Welcome

November 2025 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.

 Gratitude?

Gordon Crook, Pastor

Grace Assembly, Wichita, Kansas

“Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, . . . And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.” Deuteronomy 8:11-18 (Please read this entire passage)

What is true gratitude? Where does it come from? Why does it matter? 

True gratitude comes from a humility that recognizes that what we have is not of our own accomplishment. Not a single one of us had any hand in our own existence. Only God can give life. When you start here, then you must recognize that everything after that is based on that first fact. I am not capable of accomplishing anything except that God gave me life and further enables me to continue that life. “Who being the brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, . . .” Hebrews 1:3.

If indeed everything from the beginning of my life is dependent upon God, then would I not have a sincere sense of gratitude? Our old nature inspired by the culture in which we live would have us show some sense of gratitude for the really “good” things that come in our life. However, we then can complain and murmur about the “bad” things that come in our life.

Perhaps this is exactly why Paul reminds us, in Romans 8:28, that all things work together for good to those that belong to God. We often say that we believe this, but the way we know if we believe it is our attitude when things do not go the way we wanted them to. If we truly believe, then we will be grateful even when things go “wrong.”

We also must recognize that we do not, did not, and will not “deserve” any of what God provides for us. Most people will argue that we do deserve certain things. There are certain things that are “human rights” based on humanist thinking. The truth is that there is nothing that we deserve, except for God’s wrath. I know this is not popular, but it is the truth. This makes me extra grateful for a God that loves me and has, through Christ Jesus, provided all that I need even though I do not deserve it.

Where does this kind of gratitude come from? It comes from the New Creation that is in us. The life of Christ that is transforming our heart from a hard stony heart to a heart that is true to God. This transformation is changing our attitudes every day as we yield to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Paul reminds us of the characteristics of the old nature. “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,” 2 Timothy 3:2. Notice the “unthankful” which in Greek, is the negative form of “grateful.” While this is the natural attitude of human beings, we who have the life of Christ in us, are being changed and should have  different attitude of gratitude.

I was impressed with Jesus, while He lived here on this earth, giving thanks to His Father on several occasions. Luke 10:21, John 11:41, Matthew 15:36, Matthew 26:27 are all examples of this. I think we should recognize that, if Jesus demonstrates an attitude of thankfulness to His Father, we should certainly be following that example.

Why does it matter if we are thankful or not. First of all, what I have already mentioned, that the life of Christ in us will produce this attitude. So, if we say we have Christ, but continue to be unthankful, we are clearly not yielding to that Christ life. This is saddening to our Lord. Remember when Jesus healed in Luke 17:12-19. Only one came back to show gratitude. Jesus questioned as to the other nine. Why did they not turn back to be thankful? Does our attention to ourself and our other interests keep us from expressing our gratitude?

I know that we have a day that we call Thanksgiving, and we all have our own way or tradition for celebrating that. However, maybe we should think about every single day as being a day of thanksgiving. When you wake up in the morning are you thankful for God’s faithfulness? When you eat your meals, are you thankful for God’s provision? Every moment of every day is a great time to express our gratitude to our Father.

 Under the Influence

Vicky Moots

Eph. 5:18: “And be not drunk with wine wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.”  Paul, in this verse, is contrasting two different situations in which a person can be found to be “under the influence.”  To be “under the influence” of something means to be under its control.  The first situation, physical drunkenness, is condemned in the Scripture because it is harmful.  Wine is not condemned, but drunkenness is.  The second situation mentioned by Paul is one that should be desired by every Christian: to be under the influence and control of the Holy Spirit.  I am going to explain this in more detail by first describing the way in which alcohol adversely affects our physical bodies and then compare that to the beneficial spiritual effects of being filled with the Spirit.

Drunkenness affects the entire body, but the most visible outward signs are its effects on the speech, the difficulty walking, and the actions of the person involved.  When a person is physically intoxicated by alcohol, it is usually obvious to those around him because of these signs.  Alcohol affects the brain in different stages.  It is quickly absorbed and reaches the brain within five minutes.  The first thing that happens is a release of dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter, that makes you more relaxed and talkative, and can even trigger you to desire more of it.  As you continue drinking, it affects your cerebral cortex which controls your thinking and judgment.  Next, the cerebellum which controls your balance and coordination, is affected resulting in impaired speech and gait.  A person who is intoxicated is under the influence of the alcohol and loses control of all of these functions.  These impairments will continue until the alcohol has been metabolized by the liver, which requires about one hour per ounce.

On the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the 120 believers in the upper room, they all began speaking in other tongues.  When the multitude that was in Jerusalem heard them rejoicing and speaking in tongues, some of them mocked, saying, “…These men are full of new wine” (Acts 2:13).  They assumed that their joyfulness and altered speech was due to intoxication.  However, Peter stood up and declared, in v. 15, “…these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day [9:00 a.m.].” 

But those that mocked that day were partially right.  The 120 believers were all “under the influence” and control of the Holy Spirit.  Just as alcohol controls the tongue, actions and walk of those who are under its influence, so does the Holy Spirit.  However, the results are different.  

The effects of alcohol’s control over a person are exceedingly harmful, but the Holy Spirit’s control is completely the opposite.  He controls our tongue to speak God’s Word.  He controls our walk so that we can walk a straight path instead of stumbling or staggering.  He controls our actions so that they will glorify God rather than bring shame.  The joy of the Holy Spirit is a true joy that lasts.

Unfortunately, many Christians today don’t want to be “under the influence” of the Holy Spirit.  They only want to take a little sip, just a little taste.  They want to remain in control of their lives, their thoughts, their tongues and their actions.

Back in our verse, Eph. 5:18, the word “filled,” regarding the Holy Spirit, is a continuous action verb in the Greek, so it actually means to be “continually filling” with the Spirit.  We are to drink and keep on drinking, so that we remain continually “under the influence.”  It is more than a one-time event.  We need the Holy Spirit’s influence and control every day in our lives for every circumstance.

 HERE AM I

(Jacob)

Joseph down in Egypt said, 

  “Bring my father here. 

God has raised me up this day;

   You have no need to fear.”

Jacob took his journey then,

   Stopped along the way.

He came unto Beersheba

   To worship and to pray.

In the visions of the night,

    Dispelling fear and doubt,

Jacob clearly heard God’s voice,

   And answered with a shout.

“Here am I,” his eager cry,

   Knowing God would hear.

Listening to his Savior’s voice,

  His promises were clear.

I will bring you back again,

    Greater then before.

Jacob trusted in God’s Word,

   He couldn’t ask for more.

Debbie Isenbletter

(Genesis 46:1-5)

SHARING

Praise Report
God’s Faithful Provision

Gordon Crook

I am always amazed at just how faithful God is in His provision for the things we need. My entire life is a testament to God’s faithfulness, even though I have not always been faithful in my life.

We moved out to the country 24 years ago, and when we did, there was a wood burning stove in the house we bought. We had decided we needed to burn firewood as our main source of heat since propane was very expensive. I cannot remember exactly how we acquired the firewood that first year, only that we found some for free.

In the 24 years that we have lived here, we have only had to purchase firewood one year because I was not sure I had enough and was time constrained to try to find some for free. 

One year, several years ago, a very large source of free firewood became available to me within a couple of miles of our house. It was piled up with bulldozers, and we worked very hard for several months to get what we could before they burned the rest in a large pile. That lasted us several years. 

In the interim, I have been able to find several smaller quantities of firewood, but as we approached this winter, I felt like I has going to barely have enough for this winter, and certainly none that was curing for next winter or beyond.

My son Jonathan, called me on a Monday and told me that he had seen a property where they were cutting down trees and had a large sign that said “free firewood.” I went to check on that, and they were clearing a lot of trees, and even cutting the wood to length and stacking it. The quantity was excessive and I decided to start hauling using the pickup truck.

