A Fresh Start

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: Luke 15:11-32

The purpose of medicine is to cure an illness or address its symptoms. Jesus' blood is the only medicine (antidote) for sin and sin's poison. Note that it's not how you start the race, it's how you finish it.

New Year's Eve is celebrated all around the world with the idea that in the passing of the old year and the entrance of the new, mankind has a "fresh start."

The prodigal son had an older brother, a father and mother,and a number of servants. This younger, prodigal son wanted his inheritance, got it, and went out to celebrate. In the process, he blew it all! He wound up bankrupt; physically, emotionally, financially, and most of all, spiritually. A fine, young, upstanding Jewish boy, hired to feed pigs, and so hungry that he thought about eating the slop he was supposed to be feeding those pigs!

Then, he comes to himself. Why, at home, even the servants have more than enough to eat! He decided, "I'm going home. I'll ask to be hired on as a servant."

Here are three keys to a fresh start...

1.) Have Proper Priorities - Matthew 6:33

• Not just exisiting -- but having abundant life!
• Not off in some wrong place -- but being in the right place!
• We need proper priorities physically and spiritually.
• "Flesh" wants the "easy" way -- leads to death!
• "Flesh" cannot be allowed to rule us!
• Our soul and Spirit desires God -- leads to life everlasting!

2.) Practice Good Behavior - Psalm 146:5

• Practice does make perfect!
• Train up children -- they need the practice!
• Maintain a good example -- children, grandchildren, and others are watching!
• The prodigal's father never stopped being a father... he kept hoping.
• He closed the door, but not his heart.
• Papa was watching -- when his son showed up, he ran to his son, embraced him, and celebrated his return with the robe, the ring, and the fatted calf.
• Be aware that 2013 will have bumps in the road; good days and bad days... BUT...
• Overcome evil with good!

3.) Be Willing to Worship God - Isaiah 1:19

• The older son was jealous of his brother; he saw the celebration as an affront.
• He pouted in anger -- only willing to celebrate on his terms.
• We need to think about Who HE is, and how worthy HE is.
• Worship in Spirit and in truth. (John 4:24)
• We need the Spirit of God indwelling -- cultivate the fruit of the Spirit.
• We need the heart of a servant -- to be great in God's eyes, be a servant.
• The father reminded his pouting son, "Everything I have is yours!"

Choices

By Pauline Foreman

Often we have too many choices, they're daily - choices, choices, choices, bringing perplexity. Which way do I turn? Which path do I choose? Options are the list of many from which you make your selection. If there's only one thing to eat, you're reduced to one choice - eat, or not eat.

Why does God want us to choose? He knows ahead of time what we will do. He made everything that is and He saw that it was good. He formed man from the dust of the ground in His own image, then breathed the breath of life into him, and man became a living soul. ("Male and female created He them.") Nothing else in creation had this living soul. Animals have no choice; they are what they are. Being created in God's likeness meant the power of choice and dominion over all else, but not dominion over man. The only forbidden thing was the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. (A choice.) The consequences of disobedience were made clear. But the choice was man's.
The tree of life - caused one to live.
The tree of knowledge - caused one to die.

Cain and Abel also had a choice in the matter of a sacrifice that would please God.

God gave us the power of choice to show that His love was unconditional. Consequences, yes. But whatever you choose, He will still love you. Even after Adam and Eve sinned, He clothed them with animal skins -- covered their sin with a blood sacrifice. God drove them from the garden because if they had continued to live there and eat of the tree of life, they would live forever in sin. So He barred the way to the tree of life.

The ground was cursed -- it would require sweat and blood to eke out a living for Adam, Eve, and their posterity. Eve's conception was multiplied and would be full of sorrow. The serpent was cursed above all animals -- forever to crawl on its belly and be at enmity with Eve and humanity in general.

Jesus' death on the cross was proof of His love. (Romans 8:38-39) You cannot separate Him from His love. God knows the heart's thoughts and intents. You can't hide anything from God.

Many things affect our choices; fear, ignorance, willfulness, lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, pride of life, peer pressure, (fear of man,) feelings, perceptions, time pressure, and our experiences. Even when we make the wrong choice/s, "...He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9)

Look at the lives of the Three Hebrew Children, Joseph, and Moses. (Hebrews 11:13-14) Study them carefully and prayerfully. Obedience to the Word of God helps us make the right choice/s.

Christmas 2012

By Marjorie Kinnee

Before time began, God had a plan,
To redeem mankind from his sin;
Knowing man's dross would lead to a cross,
The price for cleansing within.
(Revelation 5:9-12)

God's perfect plan would require a Man,
Who'd embrace man's frail, weak form;
Yet live a life free from sin and strife,
While shielding man's soul from sin's storm.
(Philippians 2:5-11)

Meanwhile Adam, along with his madam,
Was choosing to walk his own way;
Disobedience' cost - Paradise lost,
Now death was the price they'd pay.
(Romans 6:23)

Genesis, chapters 1 thru 3, show God's plan for all to see,
Though sinful, man was not without hope;
The promise sublime, in the fulness of time,
Brought man what he needed to cope.

"Love drew salvation's plan, grace brought it down to man,"
"For God so loved... that He gave!"
Paid sin's price, made the sacrifice,
Man's sin-sick soul to save.
(John 3:16-17; Romans 5:8; I John 3:16)

"Born in a manger, to His own a stranger,"
Jesus came to save that which was lost;
"Obedient, lowly, serenely holy,"
He willingly paid the cost.
(John 10:10-11, 18; 14:6; Hebrews 12:2)

What must we do to bring into view,
And Salvation's requirements to meet?
The way was made, God's plan displayed,
As "death" was crushed 'neath His feet.
(Genesis 3:15; Romans 6:23; I Corinthians 15:55-57; I John 5:8)

We share in His death through repentance,
We're buried with Him in His Name,
Then rise to walk in newness of Life,
His power and glory proclaim!
(Acts 1:5, 8; 2:1-4, 37-40; 4:12; Romans 5:11; 6:3-5; Ephesians 2:4-7)

The Temple and the Tent

By Laurel D. Williams

The tent in the wilderness was designed by God. It was a heavenly plan, given to Moses, as he stood face-to-Face with God. God designed every aspect of it. He gave knowledge of craftsmanship to special men and women in the construction of the tent. It was a beautiful place, full of gold, silver, bronze, and fine, embroidered linens with golden weavings of cherubim. The tent was beautiful beyond measure. It was more magnificent than the temples of Egypt the children of Israel had left behind. The tent could be assembled and dis-assembled and moved; as God directed His children, it moved with them. The tent was the center of their camp; all Israel was camped around it, by tribes and divisions. Every person could look out of their dwelling and see the presence of God in their life. God was with them everywhere they went. He was in the middle of their life. He was acsessable to them.They could see the fire/light by night - every night, and the cloud of His presence by day - every day. It was tangible, visible evidence that He was their's and they were His!

The temple was David's dream. He amassed great stores of wealth and goods, had builders plan, and gave instruction in the construction of his dream. David helped his son, Solomon, follow the plan David developed from his heart out of his love of God. But God would not allow David to build the temple; he was a man of war and bloodshed. He even told David, "I don't need a house to dwell in." (II Samuel 7:1-7) And yet, David felt that God did. So, Solomon constructed the temple with skilled craftsmen. The glory of that temple was unsurpassed. God blessed it and filled it with His Presence. And yet, something was different...

No longer did the Presence of God move about with the people. God was placed in a stationary temple. If you wanted to meet with God, you must now go to Him. The place became more revered than the Presence. In Solomon's prayer, he requested that God would abide forever in that place. (I Kings 8:12-13) But, doesn't God reside in the entire universe eternally? (I Kings 8:27) So, in essence, the temple became a place man decided could house/contain God. No longer could every individual look from their dwelling to the evidence that God was in their midst. No longer did God move about with them, lead them. Man had contained God.

