By Charlotte M. Wholters
Text: Acts 2:39 - "For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, as many as the Lord our God shall call."
Last year I attended a United Pentecostal Church service just outside the Upper Room in Jerusalem, Israel. Hundreds of people of every sort of Christian religion were crowded in and around the room. Priests in robes sang songs inside the room in Latin while Africans sang outside the room in a language I couldn't identify. I think I heard Spanish and probably a few other languages too. There was literally "no room in the inn," so our group had to go to the corner of a rooftop for our service. We added our English to the cacophony of voices. You'd expect that my life would have been changed by being in such a holy place at such a holy time, but that's not what I was thinking.
I was thinking that Pentecost Sunday in Jerusalem was no different than Pentecost Sunday anywhere. Despite the privilege of being able to experience so many cultures worshipping God at once, I couldn't help but feel most moved by remembering that the Upper Room in Jerusalem is not the official Upper Room, which no longer exists. In fact, what we call the Upper Room today was probably built by the Crusaders more than a thousand years after the Upper Room experience recorded in the Bible. Furthermore, the lion's share of all the "holy sites" in Israel are not the original buildings from Bible days or verifiable as the exact location of anything.
After living here for a year and a half, I've now been to most of the tourist sites in Israel. I've traipsed through Nazareth, been to Bethlehem, and dunked my feet in the Jordan River. I've been to the Western Wall, (the closest spot to the Holy of Holies that Jews can reach,) more times than I can remember. I've been to the Sea of Galilee, and to Qumran, the place where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. I've also been to the tomb where Jesus was reportedly buried. He wasn't there.
The important thing, the holy thing about Pentecost Sunday, Easter, Christmas, or any other holiday is not where it happened, but that it happened. You can experience the same wonder of Pentecost Sunday in your church anywhere in the world, thanks to the power of Jesus that remains longer than any building [made with human hands]. We don't exist to glorify a place, but to glorify a God - THE GOD of the universe! Thanks to His timelessness, His mercy and His death on the cross, the POWER of PENTECOST is available to ALL, no matter where you live!
Editor's Note: Charlotte and James Wholters live in Tel Aviv, Israel, where he serves as a military attache' to the American Embassy. They have three children; Camilla, Joshua, and Grace. They attend UPCI services in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, where Charlotte serves as keyboardist and musician.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Parenting in Tough Times
(A Mother's Story)
By Pastor Ken Foreman
Text: I Kings 17:8-24
We're living in tough times, it's true. But tough times have been a constant throughout history. And parenting in tough times is always a challenge. Here are three things to remember in tough times...
The widow's story... After three and-a-half years of drought and famine, she was working on her last meal - a little bit of meal and oil, and a few sticks. Put together they would make one last little cake. She and her son would eat it and then, because there was no more, they would die.
Elijah's story... The prophet of God was also hungry. He'd experienced the same years of drought and famine. The difference was, the drought and famine were the result of Elijah's prophecy at the command of Jehovah. What's more, During those lean years God had sustained His prophet, and even now had sent him to Zarephath in Zidon (not Israel,) to this very widow woman, telling him that He had commanded her to sustain His prophet. So, Elijah approached her asking for a drink of water. As she was going to fetch it, Elijah added, "Bring me a morsel of bread." The widow responded with her sad tale of tough times, but Elijah said, "Fear not. Go and do as thou hast said, but make thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth."
God's Story... "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jeremiah 29:11) God is both Author and Finisher of our faith. What He started, He will finish! Remember...
By Pastor Ken Foreman
Text: I Kings 17:8-24
We're living in tough times, it's true. But tough times have been a constant throughout history. And parenting in tough times is always a challenge. Here are three things to remember in tough times...
The widow's story... After three and-a-half years of drought and famine, she was working on her last meal - a little bit of meal and oil, and a few sticks. Put together they would make one last little cake. She and her son would eat it and then, because there was no more, they would die.
