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Why God’s word is above his name

Throughout the Bible, God places the utmost importance on his word, whether his word is spoken or written. In fact, his word is so important that he has elevated it higher than his own name, including the name above every name–the Lord Jesus Christ. Here’s what Psalm 138:2 tells us:

I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

Now if we consider that at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess (whether those knees or tongues are in the earth, under the earth or above the earth) that Jesus is Lord, and if we consider that at the name of Jesus devils are cast out and people are healed, then how much more powerful is God’s word, since it is more important than God’s name? So what could be so important about it that he magnifies it above all his names?

It boils down to two reasons that impact our relationship with him:

  1. God wants us to know everything included in the covenant relationship we have with him. His words are the terms of our contract to let us know what his character is and what we can expect from him in relation to what our character is and what he expects from us.
  2. God wants us to know that the terms of his contract  (his word, his testament) are irrefutable, immutable (they can’t change), and everlasting. We can count on what God told his people a thousand years ago in his word to still be in effect for his people today.

If it weren’t for the Lord magnifying his word so high, then we couldn’t rest assured in the whole host of benefits he promises whether it’s eternal life or his never leaving us nor forsaking us or his power to heal or our future resurrection. This is why Psalm 119:89 tells us “For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.” Many have taken this to mean that heaven is the only place where God’s flawless word can be found, so we have the license to make all kinds of Bible versions that use the language that suits us. But that isn’t what the context means at all. If you read the verses surrounding this verse, it is telling us that God is faithful to ensure that his words and the meaning of his words cannot be changed. They are established and protected so that even if someone on earth were to publish knock-offs of his words (by adding to them or taking away from them), his genuine words are  still accessible to those who seek them. It also means that the cheap knock-offs of his words that flood the marketplace cannot render null and void the true principles of his genuine words.

His words are the greatest treasure in heaven, “where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal…” If God’s word is so powerful that it is settled in heaven, we know it is settled on earth as well since God establishes his will on earth as he does in heaven. We as believers run into trouble and create problems when we fail to magnify God’s word as high as he does. Here are more verses that show us how high his word is magnified:

God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? Numbers 23:19

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. Isaiah 40:8

Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. Mark 13:31

Harry A. Gaylord

 

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by Harry A. Gaylord on April 24, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Bible, Christianity, encouragement, faith, religion

Posted by Harry A. Gaylord on April 24, 2013

http://sunandshield.wordpress.com/2013/04/24/why-gods-word-is-above-his-name/

The eternal truths symbolized in the cross of Christ

Cross-on-a-HillAs we enter the week commemorating the sacrifice the Lord Jesus made for us, Pastor Mark Creech has shared some wise words online that can help remind us of the significance of what Christ showed us by willingly enduring the shame and suffering on the cross 2,000 years ago. Here is a summary of Mark Creech’s “Seven ways the cross speaks”:

  1. The cross points to our sinful condition.
  2. The cross speaks of God’s incredible love and amazing grace.
  3. The cross shows how much God hates sin.
  4. The cross speaks of the putting away of guilt.
  5. The cross indicts the wisdom of men.
  6. The cross speaks of the way we should live.
  7. The cross promises tragedy can be turned to triumph.

For each of his seven points, Creech gives a brief synopsis that I found to be a blessing, so if you have time, I think reading it at this link will provide some inspiration and encouragement.

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

Harry A. Gaylord

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by Harry A. Gaylord on March 24, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Bible, Christianity, encouragement, faith, Jesus Christ, life, religion

Posted by Harry A. Gaylord on March 24, 2013

http://sunandshield.wordpress.com/2013/03/24/the-eternal-truths-symbolized-in-the-cross-of-christ/

Former lesbian shares testimony of deliverance

She is now married to a pastor in the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, but many years ago Rosaria Butterfield was living as a lesbian. She came out at the age of 28 while she was in graduate school and became an English professor. Eventually, she was tenured at Syracuse University.

After she wrote a newspaper article mocking Promise Keepers in a local newspaper, she got a curious response from a local pastor who asked her questions that stuck with her. In the midst of this, she had started research on the rise of the religious right. A colleague at the University urged her to contact the pastor and read the Bible to help her research along.

