Nothing and no one is going to tear me out of the kingdom of heaven, or take the kingdom of heaven from within me. In the midst of an evil world, I fear no evil for “the Lord is my Shepherd.” God desires this confidence for all believers.

“What I feared has come upon me,” Job lamented. But we can live within the safe and secure protection of God’s presence. Remember, God removed the hedge around Job to illustrate the devastating consequences of life without the protective walls that come only from the Father.

As with Moses and Jesus, I keep being led to go up on the mountain seeking the presence and Word of God from God. As I search the Scriptures, the Lord who is the Word dwelling among us communicates the desires of His heart to me. It is as though He is writing His Word on my heart and urging me to not only hear His heart and discover His will, but to share it with all who have ears to hear.

I can’t find anyone not to love because I can’t find anyone God doesn’t love. Sometimes it seems I am trying to find someone who merits not only disapproval and sometimes disgust, but even sometimes feeling that hate would be appropriate. You don’t even have to look hard for people to dislike since they have such obnoxious ways, despicable expressions and practices that hate seems to be the appropriate response.

While many people are making New Year’s resolutions, I’m praying for a supernatural recognition of who believers are in Christ. We are kingdom people—no longer orphans, but sons and daughters …

Why were the tears suddenly filling my eyes until they began to stream down my cheeks? Just a few moments earlier, my hands were lifted to heaven in worshipful praise. I had noticed Betty’s hands also lifted, along with many others, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw my daughter Rhonda with hands lifted high, tears filling her eyes, as she, too, praised our Savior. But now my head was nearly in my lap, and I was weeping.

We are approaching the celebration of the greatest gift God ever offered. I am referring, of course, to the birth of our Savior the Lord Jesus. Through this gift all mankind can receive forgiveness and fullness in this lifetime, as well as eternal life. God so loved all of us that He not only offered grace through this Child, but life through the sacrificial death and glorious resurrection of His only begotten Son. God is love and, without a doubt, love is expressed in giving.

Sensitive, discerning people can easily read the signs indicating the potentially catastrophic consequences resulting from a liberal, progressive philosophy. The trend makes slavery under Pharaoh’s prominence appear more understandable. Israel was trapped in bondage during a time of dreadful depravity. Likewise, much of the United States and free world have been misled in their thinking.

Years ago, just before my 18^th birthday, I turned every part of my life over as completely as I knew how to the Lord Jesus. I answered His call …

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday. We have so much for which to be grateful. Betty and I are spending the next few days with our son, Randy; his wife, Debbie; and their four children. Our daughters, Robin and Rhonda, are joining together with their families in Oklahoma. We will likely be all together for Christmas. I hope you are enjoying time with those you love.

When I consider all the things for which to give God praise and thanksgiving, the list is endless. Let me share just a few:

There are some dates you will never forget. September 11, 2001, is remembered as the day the Twin Towers fell in New York City. The whole world felt it. Many watched. None forget.