From that Tuesday until the next Monday I hauled 14 truck loads which will give me firewood for several years. I recognize that this is God’s provision for us. The fact that they were cutting the wood to length and stacking it made my job much easier allowing me to take much more than if I had to cut the wood out of a large bulldozed pile. 

I am so grateful for God’s provision. Getting free firewood may seem like a small thing, but it is God’s provision of the small things that reminds me that He is faithful in ALL things. 

This year, He has been faithful to allow me to retire from my Engineering job of 37 years. He was faithful to let me keep that job for such a long time with the same company. His faithfulness just continues day after day and always amazes me. Praise the Lord!!!!

 Praise Report

Oliver Combs was born on November 27, 2018. Oliver is our beloved son born to Kristen and Adam Combes and little brother to Jacob 14 and Charleigh 12. Ollie was a kindergartener at Overbrook attendance center. Ollies joy for life has been in his curiosity, kindness, and unstoppable energy.

In early October 2024 we received life-changing news. After a few days of extreme leg pain, and a visit to our pediatrician led to x-rays, scans and a biopsy that reveled Oliver has osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer.

We had our faith in God and lots of people praying for Oliver. We had just started building our new house as we were living in our camper on our land. The devil was sure trying our faith. But we knew God is always with us and would see us through.

The tumor was located on his right distal femur. We began navigating the path of treatment and recovery. Despite the challenges, Oliver has faced every step saying, “Jesus has me.” He has showed remarkable courage and strength. Oliver began chemotherapy in October. Praise the Lord our jobs worked with us so one of us could always be in Children’s Mercy with him. Praise the Lord my sister lives 4 miles from the hospital so we could go there and rest. 

The treatment was intense, but praise the Lord the tumor shrunk. The doctors were shocked how fast it shrunk….we know it was God. Ollie bravely endured long sessions of medication, his strength and belief kept us going.

January 15, 2025 Oliver underwent a specialized procedure called rotationplasty, which involved removing the tumor and part of his leg while preserving his mobility. This innovative surgery will allow Oliver to run, jump, and play with the help of a prosthetic. The doctors couldn’t believe how well the bone graph took so fast and how fast the incision with the nerves and blood vessels were healing. We do it was our Lord. God has helped ollie excel in physical therapy, learning to hop using a walker and navigate life with his unstoppable determination.

 After 17 more rounds of chemotherapy Oliver was diagnosed cancer free on June 15th. Praise our holy Lord Jesus Christ. Oliver’s journey is far from over, and the road ahead will requite ongoing therapies and adjustments, the financial burden of medical expenses and travel for treatments, and specialized prosthetics is significant. Oliver’s bright spirit continues to shine through even on his darkest days.

 

We are dealing with insurance issues right now about his physical therapy and he does have to take kindergarten over again because he missed so much. But we know our Lord has his hand in all of it. Thank the Lord for the support our community did on August 9 at the 5K run walk. Thank you everyone for your continued prayers and support. 

October 6 Praise the Lord Ollie got his new leg today. Doctors were surprised how well the bone graft healed.

 A Special Blessing From The Lord

Earlene Davis

I want to share a blessing from the Lord that I received in the form of an e-mail. I was so blessed and encouraged by it, and I believe you will be also. The e-mail came from a man named Paul who lives in Missouri.

Paul said in the e-mail, “I found a couple of copies of your wonderful magazine at a hospital in Lee’s Summit, MO, and was wondering if it is still being printed. If so, how can I get more copies sent my way? Even back issues. I have July and  August 2024. I would like to hear back from you, as I am a 71 year-old disabled man who is caregiver to a wheelchair-bound wife. Good reading material is very welcome in my home.”

I just praise the Lord for blessing me so, and also to know that someone passed along the magazine in faith by leaving it in that hospital. The Lord saw to it that it landed in the hands of just the right person. Paul is now on our mailing list and I am sending him a few past copies that were still left over at church.

 

Just think, I was blessed and Paul was blessed and also the magazines may have been read by others during all those days it was available. I hope more saints when finished with their monthly copy of Glorious Gospel magazine, pass it on to someone or leave it where it is available to others – instead of throwing it away.

 HAPPY PEOPLE

Jack Davis

“HAPPY IS HE THAT HATH THE GOD OF JACOB FOR HIS HELP, WHOSE HOPE IS IN THE LORD HIS GOD.” Ps. 146:5

Is any body happy? What does it take to make a person truly, lastingly happy? One might say, “Oh if I just had this certain thing, or if I could gain that, or if I could accomplish something else.

“HAPPY IS HE”

Wherein Are We Happy? I believe that only God is able to make us come to or realize the greatest possible happiness. Is a happy person one who is satisfied, being blessed with the fulness of favor from God? I believe this is the essence of the Word in the Old Testament.

Jesus when speaking to His disciples, expressed such marvelous love and wisdom. He asked them if they understood what He had just done in washing their feet. Then He said; “if ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” Jn. 13:17. Knowing God’s will, obeying His Word is indeed a great promoter of real happiness. In Proverbs 3:13,18 we read of the happiness enjoyed in finding and retaining wisdom.

The queen of Sheba was highly impressed when she had seen evidence of King Solomon’s wisdom, glory, and wealth. She exclaimed in amazement, “The half was not told me.” Then she exclaimed, “happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom.” I Kings 10:7-8. What then could we say of our dear Lord? It is stated in Job 5:17, “Happy is the man whom God correcteth…” Are you receptive to such? We are often prone to despise the instrument He uses.

The context of our text begins with, or is introduced by saying, “Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD O my soul. While I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.” Ps. 146:1-2. Let praise be the high activity of the spiritually happy. Have you noticed that praise-worship of the Lord and holy happiness work together? They feed off each other. It reaches up to God for His delight. It reaches down to the discouraged to lift expectation for his deliverance. The outreach  of praise enables others to see the joy of the Lord in us, and causes them to desire Him also.

“My soul rejoices.” “Bless the LORD O my soul.” Such expressions show that this praise comes from within the heart. Praise proclaims a positive attitude, an optimistic outlook. This is how we may express a victorious up look accompanied with the increase of faith, hope, and love.

A happy people are those that have good expectation. The Holy Spirit is doing such a marvelous work in the lives of  God’s people today. By making the Word of God a reality to us, we are made a serious, very sincere people. We are made sober and yet sublimely serene. We are most happy when we are satisfied and yet ever seeking His highest and best. Thus we are made a gloriously happy people even in the face of serious suffering. See I Pet. 3:12-19 and 4:12-14.

“HE THAT HATH”

What (who) Do You Have? Those having something belonging to them personally, especially that which they consider most worthy, enjoyable, or beneficial, are usually considered happy. We believe that those things entered into by faith in God’s unerring promises produces such. What have you laid hold of that’s real, lasting, and cheers your heart? What has been given to you that you are appropriating and appreciating as your own? Is there anything that can afford you everlasting happiness? The best we can have is that which has us. We have redemption through His blood, and are glad we belong to Him. “Happy art thou…who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! And thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.” Deut. 33:29.

Why shouldn’t we be happy enjoying God’s salvation, with Him being the shield of our help, and the sword by which we may excel unto his glory and honour. Who could find greater deliverance, or better protection? We certainly have adversity. We often meet with great difficulty as we press on in the will of God. We never lack the enemies opposition that would try to rob us of the joy of our salvation. The accuser of the brethren is always on the job. But, Glory to  God, with our foot dipped in oil, walking in the Spirit; and our shoes of iron and brass; (strength and judgment) and as our days so shall our strength be. We are thus enabled to trample the enemy under feet taking by faith our God-given high places. Rom. 16:20.

