“A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast” (Proverbs 12:10 KJV). And, why wouldn’t we care for someone who is so faithful to us? Judy (1936-1950) was a pure-bred liver and white Pointer, born in Shanghai, China and adopted by the British Royal Navy as a ship’s mascot for the HMS Gnat, and later with the HMS Grasshopper. During WW2, many times she provided early warning to the ship’s crew of approaching enemy aircraft with her acute canine hearing. After her ship was finally sunk, and finding refuge on an island, she helped surviving crew members find fresh water, saving them all. Upon their eventual capture by the Japanese, Judy was the only dog ever registered as a prisoner of war. Moving from camp to camp, she survived the sinking of the transport ship Harugiku Maru, and saved many passengers from drowning by bringing them flotsam. In camp, she caught small rodents for the POWs to eat for survival. Judy bonded with fellow POW Frank Williams, who shared his handful of rice, and both cared for one another until her death years after the war. Bonding with furry friends such as Judy reminds us of our Lord’s attachment to us. LORD, may we be inspired to be as faithful to You, as Judy was to Frank and all her crew mates. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Hope of Glory
AI is the Future
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the future, and everyone is trying to play catchup in figuring how not to be left behind in product development, incorporating AI into every conceivable aspect of human interaction, and displacing many white collar jobs thought to be immune to machine learning and automation. The title of a YouTube interview with renowned American artificial intelligence researcher, Eliezer Yudkowsy, is “We’re All Gonna Die” (1:49:22). Cheery thought! Like predictions of catastrophe with nuclear weapons proliferation, comet collision, and global warming, Yudkowsky presents his sobering warning that AI will ultimately doom humanity. Jesus prophesied of upcoming days, “And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened” (Matthew 24:22 KJV). Humanists without God in their heart or mindset, like Yudkowsky, are without hope, while the elect of God have been thrown a lifeline! LORD, may the elect make their “calling and election sure” (2Peter 1:10) by practicing godliness, rather than claiming exemption from judgment based upon a claim of salvation, while calling You “Lord, Lord, and do not the things which [You] say” (Luke 6:46). Hope and peace upon all those, who walk in faith with You. Return quickly, in Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen and amen.
In the Twinkling of an Eye
Heaven is a place, but it is also a change of dimension. Paul attempted to teach this truth to the Corinthians. “Behold, I shew [shō] you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1Corinthians 15:51-52 KJV). The whole study of God and last things brings us to this mystery. In the blink of an eye, we shall change our dimension into Christ’s presence. The last or final blast of the trumpet for both the living and dead saints will produce this instantaneous change. This is the hope of rapture and resurrection for the Body of Christ. LORD, purify Your body of disciples in hope of this transformation. Come quickly. Lord Jesus. Amen.
Christ In You
“Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). What can be more balanced and sound of doctrine and practice than “in all things [Christ] might have the preeminence” (1:18)? ‘Fundamentalists’ stress soundness of doctrine about Christ. Getting people saved would be their primary goal. By comparison, the ‘other evangelicals’ stress developing a relationship with Christ. Discipling converts would be their emphasis. Both are essential. Christianity is “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (1:27) with soundness of doctrine about Christ’s saving and continually sanctifying grace. The Pharisees did get right the need for obedience to God’s law, but they strained at a gnat and swallowed a camel because they forgot Yahweh wanted a people, who knew Him. “For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:6). Automatons who obeyed without heart were not desirable. “And I will put My spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27). May our God receive for Himself a people walking in loving obedience with an ever increasing understanding of Him. Amen.
The Hope of Glory
“Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). Whatever dream we have for physical healing or flourishing, financial deliverance or success, rescue or freedom from oppression, survival or rising above the elements, a Pre-Tribulational Rapture, or even the salvation of loved ones — Jesus Christ alone “is our hope” (1Timothy 1:1 KJV). If anyone or anything is more valuable than Christ to us, then that is our hope. If Jesus is really worth more than everything to me, do I live that way? Am I waiting for Christ to become more popular? Remember, when everyone realizes this truth, it is too late. “Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen” (Revelation 1:7 KJV).
We Need A Miracle 