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April 2024 is now posted.

We will be posting the Glorious Gospel articles individually below. A PDF file (large print) can be downloaded under the Archives tab and printed if desired, as well as past editions.

 “O LOVE THE LORD!”

Jack Davis

Some blessed benefits in loving the Lord!

PRESERVED

“O love the LORD, all ye His saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer” Psalm 31:23. This verse gives us a reason for loving, and tells us who to love, for He  “preserveth the faithful,” His saints. Contrast this with “the proud doer.” The “proud doer” is one who does his own thing, or walks in his own will, or seeks to please by his own effort. The “faithful” speaks of those who rest in the finished work of the Cross; and of those who are true to the Lord, walking in His will. Faithfulness is love in action. Faithful ones are those whose lives prove the sincerity of their love.

Many are the dangers that the Lord preserves us from and in. Oh, it is so good to be among the Lord’s “preserves.” He is a very present help in trouble.” But how could we know that or say that unless we had gotten in some kind of trouble? So, For us to know of the Lord’s preserving power in experience, He must let us get ourselves into some form of jam. Oh Boy, are we good at doing that! Leave them alone and they will come. Rather they will either get lost, or fall into a ditch. He says He will “hide” and “keep” those that trust Him. Psalm 31:20, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.” So we best stay close to the Lord in times of danger – “Under His wings.” Near his heart. He always intends the fiery trial to move us closer to Himself.

“Oh, how great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast laid up for them that fear Thee: which Thou hast wrought for them that trust in Thee before the sons of men!” Psa. 31:19. Oh, He has such rich preserves for those He preserves. Col. 1:5, speaks of “the hope” laid up.” II Tim. 4:8 speaks of “a crown” laid up. Praise God for those who do love the Lord enough to want Him to return more than anything else. Paul says in II Tim. 4:16-18, “The Lord stood with me, and strengthened me…and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.” Paul also said, “The Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heavenly Kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever.” In I Pet, 1:5,4 we read for those “who are kept by the power of God through faith,” having an inheritance “reserved in Heaven.” O LOVE THE LORD!

PROMISED

“Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him?” James 2:5. He has, with “exceeding great and precious promises,” promised to enrich His true lovers. God who is love has begotten sons of love, in His well beloved Son. He sheds abroad His love in our hearts. Yet how in these “perilous times?” Iniquity abounds, and the love of many waxes cold. Many are leaving off loving Him preeminently. Among Christians many are lovers of self, pleasure, and the world more than God. Many today think they are rich. They are esteemed highly in their attainments and attributes. But God’s promises go to the “poor.” The poor speak of those who have a deep sense of need – humble, dependent, and lacking in self-confidence enough to refuse to “trust in uncertain riches” (all natural wealth). Yet these are fully assured with a wealth of expectation from God, simply persuaded that whatever God has promised, He is “able also to perform:” also He is ready and willing. The “rich in faith,” like Sarah, simply count Him faithful who has promised. O LOVE THE LORD!

PREPARATION 

Divine preparation is invisible to the natural eye, unintelligible to the ear, incomprehensible to the human heart, and inexpressible by the natural man. In I Cor. 2:7-12, Paul said he “heard unspeakable words,” and yet he was given to “preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ” – Eph. 3:8. GOD HATH REVEALED THEM UNTO US BY HIS SPIRIT. Those who really love Him are looking, listening, and believing: and are being initiated into the mystery of Divine preparation. The Holy Spirit is given to His holy ones to enable us to perceive all that has been provided and prepared. We are given eyes to see, ears to hear, hearts to understand the full measure of such wonderful complete preparation. We may grasp in full measure all that has been promised, purposed, and purchased by Jesus’ precious life blood. This is to the intent that we praise Him, that we be eternally “to the praise of the glory of His grace’ – Eph. 1:6.

To mention a few of the preparations He has made, and that we should love Him for: We indeed love Him first for Himself. But these things should call forth a sincere manifestation of our love. In Hebrews 11:16 God is said to have prepared a city for those believing Him. Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you.” David said, “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.” In the prophetic parable of Matthew 22, the king made a marriage feast for his son and said, “Behold, I have prepared my dinner,” Oh what a feast that will be! 

When the mother of Zebedee’s children came to Him and asked that her two sons sit with Him on His throne when He would come into His Kingdom, He told her, “To sit on My right hand, and on My left, is not Mine to give, but it shall be given to them to whom it is prepared of My Father “He is also preparing for us. We are told in II Tim. 2:21, that those who are being purged, made “Meet for the Master’s use.” Are “prepared unto every good work.” In Romans 9:23 we read of “vessels of mercy” being “prepared unto glory.” John saw the Holy City, descending “from God out of Heaven, prepared as a Bride adorned for her Husband.” So the Lord would have us “know the things that are freely given to us of God.” And that their redemption cost our dear Jesus His life. O LOVE THE LORD!

PURPOSE

When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we begin to partake of the calling “according to His purpose” Rom. 8:27-29. “Oh, how great is Thy goodness, which Thou has laid up for them that fear Thee; which Thou has wrought (worked) for them that trust in Thee before the sons of men!” Psa. 31:19. So it is One that has “begun a good work” in us, that works in us “both to will and to do of His good pleasure,” who will perform, perfect, complete it, as we love Him enough to let Him. He has purposed for those that love Him to be completely “conformed to the image” of His dear Son. Those who are preserved, prove they love Him by a faithful life. If you really love Him, you will want to check out all that He has promised you in His precious Word. Desiring earnestly to perceive and partake of all that He has prepared. Looking to the Lord to make us like Himself. We will request, even require Him to fulfill His purpose. “Christ in you, the hope of glory” Col. 1:27. He is being formed us, transformed inwardly first, and changed into His glorious likeness eternally. To know Him is to love Him, as He is revealed to our hearts. In our lives, we are taking on inwardly more and more of His likeness. “O love the Lord, all ye His saints,” and you will profit from it for ever and ever!

 God’s Word Is Sufficient

Gordon Crook, Pastor

Grace Assembly, Wichita, Kansas

“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able (to be capable, strong and powerful) to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:15

From Martin Luther’s four maxims, we get “sola scriptura,” which means “scripture alone.” He was proposing that scripture alone was sufficient for salvation and for the life of the believer. It seems that Paul had already taught this, and it was only a matter of time before someone like Martin would realize how contrary the teaching of his time was. The Catholic church of that time was teaching that we needed tradition with scripture to know God’s will.

As I study this topic, I realize just how important it is to understand that God’s Word is sufficient in itself and needs nothing from men. I am sure that many men/women across the ages have wanted to be the authority to define what was true and what was needed from them to complete the life of the believer. God does not need our input or anything we might add to His Word. Neither does His Word need to be “modernized.”

In Acts 17:2, we find Paul reasoning with anyone who will listen using the scriptures. It is true that he was using the Old Testament, because that is all he had, but it was sufficient to bring them to Jesus. Paul understood that the purpose of the inspired scriptures was to bring fallen man to Jesus where he would find salvation. Even Jesus says that the scriptures are they which speak of Him. 

In Romans 15:4, we read, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” So, the Old Testament is written for our benefit. Some wish to discard it entirely, but it is very important to our spiritual life. In case we are not sure how it applies, Paul was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write scripture that ties us in and helps us understand it.

So, how important is God’s Word to the believer? Well, Job says this: “I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12. I’m not sure what your thinking is about the necessity of food, but I find it most necessary to continue a healthy life. Spiritually, God’s Word is more that the necessary natural food. God’s Word is the spiritual nutrition that we need to lead a healthy and growing spiritual life. If only we would give it this level of importance.