God has never desired a relationship with man that was campartmentalized. When Adam and Ever were in the garden, He had a personal daily relationship with man and woman. He talked with them and walked with them. God moved with them.

When the children of Israel met God on Mount Sinai, God desired a kingdom of priests. (Exodus 19:5-6) He desired to commune with every individual of the community He had chosen as HIS. Yet the people were afraid, and asked Moses to be their intercessor. And God granted their request. They could have had a relationship with God. like Moses', and see God face-to-Face. But their fear kept them from the desires of God.

God's plan from the very foundation of the world was to reside in the temple of man. Christ died and God's Spirit has been given as an unmerited gift to us! God desires to commune with us each and every day. God want to move in our life, be the very center of our life. God wants us to see the evidence of His presence in our life - each and every day. Where we go, God goes. God does not need us/man to design, improve on, beautify, or put our/his own ideas into HIS mighty plan! HE is the Master Builder, the Artist of creation. HE is above all, through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4:6) Our hope is in the unmerited gift of Christ! (Ephesians 4:7) God designed the most beautiful temple, the one HE wanted to dwell in - it is you and I! What an awesome thought!

When we go to worship God in our respective buildings, let us remember something. The REAL temple is standing in the building. (I Corinthians 3:16) We do not have to ask God's presence to enter the building, HE is already in HIS temple! Wherever we go, if God abides in us, His presence is there. And oh, what a mighty Presence it is when all the temples of God are together as one body, fitly framed together! (Ephesians 2:21-22)

One day, my earthly temple will pass away. But instead of a temple, I'd like to be known as a tent... someone that moves with the Presence of God. When this tent passes away, then, my heavenly temple, made in His image, will begin. We will finally have the relationship God has desired all along! We will be ONE! We will be totally infused with His Light, His Fire, His Power, and His Presence.

"Whereas I have not dwelt in any house somce the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle." (II Samuel 7:6)

"Howbeeit, the Most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, Heaven is My throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build Me? saith the LORD; or what is the place of My rest? Hath not My hand made all these things?" (Acts 7:48-50)

"God that made the world and all things therein, seeing tha He is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though He needed any thing, seeing He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him, though He be not far from every one of us." (Acts 17:24-27)

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you"(I Corinthians 3:16)

"And I saw no temple therein: For the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city hath no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: For the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof." (Revelation 21:22-23)

Editorial Note: Laurel Williams lives in Orange, Texas and attends the Eastgate Pentecostal Church in Vidor; Pastor George R. Edwards. Sis. Laurie says this article is "secondhand," because it was born out of discussion  between herself and her mother, (Sis. Betty Austin,) concerning a study that was taight at her mother's church (which is in Auburn Hills, Michigan). I find it amazing how the Word of God circulates, and like a pebble thrown into a pond, it's ripples reach around the world!.

Reasons to Rejoice!

Editorial by Marjorie Kinnee

In a world writhing in the throes of disasters and tragedies, wars and rumors of wars, rebellion and strife, sorrow and sheer human misery; it's easy to focus on the negative. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was in the midst of the American Civil War when he penned this verse...

"And in despair I bowed my head,

'There is no peace on earth,' I said,

'For hate is strong and mocks the song

of peace on earth, good will to men."

He could have been writing about 2012. (See Romans 1:29-32.)

But just as Longfellow went on with his poem once he'd lifted his focus off of the chaos all around him, and looked to the Source of all help; we too can face 2013 with reasons to rejoice. Here are a few to get us started...

1.) Begin with I Peter 1:6-9 - Read and rejoice!
2.) With the angels at God's good will toward men - Luke 2:13-14.
3.) With all of creation - Psalm 65.
4.) When the lost is found - Luke 15.
5.) With the angels over a repentant sinner - Luke 15:10.
6.) In God's great doings - Luke 2:46-49.
7.) In your salvation - Psalm 13:5; 35:9.
8.) Because your name is written in heaven - Luke 10:20.
9.) In the Holy Ghost - Romans 5:11.
10.) With the wise men's exceeding great joy - Matthew 2:10.
11.) With the shepherds - Luke 2:20.
12.) In Jesus' Name - Acts 4:12; 5:41.
13.) In God's love - Zephaniah 3:17.
14.) In God's mercy - Psalm 33:18-21.
15.) In God's faithfulness - Psalm 89:1.
16.) In the truth - I Corinthians 13:6.
17.) In knowing Jesus' voice - John 14:27.
18.) In His tender care (the Good Shepherd) - Isaiah 62:5; Luke 15:6.
19.) In hope - Colossians 1:23-29.
20.) Evermore - I Thessalonians 5:16.
21.) "In the Lord always... again I say, Rejoice!" - Philippians 4:4.

Knowing aforetime what we will be facing in the days to come, Jesus said, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world!" (John 16:33b)

Thank You is More than a Word

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: Luke 17:11-19 - The story of the 10 Lepers.

Ten lepers stood afar off and called upon Jesus, asking for mercy. Note that Jesus makes Himself available... to those who seek Him, to those who need Him, and to those who look for His coming.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 tells us His thoughts are toward those who seek Him.
John 10:10 says He brings life, and life more abundantly.
Psalm 139:7-12 declares that He manifests Himself! There is no place we can go to hide from Him.

Leprosy had separated these men from their former lives; family, friends, home, all that was familiar.
In their need (afar off) they saw Jesus. They recognized Him for who He was and what He could do.
They chose to reach out to Him. And in their obedience, they were cleansed "as they went."

When you're in darkness, you cannot see Him for who He is. Saul was like that until he traveled the Damascus road. Mercy is not only for the innocent, it's also for the guilty. If we, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to our children - how much more will your Heavenly Father give good gifts to His children? Psalm 51 speaks of the need for a repentant approach to God.

• Ask - and you shall receive,
• Seek - and you shall find,
• Knock - and it shall be opened unto you.

Psalm 37:4-5 tells us that He wants to bless us. James 1:17 says He is the source of all good things. His blessings should provoke us to Thanksgiving.

Yet, sadly, only the Samaritan remembered to be thankful - and he was a double outcast. Not only was he a leper, he was NOT of the household of faith. BUT - his thankful heart gained access to further blessings. The nine were cleansed/healed (outside), but the Samaritan was made whole (completed/inside and out).

If we're not thankful, we can lose out for all eternity! See Romans 1:21-22.

A thankful heart can lead us all the way to heaven!
See Psalm 34:1; 50:14; 103:1-4; 107:1-2; 116:12-13; 118:1.

The Comforter's Comfort

By Marjorie Kinnee

Text: Psalm 119:50, 52, 76 – "This is my comfort in my affliction: for Thy Word hath quickened me... I remembered Thy judgments of old, O Lord; and have comforted myself... Let, I pray Thee, Thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to Thy Word unto Thy servant."

We’ve called her a hero – and she is. But more than that, Doris Wilson was the quintessential Proverbs 31 woman. Her gentle, unassuming influence upon the lives of those around her was so significant it rises up to declare her works. She was both – virtuous and priceless. Alton’s heart trusted her implicitly; she did him good, not evil, for over 50 years.

Doris worked willingly; she was not reluctant to do the menial and the mundane, she carefully took care of her household. A good businesswoman, she blessed the lives of homemakers with kindness and demonstrating the knack of home decor with a heart full of love. She was not afraid to work in the inner city and the so-called dangerous areas of town. She was a blessing to all who came in contact with her. For many years, we counted on Doris to decorate banquets, showers, and meetings with her own unique blend of artistic table arrangements and themes.

