es ein machtvolles Symbol in Deutschland unter Hitler, der in Nürnberg eine große Nachbildung für seine Nazi-Treffen aufbaute. Obwohl die Russen den Altar 1945 nach Leningrad brachten, brachten sie ihn nach 13 Jahren zurück und er wurde 1959 im Pergamon Museum wieder aufgerichtet. 1999 wurde Berlin wieder die Hauptstadt und die Deutsche Regierung zog zurück in den Reichstag und in die Stadt, in der der Sitz Satans ausgestellt ist. (lies mehr (auf englisch))

Interesanter Artikel: Patriotischs Gesetz versus Hitlers Ermächtigungsgesetz (englisch)

Der Herr jesus Christus sagte: "Und dem Engel der Gemeinde in Pergamon schreibe: Dies sagt der, der das zweischneidige, scharfe Schwert hat: Ich weiß, wo du wohnst: wo der Thron des Satans ist; und du hältst meinen Namen fest und hast den Glauben an mich nicht verleugnet, auch in den Tagen des Antipas, meines treuen Zeugen, der bei euch, wo der Satan wohnt, ermordet worden ist. Aber ich habe ein weniges gegen dich, daß du solche dort hast, welche die Lehre Bileams festhalten, der den Balak lehrte, eine Falle vor die Söhne Israels hinzustellen, so daß sie Götzenopfer aßen und Unzucht trieben. So hast auch du solche, die in gleicher Weise die Lehre der Nikolaiten festhalten. Tu nun Buße! Wenn aber nicht, so komme ich dir bald und werde Krieg mit ihnen führen mit dem Schwert meines Mundes. Wer ein Ohr hat, höre, was der Geist den Gemeinden sagt! Wer überwindet, dem werde ich von dem verborgenen Manna geben; und ich werde ihm einen weißen Stein geben und, auf den Stein geschrieben, einen neuen Namen, den niemand kennt, als wer ihn empfängt." (Offenbarung 2,12-17)

Book: Inside Job by Jim Marrs
THE 9/11 TRAGEDY: OFFICIAL STORY... OR INSIDE JOB?
Were the horrific events of September 11, 2001 truly an inside job? Jim Marrs makes a compelling case that 9/11 marks the intersection of several conspiracies at once, each based on overlapping political agendas. Support for his thesis comes from this sampling of the many disturbing anomalies cited by Marrs:
• Standard air defense mechanisms systematically failed, simultaneously.
• Interceptor jets were scrambled too late, too slowly, and from the wrong locations.
• President Bush proceeded with a "photo op" long after he knew we were under attack.
• Fires could not have caused the free-fall collapse of the World Trade Center towers.
• The collapse of Building 7 in the complex was later admitted to be a demolition.
• Vital physical evidence was either removed or has never been released to investigators.
• Key officials claimed warnings never came, despite massive evidence to the contrary.
MAY THE LIES BE EXPOSED AND THE TRUTH BE REVEALED IN JESUS NAME.

Book: Facing Terror by Carrie McDonnall
GOD IS FAITHUL
Carrie McDonnall went to Israel, Jordan, Iraq and other Middle Eastern countries to serve in 1999. During that time, she met and married David McDonnall, a fellow missionary in the Islamic world. They served together in Iraq doing humanitarian work until the attack in March 2004, which claimed David's life and three missionary friends. Carrie writes, "I live my life without David, but am grateful for the time I had with him. The world is not our place of rest; it is a time to work and follow hard after Jesus. When we get home, we can rest. But for now, God is calling his children to share the gospel of the cross, the power of our Holy Father; it's time we obediently follow Him. May we all live our lives in a manner worthy of the calling we have received in Christ Jesus. May we live lives we will never regret."

FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE
This week I received a response to a post written August 30, 2004, and am reposting it today along with the response by Sara and my reply:
MY POST
Today, I am going to tell you a story. It is not a pleasant story but an important story. All over the world everyday, innocent lives are being killed through all forms of abortion & I want to help STOP ABORTION. So, I am going to tell you about my PRO-CHOICE DECISION in hopes that you will be provoked to help stop abortion too.

