As we celebrate Christmas and what it represents, I think of Luke 1:38: Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” We all know the storyline. The angel Gabrielle came to let her know she had been chosen by God to bear the Messiah in her womb. She of course had questions, but submitted to God’s plan. As we look forward to another new year in a few days, we might have an agenda or plans of our own that we would like the Lord to bless. We would like Him to endorse what has come to our mind. We might say: “Not my will but Yours,’ and even mean it, but we still hope He accomplishes our will. There is nothing wrong with that as long as we stay submitted to His will if He delays what we want, or possibly even redirects us. We, like Mary, need to put ourselves totally at His disposal.
To the world, that smacks of weakness. To those who really know God, this is where true power comes from. When He leads and we say yes, He accomplishes great things in supernatural strength. He opens doors and makes the impossible possible. God accomplishes more through one humble, compliant servant than through a hundred reluctant ones who have their own agenda. We are never in a greater position of power than when we say, as Mary did: “I am Your servant, may everything you have said about me come true.” The Kingdom comes in power through those who open up to whatever He wants to do.
Just a thought.
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On to the House of Blessing:
Today’s update will be shorter than usual on account of this being Christmas week. Reports continue being sent about the tremendous results from the past few days. This was an anticipated time of great celebration and some of the folks traveled in from long distances to be able to join in with tens of thousands of others. Baptisms were held in Syria, Iraqi Kurdistan, Azerbaijan, Iraq, and Iran — all in fairly close proximity to where the borders of all the countries come together.
The event lasted several days and was filled with much joy, singing, and worship. I don’t have the exact numbers but there were nearly 50,000 baptized that I am aware of. The HOB elders are now arranging teaching classes as best they can. Many of the classes have in fact begun. At this point, each teaching booklet is being shared between 200-250 students. The teachers are doing their best to memorize the booklets in their entirety. The House of Blessing plans to have more printed as it becomes possible. Below is a message received from Abdelrahem about a day ago:
Peace be upon you and upon all who follow Jesus. Brother Jack, just a reminder: Jesus often said things that made his listeners wonder if they had heard correctly. One such instance was when he said:
“Truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will also do the works I have been doing; and greater works than these will they do, because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in my name, I will do it.” John 14:12-14
How often do we read this passage without pausing to truly understand what Jesus meant? The Bible teaches us that Jesus is the “Word” of God. In fact, the first verse of John, chapter 1, tells us that the “Word” is God! And Jesus Himself, in John, chapter 14, said that His followers would not only do the same works He did while walking the rough roads of Israel, but they would do even greater things!
Consider this for a moment. Jesus healed the leper! He healed the blind, the deaf, the mute, and the lame! He restored withered limbs and freed the possessed from their captors! He calmed the raging storm! He even raised the dead! Is it conceivable that we, His faithful followers, could do greater things? This is what Jesus literally said! Yet most of us don’t believe it literally. However, all it takes is a mustard seed worth of faith (a mustard seed being the smallest seed a farmer could plant in the first century).
Yes, we worked because we believe in Him as if He were within us, my brother Jack. And now what’s happening in Iran is beyond imagination. People are coming in droves to believe in Jesus, beyond what the mind can comprehend. The numbers are enormous and we will pray to God to provide them with the Gospel and instruction. The responsibility has become immense, and we will work to bring more souls to faith in Jesus, giving them security and providing the necessary educational materials. May the Lord bless you wherever you are. Just a small piece of information: yesterday 4,100 people were baptized in Iran, and today another 7,650 people were baptized in Iran. There are also baptisms in Iraq, Iraqi Kurdistan, Azerbaijan, and Syria, and Holy Communion is being received. Please just pray for us.
Your brother,
Abdelrahem, servant of the Lord
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In closing, I want to thank you all for your prayers and support. Amazing things are happening. Your prayers are very much needed. Although this is a glowing report today, the attacks continue. Several locations were attacked and a number of the HOB community lost their lives. Intercession is needed. God answers prayer!
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Forever in His Service,
Jake (aka Jack)