Grass. More than one time, I have stood on a random section of grass in a field, in a country where Global Infusion ministers. To the passerby, it is just that—a field, grassy area, maybe some dirt. But what they don’t know is that God has picked that spot; He has...
Very few people on our planet will have the tremendous opportunity to visit God’s beautiful continent of Africa. For longer than Global Infusion has been in existence, I have had the honor to build a relationship and work in partnership with Pastor Daniel Yaw Akuoko,...
There are some verses in the Bible that are perplexing. We think we know what they mean, but perhaps by the time we enter eternity, and have greater revelation, we may find out that we were not even close. And this Gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole...
It doesn’t take long in life to discover that it is relatively easy to start something, hard to sustain, and very challenging to complete. Whether it is a project, a marriage, a New Year’s resolution, a college degree, or a job, while it may feel like it takes a...
SMILES Thailand is known for many things. One phrase I have heard it called is: the Land of Smiles. On the surface, and for your average tourist, this may be true, but there is an overwhelming darkness beyond the marketing of their gorgeous beaches, culturally...
Pentecost. Pentecost….here we go. So here’s the thing, when Jesus breathed on the disciples in John 20:22, and said “Receive the Holy Spirit,” a very unique door opened that had never been open previously. Subsequent to this history-altering event, there was a special...
In Matthew 24, Jesus said, “4 Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
It is important to pay attention to the news, but not be consumed by it. While many people in this world strive for world peace, Jesus very clearly says that as we draw closer to His Second Coming, there will be wars. Unrest will be prevalent. In reality, the world has always been this way—we currently live in a fallen world where the enemy does indeed have some measure of power. His influence and actions are obvious.
All four Gospels give a first-hand account of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey as a swarming crowd gathers before Him to lay down palm branches and leaves on His path. They shouted: “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matt. 21:9, NIV). The chapter goes on to read, “When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, ‘Who is this?’ The crowds answered, ‘This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.’” (Matt. 21:10-11). What a relief. Finally, after all the miracles and explaining and hoping and praying, the Jews have received Jesus as their Savior and all is well. And this is where the story ends, right? Wrong. Jesus knew people better than they knew themselves. He knew that He would see this same joyous throng of people turn to a confused, accusatory, and violent mob full of rage, all in a one-week period of time. After this façade of a demonstration, Jesus became more aggressive in His communication. For three years people had the chance to hear Him, understand Him, and follow Him. The superficial parade He endured on a donkey only spoke volumes to the fact that these people really did not understand. They did not understand the Kingdom of Heaven, though He explained many ways; they did not understand the Father; nor did they understand who He was or the mission He was called to fulfill.
“The world or the state of things as they actually exist, as opposed to an idealistic or notional idea of them.“
It is interesting how there are different realities for every living human being, even though we concurrently live on the same planet. Collectively, we can experience some similar events, like the weather regionally, or a pandemic worldwide. But mostly, everyone has a different reality based on where they were born, and to whom they were born. While some people exist in areas of the world where virtually everything they truly need is available, others struggle for the basic necessities of life. Some live in active war zones. Others live oppressed by governments and false religions. Some have daily tasks like walking to get water for the day.
Our common enemy is audacious. The “ruler of this world,” as Jesus calls him in John 14:30, seemingly has no fear when it comes to attacking the children of God. Jesus gave us a warning in John 10:10 that he is also a thief and is literally hell-bent on stealing from us, killing us and destroying us. If you were expecting a Happy New Year in this letter, just remind yourself that the enemy relentlessly wants to destroy you, and everyone else on our planet. He wants to keep us eternally separated from God, and he never takes a break.