First let me ask, who reading this message has been personally touched by abortion? Or maybe the question should be, who HASN'T been touched in some way by abortion? Whether you have had an abortion or if you drove your girl friend to the clinic, we all at least know someone who has had an abortion. This is not some minor surgical procedure that protects the health of the mother. No, this is outright murder of a human life and it is TOTALLY GRUESOME & inhumane however or whenever it is done.

I know, I had an abortion many years ago BEFORE the Roe vs. Wade court decision legalized abortion across America.

In a southern California university medical center, I convinced them that I needed to have this abortion for my own mental health. They didn't argue much with me and so shortly thereafter, I was admitted. There were 6 beds in the room filled with women of various ages. The tone was somber and we didn't talk much to one another - we were all there for the same reason - abortion for our late-term pregnancy.

The nurse took me into a small room where they did "the procedure" (saline abortion involves replacing some of the fluid in the uterus with a salt solution using a long needle. I discovered years later that this actually burns the living baby alive in the womb). We were located in the burn unit of the hospital and in the next room you could heard loud, bone-chilling screaming. I was told this was a patient being put into a bath where the bandages were being removed and pulling off the skin - I should have left then.

So for me, something went wrong with "the procedure" and they said they would have to do "it" again tomorrow. Later in the wee hours of the night, I was suddenly woken up to screaming from one of the girls in the room. A nurse came in, pulled the curtain around her and eventually, she stopped and I fell back asleep.

The next moring the girl was gone and I was taken again for "the procedure" which proved to be "sucessful". Later that night, I suddenly went into heavy labor. In great pain, I called the nurse who came but could not do much. She left and I kept ringing the bell because the pain was so great. She got irritated with me, saying she was very busy and left again.

Then it happened. I gave birth to a purple colored dead baby in my bed. One more time, I rang the nurse and she came. With a disgusted look on her face, she said the next shift was coming and they would clean up "this mess". So for about 1/2 hour, I lay on my side with a dead baby and placenta (after-birth) behind me. (Jesus I know you have forgiven me of this horrible sin, but it still hurts when I think about it - I am so sorry, LORD.)

Finally, the next nurse came, cleaned up "the mess" and I left, returning to my life, never the same again...

SARA'S RESPONSE
Ms Cathy,

I'm sure your experience was indeed tramatic. Just from reading your entry here I can tell it has had a profound effect on your life. So please let me say how sorry I am you had to go through that alone.

Ma'am, I am pro-choice for very similar reasons you are pro-life.

I would wager your experience at the California university has altered your opinion of all abortion procedures. But you should consider that abortion is a much more common practice than it was then. The procedure has changed from what you experienced.

The Roe vs Wade decision changed the entire approach to abortions. Now that the procedure has been legalized and physicians allowed to specialize in it, the procedure is more humane. People don't look down their noses at women who have had abortions as much either. A big problem you had was the indifference or disgust of the nursing staff. You are right though, it is a horrible thing to have to go through, especially by yourself.

Another thing you should think about is you had a late-term abortion. While it happens on occasion, most physicians will not take a late-term abortion case. The mother already has a bond with the child, the child is too developed, and it is so hard on the mother.

Please do not misinterpret my intentions, ma'am. I, in no way, mean to belittle your experience or pass judgement on you in any way. As I stated above, I am very sorry for your loss and that you had to do it alone. I also know, you probably will read this and think no more about it thinking I am a horrible person because I am pro-choice. Maybe I am, but you followed your heart to Jesus so I must follow mine where it leads me. I kept in mind that you and I are of different generations. What you and I have lived through are entirely different things. But there is something that makes us the same. We both have the mother instinct. I, not being a mother, place all of it in looking after my friends. So we are very different, ma'am. Please consider this post and your position on abortion again. I know I won't be able to change your mind that abortion is wrong, but I hope you might change your mind about crusading against it.

