Famine in the Arusha region?

The regional commissioner of the Arusha region in Tanzania warns of possible food shortages. My wife and I lived in that area shortly after our marriage.

Please pray for the people of Arusha.

Update on Asia Bibi

Muslims attack a church in Gujranwala, Pakistan. There was a report that a burnt Koran was found in a Christian graveyard.

The persecution of Christians and Muslims by radical Islamists continues unabated. It is in this climate that Asia Bibi is waiting for the results of her appeal.

For those who do not know who she is, here is the story about Asia Bibi's unjust imprisonment and death sentence for "blasphemy" against the Prophet Muhammad.

Please continue to pray for Asia Bibi and her family.

Today's verse

So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

John 21:15-17 (KJV)

Into the abyss

One of the reasons (though certainly not the only reason) for the decline in so-called mainline Christian denominations is their obsession with sexual matters. Now comes word that the Episcopal Church is breaking new ground in this area. Or (depending on your point of view) the Episcopal Church has hit bottom and is now blasting and digging.

An interesting quote from the link:

Patrick Cheng, an ordained minister in the majority-homosexual Metropolitan Community Churches and an openly homosexual faculty member at [Episcopal Divinity School], attempted to claim biblical characters such as the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8 as examples of transgenderism.

“That’s the first queer person of color in the Bible,” Cheng said of the Ethiopian eunuch. Cheng also named Joan of Arc, Saint Perpetua, and early church theologian Origen as people who defied traditional gender expectations: Joan for her use of male clothing, Perpetua for her visions of gladiatorial combat, and Origen for reportedly castrating himself.

“There’s a lot of work being done on the transgendered Christ,” Cheng revealed, producing several different books that either focused upon or addressed the notion of Christ as transgendered.

Wild speculation unencumbered by fact, a near-complete ignorance of Biblical scholarship, and a blatant in-your-face blasphemy. This is the sort of pseudo-intellectual pap the modern Episcopal Church goes bananas over.

It will be interesting to see if the ELCA follows the Episcopal Church over this particular cliff. In many ways the Episcopal Church is the spiritual/political mentor of the ELCA. It seems that whatever the Episcopal Church does the ELCA mimics sooner or later.

Or maybe not. My own experience with both denominations (I taught at an Episcopal school for several years) leads me to believe that the Episcopal Church fancies itself the intellectual savior of Christianity. Like the ELCA, the Episcopal Church has an unhealthy involvement in left-wing secular politics that has driven away many confessional Christians. But the Episcopal Church seems more interested in gaining acceptance for its crackpot theology than in manipulating the political process. By contrast, the ELCA worships a god of secular politics, and is obsessed with using "social statements" to fashion a secular political platform that is often at odds with Christianity.

Put another way: the Episcopal Church is deeply interested in how many angels (or, in Rev. Cheng's case, transgendered spiritual beings) can dance on the head of a pin. The ELCA is concerned about the angels' gender, sexual orientation, age, race, ethnicity, political affiliation, and whether dancing on the head of a pin causes cultural imperialism, deforestation, anti-immigrant xenophobia, or global warming.

When I read articles like the one in the link above I feel like a shipwreck survivor. At the time I was involved with the ELCA and the Episcopal Church I was uncomfortable with what seemed to be many excesses and weird ideas in these denominations. But I believed that the leaders of these denominations were my brothers and sisters in Christ and kept my misgivings to myself. Now I realize that many of these leaders - perhaps most of them - are false prophets and teachers who are trying to trick others into abandoning the Word of God for purely secular teachings.

Today's verse

For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 2:6 (KJV)

Do as they command, not as they do

Religious Left attempts to fight Federal budget cuts.

It was not that long ago that we were being told that any involvement by Christians in the political process was a prelude to a right-wing Christianist theocracy. It reminds me of the recent calls for more civility in political debate. Some of those calls that were made by those willing to engage in ugly and vile behavior if they thought it would help their political cause (see the recent fight over the budget in Wisconsin).

Jim Wallis and the rest of the Religious Left have a Constitutional right to engage in political debate - or make political prayers, for that matter. But I don't want to hear any more from him or others like him about how conservative Christians represent some sinister threat to democracy merely by voting and speaking out.

Today's verse

By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap; He lays up the deep in storehouses.

Psalm 33:6-7 (NKJV)

Today's verse

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.

Deuteronomy 6:6-8 (KJV)

Today's verse

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

Psalm 1:1-2 (KJV)

Update on Asia Bibi

Dr. Rubina Saigol has an interesting article on Pakistan's judicial system.

For those who do not know who she is, here is the story about Asia Bibi's unjust imprisonment and death sentence for "blasphemy" against the Prophet Muhammad.

On this blessed Easter Day please continue to pray for Asia Bibi and her family.

Today's verse

Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they said among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away—for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.

But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.” So they went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

Mark 16:1-8 (NKJV)

Today's verse

Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus. And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead. And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph. And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre. And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.

