1 Chron 16:8 Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. 9 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. 10 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. 11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually. KJV
Ps 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. KJV
1 Thess 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
KJV
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Walking Through Valleys
Ps 23:4 Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way. TLB
Ps 84:5 Happy are those who are strong in the Lord, who want above all else to follow your steps. 6 When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of springs where pools of blessing and refreshment collect after rains! 7 They will grow constantly in strength, and each of them is invited to meet with the Lord in Zion. TLB
There are many kinds of valleys in life. I really did not want to write this blog. Presently I am staying in the home of a widow while she is away. This couple were friends for more than 40 years. His death has been hard to understand or accept. I thought of the valley that widows must walk through. Each of us realize that we all will die or leave the earth in the rapture. How lonely a valley can get.
When in a valley we have few choices. It is difficult or impossible to change directions. We either walk forward or attempt to turn around and go back. We cannot turn back the clock of time, we just have to walk forward on the path that is before us. Some may get stubborn and sit down in the middle of the path refusing to move in any direction. We all have heard the expression of being a "sitting duck". This is true of Christians who refuse to obey God and follow the path He has laid out before them.
I thought about the dark lonely valley of sickness and disease. That one can be extremely long and difficult. We feel totally alone and isolated. We may be surrounded by family and friends, but they just don't seem to understand our pain. That feeling makes this valley particularly difficult.
There is the valley of rejection and abandonment. This one can come to people of all ages of life. This can be true for young children, teenagers, young adults, middle agers, and seniors. It comes from divorce and broken relationships and broken homes.
One sad thing about valleys is that they are so narrow that it is difficult for a companion to walk beside us. There are so many twists and turns that you cannot see those who are on the same path, but walking either behind or in front of you.
The writer Psalms, David, knew what he was writing about. He experienced rejection as a child who was not even in the running with his brothers in the issue of being anointed by the prophet Samuel. He rose to incredible heights and fell to the lowest valleys of life and family. But he was aware of the fact that God was with him! His Presence was indisputable. So it is with us today.
We have no choice about the valleys we are walking in. We do need to be aware of the fact that God is with us. He has not left us. He has not abandoned us. He is with us in pain and problems. We need to cultivate an "attitude of gratitude". We can praise and worship God in the darkest night and in the midst of the most intense pain and loneliness. We also can love and support those around us who are in the middle of deep valleys. We can love them and encourage them and be available in any way possible to help bring some comfort and cheer.
God bless you as you walk with Him!
Dan Corbett
"Reaching One Among Millions"
Ps 84:5 Happy are those who are strong in the Lord, who want above all else to follow your steps. 6 When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of springs where pools of blessing and refreshment collect after rains! 7 They will grow constantly in strength, and each of them is invited to meet with the Lord in Zion. TLB
There are many kinds of valleys in life. I really did not want to write this blog. Presently I am staying in the home of a widow while she is away. This couple were friends for more than 40 years. His death has been hard to understand or accept. I thought of the valley that widows must walk through. Each of us realize that we all will die or leave the earth in the rapture. How lonely a valley can get.
When in a valley we have few choices. It is difficult or impossible to change directions. We either walk forward or attempt to turn around and go back. We cannot turn back the clock of time, we just have to walk forward on the path that is before us. Some may get stubborn and sit down in the middle of the path refusing to move in any direction. We all have heard the expression of being a "sitting duck". This is true of Christians who refuse to obey God and follow the path He has laid out before them.
I thought about the dark lonely valley of sickness and disease. That one can be extremely long and difficult. We feel totally alone and isolated. We may be surrounded by family and friends, but they just don't seem to understand our pain. That feeling makes this valley particularly difficult.
There is the valley of rejection and abandonment. This one can come to people of all ages of life. This can be true for young children, teenagers, young adults, middle agers, and seniors. It comes from divorce and broken relationships and broken homes.
One sad thing about valleys is that they are so narrow that it is difficult for a companion to walk beside us. There are so many twists and turns that you cannot see those who are on the same path, but walking either behind or in front of you.
The writer Psalms, David, knew what he was writing about. He experienced rejection as a child who was not even in the running with his brothers in the issue of being anointed by the prophet Samuel. He rose to incredible heights and fell to the lowest valleys of life and family. But he was aware of the fact that God was with him! His Presence was indisputable. So it is with us today.
