Looking at the story of the Church’s first martyr, we see a man who knows he is about to die, but rather than cower in fear, he was bold in his faith. As he was about to be stoned to death, he was given a glimpse into heaven. Acts 7:55-56 says: 55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, […]
MIDEAST UPDATE…2/15/2025…”And He Looked Up Toward Heaven…” Part One
— Part One — The story of Stephan’s death in the 7th chapter of Acts is one that is familiar to most Christ-followers. After Stephen’s answer to those accusing him of blasphemy and giving the Jewish crowd a history lesson of God’s dealings with them over the centuries, he was stoned to death. The last few moments of his life […]
MIDEAST UPDATE….2/6/2025….”Ambassadors of the Kingdom”
As the midnight hour of the Age of Grace draws ever closer; it is important for God’s people to recognize that every one of us, no matter what station of life we have been placed into, can be Ambassadors of His Kingdom. As much as many would like to bury their heads in the sand, our world is in deep […]
MIDEAST UPDATE….1/14/2025….Harvest Time
As most readers are aware by now, there has been considerable celebration in Syria at the collapse of the Assad dictatorship. The rule of the Assad family, especially against any opposition, was extremely brutal and deadly. As time has passed since Assad’s ouster, more and more evidence has been uncovered describing the extent of Assad’s atrocities. Many mass graves have […]
Comfort One Another With These Words
The title for this article stems from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the first century church in Thessaloniki, Turkey. It is actually said twice: Once in chapter 4:18: “Therefore comfort one another with these words.” It is mentioned a second time in chapter 5:11: “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another…” There is another passage written by the Old […]
MIDEAST UPDATE….12/14/2024….”Hard Pressed But Not Broken”
As most readers are probably aware, the Syrian Ba’athist regime of Bashar al-Assad, which arose in a coup d’etat led by his father Hafez al-Assad in 1971, has fallen. Remnants of the Assad regime will disappear over the coming days, weeks, or months. The fractious conglomeration of rebellious militias — primarily Sunni — will see to it. They are already […]
MIDEAST UPDATE….LIGHTS IN A VERY DARK WORLD….11/14/2024
As I gathered my thoughts this week after hearing the latest news from the House of Blessing, I remembered something I had read in a devotional not long ago. A question was asked: “How does God accomplish salvation? Does He do it by removing all evil from the world?” No. Salvation came through His presence, by His coming into the […]
MIDEAST UPDATE…9/30/2024…”Imitators of the Father, as Beloved Children”
Just before sharing a fresh report on the latest from the House of Blessing, I’d like to share what I hope will be an encouragement for the reader. In today’s world in which “normal” is being turned on its head; right being considered wrong and wrong considered right, it is important for us to remember “who” we really are as […]
MIDEAST UPDATE…8/7/2024…”God Is Always In Control”
In light of world events that we see unfolding, especially at the epicenter of the world, we need to remember to pray earnestly for the entire House of Blessing community of believers, its leadership, and its missionaries and volunteers. These are especially turbulent times for them and things will not get easier. Soon the Lord will call His faithful ones […]
Impending Storm August 6, 2024
Famous scientist and mathematician, Isaac Newton (1642-1727), had many notable quotes attributed to him. One referred to this very time in history we find ourselves in today: “About the time of the End, a body of men will be raised up who will turn their attention to the prophecies, and insist upon their literal interpretation, in the midst of […]