The pastor and his wife befriended her as she researched their lives and opened their home to Rosaria and they impressed her with their lifestyle. At the same time, she was reading the Bible for her research. Eventually, her reading the Bible for her research started to have an impact she hadn’t intended. It made her think about God and sin and how it all had to do with how she was living.

After awhile, she found she could no longer deny the truth that she needed Jesus Christ as Lord. She turned her back on her lesbian lifestyle and accepted the Lord. Rosaria then learned that the Christian life was about giving up a lot of things for the Lord’s sake and found out through the honesty of people in her church that everyone had struggles to work through, but the struggles and sacrifices were worth it. Her testimony is proof that God’s word is true and genuine and powerful enough to deliver anyone out of any type of sinful lifestyle.

Sources:

Peter Saunders. Lesbian ‘queer theory’ feminist professor finds the Christian faith. LifeSiteNews.com. Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013.

PHCvids. Interview with Rosaria Butterfield; January 11, 2013. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ_YI6INTQU

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by Harry A. Gaylord on February 14, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Bible, Christianity, church, clergy, education, encouragement, faith, God, life, religion, sexuality
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Posted by Harry A. Gaylord on February 14, 2013

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South African boy spared in 26-foot fall

Earlier this week, a three-year-old boy in the Johannesburg, South Africa, area was walking along the first floor in a local shopping center with his father while hanging onto a nearby balustrade which overlooks the areas below it. Before he knew it, George Avestison’s son slipped through a gap between a glass panel and a column next to it, plunging 8 m (26.25 ft.) to the floor below with nothing to break his fall.

His father watched in horror as he saw his son land on his stomach near a café and ran down to the lower level to check on him as he called for an ambulance. A team of medical professionals at a nearby hospital were awaiting young Stefano’s arrival and went to work on him as soon as he arrived.

The doctors ran a whole battery of tests and x-rays on Stefano, but discovered to their surprise that he had only minor bruising with no broken bones or any other serious injury. He was sent home with his parents who were told to keep an eye on him and to report any changes to his condition. His mother noticed later he was limping a little, but other than that nothing of concern showed up.

After the incident, the parents were a little upset that no one from the Bedford Centre, where the fall occurred, contacted them to see how he was doing. But they are grateful their son is okay.

It’s miracles like these that confirm the existence of a supernatural dimension interacting with our world, proving God’s existence. If the natural laws were working normally, this accident should have landed the boy in intensive care or in the morgue. But the fact that the natural laws were bypassed shows without a doubt that there is someone with the power to override them when he chooses.

I pray that this family will recognize that the Father must have a purpose for their family and their little boy if he gave them this miracle.

11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Psalm 91

Source: Brendan Roane and Botho Molosankwe. Boy, 3, survives 8m mall plunge. IOL News. http://www.iol.co.za. January 31, 2013.

Harry A. Gaylord

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by Harry A. Gaylord on February 2, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in children, Christianity, encouragement, faith, family, God, religion
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Posted by Harry A. Gaylord on February 2, 2013

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two unchanging things upholding God’s promises to us

It should be no secret to any of us who have confessed and believed in the Lord Jesus that we are given many precious and powerful promises from the Father. All of those promises have been stamped “Yes!” and “Amen!” for us in the Lord Jesus Christ [2 Corinthians 1:20].

When God first made the promises known to our spiritual forefathers like Abraham, he wanted them and all of their spiritual followers to have the full assurance that those promises would truly happen in our lives so we would not become lazy and apathetic in living for him. It’s easy for us to allow our human nature to have its way as we go through the normal routines of life, but we need to remind ourselves that God called us to be exceptional people to live the Christian life with exceptional endurance to ultimately obtain all of God’s exceptional promises.

This is why God founded those promises on two immutable, unchangeable things, according to Hebrews 6:

13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,

14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee…

17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:

18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us…

Those two immutable, unchangeable things are:

  1. God’s counsel. When the three persons of the Godhead come together to make a decision in their counsel, they can make decisions that never need to be changed since they have perfect knowledge of all facts throughout eternity. God sees the whole picture–past, present, future–and can take into account all eventualities and ripple effects of all actions or inactions of anyone or anything that could alter any time period. God is full of righteousness and truth and perfect in all his ways. That’s why his counsel is totally trustworthy and is ultimately immutable.
  2. God’s oath. When the Godhead decided on the promises that would be placed in the accounts of every believer, his perfect counsel would have been enough to assure his children of what they would receive, but God took it a step further to keep his principle of having at least two witnesses to confirm every word [2 Corinthians 13:1]. Therefore, he swore by himself that his promises would happen. Can you imagine God saying, “I swear to God that so-and-so will receive this, that, and those”? That’s essentially what he did. Since we know it’s impossible for God to lie, then we know that when he gives an oath, swears on the Bible (his word), and swears to God that something will happen, then we can count on it.

