B2B Concert of Prayer – I Can’t #796

Posted on May 21, 2012 by ron021950

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 796

“I can’t”

John 15:5 (ESV)  I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

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Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right”.

Jesus said, “I can do nothing on my own”. – John 5:30

Our thinking drives the choices we make which in turn drive the actions we take.  Conventional wisdom exhorts us to think like the ‘Little Choo-Choo that could’ and never say “I can’t”.

God’s Wisdom flies in the face of worldly wisdom in that God prefers us to say ‘I can’t’.  It is only when we have completely emptied ourselves of our trust in our own abilities and talents, money, power, position, education, intellect, diplomas, degrees and physical strength that we can then truly turn to God and acknowledge His sovereignty over our lives and circumstances.  It is at this point that the pride of our flesh is subdued and because God can we choose to step out in faith and not give up.

Notice that both wisdom approaches result in stepping out and taking positive action.  Also notice the differences: One approach glorifies self and the other brings glory to God.

What challenge has you at your wit’s end?  Are you burdened with financial debt that you cannot seem to make a dent in?  You can’t, but God can provide.

Is there a particularly difficult course of study that you just cannot understand?  You can’t, but God can give you wisdom and insight.

Are you struggling to get a grip on your business and keep it afloat in this tough economy?  You can’t, but God can prosper you.

Perhaps you are having personal or family difficulties and you feel like there is nothing you can do to control this person or situation.  You can’t, but God can change hearts.

The road to getting to “I can’t but God can” can be a long and painful one – Have you had enough? Are you ready to rest in God’s peace and to allow Him to take control of the situation and problem? Even Jesus said that by Himself He could do nothing.  How prideful and foolish we are to remain on that long road to getting to ‘I can’t but God can’.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30

If you are at the end of yourself cry out to God, get to ‘I can’t’ and then because ‘God can’ go beyond that point, step out in faith and say like Paul:

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13

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B2B Concert of Prayer – Working Out #795

Posted on May 14, 2012 by ron021950

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 795

“Working Out”

Philippians 2:12-13 (ESV) Therefore … work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,  for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

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There is no denying the benefits of a regular physical work out exercise program.  Americans are constantly exhorted to not only eat a healthier diet but to also get off their back sides and work out.  The intricate, precision design of our bodies is the result of our Creator God, not the chance happenstance of evolution.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14

God separated mankind from the rest of His creation by breathing into us our eternal spirit.  Furthermore, our bodies are to be as temples for His Holy Spirit which we received when we accepted the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ – all the more reason to care for our bodies and not to destroy them.

In our reference Scripture, Paul refers to a different aspect of ‘working out’. He is not saying that we can gain salvation through works for this is the same Paul who wrote that salvation is by grace and not by works.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. – Ephesians 2:8

What God’s Word teaches us here is that we are to work out and manifest externally what God has put in when we accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.  Our salvation requires more than words.  We must act in obedience to God’s will. Working out our salvation requires that we get off our spiritual backsides and take action by keeping commandments and following Christ even if it means going against the grain of societal norms.

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. – Matt 7:21

If you love me, you will keep my commandments. – John 14:15

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. – John 10:27

Working out our salvation means to let the light of the Lord deposited into our hearts to be visible in the darkness of this world.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. – Matt 5:14

A physical work out relieves stress, lifts depression, improves brain function, increases self-esteem and euphoria.  In much the same way, our spiritual work out manifests the peace and joy of the Lord which relieves stress, lifts depression and so on.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. …do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. – John 14:27; Nehemiah 8:10b

May you work out what God has put into you, with all the respect and awe due to Almighty God.

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B2B Concert of Prayer – Thankful #794

Posted on May 6, 2012 by ron021950

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 794

“Thankful”

Colossians 3:15 (ESV)  … And be thankful.

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Have you ever been around a malcontented, always negative, grumbling person?  Such people wear you down to the point that you find ways of avoiding them as much as possible.

And the Lord spoke … saying, “How long shall this wicked congregation grumble against me? – Numbers 14:26

Moses and Aaron as well as our Lord grew weary of the constant grumbling against them by the Israelites as they journeyed in the wilderness from captivity to their promised land.

