Seek the Uplifting During Lawless Days


John R. Houk, Blog Editor

© January 2, 2022

For criticizing Christians more interested in Denominational doctrine than the testimony of the Word of God, I point out that New Testament prophecy is less foretelling and more forthtelling to edification, exhortation, and comfort. The Scripture context via the New King James Version I Corinthians 14: 1-5

1Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; [a]for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification. [Bold emphasis Blog Editor’s]

I typically receive criticism when I share uplifting words from Ministers of the Gospel that are considered in the Christian genre known as the Prophetic Ministry. However, it is my opinion we live in trying days. We live in days in America in which the Executive Branch, the Legislative Branch and (VERY SAD) the Judicial Branch have seemingly shredded the Original Intent of the Founders’ Constitution into inactive irrelevance.

Hence when WE THE PEOPLE of the U.S. Constitution can longer trust the government to uphold the premise of the Preamble:

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. [Bold Emphasis Blog Editor’s] – Constitution Annotated (Intercessors For America examined Christianity in the Constitution under the title “CHRISTIANITY AND THE CONSTITUTION” posted 5/13/19)

SO AGAIN, we are living in trying days in which the rule of law is seeming created by fiat via bureaucrats and Executive Orders restricting the Liberty of dissent by WE THE PEOPLE. Thanks to the CCP virus Biblical Christians are a target more than ever by the government. AND SO, I am cross posting uplifting words from two Prophetic Ministries shared by The Elijah List.

The first is from Hank Kunneman the Senior Pastor of Lord of Hosts Church, a thriving church in Omaha, Nebraska from 1/1/22 and the second from Marsha Burns who along with her husband Bill Burns pastors Faith Tabernacle in Kremmling, Colorado from 1/2/22.

JRH 1/2/22

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Hank Kunneman: “2022: The Year of the Spoil”

By Hank Kunneman

Posted by Steve Shultz

Jan 1, 2022

The Elijah List

From the Desk of Steve Shultz:

I have come to highly respect the prophetic words and the ministry of Hank Kunneman.

Our readers and viewers have been truly blessed every time they hear his prophetic words from the Lord…and we will continue bringing them to you!

There are so many things God is doing this year…and one of them Hank mentions in his recent word for 2022: The Year of the Spoil.

As Hank shares in his word: Let Thy Kingdom come on Earth, upon this nation.

Amen! Now that’s a good prayer declaration to start off 2022! (To Subscribe to the Elijah List subscribe here.)

Steve

Thank you for making the always-free Elijah List Ministries possible. To partner with us, click here.

Enjoy!

Steve Shultz, Founder and Publisher
The Elijah List & Breaking Christian News
www.elijahlist.com

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“2022: The Year of the Spoil”

Hank Kunneman, Omaha, NE

Brenda & Hank Kunneman

Word of the Lord released on December 19, 2021 at Lord of Hosts Church:

A Great Light

“Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)

The Lord says: “Therefore, a great light, as it was in the days of the announcement of the Christ; once again there is an announcement, that I speak from My throne – of a great light. And those who sit in darkness, those who are [a] part of darkness – those who have cooperated with darkness shall see this great light.

“And I have declared to you, before, that you are in the revolution of light. And I speak to you that are in fear,” says the Living God, “that this that I speak of – this revolution of light – is My purposeful overthrow of the darkness, the agenda; the things that they say, that they shall continue to ‘stand as they are’ – they shall suddenly shift.

A Great Shaking

“There shall be a great shaking that is upon My hands and upon My agenda, and the ‘stomping out’ of My feet,” says the Lord. “Therefore, the earth will shake in the season that you are coming into. You say, ‘But, Lord, the earth shakes anyway.’ Not the way that I will shake it,” says the Living God. “And there will be numbers upon the Richter scale that they will say, ‘We have not seen at this level.’ Look to the places that it shall shake.

“And they will say, ‘What is this? We have not seen a shaking of the soil in this place recorded before.’ For My feet are stomping; My feet are moving. Therefore, that which has been seated by their own agenda and by the hands of the enemy – at My shaking – they shall be taken out and removed,” says the Living God!