We could count on her words of wisdom and encouragement, whether by public testimony or one-on-one. The Holy Ghost worked in and through her, supplying a word in due season; one that would bless the hearer and build up the Kingdom. She took refuge in the Word of God and the promises of God. Her love for the Word of God prompted her to buy copies of the adult teacher’s manual each year so she could keep current with what the church was learning each week. Her husband, her children, her daughter-in-law, and her grandchildren can testify to the loving care she freely lavished on them. Her church family also enjoyed the benefits of her godly example. Solomon was speaking about his own mother, but he might as well have had Doris Wilson in mind when he said, "Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates." (Proverbs 31:29-31)

Although we would give much to have her remain with us, the God of all comfort has determined in His purpose and plan that her homegoing would be early Tuesday morning, November 13, 2012. When we think on her basking in the presence of the Lord and seeing the smile on His face, our sorrow can be colored by joy. Our affliction triggers His comfort if we will but lean hard on Him.

"Blessed be God even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of all mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." (II Corinthians 1:3-4)

"Wherefore comfort one another with these words."

(I Thessalonians 4:18)

 

All that is Within Me...!

By Jack Sword

Text: Psalm 103:1 "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy Name." 

 

In all the ways I've lifted the words of this verse, I've never thought about the word "all" quite in this way before, but it struck me as an important way to think about it.

 

If "all" that is in me is (the) blessing (of) the Lord, then there is no room for many of the other things (clutter/distractions) that occupy my time, thoughts, and speech. If I'm busy about (occupied) with thinking of blessing the Lord, I don't have time or space for (to be occupied with) the worry, care, fret, doubt, and fear that would crowd out (steal away) my blessing the Lord. Then, too, I don't have time to notice what's wrong with the world or the church... my notice is totally about (fixed on) what's right with the Lord; how He's saving, keeping, filling, satisfying, blessing, noticing, and answering my prayers. I'm noticing how good He is to me and to His people; how merciful He is to the saints and to the "ain'ts". So, my focus keeps on with the thought. "Keep on, Lord, filling up this heart of mine with nothing but praise for You, and I will keep on saying this all day long..."

 

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name!"

When Jesus is my focus, there can be nothing but praise! Amen!

 

Editor's Note: Jack Sword is an ordained minister with the United Pentecostal Church International. He lives in Columbus, Ohio, and is the father of Sis. Alphin, (wife of Mark Alphin,) missionaries to Finland.

 

 

Christmas and the Cross

A Poem by Donna Franklin

 

 

The cries of a newborn baby signaled the start of hope.
At last the Mighty God is revealed,

The long-awaited Promise was about to be fulfilled,
And the darkness of sin to be healed.

 

Shepherds in the fields saw a glorious sight,
When angels heralded the news;
Awed to be given this great revelation,
They ran to see the King of the Jews.

Mary's Baby Boy was taken to the Temple
When He was eight days old;

Simeon said now he'd seen God's Salvation,
An event that had long been foretold.

He was born in Bethlehem, then became a Nazarene,
Fulfilling prophecies in God's Holy Word;
His life totally planned, cruelest death - a given,
And His resurrection assured.

He arose and appeared to His many disciples,
Said He's soon endue them with power;
They'd all be filled with the Holy Ghost,
If they'd tarry till His chosen hour.

It happened on Pentecost just as He'd said,
Soon they preached the Apostles' Doctrine;
They began to baptize in Jesus' great Name,
For complete remission of sin.

Let us celebrate the Cross while we celebrate Christmas,
Thank God for unmerited love!
Be thankful He was born, be thankful He died,
Be thankful He now guides from above.

Merry Christmas to all, may God bless you this season;
May you seek to draw closer to Him.
May you never forget that YOU are the reason...
Why He came, and why He's coming again!

 

Editor's Note: Donna Franklin attends Paoli United Pentecostal Church (Pastor Terry Erwin) in Paoli, Oklahoma.

Just One Month 'Til Christmas

A poem by Deborah (Kierstead) Haroun

 

 

Just one month 'til Christmas
As shepherds watched their flocks each day;
All of life seemed normal,
Watching sheep in the ordinary way.

 

Something new was coming...
They just worked on as shepherds will;
The job for which they'd been gifted,
Keeping sheep on a grassy hill.

* * * * * * *

Just one month 'til Christmas
As bustling with the chores of today;
What will I do for the Master?
Let me be busy on His tasks I do pray.

Editor's Note: Deborah attends Apostolic Gospel Lighthouse (Pastor Gordon Kierstead) in London, Ontario. She is busy in the work of God, involved in both local church and distict (Ontario) activities. 

Attitudes of Gratitude

Standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon, a pouting, disgruntled teen-ager was overheard talking on her cellphone. "There's nothing to do here," she moaned, "I'm bored!" Her discontent in the face of this most awesome place caused many emotions to squirm in me. I marvelled and wondered at the same time... What an attitude!

How is is that such a scene did not produce in her a sense of how big God is and how small we are? Why wasn't she speechless in wonder? What was it that made her oblivious to her surroundings and concerned only with the here and now? Thinking on this prompted consideration of the attitudes that produce gratitude. After reading an article that highlighted the following six points, sharing them and the thoughts they produced made this Thanksgiving season special.

1.) I have what I need. Jehovah Jireh ~ God provides. "But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)

2.) I appreciate you! My family, friends, and mentors ~ again, God's provision ~ is a support system with skin on. They encourage me and make me aware of my blessings and I value them. "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." (Jude 20-21)

3.) I believe. This is bedrock, foundational. Martin Luther said, "Here I stand, I can do no other." Jesus said the wise man built his house upon a rock. Paul said Jesus is that Rock. Solomon said, "Buy the truth and sell it not." (Proverbs 23:23) When your convictions are built on the rock of truth, you won't be overwhelmed by the storms life brings. Even deadly calm cannot pull you off course!

4.) I love. I Corinthians 13 is called the love chapter. It speaks of love's giving nature and how it focuses on the good, the hopeful, and the potential with patience and grace. "Finally, brethren, whatsoeverthings are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."(Philippians 4:8)

5.) I want to know. Desiring to learn, to understand, seeking after wisdom ~ these are signs of a hungry heart and an inquisitive mind. It is good to wonder why, to be interested. The psalmist said, "They that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing." (Psalm 34:10b) Jesus said, "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33) Solomon said, "The fear of the Lord is the beginnning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10) and, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." (Proverbs 4:7) You see, knowing Jesus puts life's events in their proper perspective.

6.) I want to see beyond. Bishop Grisham often said, "If you see a turtle on a fence post, know that it didn't get there by itself." He was quoting Bro. J.T. Pugh, but the truth remains. True appreciation goes beyond what's readily apparent. Although I don't know who the author was, an old poem goes like this...

"Back of the bread, the flour,
And back of the flour, the mill,
And back of the flour, the sun and the rain,
and the wind and the Father's will."

 



The Importance of Godly Wisdom

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: James 3:13-18; Proverbs 3:13-18

Happy is the man that finds wisdom. It's more important than money, fame, possessions, positions, power, honor, and strength. James 1:5 says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."

Spiritual exercise is hard and continual work, and, like physical exercise, letting off means loss. The wise show works with meekness of wisdom. Ephesians 5:15-17 tells us to "walk circumspectly... as wise... redeeming the time." There are two types of wisdom; earthly (verses 15-16) and heavenly (verses 17-18).

• Earthly Wisdom (worldly) is...
• sensual - appeals to the flesh ("feels good")
• devilish - causes confusion ("envying, strife, and every evil work")
• manipulative, flatters
• earthly wisdom boasts and promotes itself.
• Heavenly Wisdom comes from above and is...
• pure
• peaceable
• gentle
• easy to be intreated
• full of mercy and good fruits
• without partiality and hypocrisy
• speaks the truth in love
• slow to speak, slow to wrath, quick to listen
• not a respecter of persons (appearances)
• heavenly wisdom is revealed by its works.

"And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." (James 3:18)

"The LORD is exalted; for He dwelleth on high: He hath filled Zion with judgment and righteousness. And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is His treasure." (Isaiah 33:5-6)

Charity

By Justin Jeffrey

Text: I Corinthians 13

I Corinthians 13 is also known as the "love" or "charity" chapter. Jesus said all men would know we are His disciples by the love we show to one another. He called it a new commandment and repeated it many times over. John, James, Peter and Paul, in their letters to the churches, made love a frequent topic. This was not some weak, paltry kind of love, but an all-consuming, self-sacrificing, giving love modelled after Jesus' example. "We love Him because He first loved us."