We have no choice about the valleys we are walking in. We do need to be aware of the fact that God is with us. He has not left us. He has not abandoned us. He is with us in pain and problems. We need to cultivate an "attitude of gratitude". We can praise and worship God in the darkest night and in the midst of the most intense pain and loneliness. We also can love and support those around us who are in the middle of deep valleys. We can love them and encourage them and be available in any way possible to help bring some comfort and cheer.
God bless you as you walk with Him!
Dan Corbett
"Reaching One Among Millions"
Monday, November 10, 2008
Talk Less & Pray More!
I hope this is not offensive to others. It is not intended that way. Today was a special day having the privilege of ministering in three Korean church services today. The times were 8:00am, 11:00am and then 8:00pm. Growing up our home church used to "take prayer requests" in nearly every service. This session could take from 5-15 minutes. The problem was that we only spend 3 minutes in prayer. I know that length of time is not representative of the effectiveness of a prayer. There are some very brief prayers recorded in the Bible.
My point is that most of us spend a lot of time talking about our problems, needs and situations in the world. We do it in person, by the phone, in email, in chat rooms and etc. It seems it is possible to talk "about" God without spending much time talking "to" God.
The evening prayer service was great. We had very good Korean food followed by a lot of good conversation. Then the food was put away and we got into the "prayer service". Some time was spent in singing, but about 90 minutes were spent in prayer - directed and intense prayers. The pastor only took about 5-7 minutes for a sermon and about another 10 minutes for testimonies. I had preached about Seed Time and Harvest earlier in the day. It seemed that a significant amount of time was spent tonight in "Sowing in Prayer". The pastor taught how that there are "prayer vials or bowls" in Heaven and that they are filled by our prayers. When they are full angels mix incense and fire from the Altar of God and then miracles and answers are realized in the earth.
One writer stated, "What goes up must come down". This can be applied to our prayers that are offered in faith according to the Word and Will of God.
It was a blessed day. It was a privilege to be among good Christian people who really love God. So, I am thinking that in the future, I will try to spend more time in prayer and less time talking about problems and situations that need to be solved.
May God bless you as you pray!
Dan Corbett
"Reaching One Among Millions"
My point is that most of us spend a lot of time talking about our problems, needs and situations in the world. We do it in person, by the phone, in email, in chat rooms and etc. It seems it is possible to talk "about" God without spending much time talking "to" God.
The evening prayer service was great. We had very good Korean food followed by a lot of good conversation. Then the food was put away and we got into the "prayer service". Some time was spent in singing, but about 90 minutes were spent in prayer - directed and intense prayers. The pastor only took about 5-7 minutes for a sermon and about another 10 minutes for testimonies. I had preached about Seed Time and Harvest earlier in the day. It seemed that a significant amount of time was spent tonight in "Sowing in Prayer". The pastor taught how that there are "prayer vials or bowls" in Heaven and that they are filled by our prayers. When they are full angels mix incense and fire from the Altar of God and then miracles and answers are realized in the earth.
One writer stated, "What goes up must come down". This can be applied to our prayers that are offered in faith according to the Word and Will of God.
It was a blessed day. It was a privilege to be among good Christian people who really love God. So, I am thinking that in the future, I will try to spend more time in prayer and less time talking about problems and situations that need to be solved.
May God bless you as you pray!
Dan Corbett
"Reaching One Among Millions"
Friday, November 7, 2008
God is still in office!
Hi!
Isn't it cool that God can't be voted out of office and does not have to be reelected? I am so glad that He visited me in an old farm house 55 years ago and sent me an invitation to be a life long friend. He truly has been a friend that stuck "closer than a brother". I have three wonderful brothers, but most of our lives we have been thousands of miles apart. God is always with me. He never leaves me. He never gets too busy. He is my best friend.
In these troubled times it is important to have a few things that we are really sure of. "This one thing I know" is a phrase that will help us through this day, this crisis, this problem and then take us through to Heaven to be with God and those who have gone on before us for eternity.
That "transition day" seems to be drawing closer as the prophecies of end times are being fulfilled daily as we read or watch the news. It is exciting to know a huge revival is swelling up to sweep this world right in the face of some many global problems and troubles.
Keep looking up! Live in the Word. Read it! Claim it! Speak it!
God bless you! Let's celebrate that God is still on His Throne!
Dan Corbett
"Reaching One Among Millions"
Isn't it cool that God can't be voted out of office and does not have to be reelected? I am so glad that He visited me in an old farm house 55 years ago and sent me an invitation to be a life long friend. He truly has been a friend that stuck "closer than a brother". I have three wonderful brothers, but most of our lives we have been thousands of miles apart. God is always with me. He never leaves me. He never gets too busy. He is my best friend.