2022 – The Year of Spoil

(Photo via Unsplash)

“You ask, ‘What about 2020-WON [2021]?’ I laugh at you. I laugh at you. I laugh at you that you would ask! For you have doubted My words and you have doubted Me; you have doubted My spokesmen, and they are not to be ‘about’ their reputation. For those who speak as My vessels, prophesying – it is not about their reputation; it is about My words, My agenda. Therefore,” says the Living God, “you will see 2021, but you will see it in the ‘year of spoil’ – 2022, the reward of the Lord. 

The “Unusual” – Mild & Extreme

“Watch… ‘unusual’ will be what they report. ‘Unusual’ will be what they write; what they show upon the screens through the cameras. Why would this be? Because I’m coming; with the movement of My feet, with unusual shakings, but there will [also] be unusual temperatures. As I have prophesied before: this season you are in, look for ME – mild and extreme, ME. And this will mark the season that men who have been in fear, those who have mocked and those who have given up will see that I have not given up.

“Therefore, look for ME – mild, extreme, ‘unusual.’ As I am stomping My feet, I am bringing a ‘reordering’ and a reset of My feet and My hands, and a reversal to bring a rebirthing upon this land, that you will experience the great light of an awakening; where those who sit in darkness shall see the light of their salvation, but they will [also] see the light of truth, as 2022 shall reveal truth in a way that you have not seen before. And truth shall be upheld and truth shall be that which brings consequences; and righteousness and justice shall prevail.

Closing Word from Hank Kunneman

Let Thy Kingdom come on Earth, upon this nation. As it is in Heaven, it is now! I stand as the vessel for the Living God who shall not be contested or challenged for His words. But what we say is the agreement of the voice of God Himself; therefore it is so.

I feel God is literally moving His feet, shaking, and putting out Hell’s agenda and their fires. (To watch this full prophetic word click here.)

[Blog Editor: Here is the video linked above:

Youtube VIDEO: Prophecy: The Revolution of Light, God’s Purposeful Overthrow of Hell’s Agenda, and Great Shakings

Posted by Hank and Brenda Kunneman

Posted on Dec 28, 2021

Watch this powerful, prophetic word by Pastor Hank Kunneman on December 19, 2021 regarding great shakings, the revolution of light, and 2022, the year of the Lord’s spoil. The Great Light of Truth is invading the nation of America and nations of the earth as God is bringing a reordering, a restoring, and a reversal by way of His hand!]

Hank Kunneman
One Voice Ministries

Email: hankandbrenda@ovm.org
Website: www.hankandbrenda.org

Hank Kunneman is the senior pastor of Lord of Hosts Church, a thriving church in Omaha, Nebraska, and founder of One Voice Ministries. As an uncompromising voice that God is using to stir up the Body of Christ, he is known for a strong prophetic anointing as he preaches. He travels and ministers extensively as he and his wife, Brenda, preach together at conferences, churches, and national television programs throughout the United States and overseas. Together, the Kunneman’s also host their own nationally and internationally televised weekly program, New Level with Hank and Brenda, airing on Daystar Television Network, Victory Television Network, and Faith Broadcasting Network. Pastor Hank is a published author with both Destiny Image and Charisma House, with his most recent books being The Lord Himself Is Stepping In, Prophesy with the Wind in Your Mouth, My Heart Cries Abba Father, The Revealer of Secrets, Barrier Breakers, and Don’t Leave God Alone. He has also written and created several children’s books.

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Marsha Burns: “Following Our Spiritual Compass”

By Marsha Burns

Posted by Steve Shultz

Jan 2, 2022

The Elijah List

From the Desk of Steve Shultz:

I know many people enjoy the prophetic words that Marsha and Bill Burns release on a daily basis.

This recent word from Marsha Burns about the Spiritual Compass you should be following will really encourage you in this new year.

Marsha also shares this word from the Lord:

The Lord says, “Just as you are the apple of My eye, I want to also be the center of your life and everything that exists in it…”

Now that’s a good word as we go into a new year. (To Subscribe to the Elijah List subscribe here.)

Enjoy!

Steve

Thank you for making the always-free Elijah List Ministries possible. To partner with us, click here.