Elijah's story... The prophet of God was also hungry. He'd experienced the same years of drought and famine. The difference was, the drought and famine were the result of Elijah's prophecy at the command of Jehovah. What's more, During those lean years God had sustained His prophet, and even now had sent him to Zarephath in Zidon (not Israel,) to this very widow woman, telling him that He had commanded her to sustain His prophet. So, Elijah approached her asking for a drink of water. As she was going to fetch it, Elijah added, "Bring me a morsel of bread." The widow responded with her sad tale of tough times, but Elijah said, "Fear not. Go and do as thou hast said, but make thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth."
- Don't stop parenting just because times are tough. Be available! Be faithful!
- Keep doing what's right. The same things that make you effective in the good times will make you effective in the tough times.
- God has unlimited resources. They're available to those who place their trust in Him.
God's Story... "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jeremiah 29:11) God is both Author and Finisher of our faith. What He started, He will finish! Remember...
- He changes circumstances!
- He changes you!
- His resources are limitless!
Friday, May 25, 2012
My Mother
By Charles R. Grisham
Thank Thee God, for my sweet mother,
Thank Thee God, for my sweet mother,
She stands by me as would no other,
In each prayer, I ask of You,
In each prayer, I ask of You,
To protect her, Lord, I beg of You.
Her worth to me I cannot tell,
For hearts like her's, they do not sell,
A heart of gold and eyes that shine,
She's worth a lot, that mother of mine.
When day is done and it's thime for bed,
I kneel in reverance and bow my head,
To thank the Maker far above,
For one like her for me to love.
If I could be at home tonight,
I'd kiss her cheeks and hug her tight;
Tell her all she means to me,
And talk of days that used to be.
I know that Jesus loves her too,
For she is one of His chosen few,
He's led her daily by the hand,
She has a home in His Promised Land.
I'm sure in prayer she thought of me,
That we might both in Heaven be,
To dwell with God upon His Throne,
And live forever in our new home.
Editorial Note: Bishop Grisham wrote this poem in 1951. His mother, Sis. Fern Grisham, was a blessing to her family and to the housefold of faith. After raising her children in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Sis. Fern later traveled throughout the contnental U.S. as a children's evangelist, winning many souls to the Lord. Bishop and Sister Grisham retired in 2007, and are now living in Ashland City, Tennessee. They attend First United Pentecostal Church (Pastor Ron Becton) in Nashville.Her worth to me I cannot tell,
For hearts like her's, they do not sell,
A heart of gold and eyes that shine,
She's worth a lot, that mother of mine.
When day is done and it's thime for bed,
I kneel in reverance and bow my head,
To thank the Maker far above,
For one like her for me to love.
If I could be at home tonight,
I'd kiss her cheeks and hug her tight;
Tell her all she means to me,
And talk of days that used to be.
I know that Jesus loves her too,
For she is one of His chosen few,
He's led her daily by the hand,
She has a home in His Promised Land.
I'm sure in prayer she thought of me,
That we might both in Heaven be,
To dwell with God upon His Throne,
And live forever in our new home.
Faith
By Donna Franklin
Faith that soars on mighty wings,
Far above all earthly things,
Lord, grant Your child today;
Loose from daily cares and strife,
Free to seek eternal life,
Jesus, I humbly pray.
Faith to walk when I can't see,
Far above all earthly things,
Lord, grant Your child today;
Loose from daily cares and strife,
Free to seek eternal life,
Jesus, I humbly pray.
Faith to walk when I can't see,
The pathway You've prepared for me,
Lord, give me, lest I stray;
Not by feeling nor by sight,
But faith that shines in darkest night,
To keep me in Your way.
It matters not what may befall,
If faith can hear my Master's call,
And in Your love I stay;
My life, O Lord, I gladly give,
Desiring in Your will to live,
And shall Your voice obey.
Lord, give me, lest I stray;
Not by feeling nor by sight,
But faith that shines in darkest night,
To keep me in Your way.
It matters not what may befall,
If faith can hear my Master's call,
And in Your love I stay;
My life, O Lord, I gladly give,
Desiring in Your will to live,
And shall Your voice obey.
