Mohammed Mushtaha, imam at Dhu ‘l-Nurayn mosque in Shuja’iyah in Gaza, was kidnapped by Hamas last week, according to his son, Ala Mohammed Mushtaha, in a January 4, 2024 article in The Free Press. “He wouldn’t preach what Hamas told him to. He refused to tell Gazans that violent resistance and obedience to Hamas, is the best way out of our current hell.” Using mosques to store weapons, money, and equipment were not enough for Hamas. They required this refusing imam to support their resistance movement in his sermons. He refused for conscience sake. Pray for his safety, for men of conscience, God can reach and use. “And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men” (Acts 24:16 KJV).
Author: Ken
Embarrassment of Riches
Christians have been given an embarrassment of riches of “all things are yours” (1Corinthians 3:21 KJV) through Christ. For the one who has understood, absolutely believed, and resolutely confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, an Unlimited God gave that universal promise to us. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9 KJV).
Rebuking the Devil
“Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing [prideful, boastful] accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee” (Jude 1:9 KJV). Christians must contend or fight the enemy not in our own strength, but the “Lord rebuke thee” (1:9). Victory is humbly ours with the LORD’s safety and protection, when we contend with the Serpent Michael’s way. In the name of Jesus, we rebuke thee [the Devil]. Amen.
Anxious for Nothing
“Be careful [Greek, merimnaō, anxious] for nothing” (Philippians 4:6 KJV) means we shouldn’t worry about anything. It’s practically impossible not to worry, unless we’re really persuaded God is listening to our prayers. “But in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6 KJV). We ask and petition God with gratitude concerning whatever is on our mind. Not only does He supply our needs, but it fortifies our faith, when we are doing whatever we can cooperating with God. What a wonderful exchange! “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7 KJV). And, God is always giving more than we know to ask (Ephesians 3:20)!
Health of My Countenance
The wonders of a vibrant auto immune system, medical science understands its underlying importance. Good clean living, others attribute to their longevity. Who or what holds us together? Our God. “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God” (Psalm 42:11; 43:5 KJV).
An Economist’s Lament
“In the long run we are all dead,” said John Maynard Keynes of ‘buy now pay later’ fame. If death is the end of it all, then humanity’s long term outlook is dismal. But, hope can only spring from an unlimited, everlasting, all caring God. “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost” (Romans 15:13 KJV).
Behavior: Ten Minute Rule
I knew a person who overcame a lifelong smoking addiction after committing their life to Christ. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). I read a story of another individual, who was told by his doctor he would probably die, if he didn’t quit smoking. He was instructed to commit himself to not smoking for only ten minutes, and occupy himself with something else during those ten minutes. Repeat the process until a habit formed, likely a month or two later. The man surprised the doctor exactly a year later with a smile and mission accomplished! How much more any behavior can be conquered through Christ!
Addiction: The Bad and the Good
“They have addicted [Greek, tassō, devoted] themselves to the ministry of the saints” (1Corinthians 16:15 KJV). The concept of dependency is a negative addiction, if I am “brought under the power of any” (1Corinthians 6:12 KJV) thing but Christ. On the other hand, an addiction is positive, if the dependency brings us under the influence of Christ and His ministry. O LORD, addict us to Yourself and Your ministry. May we never withdraw from our dependency upon You! Help us exchange our addiction for anything to dependence only upon You! Amen.
Support Your Local Church (Part 2)
Contributing to your local church not only pays the rent, keeps the lights on, provides a place to teach your kids, provides a place to interact with fellow disciples, gives a way to hear the preaching of God’s Word, but it is a place where Jesus said He would be especially present. Sure, He is everywhere because He is God, but He was especially present in the OT Holy of Holies of the Jerusalem Temple, just as He is now abiding in His NT disciples. But, He is, again, especially present in the assemblies of the local church, where the Holy Spirit can specially minister to us and through us, like in Matthew 18:20. “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20 KJV). Keep this special assembly alive with your tithes and offerings.
Support Your Local Church (Part 1)
Thank you for supporting your local church! They don’t collect taxes or sell a product, but like Old Covenant Israel, God has chosen the New Testament Church to represent Himself to the world. God is looking for a people who love Him, and are willing to do His will, not to avoid punishment or gain a reward. A people so willing to do His will, they become an extension of Him. That’s why the most important thing we can give Him is our heart. “My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways” (Proverbs 23:26 NIV). Supporting your local church is a princely deed! “When the princes in Israel take the lead, when the people willingly offer themselves — praise the Lord” (Judges 5:2 NIV). Think of how God can multiply His influence across the world with people who want no more than His will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven!
We Need A Miracle 
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