I Corinthians 13, verses 4 through 8 outline the properties and effects of Jesus' kind of love...
Verse 4

• long suffering - waits, is patient.
• kind - looks for opportunities to do good.
• envieth not - is happy for the success of others.
• vaunteth not itself - doesn't promote itself; it isn't puffed up.

Verse 5

• does not behave itself unseemly - it's courteous.
• seeketh not her own - not out for itself, serves others at its own expense.
• is not easily provoked - it controls itself.
• thinketh no evil - it's not judgmental, or critical.

Verse 6

• rejoiceth not in iniquity - does not condone sin.
• rejoiceth in the truth - lets truth prevail.

Verse 7

• beareth all things - keeps on keeping on.
• believeth all things - believe the best.
• hopeth all things - hope for, expects progress.
• endureth all things - steadfast, stand fast, hold fast.

Verse 8

• charity never faileth - it's always there.

Verses 8-13 (Recap)

• Love outlasts prophecies, tongues, and knowledge.
• Now we know in part - then we'll know as we're known.
• Now we prophesy in part - then we'll understand all.
• The partial will pass when the perfect comes.
• Children think, speak, understand as a child - Men put away childish things.
• Now we see through a glass darkly - then Face to face.

"And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity."


Editor's Note: Justin is our youth leader here at New Life. The E.D.G.E. youth group seeks to find the leading edge of the move of God and become a part of the flow of the Spirit. We're proud of their accomplishments in life and in the Kingdom of God!

For Who He Is!

A poem by Donna Franklin

 

We PRAISE the Lord for what He's done,

But we worship Him for He's THE ONE!

The One true God, the Mighty King,

The Great I AM, Lord of everything.

 

Our testimonies are our praise,

Thanking Jesus in so many ways,

We tell the world of blessings given;

Praising God for this new life we're living.

 

This brings us to worship of the Lord Most High,

Glorious in power, Perfection we magnify;

Acknowledging His greatness, exalting His Name;

Jesus Christ, our Creator, for ever the same.

 

 

 

Editor's Note: Donna Franklin attends the Paoli United Pentecostal Church (Pastor Terry Erwin) in Paoli, Oklahoma.



Thanksgiving Prayer

A Poem by Charles R. Grisham

Thank Thee God, for everything,

Praise to You we ever sing,

For food, shelter and happy life,

In our great nation, free from strife.

 

Bless each one as here we gather,

That we might dwell with You for ever,

Abide with us, we humbly pray,

Till we behold Your face some day.

 

Mold our lives in peace and love,

Direct our eyes to things above,

Forgive the sins that we've committed,

That each mistake might be remitted.

 

Protect us, Lord, throughout the year,

Daily draw us ever nearer,

Hold our lives within Your hand,

Until we meet in Heaven's land.

 

 



A Little Word...

By Marjorie Kinnee
Editorial

Text: Matthew 6:9-15; 18:21-35; (Luke 11:2-4)
"And forgive us our debts, AS we forgive our debtors." (Matthew 6:12)

In other texts, the word, "debts," is rendered as "trespasses" and the verse reads, "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us." The word, "trespass," is defined as "going beyond the known boundary or boundaries."

In that context, let us closely examine the little word, "as."

Used as both an adverb and a conjunction, Webster gives several meanings for this two-letter word...

1. (adv.) - to the same extent or degree
2. (conj.) - in the same way
3. (conj.) - at the same time
4. (conj.) - for the reason that
5. (conj.) - with the result that
6. (conj.) - in accordance with

Forgiveness, according to the texts above, is required. There is no plan B, no other option is provided, no excuses, no evasions, and no extenuating circumstances. It is a given that offenses and trespasses will come. You can count on it. It is also set in stone that we are required to forgive those offenses and tresapasses. Our forgiveness from God hinges upon our willingness to forgive others.

So far, nothing we've said is new news. We've quoted and sung the Lord's Prayer all our lives. It's been said that in the highjacked flight over Pennsylvania on 9/11, those who tried to retake the plane prayed the Lord's Prayer just before saying, "Let's roll!"

But it all boils down to that one little word - as. Think about it!

1. Forgive - to the same degree or extent - you've been forgiven.
2. Forgive - in the same way - you've been forgiven.
3. Forgive - at the same time - you're being forgiven.
4. Forgive - for the reason that - you've been forgiven.
5. Forgive - with the result that - you'll be forgiven.
6. Forgive - in accordance with - the forgiveness you've received.

Peter wanted to put a number on forgiveness. He sought for a limit. "Lord, how oft shall my brother [poor Andrew!] sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?" Jesus' answer nipped Peter's question in the bud. He set the number high enough to be unreachable in any given day. And considering that we know HIS mercies are new every morning and we are told not to let the sun go down on our wrath; the count must restart every day!

The next thing Jesus did was to launch into a parable. Seems a king was taking account of his servants. One came with a debt of 10,000 talents. There was no doubt that he owed it and no way he could repay it. He pled for mercy and patience, promising to repay all.

For whatever reason, the king was moved with compassion. Maybe he'd just learned that his wife was going to have a baby, maybe some enemy had been defeated in battle, maybe some plot to overthrow his rule had been thwarted; whatever the reason, the king's compassion caused him to forgive the enormous debt and set the servant free.

On his way out of the palace, the forgiven servant noticed a fellow-servant who owed him 100 pence. We're talking gold, (the 10,000 talent debt,) vs. copper (100 pence). The forgiven man takes the little guy by the throat demanding immediate payment. The little guy begs for mercy, but to no avail. He was cast into prison until the debt was paid.

The fellow-servants witnessed it all and went to tell the king, who, in turn, recalled the culprit. "Wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt, just because you asked. Shouldn't you have had at least the same pity on your fellow-servant as I had on you?" Furious, the king restored the entire 10,000 talent debt back into the record books and delivered the debtor into the hands of the tormentors until all the money was repaid.

Peter's final answer was Jesus closing statement... "So likewise shall My heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses." (Matthew 18:35)

Oh Lord, Forgive us our trespasses [crossing His known boundary/ies] AS we forgive those who trespass [cross over our known boundary/ies] against us!

How to Obtain Life and Peace

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: Romans 8:1-6

In this chapter, Paul references the Holy Spirit nineteen times! This truth is a strong foundation you can build upon. "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)

• Know the truth - Know what's right
• No condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus
• It's sin that leads to condemnation and death

Condemnation: to declare a person guilty and worthy of punishment.

• Through Jesus you don't have to be condemned

In Luke 18, both the Pharisee and the publican were praying.

• the Pharisee was "I'm all good!" [He despised the publican.]
• the publican was "Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner." [went home justified]

In Numbers 12, Miriam and Aaron rebelled.

• Moses' response was, "Heal her now, O Lord, I pray!"
• Walk After the Spirit - Do what's right!
• Make the right decisions and act upon them.
• Keep Your Thoughts in Check - Think what's right! (I Corinthians 10:5)
• The law was a schoolmaster to lead us to Christ, but it was not possible to obey the law in the flesh.
• Jesus died to set us free from the curse of the law (revealed sin).
• Make up your mind - I want more of Jesus!
• Make no provision for the flesh.
• Be Spiritually minded - "the Spirit is life" (verse 10)
• Justification - the accused is acquitted, declared righteous, free from the penalty

The Fruit of the Spirit

By Justin Jeffrey

Text: Galatians 5:16-26

We have choices...

1. Desire to please the flesh
2. Desire to have it both ways - please flesh and Spirit
3. Desire to please the Spirit - bear fruit

Whichever choice you're making begs the question...

• What are you doing to succeed in achieving your desire?

When a person goes all out to achieve their goal, (choice) they are willing to make sacrifices, burn the candle at both ends, do whatever it takes to attain that desire.