Mark 15:43-7 (KJV)

Jesus and Hollywood

An interesting article by John A. Murray about Jesus on film. There was a time when Hollywood was not waging war on Christianity.

New efforts to fight malaria

Let us pray that these ideas will help to combat malaria.

Reading list

A history of π, by Petr Beckmann.

Today's verse

And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull. And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not. And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take. And it was the third hour, and they crucified him. And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS. And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors. And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself, and come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save. Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him. And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias. And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down. And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom. And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.

Mark 15:22-39 (KJV)

Today's verse

Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover. Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man? They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee. Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die. Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews? Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.

John 18:28-40 (KJV)

A day of prayer for Asia Bibi

Today is the day of prayer for Asia Bibi.

For those who do not know who she is, here is the story about Asia Bibi's unjust imprisonment and death sentence for "blasphemy" against the Prophet Muhammad.

Please continue to pray for Asia Bibi and her family.

Today's verse

[Jesus said] These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.

John 16:1-3 (KJV)

Update on Asia Bibi

A reminder that tomorrow (April 20) will be a day of prayer for Asia Bibi. Please read this article at Mission Network News.

For those who do not know who she is, here is the story about Asia Bibi's unjust imprisonment and death sentence for "blasphemy" against the Prophet Muhammad.

Please continue to pray for Asia Bibi and her family.

Today's verse

Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:4-5 (NKJV)

Update on Asia Bibi

A reminder that April 20 will be a day of prayer for Asia Bibi and others arrested for blasphemy.

For those who do not know who she is, here is the story about Asia Bibi's unjust imprisonment and death sentence for "blasphemy" against the Prophet Muhammad.

Please continue to pray for Asia Bibi and her family.

Today's verse

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Isaiah 53:3-5 (KJV)

Update on Asia Bibi

An interesting article in the American Thinker about Asia Bibi and blasphemy laws in Pakistan.

For those who do not know who she is, here is the story about Asia Bibi's unjust imprisonment and death sentence for "blasphemy" against the Prophet Muhammad.

Please continue to pray for Asia Bibi and her family.

Who wudda thunk it?

Playboy Mansion illness traced to hot tub bacteria.

In other shocking news: dog bites man.

Today's verse

And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them. All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, and brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

Matthew 21:1-11 (KJV)

Desecration - or just dense?

There is something weird about the US government burning Bibles in Afghanistan, but requiring US military personnel to observe great care when handling the Koran. Apparently, US Army officials fretted that having such a dangerous book as the Bible in a Muslim-dominated country was too risky, and so it must be eliminated as soon as possible. Not even The Onion could come up with something so wacky.

Key quote from the article:

A new video at the website AnsweringMuslims.com expatiates on this contradiction:

1. “You don’t burn the Koran, because if you do, Muslims might go on a killing spree.”

2 “You do burn the Bible, because if you don’t, Muslims might go on a killing spree.”

Actually, the contradiction is only apparent. The reason it’s OK to burn Bibles while the Koran must be handled as if it were a “fragile piece of delicate art” is that Muslims and their sacred scriptures have priority over Jews and Christians and their scriptures. That’s what it says in the Koran, and that’s how the U.S. government is proceeding.

It extremely unlikely that the actions of the US Army in burning Bibles were a deliberate desecration of Christianity's most cherished book (although given the present secular-minded leadership in Washington I will stop short of saying it is flatly impossible). But it is an excellent illustration of near-complete isolation from reality much of our political and intellectual leadership lives in. It would be like the government and the media, in the midst of World War II, calling for Nuremberg-style racial laws and herding Jews into concentration camps so that Germans living in American and abroad would not be offended.

As I have said before, I don't think the sudden respect for Islam by the US government and the secular media represents a genuine tolerance of viewpoints that disagree with their own. Rather, many secular progressive (the one group that dominates both government and media) nurse a deep hatred for Christians and Jews, and see Islam as a convenient rival to those two groups. "The enemy of my enemy is my friend" is the principle at work here.

There are many ironies here, but chief among them is the fact that in a battle between secular progressives with all of modern technology at their fingertips and primitive 7th century barbarians who shriek "Allah akhbar!" while lopping off the heads of infidels, it is the latter group that will win easily. Give the Islamofascist maniacs their due: they know they are in a war, and are willing to do whatever it takes to win it. Secular progressive, on the other hand, are well-credentialed and hold most of the levers of power in the US, but are a pretty dense lot. Perhaps never before in history have so many with so much power have squandered it so badly.

Today's verse

Then came the Day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover must be killed. And [Jesus] sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat.” So they said to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare?” And He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him into the house which he enters. Then you shall say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, “Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”’ Then he will show you a large, furnished upper room; there make ready.” So they went and found it just as He had said to them, and they prepared the Passover.

Luke 22:7-13 (NKJV)

Pray for Joanne

Follow the above link to find out latest news. Please continue to pray for Joanne Heim. We should always hold our Christian sisters and brothers up in prayer.