“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. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalms 1:1-3. This is a picture of the person that puts priority on the Word of God. The Word is sustenance and ensures that they are fruitful and well established. Even in the difficult times of life, they will have renewing supply for their spiritual life.

Paul encourages us to be renewed daily. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2. This is necessary as we are accosted daily by the world and our enemy who seeks to get us to think like the world. We are God’s children, and should not be caught up in the thinking of the world.

There are two things that God’s children need in this world: prayer and studying God’s Word. We need to pray for understanding before we read our Bible. Then, when we read and study, we need to do that with desire to understand and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us and to work in our lives.

God’s Word (Scriptures) is sufficient (able) for all that you need in your Christian walk. “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:” Ephesians 5:8. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105.

 STAND STILL AND SEE THE SALVATION OF THE LORD

Anita Clark – Pastor

Grace Chapel, Carbondale, Kansas

In Exodus 14, we read the story of the people of God being delivered from Egypt and traveling in the desert to go to their ancient place back to Israel.  In verse 2 God said to Moses, who was leading the mass of Israelites who had just left Egypt.  “Speak unto the Children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pihahiroth between Migdol and the sea over against Baal-zephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea.”

Note that God told them exactly where to go. Note he said, “turn and encamp before Pihahiroth.” The meaning of this place is “a place of liberty.”  They were to be “between Migdol and the sea.”  Migdol was a “tower or fortress.”  Baal-zephon when interpreted means “Lord of the North.”  The road north lead to their homeland, Israel, away from the bondage of Egypt.

Verse 3 tells of Pharaoh’s human reasoning. He said, “The children of Israel are entangled in the land and the wilderness hath shut them in.” Psalms 48:1-2 gives us understanding of what our God declares, “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of His holiness.  Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.”

Verse 9 tells of the Egyptians pursuing after Israel with horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, overtook them encamping by the sea...”  Vs. 10 tells us that the Israelites “were sore afraid.”. Vs.4 tells us why God allowed this problem of the Egyptians following Israel, God speaking says, “And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart that he shall follow after them, and I will be honored upon Pharaoh and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD.”

Verses 9 &10 tells us that Israel was sore afraid, and they “cried out to the Lord.” Moses said unto the people, (Vs. 13) “”Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will shew to you to day, for the Egyptians ye have seen today; ye shall see them again no more for ever.”

These words “fear not” are repeated many times in the Bible.  Gen.15:1 Abraham was told by God, “Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield and thy exceeding great reward.” Joshua was fearful and God spoke to him in Joshua 8:1, “”Fear not neither be thou dismayed: I have given into thy hand the king of AI and his people and his city, and his land.”  King David spoke to his son Solomon and said in I Chronicles 28:20, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it, fear not, nor be dismayed; for the LORD, even my God, will be with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work of the house of the LORD.  Isaiah 35:4 says, “Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; He will come and save you.” In the book of Luke, Jesus spoke to His disciples, “Fear not little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

Unbelief magnifies or creates difficulties and then sets about to remove them by our own bustling, fruitless actions. Faith on the contrary raises the soul above difficulty, straight to God Himself and enables us to stand still! We don’t gain anything by our restless anxious efforts. Israel’s murmurings of unbelief could never change their situation.  1. Couldn’t dry the Red Sea up.  2. Couldn’t level the mountains.  3. Couldn’t annihilate the armies of Egypt. We learn the words of Psalms 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.”

Come and see “The Salvation of the Lord.” Hebrews 11:29 “By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land; which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.” Faith is spiritual sight not physical sight.  2 Corinthians 4:18 says, “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

Salvation brings “deliverance” all the way from the new birth to our bodily deliverance, where we will be translated up to heaven.  Romans 8:23 says, “...waiting for the adoption to wit, the redemption of our bodies.” This will bring our eternal deliverance to us forever with the Lord..

Believe and press forward.  He is coming very soon.

 The Two Creations

Part 4

Pastor Vicky Moots

Kingman, Kansas

At this time, I would like to discuss the verses in Ephesians and Colossians in which Paul uses the terms “old man” and “new man” to refer to the two creations. As stated previously, the “old man” is our old, sinful nature which we inherited at birth through Adam. Paul plainly declares that the “old man” is corrupt and acts according to the lusts of the flesh. God does not patch up the “old man” and try to make him better or to reform him. The “old man” is corrupt and had to be put to death, as we were told by Paul in Rom. 6:6.

Paul commands us in Eph. 4:22 that, as Christians, we are to “…put off concerning the former conversation [manner of life] the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.” In this verse he illustrates the “old man” by using the example of an old filthy, contaminated garment that must be removed and destroyed.

This filthy garment represents the outward manifestations of the “old man” in our lives. The inner lust of the flesh will manifest itself outwardly through sinful deeds of the body. This is the outer garment of the flesh. We must choose to remove the filthy garment of the “old man” in order to be clothed with our new clean garment.

Next, in v.23, we are instructed, “…be renewed in the spirit of your mind.” We can only be renewed in the spirit of our mind by yielding to the power of the Holy Spirit, as Paul tells us in Gal. 5:16: “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”

Since we are a new creation in Christ, God has provided us with a new garment to replace the old, contaminated garment which we have removed. Paul calls this new garment the “new man” and commands us in v.24 of Ephesians 4 to “…put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”

This same illustration is expressed further by Paul in Col. 3:8-10: “But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy…; Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.”

The new man is created in God’s image, not Adam’s image. When we are born in the natural, we bear the image of our earthly father, and that of Adam. When we are born again, as a new creation, we bear the image of our heavenly Father.

Since we have put off the old man with his deeds and put on the new man, what are the deeds that should now be on display in our lives? What does our new garment look like? Paul gives us the answer to this question in the last two verses of Eph. 4: “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice [these are the deeds of the old man]: And be ye kind one to another, … even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” These deeds are only possible as we yield to the new creation life, the life of Christ in us. So, let us put off the “old man” and put on “the new,” and glorify Christ.

 Song of Solomon 2:7

Greg Gilliam Pastor, Grace Christian

Assembly, Kansas City, Missouri

“I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.”

This book is the song of songs, which is Solomon’s (1:1). To help us understand our text we need to realize that the King addresses the woman as “love.” The woman addresses him as “my beloved.”  In the first verse of this chapter we see what she says about herself, “I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.” The Lord wants us to see who we are in Him. In verse three she sees him as a mature fruitful tree. She finds him as a refuge from the heat and she finds enjoyment in him.  In verse four we find that every act that He does towards her is because of His love. As believers we find this to be true in our lives as well.  Yes, even the pruning that we find in John 15 is because of his love. He desires that this be a productive relationship with her. That fruit may abound to her account.  In verse five we read, “I am sick of love.” Let’s back up from the way this phrase is used today - I am sick of something or I am tired of it. Here she is saying she enjoys his love and is ravished by it. Then verse six we find that she knows his embrace. Dear one, have you felt the embrace of the Lord Jesus Christ?  Do you know His hand is under your head and his right hand doth embrace you?

Now let us consider our text. She has been learning his ways.  She is not perfect and nor are we saints. She has learned something about him and is instructing others. The instruction, “stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.”  We must realize who He is.  He is God - deity. The 139th Psalm says He searches us and knows us, He knows when we sit down and He knows when we stand up. He knows what I am thinking about and is acquainted with all my ways. He knows every word in my tongue. Saints He knows all about us.  