It’s because of these two immutable things that followers of the Lord Jesus never have an excuse to doubt God’s promises or live in disobedience. We have “strong consolation” that should encourage us to hang on for dear life to the hope of those promises set before us since we have fled to him for refuge from our sinful nature, the evil world system, and all the power of the devil. May Jehovah be praised for his two immutable things.

Harry A. Gaylord

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by Harry A. Gaylord on November 3, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Christianity, encouragement, faith, God, hardships, life, religion
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Posted by Harry A. Gaylord on November 3, 2012

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Bullied, badgered, blacklisted: Western Christians’ new normal?

Christians in the Western Hemisphere have enjoyed a few centuries of relative ease compared to our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world, although there have been periodic spikes in persecution at times. We have enjoyed the quietness of living our lives in peace as Christians and have gotten to the point of expecting acceptance by our secular peers and in many cases we strive for popularity. So when we look at recent reports that Christians in the West are increasingly targets for persecution, we think it’s an anomaly. However, a look at God’s word tells us repeatedly that Christians living quiet, peaceful lives is a rarity. Most of the history of the true church is filled with persecution and rejection and we are told that we should expect such things to happen.

One of the many passages in the Bible that brings this message home is 1 Peter 4:1-4:

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:

If the Lord Jesus suffered because of his righteousness on our behalf, then we should have the same mindset and expect to suffer for his righteousness in us on his behalf. When we are willing to suffer for the Lord, it shows that we consider ourselves dead to this present world and we are determined to be done with our sin. We are basically telling ourselves that for the rest of our days on Earth, we are through with chasing after every which way to fulfill our lusts and are focused resolutely to do God’s will. We are zoned out to the world and in a zone to please God.

In our past unsaved fleshly lives, we thought it was sufficient to be self-willed heathens, walking in unbridled desires by feeding the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life. We thought it was really cool to drink to get drunk, to have wild raucous parties, to overeat, and to participate in all kinds of pagan festivals or embrace pagan mentalities. But then we had a close encounter with the Lord Jesus and he flipped the script on us and totally transformed our lives, giving us a completely new direction and purpose.

Giving up our focus on the things of the world made us stand out from the worldly crowd. We ended up standing out so much that the people still caught up in the world’s way of living took a look at us and came to the conclusion that we are just plain weird. Since they tend to judge people based on human-centered standards, the fact we don’t participate in the lifestyles they lead or espouse their philosophies and principles to cater to their unrestricted excesses, they speak evil things about us as Christians. This leads eventually to them trying to force us to be like them by any means necessary, whether it’s through bullying, badgering, blaspheming, and blacklisting.

Peter is telling us that we should see this type of environment as normal for the Christian. Since that’s the case, it’s no surprise that Jesus several years before Peter’s letter gave us this warning in Luke 6:26, “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” If we constantly want people around us to heap praises on us, it should raise a red flag. Why? It shows we are willing to do anything or say anything to be accepted. The only way that will happen is if we, as a Christian, are ready to compromise our Christianity in an instant.

Later in 1 Peter 4, he points out that we should consider it an honor to suffer for Christ and rejoice because we know in the future we will be rewarded for our present troubles.

Harry A. Gaylord

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by Harry A. Gaylord on October 25, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Christianity, encouragement, End times, life, persecution, religion

Posted by Harry A. Gaylord on October 25, 2012

http://sunandshield.wordpress.com/2012/10/25/bullied-badgered-blacklisted-western-christians-new-normal/

After school Bible club’s constitutional rights respected

Child Evangelism Fellowship of Minnesota had been holding an afterschool program for students at Minneapolis’ Jenny Lind Elementary School from 2000 to 2009 without incident. The program, called the “good news club,” ministered to kids ages 5 to 12 who attended with parental permission. Adults in charge of the program had an array of activities for the kids which included such things as ethics, character development, passages from the Bible, and prayers.