Editor's Note: Donna Franklin and her husband live in Ada, Oklahoma. They attend the Paoli United Pentecostal Church (Pastor Terry Erwin) in Paoli, Oklahoma. Donna is a prolific writer and frequently contributes articles and poems to "Apostolic Writers Online!"
We Are His Priority
By Albert Friend
Now we are responsible. We are no longer under the fear of death. We know there is life after death. To give our life for the cause of Christ is the thing He is asking us to do - because - there is a resurrection of the dead. Three score and ten or if by reason of strength four score is a good long life. But - life has to end - finally.
"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:27-28)
"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest." (Ecclesiastes 9:10) Whatever you are going to do, do it NOW!
We are His Priority; all the Bible proves this. Man is the crown of all His creation. God had heaven in mind when He made man. Heaven and earth will pass away. There will be a new heaven and a new earth and the man and the woman will live there forever.
What are your responsibilities? Your position in life requires that you study the Word and take notes. What are your priorities in the area of your responsibilities? "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." (Ephesians 6:16) What does above all mean? It means: Above everything else, quench doubt. Stare at the word until Faith appears.
In Luke 2:49-51, we read that Jesus was subject to His family. We are the family of God. Be subject to it. God is our Father. We are brothers and sisters. "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble." (I Peter 5:5) When I was a pre-teen I hoed the corn to keep the weeds from taking nutrients from the soil. My father resisted my pride, kept me humble, and we ate delicious sweet corn during the Great Depression. What is God asking you to do?
"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." (Hebrews 13:17) My area of authority, in God's family, that I will submit to is my newsletter. I will preach the Word. My protection in this authority is determined by my obedience.
In Luke 2:49-51, we read that Jesus was subject to His family. We are the family of God. Be subject to it. God is our Father. We are brothers and sisters. "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble." (I Peter 5:5) When I was a pre-teen I hoed the corn to keep the weeds from taking nutrients from the soil. My father resisted my pride, kept me humble, and we ate delicious sweet corn during the Great Depression. What is God asking you to do?
"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." (Hebrews 13:17) My area of authority, in God's family, that I will submit to is my newsletter. I will preach the Word. My protection in this authority is determined by my obedience.
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right." (Ephesians 6:1) If there is anyone we should submit to, it is our Father who watches for our soul. Find your place under Him. Shield yourself with faith. Stare at the Word and faith will appear! When you leave this umbrella of authority you throw away your protection.
"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare Thy Name unto My brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto Thee. And again, I will put my trust in him [my brother]. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given Me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." (Hebrews 2:9-15)
"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare Thy Name unto My brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto Thee. And again, I will put my trust in him [my brother]. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given Me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." (Hebrews 2:9-15)
Now we are responsible. We are no longer under the fear of death. We know there is life after death. To give our life for the cause of Christ is the thing He is asking us to do - because - there is a resurrection of the dead. Three score and ten or if by reason of strength four score is a good long life. But - life has to end - finally.
"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:27-28)
"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest." (Ecclesiastes 9:10) Whatever you are going to do, do it NOW!
Editor's Note: Albert Friend is a retired pastor fromHamilton, Ohio, who has devoted his retirement years to writing articles and books to encourage, enhance and uplift the family of God. His books (available at the Pentecostal Publishing House,) and newsletter, "The Apostolic Cutting Edge," are a blessing to all.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
The Hold, the Hole, and the Whole
By Betty D. Austin
As I was on hold during a call to 36th District Court, the strangest thoughts began coming to me about the word hold. It is a word whose pronunciation is similar to a few other words in the English language. For instance, this is what began running through my mind: hold – hole – whole. So, I started jotting down – as I was on hold – hold, hole, and whole! Then I proceeded to write this article, "The Hold, the Hole, and the Whole."
I thought about the meaning of each of these words, my phrases, and their spiritual portent. A hold is definitely a place where something is held fast, something or someone that constrains a person or object. There is a force that has definitely laid hold of us but at the same time, we have a hold on Someone who also has a hold on us – on our heart! That Someone is Jesus Christ, the One who has all power in heaven and earth.