In these troubled times it is important to have a few things that we are really sure of. "This one thing I know" is a phrase that will help us through this day, this crisis, this problem and then take us through to Heaven to be with God and those who have gone on before us for eternity.
That "transition day" seems to be drawing closer as the prophecies of end times are being fulfilled daily as we read or watch the news. It is exciting to know a huge revival is swelling up to sweep this world right in the face of some many global problems and troubles.
Keep looking up! Live in the Word. Read it! Claim it! Speak it!
God bless you! Let's celebrate that God is still on His Throne!
Dan Corbett
"Reaching One Among Millions"
Thursday, November 6, 2008
I don't know about tomorrow!
This phrase came to mind after talking to a number of people concerned about the future of the USA and the global economy. The media made it clear that they were in favor of the present outcome of the election, yet the stock market fell due to worry about the future.
Does anyone really believe that just one human being, in any nation, is going to solve all the various problems mankind is facing today? Man just can't go it alone. Jesus made it clear in John 15 that we will only be successful if we stay connected with the "Vine". Who is the vine? He is Jesus Christ! It is sad and amazing to read all the blogs and comments about elections and economy. Very few even bother to speak from a Biblical perspective.
Today I woke up feeling refreshed after nearly 30 hours of flying and waiting. The sun looked so bright and clear. The leaves were all changing into a rainbow of colors. No matter what the news said my heart was filled with hope and joy. As I pondered what brought about this outburst of joy and positive outlook. All seemed to be centered about God and what He said in His Word. That He is in control of this planet and all who live on it.
As the day wore on and I spoke mainly to Christians who interpreted the last few days global events I found myself struggling to maintain that joy that was waiting when I awoke. The Bible says that God will keep us in perfect peace if our minds are "stayed" on Him. I want to keep my mind and spirit filled with God's Word and to walk in His Love throughout my day.
I pray for you that God will fill your heart with His Joy and Peace. We don't know about tomorrow, but we do know Who is holding our hand. He created all of this and is still in control.
God bless you as you walk with Him today and commit your tomorrow into His Hands also.
Dan Corbett
"Reaching One Among Millions"
Does anyone really believe that just one human being, in any nation, is going to solve all the various problems mankind is facing today? Man just can't go it alone. Jesus made it clear in John 15 that we will only be successful if we stay connected with the "Vine". Who is the vine? He is Jesus Christ! It is sad and amazing to read all the blogs and comments about elections and economy. Very few even bother to speak from a Biblical perspective.
Today I woke up feeling refreshed after nearly 30 hours of flying and waiting. The sun looked so bright and clear. The leaves were all changing into a rainbow of colors. No matter what the news said my heart was filled with hope and joy. As I pondered what brought about this outburst of joy and positive outlook. All seemed to be centered about God and what He said in His Word. That He is in control of this planet and all who live on it.
As the day wore on and I spoke mainly to Christians who interpreted the last few days global events I found myself struggling to maintain that joy that was waiting when I awoke. The Bible says that God will keep us in perfect peace if our minds are "stayed" on Him. I want to keep my mind and spirit filled with God's Word and to walk in His Love throughout my day.
I pray for you that God will fill your heart with His Joy and Peace. We don't know about tomorrow, but we do know Who is holding our hand. He created all of this and is still in control.
God bless you as you walk with Him today and commit your tomorrow into His Hands also.
Dan Corbett
"Reaching One Among Millions"
Monday, November 3, 2008
Night Watch
It is 3:30am in Japan. This is a wonderful time to be alone with the Lord in prayer.
Ps 63:6 I lie awake at night thinking of you- 7 of how much you have helped me-and how I rejoice through the night beneath the protecting shadow of your wings. TLB
Ps 102:7 I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top. KJV
Ps 119:148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises. 149 Hear my voice in accordance with your love; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your laws. NIV
Hab 2:2:1 I will climb my watchtower now and wait to see what answer God will give to my complaint. 2 And the Lord said to me, "Write my answer on a billboard, large and clear, so that anyone can read it at a glance and rush to tell the others. 3 But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day! TLB
Matt 24:42 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.