“THE GOD OF JACOB FOR HIS HELP”

By whom are we helped? This Psalm somewhat describes the God that we have for our help in verses six through ten. “Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: Which keepeth truth for ever: Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners: The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous: The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down. The LORD shall reign for ever, even thy God O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the LORD.”

What a God we have, that has put Himself at the disposal of our faith! Knowing and trusting ourselves unto Him, frees us unto a course of life without covetousness, and produces in us an attitude of contentment founded on what He has spoken in His precious  Word. “For he has said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The LORD is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” Heb. 13:5-6. Our God has so richly provided for us that there truly need be no complaining in our streets. Ps. 144:14-15.

By way of contrast, verse three and four of our  Psalm 146; indicates the necessity to avoid the course to certain unhappiness. “Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.” Isa. 2:22; gives sound advise, “Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?” consider well the contrast given in Jer. 17:5-7.

Oh yes, many grievous disappointments come our way when we put our hope in human help. These have, does, and will fail us. Misplaced expectations can really get us down, make us despondent and have us talking to ourselves. We do well to encourage ourselves in the Lord.  We might say to our selves “Adjust your focus.” “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.” Ps. 42:5. There is much foolish teaching on self help today, and promoting self confidence. If God helps them that are able to help themselves; What can He do for the helpless? How about, exceeding, abundantly, above, all we ask or think?

“WHOSE HOPE IS IN THE lord”

In whom do you hope? All those who are fully trusting in Him, are to be cheerfully expectant of coming good. He  gladly gives the greatest and the best even to pleasantly, presently anticipate. He cannot fail His promise. He also has given us wonderful examples and instruction in His Word on how to abound in hope. Of course we know that all God our Father has given us to expect is wrapped in the Lord Jesus Christ. The God of hope causes us to abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost, as we simply yieldingly believe. Rom. 15:13.

 Romans 8

Continued (Vs. 14-28)

Earlene Davis

V. 14 – Walk in the Spirit[ of God is proof we are born of God, that we are His sons. Walking in the Spirit also speaks of development into full grown sons. God sent His Spirit to teach us His Word and show us the way to have a victorious life in Christ. We learn to follow the Spirits leading. The Holy Spirit tells us all about our Lord – Jn. 16:13-15, “When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall  not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come, He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said, I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you.” The more He reveals to us, the more we want to know Him that loves us so. And our love for Him deepens more and more. This is how the believer grows out of baby hood or from being carnal and self-willed.

V. 15 – The law only leads into bondage and fear, but the Spirit has brought us into sonship. By God’s grace He has made us His sons by the death of His Son; and it is His Spirit that conducts us into His  presence without constraint. We come unto our heavenly Father, as His sons. V. 16 – Thank God for this witness, its not just a feeling, but is based on the Word of God. V. 17 – As children of God, we have a great inheritance. It is real and worth seeking. Some will get a greater, fuller reward than others. Some will  have joint-heirship with Christ (If we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified with Him). Not all believers appreciate their inheritance, nor desire it, because of the sacrifice.

V. 18 – When we get a glimpse of glory, the toils of this life seem nothing. II Cor. 4:17, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (there is no comparison). We look forward to that glorious day. All the glories in store for Christ can be ours, as we follow our guide and overcome the difficulties in the way He leads. The glory shall be revealed IN us. V. 19 – We not only wait for our blessings as sons of God, but for all creation’s deliverance. 

Vs. 20–21 – The whole lower creation of which Adam was made the head, has been in confusion since Adam’s fall. Its unveiling is dependent on the manifestation of the sons of  God. Man’s full redemption will free creation from the bondage of corruption and bring liberty. We have such a meager conception of the marvelous fact that we are the sons of God. We look at each other and we see the veil of the flesh. Just like men did when they looked upon Jesus as he walked among them. They did not see the Lord of glory in that humble guise. We also don’t see the Son of God, the true life as we look on the outward man. All creation is waiting for its true Lord. THE SON, with the sons of God. And all created intelligence in heaven and on earth and under the earth shall bow and marvel at the unveiling of the sons of God. 

 

Vs. 22-23 – All creation groans and moans and sighs. And believers also look forward for deliverance in expectation. Our new man longs for his body of glory, which will have no infirmity. The Lord once gave me a dream of this which I shall never forget. We won’t look old, for He has said, “Behold, I make all things new” – Rev. 21:5. Vs. 24-25 – This statement “we are saved by hope” refers to the body. For we have not come into our redemption rights concerning the body. We are still waiting with patience for that new heavenly body. It is still future. If we already had our glorified bodies as some say, we would not be hoping for them.

We are in a body of limitations and infirmities, and we grown for deliverance and the Spirit like wise groans and prays effectually for the perfect will of God, though there maybe no utterance. We don’t always pray what we should, but the Spirit over-rules and prays and prevails. We get the answer for what we should have asked if we had only known. It is marvelous how God undertakes for us in every way. God searches our hearts and sees the need for which the Spirit is making intercession and God’s will comes to pass. V. 28 – No matter how things appear, the all things are working for our good in answer to the Spirit’s groaning. Yet, this does not apply to every believer. It is true to those that love God and that are called according to His purpose.

Many of God’s people love the world and the flesh more than they love God. So they do not surrender to God nor find their place in His perfect will. The all things are not working for them. Believers that put God first in their lives and yields to Him, do not complain when trials come, for they know and believe Rom. 8:28.

I pet. 4:12-13 , “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as through some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” And V. 19,  “Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.”

To be continued

 Think On These Things

Martha Wainright

Gladstone, Missouri

“The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace” Exodus 14:14.

The children of Israel must have been on cloud nine as we say, when the Lord finally loosed them to go into Canaan. They had witnessed a mighty battle between the Lord and Pharaoh, but the Lord proved victor. He always was, but He allowed Pharaoh to display his power that the power of God might show supremacy.

On and out went the children of Israel, but soon they came up against humanly immoveable barriers. The mountains, the Red Sea and the Egyptians, as Pharaoh had made one last attempt to stop them after contemplating his loss. When God led them out of Egypt He did not take them the short route which would seem the natural thing to do. God leads supernaturally, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD” Isa. 55:8. “God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent (change their minds), when they see war, and they return to Egypt” Ex. 13:17. “But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red Sea” Ex. 13:18.

Exodus, chapter 13, goes on to record that the Lord went before them day and night. Ex. 14 tells us that the Lord instructed them to encamp before Pi-hahiroth, evidently in a wilderness area by the sea. The Lord knew Pharaoh would gloat over the fact that they were entangled and shut in by the wilderness and the sea. And we read that Pharaoh and his multitudinous army pursued them. We can imagine that they were tasting victory with every hoof beat. “and when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them: and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD” Ex. 14:10.

The Lord instructs them, through Moses, to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord; that He would fight for them, and lead them forward when He gave the command. The Lord never left them, going before and behind them. His presence was darkness to the Egyptians, but light to the Israelites. We go on to read that the Lord miraculously parted the waters and the children of Israel walked through on dry ground to the other side. The Egyptians were totally destroyed, but not before they acknowledged that the Lord was fighting for the Israelites. After crossing into  Canaan they were given redemption instructions. They were never to forget that their deliverance was from the by, the Lord.

Think on these things: many of us have taken our place, by faith, in the Heavenlies, symbolized by identifying with Jesus Christ in His death and resurrection. We now have a heavenly calling. Our vision is focused to attain all, that is our’s in Christ Jesus. Nonetheless, in practical experience we oft times have these wilderness experiences. And if, by faith, our heart is right in the sight of God, we can believe that our all-wise, loving, Heavenly Father has led us to this wilderness. We sometimes wonder why we can’t get out of a trial or a circumstance, but “the Lord knows the way we take,” Perhaps what seems to best or shortest way to us might in reality be the most discouraging.  The quickest and easiest, is not always the best.