Matthew 28:18 - "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth."
This opposing and evil force has definitely laid hold of us, thinking to place us in a hole.
Psalm 18:4-5 - "The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid. The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me."
Psalms 40:2-3 - "He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD."
The word pit can be another word for hole. The pit can be the grave from which it was believed there was no deliverance or escape. It was a place of no return! This thought is reiterated by Job. However, Jesus proved that belief to be wrong!
Job 16:22 - "When a few years are come, then I shall go the way whence I shall not return."
Job 17:14-16 - "I have said to corruption, Thou art my father: to the worm, Thou art my mother, and my sister. And where is now my hope? as for my hope, who shall see it? They shall go down to the bars of the pit, when our rest together is in the dust."
When that force lays hold of us and places us in a hole, it is in truth another challenge to the validity of the power of the One who has already allowed Himself to be placed in a hole but came forth from that hole victorious and completely whole: holding all power in heaven and in earth.
The One who came out of the hole lives in us, has hold of us. We must hold fast to Him even when in a hole and remember He will not let go of His hold on us. If we do, He shall free us of the hold of the evil one and bring us out of the hole, free and completely whole.
Isaiah 41:10-13 - "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness. Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish. Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought. For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee."
Hebrews 10:23 - "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;)"
It is a marvelous and amazing Truth that The One – Jesus Christ – who submitted to the hold to be placed in a hole came forth whole. He now does His greatest work in holes!
"Oh, Jesus, we do not have to climb up to heaven to bring Thee down, for Thou art here. If I'm in a hole, Thou art in the hole with me - to release me. All I need to do is to stop turning my back on Thee. Thou art here. Amen."
Afffirmation for the Day: "In view of the Here-ness of Jesus, I am not alone and I am not without Resources." [These two quotes taken from "The Word Made Flesh" by E. Stanley Jones]
Editor's Note: Betty Austin is the mother of Laurel Williams. (See "Covered" in this issue.) Betty and her husband, Charles R. Austin, attend The Apostolic church (Pastor Steve Warman) in Auburn Hills, Michigan. There, she teaches the women's class in rotation and conducts one on one Bible studies in her home.
As I was on hold during a call to 36th District Court, the strangest thoughts began coming to me about the word hold. It is a word whose pronunciation is similar to a few other words in the English language. For instance, this is what began running through my mind: hold – hole – whole. So, I started jotting down – as I was on hold – hold, hole, and whole! Then I proceeded to write this article, "The Hold, the Hole, and the Whole."
I thought about the meaning of each of these words, my phrases, and their spiritual portent. A hold is definitely a place where something is held fast, something or someone that constrains a person or object. There is a force that has definitely laid hold of us but at the same time, we have a hold on Someone who also has a hold on us – on our heart! That Someone is Jesus Christ, the One who has all power in heaven and earth.
Matthew 28:18 - "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth."
This opposing and evil force has definitely laid hold of us, thinking to place us in a hole.
Psalm 18:4-5 - "The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid. The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me."
Psalms 40:2-3 - "He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD."
The word pit can be another word for hole. The pit can be the grave from which it was believed there was no deliverance or escape. It was a place of no return! This thought is reiterated by Job. However, Jesus proved that belief to be wrong!
Job 16:22 - "When a few years are come, then I shall go the way whence I shall not return."
Job 17:14-16 - "I have said to corruption, Thou art my father: to the worm, Thou art my mother, and my sister. And where is now my hope? as for my hope, who shall see it? They shall go down to the bars of the pit, when our rest together is in the dust."
When that force lays hold of us and places us in a hole, it is in truth another challenge to the validity of the power of the One who has already allowed Himself to be placed in a hole but came forth from that hole victorious and completely whole: holding all power in heaven and in earth.
The One who came out of the hole lives in us, has hold of us. We must hold fast to Him even when in a hole and remember He will not let go of His hold on us. If we do, He shall free us of the hold of the evil one and bring us out of the hole, free and completely whole.