…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1 Thessalonians 5: 18

What about you and me? How thankful are we in the midst of our circumstances as the Lord leads us out of what has held us captive?  As the Lord frees us from the bondages of sin and idolatry, He draws us into a closer, more intimate relationship of trust in Him.  This involves letting go of some things of this world that we have become accustomed to: certain relationships, some bad habits, material possessions that have become as idols to us, etc.  We transition through our own time in the wilderness with the Lord.  Before we are too quick to judge the nation of Israel for their grumbling and desire to go back to Egypt, we need to honestly search our own hearts.  Are we given to grumbling and longing for the way things used to be or are we giving thanks in all circumstances?

Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world… – Phil 2:14

Does the light of Christ shine brightly through you in your place of work, your family, or your church?  Is Christ’s light dimmed or snuffed out altogether by your grumbling and discontentment with policies or people at work or the music at church or the behavior of some family member?

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. – Col 3:17

It is difficult at best to always have a thankful heart in all of our circumstances.  We cannot fake or force a thankful heart.  It is only by the presence of God’s Holy Spirit in our heart that we can offer up a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving in all circumstances.

The car battery is dead – Thank God for a coworker that gave a boost.

Leftovers again?! – Thank God for food to eat.

Lost your house; living in a rental. – Thank God for shelter.

Work is hard and the pay is low. – Thank God for a job.

Grumbling comes all too easily.  A thankful heart comes from the indwelling presence and power of a personal relationship with Jesus. Jesus gave thanks as He blessed the bread and wine at the last supper knowing full well what circumstances were coming His way.  Let the Holy Spirit show you how to give thanks in all your circumstances and in all that you do to serve others in His Name.

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! – 1 Chr 16:34 

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B2B Concert of Prayer – But God #793

Posted on April 29, 2012 by ron021950

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 793

“But God”

Ephesians 2:1-5 (ESV) And you were dead in the trespasses and sins …But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved…

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The word ‘but’ is a negative word in that its use tends to negate what has been said prior to it. “Your ideas deserve merit, but…” Positive statements and compliments are suddenly negated and the listener is about to hear the heart of the speaker in what follows.  It is interesting to note the occurrences in the Bible where the word ‘but’ is used to negate the negative – turning them into positives by what follows when the word ‘but’ is combined with the Name of the Lord.

When you feel alone, forgotten, weary, and neglected …

But God remembered Noah …and the waters receded. – Gen 8:1

… But God has seen my hardship and the toil of my hands … – Gen 31:42

When you are faced with a challenge…

“I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give…the answer…” – Gen 41:16

For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. – Heb 3:4

…but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. … – 1 Cor 2:10

When you question the impact of your life purpose or ministry …

But God sent me ahead of you to preserve …and to save your lives… – Gen 45:7

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. – 1 Cor 3:6

When you wonder why you are going through a trial …

…but God intended it for good to accomplish …the saving of many lives. – Gen 50:20

Our fathers disciplined us … but God disciplines us for our good… – Heb 12:10

When you feel your situation is desperate …

… “I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid … – Gen 50:24

But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself.- Psa 49:15

When you need encouragement …

…but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer. – Psa 66:19

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion … – Psa 73:26

But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom … – Jer 10:12

But God demonstrates his…love for us …: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Rom 5:8

When you need comfort …

… they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him. – Acts 7:9

But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus… – 2 Cor 7:6

When you are faced with a crisis in family, ministry, finances, health, etc. remember, ‘But God…’  He is Sovereign, He is Almighty and He loves you enough to have died for you. So, no matter what your circumstances are at the moment or what challenge you will be faced with in the future, remember to reflect on ‘But God…’

 

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B2B Concert of Prayer – This is the Day #792

Posted on April 23, 2012 by ron021950

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 792

“This is the Day”

Psalm 118:24 (ESV) This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

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Are you given to pining and longing for the ‘good old days’; the days where you feel you were happier, more contented and carefree?  While it is good to have fond memories of the past, dwelling upon them to the point of distraction and disengagement with the present can be a bad thing.