Then in 2009, a school employee complained about the religious activities the club was doing and the Minneapolis school district cut off the club’s access to the district’s services such as food and transportation, causing student attendance to drop from 47 to 5 for the club. Fortunately, Child Evangelism Fellowship didn’t take the school district’s actions lying down. They took them to court for religious discrimination.

The case made it to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, which ruled in August that what the school district did to Child Evangelism Fellowship amounted to viewpoint discrimination, violating the First Amendment of the Constitution. The court explained that the establishment clause calls for the government to be neutral when it comes to religion, not hostile as the actions of the school district were. Minneapolis’ school district had the opportunity to appeal the ruling, but announced today that they have come to a settlement that includes obeying the decision of the court and paying for the legal fees incurred by Child Evangelism Fellowship to the tune of $100,000.

I just love it when God shows himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is perfect toward him. I pray this ministry will continue to thrive and that the kids reached will be totally devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Source: Steve Brandt. Bible-club ruling to cost Minneapolis school district $100,000. Startribune.com. Wednesday, October 10, 2012.

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by Harry A. Gaylord on October 10, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in children, Christianity, education, encouragement, faith, government, law, religion, U.S. Constitution
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Posted by Harry A. Gaylord on October 10, 2012

http://sunandshield.wordpress.com/2012/10/10/after-school-bible-clubs-constitutional-rights-respected/

What King David’s mighty men teach us about ministry

In my opinion, believers should remember that whatever occupation we have in life, it’s part of our ministry in some way, unless God has made it crystal clear that our occupation is not pleasing to him. More often than not, when we know God has anointed us to do something, he provides fellow believers to help us fulfill our calling, whether it’s praying for us or providing physical logistics to make it possible for us to do what we should do.

One example of this in the Bible is David. After God anointed him to replace Saul as king of Israel, God blessed him with mighty men who surrounded him to give him encouragement in the dark times of fleeing Saul’s persecution. They believed in God’s anointing on David, and dedicated themselves to making sure he fulfilled God’s calling. As they strengthened David, they themselves became strengthened. 1 Chronicles 11:10 tells us the following about them:

These also are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, and with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the Lord concerning Israel.

We are given their names and accomplishments. When Hebrews named their children, their names could reflect who they were prophetically or could be a memorial to God for what he did for their parents. The names of David’s chief mighty men show the qualities of people that contribute to ministries and principles that should surround believers as we walk in God’s anointing. Here are the names of those men from 1 Chronicles 11 with their meanings:

  • Jashobeam: ‘the people will return.’ The word ‘return’ in Jashobeam’s name has to do with returning to God, turning from evil, restoration, and being refreshed. Without people returning to God through Jesus Christ, there can be no genuine ministry.
  • Eleazar: ‘God has helped.’ Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul. [Psalm 54:4]
  • Abishai: ‘my father is generous; father of gifts.’ God is generous with his gifts to us so we can minister to others’ needs.
  • Benaiah: ‘Jehovah has built up.’ Two of David’s chiefs had this name. David’s ministry had a double portion of Jehovah building him up.
  • Asahel: ‘God-made.’ The faithful in ministry acknowledge “that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” [Psalm 100:3] They are creationists who know they wouldn’t be here without God.
  • Elhanan: ‘God has been gracious.’ Genuine believers know we are only saved by God’s grace through faith, not by our own works [Ephesians 2:8-9].
  • Shammoth: ‘astonishment; amazement; wonder.’ Jehovah works unexplainable things and often does it through his people.
  • Helez: ‘he has saved.’ Those who strengthen ministries have been saved by God from all spiritual enemies because they have called on Jehovah who is worthy to be praised [2 Samuel 22:4].
  • Ira: ‘watchful of a city.’ David had two chiefs named Ira. This highlights the fact that ministries often need a double portion of watchfulness since enemies can come from many places to try to weaken them.
  • Abiezer: ‘my father helps.’ This type of person knows they ultimately have to rely on God’s help because “vain is the help of man,” [Psalm 60:11].
  • Sibbecai: ‘like a thicket.’  Thickets are used to provide cover for protection or to launch surprise attacks. Godly ministries need godly people who can protect and go on the offense when needed.
  • Ilai: ‘exalted.’ This kind of person knows the importance of exalting God through prayer, praise, and worship because they know this is the only way an individual believer or ministry can be exalted in God’s eyes [Luke 14:11].
  • Maharai: ‘hurried; hasty.’ It’s a good thing to have people in a ministry that do God’s will with a quickness, but those who are hasty have to watch themselves so they’re not too quick to jump to incorrect judgments about certain things.
  • Heled: ‘transient; temporarily housed; duration of life.’ The underlying meaning has to do with shortness of time and being temporary. God may lend certain people to a ministry temporarily before he has them move on to something else [e.g. missionaries and evangelists].
  • Ithai: ‘nearness; with me.’ Reliable ministry supporters know God is a God who is close at hand [Jeremiah 23:23] and is with those who seek to please him [Psalm 23:4].
  • Hurai: ‘maker of white linen.’ White linen is symbolic of the righteousness of the saints and ministries need people who stress righteousness because they are pleased by it.
  • Abiel: ‘God, the mighty one, is my father.’ True ministry supporters only have God as their father, they believe only in Jesus as the way to the Father [John 1:12].
  • Azmaveth: ‘strong unto death.’ God gives some of his faithful physical strength far into old age [Deuteronomy 34:7; Joshua 14:11] but spiritually speaking all who are truly saved endure in godliness to the end of their earthly lives [Matthew 24:13].
  • Eliahba: ‘[whom] God hides.’ This type of person has been proven to have God’s protection from attacks mounted by spiritual enemies and is an example of how God will hide us in the day of his judgment [Psalm 64:2; Isaiah 26:20].
  • Jonathan: ‘Jehovah has given.’ When a person strengthens a ministry, they cling to the knowledge that  Jehovah has given them responsibilities to fulfill with abilities to carry them out.
  • Ahiam: ‘friend of the mother city or motherland.’ People like Ahiam remind us that we belong to the New Jerusalem in heaven because she is our mother [Galatians 4:26].
  • Eliphal: ‘God of judgment; God of supplications.’ This kind of person knows God discerns between right and wrong and rewards or punishes accordingly. They also know how to approach him to supply what they need.
  • Hepher: ‘a well.’ A person filled with the Holy Spirit who is in them like “a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” [John 4:14]
  • Ahijah: ‘friend of Jehovah.’
  • Hezro: ‘enclosed.’ The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. [Psalm 34:7]
  • Naarai: ‘youthful servant.’ It is good for a man that he bear the yoke [of God] in his youth [Lamentations 3:27]. God wants his ministries to have young people involved and active in them.
  • Joel: ‘Jehovah is God.’
  • Mibhar: ‘best choice.’ Believers who refuse to settle for less than what is spiritually best are good to have around as long as they aren’t legalistic in their understanding.
  • Zelek: ‘split or cover fairly; split or cover evenly.’ Godly ministries will have people that make sure favoritism is not promoted since God is no respecter of persons, “[b]ut in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.” [Acts 10:35]
  • Naharai: ‘breathe hard; nostrils.’ The kind of person who displays righteous anger when things aren’t in line with what is proven correct and they are ready to act against the unrighteous thing.
  • Gareb: ‘scabbed through strife.’ Ministries tend to have people who have been through the school of hard knocks, but having scabs means they are in the process of healing or they have been healed and making it through tough times brings strength in Christ.
  • Uriah: ‘Jehovah is light.’ Uriah was loyal to David and loved him unconditionally, but David had him killed out of covetousness. David’s disloyalty to Uriah reflected his disloyalty to God and God’s light, which brought darkness to David’s household. This serves as a warning to believers not to snuff out the light Jehovah provides for us through those who carry out his will.
  • Zabad: ‘he gifts or endows.’ The type of person who appreciates the gifts God has given them and uses those gifts skillfully for God’s glory.
  • Adina: ‘flexible; prayerfully adorned.’ Those who have this quality in a ministry tend to avoid legalism and dead works, displaying a humility that shows they are in close contact with God and can change course at a moment’s notice when they hear from the Lord.
  • Hanan: ‘favored [one].’
  • Joshaphat: ‘Jehovah is judge.’
  • Uzzia: ‘strength of Jehovah.’
  • Shama: ‘obedient.’ An individual who knows obedience is better than sacrifice [1 Samuel 15:22].
  • Jehiel: ‘carried or swept away by God.’
  • Jediael: ‘knowing God.’
  • Joha: ‘Jehovah revives.’ This kind of believer knows “they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint,” [Isaiah 40:31] because true ministry is fulfilled “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” [Zechariah 4:6]
  • Eliel: ‘God is God.’ David had two chiefs with this name.
  • Jeribai: ‘my strife, my contention.’ This type of believer is always ready to earnestly contend for the faith [Jude 3].
  • Joshaviah: ‘Jehovah has set or laid.’ A person who cannot be deceived and has understanding of the principles that God has established for eternity and stays committed to those things.
  • Ithmah: ‘purity; what great excellence.’
  • Obed: ‘serving.’ A believer who makes serving others their priority. “If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.” [Mark 9:35]
  • Jasiel: ‘made by God.’ See Asahel above.