Cella E. Stanton writes in a song titled, “He Knows” that He knows earth’s deepest sorrow, our highest joy, the deepest darkest sins of years, He’s able to destroy.  He knows the deep heart longings, the hidden tears that flow; nothing over takes us but what our Lord doth know. He knows about our trials and knows the way we take.  In His own way He leads us, because He loves us so. He even knows when we grow weary. He knows the heart that trusts Him.

We must come to the same conclusion that the Psalmist did (Psalm 139:6), “such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.”

The Lord is a man who lives in rest and peace. Let’s look at an example in Mark 4:38 they had entered into a ship and a big storm came up. Where did they find Jesus and what was He doing? He was asleep on a pillow. The wind is in subjection to Him.  He arose and rebuked the wind and said unto the sea, “Peace be still.” Then He went back to the people and said, “Why are ye so fearful?  How is it that ye have no faith?”  

Sometimes God’s people try to provoke Him to action. If that has been you in the past, go to the Lord and ask for His forgiveness.  Ask Him to help you live in His rest and His peace.  Remember what we said earlier, we are not perfect.  Sometimes things overtake us and we react rather than respond.  Hebrews 4:9-11 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.  For he that is entered into his rest he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.  Philippians 4:6,7 Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  

Dear ones let us go back to our text, “stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.” The Lord knows all about you.  He knows what you are going through.  Acknowledge His headship in your life.  Submit to His will.  Continue to wait upon Him. Psalm 27:14…wait, I say, upon the Lord. He will make everything beautiful in His time.  Ecclesiastes 3:11.

 Adorning The Gospel

Earlene Davis

In Titus chapter 2, Apostle Paul gives spiritual advice to different ages of believers and to workers. V. 10 gives the reason for this instruction – “…that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.” Webster’s dictionary gives this meaning for the word “adorn” – ‘adding beauty to something by gracing it with its own beauty, to render attractive, to enhance or heighten the beauty of. It is God’s will that we adorn the Gospel by the way we live our life. So let us read these instructions.  

“But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine” - V. 1. If we speak the truth, it will benefit others. It will build up believers, so they will be scripturally and spiritually healthy, which enhances the Gospel.

V. 2, “That the aged men be sober (or vigilant), grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity (love), in patience.” All these things are evident in spiritual mature men, they are sound in faith, having heeded sound doctrine mentioned in V. 1. Such a living testimony renders the Gospel attractive. 

V. 3, “The aged women likewise (what was said for the aged men applies also to the aged women), that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things.” By their behavior, which speaks louder than words, proving their speech to be sound, they are teachers of good things to the younger women. 

V. 4, “That they may teach the young women to be sober (or wise), to love their husbands, to love their children.” That sound teaching is passed on to following generations, from the aged to the younger and the younger to their children. What do the younger ones learn?

V. 5, “To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the Word of God be not blasphemed.” May our children never be able to say, ‘My parents are not what they seem.’ We don’t want to be a reproach, especially to our own children. Our lives should outwardly manifest that God is doing a work in us by the Holy Spirit. That puts God’s Word on display as it were, giving substance to the message, that it works in us.

Vs. 6-8, “Young men likewise  (as the young women) exhort to be sober minded (or discreet).  In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works (an example): in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.” Good works (are works of faith), they can be a powerful testimony to unbelievers.

We can clearly see a progression here, sound doctrine makes sound faith, sound faith makes sound speech and sound speech makes good works and God is glorified. God has ordained good works for His  people and He gives us power to walk in them by the Holy Spirit.

V. 9-10, “Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again. Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.” This exhortation to servants applies to workers, to employees. Bad conduct on our jobs could make the Gospel appear repulsive. But If we do our duties as unto the Lord, we can be an adornment that draws others to the Lord. In Mt. 5:16, Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” And in Phil. 1:27 we read, “…let your conversation (which means manner of life) be as it becometh the gospel of Christ.”

Vs. 11-15, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” It is truly awesome and marvelous, that God takes such hopeless material and makes a people for Himself, purchasing us at such a great cost; a people over and above man’s expectations. Does this not make the gospel appealing? Oh, yes.

God does an inward work, as ye yield to His Word and let the Holy Spirit work that Word in us, then it becomes outwardly manifest in our lives. Paul’s life is an example to us, his life adorned the Gospel He preached. I Thess. 1:5, “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.” II Thess. 3:7, “For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you.” 

Paul said in Phil. 4:1, that those Philippian saints were his joy and crown, they received his teaching and were running the race with him for the Prize of the high calling. They were an adornment to Paul. He admonished them to “stand fast,” not in their own wisdom and strength but “in the Lord.” They were the fruit of his labor in the Gospel. Paul also said of the Thessalonian saints that they will be his joy and crown when the Lord comes - I Thess. 2:19-20. We may also add to Paul’s rejoicing in that day by adorning the gospel he preached.

Consider these verses: Proverbs 12:4 says “a virtuous woman is a crown to her husband.” If we adorn the gospel, we shall adorn Christ as His bride. Rev. 10:1, describes Christ descending our of heaven in grandeur and power to assume control of things on earth. He is seen clothed with a cloud and a rainbow is upon His head. It is the saints, associated with Him (His adornment). Also in Rev. 21:2, the holy city, the new Jerusalem comes down from God out of heaven, prepared a bride adorned for her husband. The Greek means ‘marshaled, decked, embellished, honored, ornamented.” we read in Rev. 19;7, the Lamb’s wife hath made herself ready. She hearkened to the voice of the Father, inclining her ears to His Word, putting Christ first in her devotion. The 45th Psalm tells us her clothing is of wrought gold. She will be adorned by a company of saints, just as she is a company of saints (a bride adorned).

 The Encouraging Word

“Every Scripture is God-breathed – given by His inspiration – and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience and for training in righteousness.” II Timothy 3:16 Amp.

“For ever, O Lord your word stands firm as the heavens, and is settled in Heaven.” Psalm 119:89

“Glory in His holy name: let the heart of those rejoice who seek the Lord.” I Chronicles 16:10

“For you are my lamp, O Lord; and the Lord illumines my darkness.” II Samuel 22:29

“Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait and hope for and expect the Lord.” Psalm 31:24

“But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God and made Him my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.” Psalm 73:28

“Keep and guard me as the pupil of the eye, hid me in the shadow of your wings,” Psalm 17:8

The wings of God calm our ruffled feathers.

“Sing to the Lord, O you saints of His and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name,” Psalm 30:4

Martha Wainright

Jesus Rode Into Jerusalem 

He rode into Jerusalem on a borrowed donkey 

It was the Father’s will for Him to ride. 

Jesus knew the hour had come; our sins to pay. 

His Father’s will must be obeyed.

He rode and the people strew palm leaves in the way. 

They cried blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord. 

Yet, did they understand what His entry meant that day? 

Some did not know the depth of love he showed. 

It was important, the Scriptures, He must fulfill. 

Jesus knew his mission was almost done. 

He told His disciples His death was His Father’s will. 

And on the third day rise again, the victory won. 

In Zechariah nine, nine, said years ago 

The Messiah, Israel’s King would enter in this manner. 

So they were to rejoice and shout aloud too. 

Their King would die but live forever. 

Jesus had a purpose in coming to Jerusalem 

A Cross of shame was waiting on a hill. 

He came to fulfill prophecy told of Him 

To bear all our sin was indeed the Father’s will. 