The fruit of the Spirt is; faith, love, joy, peace, gentleness, lonsuffering, temperance, meekness, and goodness. Note that they're called fruit for a reason!

Fruit is juicy, sweet, good for you, flavorful, refreshing, purgative, covered with skin, and contains seeds. (plant them!) If you just let them sit and don't eat fruit, it will spoil! What's more, when it comes to fruit; you want the real thing - not plastic, wooden, or styrofoam imitations.

"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing." (John 15:5)

Editor's Note: Justin is our Youth Leader here at New Life. Multi-talented, he is a faithful laborer in so many ways. God has highly favored New Life in selecting Justin for His service.

The Forgotten Virtue

By Scott A. Phillips

I woke up early one recent morning at 5 a.m. with this thought running through my mind. I'd been toying with the idea of doing a supplement in our paper with a few articles that might spark some thought and conversations. I wrote this with my community in mind.

It's easy to see that many in my generation have been influenced by insidious temptations to ignore and delete passages of Scripture in the name of being more relevant and acceptable to our culture. But what does one do when the culture is hostile to Scripture?

Can Israel negotiate with Iran, when Iran's only solution is the eradication of it's "peace" partner?

How can the church sit and make peace with culture, when culture will only be still when the Scripture no longer speaks to its failings?

We can not sit at the table of compromise and drink coffee in the pursuit of acceptance, because while we become more relevant to our culture, we become less true to the very character of what it means to be a Bible-based Christian. On Facebook our real convictions are broadcast, not by what we say, but by what we do.

Dolly Parton was loved by our culture because she sang gospel songs so prettily while blatantly being the poster girl of a Biblical harlot. No, she's not relevant to our current culture, but she is relevant in that she is the epitome of what our world would like our Christian women to become. Sadly, in the growing cancer of compromise, some have become, and are becoming the Dolly Parton's of Christianity. Take a look at the daughters of compromise; singing pretty songs, all the while becoming another casualty in the war agaiust holiness and modesty.

God help me. God Help us.

 

Editorial Note: Bro. Scott Phillips pastors New Birth Pentecostal Church in Clinton, Mississippi. He is a prolific writer and a strong supporter of faithfulness to Bible truth. We salute you for taking a stand for righteousness. Righteousness exalts, but sin is a reproach.

 

 

What's New? Are You?

By Rufus Parker

 

Text: Ecclesiastes 1:9-10 - "The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us." 

I often wonder why some people worry when others get something that they may think is new? Solomon says that there is nothing new under the sun. I guess that's why automobiles lose their value as soon as you drive them off the car lot. They are made by something that already has been. 

 

Paul tells us, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (II Corinthians 5:17) Does the Bible contradict itself? Absolutely not!

 

Solomon is referring to natural things, Paul is referring to Spirit things. Job asked the question, "Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one." (Job 14:4). But Jesus said, "Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you." (John 15:3) Again, is this a contradiction? No! Job is speaking of the natural, Jesus is speaking of the spiritual. 

 

We know that everything that is made natural has already been because God created the heavens and the earth and all that therein is. But man isn't a natural thing, he is a living being and therefore he can be made new. The new birth process is to turn him from a living being into a spiritual being; from corruptible to incorruptible, from mortal to immortality. No one could have made this any clearer than the Lord Jesus Himself, when He said, "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God." (Luke 18:27)

 

Editor's Note: Rufus Parker, formerly UPCI missionary to Okinawa, Japan, is now retired and living in Wisconsin. Bro. Parker writes a daily internet blog/devotional and has authored several books.

Onward Christians

By Charles R. Grisham

 

Let we Christians take our stand,

As we journey to that land.

Let us labor, watch, and pray,

For there will be a brighter day.

 

Let our lives be as a light,

To show the way that leads to right,

Telling sinners the old, old story,

How they too, may live in glory.

 

Our life on earth is but a span,

To His great, almighty hand,

Let our deeds be acceptable to Christ,

That we might have eternal life.

 

When all is ended here below,

Will our lives be white as snow?

If we haven't earned a frown,

We may wear a shining crown.

 

 



Dealing with Difficulties

Editorial
By Marjorie Kinnee

Difficult situations... difficult people... such things are common to us all. In fact, it seems that life is fraught with difficulties of one kind or another. David faced a lot of difficulties throughout his life and his Psalms reflect many of them and his responses to them. So did Moses, and Paul, and Jesus. While each difficulty we face brings its own unique facets, there is a Biblical response that guarantees a positive outcome. Let's look carefully at Colossians 3:12 in the NIV...

"Therefore as God's chosen people, holy and dearly beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."

There you have it in a nutshell. Five words, five steps, five secrets, if you will, to dealing with all the difficulties life can throw your way! Let's break them down...

Compassion: a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortunes, accompanied by a strong desire to allieviate the suffering.

Kindness: the state or quality of being kind [kind: of a good, or benovolent nature; considerate, helpful].

Humility: the quality of being humble; modest opinion or estimate of one's own importance, rank, etc.

Gentleness: kindly, amiable, moderate; not severe, rough, or violent.

Patience: bearing provocation, annoyance, misfortunes, or pain without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like; quiet steady perseverance; willing to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay.

Note: these are also numbered among the fruit of the Spirit. So they are available to everyone who believes and follows Christ.

Considering this particular verse and these definitions leads to a sure method of dealing with difficulties. Here are a few examples:

1. Jesus, when He faced Judas Iscariot.
2. Jesus, when He was on trial before the Sanhedrin.
3. David, in dealing with Saul.
4. Hannah, when her adversary provoked her sore.
5. Moses, when he dealt with Miriam and Aaron's rebellion.
6. Joseph's dealings with his brothers.
7. Isaac, in the conflict over digging wells.
8. Abraham, in dealing with Lot's herdsmen.

When difficulties come,  and they will... Remember these five helpful keys; Compassion, Kindness, Humility, Gentleness, and Patience. If you can overcome and be victorious over any and every difficulty. The one who, by yielding to the Holy Spirit, conquers his own spirit wins the war -- even when he seems to be losing the skirmish!

Risk Takers

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: Luke 5:1-11

Peter was a professional fisherman, a fish expert, so to speak. Convinced of his own prowess and abiblities, he thought he fully understood what he was doing - knew all the ins and outs. Yet, though he'd toiled all night - still he'd caught no fish! What's more, he was vocal about it.

Obeying was key to what God wanted to show him... Peter's "nevertheless" meant taking a risk. "What if?" can get in the way of obedience. Then, as now, God is looking for risk-takers!

Steve Jobs, in a speech to graduates at Stamford University, said... "External expectations fall away when you realize you're going to die. No one wants to die - not even those who want to go to heaven. Death is the best invention of life."

Risk means possible dangers and death. (This is not Russian roulette or casino gambling.) To the follower of Christ, obedience means taking the right kind of risk. "Nevertheless - at Thy Word..."

Step out in faith... "I believe God!"
Get out of your comfort zone!

We're living in perilous times, but God is still looking for risk-takers - now, today!

• In the parable of the talents, the one who refused to take the risk with his talent was called an "evil servant."
• Esther said, "If I perish, I perish, but I'm going to see the king." 
• The "Three Hebrew Children" recognized the risks, acknowledged them, and concluded... God is able to deliver us. But if He doesn't, We're still not going to bow down.
• The little boy with the lunch was a risk-taker. He gave up a sure thing, and in giving it to Jesus, watched it become a blessing not only to himself, but also to the entire multitude.

Yes! Risk-taking involves setbacks and problems. But the overcomer steps out in faith onto the promises of God!

A Fool to the World...

By Justin Jeffrey

It is better to be a fool to the world than to be a fool to God.

Those whom God counts as wise must be...