Steve Shultz, Founder and Publisher
The Elijah List & Breaking Christian News
www.elijahlist.com

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“Following Our Spiritual Compass”

Marsha Burns, Kremmling, CO

The Rockies

I define our compass as the spiritual instrument of God—the Holy Spirit pointing to our destination and showing us the way to go.

The Lord says, “I will shine a light on your heart so that you can see clearly your spiritual condition. I will show you where you need to make adjustments and how you must proceed. Do not bemoan your errors and short-comings. Rather, allow the corrections to be the platform to reset your spiritual compass.

In a vision, I saw a spotlight shining from Heaven into our hearts to reveal those things that need to be considered, because God is drawing us close to Himself by causing us to be one with Him, through His righteousness in us.

And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.” (Romans 6:13)

The Apple of His Eye

The Lord says, “Just as you are the apple of My eye, I want to also be the center of your life and everything that exists in it. Your place of safety is in your ability to allow Me to be your all in all. Let everything in your sphere of existence be in accord with My Word and My presence. Give Me preeminence. That is the place where you can be in health and prosper in all things.

Keep My commands and live, and My law as the apple of your eye.” (Proverbs 7:2)

But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

We Are Living Epistles

The Lord says, “You are My ambassadors on the earth. I want you to exhibit My character and nature in every situation. Where there is vitriol, let there be grace; where there is hatred, let there be love; where there is lack, let there by charity. Allow Me to work through you in unprecedented ways. The world needs righteous people more than ever.” 

man looking at horizon (Photo via Piqsels)

You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men.” (2 Corinthians 3:2)

The people of this world are seemingly more entrenched in hatred than ever before. And, we know that this is a sign of the end of the age. We don’t know how long this end-of-the-age season will last, but we know that it is high time to get right with God.

For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows.” (Mark 13:8)

And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore, let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” (Romans 13:11-14)

Guard Your Temple

The Lord says, “Guard your spiritual and mental space from the enemy’s intrusion just as vehemently as you would guard your home from intruders and robbers. Do not forget that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and it is your job to keep that temple in such a way as to allow My Spirit to not only inhabit, but to take charge.”

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19)

Wandering Mind

“Many of you are afflicted with a wandering mind so that you entertain whatever thought that comes along, even when it takes you away from Me,” says the Lord. “Staying in My presence is a discipline that is vital to your spiritual growth and stability. Keep Me always in your thoughts, internal conversation, and in your heart.”

Wandering Mind (Photo via Pixabay)

“Many of you are afflicted with a wandering mind so that you entertain whatever thought that comes along, even when it takes you away from Me,” says the Lord. “Staying in My presence is a discipline that is vital to your spiritual growth and stability. Keep Me always in your thoughts, internal conversation, and in your heart.”

With my whole heart I have sought You; oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!” (Psalm 119:10)

The will is the guardian of the mind. It is up to us to keep our thoughts focused on God. Discipline of the wandering mind is what we all must learn and practice. When we are distracted by things of the world, we must retrieve those thoughts and restore godly focus.

Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)

Have Faith

By faith we have relationship with God in Christ, by the Holy Spirit. Faith establishes us in unity with Him. Faith gains strength in tests and trials.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)

We need to deliberately nourish our faith and refuse to feed on doubt and unbelief!

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:6-9)

Summary

The message to us at this time is to allow the light of God to reveal our hearts. We are His living epistles and must guard our spiritual space, rein in our wandering minds, be righteous, feed our faith and put God first. Amen!

Bill and Marsha Burns
Faith Tabernacle

Email: streamlining@gmail.com
Website: www.ft111.com

Bill and Marsha Burns are pastors of Faith Tabernacle in Kremmling, Colorado. Bill has a powerful prophetic gifting. His heart is to equip the Body of Christ for the work of the ministry. Marsha is a teacher and prophet with pastoral anointing. She has been commissioned by the Lord to prophesy to the nations through “Small Straws In a Soft Wind” sent out via the Internet.

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Today in Paradise – A Christmas Story


Angels Announce Jesus to Shepherds

Here is a Christmas story that begins in a familiar fashion with the unmistakable scenario of the Angels enlightening sheep herders that Jesus is born in Bethlehem, the King of the Jews. Do not whisk the story away because you think it is too familiar. You should really read the whole thing.