Isaiah 41:10-13 - "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness. Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish. Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought. For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee."
Hebrews 10:23 - "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;)"
It is a marvelous and amazing Truth that The One – Jesus Christ – who submitted to the hold to be placed in a hole came forth whole. He now does His greatest work in holes!
"Oh, Jesus, we do not have to climb up to heaven to bring Thee down, for Thou art here. If I'm in a hole, Thou art in the hole with me - to release me. All I need to do is to stop turning my back on Thee. Thou art here. Amen."
Afffirmation for the Day: "In view of the Here-ness of Jesus, I am not alone and I am not without Resources." [These two quotes taken from "The Word Made Flesh" by E. Stanley Jones]
Editor's Note: Betty Austin is the mother of Laurel Williams. (See "Covered" in this issue.) Betty and her husband, Charles R. Austin, attend The Apostolic church (Pastor Steve Warman) in Auburn Hills, Michigan. There, she teaches the women's class in rotation and conducts one on one Bible studies in her home.
Covered
By Laurel D. Williams
I love to go to estate sales. There are always so many treasures to discover. My favorite finds are vintage linens. I purchase tatted, crocheted, and embroidered linens. I've bought dresser scarves, crocheted pot-holders, embroidered tea towels, and tatted runners. Vintage aprons are special finds. I especially enjoy gingham "chicken scratch" aprons. Each one is unique in design. I have frilly hostess apons, full-length embroidered ones, quilted aprons, and feed-sack aprons. Even my Aunt Barbara contributes to my vintage apron collection. I keep most of the aprons. But, I have passed along a few at bridal showers and special fund raising events at church.
When I think of aprons, two women come to mind. My grandmother Ruby and my mother Betty have donned aprons. Grandmother Ruby was a continual hostess. Every day she had company and she cooked three meals a day expecting to feed a large crowd. Grandma always wore a very servicable apron. It fit over her head and had large pockets in front. She usually wore this over a duster or a housedress.
My mother, Betty, always wears an apron to cook. It is a full-length apron. She is a wonderful cook. She bakes beautiful cookies and cakes. She is always trying new recipes. (We call these "guinea pig meals.") I can't picture her in the kitchen without her apron. When that apron comes off, she is finished with that kitchen!
Women in simpler times faithfully wore aprons. They did not have the large wardrobes of clothes that we have today and it was very important to protect what they had. Washing was a difficult and time-consuming chore. It was necessary to wear clothing wisely and protect it with aprons. Housework, gardening, and farm chores were accomplished by the apron wearer.
Many occupations necessitate the wearing of aprons. Maids, waitresses, bakers, and chefs readily come to mind. Welders wear leather aprons to protect them from sparks, as do workers of iron. Chemists wear aprons to protect themselves from exposure to harmful agents. X-ray technicians wear aprons to protect themselves from radiation. Even patients don lead aprons to protect vital organs during x-ray diagnosis.
Through the years, women at home have abandoned the use of aprons. It was a symbol of servitude to a generation seeking "liberation." It was a symbol of a woman who placed her priority to family, home, and children. It was a symbol of her committment to making her home a loving, secure, and orderly place. It is a symbol of love to her husband - I choose to serve you with the love of the labor of my hands. When she dons the apron, she is ready to work for the ones she loves.
It is essential that we, as women, are covered! It is God's plan. God is the Master of the Universe and everything is governed by His exact rules. It is HIS order of the commandment of His creation. God is the Head of us all. We come to God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as we are covered by His blood and Name in baptism. The head of man is Christ. The head of woman is man. If we want to be effective in our homes, families, marriages, and occupations - we must follow the order to be covered! The order is: God, Christ, man, woman. Rearrange the sequence and the results are chaos.