Harry A. Gaylord

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by Harry A. Gaylord on October 8, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Christianity, church, encouragement, faith, God, religion, spiritual gifts
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Posted by Harry A. Gaylord on October 8, 2012

http://sunandshield.wordpress.com/2012/10/08/what-king-davids-mighty-men-teach-us-about-ministry/

Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani released from Iranian prison

The prayers of the righteous all over the globe have availed much. In a surprising turn of events, an Iranian court has ordered the release of pastor Youcef Nadarkhani from an Iranian prison. According to BosNewsLife, an Iranian court acquitted him of apostasy for abandoning Islam since he was never Muslim. They did find him guilty of evangelizing Muslims and sentenced him to three years, which amounts to time served.

He is expected to be released from prison on Saturday, September 8. Iran’s religious leaders are reported to have had a dispute amongst themselves over what should be considered apostasy and that dispute thankfully led to the final outcome for Youcef’s acquittal. Thank God for his movement in the affairs of men to preserve his children when he deems it necessary. This pastor’s refusal to convert to Islam under threat of death in prison has served to expand the church in Iran.

Source: Stefan J. Bos. Iran Orders Release Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani. BosNewsLife.com. Saturday, September 8, 2012.

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by Harry A. Gaylord on September 8, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Christianity, clergy, encouragement, faith, God, government, human rights, Islam, law, life, persecution, prayer, religion
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Posted by Harry A. Gaylord on September 8, 2012

http://sunandshield.wordpress.com/2012/09/08/pastor-youcef-nadarkhani-released-from-iranian-prison/

God’s preservation of nations

Throughout scripture, God shows concern over how nations are ruled, what laws they uphold, and how both the citizens of nations and their rulers conduct themselves. This is why our interaction with our neighbors and government as Christians should not be taken lightly. God wants us to be concerned about their character and conduct after we measure our own character and conduct because he is a God who delights in blessing people. Even though we are living in the last days where perilous times are all around us and wickedness is increasing, we can still meditate, pray, and act on these timeless principles God has established to preserve his people and the nations we live in, so here are a few of them:

♦ The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain. 2 Samuel 23: 3-4

♦ The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. Psalm 9:17

♦ Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. Psalm 33:2

♦ Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. Psalm 127:1

♦ Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. Psalm 146:3

♦ When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting. By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. Proverbs 11:10-11

♦ Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince. Proverbs 17:7

♦ In the multitude of people is the king’s honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince. …Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. Proverbs 14:28, 34 [In this age of promoting population control, God's word says growth in populations strengthens nations.]

♦ When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat. Proverbs 23:1-3

♦ As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people. The prince that wanteth [lacks] understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days. Proverbs 28:15-16

♦ The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts [bribes] overthroweth it. Proverbs 29:4

♦ At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it; If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them.

And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it; If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them. Jeremiah 18: 7-10

♦ I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour. 1 Timothy 2:1-3

♦ Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. 1 Peter 2:17

Harry A. Gaylord

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by Harry A. Gaylord on September 6, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Bible, Christianity, encouragement, government, life, philosophy
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Posted by Harry A. Gaylord on September 6, 2012

http://sunandshield.wordpress.com/2012/09/06/gods-preservation-of-nations/

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