Sara

MY REPLY
Dear Sara,
Thank you for your honest thoughts on your pro-choice stance and for taking the time to respond to my post written in August 2004. I am reposting my story, your response and this reply today so others can read it too.

Even though you don't say it outright, it sounds like you had an abortion? For me, when I made that decision, I didn't see anything wrong with abortion. Then years later after I began to follow Jesus and read the Bible, I had to come to terms with my actions. David writes in Psalm 139 that we are, "fearfully and wonderfully made" by God in our mother's womb and that His thoughts towards us are precious and more than all the grains of sand! We are made in His image and likeness and He loves us. However, our sin separates us from Him. Out of His love for us, God sent His one and only Son that whosoever believes on Him will not perish but have eternal life. Jesus, Who never sinned, became sin and died on the cross so I could be forgiven and have new life. His blood was shed for us and it wasn't until after I gave my life to Jesus that I understood this. And because I am forgiven, I can now forgive others.

My prayer is that the lies be exposed and the truth be revealed so that we can have an honest and loving relationship with our heavenly Father.

You, Sara, are a blessing and the Lord created you with destiny. The only way to discover your destiny is through a personal relationship with His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who loves you dearly and is returning one day soon - now is the day of salvation, Sara.

His forever,
Cathy

Corrie and her home in Holland where she hid Jewish people in WWII
FORGIVENESS
Over the years I have loved reading about Corrie Ten Boom and I was blessed to visit her former Holland home a couple of times. Today I am reminded of one of her powerful stories about forgiveness:
The true story as told by Corrie Ten Boom (1892-1983): It was in a church in Munich where I was speaking in 1947 that I saw him--a balding heavyset man in a gray overcoat, a brown felt hat clutched between his hands. One moment I saw the overcoat and the brown hat, the next, a blue uniform and a visored cap with its skull and crossbones. Memories of the concentration camp came back with a rush: the huge room with its harsh overhead lights, the pathetic pile of dresses and shoes in the center of the floor, the shame of walking naked past this man. I could see my sister's frail form ahead of me, ribs sharp beneath the parchment of skin. Betsie and I had been arrested for concealing Jews in our home during the Nazi occupation of Holland. This man had been a guard at Ravensbruck concentration camp where we were sent. Now he was in front of me, hand thrust out: "A fine message, fraulein! How good it is to know that, as you say, all our sins are at the bottom of the sea!" It was the first time since my release that I had been face to face with one of my captors and my blood seemed to freeze. "You mentioned Ravensbruck in your talk," he was saying. "I was a guard there. But since that time," he went on, "I have become a Christian. I know that God has forgiven me for the cruel things I did there, but I would like to hear it from your lips as well. Fraulein--" again the hand came out--"will you forgive me?" And I stood there--and could not. Betsie had died in that place--could he erase her slow terrible death simply for the asking? It could not have been many seconds that he stood there, hand held out, but to me it seemed hours as I wrestled with the most difficult thing I had ever had to do. For I had to do it--I knew that. The message that God forgives has a prior condition: that we forgive those who have injured us. "If you do not forgive men their trespasses," Jesus says, "neither will your Father in Heaven forgive your trespasses." Still I stood there with the coldness clutching my heart. But forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart. "Jesus, help me!" I prayed silently. "I can lift my hand. I can do that much. You supply the feeling." And so woodenly, mechanically, I thrust my hand into the one stretched out to me. And as I did, an incredible thing took place. The current started in my shoulder, raced down my arm, sprang into our joined hands. And then this healing warmth seemed to flood my whole being, bringing tears to my eyes. "I forgive you, brother!" I cried. "With all my heart!" For a long moment we grasped each other's hands, the former guard and former prisoner. I had never known God's love so intensely as I did then.