In the tabernacle in the wilderness, God had a plan for every part of His dwelling place. There was a plan for what the coverings of the tabernacle and the Holy of Holies would be. There was an order for setting the tabernacle up and for dismatling. The precious, holy objects were covered before being transported. Aaron and his sons were the only ones that could cover those sacred objects. The holy things were for God, they were covered from the gaze of common man, How important in our marriage is it to keep the sacred and holy covered?
We are covered by Christ through baptism in His Name. His blood covers our sins! When we are covered by Jesus, the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds. When we are covered by His Name, we are His! We are committed to Him. He is committed to us. As the groom adores the bride, so God adores us when we are covered by His Name!
When we are covered by Christ and covered by the covenant of marriage, we are protected. Not only are we protected by our husband, but our minds and hearts are protected as well. The mind and heart are essential for our survival! Not only are we physically protected by our husband, we are spiritually protected. When two or three are gathered in His Name, (man and wife joined in covenant marriage with God,) He will be in the midst.
So, the next time you don an apron - dance to the Lord like Grandma Ruby! Let it be a spiritual renewing. You will be saying, "I am covered by His blood, and I am covered by His Name!" You will be displaying to your husband and children your love, your commitment to them, and that you are ready to dig in and work to give them your all. When you don that apron, you are a picture of the service God calls us to be. You are putting on holiness, you are proclaiming the sacredness of marriage. You are proclaiming, "My marriage, my family are my treasure." You are an example of love shining for your children. You are a beacon of security and refuge to your children and spouse, a safe place to dwell. In years to come, your memory will be sacred to the ones you've served. Then, the Master can say, "Well done!"
I Corinthians 11:3, 5, 12 - "But, I would have you know that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of every woman is man: and the head of Christ is God. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered, dishonoreth her head. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman, but all things of God."
Philippians 4:7 - "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Exodus 33:22 - "And it shall come to pass, while My glory passeth by, that I will put thee in the cleft of the rock, and will cover thee with My hand while I pass by."
Isaiah 51:16 - "And I have put My words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art My people."
Galatians 3:27 - "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ."
"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put Christ on as a garment." (HCSB)
Editor's Note: Laurel Williams is married to Johnnie Williams. Their family lives in Orange, Texas and attends Eastgate United Pentecostal Church, (Pastor George R. Edwards,) in Vidor, where Laurie teaches Sunday School and is faithfully laboring in her Father's vineyard..
I love to go to estate sales. There are always so many treasures to discover. My favorite finds are vintage linens. I purchase tatted, crocheted, and embroidered linens. I've bought dresser scarves, crocheted pot-holders, embroidered tea towels, and tatted runners. Vintage aprons are special finds. I especially enjoy gingham "chicken scratch" aprons. Each one is unique in design. I have frilly hostess apons, full-length embroidered ones, quilted aprons, and feed-sack aprons. Even my Aunt Barbara contributes to my vintage apron collection. I keep most of the aprons. But, I have passed along a few at bridal showers and special fund raising events at church.
When I think of aprons, two women come to mind. My grandmother Ruby and my mother Betty have donned aprons. Grandmother Ruby was a continual hostess. Every day she had company and she cooked three meals a day expecting to feed a large crowd. Grandma always wore a very servicable apron. It fit over her head and had large pockets in front. She usually wore this over a duster or a housedress.
My mother, Betty, always wears an apron to cook. It is a full-length apron. She is a wonderful cook. She bakes beautiful cookies and cakes. She is always trying new recipes. (We call these "guinea pig meals.") I can't picture her in the kitchen without her apron. When that apron comes off, she is finished with that kitchen!
Women in simpler times faithfully wore aprons. They did not have the large wardrobes of clothes that we have today and it was very important to protect what they had. Washing was a difficult and time-consuming chore. It was necessary to wear clothing wisely and protect it with aprons. Housework, gardening, and farm chores were accomplished by the apron wearer.
Many occupations necessitate the wearing of aprons. Maids, waitresses, bakers, and chefs readily come to mind. Welders wear leather aprons to protect them from sparks, as do workers of iron. Chemists wear aprons to protect themselves from exposure to harmful agents. X-ray technicians wear aprons to protect themselves from radiation. Even patients don lead aprons to protect vital organs during x-ray diagnosis.