The Red  Sea and wilderness experience is the way that brings us to our knees crying out to God. Then His grace and power is made known to us and to others. There is no indication that the Israelites knew the Egyptians finally realized that God was fighting for them.  And we do not, buy any means, always know when others realize that God is on our side. (Thank God, lest we become puffed up.) I have heard of Christians saying, “send the trials, send the wilderness experiences and testings.” Lay it on me Lord, as the contemporary phrase implies. All we can say, is God be merciful when we say this, and I suppose most of us have said this in one way or another. But we need to realize and learn, that in God’s will, as we are yielding to Him and being led by the Holy Spirit, we will have these wilderness trials for our good and the glory of God. There is a time for everything. It is during these times that we learn to know the Lord as the Captain of our salvation. Our refuge, deliverer, fortress, etc. He is our all in all.

We get into trouble during our wilderness experiences when we try to fight our own battles. When we do this we usurp the Lord’s authority over us. “The lord will fight for you.” It is during these times that we lost our peace of mind and this opens the door to confusion and doubt. But as the old hymn goes, “Jesus know our every weakness.” He doesn’t leave us when we are weak and vulnerable. He doesn’t stomp us in the ground and berate us Instead, He knows His strength in our behalf. He picks us up, reveals His grace and restores our peace with a peace that passes understanding. The mighty wind of the Holy Spirit parts the waters and Sword (Word) of God destroys the enemy.

We may be hemmed in on all sides by such things as pain, discouragement, disappointment, doubts, battles of unbelief and distress. By these the enemy seeks to overthrow us and gain control. As we continue to trust the Lord we will see His working in us and we will come out victorious. Even if we feel the waters of the trial and think we are going to be defeated, Isa. 43:2 assures us, “When thou passes through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee.” Think on these things.

 Unbelief

Gordon Crook, Pastor

Grace Assembly, Wichita, Kansas

“For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” Hebrews 4:2

“Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:” Hebrews 4:6

The children of Israel failed to enter the promised land because they only considered their own ability against the giants that lived there. Unbelief keeps us from entering into God’s best. It is not lack of will or strength. God has never asked nor expected us to enter in on our own merit, ability or strength. Entering into God’s promises and blessings has always been by faith. 

Let’s begin by understanding what we mean by faith. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:1, 3, 6.

These three verses help us understand that when we talk about faith, we are talking about believing what God has said. Not just because, but because it is evident that God is who He claims and He has done what He claims. Faith is complete trust in God and His Word.

Unbelief manifests itself in different ways. There are, of course, the atheists that just do not believe that God exists. A clear case of not paying attention to creation which clearly demonstrates the existence of God, as well as His love. For those that have believed and put their trust in Jesus, there is also a possible expression of unbelief. It usually expresses itself as self effort.

Why is self effort an expression of unbelief? Because it presumes that God is not enough. It fails to trust what God has told us about the work that He will do in our lives if we yield to Him. It presumes that there is something we can do in our effort to earn God’s favor or enter into God’s promises.

The Old Testament is full of examples of those that chose to believe God even when it seemed unlikely. Abraham believed that God could honor His promise of a son even when it was humanly impossible. Romans 4:16-25. The three young men in Daniel 3:16-18. And there are many more. These are written for us to understand and believe as we see God demonstrating His power and ability to fulfill His Word.

Then we come to the New Testament and see God fulfilling His promises and prophecies through the coming and life and death of Jesus. There is no lack of evidence of God’s power and faithfulness, only lack of faith to believe and trust Him.

There are several questions that come to mind as I consider this topic of faith versus unbelief. 

· Do you believe that God desires for you the very best?

· Do you believe that God cares about you?

· Do you believe that God knows about your trial, and that He is there to see you through?

· Do you believe that God can change you?

· Do you believe that God will work in your life to make you Christ-like?

· Do you believe that Christ is coming again to take His bride away?

Do you believe that God desires for you the very best?

When I ask this question, I am not just asking if you hear the words and say yes. I am really asking if your actions demonstrate a real trust that God desires the best for you. It is clearly stated in His Word. He does not leave us to imagine or wonder about it. “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:12.

We are God’s children, and He knows how to provide the very best for His children. “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” Matthew 7:11. Jesus reminds us that we don’t even know real giving. We imagine that we know what is good, but our Father truly knows how to give the very best. He gave His Son to redeem us, and He gave us the Holy Spirit to empower us.

Do you believe that God cares about you?

Again, God does not leave us to wonder if this is true. Jesus tells us clearly. “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?” Matthew 6:26. We are God’s special creation. All else in creation is created for our benefit. God uses the things He has created to teach us spiritual lessons. 

Peter also reminds us. We are able to humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand precisely because we know He cares for us. And we know He will do for us the very best. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7.

If unbelief is expressed in our actions, then conversely, faith is also expressed in our actions. James teaches us this when he says “shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” God is not looking for those that will say “I believe,” but those that will act on their faith. 

To be continued:

 The Vineyard

Isa. 5:1-2

Vicky Moots

Kingman, Kansas

Isa. 5:1-2: “Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill: And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes.”

God is pictured here as a patient Husbandman carefully planting and nurturing a choice vine. His vineyard is fenced, not only to protect it from harm, but also to separate it unto Himself and to show ownership of it. He painstakingly removed all of the stones and all obstacles that might hinder its growth. The vine that He planted was specially chosen by Him and pruned and properly cared for. What love, what care, what patience is manifest through His actions!

Under such ideal conditions, one would expect the vine to flourish and bring forth an abundance of fruit. But instead, to the sorrow of the Husbandman, it brought forth nothing but wild grapes. God had chosen a people, Israel, and planted them in a bountiful land. He separated them unto Himself and protected them in expectation that they would glorify Him and yield much fruit. The result, however, was quite the opposite.

Proverbs 18:10 declares, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it and is safe.” The tower in the vineyard represents the name of the Lord. Israel refused to take shelter in or to find safety in the name of the Lord. Instead, they turned to the gods of the nations around them, and so the only fruit that they could bear was wild grapes. Consequently, God withheld His blessings and protection from them and allowed them to go into captivity.

Although this parable refers to the nation of Israel, it also has a precious personal lesson for us as Christians. As a new creation in Christ, we are a chosen people unto God, as was Israel. He encloses us round about with His love so that we are separated unto Him. Through His Holy Spirit, He patiently cultivates us, removing or breaking up all bitterness and hardness within our hearts. We become rooted and grounded in love as we yield ourselves to the Lord so that we begin to grow and bring forth the peaceable fruits of righteousness. He is faithful to prune us through tests and trials so that we may produce the fruit of the Spirit, as described in Gal. 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…”

When our enemy, Satan, attacks us and tempts us, we have a Strong Tower to run into: His name is Jesus. Let us find refuge in Him.

But the most important part of this vineyard has not yet been discussed, and that is the winepress. It is a picture of Calvary. The greatest degree of God’s love for us was expressed through the sacrifice of His Son on the cross. The wine represents His blood that was shed for us, as Jesus told His disciples at the last Passover supper. His blood is the basis for our redemption. Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin.

God desired that Israel would be a fruitful vine, and one day that will happen when they accept Christ as their Messiah and apply the blood of the Lamb to their hearts. He also desires that we, as Christians, bring forth fruit that will glorify His name, so let us be faithful to yield to the pruning of the Holy Spirit.

 HERE AM I

(Abraham)

One day God spoke to Abraham, 

   and asked he face a test, 

To offer up unto the Lord,

   that which he loved the best.

Abraham cried out in faith,

   “Behold, here I am.”

His heart was willing to obey,

  whatever was God’s plan.

