In Times Like These ...

What do we do when we are forced to live in the midst of a troubled world, surrounded by sin? Should we be taken aback by this? Should we withdraw and cocoon in our own little world?

Not at all! 2 Timothy 3:1-9 and 2 Timothy 4: 3-4 say that these things would happen in the end times. Therefore, Christians should not be troubled or feel defeated because God has prepared us through his word. This is a time of great challenges and great opportunity because God has given us an awesome responsibility to demonstrate and share the love of Jesus Christ.

Jesus lived in a world very similar to ours, yet he never lost sight of the fact that his kingdom was not of this world and He never compromised his relationship to the people of this world. He was often called a friend of sinners (Luke 5:29-30 and Luke 15:1-2).

In Matthew 9:12-13 (NLT) Jesus responds, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”

We should follow this example. Jesus befriended many people who were on the fringes of society. He went among them to bring them out of their sin, not to justify their sin. Likewise, under the leading and prompting of the Holy Spirit, we must do the same. Ultimately, Jesus loved them and all mankind so much that he willingly laid down his life to pay the penalty for all sin.

My prayer is that in times such as this we would heed the words of the Apostle Peter: “… Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” 1 Peter 3:15

Here are some guidelines that can be used to plant and water seeds:

* Pray for God to open doors of opportunity to plant and water seeds.
* Do not judge or disrespect the people around you.
* Show them the genuine love of Christ.
* Look at people through the eyes of Christ. (2 Timothy 2:23-26 and Colossians 4:5-6).
* Tell them how much God loves them.
* Live before them as a credible witness.
* Make constant intercession for people in your little world. Pray that God will use you or another Christian as a conduit for sharing his plan of salvation.

In Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Our Savior was the living embodiment of love shown to the lost.

Paul Weresch

letstalkpw@gmail.com

Dear Friends ...

Praise the Lord, Olga arrived well and Joyful.

It was a great privilege for Betty and I to welcome Olga at the Vancouver International airport. It was a privilege to take some time last night and share our appreciation for goodness of God.

Before we "tucked" her into bed, we took some time to pray again for Russia, for President Dmitri Medwedjew, Prime-minister Vladimir Putin. Now we ask you continue to pray with us for this great Country and its diverse and needy People.

Humanly speaking there is no quick solution to the many problems Russia is facing. The unrest will continue; the many ..."Stans" in the Russian Federation; Kazakstans, Kyrgizstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Chechnya will not rest until they have separated and brought in the Sharia Law. Part of the reason for the great strides the extremist are making in the advancement of terrorism are unemployment and poverty.

Please pray for this region, for a unstable Russian Federation is a problem for the entire world.

And let us not forget to pray for North America and Central Europe, where shareholder profit and greed have become the driving force, where the needs of people are disregarded and Life itself has become a commodity.

Please pray for the Christian Church that it may rise to the occasion and proclaim the "good news" to the poor while standing up for Justice and living lifestyles that will reflect the love, grace, and holiness of God.

Please pray.....
Paul

letstalkpw@gmail.com

Again and again and again ...

This morning I received an urgent email from Paul …

Pray for Russia and for Olga’s safety.
Olga has served us as a fantastic Interpreter for more than 12 years, she is to arrive in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Jan 24 for a two month stay to polish up her English.

A deadly blast at Moscow’s Domodedovo airport has disturbed us and we ask you to pray for Russia. At least 35 people have been killed and nearly 200 wounded in an explosion at Moscow’s Domodedovo airport according to the Russian Health Ministry. An Investigative Committee believes it to be a terror attack.

I just talked to Sasha our faithful coworker in Moscow, and he too asks you to pray for their country. Pray for the Caucasus … the region that we have been working in for the past 12 years. Caucasus is the region the security forces suspect the Suicide Bomber to from.

Pray for the Churches and their leadership in this vast region that includes Sochi, Vladikavkaz and Chechnya.

Paul Weresch

How ironic that the Pastor of our church preached a sermon just yesterday concerning the story of Noah and God’s destruction of his creation.

Sin had reached a point where the Creator could not tolerate the actions of His creation. He provided the provision of an ark to save any who would repent. When it floated away, it contained one family.

Twice again, the Bible reports the power of God’s wrath falling on a sinning people. Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed with, again, very few taking advantage of the provision provided. Ninevah also fell under the wrath of God. However, the story was vastly different because the entire city took advantage of the provision provided and repented of their sin.

It’s been said that "He who forgets history is condemned to repeat it." Have we forgotten … or do we completely ignore God’s history of hating sin as read in the Bible?