Through the years, women at home have abandoned the use of aprons. It was a symbol of servitude to a generation seeking "liberation." It was a symbol of a woman who placed her priority to family, home, and children. It was a symbol of her committment to making her home a loving, secure, and orderly place. It is a symbol of love to her husband - I choose to serve you with the love of the labor of my hands. When she dons the apron, she is ready to work for the ones she loves.
It is essential that we, as women, are covered! It is God's plan. God is the Master of the Universe and everything is governed by His exact rules. It is HIS order of the commandment of His creation. God is the Head of us all. We come to God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as we are covered by His blood and Name in baptism. The head of man is Christ. The head of woman is man. If we want to be effective in our homes, families, marriages, and occupations - we must follow the order to be covered! The order is: God, Christ, man, woman. Rearrange the sequence and the results are chaos.
In the tabernacle in the wilderness, God had a plan for every part of His dwelling place. There was a plan for what the coverings of the tabernacle and the Holy of Holies would be. There was an order for setting the tabernacle up and for dismatling. The precious, holy objects were covered before being transported. Aaron and his sons were the only ones that could cover those sacred objects. The holy things were for God, they were covered from the gaze of common man, How important in our marriage is it to keep the sacred and holy covered?
We are covered by Christ through baptism in His Name. His blood covers our sins! When we are covered by Jesus, the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds. When we are covered by His Name, we are His! We are committed to Him. He is committed to us. As the groom adores the bride, so God adores us when we are covered by His Name!
When we are covered by Christ and covered by the covenant of marriage, we are protected. Not only are we protected by our husband, but our minds and hearts are protected as well. The mind and heart are essential for our survival! Not only are we physically protected by our husband, we are spiritually protected. When two or three are gathered in His Name, (man and wife joined in covenant marriage with God,) He will be in the midst.
So, the next time you don an apron - dance to the Lord like Grandma Ruby! Let it be a spiritual renewing. You will be saying, "I am covered by His blood, and I am covered by His Name!" You will be displaying to your husband and children your love, your commitment to them, and that you are ready to dig in and work to give them your all. When you don that apron, you are a picture of the service God calls us to be. You are putting on holiness, you are proclaiming the sacredness of marriage. You are proclaiming, "My marriage, my family are my treasure." You are an example of love shining for your children. You are a beacon of security and refuge to your children and spouse, a safe place to dwell. In years to come, your memory will be sacred to the ones you've served. Then, the Master can say, "Well done!"
I Corinthians 11:3, 5, 12 - "But, I would have you know that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of every woman is man: and the head of Christ is God. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered, dishonoreth her head. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman, but all things of God."
Philippians 4:7 - "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Exodus 33:22 - "And it shall come to pass, while My glory passeth by, that I will put thee in the cleft of the rock, and will cover thee with My hand while I pass by."
Isaiah 51:16 - "And I have put My words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art My people."
Galatians 3:27 - "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ."
"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put Christ on as a garment." (HCSB)
Editor's Note: Laurel Williams is married to Johnnie Williams. Their family lives in Orange, Texas and attends Eastgate United Pentecostal Church, (Pastor George R. Edwards,) in Vidor, where Laurie teaches Sunday School and is faithfully laboring in her Father's vineyard..
Shavuot - Pentecost
By Marjorie Kinnee
(Editorial)
Text: Psalm 8:4 - "What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? and the son of man that Thou visitest him?"
The difference between man and animal is potential. A tadpole can never hope to be anything more than a frog. It's in the genes of the tadpole. No matter that he looks much different than a frog right now, the only change he can make is the process of becoming a frog. Environment or the lack thereof make absolutely no difference, neither does desire. This is true of all the animal kingdom. Once born, it's inevitable; an animal can only be what it is.
But man, now that's a different story altogether. From birth, man's potential is unlimited. He may be born into the lowliest of circumstances and receive none of the benefits of education and wealth, Even so, he is still able to move past the negativity into greatness. Consider Abraham Lincoln, George Washington Carver, and Helen Keller; their sorry circumstances early in life did not hold them back from becoming notable examples of the power of potential.