Malaria eradicated in Korogwe and Muheza districts?

Could malaria be eliminated in the northeastern parts of Tanzania?

Let us hope so.

Please pray for the efforts to fight malaria.

Update on Asia Bibi

The Masihi Foundation has requested that April 20 be dedicated to Asia Bibi.

One paragraph in the article was interesting:

One of the fears related to the case of Asia Bibi is that the woman could be killed in prison or once the Supreme Court has proceeded to consider her appeal. From 1986 to 2010 there were 43 cases of "extra-judicial" killings of people accused of blasphemy. 19 concerned Christians, 17 Muslims, two Hindus and 5 Ahmadis.

In other words, it is not just Christians who suffer from Pakistan's blasphemy laws. Then why in Heaven's name does the secular media insist that any criticism of Islam is somehow "Islamophobic"? Does multiculturalism triumph over human decency and compassion?

For those who do not know who she is, here is the story about Asia Bibi's unjust imprisonment and death sentence for "blasphemy" against the Prophet Muhammad.

Please continue to pray for Asia Bibi and her family.

Today's verse

Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.

Psalm 81:1 (KJV)

Today's verse

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And He said to them, “This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many. Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

Mark 14:22-5 (NKJV)

Today's verse

And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as [Jesus] taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders, and spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority? And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me: The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not? But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet. And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was. And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

Luke 1-8 (KJV)

Update on Asia Bibi

Asia Bibi reported to be in grave condition.

For those who do not know who she is, here is the story about Asia Bibi's unjust imprisonment and death sentence for "blasphemy" against the Prophet Muhammad.

Please continue to pray for Asia Bibi and her family.

Today's verse

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 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. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Psalm 23 (KJV)

Prayers for Asia Bibi

There has been no recent news concerning Asia Bibi that I can find. Nevertheless, I urge anyone reading this to continue to pray for her. We should pray without ceasing.

For those who do not know who she is, here is the story about Asia Bibi's unjust imprisonment and death sentence for "blasphemy" against the Prophet Muhammad.

Today's verse

Vindicate me, O God,
And plead my cause against an ungodly nation;
Oh, deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man!

Psalm 43:1 (NKJV)

Today's verse

And it came to pass on a certain day, as [Jesus] was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them. And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him. And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee. And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone? But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts? Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house. And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.

Luke 5:17-25 (KJV)

Worth considering

Railing against "anti-intellectualism" is a cottage industry these days. The secular media, so-called mainline denominations and academia love to denounce anyone who does not agree with their narrow-minded world view as "anti-intellectual".

Here is an excellent reminder of the real history of the 20th century and the murderous effect that those who fancied themselves our intellectual and moral betters had during that time. The key quote:

Part of the problem is that the American distrust of intellectualism is itself not the irrational thing that those sympathetic to intellectuals would like to think. Intellectuals killed by the millions in the 20th century, and it actually takes the sophisticated training of "education" to work yourself up into a state where you refuse to count that in the books. Intellectuals routinely declared things that aren't true; catastrophically wrong predictions about the economy, catastrophically wrong pronouncements about foreign policy, and just generally numerous times where they've been wrong. Again, it takes a lot of training to ignore this fact.

Read the whole thing. The author blames scientists for this attitude, and it is true that many are guilty of using their positions to advance loopy policies and ideas. However, I argue that the secular and leftist denominations share an equal amount of blame. The secular media and mainline churches tend to side with the most radical and intolerant extremists in academia if they advocate the totalitarian government policies these groups favor. Those who speak out against totalitarianism are demonized and dehumanized as "racists", "homophobes", etc.

Lord Jesus, come quickly! We have acted stupidly and have deliberately handed over control of our lives to those who hate us. It's no wonder more people were deliberately slaughtered in the 20th century than in any previous century.

(h/t: Instapundit)

Today's verse

Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the LORD. Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live for ever? But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and said, Like as the LORD of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.

Zechariah 1:3-6 (KJV)

Update on Asia Bibi

British members of Parliament call for the reform of Pakistan's blasphemy laws.

Frankly, the notion that blasphemy laws can be reformed is about as kooky as saying the the Nuremberg laws or communism or Jim Crow or apartheid can be reformed. What sort of reform did the MPs have in mind? Shorter sentences? The abolition of the death penalty (to be replaced with life imprisonment)? A change in the rules of evidence or how appeals are handled? Just what compromises will be sufficient so that the MPs can go back to sleep?

Here is a radical notion: why not treat Pakistan the same way apartheid South Africa was treated? The only reform worth talking about is to eliminate the blasphemy laws entirely.

For those who do not know who she is, here is the story about Asia Bibi's unjust imprisonment and death sentence for "blasphemy" against the Prophet Muhammad.

Please continue to pray for Asia Bibi and her family.

Today's verse

[Jesus said] “Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth."

John 17:13-9 (NLT)