Astronaut's Test of Faith 

     A year ago June, two astronauts were in a 10-foot-tall capsule, orbiting the earth when their first thruster failed. Approaching the space station (ISS), the second thruster was lost...then the third and the fourth. 

     Capt. Barry Wilmore was at the controls. Mission Control took over, parking the capsule at the space station. Who knew if returning the capsule to earth was even possible? An eight-day mission became 286 days. (He had commanded the space station some 10 years ago.) 

     Scary? Not for Wilmore, who said, "I completely understand God's sovereignty. He is in control at all times. The Lord's got this, and if it means He takes me today, so be it. We're all going to go one day."

      His response under pressure has been shaped by his faith in God's purposes and plans for his life, including 21 air combat missions during Operation Desert Storm, where dodging missiles and anti-aircraft artillery was a matter of survival. 

Down to Earth in Space

     Christmas time, Wilmore videoed himself with Israel in sight, reading from Luke chapter 2. He videoed for his church's Christmas Eve service, and 250 miles of separation didn't keep him from sending messages of encouragement to those who needed it. 

     NASA used a capsule owned by Elon Musk to bring Wilmore and three other astronauts back to Florida. 

     "Christ does it all," Wilmore says. "He paid the price. He calls us. He draws us. He saves us." Now, at 62, Wilmore continues to have an insatiable appetite for God's Word. "My beliefs don't matter. What matters is what's true. I try to share what I know to be true from God's word." 

  Tuesday: What about Greenland? 

Holy Spirit Takes Over 

    #6 in series

     Christ appeared to different people at various times over 40 days, following his resurrection. In Acts chapter 1, he commands his disciples to stay in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit baptizes them with power. That would happen on the 50th day, now called Pentecost Sunday. 

     He said they would be his witnesses in Jerusalem, and in Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Those would be his last words. 

     Chapter 2. Ten days later, 120 men were together when "a sound like a violent wind came from heaven. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that came to rest on each of them. All were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." 

     "There were God-fearing Jews from every nation, and many wondered, 'What does this mean?'" 

Peter Explains It 

     "Then Peter stood up," (baptized with power by the Spirit that spoke through Old Testament prophets) "and addressed the crowd: 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.'" 

     The Spirit led Peter to enlighten his listeners, who "were cut to the heart and asked Peter, 'What shall we do?'" "Repent and be baptized," he said, "in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the Holy Spirit." 

     "About 3,000 were added to their number that day." Peter and others would never be the same, worshiping God with the Holy Spirit in their hearts, to guide and spread this good news to the ends of the earth.

So, Jimmy, was Peter a pope or not?

  Peter and other disciples were chosen by Christ. 

Popes are elected by Catholic men ideally led by Christ.

(majority vote)

Jesus Tests Peter 

   No. 5 of 6

     In John's last chapter, 21, he wrote how he and other disciples, including Peter, went fishing all night. Early in the morning Jesus called to them from shore. They had met Jesus twice since his resurrection, but they didn't realize it was him. 

     When they told (the stranger) they hadn't caught any fish, he said, Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some. Did they? They couldn't haul in the net there were so many fish. 

     John exclaimed, "It is the Lord!" Peter - who else? - jumped in the water while the others towed the net...about 100 yards. They saw a fire of burning coals with fish already on it...and some bread. 

     After they were done eating, three times Jesus asked Simon Peter, Simon son of John, do you truly love me? And three times Peter said "yes." The third repeat frustrated him a bit. Jesus' three answers were Feed my lambs, Take care of my sheep, Feed my sheep. 

     Then he gave Peter shocking information:

     When you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go. Follow me. 

Tradition, not the Bible, is that Peter was crucified in Rome, about the same time Paul was martyred (A.D. 67/68) and that he chose to be hung upside down...not worthy to be crucified in the same manner as his Lord. If so, that would be some 34 years after Christ's resurrection. 