– Phyllis M. Nesbitt

 “My Grace Is Sufficient For Thee”

When, sin-stricken, burdened, and weary,

   From bondage I longed to be free,

There came to my heart the sweet message:

   “My grace is sufficient for thee.”

Though tempted and sadly discouraged,

   My soul to this refuge will flee,

And rest in the blessed assurance:

   “My grace is sufficient for thee.”

My bark may be tossed by the tempest

   That sweeps o’er the turbulent sea–

A rainbow illumines the darkness:

   “My grace is sufficient for thee.”

O Lord, I would press on with courage,

   Though rugged the pathway may be,

Sustained and upheld by the promise:

   “My grace is sufficient for thee.”

Soon, soon will the warfare be over,  

   My Lord face to face I shall see,

And prove, as I dwell in His presence:

   “His grace was sufficient for me.”

–Anonymous

 Wise Resolve

Jack Davis

“Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.” Acts 11:23.

When the saints at Jerusalem heard that Gentiles were being saved in other places. They sent brother Barnabas to Antioch. He was wise enough to realize that what he observed was indeed the hand of God. His heart was made glad to behold this working of grace.

It seems that God gave Barnabas special foresight during this special time of gladness and grace, to sense that even more perilous times were on the horizon. He gave them such wise advice that is good for all times, with which we may each face the future. The character of the man seemed to add weight to his words, or indeed the word that the Holy Spirit inspired him to speak.

Acts 11:24, tells that he was a “good” man, in other words, God used him to be beneficial to others. “Much people were added unto the Lord.” He was said to be full of faith and also full of the Holy Spirit. He was influenced, enabled, and controlled by Him who stirs, stills, and strengthens us today.

His excellent persuasion is so worthy of note. He exhorted, urged, or encouraged a fixed resolve, even a hearty purpose. It seems that he made clear, the need to be determined to remain dependant, as love’s clinging vine. As we purpose likewise, we will come up out of the most trying experiences having learned to lean on the everlasting arms.

To “cleave” in the sense given here is to adhere, join, glue, accompany, yoke together. When He is our Lord we enjoy being one with Him in entire dependance. The days are passing swiftly and we will be leaving this place shortly. Let us draw near with a true heart, unto the Lord in full assurance of faith. Glory to God, we will soon see Him face to face. Let us still cleave to our dear Lord with purpose of heart.

 All That Is Within Me

Gordon Crook, Pastor

Grace Assembly, Wichita, Kansas

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Psalms 103:1

This is an interesting comment on worship. “All that is within me” implies more than just a superficial form of worship that is very prevalent today among God’s people. Is worship something we do on Sunday morning? Is it a response to someone leading the worship service? Is it just a superficial act of praise?

The psalmist seems to tell us about something deeper than that. It can be easy and convenient to just give an hour or two on Sunday morning or meet with friends to go to that Christian concert and call that worship. Those things can certainly be a part of our worship. 

Assembling with God’s people is important and encouraged in His Word. “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.” Psalms 122:1. However, worship should not stop at the exit of the building. It should be an integral part of our life.

Good deserves our all; “all that is within me.” We tend to be willing to give our “all” for ourselves or for something we really enjoy. Some people seem to be able to give all for their favorite sports team. No matter where they go, you know for sure who their favorite team is. Do people know wherever you go who your Lord is?

“Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.” Psalms 111:1

“I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.” Psalms 138:1

“I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.” Psalms 9:1

“I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.” Psalms 18:3

Our God is worthy to receive our praise. He is worthy of all of our praise. No one and no thing is ever worthy of our praise like He is. Not just some words or some singing, but true worship. Our whole heart. Everything within us. Every action of our life. Every attitude of our heart. “I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.” Psalms 86:12

True worship comes from deep within us and is drawn out by a true understanding of who God is. It is not reserved for only when He does something for us. When we begin to have a true revelation of who God is, we will be unable to do anything other than worship Him. God is always calling us to know Him better and have a very personal and close relationship with Him. You cannot truly know God in this way and not be compelled to worship Him with all your being.

That “all that is within you” means that every aspect of your life becomes part of that worship. The way you speak, the way you treat others, the way you deal with business, every aspect. “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalms 19:14. “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” Luke 6:31.

Worship in this life is just the beginning. When we get on the other side, our worship will only increase as we will know even more. I feel strongly that “knowing as we are known” will draw from us an even greater worship. This is what we find in Revelation. “The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, . . .” Revelation 4:10. 

Our worship of our amazing Lord will continue throughout eternity. Let’s get started now.

 DOING THE FATHER’S WILL

Anita Clark – Pastor

Grace Chapel, Carbondale, Kansas

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus; Who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant [slave] and was made in the likeness of men.  And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross”  

Philippians 2:5-8.

Because this was the will of God the Father, Jesus subjected Himself to obey exactly what His Father had designed for His life on earth. It meant He would give up His glory and equality with God for all time. He will always be a glorified human being. In the plan of God He was “...the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” Revelation 13:8. In Hebrews 2:9-18 we learn that He willingly was made lower than the angels (V.9).  Through this humbling, becoming a human, He brought “many sons to glory” (Vs. 10). Through this process He destroyed him that had the power of death, that is, the devil (V.14).  He did all this so that He might become our “merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation (for the sins of the people) V. 17.

In Luke 22:41-42 & 46, we see Jesus choosing to follow the will of His Father God. While praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, He cried out, “Saying Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but Thine be done.” He willingly chose to follow His Father’s plan to become the sacrifice for our sin, and not for ours only, but for all the world’s also. In Hebrews 10:5,7, the Lord speaks, “Sacrifice and offering Thou wouldest not, but a body  hast Thou prepared for me.” He willingly came to do His Father’s will. How precious this is!  

In Galatians 1:3-4 Apostle Paul says, “Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.” In John 4:34, Jesus said “My meat (my nourishment) is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work.” Also, in John 5:30, Jesus said, “...I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” In John 6:38-67, He repeatedly speaks of doing His Father’s will, “For I came down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of Him that sent me.”

One of the phrases in what is called “The Lord’s Prayer,” which we prefer to call “The Pattern Prayer,” reads, “Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.”  Do we ask the Lord for His will to be done in our lives?  The word “will” in the Greek means “determination, choice, purpose, decree, desire, or pleasure.” This is exactly what the Lord wants in our lives - a person who seeks His will, not their own.

Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 5:14-17. “Wherefore He saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,  Redeeming the time because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”  The word “circumspectly” in the Greek means “ exactly, diligently, or accurately.”  We need to be doing the will of God!  We need to be careful to follow His leading every day. The word “redeeming” means buying up the opportunity or making the most of our time.” Not wasting our time.  Why? “Because the days are evil.”  This world is growing more evil every day.  Can you see it and feel it?

Paul says “Be ye not unwise.” The word “unwise” means “stupid, ignorant or unbelieving.” He continues, “...understanding what the will of the Lord is.” God wants us to seek His will in our lives.  We can understand what it is that God wants for us.  The Scripture is plain as to what His will is for us as a believer.

 The Two Creations

Part 3

Pastor Vicky Moots

Kingman, Kansas

Yes, Jesus delivered Paul, but how do we claim the same victory that Paul experienced and make it a reality in our own lives? Paul explains this to us in Romans 6.  In v.6 he declares the facts concerning what Jesus accomplished for us through His death on the cross: “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him [Jesus], …” This first fact is something that Paul wants to make sure that we know without a doubt because it is the basis of our victory over the flesh. We must accept this and believe it by faith to be true.

