As we take a look at world news the last few days, it is quite obvious that humanity is in great peril. We are living in the perilous times that the Apostle Paul warned Timothy about in 2 Timothy 3:1-5. There are many warnings throughout Scripture about the generation that we happen to have been placed in, including from Jesus, Himself. Jesus warned about many things in Matthew 24, including wars, rumors of wars and threats of wars.
As we watch the news channels on our TV’s, each presenting details as they have been scripted by those who control the narrative, we are given little more than confusing renditions of what may or may not be the actual truth. This is the case with the build-up for conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. If this were the only major flashpoint in our world, it would be one thing. Sadly, it is only one of several boiling cauldrons in our world. And this only has to do with the threat of war. There are many other threats to the survival of the human race today and they are escalating. How do we as believers respond to the perilous days we live in? With Light and Truth. This is the agenda of the House of Blessing. “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!”
C.S. Lewis made this statement years ago: “I believe in Christianity as I believe the sun has risen, not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”
Jesus said this is John 12:46: I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”
Here are a few other Scriptures speaking of the dark kingdom we live in and how we should respond to it:
- He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love… Colossians 1:13
- For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities and power, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places… Ephesians 6:12
- The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light Romans 13:12
- Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsel of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God. 1 Corinthians 4:5
- For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. 1 Corinthians 13:12
- For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. Ephesians 5:8
As wise as many in our world think they are, the only real light that has been shown to this world is Jesus, the One who spoke light into existence to begin with, and followers of Jesus must have that light shining through them, both in word and in deed.
This is why HOB has done what it can to bring truckloads of food to the hungry and mattresses, clothing, medicines, and other essential supplies to the desperate refugees. As always, showing the love of God to the people by trying to alleviate at least some of their desperation opens the door to sharing the love of God from God’s Word.
Omar, Mufiedah, and all those on their teams who had quarantined themselves for a time, are healthy again and back on the front lines. Another truckload of wheat sacks was distributed to over 1,500 families. Each of these families also heard the real story of who Jesus Christ is. The responses as always were overwhelming! Praise God!
One of the tragedies witnessed recently had to do with a couple tents that caught on fire and burned down in one of the camps. A number of people lost their lives, including some elderly folk and children. Most perished due to smoke inhalation. The HOB missionaries did what they could to minister to those affected by this tragedy. Having wood fires in such densely populated areas is always so dangerous but it is also the only means of being able to cook for most of the people. It is also about the only source of warmth during the cold weather.
I have mentioned before that the United Nations is doing very little to intervene with the desperate circumstances most of these people live under. It is impossible for HOB to make up for what the UN is not doing, but God has been merciful and multitudes have been fed, clothed, attended to, and reached with the Gospel. And…there are countless accounts of how God has multiplied the available resources. The missionary teams have been working in two shifts, one at night, and the other during the daytime. Whether they have anything to distribute or not, the work of reaching the lost continues. And, the Lord of the Harvest brings in the increase.
Pastor R is still facing great physical challenges. His two nurses have been a great help as they try to keep his temperature down. It is only through prayer that our friend is still alive today. God is good! The prayers of God’s people make a difference and are much needed. Thank you!
I ran across an interesting story about Plato that is applicable today in light of our world’s desperate condition. It goes like this:
Plato told an allegory of people in a cave who saw each other as shadows. They thought they could see clearly enough, because shadows were all they knew. Like Plato’s cave dwellers, the world thinks it is well-informed; and when light is encountered, the brightness brings pain to maladapted eyes. Many then turn back to the darkness that has always been so comfortable.
The wisdom of this world will do us no good whatsoever. This world has nothing to offer. All our intellectual prowess or prideful philosophical insights are nothing more than dark shadows because the real light of truth is missing. There is only one Almighty God and only one Savior of mankind. He is the One we are to represent to a fallen and desperate humanity. You and I will not save the world, but we represent the One who will bring all things into subjection. As we share the love of God to the lost, those who accept God’s free gift of forgiveness through the Blood of Jesus, will be saved. The harvest of souls is coming in today by the multitudes! Praise God! The world is spiraling out of control but God’s people are citizens of another Kingdom!
Thank you all for your prayers and support. Don’t stop now! You are all a great blessing to the House of Blessing!
Forever in His Service,
Jake