How many parrots lie on their back?
HEMMINGWAY
Today while sitting on the couch, my daughter's 3-month-old calico McCaw, Hemmingway, left her arm and reached to mine which kind of freaked me out because I only held him once before. Anyway, he walked close to my face, put his head under my chin and rested on my shoulder to snuggle for about 10 minutes - what a sweet birdie!

HALF FULL OR HALF EMPTY?
What kind of a day are you having? The choice is yours, you know. Paul wrote in Philippians 4: Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

ROSH HASHANAH
The Jewish High Holidays (or High Holy Days), the 10 days starting with Rosh Hashanah and ending with Yom Kippur, are known as the Days of Awe or the Days of Repentance. This is an introspective time, when Jews consider the sins of the previous year and repent before Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, starts today at sunset and is the beginning of the new year on the Hebrew calendar. While it is a festive holiday (one common celebration is a treat of apples dipped in honey "for a sweet New Year"), no work is permitted on Rosh Hashanah. Observant Jews spend the day at synagogue, attending religious services and contemplating the past and upcoming year. Tradition holds that on Rosh Hashanah, God makes inscriptions in the Book of Life for the coming year. The origin of Rosh HaShana, the Jewish New Year, is Biblical (Lev. 23:23-25): "a sacred occasion commemorated with loud blasts (of the Shofar, the ram's horn)." The Bible refers to the holiday as Yom Teruah (the day of the sounding of the Shofar) and Yom Zikaron Teruah (the day of remembering the sounding of the Shofar). HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR JEWISH FRIENDS!

WHERE ARE WE GOING?
How can this be happening in America? How does child molesting become "man-boy love"? How does crushing a baby's skull and sucking out his brains become a "constitutional right"? How does quoting the Bible become "hate speech"? How exactly is evil made to appear good, and good made to appear evil? How has America, which still boasts an 80 percent Christian population, seen fit to embrace what can only be called a culture of death, rather than a culture of life? (quoted from WND) In the book of Jude, it says, "For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core."

FEMA: FRIEND OR FOE?
"FEMA is not an elected body, it does not involve itself in public disclosures, and it even has a quasi-secret budget in the billions of dollars. It has more power than the President of the United States or the Congress, it has the power to suspend laws, move entire populations, arrest and detain citizens without a warrant and hold them without trial, it can seize property, food supplies, transportation systems, and can suspend the Constitution. Not only is it the most powerful entity in the United States, but it was not even created under Constitutional law by the Congress. FEMA executive orders have been paving the way for the police State for many years. For a full synopsis of FEMA's executive orders in light of the hurricane, click here. " (more)

Home grown tomatoes are the best!
SURVIVAL SAINTS
Solomon wrote, "He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame" and today I discovered a great website, Survival Saints, which gives many helpful hints for those who want to be better prepared - CHECK IT OUT!

IN THE BEGINNING GOD created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, "Let there be light: and there was light." In today's devotion by Oswald Chambers, he says: Do you have anything to hide from God? If you do, then let God search you with His light. If there is sin in your life, don't just admit it - confess it. Are you willing to obey your Lord and Master, whatever the humiliation to your right to yourself may be? Never disregard a conviction that the Holy Spirit brings to you. If it is important enough for the Spirit of God to bring it to your mind, it is the very thing He is detecting in you. You were looking for some big thing to give up, while God is telling you of some tiny thing that must go. But behind that tiny thing lies the stronghold of obstinacy, and you say, "I will not give up my right to myself" - the very thing that God intends you to give up if you are to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. (read more) COME, SPRIT OF GOD, AND CONVICT ME OF SIN. MAY I BE QUICK TO CONFESS AND REPENT AS I TRUST JESUS TO FORGIVE ME AND WASH ME CLEAN BY HIS BLOOD.

