Francis Harper Message for 12/15/17

From: Francis Harper
wbfrmsup@iowatelecom.net


Francis Harper Message for 12/15/17


Dear Ones,

In spite of all the turmoil and tragedy and lack of peace and tranquility in the world, and even in our own neighborhoods, we can experience peace in our heart, mind and souls. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

During World War II, a young mother called her minister telling him of her worries. Her husband was serving in the armed forces. The minister asked if she had any children. She had a baby girl. “Is she worried and afraid?” the minister asked. “No, she is sleeping peacefully in my arms.” The pastor reminded the young woman that she had a Father in heaven who watches over all those who trust in Him. The Heavenly Father is our refuge, and “underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27).

David had learned that the Lord is a good shepherd. He could confidently say: “yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). Those who have an intimate relationship with the Lord, even as David, will have “the peace of God, which passes all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).

The situation and circumstances with which we are confronted in life, will have very little impact upon our peace and joy if we are rightly related to God. Two young women were held as captives in the notorious Evin prison in Teheran, Iran. They were being held because they had accepted Christ and had been baptized. After several months their situation seemed hopeless, yet they were “completely happy” in the most notorious prison, in the most oppressed nation, in the world. One said, “I have never felt more blessed. All alone in an underground prison cell, in an inner prison, we shared a glorious celebration of faith”. They were eventually released. Paul and Silas also prayed and sang praises to God in an inner prison with their feet fastened in stocks at midnight (Acts 16:25).

Jerusalem has been in the news recently. The God of peace chose Jerusalem, which means “city of peace”, as the place where the Jewish people will return to worship Him. It is probably the best known and most fought over city in the world. The Jewish people cherish it. The Muslims want to take it. The United Nations wants to divide it. Nations are willing to go to war over it.

December 6, 2017, is a day that will be recorded in history. On that day, President Donald Trump, proclaimed Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. This proclamation answered the prophetic prayer offered by Orson Hyde on October 24, 1841. He wrote: “a good while before day, I arose from sleep and went out of the city as soon as the gates were opened, crossed the brook Cedron, and went upon The Mount of Olives, and there in solemn silence, with pen, ink, and paper, just as I saw in the vision, offered up the following prayer to Him who lives forever and ever” [only excerpts of the prayer are included here]: “…O Lord, remove the barrenness of this land,…let the land become abundantly fruitful when it is possessed by its rightful heirs… ‘Let them come like clouds and doves to their windows’ (Isaiah 60:8)…Let them know that it is thy good pleasure to restore the kingdom unto Israel, raise up Jerusalem as its capital, and constitute her people a distinct nation and government, with David [Jesus, Son of David] thy servant, even a descendant from the loins of ancient David, to be their King.” [O’ may His coming not be delayed long!] (History of the Church, Volume 2, Pages 553-555).

After 176 years nearly all of this prophetic prayer has been answered. All that remains to be fulfilled is the coming of Him “whose right it is” to reign, even Jesus, the Son of David (Ezekiel 21:26-27).

Love to all,
Francis Harper

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Peace on Earth

The angels who appeared to the shepherds in the fields of Bethlehem sang these words: "Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace; good will to men" (Luke 2:14).

Through the prophet Isaiah, God called this promised Son the "Prince of Peace". "And the government shall be upon his shoulder" and "of the increase of his government and peace there is no end" (Isaiah 9:6- 7).

In spite of a universal desire for peace the promises of peace found in the Scriptures have never been fulfilled. World - wide peace has never been known. Violence and bloodshed has been going on in this world since the beginning, when "Cain rose up against Abel and slew him. And the Lord said unto Cain, where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not; Am I my brother's keeper?" (Genesis 5:19 I. V.; 4:9 KJV) Since that day, even to the present, the violence and bloodshed has continued. We witness it in the daily news.

Multiplied billions have been spent, during multiple generations, in seeking for peace and yet it remains elusive. As it was said by Jeremiah they shall say "peace, peace; when there is no peace" (Jeremiah 6:14). "When they shall say, peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall notes cape" (1 Thessalonians 5:3). Is there no hope for peace and security in this world?; No way of escape from this age of terror?

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote the words of one of the beloved Christmas carols we sing that expresses the sentiments of many yet today. It is titled: "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day"


1 .I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old familiar carols play, And wild and sweet the words repeat Of peace on earth, good will to men.

2. I thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along the unbroken song Of peace on earth, good will to men.

3. And in despair I bowed my head; "There is no peace on earth," I said, "For hate is strong and mocks the song Of peace on earth, good will to men"

4. Then pealed the bells more loud and deep, " God is not dead, nor doth he sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, With peace on earth, good will to men."

Yes, there is hope! " Hope spring s eternal in the human breast" (Alexander Pope), but beyond this there is hope based upon truth and reality. Jesus came just as it had been prophesied. He is coming again just as it has been prophesied. God keeps his promises. He always has. He always will.

The prophecies of never - ending peace will be fulfilled when Jesus returns to reign as the "King of king's and Lord of lords" (Revelations 17:14). He shall overcome Satan and all who oppose His kingdom of righteousness and peace. Then the long sought - for peace will come.

"And he [Jesus] shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people; and they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning - hooks; nations shall not lift up sword [nor their ICBM's] against nation, neither shall they learn war any more" (Isaiah 2:4).

"The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea" (Isaiah 11:6,9).