Are we doomed to repeat it? The answer is a resounding, YES! However, as before, God has provided a provision for all who will accept it. Our Jonah … our ark … the provision provided for us … is Jesus Christ.

Will you be like the people of Noah’s day? Will you be one of those lost in Sodom? Or will you repent like the people of Ninevah?

Everyday the news contains proof that the human race has become the people of Romans 1:25 .... exchanging the truth of God for a lie, and worshiping and serving created things rather than the Creator.

My friends … it is time! It is time to repent, believe and accept Jesus Christ, who has been given to you as the ARK … the provision for your salvation.

I beg you … get on board!

Larry Abele, editorial team

"I Love Tools"

I have always worked with wood. I love the smell of wood being worked … I love to walk around my workshop fondling some favorite tools. I am especially fond of old tools like the hundred and twelve year old hand plane given to me by Istwan Kovac who made and used it to create many furniture pieces in Hungary

But, I also like new tools. I like the Internet and some of the tools it puts at your disposal.

Think about it! It’s like walking into my workshop and finding among my tools portals to mounds of information.

For instance, the amazing number of wonderful books available … books that can be found on web sites like: http://www.christianbooksummaries.com/, or http://www.bible.org/.

Here are a few titles found on Christian Book Summaries:

Practical Theology for Women: How knowing God Makes a Difference in Our Daily Lives, by Wendy Horger Alsu.
"A better understanding of God’s character, that is, theology, makes me a better wife … when we ladies grow in our understanding
of God’s character and attributes, it can only be a blessing for our homes, our marriages, our churches."

The God-Centered Life, by Josh Moody
"The life and ministry of Jonathan Edwards can inspire us to greater faithfulness, whether or His passions for the gospel and the spread of the kingdom of God have a great deal to teach us in the twenty-first century."

You Were Made for More, by Jim Cymbala with Dean Merrill
"There is a unique assignment God has gifted you for and is calling you to accomplish. When you identify it, roll up your sleeves,
and get started, you will begin to tap into more influence, more energy, and more satisfaction than you ever believed possible."

Fight: Are You Willing to Pick a Fight with the Enemy? by Kenny Luck.
"God's archenemy, Satan, is engaged in a final battle for planet Earth. His focus is on causing those to fall who stand firmest for what is right and good. Victory awaits those willing to stand and fight, surrender to God, and place themselves under His protection."

Real Christianity, by William Wilberforce
"When William Wilberforce became a Christian in 1785, his calling became laser focused on rousing believers to understand the true nature of faith, and bringing about the end of slavery in the British colonies. A dozen years after his conversion he articulated his views in this book."

And, these are just a few of the hundreds of titles available. So, go ahead stroll through a few new tools.

Happy Surfing,
Paul Weresch

PS: If you have any comments for Paul or members of the editorial team, you can email us at: letstalkpw@gmail.com

Be glad ... and have joy in the Lord your God

I received a note from Paul as he reacted to the destruction that is happening in our world. Read what he said:

“In my musing over the Christmas season and the Joy it brought to countless people around the world, I was reminded of the stark reality of life as it unfold before our eyes. My thought went out to the people of Haiti, Sudan, Australia, Brazil and the great tragedy of Arizona.

In times like this it is easy to spread blame, and demonize the other. My prayer is that we would turn to the source of Comfort, Hope and Peace.

Let me give you a portion of God’s Word as spoken to the people of Israel by the prophet Joel. Please read Joel 2:21-32 as he assures us we should have no fear because the Lord will give back the years that have been destroyed. ‘… Have no fear, O land; be glad with great joy; for the Lord has done great things.’

Read it, think about it and pray.”

Paul Weresch

Yes, Joel gives hope to the people of Israel where there seems to be no hope. And, just like the people of Joel’s time, we are given hope in words of the Bible.

Isaiah 34:4, Matthew 24:29-31 and Luke 21:25-28 tell us of the signs in the heavens … to “lift up your heads because your redemption is drawing near.”

Jesus tells us in Matthew 24 to “keep watch” and “be ready” but also to “… see to it that you are not alarmed.”

The Apostle Paul warns and comforts in 2 Thessalonians not to be deceived or to become easily unsettled as the events unfold, because Jesus will keep you “steadfast in the faith to the end.”

Peter reminds us in his second book to be error free by “recalling the words spoken of old by holy prophets” which takes us back to Joel 2:21-32.

Yes, dear friends … there is much happening in the world today to bring sorrow to our hearts. However, let us listen to Joel as he says, “Be glad and have joy in the Lord your God!”

Larry Abele, Editorial Team