 

JRH 12/24/13

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Today in Paradise – A Christmas Story

 

By Keith Koerner

Sent: December 24, 2013 10:24 AM

Sent by: The Elijah List

 

Founder’s Note: This is an excellent Christmas story from my friend Keith Koerner. We thought our readers would enjoy his Christmas message. Merry Christmas and many blessings. Steve Shultz

 

Intro from Keith Koerner:Keith Koerner, Christian Author

 

I wrote a short story about Christmas, taking some artistic liberties. Perhaps it didn’t happen exactly like this, but it may have.

Have a Merry Christmas and remember the reason for the season. It isn’t about a baby’s birthday. It is about a Savior, a plan set in motion to save us from our sins and
restore relationship between us and God.

If you enjoyed this story, please share it with others!
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Today in Paradise – A Christmas Story

 

Crouching down under the back of a wagon, I peer cautiously into the darkness. I can hear the soldiers shouting and the hoofs of horses in the distance. The whinny from a horse makes me jerk my head to the right. Twenty yards away, a mounted Roman soldier is searching the street. I inch backwards under the wagon, further from his view. I slide out from under the wagon and kneel behind a large box. The soldier’s lantern swings by the wagon where I had been hiding under just moments ago. He continues slowly down the street and out of sight. I breathe a sigh of relief, trying to calm the pounding in my chest.

 

I squint through the darkness, trying to assess my surroundings. It appears that I got lucky. The chase has lead me to the edge of the town. Only a few houses separate me from the hills surrounding Bethlehem. Fifty yards and I’ll be free. I stealthily move down the darkened street and into the low-lying hills. Using the trees as shelter, I make my way further from town. Once at a safe distance, I drop my bag. By the light of the moon, I peer at the contents. Close to twenty gold coins, a gold cup, and a small dagger. This is my best theft yet in my budding career. Poor tax collector, leaving his home unbarred on a busy night. Perhaps drunk, or perhaps too naive to suspecting that anyone – let alone a wiry twelve year old – would take something from his home.

I smile and put the contents back in the bag. I’ll spend the night out here in the hills, away from the town of Bethlehem. Away from the soldiers searching for me. Tomorrow, I’ll travel to Bethany. Hopping from town to town, I will prey upon unsuspecting victims.

 

Nestled amongst the trees, I prepare to sleep. I hear shepherds nearby, laughing and talking around a fire. Sheep bleat occasionally, more for the comfort of each other than for any real need. It is quiet. Stars are attempting to shine their magnificence through the partially cloudy covering.

I take my blanket from the pack and place it at my side. I form the rest of the pack into a pillow and pull the blanket over my body. As I lie back, I see a bright light appear in the sky very close by. I roll over to my side to peer through the trees. A light coming down from the sky. The shepherds’ laughter and talking immediately stops. They are staring too. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. I crawl out of my blanket and creep closer, strangely drawn to the unknown. Out of the light a figure appears, suspended in air about thirty feet above the shepherds.

Terrified, the shepherds turn to run towards the trees. Towards me.

“Wait!”

They stop, uncertain if they should run or listen to this figure.

The figure reaches out his arms in a welcoming manner. “Don’t be scared. I have some great news for you. Not just you, but all people. Tonight, a mighty king has been born!”

The shepherds turn fully towards the figure. I emerge from the shadows, wanting a closer look.

“Here’s how you know who this King is: You’ll find the baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a feeding trough.”

I’ve hit the jackpot! A King. Wealth. Think of the treasures in His home!

Wait. A feeding trough? That doesn’t make sense. Perhaps I heard wrong.

Suddenly the sky brightens, and hundreds of these figures are all around us. They sing and declare peace on earth. Frightening yet incredible. My senses are alive.

Then as quickly as they appeared, the figures all disappear. Silence and darkness. The shepherds stare at the sky, still trying to understand what they just saw.

“Let’s go find Him,” exclaims one of the shepherds.

It breaks the group out of their trance-like state. Quickly they gather their things and start walking towards Bethlehem. I quietly gather my belongings and trail along at the back of the pack. I should be leaving. I shouldn’t be risking going back into Bethlehem, but the temptation is too great. I want to see this King. I want to see who He is. But I also know that this is an opportunity to steal more valuables than ever before. Perhaps I’d be able to steal enough to no longer have to steal again.