He didn’t question God that day;

  he didn’t weep or cry.

He took his son, and walked by faith,

   knowing that he would die.

Abraham believed by faith,

   that God would raise his son.

He told the men “they” would return,

   and said, “Thy will be done.”

Isaac saw the wood and knife;

  the lamb was not in sight.   

His father said God would provide;

  he trusted in His might.

When the knife was raised at last,

   a voice called out his name.

And Abraham cried, “Here am I;”

   his faith remained the same.

A sacrifice was made that day;

   the Lord, He did provide.

A man of faith met God’s test,

  a pattern for the Bride.

   Debbie Isenbletter

   Springfield, Missouri

   (Gen. 22:1-13)

 UNSPEAKABLES

Jack Davis

“Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable Gift.” II Cor. 9:15

Thank God! Is it not our sweet privilege to give thanks? Shall we gladly let our appreciation of His person be expressed? Oh, yes, let us tell Him about it. We sense at times that words are not sufficient to express all that we know in our hearts of Him. It is so enjoyable to tell our Father how glad we are to be part of His family, of people that know and honor Him as our true and living God. 

How wise to praise and glorify Him as our loving and giving  Father. He gives to all that totally commit to Him richly all things to enjoy, and supplies all our need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Through a knowledge of him we begin to enter into all that pertains to life and godliness. It is an encouraging realization that in Him we live, move, and have our being.

But before we could begin to enjoy the benefits of God’s unspeakable gift. His beloved Son had to be delivered up to the cross of shame for us all. By bearing all our sin in His body on the tree, He provided that all that believe on Him could be justified from all things.

In order to be able to fully thank Him for His unspeakable giving, there must be faith’s absolute and abundant receiving. That is, an appropriating, laying claim thereof for our own. It seems that it will take eternity just to unfold before our grasp all that has been made available to us in Him. Peter indicates that such believing produces and will bring unspeakable joy – I Peter 1:8.

Paul heard unspeakable words, possibly after being stoned to death on His way to Derbe, which influenced him to glory, boast in, and endure even immeasurable pressure. II Cor. 12:4-5 and II Cor. 1:8.

To each of us in given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ, God’s unspeakable gift (Eph. 4:7). How much of Him do you want? What capacity do you have for Him? It is evident that full thanksgiving submits all of me to Him. “Thanks be unto God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” – I Cor. 15:57. 

 Romans 8

Earlene Davis

The theme of this book of Romans is the GOSPEL, which means GOOD NEWS.  The good news is called “The Gospel of God (Ch. 1:1) – it is the Gospel of His Son, Christ or the Anointed (1:9,16). The Trinity (Father, Son & Holy Spirit) are vitally involved in the Gospel - the teaching of the person and work of Christ on the cross.

 Telling sinners that Christ died for them, is only a little part of the Gospel. As believers we are responsible before God to know His Word. Bibles are very assessable, also God has given the Holy Spirit to guide us into all the truth (Jn. 14:26). Many teach renovating the old nature, which is absolutely unscriptural. 

God’s Word informs us of the end of the “old man,” dead in Christ, and we arose with Him in a new life, the New Creation life. We can reign in life by one Christ Jesus, as we yield to the new life and count the old life dead (Ch. 6). We also learned we are dead to the Law through Christ’s death (Ch. 7) and joined to Another, the Risen Christ. 

Paul experienced no power to obey the law, sin just brought him into condemnation, because the law made sin to abound. Paul came to the end of his legal efforts and despaired of ever keeping the law (7:24) Then he got a glimpse of what the gospel really  meant (V. 25). He saw Jesus Christ not only saved him from past sins, but from the ever present sin. He ceased struggling to obey the law, and was assured that God was able to work in him as he trusted and yielded. 

Ch. 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.” The phrase “who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit” is not in the original Greek text. It was added by the translators in error. It is in its proper place at the end of V. 4 where the believers manner of walk is described. Putting it in V. 1 would make our safety in Christ dependant on our walk and not upon the Spirit of God. All in Christ are safe from condemnation and it is plainly taught throughout the epistles. Our security does not depend on our walk, it is our position, “in Christ.” 

V. 2, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” The Holy Spirit was only mentioned once in the previous chapters, but now in Chapter 8 we learn God’s way of delivering us from indwelling sin. The Holy Spirit by His presence and power that sin is overcome. Ch. 6 taught us to reckon ourselves dead and to yield to God and sin shall not have dominion. The Holy Spirit was not named as the power of such victory. But Ch. 8 gives the process of this wonderful deliverance. It is the mighty Holy Spirit who actually frees us from sin’s power, because of Christ’s intercession in our behalf.

I love Romans 8, it is full of the truth of our eternal security. The weary, troubled souls find rest and hope. The chapter begins with “no condemnation” for those in Christ and the chapter ends with “no separation” from Him.

Vs. 1 & 2 does not refer to the guilt of sin, for that was dealt with on the cross. It refers to the power of sin, which must be put down in us by the Spirit of Life. The Holy Spirit’s work in us is called a law because His operation in us is constant as much as sin has been in its operation. The law of the Spirit is stronger than the law of sin in our members. Sin in us will be immediately put down on the single condition of FAITH. If our will is rebellious, we are not able to believe and the Holy Spirit cannot do what He could and would do.

God’s way of deliverance from sin’s power is not by  our struggling, but by the working of the Holy  Spirit in the power of the life of Christ, as we believe. We don’t want sin to rule in us, for sin has no right to rule whatsoever. To know this and believe, is to enter absolute victory over our former master, that practical righteousness may be our experience. 

God conceived this wonderful plan of salvation for  man. He sent His “Son in the likeness of sinful flesh.” On Calvary sin was judged forever (Vs. 3 & 4). We are made to reign over our former taskmaster in the power of the Spirit (what the law was unable to make us do). If we let the Holy Spirit control us (walking as he leads) we will be doing God’s will. 

We are not keeping anything. The Holy Spirit is the keeper. He is walking in us as we yield our members to Him. If we simply walk in Him we are assured we “shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” The Holy Spirit has undertaken the whole matter, but we must surrender to Him. Then the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us, not by us.

In the following verses, Paul gives 2 elements that are entirely separate and distinct (the flesh and the spirit) (Vs. 5 & 6). They do not mix, they are opposite. We are living either minding the flesh or minding the spirit. They are easily recognized (V. 7). We learn God’s attitude toward the flesh (V. 8).

The truth of the 2 natures in the believer is so important to know and understand. Everything is dependant on our faith. By faith we believe we have passed out of the  place of darkness and into the kingdom of life and light. We reckon we are in Christ and he in us.

 Vs. 9 & 10, “In the spirit” refers to our new standing in a New Head, into Christ the spiritual man. The Spirit of Christ tells of our new nature that results from our new birth in Christ, the Last Adam. We were once dead spiritually, but we are alive because Christ’s life dwells in us. There is complete identification with Christ in our spirit, though as to our body we are not yet alive. Our spirit is quickened by the Holy Spirit (that is life and this life can never be touched with death because of righteousness). Death has no power over the New Creation life. When the body dies, our spirit and soul goes to heaven. 

Death claims the body of the believer and the unbeliever, but the believer’s body will be raised after going back to dust. Just as God breathed life into man by the Spirit, even so the believer’s body will be raised from the dust by the Spirit. (V. 11).

I Thess. 4 tells us, “if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so those who sleep in Jesus will God bring forth (the body). “For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout and the dead in Christ shall rise. I Jn. 3, it doeth not appear what we shall be, but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like Him (having a glorified body like our Lord). By faith we believe what God has said.