• United with Him - United as in the Body of Christ.
• Belief - one mind (I Corinthians 1:10). 
• Doctrine - one accord (Acts 2:1).
• Love - one Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
• Grudges have no place.
• Envy has no place.
• Our flesh is imprudent (foolish, unwise). Only God is prudent (wise).
• Flesh is foolish - bound to and for the "easy way."
• Following the flesh is folly.
• Fight the flesh - crucify, mortify, prune, purge.
• Flesh gets swallowed up in pride, self-will (me, my, mine).
• You're not perfect - Only God is perfect! - Once you realize that, you can move forward.
• "To Be Like Jesus" is the goal.
• God's Word says to love God more than the world and the things of the world. (I John 2:15-17; I Corinthians 1:26-31).
• We like to be thought of as strong and wise, but the world's wisdom and strength is foolishness with God.
• Our job (goal) is for our flesh to decrease so He can increase. We need to make room for Him to grow in us, filling us with His wisdom and strength.
• Learn how to love like Jesus loves.
• Stop judging! That's not our job!
• God can save anybody - and - He can use anybody!

Editor's Note: Justin serves as New Life's youth leader and is a blessing to our sound department, A willing worker, his faithfulness in multiple avenues of service mark him as a godly example in word and deed. We're proud of you, Justin!

Pride

By Donna Franklin

Hidden in secret places,
where only God can see,
The killer sin lies silent,
destroying humility.

Lurking in the shadows,
rebellion and self-will
Crouch and plot destruction
as haughty spirits thrill.

Hearts filled with pride,
Eyes full of lust,

and imaginations vain.

 

Pride grows when fed on boasting,

Giving only self all praise.
The "I" gets ever bigger;
God's no longer in their ways.
The answer? If His people,
Those called by Jesus' Name,
Will humble themselves, pray, repent,
faces covered with shame;
God's promised He will hear,
forgive,
and restore our land again.

 

 

Editor's Note: Donna Franklin writes as the Spirit moves on her. Author of a number of poems and articles, she is a faithful saint in the Paoli United Pentecostal Church (Paoli, Oklahoma - Pastor Terry Erwin).

What Do You Do...?

By Scott Philips

What Do You Do When No One Else Will Be the Hero?

Picture with me young David with a bag of bread and a block of cheese. He walks into the camp of Israel and when confrontation comes, there was no hero in Israel.

He came to see a fight, but all he found was fear. He came to see how the battle was going and what he found was a cowering army and the king hiding in his tent. He had hoped to see a hero win the day. But there was no hero to be found.

There will come a time in your life when no one else will be your hero. Victory in your life will not be measured by a praying church or an anointed preacher, but the outcome of the day will rest on your shoulders and your faith... when the only possible hero is the one looking at you in the mirror.

There was a day when the storm had been raging for hours. All those on the boat had prayed to their gods but the storm got no better. Then someone ventured over to Jonah and said, "Wake up and call on your God."

Everyone on the boat reached in their bag of faith and found nothing. But they saw a man who was asleep. Jonah knew the answer to that storm. He had the solution. "Put me in the water." The Bible "Aquaman." And so, with a heave ho, they tossed him into the brink and immediately... peace. The storm was gone and all danger passed. As Jonah went down into the deep, a great fish came and swallowed him down into its belly. That fish took him down to a deep, dark place, but what came out of that place was a hero.

There comes a time when the only place deliverance will come from is you. To quote Larry Boy from the Veggie Tales, here's something we need to say on the day when no hero is to be found... "I am that hero." Joseph had to say it. David had to say it. Esther had to say it. Daniel had to say it, and so did the three Hebrew boys. When it's time for you to take a stand, just remember... you don't go in your own strength... Like David, you come in the Name of the Lord!

Editor's Note: Scott A. Philips is the pastor of New Birth Church in Clinton, Mississippi. A prolific writer who maintains a blogsite relative to his ministry, Bro. Philips' ministry reaches far and wide and is a blessing to the Kingdom of God.

Purchased Pretty vs. Timeless Beauty

By Rachel Coltharp

We are made in the image of God. We, His creation, love beauty. We long for it. We need it. But like all needs, the need for beauty can be twisted to our hurt.

The warped world we live in has taken this need for beauty and turned it into something ugly. Instead of encouraging us to become beautiful through growth, through the practice of the spiritual disciplines, it tells us that we can BUY beauty. We see it in the new in advertisement papers and compare it to last year's new in our closet, and it tells us that we need... We see it in the faux flawless faces and the airbrushed altered bodies on the billboards, and in the face in the mirror cannot compare.

You need this product... [and you'll need a new one tomorrow]
You need this look... [and there will be a new one next season]
You need this thing... [and it will wear out, or go out of style soon]

And the ugly truth behind the lie is that you will wear yourself out running after purchased pretty. Don't let the things that make you beautiful be things on the outside, like the way you arrange your hair, or the clothing you wear. Make sure that your beauty comes from inside you, the unfading beauty of a gentle, quieted spirit, which is highly valued in God's sight. (I Peter 3:3)

This is not saying "Don't wear beautiful things" - it is saying, "Don't let what makes you beautiful be things."

Real beauty can't be bought. It's not in a tube or on a hanger. You can't arrange it, not with a braid, or a pin curl, or with a brush. You can't wear it, you have to grow it.

Fashion fades. Bodies age. But real beauty is a treasure all can afford, and none outgrow.

Editorial Note: Rachel is the wife of Brent Coltharp, pastor of  First Apostolic Church in Aurora, Illinois. Homeschooling mother of four, she writes, speaks, and sings about the goodness of the Lord and the joy of walking with Him.

But God...!

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the Kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." (I Corinthians 6:9-11)

What a litany! Sin, like fractions, seeks the lowest common denominator. It weighs you down, It drags you down. It matters little whether one is guilty of one sin or the whole list, a corrupt tree can only bear corrupt fruit. It's destiny is bound up in it's corruptness. The thing many simply refuse to acknowledge is that one sin is enough to receive sin's penalty, (wages,) which is death! Most of us are guilty of way more than just one. Since you can only die once before facing eternity, how in the world can one person pay the penalty for multiple sins? Of course, the answer is... it's impossible... and that leaves us in an awful mess! But God! It's in the midst of this dither, this heavy load of condemnation, that Jesus comes, bringing hope and salvation!

"And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked acccording to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace are ye saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:1-7)

John said, "God so loved... that He gave..." Our sins branded us as ruined, worthless. But God's plan was a sinless substitute, Jesus Christ - the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world! Under the law, the blood of bulls and goats could only roll man's sins ahead another year, But God, knowing the need, was already pointing the way to Calvary and the sinless, spotless sacrifice that would once and for all cover all sin - backward to the dawn of man's existence and forward to eternity. Isaiah saw how the heart of God yearned to reconcile sinful man to Himself... "Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before Mine eyes; cease to do evil... Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow: though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:16, 18)

No matter how bad it was... no matter how low... no matter how far... But God, who is rich in mercy and grace is still reaching. Repentance and remission of sins is the way He chose for us to come to Him. (See Acts 2:37-38; 3:19; 22:16.) Based on John 3 and I John 5, G.T. Haywood penned these words...

"In sin I wandered sore and sad,
With bleeding heart and aching head;
Til Jesus came and sweetly said,
'I'll take your sins away!'

I gave my heart, my life, my all,
To Him who drank the cup of gall,
In saving sinners from the fall
And took their sins away.

The Water, Spirit, and the Blood
Agree if we but understood,
In making sinners pure and good,
And take our sins away.

Thank God for the Blood!
Thank God for the cleansing flood!
Thank God for the Blood!
It washes white as snow!"  

Let It Go! Move Forward!

Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: Philippians 3:13-14 - "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

It is imperative that we focus on where we are right now. He is worthy! Forgiveness is essential. It's a must! You can go no farther until you forgive.

"To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; lest Satan should get an advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices." (II Corinthians 2:10-11)

Paul is saying here that unforgiveness gives the enemy and advantage over you. Bitterness is a root and it will defile you and others around you. Learn to put it behind you! Don't allow the devil to use the Word of God against you.

