USA Today reported: "North Korean nuclear talks break down" -- not actually a good thing from a US point of view because the talks about disarming nuclear weapons are suspended due to a financial dispute.
Voice of America News: "US Officials Remain Confident About Sanctions Against Iran" -- not necessarily a good or bad thing (again, depending on the point of view), but the relationship between the Iranian government and US is worsening according to this report, which is a bad thing. The US remains confident about their policy of sanctions, toughing sanctions, while this angers the Iranian government, which also probably gives terrorists more reasoning with recruits in order to hate what the US stands for as far as their economic control. The report quotes the Iranian government making the statement, "If they take illegal actions, we too can take illegal actions and we will do so," which actually indicates a breakdown in relationship.
AP: "U.S. criticizes Italian, Afghan deal for hostage exchange" -- The reasoning of the US: "Our views are known on this very clear: We don't negotiate with terrorists; we don't advise others to do so as well." The Italian reporter was captured 2 weeks prior to the Taliban militant capture. The article seems like the US views the Italian government being at the mercy of the Taliban, whereas the Italian government views them having more power and control.
AP: "Death toll in battles near Afghan border rises above 130" -- Battles were between Pakistani and foreign militants. Pakistan believes this was a victory to root out terrorists. Before this Pakistan was being accused by the US government of harboring terrorists because the movement between Afghan and Pakistan was real easy for the Taliban. Pakistan says that these casualties actually prove their resistence. It is interesting to see the different view of death and sacrifice.
Read Luke 10:17-20
- Earlier in the chapter Jesus sends out the 70, and here they are returning to share their excitement from what they experienced.
- Jesus agrees with them that spiritual power is an incredible thing, also that the power He gave them is pretty incredible, but He doesn't want their joy to be conditional.
- However, since Jesus does share in their excitement of having spiritual power, it is important that we are excited about the incredible spiritual power in our lives. A person would be mistaken to read this passage and reason that spiritual power is insignificant!
- What incredible spiritual power do we have as disciples today?
- Overcoming the power of sin in our lives with the help of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:12-13).
- The Bible says that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to us (Actually in many places; one is Ephesians 1:15-23). Can you describe this power?
- We also have the amazing power of love working in our lives, where we can receive love and give love (read the book of 1John). Isn't that a great power?
- Jesus' point, however, is that there is something far greater to be excited about--what is that? That our names are written in heaven? How excited are you right now?
- If you don't have that consistent joy, know that God wants you to have it and it can be discovered.
- If the disciples returning were to write the story for Jesus, the title would probably read just as verse 17 reads, "The demons submit to us in your name!"
- Jesus would not disagree, but He would say that if you are mostly fired-up about that then it is actually a bad thing.
- What do you think is so much greater about having your name written in heaven?
- Conclusion: It is Jesus' hope that we don't miss the main point and get the story of our lives wrong!
