THINK ON THESE THINGS

Newsletter 162
October 18, 2009

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“The Lord is at hand.”

John ends his book of Revelation with the words, ”Come, Lord Jesus.” and Paul wrote to the Philippians, “The Lord is at hand.“ If they, and those whom they taught, were looking for and urging for Christ to return, how much more ought we to be doing the same? This portion of Paul’s letter, urges us to fill our minds with that which is pleasing to the Lord. Let us make preparation for His return and be eager for His triumphant arrival.

His entry into Jerusalem through the gate called Beautiful was a prophecy in action picturing His return through that same gate yet to come. That portion of the eastern wall of Jerusalem, a wall that has not been rebuilt on a different foundation as many of the others have, still remains today. During their occupation of Jerusalem, that gate was sealed and to keep Jews out, an Islam cemetery now totally blocks the approach to it from the Mount of Olives direction, and from the inside of the wall the public is also kept at bay. But, we read in Revelation that the Lord will enter the city from that direction, and through that gate when he comes. Blocking it off has actually preserved it in anticipation of that time.

Philippians 4:4-9 (King James Version)

4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. (Philippians 3:1, Psalm 119:151)

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. (1 Corinthians 16:22, Hebrews 10:37, James 5:8)

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (Matthew 6:25, Ephesians 6:18, 1 Timothy 2:1, 1 Timothy 5:5, Psalm 1:2)

7 And the peace of God, (Romans 8:28) which passeth all understanding, (Isaiah 26:3, John 16:33) shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Isaiah 26:3, John 14:22, Philippians 4:9, Colossians 3:15, 1 Peter 1:5, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Philippians 1:1, Philippians 4:19)

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, (2 Timothy 2:25) whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Romans 14:18, 1 Peter 2:12)

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. (Philippians 3:17, Romans 15:33)

Christians have every reason to live a life filled with praise and rejoicing. New Christians have just begun to make their preparations for the coming of their king. The burden of sin is gone. The King is coming. But make note that he is coming as king, not someone one chosen by popular demand. Left to a ballot, He would not be chosen. By far, the majority of people have chosen the world and its ways. He has been the king all the time; Scripture says, “King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.” We can have no needs that he is not able to grant.

Let us just let our prayers and concerns be directed in praise to Him, with thanksgiving that our deliverer has come. In His wisdom, He will add those things he knows that we need. When Solomon pleased God by asking only for wisdom, God gave far more than that. He has come to bring peace, not only peace to the world, but peace to troubled minds. This is a peace that the world can’t even understand let alone ask for.

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READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2009

OCTOBER

18th. Sunday – Jeremiah 43, 44, 2 Thessalonians 3, Psalm 119:57-64
19th. Monday – Jeremiah 45, 46, 47, Titus 1, Proverbs 25:11-20
20th. Tuesday – Jeremiah 48, 49:27, Titus 2, Psalm 119:65-72
21st. Wednesday – Jeremiah 49:28-50:46, Titus 3, Psalm 119:73-80
22nd. Thursday – Jeremiah 51:1-58, Philemon, Psalm 119:81-88
23rd. Friday – Jeremiah 51:59-52:34, 1 John 1, Proverbs 25:21-28
24th. Saturday – Ecclesiastes 1, 2, 3, 1 John 2:1-14, Psalm 119:89-98

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OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG SEARCHES
(With links to 594 titles)

http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 3 published books & more to come




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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there be a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped;
so that he as God , shewing himself that he is God, sitteth in the temple of God.”

(Note that Christians are the temple of God. Who reigns supreme the hearts of men?)

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4

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NYC Shopping...
A store that sells new husbands has just opened in New York City, where a woman may go to choose a husband. Among the instructions at the entrance is a description of how the store operates: "You may visit this store ONLY ONCE! There are six floors and the value of the products increases as the shopper ascends the flights. The shopper may choose any item from a particular floor, or may choose to go up to the next floor, but you cannot go back down except to exit the building!"

So, a woman goes to the store to find a husband. On the first floor the sign reads: "These men Have Jobs". The second floor sign reads: "These men Have Jobs and Love Kids". The third floor sign reads: "These men Have Jobs, Love Kids, and are Extremely Good Looking."

"Wow," she thinks, but feels compelled to keep going.

At the fourth floor the sign reads: "These men Have Jobs, Love Kids, are Drop-dead Good Looking and Help With Housework."

"Oh, mercy me!" she exclaims, "I can hardly stand it!"

Still, she goes to the fifth floor and the sign reads: "These men Have Jobs, Love Kids, are Drop-dead Gorgeous, Help with Housework, and Have a Strong Romantic Streak." She is so tempted to stay, but she goes to the sixth floor and the sign reads: "You are visitor 31,456,012 to this floor. There are no men on this floor. This floor exists solely as proof that women are impossible to please. Thank you for shopping at the Husband Store."




PERSONAL FAMILY NOTES

Things still much the same with us, a case of “no news is good news.” Phyllis is still using the walker a lot, but it seems to be arthritis and not the fall that is the problem now.

The car has now had its 4th, yes, I said “fourth” transmission overhaul, and I will have to go back for a final check up on it. My wallet is a bit sick, but the car seems to be great now.

Daughter Ruth is returned to South Africa, and grandson Shannon is back in Chicago.

I am still teaching the Bible Class every Thursday here at Evergreen Apartments.

"Google Translator" has been added at the very bottom of the monitor screen for all our English blogs. Readers may, with a single click, select the document in the language of their choice. (More than 50 languages are available.)

Bob and Phyllis