DEUTSCH
AM ANFANG SCHUF GOTT die Himmel und die Erde. Und die Erde war wüst und leer, und Finsternis war über der Tiefe; und der Geist Gottes schwebte über den Wassern. Und Gott sprach: "Es werde Licht!" Und es wurde Licht. In der heutigen Andacht von Oswald Chambers sagt er: Mußt du irgendetwas vor Gott verstecken? Wenn du das mußt, dann lasse Gott dich mit seinem Licht durchleuchten. Wenn Sünde in deinem Leben ist, gestehe sie nicht nur - bekenne sie. Bist du bereit, deinem Herrn und Meister zu gehorchen, was auch immer die Erniedrigung deines Selbst-Rechtes sein könnte? Missachte nie eine Überführung, die der Heilige Geist dir bringt. Wenn es für den Geist Gottes wichtig genug ist, es in deinen Verstand zu bringen, dann ist es das wichtige Ding, das Er in dir erkennt. Du hast nach etwas großem geschaut, um es aufzugeben, während Gott dir von einem winzigen Ding erzählt, das gehen muß. Aber hinter diesem winzigen Ding liegt die Festung der Eigensinnigkeit, und du sagst: "Ich will nicht mein Selbst-Recht aufgeben" - dieses wichtige Ding, von dem Gott will, daß du es aufgibst, wenn du ein Jünger Jesu Christi bist. (lies mehr (auf englisch)) KOMM, HEILIGER GEIST, UND ÜBERFÜHRE MICH VON SÜNDE. MÖGE ICH SCHNELL SEIN, ZU BEKENNEN UND UMZUKEHREN, SO WIE ICH JESUS VERTRAUE, DAß ER MIR VERGIBT UND MICH DURCH SEIN BLUT REINWÄSCHT.

Hurricane Rita
WHATSUP WITH ALL THESE MONSTER STORMS?
Kelly McGinley says, "The big secret the media is keeping from you is that the levees broke 22 hours after the storm hit New Orleans. Many claim they heard 4-5 explosions. I suspect many New Orleans residents went back home after the storm. Twenty two hours later they were then facing a worse situation, a dangerous flood. Katrina was a very important storm for the shadow government in accomplishing many of it's goals:
1. Removal of people off land that has been selected for "Rewilding" by the UN.
2. President Bush to receive more power to use federal troops for law enforcement. Loosening the, Posse Comitatus, law in our Constitution which protects us from our government.
3. More money in the pockets of Bush friends. Contract given to Halliburton immediately after the storm.
4. Exposed the "state of mind" of the welfare recipient. And the mentality of the evolutionary teaching.
5. 40 states in the U.S. in state of emergency! In a state of emergency your rights disappear, at least what's left of them... As the "Day of the Lord" draws nigh, the job of born again Christians is to be there to pick up the pieces and give the "Bread of Life" with earnest, for the days are evil." (read more)

ALL THINGS ARE READY - ARE YOU?
"And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen." (Mathew 22)

