Proverbs 15:29-33; Ecclesiastes 10:1-4

5-29-20, Charles Stanley -- No one likes criticism, but encountering some is inevitable, so we need to learn how to respond in a godly way. Although we might be tempted to become defensive or angry, we must always remain calm and listen to what they are saying. The words may hurt, but great benefits come to those who carefully consider what is said.

If we refuse to accept reproof [criticism, scorn or scoffing], we'll limit our potential for Christlike character development and spiritual growth. Some of life's best lessons come through difficult experiences. Whether the criticism is valid or not, whether it's delivered with kindness or harshness, your goal should always be to respond in a way that glorifies the Lord Jesus. Remember that you are responsible only for how you handle yourself, not for how the other person is acting.

Every rebuke is an opportunity from God. While we are being mocked or criticized we should just be quiet and listen until the he/she has finished. Make direct eye contact to show attentiveness and respect. When your critic finishes, thank them for bringing their concerns to your attention, and tell them that you'll consider what they said. Ask the Lord if the accusation is valid. Let Him search your heart and either affirm your innocence or convict you. Study God's word to find answers to the charges made.  It's a chance to let your Christian character shine by showing love to your critic.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-23; Galatians 6:1-2, 3-5

5-20-20, Pastor Charles Stanley -- ​There are hurting people everywhere, but at times we just don't know what to say or do to ease their pain. God's word has suggestions to help others especially those of the faith [Galatians 6:9-10]; here are six practical ways to bear someone else's burden.

1. Be there. At times the best "method" of helping is simply to be present. During our darkest hours, we don't need someone who tries in vain to fix everything; we just need a friend.
2. Listen. Don't attempt to give answers or tell people what to do next. Injured souls frequently want simply a listening ear so they can express what's on their mind.
3. Share. Never parade yourself as someone who has all the answers; instead, allow your own pain and failures to help others.
4. Pray. There is power in speaking people's names before the Lord. When they hear someone talk to Jesus on their behalf, healing often starts taking place.
5. Give. Sometimes helping others involves more than a handshake or warm hug. Maybe they need something financial or material. One of the best measures of sincerity is how much we're willing to give to others.
6. Substitute.You may know an individual who bears the burden of caring for someone else. If you step in and take his or her place for a while, you are emulating your Savior--He, too, was a substitute.

It's not possible to save ourselves; almighty God requires a perfect sinless sacrifice [Hebrews 10:8-10, 13:12] - we're not perfect or sinless. Therefore, Jesus bore all of our sin and sorrow, even unto death. As a result, we can live happily and eternally in communion and promise of eternity with our Heavenly Father. [1 John 5:20] If Christ did that for us, surely we can find time and energy to bear the brethren's burdens. [Galatians 6:9-10] Source

China Expands Airbase Near Ladakh, Fighter Jets On Tarmac ...www.ndtv.com › All India
5-26-20, New Delhi:  Satellite images show massive construction activity at a high altitude Chinese air base, located just 200 kilometres away from the Pangong Lake, the site of the skirmish between forces of India and China on May 5-6, 2020. Two images show the Ngari Gunsa airport in Tibet. The first image is dated April 6, 2020 while the second one, dated May 21, 2020 showing massive construction activity including the addition of what appears to be a second taxi-track or a secondary tarmac to position helicopters or combat aircraft. A third image shows a close-up of the main tarmac at the airport with a line-up of four fighter jets believed to be either J-11 or J-16 fighters of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force.​ The current standoff between Indian and Chinese forces is described as India/China worst border tension since Kargil in 1999.

"Jesus has saved us and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, Who hath abolished death and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." 
​2 Timothy 1:9-10
***

Please join us on May 29, at 11:00 am ET for a livestreamed memorial service honoring the life and ministry of Ravi Zacharias here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBZxZG9nkC0&feature=youtu.be

*Excerpted and adapted from David Limbaugh, full original message here
David Limbaugh is a writer, author and attorney @davidlimbaugh  www.davidlimbaugh.com.

Is USA Sec State Mike Pompeo in Israel to Bless Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Judea & Samaria [aka West Bank] Annexation Plan?
5-13-20, ForeignPolicy.com -- U.S. Sec of State Mike Pompeo in Israel ... he said the visit was to discuss President Trump administration’s Israeli-Palestinian peace plan face-to-face. “I want to bring them [Netanyahu and Gantz] up to speed on the progress we think we are making on President Trump’s Vision for Peace.” The most pressing issue affecting that peace plan is the impending annexation of the West Bank, which could be up for a vote in Israel’s Knesset as soon as July 1, 2020. Critics say the trip is little more than a chance to bestow the United States’ blessing on such a move. 

John 15:13; Hebrews 11:13-14

In America we annually celebrate, honor and remember the sacrifices of the many thousands of soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their 'friends.' We call it Memorial Day.

5-25-20, Henry Morris, PhD -- In Hebrews 11:13-14 we learn the heart-touching testimony of the great “heroes of faith.” The experiences of all these godly men and women of the past are outlined as an example for us as we pass through the years of our own “pilgrimage” on the earth.
​“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us…run with patience the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1

On Memorial Day in the USA, we remember in a special way those who died in defense of our own country. They had seen its promises and embraced them and were willing to die for them. Many of those were also Christians, and they loved their country, especially because of its unique Christian heritage and its freedom to practice and propagate their faith.

As we remember them, we surely must remember, with even greater love and appreciation, the One the Lord Jesus Christ, who made the greatest sacrifice of all:

“Looking unto Jesus the author and Finisher of our faith; Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
​Hebrews 12:2

Jeremiah 29:4-11; Psalm 40:5; Zechariah 13:9

5-24-20, John Haller's weekly prophecy update speaks about all our plans; everyone has them:

• John Steinbeck had "the best laid plan(s)
• Wiley Coyote has plans to catch the ever-elusive RoadRunner
• We plan to stay healthy, but are inevitably struck with illness
• We plan to stay financially solvent; but then our business is locked down or we loose our job over a suspected world virus

​Clearly those of us who are born again [John 3:3, 7] in the Lord Jesus knows He watches over us and guides us in our path ... and our plans; we must realize that very often OUR Plans are not HIS Plans. We need to be willing to accept an alternative course if God is asking us to take one.

Of course, we should always strategize and plan for our future days on this earth ... but we also need to be nimble and flexible enough to change direction if needed; especially in the current upheavals of the ever changing world around us.

See one hour twenty-five min video here

2 Kings 2:11-13

5-5-20, Henry Morris, PhD -- This remarkable event—the translation [aka rapture] of Elijah alive into heaven, without dying—was altogether miraculous, but it really happened! Among other things, it assures us that heaven is a real place in this created universe, for Elijah is still there in his physical body, still alive, to this very day. 

The prophet Enoch, who had also served God in a time of deep apostasy, had likewise been taken into heaven without dying (that is, into the “third heaven,” beyond the starry heaven, where God’s throne is), as recorded in Genesis 5:24 and Hebrews 11:5. Enoch’s prophecies, addressed to the entire world of mankind, were given at approximately the midpoint of the period from Adam to Abraham, whereas those of Elijah, addressed only to Israel, were given at essentially the midpoint of the time from Abraham to Christ.

Both Elijah & Enoch were caught up alive into heaven before their ministries were finished.


There will be one entire generation of believers who — like Enoch and Elijah — will also be caught up alive into heaven.

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven…and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 1:7

This could very well be our generation!
“When He [Jesus] shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.”
1 John 3:2