Vs. 12-13, We are debtors, but not to the flesh, we owe the flesh nothing. We are in the Spirit realm and the mighty Spirit of God will rule as we yield to God. All depends on our attitude to Him – life or death, referring to our body. The spiritual part of the believer is as eternal as God Himself; though as to his fellowship with God, we can die prematerial. We owe it to God to surrender our bodies to Him and we will enjoy a life of victory in Christ (Ch. 12:1).

Concerning the Spirit of God dwelling in us - it is important to compare scripture with scripture. When we are born of God by receiving Jesus, that new life takes place by the Spirit of God (Jn. 3:5-8). Just like we read, Mary conceived of the Holy Ghost – Mt. 1:20 & Lk. 1:35. When we are saved, we are in a new realm of the spirit (Col. 1:13). Jesus said, the Spirit of Truth dwelleth with you and shall be in you” – Jn. 14:17. The Father giveth the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him (Lk. 11:13). We read in Eph. 1:13, “After that we believe, we were sealed or anointed with the Holy Spirit of promise and Eph. 4:30, “sealed unto the day of redemption.”

To be continued

 Seek Him Diligently

Thora Evans

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him (God) for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” – Hebrews 11:6. We want to consider the last part of this verse, concerning a diligent seeking after God.

The word translated “diligently” here comes from the Greek “ekzeeto” and this is the only place in scripture where it is translated this way. The word diligent found throughout the New Testament is derived from an entirely different Greek words. Strong’s concordance defines “ekzeeto” as meaning – to search out or investigate, to crave or demand also to worship. In Luke 11:50 we find it translated “May be required,”  in verse 51 of the same chapter it is “shall be required.” The thought here seems to indicate a demand. In Acts 15:17 the translation is “might seek after,” this seems to indicate the thought of desperation. We find “ekzeeto” again in Rom. 3:11 translated “seeketh after,” and in I Peter 1:10 it is translated “have inquired” indicating an investigation. Lastly in Heb. 12:17 we find the words “sought carefully” coming from the same Greek word. Here the thought seems to be of a craving.

These different references, then, ought to give us an understanding of all that is involved in the though of diligently seeking God. We are not involved in an idle question or two, but rather a thorough investigation. Much more is involved than just a casual interest, it is a life long search. It was far more than just wistful dreaming of something nice to have, it is that which the soul demands. Far more is involved then a passing interest, it is an all consuming passion, again more than just a pleasant thought, it is a Holy obsession. Notice also that our text reads “seek Him.” We are not just to seek knowledge but a personal, intimate fellowship with God Himself.

For an example let us look at Abraham, in Gen. 14:17-24 and in 15:1. In Melchizedek’s blessing on Abraham, he introduces God as “Possessor of heaven and earth.” I do not believe that Abraham did not have some prior realization of this fact, but suddenly the full light of this glorious revelation flooded his soul. His response is a wonderful lesson to us of faith in action. In verse 22 Abraham confessed this revelation but it involved more than just a confession of the lips, he was staking his claim on that fact even it is meant offending the king of Sodom. In chapter 15 verse 1, God appeared to Abraham and gave him a glorious promise, a further revelation. Not only was he possessor of heaven and earth, He was also Abraham’s shield and exceeding great reward. (Revelation received is a stepping stone to more light. Revelation refused becomes a stumbling stone and leads to darkness). God told Abraham “I am thy shield and EXCEEDING GREAT REWARD.” The Lord is the reward of all His dear people, but the exceeding great reward of those who diligently seek Him and believe Him to be the exceeding great rewarder.

Let us look at David. The Psalms are a record of the revelation God had given him and of David’s response to God. Psalm 27:4 & 8, reads, “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to enquire in His temple. When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said un to thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.” In Psalm 57:7, David says, “my heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed.” Does that not sound like Col. 3:2, “set your affection on things above.” We also read in Psalm 107:9, “He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness,” and in 17:15, “I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.” David knew the Lord was His reward, he found satisfaction in Him but it was a kind of unsatisfied satisfaction, the more he got to know the Lord the more he wanted of Him. Isn’t that the way it is, saints. We enjoy His fellowship now, He fills and thrills our hearts, but we long for more. We know the best is yet to come. When we are with Him our capacity for satisfaction will be so much more, there will be no limitations of the flesh, our glorified bodies will have a capacity that knows no bounds.

Let us look at what Hebrews 11:24-26 says about Moses. He could have lived as a prince but he chose the place of affliction with God’s people. He esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt, “for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.” He understood what is written in Rom. 8:18 that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” We sing “it will be worth it all when we see Jesus.” Yes, our life long search will bring eternal joys.

I have heard the story that when Albert Einstein lay dying he was expressing the sadness of an unfulfilled life. All his life he had been seeking for the secret of the universe and though he had made many great discoveries, he had missed that one key to everything else. He was not a man of faith, he sought in the realms of human intellect that which only faith in God can comprehend. What an example of persistence he is. He searched all his life, it was his one goal, his one aim and his death bed confession showed what great importance his search was to him. Beloved, we have met the Creator of the universe. He has revealed Himself to us and condescended to share his secrets with us. It is not the creation that we are delving into but a search after the Creator, Himself.

The Apostle Paul in his farewell words to the Ephesians and speaking of the trials he knew lay ahead of him, was able to say, none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy.” Again in Phil. 3:11 he said, “If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.” He was determined, his heart was fixed, he had but one desire, one goal in life. He was looking for a knowledge of God that would assure him a first rank position in glory. Such a place is reserved for those who have diligently sought the Lord and given Jesus a first rank place in their lives now.

In closing, let us heed the admonition of Heb. 12:1-2, “Let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, LOOKING UNTO JESUS the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy set before Him endured the cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of God.” Looking unto Jesus: the word “looking” means to “to consider attentively.” That is to be our lifelong occupation, all else we do is only secondary. Jesus went to the cross, held back nothing in his determination to do the Father’s will and redeem us  to Himself. His joy and reward will be to have a people for Himself. Our exceeding great reward will be that people who win Him. God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. 

 Think On These Things

Martha Wainright

Gladstone, Missouri

Most of us seem to be going down the highway of life in the fast lane, slowing down now and then for a red light or a yellow caution sign. A very common saying is, “where did this week or month, go?” Perhaps there are logical reasons for this; Many working all day, taking educational courses of one kind or another, various interests that are time consuming, relatives, friends, normal responsibilities, etc. But let us think about our mental business as well as our physical occupation.

Our mind runs rampant during waking hours. According to some specialists, at night also, as evidenced by dreams. Just as it is hard to slow down physically, it is just as difficult to control and gear down the flow of thoughts, ideas and memories that flood our mind.

An old hymn called some of these thoughts, “precious memories.” We may have these, but what about the tide of thoughts that come to our mind that we don’t like, that cause for example, fear. As stated by many, fear can be beneficial (such as fearing to drive on a railroad track in front of a moving train), but we aren’t going to consider this type of fear.

Let us think more realistically about the times when we feel fearful concerning; our job, the welfare and future of our family, health, finances and so on. As you read this you will think of many more things that cause fear to well up inside, although as Christians we hate to admit this because we are trusting our Heavenly Father and know we need not be afraid. Yet, there it is, big as life, and at times threatening to choke out every ounce of peace within.

David said, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee” – Psalm 56:3. This gives us the reassurance that we aren’t alone in this misery. The same shepherd who wrote about the Lord being his Shepherd also spoke of fear. David was honest enough to not be ashamed of this admittance. We can follow his example. But then, I can just imagine many of you have already mentally quoted I John 4:18, “…perfect love casteth out fear…” Amen.

He also gives us the spiritual answer for this over and over in the Psalms. First of all, David sought the Lord. Secondly, he believed that the Lord heard him and thirdly, he experienced deliverance from fear. David knew the Lord in a personal way just as the Apostle Paul did and many others we read about in the Bible.