…this people …honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me…- Isaiah 29:13

How often are we distracted during our prayer time by fears and worries about what may happen tomorrow or in the future?  How often do we become discontented with the circumstances of today and wish things were like they used to be?

This is the day… ‘This’ deals with the here and now – our present day. As we walk with God, He desires for us to ‘have our head in the game’ as it were.  He wants us present and accounted for in this day.

…that the Lord has made; This day did not just happen by accident.  The Lord made it.  He has orchestrated it.  He has divine appointments scheduled for you.  It is true that some days are more appealing and pleasant to our flesh than others.  It is equally true that all days are days that the Lord has made and that He loves you and His plans are the best for you.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,for those who are called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28

let us rejoice…  The Psalmist is exhorting us to ‘hava nagilah’, Come! Let us rejoice. It is an exhortation that recognizes that some days are more difficult than others.  It is an exhortation that appeals to our spirit to rise above the circumstances of our flesh and allow the joy of the Lord to flow through us.  It is important that we remember that Jesus came to:

… heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; …To comfort all who mourn … To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; – Isaiah 61:1

…and be glad in it.  The Psalmist’s exhortation continues with “V’nismicha”, Be glad.  The root word in this transliterated phrase is ‘samach’ which is to give joy and give happiness. When we allow the wellspring of the joy of the Lord to freely flow through us, it in turn blesses all that we encounter during this day.  The joy and happiness of the Lord blesses us and others as we minister to them in the power of His Spirit.

But you say, ‘I am tired and weary, Lord.  I don’t know if I have the strength to face another day in my present circumstances.’  You are right.  You do not have the strength in and of yourself.  But you have all the power of the fullness of God available to you through Christ.  Begin to offer the sacrifice of praise and thank Him for His love for you.  Thank Him for all that comes to mind.  Soon, the joy of the Lord will strengthen you and equip you for this day.

…this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.  – Nehemiah 8:10

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B2B Concert of Prayer – Walking with God #791

Posted on April 15, 2012 by ron021950

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 791

“Walking with God”

Genesis 5:24 (ESV)  Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.

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What does it mean to walk with God?  The Word of God exhorts us to follow Jesus.  Is there a difference?

Picture in your mind Jesus travelling from one town to another.  There are crowds following Him, trailing behind Him for quite a distance.  Then there is the one or two who are walking alongside of Him, laughing, talking, discussing.  The difference between following and walking with God is in the level of relationship and intimacy.

When we follow Christ we model His character and are obedient to His call and purpose for us.  As we grow in knowledge, power, and intimacy with Jesus we take following to its highest level and we walk with God.

…Noah was a righteous man…Noah walked with God. – Genesis 6:9

Notice how the Bible describes the protection and power of God for those who walk with Him.

…the Lord is your shade on your right hand. – Psalm 121:5

The air temperature is the same in the shade as it is in the sun.  However, we feel significantly cooler standing in the shade as it protects us from the damaging heat of the infrared rays of sun light.

Note the reference to the shade being at our right hand.  Without discriminating against left-handed or ambidextrous people, the right hand in the Bible is symbolic of power since it is typically the dominant hand and the one used to wield a sword or other tool.

…from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God. – Luke 22:69

When we walk with God, He is on our right side protecting us from harm and He is our power and strength.

The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; – Psalm 28:7

Have you made a decision to follow Christ?  If so how far behind are you following the Lord?  Are you content to walk alongside others of this world, following Jesus at a distance or do you have a burning desire to press ahead and through all that separates you from Him to get closer and to walk with Him?

May you walk with God every moment of every day.  May He be your shade of protection from all that would burn and hurt you in this world.  May He be the ready source of all your power and strength to overcome the evil that would come against you.  May He impart His wisdom and knowledge, peace and joy as you walk and fellowship with Him.