He then continues on in this verse to give us the purpose of knowing this fact: “…that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” The Amplified Version clarifies this portion of Scripture for us this way: “…that [our] body [which is the instrument] of sin, might be made ineffective and inactive for evil, that we might no longer be the slaves of sin.” This means that instead of having to serve sin, we are free to serve Christ with our body.

Next, in v.7, Paul makes an obvious statement of fact: “For he that is dead is freed from sin.” When a person dies, his sinful nature no longer has power over him to cause him to sin.  Therefore, death frees us from continuing to live a life of sin.

But it doesn’t end there, because Christ rose from the dead, and so must we, as Paul states in v.8: “Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him.”

If we believe these facts to be true, then we are admonished in v.11 to apply them to our own lives so that we may personally experience the victory over the old creation (our old man): “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

In this verse, Paul tells us that there are two things which we must “reckon.” The word “reckon” means “to count it to be so.” This word is actually an old bookkeeping term which referred to counting up both sides of the ledger and balancing, or reckoning, the books at the end of the day. You had to be very careful to add up all of the numbers correctly or your books would be off.  You wanted your count to be true.  Both sides of the ledger had to agree.  Spiritually, this means that we must be willing to count things the way God counts them and to agree with what He says in His Word.

The first thing which we must reckon is to agree with God that our “old man” was indeed crucified with Christ, and therefore, we are dead to sin and free from its power over us.

The second thing that we are to reckon is that we, as a new creation, have been resurrected with Christ and are alive unto God.

When we reckon these two things to be true, and allow them to become a reality in our daily lives, then we can shout the victory along with Paul, who declared in Gal. 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

It is the resurrected life of Christ in us who gives us the victory over sin.  Our “new man” is Christ Himself living His life through us as we yield to the Holy Spirit.  So, we can now say, “It is no longer I (the “old man”), but Christ (the “new man”) that lives in me.” The “old man”, who was crucified with Christ, no longer has any authority over our bodies, because we reckoned him to be dead.

As a result of this reckoning, our bodies are free to serve God instead of serving sin, as Paul tells us in Rom. 6:12-13: “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.  Neither yield ye your members [of your body] as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.”

 Wise Counsel

Greg Gilliam 

Pastor,  Grace Christian Assembly, Kansas City, Missouri

“Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.” Genesis 41:33, 

“And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?” Pharaoh was in need of wise counsel.  He first turned to the magicians of Egypt first. Not one of them could interpret the dreams of Pharaoh. Then we are brought back to the chief butler, one that Joseph had interpreted a dream for before and told him to remember him. He tells Pharaoh all about the account and introduces Pharaoh to Joseph. Joseph is immediately called for and he prepares himself.

As we study Joseph’s life we have glimpses of the Lord Jesus. We have one here in our text. Can we find such a one as this is? Who will help us know what God is about to do? The answer is yes. The Lord Jesus Christ is our counselor. The Prophet Isaiah gives us an introduction.  Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder:  and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Price of Peace.”

He has been with God the Father since before the world was in existence. John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Jesus holds all the characteristics of His Father.  John 1:14, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”  

John gives us a record that the Spirit came upon Jesus.  John 1:32-34, “And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not:  but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.  And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.”

The wisdom of God was on display in His earthly life.  Luke 2:40, “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom:  and the grace of God was upon him.” Others marveled at the wisdom He had - remember, we behold God’s characteristics in Him. Mat. 13:54, “And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?”

The Apostle Paul makes several statements about the wisdom and knowledge of God. These statements can be said of Jesus too.  Rom. 11:33, “O the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” 1 Cor. 1:24, “But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” Col. 2:3, “In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

He will give us wisdom if we but ask Him. James 1:5, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” 1 Cor. 1:30, “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:”  Eph. 1:8, “Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence.” Eph. 1:17, “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto the you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:” Eph. 3:10, “To the intent that now the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.”  Col. 1:9, “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.”

 OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

Jack Davis

“Who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification” – Romans 4:25. Our hearts rejoice and we stand amazed as we consider all that Jesus was delivered unto, and as the result all that we’ve been delivered from and shall be delivered unto.

“For Our Offenses:” before the foundation of the world, our dear Lord had a date with the cross. Several were involved on His path there. Humanity is so prone to pass the blame, but be it ever remembered that our offenses (misdeeds) put Him there. We read of Judas Iscariot, after seeing Jesus body anointed for burial with very precious ointment, going to the chief priests, and saying “What Will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you?” And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. Jesus said shortly thereafter, “The Son of man goeth as it is written of Him, but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It had been good for that man if he had not been born” – Mt. 26:15,24. After Judas had betrayed Jesus with a kiss, and saw Him condemned to die, he tried to undo his dastardly deed by giving back the silver, but instead it was used to buy the field of blood.

Then there were the Jewish religious leaders, “the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor? – Mt. 27:1-2. This counsel of puny, fumbling, bungling men seem to have laid their plans, and carried them out without any problems. We read that Pilate “knew that for envy they had delivered him” – Mt. 27:18. Thank God, there was a higher counsel which far pre-dated this one. “Jesus…a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that he should be holden of it” – Acts 2:22-24.

Pilate also played a part. Jesus, allowing Himself into Pilate’s judgment hall, spoke not a word in self-defense. Pilate marveled, and asked Him if he knew that he had power to crucify or release him. Thank God that Jesus’ destiny was in the hand of a higher authority. Shortly thereafter Pilate sought to release Him, then “delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified” – John 19:16. We read in Acts 3:13-15, “God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus, whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you, and killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead.” In Acts 4, we read about the kings and rulers, Herod, Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel being gathered against Jesus, “For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.”

It is stated most clearly in Romans 8:32, who really delivered our dear Lord to the cross, and why He did it. God didn’t spare Jesus any measure of the wrath of divine judgment against sin, that He might be able to spare, deliver, and enrich us. But delivering Jesus up to the cross on account of our sins, He is just, and the justifier of the ungodly who believe in Jesus Christ.

“Raised Again:” Our right standing with God is also related to Jesus’ deliverance from death and the tomb. The Apostle wrote, that if Christ be not raised, we are yet in our sins. Praise God, we need to longer live under the guilt, condemnation, or control of sin. “The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” “…sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under law, but under grace” – I Cor. 15:56-67 and Rom. 6:14. Glory to  God for deliverance, body, soul and spirit, provided for us in the redemption and resurrection of our dear Lord.

“So Great a Death:” “But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: Who deliver us from so great a death, and doth deliver,: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us” – II Cor. 1:9-10.

“Hath Delivered Us:” This is a result from the past. We, being justified by faith, have a new standing, a secure position, knowing deliverance in our spirit from the penalty of sin.

“Doth Deliver:” As we presently experience sanctification of the Spirit, our soul also, progressively enjoys deliverance from the power of sin. As our affections are being set on things above we enjoy an ascending state, a transforming condition. As we let Him work in us, we are not conforming to this world, but being transformed inwardly from glory to glory. When the Apostle Paul cried out, “Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” he was dealing with the sin principle in the fallen human nature. We are now being delivered from selfishness, shamefulness, suffering and even shallowness and sickness. As we walk by faith and not by sight, in love, and in the light, we are also presently experiencing deliverance in our bodies because of the resurrection life of Christ and the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit. Our Lord Jesus Christ “Gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father, To whom be glory for ever and ever, Amen” – Gal. 1:4-5.