Friday: Violent wind and fire

Peter Disowns Jesus 

    #4 in series

    "Then on the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb would be sacrificed," that night Jesus took his disciples to the garden of Gethsemane. He knows he will be betrayed. He takes Peter, and two brothers James and John, further with him to pray. But, stay awake? Not them. 

     Jesus sweats blood while praying to his Father, ultimately conceding, Your will be done. An angel comes to strengthen him. 

     Meanwhile, the chief priests and elders - having given Judas 30 silver coins to betray Jesus - sent a large crowd with swords and clubs to Gethsemane. They find Jesus and the other 11 disciples. 

     Peter, act first and think later, drew his sword and cut off the ear (probably not Peter's intended wound) of a servant. Jesus told Peter to put his sword away, and he healed the man. 

     All the disciples deserted him.

     Jesus was held for "trial" to be held in the morning before Pilate. Crowds loyal to the leaders gathered. Peter appeared in a courtyard, where "two girls" (how annoying) accused him of being with Jesus. After denying a third time that he knew Jesus, he swore, "I don't know this man you're talking about." 

     The rooster crowed. Peter remembered what Jesus told him, Before the rooster crows you will disown me three times. Peter broke down and wept.  

Thursday: How could Peter become a pope?

 

Leave It to Peter 

   3rd in series 

     Peter has been a work in progress. He and his brother Andrew were fishermen. Jesus shows up at the Sea of Galilee and says, "Come. Follow me." And they did.

     After the 12 disciples had experienced his teaching and healing, he sends them out to witness. Later, Jesus sends the disciples across the lake, at night. A storm makes them fear for their lives. 

     Jesus shows up, walking on the water, and they think he might be a ghost. He tells them not to fear. Peter, responding to the teaching and miracles he has seen, reacts: "Lord if it's you tell me to come to you on the water." Jesus says, Come." Peter walks on water, until he notices the storm again and begins to drown. Jesus saves him, saying, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" 

     Later, Jesus takes Peter, James and John up a mountain where he was transfigured, and Moses and Elijah appear. They hear a voice, "This is my Son who I love; with him I am well pleased, Listen to him!" Leave it to Peter to tell Jesus, "If you wish, I will put up three shelters, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." 

     Fast forward to the night of Jesus' arrest. He tells the disciples they "will all fall away on account of me. But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee." Guess who replies? "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will." 

     Jesus tells Peter, "This very night...you will disown me three times." Peter still doesn't get it. "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." The other disciples said the same. Peter did keep his promise, 30-some years later. 

Wednesday: Peter disowns him 

The Rock and the rock 

   #2 of 6

     Following Friday's blog (Matthew, a Jewish disciple writing to fellow Jews) we attempt to understand, God the Father and Satan each speaking through Peter (chapter 16). Matthew didn't write in English. 

     Jesus would build his church on the truth of Peter's confession that "Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God." He calls his disciple Peter, (Greek Petros, a small stone). 

     He adds, On this rock (Greek Petra, a massive rock) I will build my church. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven..." 

     Catholics list Peter as pope beginning A.D. 33, immediately after Christ's resurrection. In Matthew 28, the "great commission," Jesus tells his 11 disciples, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations. 

Commentary: Jesus is the Rock, the first and great foundation of the church (1 Corinthians 3:11). Peter eventually wrote two letters (A.D. 60-63), shortly before his martyrdom. He wrote as one of the "apostles."

In his first letter, he wrote, "Jesus is the living Stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone...the stone the builders rejected." Christians are living stones in a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5) that God is building. See also Isaiah 28:16. 

The "keys" represent God's delegated authority for church discipline, prayer, fellowship, teaching, opposition to the demonic, etc. Peter might have exhibited some of these keys. Who knows? So did Paul.  

Tuesday: Leave it to Peter

 Get ready.

We devote this entire week to Peter,

who he was as Jesus' disciple,

and who he was on the day of Pentecost

when the Holy Spirit came upon them

and spoke through Peter to 120 puzzled men. 