"Set up the standard upon the walls of Babylon, make the watch strong, set up the watchmen, prepare the ambushes: for the LORD hath both devised and done that which he spake against the inhabitants of Babylon." (Jeremiah 51:12)
WATCH
The Lord has shown me many painful things about the sleeping apostate church which is deceived. By the grace of God, there is a remnant. But we must remember that the road to eternal life is narrow and not every one who says, "Lord, Lord" will go to heaven. (Matthew 13:13,22) I do believe there is great evil all around us but I do not focus on this. No, I focus on Jesus - Christ in us, the hope of glory! And yet, because I voted for George Bush and his father, thinking that they would be good leaders, I now see that just the opposite is true. For example, since in office, funding for abortions has increased. Both Pres Bush & his father are current members of the secret society of death, "Skull and Bones" (so is John Kerry & so was Pres Bush's grandfather - this Bush funded Hitler, by the way). Of course, God has allowed this and everything that happens is Father-filtered, so my trust is in Jesus, not in governement. I have discovered that over the years, America has done many evil things across the globe which makes me angry & ashamed - PLEASE FORGIVE US, LORD JESUS! The problem is though, we as a nation are not repentant and there are wicked people infiltrated into every level of power. Most Americans live in a bubble of denial & selfishness, but some of us are waking up. I am NOT trying to fight this - the battle is the Lord's - but I am trying to expose it, as led by the Spirit of God. This is a spiritual battle and the Lord has called some of us to sound the alarm, like the watchmen on the wall. Sadly, America is much like Germany was when Hitler came into power - believing in a person rather than trusting in the Lord Jesus - and I believe it will be much worse for us here in the USA than it was during WW2. Let me ask you... If you were alive when Hitler was ruling Germany and you knew then what you know now, what would you have done? "God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" so I don't live in fear but in faith, knowing that the grace of God is all I need, no matter what comes - and by His grace, I am willing to be jailed or die for my faith if need be. Martial law is coming along with a "new world order" and a one world religion - this is Bible prophesy - and in Mark 13, Jesus says, "Take heed lest any man deceive you". The chapter ends with Jesus saying, "Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch." I believe much of the church is deceived and falling away (apostate) which is of concern. You may not agree with me but I believe we, the church, have been taught things that are not true, thus I am searching the scriptures and seeking the Lord more than ever these days as I pray and watch. I am praying for the truth to be revealed and for the lies to be exposed in Jesus name. If we love the truth and obey Him, we won't be deceived. May we all be looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ!

DEUTSCH
"Richtet das Feldzeichen gegen die Mauern von Babel auf, verschärft die Bewachung , stellt Wächter auf, bereitet die Hinterhalte! Denn wie der HERR es sich vorgenommen, so führt er aus, was er über die Bewohner von Babel geredet hat." (Jeremia 51,12)
WACHT