• Forgiveness means living at peace with all men -- as much as lieth within you.
• Forgiveness means keep on keeping on (be faithful).
• Forgiveness means keeping your focus on Jesus (eyes on the prize).

Don't let the enemy get you off-track.

• Samuel wasn't rejected, (even though he thought Israel was rejecting him,) it was God who was being rejected.
• storms (rough times) reveal new growth,
• "all things work together for good...",
• lilies grow best in the valley.
• Moses wasn't deterred by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.
• Egypt was a bad place - it needed to be left behind.
• No turning back!

The Battle is won (or lost) in the mind. It takes a made-up mind... a bulldog grip... "my heart is fixed..." I'm going on with the Lord!

That Ship has Sailed

By Rachel Cotharp

Today my heart took a trip, back to another trip; not one I took, but one I wanted to take. I'd planned it carefully, made all my preparations, told all my friends. It was going to be glorious, the future seemed like a long, lovely trip on a luxury ship. But to my dismay, my heart's bitter disappointment, that ship sailed... without me.

I stood on the pier ever so long watching through burning tears as it pulled away from the dock, so close I could reach out and touch it. I could hear the music playing on the deck and smell the delicious dinner being set on the tables. If I closed my eyes I WAS there, but when I opened them, I was alone.

There went my dream, streamers floating in the breeze. Here I stood with my luggage, in my traveling dress, with my ticket in my hand... hurting... humiliated.

I wish I could tell you that I turned and wiped my eyes and made the best of it. But I didn't. I stood there on the pier and grew bitter. As the people passed by I yelled to them of my loss. I railed against the ship, the captain, and the crew. I wailed and wept and waved my ticket. I lamented my loneliness and sat on my luggage.

I'm not sure how long I would have stayed there, pouting on the pier; but thankfully, a wise one came along and listened to me. He heard out the sad, sad story of the Ship that Sailed. He listened while I (again) poured out my tale of woe. After listening to my lament over how wrong I had been done, he asked to see my ticket. Silently, he took out a pen, wrote on it, and handed it back to me.

I took it in hand, looked at what he had seen, that I had not seen before... and everything changed. There, circled in red, was the name of my ship - the Titanic.

What had felt like a crushing blow was now seen as a beautiful blessing. What I had mourned with self-pity, was in actuality a preservation. What I thought would sink me, saved me.

I'm not the only one. I've seen folks who jump off the pier, swim out to the boat, and insist on having their trip at any cost - folks who leave their spouse and their children to go chase a dream, a goal... folks who leave their integrity behind, jump in another boat and chase after their ship, only to go down in the whirlpool the sinking ship leaves in its downward plunge. They would have been better off to weep, wave, and then walk away.

What ship has sailed for you? What dream have you watched grow distant, On what pier are you wasting time? Let me circle something on your ticket. Look there, below your plans; see Psalm 37:23 written just below it. The steps of the righteous are ordered by God.

Go ahead, unpack your bags, tape your ticket inside your Bible. Let God bring you through the disappointment. Let God wash your bitter tears. Since the steps of the righteous are ordered by the Lord, you can pick up your bags and march off that pier, head held high. You did not miss the boat. Your ship WILL come in - when it is the right ship for you. God's plans for us are so much bigger than our plans. You can trust Him. When He steps in it's because He sees a shipwreck while we only see a luxury liner.

Editor's Note: Rachel Coltharp is the wife of Brent Coltharp, pastor of First Apostolic Church of Aurora, Illinois and Superintendent of the Illinois District (UPCI). Rachel is a homeschooling mother of four and speaks throughout the country in varioius venues. Her wrtings are always worthy of thoughtful consideration. 





 

The Only Thing Necessary...

By Donna Franklin

"So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word of My mouth, and warn them from Me. When I say to the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shalll die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand." (Ezekiel 33:7-8)

Edmund Burke said, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

It never occurred to me to make Edmund Burke's quotation pertinent to soul salvation. Our church was praying at the altar when the Lord put it into my mind and caused me to consider it in this different way,

There have been so many times in the history of nations when evil ruled, and the only way the evil was conquered was when someone righteous took a stand that rallied enough others who were then able to overcome the evil.

The founding fathers of this nation gave their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to bring into being a country that offered freedoms based on rights from and Almighty God. George Washington pronounced the winning of the war of independence as "almost a miracle." The Lord helped the small rag-tag army because these good men were willing to take a stand againt evil.

Are we willing to give our all for what we believe? Do we believe in the Word of God? Does He require of us to go and make disciples all over the world? Do we believe that if we don't tell the Good News to the lost, they will spend eternity in the lake of fire? Do we understand that the Great Commission Command is meant for every individual that has the truth? Everyone is commissioned to preach the Word in some area (Samaria).

Today is the day of salvation. Not yesterday. Not tomorrow. Today. The only thing necessary for the devil to triumph is for us to do nothing! The Lord is coming back soon! The harvest is ripe now! Let's get into the fields and reap that harvest before it is too late!

Editor's Note: Donna Franklin and her husband attend the Paoli United Pentecostal Church (Pastor Terry Erwin) in Paoli, Oklahoma. Donna is a prolific writer of articles and poetry.  

Tribute to Abe Lincoln

 By Charles R. Grisham

Old Abe Lincoln was an honest man,

He proudly took his freedom stand;
A true American he tried to be,
In keeping our Democracy.

His standards were so very high,

And for the cause he'd gladly die;
The slaves were freed at his command,
That they might join our freedom band.

All for one, and one for all,
For God has answered freedom's call;
With His help he will unite,
Everyone who lives for right.

Now old Abe is dead and gone,

To a peaceful, restful home;
Let us fight to keep our land,
And over there we'll shake his hand.

I Want You But I Don't Need You...

By Steven Roach

I would have to say that my dad was one of the wisest men I have ever known. He ranks right up there with Mr. Solomon in my estimation. I say that because of the times when I witnessed how he handled situations that would arise, especially in the church.

I was always the drummer in my dad's church and had pretty much claimed ownership of the position. I started playing drums in church when I was thirteen. Dad always liked my drum playing. If I saw someone showing interest in playing the drums, I would say, "Nah, you won't enjoy it as much as playing the xylophone or accordion." I became very protective of that corner of my world!

When I was fifteen something happened in the church orchestra and I was really bothered by it. Things just weren't right and I decided to take thing into my own hands. Rule #602 - sometimes it's better to keep your nose OUT of things. Things have a way of backfiring and noses can get hurt!

Well, I waited for the right opportunity and went to dad's office. I explained the situation to him. Since he was the Pastor, I figured he'd correct the situation. But when I explained my concern he didn't seem to be agitated at all like I was. I figured he would drop everything he was doing and go after it! But all he said was, "Hmm..." And then he tried to change the subject.

I said, "Whoa! Just a minute... that's it? Aren't you going to do something about it?" He said, "No."

So I proceeded to tighten the screws a little, thinking I could persuade him to act. I boldly informed him that I would no longer be playing the drums! He simply looked at me and said, "Okay."

I was really agitated now, because he wasn't supposed to respond like that. As I turned to storm out of his office, he said to me, "Son, I want you but I don't need you." Those words I shall never forget!

The next service came and I was still bothered. I went to church and sat in the second row rather than taking my place at the drums. In my mind, I was saying to dad, we'll see if you need me or not.

As the song service started without a drummer, my dad got up from his seat and came down from the platform toward the people. I thought, "He's coming down to get me and to tell me he is sorry for not immediately fixing the situation I had complained about." Instead, he walked right past me! he didn't even look at me! He went directly over to one of the other young guys, leaned over, and whispered in his ear. The guy got up and walked up to the platform and took his place at my
throne!"

I was livid! I kept hearing dad's words, "I want you but I don't need you." Sadly, the guy actually did a pretty good job playing the drums. I probably don't have to tell you that I didn't get much out of that service. But before the next service came around, I was back in dad's office. This time my tone had changed and I found myself apologizing for meddling in something that wasn't any of my business. Dad responded by saying. "I kinda like the other guy's playing. He did a great job! I think you should take a little time off." Dad graciously allowed me "time off" to get my spirit right.