Each of us has that same opportunity. When Christ atoned for sin, once, for all, the vail of the temple was “rent in twain.” This signified, that by faith we can commune with God face to face, Jesus Christ being our mediator. When we come to know God, through Jesus, we have fellowship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

As we abide in divine truth and love, all fear is cast out. Perhaps not all at once, but one fear at a time; as is the order of any warfare – one battle at a time. We have a guard over our mind, “the peace of God.” And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” – Phil. 4:7.

While we wait for the coming of the Lord Let us believe that He is our deliverer. Then we can continue to trust the Lord amidst our fears and battles, anticipating deliverance from them.

 The Encouraging Word

“The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.” Psalm 126:3

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior…” Zephaniah 3:17a

“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeing someone to devour.” I Peter 5:8

“The Lord looketh from heaven; He beholdeth all the sons of men.” Psalm 33:13

“Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His mercy.” Psalm 33:18

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3

“But He knows the way I take. When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10

Martha Wainright

 Do you know God?

Gordon Crook, Pastor

Grace Assembly, Wichita, Kansas

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” 1 John 4:7-8.

There are different thoughts in scripture about “knowing” God. There are those that know about God. Even the demons know about God and fear Him. (James 2:19). There are those that know God in a more personal way, and there are those that have a much deeper and intimate knowledge of God.

When John speaks about knowing God in this passage, he is speaking about those that truly know God in a deeper and more intimate way. He is helping to understand how to know if we truly know God or just have a superficial knowledge of who He is.

Many Christians today tend to want to mold God into their opinion of what He should be. The try to create God in their image instead of letting God change them into His image. This always results in a god that is not God. We must come to realize that we are in need of change that only God can do. And He wants to do exactly that.

It is amazing that God has given us His Word to ensure that we can know what He wants to do, and what that change looks like. The statement in our passage is very simple and very clear; “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” This means that the main change that God is making in us is to love one another.

The phrase “loveth not” means to “keep on not loving.” It indicates an attitude that continually fails to show love to others. This is very simply the attitude of our old nature. This is why we need the new creation life of Christ in order to show love on a regular basis. The old creation is not capable of showing the love that Jesus teaches us.

Jesus makes this idea a central part of His teaching during His earthly ministry. “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48.

So, those that “know” God need to know that He is love. It is an attribute of God, not just something He does. When Jesus says to “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect,” He is talking about being complete or mature as a child of God. This is exactly what God is working in  our lives if we will yield to Him. 

Both Jesus and Paul remind us the same thing. Love is the basis of the law. “For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if [there be] any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Romans 13:9. “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40.

When I was reading 1 John 4:8, it struck me as being  very serious. It made me think about how I know God. It can be easy to say that we know God and even prove our knowledge of scripture. However, it becomes clear that God is less concerned with our head knowledge of scripture and more interested in what we are allowing Him to do in our life. This is how we can be “perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”

It feels to me like I’m seeing a lot of lack of love from many who call themselves Christian. I know that anyone can call themselves Christian. And not all who use that moniker are truly Christian, but it makes me think about my own life. What do others see from my life? I cannot change other people, and it is not my place to pass judgment on them. I can and do try to understand what attitudes I see in others, and I realize that I want others to see from my life, attitudes that reflect the life of Christ in me. 

We have to be very careful about allowing the world (even the “Christian” world) to form our understanding of God, and forming our attitudes. We should really want to know God. Not a superficial head knowledge or a knowledge that is just something we have heard from  someone, but a true knowledge that comes from a personal intimate relationship with Him.

As you become closer and closer to God, you will find yourself loving others like He does. For God so loved the world. Who should I love? All who make up the world of humans. We do not get a pass on certain people that we do not like. Read the parable of the good Samaritan in Luke 10: 25-37. We do not want to be like the religious man in that passage who attempted to justify himself by pretending he did not know who he was to love. 

It is truly not normal for you and I to love others, especially those unloveable people, because our old nature is not capable of that. However, it is Christ in you the hope of glory. God is wanting to change us, right now, into His glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). The only thing stopping that is us, because we like how we are, and we do not want to be different from the world. Do you know God? Are you diligently getting to know Him? Every day?

 Standing Against Satan

Vicky Moots

Kingman, Kansas

Eph. 6:11: “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

Verses 14-15: “Stand therefore, 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.”

Paul tells us in these verses that the purpose of wearing our spiritual armor is so that we will be able to stand against Satan.  He makes it clear that we need the whole armor to do this, but in V. 15, he emphasizes the importance of wearing proper footwear.  No barefoot warriors or flip-flops are allowed in this army!

Why? What is so important about our feet in our battle against Satan? I’m going to answer that question by discussing the importance of feet in the physical body and how they are constructed.  Did you know that approximately ¼ of the 206 bones in our bodies are required to enable us to stand?

The foot is actually one of the most complex parts of the human body, because feet must bear the weight of the whole body.  They are not simply rigid structures, but are flexible.  They are composed of 26 bones each, totaling 52 bones.  These bones are connected by joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and soft tissue.  The feet also contain nerves to enable us to balance and to stand upright, as well as to perform activities such as walking, running, and jumping.

Each foot is divided into three sections (a trinity): the forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot.  The forefoot includes the toes (phalanges) and the longbones (metatarsals).  There are five toes and five metatarsals on each foot.  Five is the number of grace in the Scripture.  The hindfoot consists of the ankle and the heelbone (calcaneus).

The midfoot portion of each foot has a collection of five bones (again, the number of grace), which form an arch.  An arch is considered to be one of the strongest structures in architecture.  These five bones include three cuneiform bones (another trinity) plus the cubiform and the navicular bone.

Spiritually, this demonstrates to us that it is by God’s grace that we are able to stand, as Paul tells us in Rom. 5:2: “By whom [Jesus] also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand…”  We stand in the grace of God, not our own merit.

The ankle joint is formed from three bones (also a trinity): the talus, tibia and fibula.  That makes a total of three trinities in each foot.  The number three not only represents the Trinity, but it also speaks of resurrection, since Jesus was raised on the third day.  Our ability to stand spiritually is, therefore, not only because of God’s grace, but also through the power of the resurrection, which enables us to walk in newness of life. 

It is important that we keep our feet healthy if we want to be able to stand very long without pain.  Feet can become diseased or deformed by wearing improperly fitting or non-supportive footwear.  Shoes that are too tight, have pointed toes, high heels or that don’t support the arch will eventually result in such things as bunions, calluses, corns, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis or even foot ulcers.  These things are not only painful and affect mobility, but can also become dangerous to our health.

In II Chron. 16:12-13, we read that King Asa became “exceedingly diseased” in his feet and died.  In V. 12, it states that he died because he failed to speak to the Lord and had only sought the physicians for help.  Spiritually speaking, we can become diseased in our feet (affecting our Christian walk and our ability to stand against Satan) if our spiritual feet are not properly shod and protected, or if we fail to seek the Lord for help.

All soldiers need combat boots to protect and support their feet.  The footwear of the Roman soldier had a much different appearance than that of soldiers today, but it served the same purpose.  Proper footwear is equally important to us spiritually, and so we must be sure to protect our spiritual feet as soldiers in God’s army.

The shoes which we have been provided and commanded to wear, have been designed to be sturdy, supportive and long lasting.  They are guaranteed to fit properly, unless altered from their original design.  The long-lasting material from which these shoes have been fashioned is not man-made.  It has been imported from heaven.  It is the “gospel of peace.”  Therefore, it is eternal and will never wear out or grow old.

Col. 1:21 tells us that before we accept Christ as Savior, sin separates us from God and makes us His enemies.  But the good news (the gospel) is that Jesus died to make peace and to bring us to God: “…having made peace through the blood of his cross…” (V. 20).  This is the gospel of peace.