The present day conditions are evil because they are somewhat controlled by the god of this world, Satan. The course of this age seems to be going according to the prince and power of the air. But thank God, our deliverance is according to the will of God, and unto His eternal glory. Jesus, doing God’s will, came and gave Himself to ransom and rescue us from the present evil influence and tendencies which characterize this age. I believe that sanctification is the process by which he is now developing kings and priests unto  God.

“Will Yet Deliver:” Our future deliverance is glorification, when creation “shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” What a deliverance eternally from the presence of sin! We read of that eternal state, and rejoice that “There shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life” – Rev. 21:27. So now we await God’s “Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come: – I Thess. 1:10. God, that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all – that he might bring many sons unto Glory. We now, and shall forever give thinks unto the Father which hath made us meet to be partakers, of the inheritance of the saints in light. Who hath believed us from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son - Col. 1:12-13. He was able to do that because He that descended first into the lower parts of the earth, hath also ascended up on high and led captivity captive.

 Another Message on Occupying

E. J. Davis

We considered Jesus’ words  in the February issue – Lk. 19:13, “Occupy till I come.” In other words, our occupying should be in view of our Lord’s return, in awareness and  in anticipation. I am reminded of our Apostle Paul’s admonition to his son in the faith, Timothy found in I Tim. 4:13-16. We may take these words personally to our selves. For in one sense, our salvation came to us through the message of God’s grace given to Paul. We find seven sayings in these verses that should be our chief occupation.

I Tim. 4:13-16, “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”

“Give attendance to reading” (of the Scriptures of course) to the exhortation or encouragement, and to the doctrine or teaching; because of their great importance. The word Exhortation literally means to call to one’s side for instruction and comfort. Jesus said, “Search the scriptures…for they are they which testify of me” – Jn. 5:39. May we not neglect reading the Word of God. It is so valuable for our growth in Christ. II Tim. 3:16-17, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished (or perfected) unto all good works.”

II Tim. 3:15, says, “the holy scriptures are able to  make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” It is not enough to know the letter of the word. “For the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life” – II Cor. 3:6. It is the Holy Spirit who enlightens us as we receive and believe God’s Word. The Holy Spirit makes the truth of God’s Word alive to us. I Cor. 2:9-12, God has revealed unto us the deep things of God by His Holy Spirit and it is Spirit that makes us to understand them. The Spirit only can make known the things of God, for He only knows the things of God. The purposes, execution and operations are wholly Divine. Read I Cor. 2:13-16, with spiritual discernment, we compare scripture with scripture. As Christ is our life, so also is  He our mind, our reliable strength.

“Neglect not the gift that is in thee.” Timothy no doubt received a special gift when he was set apart to the ministry (II Tim. 1:6-8). Paul says stir into flame your gift, for Timothy had been tempted with fear since his spiritual father was in prison.  Each of us need to fully exercise ourselves in the particular gift given unto us, that God may be glorified to the utmost.

“Meditate upon these things.” To Ponder with solemn reflection, thinking deeply, as a devotional act of thoughts, chew the cud like the cows. Then the Word will become a vital part of us.

“Give thyself wholly to them,” With entire consecration. Why? That thy profiting may appear to all.” Not only will we profit, but we will glorify God and others will see it.

“Take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine.” Walk in the spirit according to the Word of the Lord – Gal. 5:16,25. Doctrine means teaching, the teaching of God is what is means here. II Peter 1:19, “ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn…” Walking as an example.

“Continue in them” Be faithful, Don’t hide your faith or forsake it, stay true to your conviction, to your calling, and in doing so, the Lord rewards faithfulness- Col. 1:23. Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men, knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

“For in doing this, thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee.” Jesus spoke of service and rewards in Mt. 16:24, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Others also can be saved by our faithful service, not only to enjoy eternal life, but share in the honors and glories with Christ. A feting reward for faithful service and self denial. 

Let us press on until our Lord comes.

 He Is Coming For Me

Do you know why I’m longing for the coming of the Lord, And watching His glory to see?

‘Tis because He’s my Bridegroom, beloved, and adored,

And I know He is coming for me.

Do you know why no longer I can call the world my home, My heart from its fetters is free? 

‘Tis because I am waiting my Bridegroom to come, 

And I know He is coming for me.

Do you know why He’s robed me in garments of white,

And bidden me ready to be….

With oil in my vessel, and my lamp trimmed and bright?

‘Tis because He is coming for me.

Do you know why I’m sending the tidings to all,

And warning from judgment to flee?….

He has sent me His guests to the wedding to call,

For He’s coming, and coming for me.

OH! He’s coming after me, Like Him I shall ever be.

I’m so glad that He is coming after me.

He is coming after me, And His glory I shall see,

I’m so gad He is coming for me.

– A. B. Simpson

 The Encouraging Word

“Lord, turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” Psalm 25:16

“Hear, O Lord, have mercy and be gracious to me! O Lord, be my helper! Psalm 30:10

“Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 124:8

“Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12 (Amp)

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me.” Psalm 28:7 (NIV)

“Be still and rest in the Lord; wait for Him, and patiently stay yourself upon Him; fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass.” Psalm 37:7

“The Lord God is my strength, my personal bravery and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet, and will make me to walk (not to stand still in terror, but to walk) and make (Spiritual) progress upon my high places (of trouble, suffering or responsibility). Habakkuk 3:19

Martha Wainright

 “Thy Word”

Jack Davis

Priceless Publication

“Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee,” Psa. 119:11. There is no measuring its far reaching value, for it is beyond all comparison of anything else ever written. There is nothing else quite like it. Its special value is in its expressing and revealing the very heart of God. God’s Word is  indeed an unquestionable, undeniable proclamation of His great love. 

God Has Spoken

He is still speaking, consider I Peter 1:16-21. “Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable…(unto)…perfection, II Tim. 3:16-17. What other publication has the right to such claims? God’s Word is its own best commentary and illustrator. Read I Cor. 10:1-11. It was written for our admonition even at this end of the Age. Nothing else ever written stays so up-to-date. It was written for our learning, to renew and rekindle our hope, Rom. 15:4. God’s Word is the recording of His true and faithful sayings (expressions), Rev. 22:6-7. These are worthy of all acceptation, I Tim. 1:15. Believing humanity is so highly favored to have, and richly blessed in keeping God’s faithful sayings.

To Be Heard

Jesus said, “Let these sayings sink down into your ears,” Lk. 9:43-44. “He that hath an ear, let him hear,” Rev. 2 & 3. Faith cometh by hearing the word, Rom. 10:17.

We Are To Heed It

“Wherewith all shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word,” Psa. 119:9. We are wise to pay close attention to all our Father has spoken. In Psalm 45:10 we read, “Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear…” Peter wrote that we do well to take heed. Paul said, “We ought to give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.” The good seed of God’s Word should be given ample lodging in pliable soil. His Word will check us with spiritual reminders, correct our course, cleanse our way, and affect our walk and talk.

To Be Hid

It is so important to hear and heed, and good to search and read, but especially let us hide it in our hearts. Let it be laid up, valued, treasured. One translation says, “I have treasured what thou hast said.”

Permanent Placement

“Have I hid, in my heart,” we count it wise to take  God’s Word in our hand, to hold fast and hold forth the “Word of Life.” When we reach out and draw it to ourselves, embrace it to our bosom, it becomes a rod and staff to comfort us. It also becomes a sword with which we may by the Spirit’s power and guidance advance upon our enemy.  Hallelujah! “It is written” as a lamp held before us we focus our vision, following His wise guidance. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” “Order my steps in thy word: and let not iniquity have dominion over me,” Psa. 119:133.