Der Herr hat mir viele schmerzhafte Dinge über die schlafende, abtrünnige Gemeinde gezeigt, die irregeführt ist. Durch die Gnade Gottes gibt es einen Überrest. Aber wir müssen uns daran erinnern, daß die Strasse des ewigen Lebens schmal ist und nicht jeder, der "Herr, Herr" sagt, wird in den Himmel gehen (Matthäus 13,13.22). Ich glaube, daß viel Böses um uns herum ist, aber ich fokussiere mich nicht darauf. Nein, ich fokussiere mich auf Jesus - Christus in uns, die Hoffnung der Herrlichkeit! Und dennoch, weil ich für George Bush und seinen Vater gewählt habe und gedacht habe, daß sie gute Führer sind, sehe ich jetzt, daß genau das Gegenteil wahr ist. Zum Beispiel ist, seit er im Amt ist, die Finanzierung von Abtreibungen gestiegen. Beide, Präsident Bush und sein Vater sind derzeit Mitglieder der Geheimgesellschaft des Todes, "Totenschädel und Knochen" (auch John Kerry ist es und Präsident Bushs Großvater war es - dieser Bush finanzierte übrigens Hitler). Natürlich hat Gott das erlaubt und alles, was passiert, ist Vater-gefiltert, deshalb ist mein Vetrauen in Jesus, nicht in der Regierung. Ich habe herausgefunden, daß Amerika im Laufe der Jahre viele böse Dinge über den ganzen Globus getan hat, das macht mich wütend und beschämt - VERGIB UNS BITTE, HERR JESUS! Das Problem ist, daß wir als eine Nation nicht reuig sind und böse Menschen in jede Machtebene eingeschleust worden sind. Die meisten Amerikaner leben in einer Seifenblase der Verleugnung und Selbstsucht, aber ein paar von uns wachen auf. Ich versuche NICHT, das zu erkämpfen - der Kampf ist des Herrn - aber ich versuche, es aufzudecken, so wie ich vom Geist Gottes geleitet werde. Dies ist ein geistlicher Kampf und der Herr hat einige von uns berufen, Alarm zu schlagen, wie die Wächter auf der Mauer. Traurigerweise ist Amerika fast so wie Deutschland als Hitler an die Macht kam - einer Person vertrauend, anstatt dem Herrn Jesus - und ich glaube, daß es für uns hier in den USA schlimmer werden wird, als es während dem zweiten Weltkrieg war. Lass mich dich fragen... Wenn du gelebt hättest, als Hitler Deutschland regierte, und du hättest damals gewußt, was du jetzt weißt, was hättest du getan? "Gott hat uns nicht einen Geist der Furcht gegeben, sondern einen Geist der Kraft, und der Liebe, und der Besonnenheit", also lebe ich nicht in Furcht, sondern im Glauben, wissend, daß die Gnade Gottes alles ist, was ich brauche, egal was kommt - und durch Seine Gnade bin ich bereit, ins Gefängnis zu kommen oder für meinen Glauben zu sterben, wenn es notwendig ist. Kriegsrecht kommt, zusammen mit der "neuen Weltordnung" und einer Ein-Welt-Religion - das ist biblische Prophetie - und in Markus 13 sagt Jesus: "Seht zu, daß euch niemand verführe!" Das Kapitel endet damit, daß Jesus sagt: "So wacht nun! Denn ihr wißt nicht, wann der Herr des Hauses kommt, ob des Abends oder um Mitternacht oder um den Hahnenschrei oder frühmorgens , damit er nicht, wenn er plötzlich kommt, euch schlafend finde. Was ich aber euch sage, sage ich allen: Wacht!" Ich glaube, daß ein Großteil der Gemeinde verführt wird und abfällt (abtrünnig wird), was von Belang ist. Du magst vielleicht nicht mit mir übereinstimmen, aber ich glaube, daß wir, die Gemeinde, Dinge gelehrt wurden, die nicht wahr sind, deshalb durchsuche ich die Schrift und suche den Herrn in diesen Tagen mehr denn je, während ich bete und wache. Ich bete, daß die Wahrheit aufgedeckt wird und die Lügen bloßgestellt werden, in Jesu Namen. Wenn wir die Wahrheit lieben und Ihm gehorchen, werden wir nicht verführt. Mögen wir alle nach dieser gesegneten Hoffnung und dem glorreichen Erscheinen des großen Gottes und unseres Retters Jesus Christus ausschauen!

