--*WISDOM IN UNCERTAIN TIMES"~
--[A Word from Philip Kwiatkowski / President, Pacific Garden Missions -PGM~
--Chicago, IL 60607]

~~These times are interesting to say the least. Fear is the most common emotion. Sports seasons have been put on hold, streets are empty, and life as we know it has come to a halt.

God has kept Pacific Garden Mission open continuously since 1877. He provided through the 1918 flu pandemic, which killed 675,00 Americans, and during which many rescue missions closed. He provided through World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, and 9/11. Thanks to faithful supporters, PGM has stood as a beacon of hope, opening our doors to all in need.

Now is no different: we are welcoming the poor, the hungry, the lonely, and all that need hope. The Bible describes the last days in Luke 21:26: "Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken."

Though men's hearts may be failing, we can have hope in what Jesus says in Matthew 28:18: "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth."

Jesus has all power! None of the events that are transpiring are beyond the power of the One that sits on the Throne. The Lord Jesus Christ has all power.

**We also know**=

**Jesus has all authority (Colossians 2:10). Nothing in the universe can happen without His approval. The Lord Jesus Christ is in control.

**Jesus has all knowledge (Colossians 2:3). There is not one event that the Lord is unaware of. He knows every event taking place and nothing takes Him by surprise.

**Jesus has the keys of hell and death (Revelation 1:18).

I don't need to live in fear because nothing can happen to me outside of the power, authority, knowledge, and permission of the One that holds the keys.

So, yes, we need to take proper precautions and use wisdom. But ultimately, our God is on the throne, and nothing takes Him by surprise. ~~
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Pacific Garden Mission has been open and will continue to be open as we trust the One that has all power, all authority, and all knowledge. He is the One who holds the keys. That is what brings me comfort, and that is truth we can hold on to. Thank you for your prayers and support during these difficult days. Many need hope, and that is why our doors continue to be open. Thank you. ~
--[1458 South Canal Street / Chicago, IL 60607-5201
Phone// 312-492-9410
Email: pgmnews@pgm.org
Websites: www.pgm.org www.unshackled.org ]
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~~~NOW GO~

--"When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick."
---(Luke 9:1-2 / NIV)--

~~I’ve been in many settings where I heard someone say, “Jesus gave that power and authority to a first-century audience, and those were His twelve disciples. He hasn’t given that power and authority to anyone else.”

~~These people are trying to add some spin to Scripture that just is not there. They are trying to nullify Jesus’ invitation to the very power and authority that He came to the world to demonstrate. They want to convince us that it was a first-century occurrence but not a twenty-first-century occurrence. Jesus’ command did not impose a geographical limit, so I don’t know why anyone would think it had a time limit. Who got to decide when the clock had run out on it? Jesus simply said, “You have my power. You have my authority. Now go.” There is nowhere in my Bible where Jesus’ gift of His power and authority was rescinded, so let’s take it and go!

THINK ABOUT IT
We face the same adversaries the first-century disciples did. We share the same assignments they were given. Praise God, Jesus has made the same power and authority available to us to carry out our mission.

PRAYER
--"Heavenly Father, give us faith, wisdom, and boldness to exercise the power and authority Jesus has entrusted to us to preach the Gospel, heal the sick, proclaim freedom to the captives, and make disciples of all nations. Help us, Lord, to never be ashamed to proclaim Your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen."
Blessings,
Pastor Allen Jackson
[ Friends, this is a timely Word from Pastor Allen Jackson. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" [Hebrews 13:8]. We certainly can see and read other ministries that tell us, 'times have changed',... 'that Word is not meant for today.' I totally disagree. "[And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth" [JOHN 1:14]. JESUS IS ALIVE RIGHT NOW! We talk to Him every day when we pray. He answers our prayers, according to His will. And His will is always for the good of His people. Sometimes He may answer, 'Yes', or 'No', and maybe 'Not yet.' BUT HE NEVER CHANGES! Take Him at His Word.~] ~

----GOD'S DELAY ~~

--"Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong."
---[1 Corinthians 16:13] --

---The rapture of the church, the second coming of Christ, and the judgment seat of Christ have long been subjects of much debate among Christians. Varying thoughts about when the church will be raptures abound.

--However, you can trust this fact: Jesus will do exactly what He promised. He will return for you. It is easy to see how misconstrued theologies often obscure the impact of God's will for our lives.

Immediately following Paul's clarification of the rapture to the Thessalonian church is an exhortation for them to return to faithful, vibrant, sober living. The Thessalonians had been focused on the rapture and were worried that they might have missed it. Many of them had stopped working. In essence, Paul wrote to tell them to go back to work--to be watchful and not lazy.

Paul was not the only apostle to encounter this type of error concerning future events. Peter dealt with false teaching and realized the deadly threat it presented to the young church. In his second letter, Peter admonished his readers to be diligent in their faith and to remember that God is not slow in keeping His promise (2 Peter 3:9).

Warren Wiersbe observed, "God's 'delay' is actually an indication that He has a plan for this world and the He is working His plan."
Remain watchful and prayerful in all you do.
"Thank You, Lord Jesus, for all you do. Help me to remain faithful and to help spread your Truth, the Word of God, to a dying world. In Jesus'"
--IN TOUCH~
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