Paul then tells us in Rom. 5:1-2 how to put on these gospel of peace shoes: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” We must put them on by faith.  Faith is the shoehorn we use to put on our shoes.

The “gospel of peace” shoes are the right size for each one of us.  We cannot add anything to the gospel (such as our own works or ideas), or take anything away from it, or the shoes will not fit, and we will be unable to stand.  Jesus is the only way to salvation and peace with God.

That name, Jesus, was what made the lame man in Acts 3:6-7 whole and able to stand: “Then Peter said…In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.”  It is the same name whereby our feet and ankles have the strength to stand against Satan.

In conclusion, let us look at the Greek meanings of the words “preparation” and “peace” in Eph. 6:15. “Preparation” means “firm standing” or “foundation.”  The word “peace” means “that which has been bound together.”  Therefore, with our feet properly shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, we can stand firmly on the foundation, by faith, knowing that we have been made one with Christ, bound together with Him.  Nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus!

So, having done all, let us stand!

 HERE AM I

(Samuel)

A young boy slept, 

   his heart sincere. 

His soul was willing

   to listen and hear.

The Word of God

   was precious then.

God was not speaking

   to the hearts of men.

God saw that child,

    and knew his heart.

He called his name,

   and set him apart.

The young boy heard,

   cried, “Here am I,”

And eagerly ran

   to the priest, Eli.

                Three times God called

   each time he heard.   

His heart excited,

   his soul was stirred.

He had to learn

   to know God’s voice.

And when he did,

   he made his choice.

The Lord then come;

   He called and stood.

And Samuel answered,

   as God knew he would.

   Debbie Isenbletter

   Springfield, Missouri

   (I Samuel 3:1-10)

 Considerations

Jack Davis

CONSIDER YOURSELVES

Gal. 6:1-10, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted…for if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself…For every man shall bear his own burden. Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting…let us not be weary in well doing: in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” 

Scriptural restoration is on the basis of repentance – II Cor. 7:9-11. Repentance involves changes in attitude of heart and direction. Whether wrong conduct, in life style, or wrong teaching, the scripture provides for both. There is cleansing available for all – II Cor. 7:1. This involves more than setting one back on the right track, that has been caught in wrong doing. Whatever we do or don’t do must be by faith in the rightly divided Word of truth, and guidance of the Holy Spirit, having earnestly sought the heart of God in prayer.

God has provided that we not be ignorant of Satan’s devices. With an unforgiving attitude of self-righteousness and self sufficiency we could give our adversary an advantage. Therefore we well consider our own capacity for failure. It is spiritual for us to not be self-centered, self occupied, or self deceived – Gal. 6:3,7; Rom. 12:3. We each have need of rebuke, and of restoration. There are times when we need correction and find it is indeed a comfort, a most valuable bridge. The Lord makes us aware of a lack of our own steadfastness, so that we will thoroughly cast ourselves completely upon Him. By growing in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ there is an overcoming of being unlearned, and unstable -II Pet. 3:17-18. The Spiritual are capable of being tempted, it is allowed that the Spiritual may overcome the temptations – I Cor. 10:13.

We need to be aware that the spirit of meekness is needed in both those that restore and the one to be restored. The Scripture does not teach us to be lax on our own, accusing or excusing one another. Spirituality shown no sympathy on the flesh, especially our own. We owe the flesh nothing – Rom. 8:4-13. It must be judged – II Cor. 10:3-6; I Cor. 11:30-33; Mt. 7:3-5.

There are those born of the Spirit that live after the flesh. Those sowing to the flesh shall reap corruption, for they are failing to appropriate God’s grace. To each of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ – Eph. 4:7. There seems to be a taking of God’s grace in vain in differing measures – II Cor. 6:1-2. There is an insincerity that puts God’s grace to little personal and very little practical use, not taking to heart what grace teaches us – Titus 2:11-14.  There are those who are building their lives with wood hay and stubble, that defile many. Their works will be burned, rewards lost, yet they shall be saved as by fire – I Cor. 3:15. They won’t receive a full reward, but enter into eternity comparatively empty handed, without a full inheritance. These are often cut off before their time, die prematurely before they have grown up fully in the Lord. Our brother Paul’s departing admonishions to the Ephesian elders was to take heed into themselves and to all the flock –  Acts 20:28-32.

CONSIDER ONE ANOTHER

Heb. 10:21-25 “And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering…and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

“LET US” Times Three: Since Jesus, our faithful and merciful high priest has opened up a way into the presence of God for us, we also are encouraged to draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, and with a living hope – Heb. 7:19. It is our sweet privilege to thankfully apply or avail to the washing of water by the Word. The truth of God’s Word should have the effect of drawing us together. As we are drawn unto our Lord, we also are drawn to the Christ life in each other.

Paul encourages us to “let,” submitting to that powerful magnetic life within. We also are told to hold fast the testimony, or confession of our faith because of the faithfulness of Him who has promised, and is certainly coming again, and it should be very soon – Heb. 10:36-37. Forsaking assembling of ourselves together is not considering one another, but is usually pampering our own flesh.

Most of us have thought at one time or other, “if it wasn’t for people I could be an overcomer.” Habitual absence for gathering with  God’s people is skipping the opportunity to provoke or spiritually stimulate unto love and good works. Its effects are generally discouraging. If we are truly able to see the day approaching, our sharpened vision being shared should be  used to stir faith, hope and love in others to be ready for Jesus’ return. “Forsaking the assembling” is not an attitude of consideration of others but rather a laying aside of the privilege to increase being beneficial to the Lord’s body. Let us do it “so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” I am so glad we are able to see or foresee by faith, the day of our Lord’s return! Be ready, it could happen any moment! He has provided that we speak to each other unto comfort, edification, and exhortation. Assembling together we are to speak to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Assembling together we are to make melody from our hearts unto the Lord. We need each other’s mutual overcoming. An interesting and amazing aspect of being victorious is our striving together in interest of the faith of the Gospel – Phil. 1:27. “Standing fast in one Spirit.” 

We can be encouraging examples to each other of faith, purity, peace, patience and progress. We need each other’s prayers, whereby we bear one another’s burdens. Thus we may be better able to bear our own, fulfilling our bodily responsibility, with Jesus in focus – Rom. 12:5-21; 14:7-9; 15:1-7.

CONSIDER JESUS

Heb. 12:1-4, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 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 set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.”

While being surrounded by so great a crowd of faith’s victors (Heb. 11), we are encouraged to go on in God’s will for our lives in spiritual progress. We are to run our race with patience, casting aside all encumbering hindrances. Our adversary would like to get us so focused on, and even occupied with other’s failures and what we should do about them that we become weary in well doing – II Thess. 3:13-15. Lord enable us to take heart, encourage our selves in the Lord when others  are letting down. It is so very important that we keep looking unto Jesus, considering Him. He must be the single object of spiritual focus. The gathering center, our meeting place, our Savior, our Lord, Light and Life, who has captured our hearts with His love.

When we consider all He went through to make us holy, unblameable, in His sight. How can we help but look to Him to bring it about? His terrible suffering on the cross for our sakes should bring forth a cry, “Have thine own  way Lord.”

Peter seems to point to Jesus as the standard of sacrificial suffering, “Arm yourselves with the same mind.” Consider Him as the standard of full overcoming. Jn. 16:33, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Rev. 3:21, “Even as I overcame and am set down with my Father in His throne.” We do well to consider Him as an example of caring, compassion. He gave His all to deliver us from every hurt and hindrance, although we were entirely ugly, undeserving, absolutely bankrupt. Let us not live carelessly. Real joy is ours, when the reverse order is in effect – Jesus – Others – You.