— 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….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 […]
MIDEAST UPDATE…7/18/2024…”What If?”
There are a number of Scriptures that remind us that we should be aware of the crucial nature of “time”: “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17 NKJV “Walk in wisdom […]
MIDEAST UPDATE…5/24/2024…”Comfort One Another With These Words”
Often when I make a quick rundown of the latest world news, I think of a passage of Isaiah 55: Seek the LORD while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD. And He will have mercy on him; […]
MIDEAST UPDATE…5/2/2024…”Times and Seasons”
One of the disturbing facts that is becoming clearer by the day is that there are those in our world who, even though unelected by the populous, are in a position to make decisions according to their agenda that adversely affect everyone on the planet. A question that inevitably crosses our minds and sometimes plagues people is: Does God not […]
MIDEAST UPDATE … 4/8/2024 … JESUS — The LIGHT in a Very Dark World
A thought… Take a moment to contemplate contrasting characteristics of light and darkness. In the Bible, darkness is a symbol of evil. What is darkness? Darkness is an absence — the absence of light. It is the same with evil. Evil isn’t really a reality of its own, but rather an absence of a reality. Evil isn’t a part of […]