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B2B Concert of Prayer – A Good Measure #790

Posted on April 8, 2012 by ron021950

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 790

“A Good Measure”

Luke 6:38 (ESV) …give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

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I like my oatmeal cooked to a thick and chewy consistency.  Although I measure out the water with chemistry lab precision, I achieve my desired result by pressing down the 1/2 cup of oats to overflowing and running over. As I did this the other morning the Lord spoke to my heart about how He also gives to us a good measure and that we in turn are to use this good measure in dealing with others.

With what measure do you perform your work or service to others?  Is your heart attitude tuned to WIIFM (What’s In It For Me) as you measure out your service only in proportion to your perceived gain or benefit?  Remember: with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. – Col 3:23

How do you measure your tithe and offerings?  Can you trust God to meet all your needs with the 90% or do you rob Him of what He has declared to be holy and devoted to His purpose?

Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions … Bring the full tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house … put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. – Mal 3:8

With what measure do you provide care for others in your family, parents, or neighbors?  How often have we seen children of the elderly make decisions for their parents’ care with an eye on preserving their inheritance rather than on what is best for their parents.  Do you only measure out of your abundance or are you willing to sacrifice spending on your pleasures in order to meet the needs of your children, spouse, or others that the Lord makes you aware of?

…“Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them.  For they all contributed out of their abundance… – Luke 21:3

With what measure do you love? Can you love even those who do not love you first?

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you … – Matt 5:44

We are selfish beings and apart from the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit we cannot live up to the standard of measures that God’s Word sets out for us.  The good news is that God gave the Spirit without measure to Jesus and we, as Christians, have been filled in Him.

John the Baptist spoke concerning Jesus: For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. – John 3:34 and Paul wrote concerning our relationship with Jesus: For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him… – Col 2:9

May you experience the fullness of Christ in your heart.  May you live and move and have your being in Him as He empowers you to give a good measure in your work, service, and money.  May you bring the light of His presence and His love without measure to all whose lives you touch.

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B2B Concert of Prayer – Hard Pressed #789

Posted on April 1, 2012 by ron021950

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 789

“Hard Pressed”

2 Cor 4:6-9 (NIV)       For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.  But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.  We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

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One of the most frustrating moments in the game of chess is when your opponent clearly has the upper hand and is pressing you deeper into a corner with each move.  It is only a matter of a few more moves before you are defeated.

Life’s circumstances can also continually press us to the point we feel we are being backed into a corner and about to be defeated.  Sometimes, we have long periods of peace and rest between crisis circumstances and other times the challenges seem to come upon us wave after unrelenting wave.

Do you feel backed into a corner?  Are you hard pressed from every side?  Is darkness closing in on you like a heavy cloud?

No matter how hard pressed you are, you can have ‘Peace that surpasses all understanding.’

The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Phil 4:5b-7

Others will look at you and, knowing your situation, will want to know from where it is that you draw strength.  These are ‘divine appointments’ for you to share what Jesus Christ has done and is doing in your life.

As Paul wrote in our reference Scripture, the same God who made light shine out of darkness can make the light of His presence shine in your time of darkness.  It is through His power that:

You can be hard pressed on every side, but not crushed;

You can be perplexed, but not in despair;

You can be persecuted, but not abandoned;

You can be struck down, but not destroyed.

If you are hard pressed, press in hard to Jesus.  May you draw strength and comfort from Him.  May you realize the treasure of His presence and power within you.  May you let His light shine through you in your time of darkness as a blessing not only to you but also to others.  May His all-surpassing power get you through the difficult times in your life.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. – Psa 34:18

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B2B Concert of Prayer – Recycled #788

Posted on March 26, 2012 by ron021950

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 788

“RECYCLED”

Romans 1:1 (NASB95)  Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God…

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Have you ever marveled at the ingenuity of recycling in today’s economy?  The plastic bottle you drink water or soda from today could very well become part of the road you drive on, the deck you walk on or the clothes you wear tomorrow.  Our technology can turn everyday trash into useful objects.  God can also take the trash of our past lives and recycle it into something He can use to further His kingdom today.

Look at Paul, one of the great leaders of the Christian church.  Paul was a Jewish Rabbi, a Pharisee.  He had the enviable position of being born a freeborn Roman citizen and was educated in the best schools.  He learned the trade of tentmaker before completing the rigorous study to become a Rabbi.