NIV
When we visited the USA in years past and would drive long distances late at night, there was a Christian radio program called, Songs in the Night. The host had a deep and quiet voice sharing inspiring thoughts about God. I guess that is how I am feeling tonight waiting in His Presence.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing a few minutes with me. I pray that God gives you a song in the night also. If you are up rejoicing in His Love or not able to sleep, or struggling with a problem, or keeping watch over a sick loved one. You are not alone. He is with you. He promised to never leave or forsake us. One day we will be with Him, no more separations between us and God or those who we love.
God bless you in your night watches.
Dan
Ps 63:6 I lie awake at night thinking of you- 7 of how much you have helped me-and how I rejoice through the night beneath the protecting shadow of your wings. TLB
Ps 102:7 I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top. KJV
Ps 119:148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises. 149 Hear my voice in accordance with your love; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your laws. NIV
Hab 2:2:1 I will climb my watchtower now and wait to see what answer God will give to my complaint. 2 And the Lord said to me, "Write my answer on a billboard, large and clear, so that anyone can read it at a glance and rush to tell the others. 3 But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day! TLB
Matt 24:42 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.
NIV
When we visited the USA in years past and would drive long distances late at night, there was a Christian radio program called, Songs in the Night. The host had a deep and quiet voice sharing inspiring thoughts about God. I guess that is how I am feeling tonight waiting in His Presence.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing a few minutes with me. I pray that God gives you a song in the night also. If you are up rejoicing in His Love or not able to sleep, or struggling with a problem, or keeping watch over a sick loved one. You are not alone. He is with you. He promised to never leave or forsake us. One day we will be with Him, no more separations between us and God or those who we love.
God bless you in your night watches.
Dan
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Packing for Travel
That's right! Packing for a trip to Singapore. At least, that is what Sharon is doing right now. Clothes hanging everywhere. Packs of Japanese snack foods and some small gifts to take to the minister's family in Singapore.
I followed this routine for nearly 20 years ranging all over the Asian region. I am not sure if anyone every really "gets used to it". There would be times of positive anticipation of seeing old friends and the excitement of knowing God was going to do great things in ministry. Other times there was some concern about safety and nearly a dread that church problems were going to have to be dealt with on arrival.
There were always surprises! Political uprisings, elections, bad weather and etc. There were many good surprises. There were "chance" meetings on trains, airplanes, taxis and such. When I wanted a quick summary of the economy, weather, or political climate I would ask English speaking taxi drivers. They seemed to know what was going on in their city or nation.
Those who know Sharon, please remember this trip in prayer. She will have a busy schedule while there.
God bless!
Dan Corbett
"Reaching One Among Millions"
I followed this routine for nearly 20 years ranging all over the Asian region. I am not sure if anyone every really "gets used to it". There would be times of positive anticipation of seeing old friends and the excitement of knowing God was going to do great things in ministry. Other times there was some concern about safety and nearly a dread that church problems were going to have to be dealt with on arrival.
There were always surprises! Political uprisings, elections, bad weather and etc. There were many good surprises. There were "chance" meetings on trains, airplanes, taxis and such. When I wanted a quick summary of the economy, weather, or political climate I would ask English speaking taxi drivers. They seemed to know what was going on in their city or nation.
Those who know Sharon, please remember this trip in prayer. She will have a busy schedule while there.
God bless!
Dan Corbett
"Reaching One Among Millions"
Welcome to JPN Watchman Blog
Praise God!
Welcome to the new JPN Watchman blog. Over the past 19 months I have been working on the Japan Prayer Network web site. There has been a need for a truly dedicated "blog". Hopefully that is what this will be.
Please check back often. On the JPN web site I maintained a daily feature called JPN Lite Bytes without the full functionality of a blog.
Without apology our heart and focus is on reaching the wonderful people of Japan with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. An important part of that process is to raise up a network of intercessors to pray for the people, nation, government, believers, churches, ministers and missionaries on daily basis.
May God bless you richly!
Dan Corbett
"Reaching One Among Millions"
Welcome to the new JPN Watchman blog. Over the past 19 months I have been working on the Japan Prayer Network web site. There has been a need for a truly dedicated "blog". Hopefully that is what this will be.
Please check back often. On the JPN web site I maintained a daily feature called JPN Lite Bytes without the full functionality of a blog.
Without apology our heart and focus is on reaching the wonderful people of Japan with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. An important part of that process is to raise up a network of intercessors to pray for the people, nation, government, believers, churches, ministers and missionaries on daily basis.
May God bless you richly!
Dan Corbett
"Reaching One Among Millions"
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