Walking back into town, one of the shepherds notices me.

“Did you see that?” he asks.

“Yes, I did!” I reply. “That was amazing. I want to see this King too.”

“Come up here and join us. We will find this King. This is truly great news,” he exclaims as he wraps his arm around my shoulder and gives a rough squeeze. Though a stranger, we have a camaraderie based around the hatred of our nation being subjected to the foreign rule of the Roman Empire. A King gives us hope.

I join the shepherds as they search for the future King. I try to stay in the middle of the group so I wouldn’t be spotted easily by any soldiers who may still be searching for me. I think again of the treasures I could take from this King’s house.

We arrive at a rundown inn close to the northeast side of the town. Just as one of the shepherds starts to knock on the door, we hear the distinct cry of a newborn baby. Turning, we see the small cave where the animals are kept.

Surely not in there. Surely a baby could not be in such a dirty place.

The shepherd in the lead spins on his heels and we as one enter the cave. Peering over an old donkey, I glimpse a family. Sliding around to the other side of the donkey while staying in the shadows, I am able to take a better look. A man and a woman sit along the back of the cave, huddled together for warmth. A small lantern casts shadows on the cave walls. In the dim light, I see that in the woman’s arms is a little baby, crying softly. She wraps the blankets tighter around the baby, gently rocking Him.

Two of the shepherds tentatively step forward. The leader introduces himself and tells the young family what they just experienced in the field. The couple’s eyes grow wide in amazement. As the shepherd tells the story, the woman continues to rock the baby and soon he stops crying and falls asleep. She looks down at the baby, her eyes filled with wonderment yet peaceful. It was as if she knew this would happen.

I move further into the cave and feel the squish of fresh manure beneath my sandal and curse under my breath. I smell the stench of the animals. I feel the cold air blowing in the cave.

How can this be? A poor family. A baby born in a cave? Where is the wealth? Where are the treasures? Could we be in the wrong place?

Yet I knew He was The One. There was something about everything that had been going on. This was not common. A future King. Peace on earth. But penniless. Not in a castle, but in a cave.

I look around the room one more time, looking for anything of value. A small bag is near the young man, but I don’t have the heart to steal from someone who just had a baby.

Scraping the manure off of my sandal, I slowly slip out of the cave and into the cool night air. I hear the shepherd ask what the baby’s name is. As I walk away, I hear her reply, “Jesus.”

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For over thirty years since I began a life of crime, I have never been caught. Without a father and with a mother more interested in other men than me, I had turned to stealing in order to provide for myself. Now as I hide in the shadows of a rich young ruler’s home, I think back to my humble beginnings. I remember the first loaf of bread I stole from a street vendor. I recollect the first time I snuck into a neighbor’s house. I had known where he kept his gold. Quickly and quietly, I had taken several coins but purposefully left most of the coins since I had thought his daughter was beautiful. I remember the night I stole from the tax collector and almost got caught by the Roman soldiers. That reminds me of the puzzling encounter with the shepherds, floating figures in the sky, and a supposed baby King.

I wonder what ever happened to that baby?

My attention returns to the house as I hear the door open. The young ruler locks the door and hurries down the street. Now is the time. I make my way to the back of the house, looking for an opening. The courtyard gate at the stairs leading to his rooftop is not barred. I quietly open the gate and climb the stairs. On the roof, I crouch near an opening in the roof. Slowly I climb down the ladder and into his house. I’ve become very adept at searching homes in complete darkness. I feel my way around the room looking for a loose rock in the wall, a common hiding place for valuables. Behind that rock I know that there are many gold coins. I need to find those coins. I need to stop being a thief. It is getting harder to steal. The risk is getting greater. People are becoming more wise and hiding things better. The Roman soldiers are looking for thieves with greater persistence.

I find the loose rock! I place it on the ground and reach into the hole. I feel coins. Lots of coins. Jackpot! I begin to load my bag. My heart begins to race with the all too familiar thrill of stealing a large treasure. I’m a little sloppy in my excitement. Quickly. The coins are clinking as they hit the bottom of the bag. A little too quickly. A little too loudly. Loud enough to not hear the door open as the young ruler returned to get something he’d forgotten. Too loud to not hear him come up behind me. Suddenly a sharp pain in the back of my head. Darkness.