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16 by Jesus
"These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you. But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father. Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father? They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith. Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me? Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you. And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father. At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God. Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe? Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

DEUTSCH
Ich habe euch das alles gesagt, damit ihr in mir Frieden habt. Hier auf der Erde werdet ihr viel Schweres erleben. Aber habt Mut, denn ich habe die Welt überwunden.
Johannes 16, von Jesus:
"Ich habe euch diese Dinge gesagt, damit ihr den Glauben nicht verliert. Denn ihr werdet aus den Synagogen ausgeschlossen werden, und es wird die Zeit kommen, in der die, die euch töten, glauben, Gott damit einen Dienst zu erweisen. Das tun sie, weil sie den Vater und mich nicht erkannt haben. Ja, ich sage euch diese Dinge jetzt, damit ihr euch daran erinnert, wenn sie eintreffen. Ich habe nicht früher davon gesprochen, weil ich noch bei euch war. Nun aber gehe ich fort zu dem, der mich gesandt hat, doch keiner von euch hat mich gefragt, wohin ich gehe. Stattdessen seid ihr traurig. Ich sage euch aber die Wahrheit: Es ist das Beste für euch, dass ich fortgehe, denn wenn ich nicht gehe, wird der Ratge-ber nicht kommen. Wenn ich jedoch fortgehe, wird er kommen, denn ich werde ihn zu euch senden. Und wenn er kommt, wird er die Welt von ihrer Sünde und von Gottes Gerechtigkeit und vom bevorstehenden Gericht überzeugen. Die Sünde der Welt ist, dass sie nicht an mich glaubt. Die Gerechtigkeit erweist sich darin, dass ich zum Vater gehe und ihr mich nicht mehr sehen werdet. Das Gericht wird kommen, weil der Herrscher dieser Welt schon gerichtet ist. Ich hätte euch noch so vieles zu sagen, aber ihr könnt es jetzt nicht ertragen. Doch wenn der Geist der Wahrheit kommt, wird er euch in alle Wahrheit leiten. Er wird nicht seine eigenen Anschauungen vertreten, sondern wird euch sagen, was er gehört hat. Er wird euch von dem erzählen, was kommt. Er wird mich verherrlichen, indem er euch alles offenbart, was er von mir empfängt. Alles, was der Vater hat, gehört mir; das habe ich gemeint, als ich sagte, dass der Geist euch alles offenbaren wird, was er von mir empfängt. Schon sehr bald werdet ihr mich nicht mehr sehen. Dann, nach einer weiteren kurzen Zeit, werdet ihr mich wieder sehen." Da fragten die Jünger einander: "Was meint er damit: 'Ihr werdet mich nicht sehen und dann werdet ihr mich wieder sehen'? Was soll das bedeuten: 'Ich gehe zum Vater'? Und was heißt 'eine kurze Zeit'? Das verstehen wir nicht." Jesus merkte, dass sie ihn gern gefragt hätten. Deshalb sagte er: "Ihr fragt euch, was ich gemeint habe? Ich sagte, dass ich sehr bald fort sein werde und ihr mich nicht mehr sehen werdet. Dann, nach einer weiteren kurzen Zeit, werdet ihr mich wieder sehen. Ich versichere euch: Ihr werdet weinen und trauern über das, was mit mir geschehen wird, aber die Welt wird sich freuen. Ihr werdet trauern, doch eure Trauer wird sich von einem Augenblick zum anderen in große Freude verwandeln, wenn ihr mich wieder seht. Es wird sein wie bei einer Frau in den Wehen. Wenn ihr Kind erst geboren ist, verblassen die Schmerzen angesichts der Freude, dass ein neuer Mensch zur Welt gekommen ist. Jetzt seid ihr traurig, aber ich werde euch wieder sehen, und dann werdet ihr euch freuen, und niemand kann euch diese Freude nehmen. Wenn es so weit ist, werdet ihr mich um nichts mehr bitten müssen. Ich versichere euch: Dann könnt ihr selbst zum Vater gehen und ihn bitten, und er wird eure Bitte erfüllen, weil ihr in meinem Namen bittet. Bis jetzt habt ihr das nicht getan. Bittet in meinem Namen, und ihr werdet empfangen, dann wird eure Freude vollkommen sein. Bis jetzt habe ich über diese Dinge in Gleichnissen geredet, aber es kommt die Zeit, in der das nicht mehr nötig sein wird; dann werde ich offen mit euch reden und euch alles über den Vater erzählen. Und dann werdet ihr in meinem Namen bitten. Ich sage nicht, dass ich den Vater für euch bitten werde, denn der Vater selbst hat euch lieb, weil ihr mich liebt und glaubt, dass ich von Gott ausgegangen bin. Ich kam vom Vater in die Welt, und ich werde die Welt verlassen und zum Vater zurückkehren." Da sagten seine Jünger: "Endlich sprichst du offen und nicht mehr in Gleichnissen. Jetzt verstehen wir, dass du alles weißt und nicht darauf angewiesen bist, dass irgendjemand dir etwas sagt. Deshalb glauben wir, dass du von Gott gekommen bist." Jesus fragte: "Jetzt glaubt ihr? Doch es kommt die Zeit - ja, sie ist schon angebrochen -, da werdet ihr zerstreut werden, und jeder wird seine eigenen Wege gehen und mich verlassen. Doch ich bin nicht allein, denn der Vater ist bei mir. Ich habe euch das alles gesagt, damit ihr in mir Frieden habt. Hier auf der Erde werdet ihr viel Schweres erleben. Aber habt Mut, denn ich habe die Welt überwunden."