Are You God’s Pumpkin?
Recently, on Rejoice Radio, I heard an interesting comparison of a pumpkin with a Christian. The Lord Jesus Christ picked you out of His field, took you in, washed you up, cut you open, cleaned you out – including the seeds of unbelief and doubt – then put His light in you and a smile on your face! 😊 So, if someone calls you “Pumpkin” – just say, “Thank you”!
Do We Trust the Self-Sufficient Spirit – or the Holy Spirit?
Can we detect a pattern in Scripture about how Almighty God chooses to deliver His people from danger? Think with me about the situation after God used Moses to deliver the Israelites, plus a variety of stragglers, from their bondage to Egypt – but then led them to the edge of the Red Sea where they were boxed in between the depths of the sea and the raging army of Pharoah bearing down on them after God allowed Pharoah to change his mind and come after his escaped slaves. If you were one of those in that crowd, would you have been panicked with the question, “Why did God lead us out to this wilderness to be slaughtered?” or would you be calm and assured with the idea: “God has chosen us and demonstrated His indescribable power and providence with miracle after miracle. I don’t know how He is going to do it, but I know I can trust Him and that He has a plan!”?
Again, think with me about another Biblical situation described in Judges chapters 6 and 7. Can you picture how you would be thinking and feeling if you were one of Gideon’s soldiers facing a vast army of a coalition of Midianites and Amalekites while observing Gideon obey God’s orders to trim your army down from 32,000 to 10,000 – then from 10,000 to 300 men? Would you be thinking: “Wow! This is going to be a terrific adventure! We are going to witness our awesome God, Who specializes in the impossible, protect us from our vicious enemies who have us vastly outnumbered!” Or would you be thinking and feeling: “Good grief! We are done for now!”?
Does it also appear to you that our all-wise Father allows us to be tested over and over to show whether or not we will choose to trust Him? Now let’s consider two New Testament passages in view of our contemporary situation: “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” Ephesians 5:11 (NKJV) “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” Colossians 2:8-10 (NKJV)
Here is a copy of part of a recent letter to a good friend, Al Cinnamon:
“From my perspective, you are much better informed than most Christians concerning Marxism – and probably better informed than most pastors. Concerning the book and the review of it – although I’ve studied Marxism off and on since my senior year in high school, I learned new information from the review, and I hope to get the book. Why? Because the core issue about Marxism is spiritual warfare. It is a Satanic cult with the goal of world domination that needs to be exposed concerning its true nature. Yes, it is a false philosophy concerning economics, concerning politics, concerning social issues – and now Americans are rising up in a tide of opposition to these control issues, but they may be often missing the heart issue. Marxism is at war with God!
My big fear now for America is that our own self-reliant spirit will trip us up and we will fall flat. Besides the fact that we live in a society saturated with self-love, self-sufficient, self-reliant philosophy is the parallel fact that Americans are proud of our self-reliant spirit. As we see the rising tide of opposition to the Marxist agenda, the danger is that we get over-confident with the attitude: “We can do it! We can overcome! We are Americans! We are the land of the free and the home of the brave! No one can take over America!” That is our grave danger! We are prone to be like self-reliant, over-confident Peter – who brushed aside Jesus’ warnings with the proud declaration, “Though all others deny You and forsake – not me! I will never deny You!” Oh? Really?
To Peter’s credit, he deeply, truly repented and submitted his life and love to the Lord Jesus! But it was only after he fell flat and got the “breath” of self-reliant spirit knocked out of him that he became a useful vessel for Christ. On the Day of Pentecost God used him mightily as a primary spokesman of the apostles to proclaim the gospel – and 3,000 repented and were baptized into Christ! Why? Peter was empowered by the Holy Spirit – not the unholy spirit of self-reliance.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place
America is between a rock and a hard place. Will we rely on self-bravado? – or will we deeply, truly repent, look to The Rock, and trust Him to deliver us? The Lord Jesus Christ is The Way! The Truth! The Life! – and He is our only Hope! Could it be that God now has us Americans where He wants us – between The Rock and a hard place? Will we look to THE ROCK and trust HIM? Or are we going to choose to be filled with the self-sufficient spirit instead of the Holy Spirit? Let’s choose our theme song to be “In Christ Alone”!
Gender Fluidity?
The new philosophy and terminology of gender fluidity is one example of the brazen hostility towards and rebellion against God’s intricate and astounding order and design in His creation. Our Heavenly Father created human beings as male and female. Scientifically, you are male or female down to every last cell in your body – and there are trillions of them. Sharp scalpels and/or hormone treatments cannot change the fact that God has created you either male or female. It is both foolish and rebellious to try to change who God has created you to be. He is the Master designer – you are not! To challenge God’s genius in His creative design of male and female is satanic. Why? Because you are following Satan’s insane idea that he knows better than God. God sends no one away empty, except those who are full of themselves!
From Our Mailbox
“During this Thanksgiving season, I am reminded that it is because of supporters like YOU, Mulberry can help and minister to vulnerable people in Ukraine.