Paul was zealous and passionate for his Jewish faith and considered himself to be a Pharisee’s Pharisee.  In his zeal, Paul persecuted the early Christians and oversaw the stoning death of Stephen.

It was on the road to Damascus to arrest more Christians that Paul encountered the Risen Lord and he was changed forever.  Now this man with the coveted free Roman citizenship is proud to announce that he had been recycled and transformed from a Roman freeman to that of a bond-servant of Jesus Christ.  A bond-servant was the lowest form of slave in that day.  They owned nothing that they called their own.

Paul further identifies himself as an apostle, called by Jesus to bring God’s Gospel to the Gentiles. He had been recycled and transformed from persecutor to evangelist.

God took Paul: his character, his zeal, his training and his past life experiences and recycled them for His own purposes.  God even used the trash and junk of Paul’s past and recycled them.  God transformed Paul into His ambassador to the Gentiles.

Paul was never so far gone that he could not be redeemed by God.  God can use your uniqueness also.  Even the junk and trash of your past life can be recycled and transformed into something useful in furthering God’s kingdom.

Don’t be too quick to give up on yourself or others saying that you or they could never be of any use to God.  That is a lie of the enemy of your soul to hold you back from fulfilling your God-given purpose and plan for your life.  God can do what you cannot do on your own.

For nothing will be impossible with God. – Luke 1:37

The question is, when God calls, will you hear Him?  And having heard will you obey?

May you yield to the call of God upon your life.  May you experience His joy and peace as He recycles and transforms the sum of your life experiences into a vessel useful to further His kingdom, purpose, and plan for you.

 

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B2B Concert of Prayer – Thorns #787

Posted on March 18, 2012 by ron021950

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 787

“Thorns”

Matthew 27:29 (ESV)   and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head … And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”

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Why did it have to be a thorny crown placed upon his head?…It had to be a crown of thorns, because in this world that we live…a thorn is all the world has to give. – Excerpted from WHY by Michael Card

I must admit that I am gaining a new appreciation and understanding of Solomon’s frustration as he wrote these words in the book of Ecclesiastes: “Meaningless! Meaningless! …Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” – Eccl 1:2

I met a man working two part time jobs trying to provide for his family of seven.  I observed another part-time co-worker limping badly and in need of foot surgery but without the medical benefits necessary to have the operation.  Yet another walks 3 miles in Florida heat and humidity to his part-time job unable to afford transportation.  One co-worker had to quit his job when his hours were cut to the point that the pay for those few hours barely covered the commuting expense.  Behold, the wages of the laborers …are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. – James 5:4

This economy has given rise to the increased exploitation of workers.  Many companies especially in the retail industry are employing more part-time workers than ever given that they can legally cut their hours and offer minimal benefits – all in the pursuit of bottom-line profits, bonuses, and to maximize investor portfolios.  This may be an effective short-term solution to increasing profits in an anemic economy, however it will have a long-term negative impact on the company’s culture and health of its workers.  There are better ways to achieve bottom-line profits – ways that value people and not reduce them to that of an expendable commodity.

I was asking the Lord, ‘Why’ in prayer earlier this week when I heard the song by Michael Card with that title.  The lyric ‘…a thorn is all the world has to give.’ struck a chord in my spirit.  I may have a low-paying job, but it is full-time.  I may have a car with no A/C but I do not have to walk to work.  The Lord has sustained us and I have not had to work another part-time job.  The Lord’s grace is truly sufficient for me and I have gained greater empathy for the working poor – perhaps for a future purpose that the Lord has planned for me.

…a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me…Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” – 2 Cor 12:7

This world is under a curse because of sin.  Thorns are all it has to give. And to Adam he said,“…cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; – Genesis 3:17

May you live in this world with an eternal perspective seeking first His kingdom and righteousness.  Jesus overcame this world and exchanged His crown of thorns for the crown of the King of Kings.  This world will give you thorns for a very short season.  Persevere in the faith and you will have the crown of righteousness for eternity.

Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. – 2 Tim 4:6

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