What I didn't realize is that dad already knew all about the situation long before I did and was dealing with it even before I tried to insert my two-cent's worth. Time went on and the problem corrected itself. I should have just kept my nose out of it. It would have been a lot easier for me!

II Hezekiah says, "He that meddleth in his neighbour's business shall surely be put off the drums!" There are actually a couple of places in the Bible that do advise against meddling. They speak of "meddling to thine own hurt."

Editor's Note: Steven and Esther Roach pastor Victory Harvest Church in Brownsburg, Quebec, Canada. He is fourth generation Apostolic Pentecostal, coming from a family of ministers. This piece was written for Father's Day 2012.

Who's Validating You?.

Editorial
By Marjorie Kinnee

The raising of Lazarus from the dead caused many of the Jews to "believe on Jesus." (John 12:11) This included many chief rulers. Yet in the same chapter we read, "...because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God." (John 12:42-43) What a dilemma! Knowing to do good but fearful that someone or something will be lost if you persist in the good you know to do. This crux is common to man, but it begs the question; who's validating you?

Popular opinion is weighty. Popular opinion is a salesman. The idea of what others will think accomplishes everything from correcting childish behavior to the latest polling data on the presidential elections. Politicians of all persuasions would have you think everybody and his cousin will be voting for them. It's the "pack" mentality. Know this, peer pressure is not reserved for teen angst only.

But there are three major problems with popular opinion. 1.) fickleness - will o'the wisp, here today and gone tomorrow. No staying ability. 2.) polluted wells - popular opinion depends on word of mouth. But if you've ever played the "gossip" game, you've seen how word of mouth can become twisted and polluted in just a few forwards. Social media has crystallized the gossip game into a corrupted art form. You cannot get pure water from a polluted well. 3.) cisterns - cisterns are reservoirs, holding tanks for fluids, usually water. They have no constant source of refreshing. Once corrupted, the corruption stays until the tank is emptied, scrubbed, bleached, rinsed and refilled. Without a drainage system and a source of renewal the cistern is going to stagnate, becoming a breeding ground for all sorts of foul critters and gunk.

Validation by every other earthly yardstick, (be it education, wealth, health, fame, beauty, material possessions, achievements, physical prowess and/or strength,) is still shallow at best and ephemeral always. If the source of your validation is weighted down with man's opinions, prejudices, and evaluations it can only reproduce more of the same. This flesh is never far from its genepool. What's more, we pass that genepool onward. We can do nothing else.

Even in the church, where the saints of the Most High congregate, there is a danger. It's comparing ourselves amongst ourselves. Who's the best, who's the greatest, who's the most educated, who's the most charismatic; "I am of Paul, I am of Apollos, I am of Cephas..." We seek to elevate ourselves by our accomplishments; what we know, who we know, and with whom we associate. What's worse, we consider ourselves a failure if we cannot measure up to someone else's yardstick. Paul said such comparisons are not wise. All they engender is a missed mark. In short, seeking men's applause is an exercise in leaning your ladder against the wrong wall. If you climb to the very top of the ladder, you're still in the wrong place. Jesus said, "What is a man profited if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?"

Paul's "pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus" aims the ladder in the right direction. When Jesus is your focal point, your example, and your reward, you're on target. After all - what is better than HIS smile of approval? Do you think that, as you stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ, you can be certified by anything other than what HE saw and recorded? And, if you get to hear HIM say, "Well done! thou good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joys of your Lord! Is that not the greatest validation anyone could ever receive?

Being Thankful for Our Freedom

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: II Corinthians 3:17 - "Now, the Lord is that Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty."

The freedoms we enjoy here in the United State are worthy of and reason to be thankful. But as the old saying goes, "You don't miss the water til the well runs dry."

To become an American citizen, a person renounces his or her former citizenship and leaders and takes on new responsibilities and allegiances.

The Old Testament was under the law and commandments...

• The law required things like circumcision.
• The law was strict and unforgiving - a judge.
• The law was a type/shadow of something greater.
• The law was a stern schoolmaster.

The New Testament was full of grace and truth... Peter waffled a bit here, but Paul insisted Jesus came to give life and life more abundantly.

• Jesus said, "He who the Son sets free is free indeed."
• Engraved on the Statue of Liberty are the words of the poet, Emma Lazarus... "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, I lift my lamp beside the golden door."
• The Preamble of the Declaration of Independence speaks of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
• Abraham Lincoln said, "Freedom is not the right to do what we want - but what we ought... Do our duty."
• Martin Luther King, Jr., said, "Freedom is never granted by the oppressor, it is demanded by the oppressed."

We can look into the perfect law of liberty and resist getting entangled in sin again. "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." (Galatians 5:1)

We should not be controlled by our wants. Emotions and feelings are poor leaders. Rather, we should have godly control over them. Spirit control = "from glory to glory!" Our focus must be clarified and centered on Jesus. He knows best.

A Friend is a Lovely Gift

By Marjorie Kinnee

 

True friends are like the spice of life,
We’ve often heard folks say;
And spice enlivens everything,
Including a cloudy day.

Faithful friends who’re kind and steady,

Are few and far between;

They choose to go the second mile,

And work behind the scene.

They give in generous measure,

Gifts of talent and time impart;

A willing hand, a listening ear,

And a loving, gentle heart.

Such friends like rarest treasure,

Are gifts from heaven above;

They illustrate in human form,

Our Blessed Savior’s love!

Comparison - the Thief of Joy

By Rachel Coltharp

I met a thief in the hospital on Thursday; baby G contracted a virus and became dehydrated. While we were in turn to be called, the thief made his appearance

on a waiting room T.V. game show...

The show featured four brides who attended each other’s weddings and then rated them in effort to win an exotic honeymoon.

The once-in-a-lifetime event, the day that they had each meticulously planned, every detail given heartfelt attention to, was stripped of its meaning, and given a number.

“They should have used more color.”

“Her dress was too plain.”

“The chicken was dry.”

“The flowers looked skimpy.”

“The music wasn’t very good.”

The sacred ceremony reduced to a score card. And for what? A trip. The trade off just doesn’t add up. You can save up for an exotic trip, but your wedding day - it’s a one-time deal. The vows, two people becoming one, the celebration with friends and family reduced to competition. Who could think this would be a good idea?

But I have done the same thing. Many times. I have allowed pinterest birthday party photos to make me feel like a dullard mother. I have ogled Facebook photos of my friends vacations, not in an "I’m so glad for you" way either. I have, in short, drunk the poison elixir of comparison.

When we choose to sip from the cup of the joy thief, we ingest a biting brew of bitterness, a dour drink of discontent, a poison pint of pity.

Our Creator knew the joy thief would like nothing better than to strip us of the joy in our lives. II Corinthians 2:10 warns us against the foolishness of comparing ourselves, of measuring ourselves with others.

Like David, we can choose to say, “my cup runneth over.” My cup may be smaller than yours, it may be wood, yours may be gold, but it’s the cup God trusted me with. If I compare mine with yours, I’m saying that God does not know what is best for me. To be wise, we must lay down the measuring stick, the scorecard, the measuring cup.

So go ahead, pour up a big ol' cup of gratitude, and start sipping. That ol' joy thief, he can go pour his poisonous brew somewhere else. On T.V. perhaps, where it seems he is

welcomed, encouraged, and celebrated.

I’m going to keep opening up the Book of Wisdom and let it’s waters of life keep filling my cup, and my home. On Facebook and Pinterest, I'm going to sip while I interact,

practice as I pin; and as for me and my "mouse," we will serve the Lord!

Editor's Note: Rachel Coltharp, pastor's wife and mother of four, labors along-side of her husband, Brent Coltharp, who is District Superintendent for the Illinois District. and pastors First Apostolic Church in Aurora, Illinois.