Because of your faithful giving, 30 orphans are blessed right now by love and care of Christian workers at the Good Samaritan Children’s Home in Mariupol. 25 children from at-risk and impoverished families are fed warm meals and told a Bible story every day at our partner church in Mariupol. Every week, about 100 at-risk and displaced families attend first-time Bible studies at various outreaches. Dozens of hurting families receive food packets, medicine and basic necessities every week.
During fall and winter months, and especially in pandemic, the need for medicine and medical treatment becomes critical for so many at-risk and displaced families. When a family is hit with COVID-19 or other illness, they have nowhere to turn. Your gift allows us to help them.
One of the beneficiaries of your gift is a single mother, Nina. She has five children. Right now, she is battling COVID and cannot care or provide for her kids. Our volunteers brought potatoes, bread and medicine to help her and her family survive…..Together, we can double our reach and help more families like Nina’s. Please share their needs with your friends and family. Be the advocate for ‘the least of these’! ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’ (Matthew 25:40).
Natasha Reimer, Executive Director Mulberry International Resources
P.S. What a miraculous provision! I’m praising God for you!”
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“Rick,
I was so glad to receive your note and the other materials that you sent – thank you. Thank you for the information and thoughts on Marxism – how very true – and how very dangerous and deceptive. May you and Della be encouraged, strengthened, and uplifted in your faithful service and devotion to my Beloved Lord. And in answer to your question – yes, I do subscribe to both “One Body” and the “Knowlesletter”… May there truly be a genuine turning to Lord Jesus that would sweep this land – and may it be led by His church that is totally sold out to Him. And may He continue to bless you and keep you.
Ken Morris”
“Rick,
Thank you once again for your monthly newsletter – how I look forward to receiving it each month. The news from Sergei and the Ukraine concerning our Lord’s working there is certainly a blessing. And the thoughts/poem/saying entitled “Our Soldiers – Let’s Not Forget” was so very appropriate and meaningful – thank you. And thank you ever so much for the CDs – I so appreciate your kindness and generosity. With ongoing prayers for you and Della.
Ken Morris”
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“Rick & Della,
With all the things around me,
Sometimes it’s hard to see,
The many things my Lord and King,
Has blessed and given me.
He’s blessed me with a family,
Who loves me very dear,
With laughter, fun, and memories,
Shared throughout the year.
He’s blessed me with provisions,
With strength to work each day,
With courage for each trial,
And grace along the way.
Perhaps the greatest blessing,
That comes from God my King,
Is knowing He is with me,
Whatever life may bring.
Love,
Shasta Hutton
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“… All our books are about the same in general, but variety of views and approaches is the most effective strategy. The message of the Lord is always the same, nevertheless He says: ‘I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace, day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, and give him no rest, till he establish, and till he makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.’ (Isaiah 62:6,7). That is why I believe a digital version of the Millions of Miracles in Russian will be a great tool in reaching and teaching people in post-communist part of the world, downloadable from everywhere even at the most restricted regions. It will cost about $1,200 to produce it.
As for the printed version, it will cost about $2,000 additionally to produce it, but I am not sure it will be effective in the same way. People in Ukraine have access to Ukrainian version already and shipment of the books from Ukraine to Russia is impossible because of the war.
Yours by the grace of Jesus, Sergei” (Golovin)
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“Hi brother!
I hope you and your family are doing well and that God is blessing you!
Sadly, it appears that all of your many warnings about communism and every form of atheistic thinking have turned out to be more relevant than most Americans could have ever imagined possible. And, unfortunately, I also see certain Christian apologists both in the US as well as in Ukraine actively promoting the globalists’ agenda on their Facebook pages. Satan is certainly deceiving many, which is obviously nothing new. Anyway, thank you for continuing to hold the line.
… Fortunately, I’d say that God is sufficiently providing for our needs so I don’t think sending us funds right now would be the wisest use of God’s money…
Thanks again for all that you do in Jesus’ Name and please send our love to your beautiful family if you would.
Blessings, John Murphy”
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“Dear Rick & Della,
Thank you so much for the four books you sent. I look forward to reading them and am hopeful they will be helpful to me in ministry. I work with students from various religious backgrounds, and it is often difficult to convince them of the truth of Scripture. The more I can learn about their spiritual backgrounds, the more I can hopefully present the right arguments.
‘May He equip you with all you need for doing His will. May He produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to Him. All glory to Him forever and ever! Amen.’ – Hebrews 13:21
Shannon (Haynie)”
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“Dear Rick, we feel blessed to have such brothers and friends as you and Zhenya. Thank you so much for the funds you sent. It didn’t cover all the expenses, but we are very thankful for your contribution and believe that God would meet our needs and we will be able to pay off all the debt…
May God bless you richly dear brother!
In Christ, Volodia and Maryana”
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Dear Readers,
Last month we shared with you part of Sergei Golovin’s exciting ministry report dated 10-1-21, and now for December we are sharing with you the rest of this stimulating outreach report:
“This time the new place we added to our short missions’ geography was the city of Hust at Transcarpathia. We took an extra day to cross the mountains away from the noisy highways and then went down to the valley. We enjoyed the last warm days of the year alongside the everlasting warmth of fraternal fellowship with God’s children we never met before and will never forget now.