What advantage does man have? First, he is a living soul with unlimited potential. His outcome is not inevitable. Whether given five, two, or one talent - man is capable of investing the time and energy required to bring forth fruit. He is like the fertile soil of Jesus' parable of the sower. However, man's capacity (potential) is two-pronged; for good or for evil. It's a matter of choice. Moses pled with the Children of Israel, "Choose life!" Remember, God's law of the harvest (you reap what you sow,) is always in force.
To the Jew, Shavuot (OT) commemorates the giving of the law. At Sinai, God met with man and gave him His law, which included the Ten Commandments, upon which our entire civilization is built. But it was written on tables of stone. They could be read, interpreted, and obeyed by rote, but obedience was an onerous task, one even the most religious had a hard time following. They could carry it with them, but it was always external, a bunch of letters and words. They needed help - someone to explain the sense, meaning, and purpose.
Pentecost (NT) brought God's law home - right into where His treasure lay. "Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a Man hath found, He hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that He hath, and buyeth that field." (Matthew 13:44 [emphasis mine]- See also Hebrews 12:2.) Into the fleshy tables of man's heart, (internal,) where God's Spirit could do His holy work of maximizing man's potential for eternal good. "Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:8)
For further reference see:
Deuteronomy 29:10-15, 29; 30:20; Isaiah 12:2-3; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 11:19-20; 36:21-28, 36, 38; Joel 2:28-29; John 4:10, 13-14,23-24; 7:37-39; Acts 2:1-4, 38-39; Ephesians 2:10-22.
(Editorial)
Text: Psalm 8:4 - "What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? and the son of man that Thou visitest him?"
The difference between man and animal is potential. A tadpole can never hope to be anything more than a frog. It's in the genes of the tadpole. No matter that he looks much different than a frog right now, the only change he can make is the process of becoming a frog. Environment or the lack thereof make absolutely no difference, neither does desire. This is true of all the animal kingdom. Once born, it's inevitable; an animal can only be what it is.
But man, now that's a different story altogether. From birth, man's potential is unlimited. He may be born into the lowliest of circumstances and receive none of the benefits of education and wealth, Even so, he is still able to move past the negativity into greatness. Consider Abraham Lincoln, George Washington Carver, and Helen Keller; their sorry circumstances early in life did not hold them back from becoming notable examples of the power of potential.
What advantage does man have? First, he is a living soul with unlimited potential. His outcome is not inevitable. Whether given five, two, or one talent - man is capable of investing the time and energy required to bring forth fruit. He is like the fertile soil of Jesus' parable of the sower. However, man's capacity (potential) is two-pronged; for good or for evil. It's a matter of choice. Moses pled with the Children of Israel, "Choose life!" Remember, God's law of the harvest (you reap what you sow,) is always in force.
To the Jew, Shavuot (OT) commemorates the giving of the law. At Sinai, God met with man and gave him His law, which included the Ten Commandments, upon which our entire civilization is built. But it was written on tables of stone. They could be read, interpreted, and obeyed by rote, but obedience was an onerous task, one even the most religious had a hard time following. They could carry it with them, but it was always external, a bunch of letters and words. They needed help - someone to explain the sense, meaning, and purpose.
Pentecost (NT) brought God's law home - right into where His treasure lay. "Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a Man hath found, He hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that He hath, and buyeth that field." (Matthew 13:44 [emphasis mine]- See also Hebrews 12:2.) Into the fleshy tables of man's heart, (internal,) where God's Spirit could do His holy work of maximizing man's potential for eternal good. "Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:8)
For further reference see:
Deuteronomy 29:10-15, 29; 30:20; Isaiah 12:2-3; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 11:19-20; 36:21-28, 36, 38; Joel 2:28-29; John 4:10, 13-14,23-24; 7:37-39; Acts 2:1-4, 38-39; Ephesians 2:10-22.
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