 ________________________________

My head is pounding in pain before I even open my eyes. I reach to feel where it hurts but my arm is stopped short. I open my eyes. My arms and legs are shackled together, allowing for only the smallest of movements. I lift my head and take in the surroundings. Across the room is a man that I recognize. Another thief. We had even planned and committed a few thefts together when the jobs needed more than one man.

I grimace in pain. My head is throbbing. My chest hurts when I breathe. My back feels like someone has made cuts all over it. My vision in my left eye is partially blurry and my face feels swollen.

I lean back against the wall. This is it. This is the end. Caught in the act. I know the punishment. I close my eyes to the physical and emotional pain.

________________________________

I try to sleep off the pain and not think about what is next. The head continues to pound and my body hurts. But I know it is nothing compared to the pain I will feel in a few hours. Sentenced to death just an hour earlier, I feel the weight of the judgment upon me. Terror rises in me. Helpless to do anything about it, I curse the air.

Down the corridor I hear the shouts of an angry mob of people. I look up to see the guards pushing a man down the hall. He is hardly recognizable. Covered in blood, chunks of His beard pulled out, His back ripped open from the whippings of the dreaded cat of nine tails. His face covered in spit mixed with blood.

A guard opens the cell door. He removes the shackles from the other thief and me. “On your feet,” he barks.

We follow the crowd out into the open courtyard. For some reason, the mob is furious with this severely beaten man. I see the Roman soldiers and the crowd of mostly Jews begin to mock Him.

They cram a crudely made crown made out of large thorns upon His head. I see blood stream down the back of his neck. They put a robe on Him.

“King of the Jews?” They taunt him.

“You think You are so great. Just look at You now.” A burly guard slaps Him across the face.

I am led across the courtyard to stand before Pilate, the ruler of the region. The other thief stands with me. Pilate is distracted by the mob. He wants to let this man go free, but the crowd is shouting, “Crucify Him.”

“Jesus, what do You have to say?” Pilate asked Him.

Jesus? I vaguely recall the name. Many years ago. A King. My head is throbbing. I can’t think straight.

I think back through the years. All the people I’d encountered. The ones I stole from. The ones I called friends.

A King? The crowd is wanting to crucify a King?

Shaken out of my thoughts by a guard shoving me forward, I wince in pain. The verdict has been passed. Pilate has waved me on. He will not save me. All three of us now must begin the march towards death. Weakened by the beatings, the crossbar they strap to my shoulders is almost too heavy. I have to carry it to the hill. The crowds are now even larger. Hatred spews from their lips. They curse at us, spit on us, yell at us. But I notice most of it is directed at the man they call Jesus.

Why such hatred? What did He do?

I stagger under the weight, nearly falling on my face. I attempt to regain my footing, bumping into someone. Jesus. Just a couple of feet away. He turns His head and I see His face. There is something in His eyes. I can see it. Not the anger of being beaten. Not the terror of being sentenced to death. Not the shame of a life of crime. It is something else. Something good. Beyond the pain being inflicted upon His body, His eyes are shining with… love! With love for the people!

It makes no sense. The crowd is so angry, so full of hate. Yet He is full of love.

We finally make it to the hill. The soldiers lay each of us down upon a large pole. They tie the crossbar onto the pole. I brace for what is next. I see the spikes. I see the hammer. I roll my head to the left. I look into the eyes of the ones they mockingly called the King of the Jews. He looks at me, eyes deeper than the ocean. They seem to look right through me, right to my heart. I look away, feeling strangely ashamed of what I’d done in my life.

The hammer falls. Worse pain than I’ve ever felt now courses through my body. Right hand. Left hand. I feel weak with pain. I look back at Jesus. His body trembles in agony, but He continues to look into my eyes. Right foot. Left foot. The pain of the stakes is almost too much.

They lift us up. I feel the blood rush to my feet and I feel dizzy. My body sags under the weight of itself. I push myself up on the cross to be able to breath. Unbearable pain. The crowd is screaming.

Jesus. A cave. Figures in the sky. Shepherds. A King. Peace on earth. A Savior.

The disparate thoughts all merge together.