Peter would not have known some of this

information on his own. 

The same can be said of Peter's two letters.

You question this?

 The 26 books in the Old Testament

weren't written without many contributions

by God himself, forecasting what the future held.

As for Peter being the first pope,

 why not Paul, or John who stood at the cross

and later wrote Revelation? 

Of 266 Catholic popes, was Peter the first? 

     In Matthew chapter 16, we read that Jesus asked his disciples, Who do people say that I am? They gave him some names.

     But what about you? Who do you say I am? 

     Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

     Jesus replied, Blessed are you...for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church... I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven... 

Seems like Peter was destined to be the church's first pope.

     Then Jesus revealed to his disciples that he was going to Jerusalem and would suffer at the hands of the elders, priests and teachers. 

     Peter - who often thought he knew best - couldn't accept that. He "took (Jesus) aside and began to rebuke him. 'Never, Lord!' he said. 'This shall never happen to you!'" 

     Jesus turned and said to Peter, Get behind me, Satan. You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men. 

     Wow. One minute God reveals truth to Peter. Then, Satan speaks through the same man. We'll look into this and see you here on Monday. 

Monday: the Rock and the rock

   

What About Suffering?  

     Pastor Dave Furman - conclusion - points 6-10 

6  Suffering opens up ministry opportunities  

     I am in constant pain. And yet! (God) has given me grace to pastor out of weakness and to witness to others about His unrelenting love. I never would have chosen or dreamed of a ministry like this - the Lord has done marvelous things. 

7  God moves through weakness and suffering, not in spite of it

     Paul had a thorn in his flesh and asked God multiple times to remove it, but it remained. God didn't use Paul despite his thorn. He used him through his thorn. God moves through our suffering. Weakness is God's way of moving in this world.  

8  Our perspective on suffering is very different from God's 

     Abraham waited for a child for years. Joseph was in prison for years. Moses wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. David fled from a wicked king for 13 years. Jeremiah saw no fruit for decades. Paul (endured) imprisonments. For this light affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond comparison. - 2 Corinthians 4:17.  

9  Suffering can propel us into community  

     My suffering has caused me to depend on the believing community for help, service, encouragement and prayer. When we resist the urge to isolate ourselves, God blesses us with sweet fellowship. 

10  Christianity has the only solution to suffering

     Suffering and death are inevitable, but we have hope because One has gone before us in death. Jesus Christ, truly God and truly man, lived a sinless life. He faced trials - betrayal by mockery, emotional anguish, physical agony and judgment by God the Father. Christ's resurrection means our pain, trials and even our death are not the end of the story.

Friday: Was Peter the first pope?

~

10 things we should know about suffering 

              By Dave Furman, a pastor in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

1  Suffering is a result of the fall

     Just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, so death spread to all men because all sinned. - Romans 5:12

2  God uses suffering for good

     ...for those who love God all things work together for good. - Romans 8:28. God never tells us our pain is good, but He uses pain to work for our good in His mysterious way. God is in control. We need to see that our circumstances are taking us right to God.

3  We can't see what God is doing in our pain 

     Augustine wrote, "If you understand, it is not God you understand." Who can give Him counsel or criticize God's handiwork? We can trust that God is always doing more than we can fathom. 

4  God uses suffering to mature us in Christ 

     Count it all joy ... when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. - James 1:2-4  Trials can be counted as joy because God is persevering our faith.

5  Persevering through suffering allows us to comfort others

     Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ ... who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in affliction... - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. 

~ points 6-10 tomorrow ~

We're Back

     Our visitors are returning to Ohio and Missouri, and we're free to blog again. Father's Day, we posed for pictures, a great grandfather, his daughter, her son, and his three children. From age 86 to age 4. Four generations. It happens.

     I always wanted to be known as "great." 

We're Amazed

     Meanwhile, the West Coast is being overrun, and it's not just political demonstrators. Indians co-existed with wolves. For many years the coastal states were free of wolves. Then, an animal advocacy group reintroduced them. Rewilded. Lovely! 