It is fine to get the Word by repetition, meditation, and consideration into our head, but don’t stop there. It is important as we search the scripture to seek God’s wisdom as for hidden treasure. “I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. The entrance of thy words giveth  light, it giveth understanding to the simple,” Psa. 119:15-16,130.

The Word in the hand and in the head are but precious preparation for divine placement. Only God in reality is able to put it into our hearts. When He does, by Holy Spirit revelation, that Word becomes engrafted, and we begin to realize its depth of meaning, blessed benefits, heights possible, and riches unfathomable.

“In my heart,” a sacred place, the center of ones’ being, out of which are the issues of life. “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” “Where your treasure is there will your heart be also.” It is a secret place, “only God looketh upon the heart.” His Word discerns the thoughts and intents thereof.

God’s Word becomes hidden in our hearts when it is invited, invested, and ingested. When we begin to recognize its importance, we will give it the honored place, we make room by being open and receptive. It is indeed a great privilege to acknowledge its authority, submit to its precepts, and give full attention to what He has said. The Word was not sent for wearing it on the surface, holding for show, or displayed by quotation. But rather by being assimilated into the depths of our being, becoming an important part of us.

Knowing God’s will by digesting His thoughts, we become fully aware of that which pleases Him. Col. 1:9-11. By letting God’s Word dwell in us richly (in all its wealth), His will and pleasure is made ours. Col. 3:16-17.

Preserving Purpose

“That I might not sin against thee.” Only by His Word hidden in our hearts are we able to stay in complete harmony with God’s will. This is food for the inner man. The ingesting of spiritual nourishment is indeed a bitter-sweet experience. “How sweet are thy words to my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding therefore I hate every false way,” Psa. 119:103-104.

Enjoyed and  Employed

“And I went to the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, “Take it, and eat it up, and it shall make thy betty bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey,” Rev. 10:9. 

We enjoy some of the sweetest times when feeding on God’s Word, but when it is fulfilled or made practical, it is hard on the flesh in its bitterness. “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of Host,” Jer. 15:16. “Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food,” Job. 23:12. “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because when ye received rhe word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe,” I Thess. 2:13. Also read Heb. 4:12.

We, like Paul delight in the law (will) of God after the inward man as He writes His Word and will in our hearts. Thank God He does this by the precious Holy Spirit, for Jew and Gentile alike, II Cor. 3:3; Heb. 8:10 and 10:16.

 Trust Only

Gordon Crook, Pastor

Grace Assembly, Wichita, Kansas

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7. 

I want to tease out several things from this verse. We get some very clear instructions from reading and understanding what is being said here.

First I see a contrast between trusting in the Lord and leaning on our own understanding. It seems that we are given two options. We will invariably choose one of them. Our old nature prefers to lean on our own understanding. That involves the things that we see and know around us. It might even involve other people that we know and trust. God reminds us that choice is not going to be the best for us. “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.” Proverbs 28:26. “Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.” Psalms 146:3.

Why attempt to trust our own ability when we can place our trust in God who is Almighty and All Knowing. We are His children, and He encourages us to trust in Him alone. “That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,” Proverbs 22:19-20. 

We have been given God’s Word to build our trust in Him. As we study God’s Word and allow His Holy Spirit to speak to us, then our faith to trust in Him will grow. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17.

Learning to trust in God will make us steadfast, unmovable in the face of adversity. “They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.” Psalms 125:1. I have no use for these “prosperity” preachers that try to lead God’s people astray into desiring the wealth of this world. However, there is spiritual prosperity to be had by putting our trust in God. “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8.

Second, I see the thought about acknowledging Him in ALL our ways. It seems that we don’t mind acknowledging God in the times and circumstances that we are unsure of. However, we tend to be hesitant to acknowledge Him when we are confident in our own ability to handle the situation.

Paul encourages us to make sure everything in our lives is to God’s glory. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Colossians 3:17. If we are leaving God out of certain portions of our life, then He is not getting the glory for those.

Let’s be careful to acknowledge God in every part of our life, and in every decision and every circumstance so the He will be glorified for the work that He is doing. We will then be as Paul recommends in Philippians 4:6-7, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

What God’s people need more than anything else right now, is peace. So many are troubled by the state of this world and by the state of our country and maybe by what they see as the future. Many are concerned that they will lose their religious freedom. They are concerned that war is breaking out all over the world and threatens to expand more and more. Peace, confidence, tranquility is what we need to receive from God right now. 

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3. “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. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.

So, what is the secret? How do I get this peace and tranquility in my life? Back to Philippians 4:6-7. We must spend time in prayer with our Lord. We must spend time in God’s Word. The Word will grow our faith, and our time spent in prayer will assure us that God is listening and is there for us every step of the way. Speak to the guide. If He isn’t your guide, move side and let Him. 

There is a song that says “if you have time to worry, you have time to pray”. Worry is a waste of time since it has never solved anything in the history of mankind. When we worry about things and try to take care of them in our own understanding and strength, we will invariably fail, so why not just give them to the Lord? Take time from your own attempts and give them over to your Lord. He will be your strength. He will be glorified in your life.

 “I AM”

Anita Clark, Pastor

Grace Chapel, Carbondale

“I am the Root and Offspring of David, the bright and morning star.”Revelation 22:16. “I AM” is the title of the Lord Jesus Christ.

God send Moses to speak to Pharaoh concerning the Children of Israel, who were slaves in Egypt, and needed a deliverance. The words “I am” literally means “The Self existent One.” In Exodus 3:10-14 God spoke to Moses, out in the desert where he was guarding sheep. Vs. 13 says, “And Moses said unto God, Behold when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? What shall I say to them? And God said to Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and He said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.”

In Exodus 6:2-3, God spoke to Moses and said, “I am the LORD. And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.” God told Moses to go and tell the Israelites these words, but when Moses gave the full message to them about how God was going to rescue them, verse 9 says “And Moses spake unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses, for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.” Later, Moses was able to take them out of Egypt.

In the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) Jesus spoke many times “with many titles.” He said, “I am the Bread of life,” “I am the Light of the world,” “I am the door,” “I am the good Shepherd,” I am the Son of God,” I am the Resurrection and the Life,” “I am the True Vine.” Apostle Paul in Philippians 2:5-7 declares the “Seven fold humbling of Christ Jesus.” “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal God; But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” In Luke 24:44 Jesus spoke to the disciples after his resurrection, “And He said unto them, these are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms concerning me.”

In the book of Revelation Jesus is spoken of as the “I Am.” The first time is recorded in Revelation 1:8. “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, saith the Lord, which is, and which is to come, the Almighty.” Apostle Paul states in Hebrews 12:2, “Looking unto Jesus the Author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame; and is now set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

In Revelation 1:18 Jesus says, “I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” In Revelation 2:23, Jesus says, “I am He that searcheth the hearts. I will give unto every one of you according to your works.” The book of Hebrews 4:12-13 says, For the Word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”

In Revelation 21:4-6 speaks to us about the time to come after the Millennial Reign of Christ, of 1,000 years, “And God shall wipe away all the tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And He that sat on the throne said, Behold I make all things new... It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, I will give unto him that is athrist of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” What precious promises!

Revelation 22:16 gives us Jesus’ last words in the book of Revelation. “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things to the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the Bright and Morning Star.” The word “bright” means “radiant, clear, and gorgeous” and the words “Morning Star” speaks of the brightness and brilliance of Jesus as He comes and takes His dear people home to heaven to dwell for eternity with Him.