This is Him! This is the One that over thirty years ago amazing supernatural events trumpeted His arrival.

I see the figures. The angels. “Glory to God in the highest. Tonight a Savior is born.”

A Savior. Jesus – which means One who saves. One who will save us all from our sins.

I turn my head for another look. I see the eyes. Eyes of love for mankind. I understand who He really is. My vision blurs. I see the baby. The innocent baby is nailed to that cross! One who hasn’t harmed anyone. The Savior. The King.

The crowd continues to yell. I know He is innocent, yet I see myself walk over to Him. I spit upon Him. I slap Him. I yell, “Crucify Him!” The baby just looks at me with love.

I put Him there! I was the one.

Jesus. The One who will save people from their sins.

I rejected Him. I had heard of His miracles but I wasn’t interested. I was too busy committing crimes, living my own life. My sins are too many. I step away from the cross. I feel the guilt. My mind flashes back across the years. The things I had stolen. The things I said. The selfish life I’d lived. It was me. I understand in a moment that this baby was dying not for the crimes He had committed, but for mine. For everyone standing there. For everyone yet to come.

The innocent One. The pure One. The King of the Jews. The Son of God. For me. A baby. Fully God, yet fully man. A plan. A plan for all mankind.

I push myself up again. I’m so weak. My vision is starting to blur. I see the baby. I see the severely beaten man. I see the King. I see my Savior. I understand that His Kingdom was not of this world. He is opening the door to let us all have access to that Kingdom.

“Remember me when you arrive in Your Kingdom,” I say to Him.

Eyes full of love. I feel the guilt wash away. The shame removed. The humiliation gone. I feel clean. My mind is clear.

“Today, you will be with Me in paradise,” He says in a soft, kind voice.

Through the excruciating pain, a slight smile crosses His mouth. Without strength to say any more, I smile back. I feel a warmth at the back of my head. My vision blurs. White. Bright. Light. Nothing.

Paradise.

___________________________

Copyright 2013 – Keith Koerner

To leave a comment for Keith Koerner, go to his blog link and leave a comment at the bottom: http://beingreal4all.blogspot.com/2013/12/today-in-paradise-christmas-story.html

 

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Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Sends Christmas Greetings to Israeli Christians


Benjamin Netanyahu

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wishes a Merry Christmas to Christians in Israel and around the world.

 

JRH 12/17/11

*********************************

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Sends Christmas Greetings to Israeli Christians

 

Sent by Elijah List

Sent December 16, 2011 5:21 PM

Benjamin Netanyahu – Israel Office of the Prime Minister

 

During these perilous times, as God’s people, we need to intensify our support for Israel, the nation fighting to protect the world,” says Robert Stearns, founder and director of Eagles’ Wings, a global movement of churches, ministries and leaders. “As we remember the coming of our Savior to this earth, we must protect the Holy Land of His Covenant and keep it holy, which makes the prime minister’s greetings so important.” -Robert Stearns, founder and director of Eagles’ Wings

 

FOUNDING EDITOR’S NOTE: Robert Stearns sent a request for me to send out this story as far and wide as I could to our Christian readers. As far as I am concerned, Netanyahu is a hero to both his country, Israel, and ours, the United States of America.

 

-Steve Shultz, www.BreakingChristianNews; www.ElijahList.net

 

(Israel)—The office of the prime minister of Israel has released a video of Benjamin Netanyahu thanking Christians for their support. Here are some excerpts from that message:

 

“I want to wish the Christian citizens of Israel, as well as Christians around the world, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Israel is proud of its strong and growing Christian community, and we are proud of the deep and passionate support of so many Christian friends of Israel around the world.”

 

“We are living in a time of great uncertainty and instability in the Middle East and Israel, throughout this instability, remains a beacon of religious freedom and pluralism. In a region where Christians are routinely persecuted and where there is little tolerance for the faith of others, Israel safeguards the holy places of the great religion and ensures freedom of worship for all.”

 

To watch the video Christmas greeting from Netanyahu, follow the link provided:

http://www.pmo.gov.il/PMOEng/Communication/EventsDiary/christ151211.htm

 

YOUTUBE VIDEO LINK: PM Netanyahu’s Christmas Greetings 2011

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