     Wolves are raising havoc on cattle farms in California and Oregon, and ranchers can't do much about it. Wolves kill calves and other full-grown animals. 

     Wolves are an "endangered species." They are "native" in the West. Again. Ranchers cannot shoot or harass these predators. The penalty is up to a year in prison and $100,000.  

     Ranchers see nothing "native" about a man-introduced beast. 

     We know what will solve the problem: the Millennial, when "the wolf and the lamb will feed together." - Isaiah 65:25 

           Jimmy 

 We're hosting relatives from up North Thursday into Sunday. In all, there will be four generations, and children we haven't yet met. We'll be back with Views on Monday. 

Daniel's Scary Vision

     We pick it up in chapter 10:4 of the book of Daniel. If you think God and his angels are always meek and mild, read on...

     Daniel, with a remarkable life of service to God while Israelites were forced to live in Babylon, wrote: "I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris. I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of the finest gold around his waist." 

     "His body was like chrysolite, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude. There were others with me, so overwhelmed by such terror they fled and hid themselves." 

     Daniel continues: "I had no strength left, my face turned deathly pale, and I was helpless. I fell into a deep sleep, my face to the ground. A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees."

     "He said, 'Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you."

     If a friendly angel can do that, we don't want to meet an angel sent to escort us to hell. The rest of Daniel chapters 10 and 11, the angel tells him what will happen on the world stage over the next 500 years. And history records it. 

#

Soldiers Win with Coffee?

     So, no cup of coffee ever killed a soldier. 

     But a beverage can be a source of energy, and boost morale. In the second year of the Civil War, 1862, imports were down 40 percent.   

     President Lincoln recognized Liberia in 1862 and raised tariffs on coffee imports (4 cents a pound), which helped fund the war. A Union blockade in the South caused coffee imports that did arrive, $8/lb.

     All this was hard on Confederate discipline and morale, apparently. 

     When Sherman attacked Atlanta, he destroyed 500 sacks of coffee. His troops didn't need the sacks, and they knew the enemy did. Question: At Appomattox in 1865, do you think those who surrendered begged for some coffee?

     General Benjamin Butler encouraged his troops to drink coffee three times a day, because "it guaranteed success." And a soldier wrote, "What keeps me alive must be the coffee." 

     There was a post-war advantage for Liberian coffee growers. By 1885, U.S. coffee imports doubled those of the war years. Tea - not so much.

Smithsonian

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." - 2 Timothy 1:7 

 

The Union's Advantage 

     You may not find this in Civil War history books. 

     After the North's pitiful first year, the tide began to turn. Was it better rifles? Cannons? Strategy? 

Some background: The Boston tea party in 1773 made a difference that mattered in the 1860's when the navy blockaded Southern ports, but in so doing, cut off their own critical supply. Supply of what?

     Meanwhile, the new Republic of Liberia, Africa was a safe place for blacks, thousands of whom were sent there, or otherwise escaped from slavery in the American South. Stephen Benson was age 6 when his (free) American parents moved from Maryland to Liberia. As an adult, he became one of the largest farmers in the country. 

     Themselves free of slavery, Liberians were rooting for the North to win the Civil War. There was no official recognition of Liberia...no trade treaties. 

     Benson hoped his "essential fuel" could benefit the Union's fight against slavery. He sent a message to America that he had planted some 500 thousand coffee trees. In August 1862, a ship carried 6,000 pounds of premium coffee to the northern states.  

     How does coffee win a war?

Tomorrow

"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." - Matthew 6:14

   

Coming Monday

The North's secret

to winning the Civil War?

Wide and Narrow Gates 

  Conclusion

     The "Sermon on the Mount" as it is known (Matthew chap. 5-7) would have helped the people if they all had tape recorders. As it was, the crowd was amazed, "...because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law." 