 The Two Creations

Part 2

Pastor Vicky Moots

Kingman, Kansas

Before Paul’s conversion, he had been a very religious person. He was a strict Law-keeper of the Mosaic Law, a Pharisee, and considered himself to be blameless before God.  In fact, he thought he was doing a good service for God by persecuting the church and those who called themselves Christians. He thought he had much to be proud of and to boast in until one day he came face to face with Jesus in a vision on the road to Damascus. The light of that vision was so bright that he fell to the ground and was blinded. That encounter changed his heart, for he became a new creation in Christ. Three days later God opened his blinded physical and spiritual eyes and called him to preach the gospel. Yes, he was a new man.

But then a struggle began. In his heart he wanted to serve and follow Christ, but his flesh, his old nature, was rebelling. A war was now waging within him between the “old man” and the “new man.” He soon discovered that in his own strength, in his flesh, he was not able to do the good that he wanted to do.

That spiritual battle is recorded for us by Paul in Rom. 7:18-24. He stated in vs.18-19, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.” Does that problem sound familiar to anyone? It certainly does to me, for it mirrors my own experience.

Paul had not yet learned to lay hold of the power of the Holy Spirit in order to have victory over the flesh. He continues on in v.20 to say, “Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I [as a new creation] that do it, but sin [the old creation] that dwelleth in me.” And in v.21, “I find then a law, [principle] that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.”

He further describes this war in vs.22-23: “For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.”

This constant warfare was very distressing to Paul, and he cried out in despair in v.24. “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” But, praise God, the conflict did not end in defeat! He claimed the victory in v.25: “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord…” And also in Rom. 8:2 when he stated, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”

To be continued – Part 3 next issue

 Overcoming

Greg Gilliam Pastor of Grace Christian Assembly

Kansas City, Missouri

Webster defines overcoming as ‘to surmount or to overcome difficulties.’ What do we have to overcome?  Sinful life. Rom. 5:20, “Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” The law is holy and just and good – Rom. 7:12. It had a purpose, to bring us to Christ. How? By bringing the offence to the forefront. Rom. 3:23, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”  

How do we overcome a life of sin? Through Christ. Only one thing could appease the Father, a perfect sacrifice. I Peter 1:18-20, “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold…But with the precious blood of Christ…foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.” II Cor. 5:21, “for he (God the Father) hath made him (Jesus Christ) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” Gal. 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:  and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

Death to life: Rom. 6:2-11 shows the believer in Christ to be dead indeed unto sin but alive unto God, how shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by the baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man in crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.  For in that he died, he died unto sin once:  but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.  Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

We also overcome/surmount the fear of death by knowing that the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ - Rom. 6:23. This eternal dwelling will be defined by the glory and splendor laid hold of here by each individual believer. We live today in this truth and await the final fulfillment to come, I Cor.15:54-57.

We have an enemy to overcome. Eph. 6:12, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Not just Satan but a host. Now that we are in Christ Jesus (believers) no one can remove/pluck us out of our secure dwelling (in Christ, in God) – John 10:28-29. God does not allow us to be tested to see what we have laid hold of, in Christ. We overcome, by allowing Christ to live within us. He is the victor who has overcome all the obstacles of this world, John 16:33. “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” 

We are given the armour of God to help us in this battle - Eph. 6:10-18. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil…that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand…having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”

In the Revelation of Jesus Christ given to John we read in chapter 12 of a war that will take place in heaven.  Although this is a future event there are valuable truths to be grasped, that will help us to understand overcoming. The dragon referred to in V. 7 is Satan.    His occupation is to deceive the whole world and to accuse the brethren before our God day and night. V. 12,  There is rejoicing that takes place. Notice the rejoicing is a loud voice saying, “Now is salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.”  

How did they overcome him?  “By the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death” - V. 11. Satan is ruthless (showing no pity or compassion) in accusing the brethren.  He works in the mind of the believers to make them think they are unworthy, unable, incapable, etc. and we are, apart from Christ. Sometimes he works in the minds of other believers (typically babes in Christ or those walking carnally/fleshly) to bring accusations against the believers. So how do we (as believers) overcome? Laying hold of the victor, Christ Jesus. He has triumphed over all. He shed His blood that we might live and He desires for us to walk in an overcoming life. Not constantly defeated but reigning in life by One, Christ Jesus.

 “Occupy Till I Come”

Earlene Davis

In Luke 19:11-15, Jesus spoke a parable to His people, the Jews speaking of Himself foretelling His departure and that He would return. He gave this instruction, “Occupy till I come.” This is also true concerning us, His people of this Church Age to occupy till He comes again for us. He promised “to prepare a place for us and said, “I will come again and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” We are to occupy until then. 

Our occupation is not to be willy-nilly in a disordered way, but faithful stewards of the Gospel. He gives His people the opportunity for service. In the parable everyone is given the same - 10 pounds. In Bible numerology, ten speaks of ‘Responsibility according to ability.’ The R. V. gives for the word pound - ‘silver,’ which speaks of redemption. So every one has a stewardship of what they do with the silver, our redemption. 

There will be an accounting – I Cor. 4:1-2, “it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. Rom. 14:12, “every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” What are we doing with the silver? Are we investing spiritually that our Lord might be enriched by the increase?

One servant in the parable gained 10 pounds, another gained 5 pounds, they were rewarded accordingly. But another servant hid his and received no reward. I Cor. 3:13, “Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.” The fire is God’s Word, if a man’s work abides, he shall receive a reward – I Cor. 3:14-15. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss (of reward): but he himself shall be saved.”

We are responsible for our life span to occupy till our Lord comes again. Here are some scriptures the Holy  Spirit brought to my mind on our occupation until then.

Mk. 13:32-37, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man…but the Father. Take heed, watch and pray…for ye know not when the master of the house cometh…Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.  And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” 

Lk. 12:37, “Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching.” 

Rom. 13:11, “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” 

I Thess. 5:6, “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch “Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck.”

I Cor. 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 

Rev. 22:12, “behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” 

Another thought on occupying, it takes patience. James 5:7, “Be patient brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it…Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” Heb. 10:36-37, “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” It is only a little while compared to eternity. Now we know how patience is worked in us. Rom. 5:3, “We glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and patience, experience and experience hope.” James 1:4, “Let patience have her perfect work,” to the end, “that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

This word “perfect” refers to each particular part. “Entire” refers to the whole, complete in every part. It is not enough to be perfect in just one thing. The Father would have us perfect in love and obedience, which yieldeth the peaceable fruits of righteousness. So these trials that God allows to come to us is a means to His perfecting work in you and I.

So we can count or esteem them all joy when we fall into divers or different trials that come upon us unawares – James 1:2-3. When they happen, we feel disturbed. But God has allowed them for our good. There is a lesson to be learned, and a victory to be won. No temptation for the present seems joyous, but grievous. So how can we count it joy? Because we know something, that the trying of our faith works patience or endurance. 

For the believer, patience is indispensable on our journey. We see the value of our trials. We learn patience with ourselves and with others and even with God. We learn to cling to Him and to give Him time to work for us. He doth all things well. May we not take things into our own hands. Pray and let God act. Move with Him. Patience will have a perfect work in us if we remain in the trial till He delivers. 

So may we be stewards in the things God has called us to. May we watch and pray fully aware of the times and seasons in which we live. “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” – Phil. 1:6.