Another great event of the month was the presentation of our books at the International Book Forum publishers’ fair at Lviv. Could we imagine a decade ago that Christian books would be represented at events like this in the former Soviet Union without any limitations and discrimination? People came to the Forum from other cities and even from other countries – Russia, Belarus, Moldova. Some came specially for our books! They were asking the publisher to pass on their appreciation and the words of gratitude and encouragement…..Please join our prayers for the seeds planted through the printed word!”
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“Rick,
It is always so nice to hear from you. New developments of Mulberry are so exciting to me – we are growing so much and reaching so many people, that I couldn’t have imagined we could in the midst of pandemic. God’s ways are higher than ours!
You have been such an advocate for Mulberry and Ukraine! Thank you for letting God use your position and audience to spread the word about our ministry.
I wanted to ask you whether you received brochures I mailed a while back? I’d like you to have whatever you need if you ever come across a potential supporter and share about us. Sharing about Mulberry is a great help to us, especially if it comes from a person with such a huge heart for Ukraine.
Yours in Christ,
Natasha Reimer, Executive Director”
Prayer Requests
- Ukraine has been a country at war since the early spring (March) of 2014, when Russia took Crimea by stealth and a huge chunk of eastern Ukraine in the Donetsk region by bloody warfare. As a result, over 4,000 Ukrainians are now among the war casualties, over 1.6 million Ukrainians have fled from their homes, and now multitudes of the weakest and most poverty stricken are languishing and destitute in the war zone. Now also Ukraine is threatened with another huge build-up of Russian soldiers along the eastern and southern borders of the country. Please pray for God’s intervention and protection.
- The Marxist agenda in our own U.S.A. is continuing to stoke the fires of hatred with “Critical Race Theory” being pushed in schools from elementary through college and aggressive violence manifesting itself in city after city and on our southern border, while the “progressive” pushers vainly try to cover their tracks with blatant lies and silly grins. Wake up, America! We are already in another “civil war” (and there is nothing civil about it – as police officers know very well)! We desperately need to obey the principles and truth of 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (NKJV).
- The Supreme Court has been hearing the arguments this week, pro and con, about the Mississippi law that severely limits any abortions after 15 weeks of gestation of the unborn babies. We will not know the final decision until next summer, but let’s be praying for the Supreme Court Justices to recognize the truth of the humanity of unborn babies and the horrible injustice of executing the most vulnerable among us. There is no Biblical, honest way to justify killing babies for convenience, but let’s also pray for the balance of love and compassion for the unwed mothers (and others), who are experiencing tremendous pressure to abort their babies.
- Recently, Sergei Golovin wrote to us that our testimony book, Powered by Prayer! Propelled by Passion! Protected by Providence! is now translated into both Russian and Ukrainian in digital form in order to be made available far and wide. He is now also preparing to have my (our) book, Millions of Miracles: The Evolutionist’s Dilemma, translated into the Russian language, and our part to get this done is estimated at $1200 to be available in digital form around the world. If the Holy Spirit motivates you to help with this project financially – that’s great! Most of all, however, please pray for God to use these books to His glory by reaching souls for Christ, transforming them into true disciples, and using them as bold witnesses for our Lord Jesus!
Dear Donors, Prayer Partners, and Friends,
We are very grateful for your partnership in the ministry of Overseas Outreach! As you read the “thank you” notes in the preceding pages, please realize that their gratitude is expressed to each of you too – not just to us! We could not continue to encourage and help any of them without your involvement. It is our prayer that God will shower you with blessings in multiple ways!
IN HIS GREAT LOVE,
GOD SENT HIS ONLY SON TO BE OUR SAVIOR!
“…..Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Luke 2:10-12
NOW WE LOOK FORWARD TO HIS COMING AGAIN!
The Gaithers have a wonderful song that tells us “The King Is Coming”!
“The Market place is empty, No more traffic in the streets,
All the builders tools are silent,
No more time to harvest wheat;
Busy house-wives cease their labors, in the court-room no debate,
Work on earth is all suspended as the King comes through the gate.
Happy faces line the hallways, Those whose lives have been redeemed, Broken homes that He has mended, Those from prison He has freed;
Little children and the aged hand in hand stand all aglow, Who were crippled, broken, ruined,
Clad in garments white as snow.
I can hear the chariots rumble, I can see the marching throng, The flurry of God’s trumpets spell the end of sin and wrong; Regal robes are now unfolding, Heaven’s grandstands all in place,
Heaven’s choir is now assembled, Start to sing Amazing Grace!
Oh, the King is coming! The King is coming! I just heard the trumpet sounding and now His face I see;
The King is coming! The King is coming! Praise God, He’s coming for me!”
(Words by William J. and Gloria Gaither, Last stanza in part by Charles Milhuff)
Are you watching for His coming?