     As with the other "gospels," the Holy Spirit gave the former tax collector, a disciple of Jesus, the words of this book in the A.D. 60s. We learn what God wants of and for us if we search the scriptures with all our hearts. 

     We're warned about judging others but not ourselves. We're told to ask, seek and knock on God's door by prayer...and to do to others what we want them to do for us. We are God's workmanship, with responsibility. It all matters, because...

     When we die, our souls are taken to heaven, or to hell. Jesus often referred to hell. We can obey the ongoing conditions for salvation, receiving God's grace by the Lord's sacrificial death. Many Christians are satisfied to attend church on Sundays. But, we are called to pray and let our light shine seven days a week.  

     We don't want to hear Jesus say, "I never knew you."  

     The narrow way and the narrow gate are available. 

"And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn (first in position) from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy." - Colossians 1:18 

Do Not Worry 

  Part 4

     Here in the USA most of us trust our money with faith in the security it brings, and that it will lead to happiness. We hear that millionaires and billionaires worry more than the rest of us.

     "Do not worry about your life," the teacher says. Seriously. By life, he meant food and clothes. He continues, "The Father feeds the birds, and you are much more valuable than birds. Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"  

     Well, teacher, it's 2025, no worry about food and clothes for most of us. Banks crash, hurricanes and fires wipe out whole communities, we share the road with drunk drivers, and for some, the source of income no longer exists. China ships poison for us to eat. Iran wants to destroy Israel, and America too. And the teacher replies...

     "Do not worry. For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But, seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you. Don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

One more teaching, tomorrow

"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." - Isaiah 55:9 

No Showboating

   Part 3

     Thousands thrilled with miracle healings...and the teacher is not through with them yet. They are gathered on the hillside.

     "Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men...to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. Do not let your left hand know what you right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret.  Then your Father will reward you." 

     "When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him."

     "If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. If you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

     "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do. Wash your face so it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting."  

     "Do not store up treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. No one can serve two masters. You can't serve God and money." 

To be continued

"Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming." - Ephesians 5:14 

No Bragging, Boasting or Show-offs 

     Part 2

     The doctor/preacher/teacher who attracted followers by healing so many, now begins to tell them how to live. 

     "Do not murder. Do not commit adultery. Do not divorce your wife, unless she is an adulteress. Don't swear to keep your oaths...just let your yes be yes and your no be no." Then he really got their attention.

     "But I tell you, do not resist an evil person...turn the other cheek...let him have your cloak...go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."

     The people were happy to be healed, but, be nice to everyone, no matter what? Doesn't make sense, they must have been thinking. 

     Oh, he wasn't finished. "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers... Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." 

    We wonder. Did they wonder how their miraculous healings led them into a teaching that seemed...could it be...from a prophet...or...?

Note: The teacher wasn't condemning the sudden improper desire that Satan plants or otherwise arises in one's mind. Sin is approving and desiring the thought. And the teacher was not against the administration of proper justice. But consider the hurting father who forgave the man who killed his daughter, leaving judgment to the court, while thinking forgiveness might eventually touch the criminal's spiritual life.   

To be continued

"For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear, I will help you." - Isaiah 41:13

    

The Doctor/Peacher/Teacher 

     Imagine, centuries ago. People were coming from Syria, Galilee, Jerusalem and east of the river, to be healed of disease and every physical problem, even demon-possession. There was no record of such a thing...ever! 

     This stranger living in Capernaum by the lake, now had thousands of followers. Why not? None of the teachers of the law or the Roman soldiers ever performed miracles. 

     One day, crowds gathering again, he went up on a hillside and sat down. He began to teach. 

     Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn...the meek...those who hunger and thirst for righteousness...the pure in heart...peacemakers...those who are persecuted. 

     He taught them about salt and light. If they have these principles, they are examples for the world. If not, not good. 

     The teacher said, ...unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. Wow!     ...    Were the Pharisees listening? 

 To be continued

Matthew 5:16, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."