Are You Also Ready?

By Victolyn Flemmings

Key Verse: Matthew 24:44 - "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."

In the story of the ten virgins, the five wise were prepared, but the five foolish took no extra oil for their lamps. Indeed, they had oil in their lamps in the beginning, because their lamps were burning. But as the Bridegroom tarried, their lamps used up all the oil and went out. When the cry came, they had no extra oil to put in their lamps, whereas the wise virgins were able to trim their lamps and refill them with their oil on hand.

In his final letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul knew he was ready to meet his Saviour. "I have fought a good fight, I have kept the faith, I have finished my course," There were steps Paul had to take. He had to take. He was able to check each one and show he had earned it fair and square.

In order to be ready, we too, must make preparations. Take the Olympics for example, It takes years of preparation; consistent training, dedication, and sacrifice for an athlete to even consider participating, and when he wins a medal, he has earned it, fair and square.

As a registered nurse, I didn't just wake up one morning, after dreaming all night that I was a nurse, decide I wanted to take care of the sick, and put on a nurse's uniform, automatically becoming a nurse. The law dictates a certain amount of years in school with intense training and study of the anatomy of the human body, disease processes, plus so much more. I had to graduate from an accredited school of nursing, obtain passing grades in a national examination, apply for and receive a license before becoming a registered nurse.

Without preparation, there are no blessings.When Mary, the mother of Jesus, realized there was no more wine at the marriage supper, she told the servants to do whatever Jesus told them to do. Jesus instructed the servants to fill the containers with water. (See John 2:1-10.) Preparation was necessary.

When the army of Judah needed water, Elisha told them to dig a valley full of ditches. Without wind or rain the valley would be filled with water so they and all their animals could drink. (See II Kings 3.)

There are numerous instances in the Bible where good results follow a conscious deed or action of faith. Naaman the leper was told by Elisha to dip seven times in the river Jordan to receive his healing. At first, he refused, thinking that he was an important government official and that dipping in Jordan's water was beneath his dignity. But we see that when he obeyed, he was totally healed of his disease.

In Esther's day, the Jews were threatened with extermination; she told her people to fast and pray with her for three days and three nights, and that she would go before the king to petition for their lives. They did... She did... and, God did!

Finally, there was a widow who was in debt. Her creditors were going to sell her sons to get their money. Desperate, she went to the man of God, who used something she had in her house to "save the day." It took a single pot of oil and some effort on the part of her and her boys. Elisha told her to get all the empty pots she could get her hands on, even borrowing from her neighbors. Then she was to shut the door on herself and her two sons and pour from her one pot into all the other pots. Thanks be to God there was enough to fill all the other containers, which she sold and paid her debts. The amazing thing was that there was even oil left in the original container for her personal use.

The point I am trying to make is that these blessings and miracles happened after someone consciously made ready. The same principle could be applied to salvation. We are told to "...repent, and be baptized every one of you, in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38) Repentance and Baptism are conscious actions. The gift of the Holy Ghost is living water, the evidence of new life in Christ - the oil of gladness overflowing...

In these last days, we have something to do to be prepared for the coming of the Lord. We need to watch and pray, we must be steadfast and unmovable, we must be ready. Therefore,let us all do what is required of us. The steps are clear and simple.

1. You need an awareness of your sinful nature.
2. You must genuinely repent of all your sins.
3. You must be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins.
4. You must receive the gift of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues.
5. You must live a holy life, studying the Word of God and consistent in prayer.
6. You need to be a part of a Bible-believing church that preaches the truth.

The question is: Are you also ready?

Editor's Note: Sis. Victolyn is the wife of Berris Flemmings. They are the parents of three adult children; Sherene, Shelee'Ann, and Berris Jr. (BJ) and proud grandparents of two boys; Carter and Ethan. It is a privilege to serve the Lord alongside this precious family. 

Don't Mention It!

By Jill Friedman

When someone does something for you out of their heart and you say, "thanks," they often say, "Don't mention it." They did it with love and it didn't hurt them at all because they cared or had it to spare.

There are other times when a person can bring up a matter over and over and nag because of their own dissatisfaction. You wish they would stop "mentioning it." It's kind of the reverse of the above. They expected you to meet their need and because you didn't they keep reminding you over and over in the hopes that you will yet do it, or because they can't get it off their mind.

My mother like this motto, "If more husbands were self-starters, their wives wouldn't have to be a crank." It's also true that some never stop focusing on others' imperfections but can't or won't fix their own.

Some time back my brother told me that God was really dealing with him about studying to be quiet. He is now a really good listener - to the point that you sometimes feel you're having a one-sided conversation. So many things are better left unspoken. Like the carpenter's motto, "Measure twice and saw once." - the same can be said for speaking.

The Bible says when you do good deeds, do them in secret and your Father will reward you openly. The Bible also says don't let your right hand know what your left hand is doing when it comes to good deeds. If we can just go on each day for Jesus - doing our own work to the best of our ability - we will be happier than if we try to stand on yesterday's laurels or moan over its errors.

We can't keep the Old Testament tit for tat, eye for an eye philosophy. Jesus said, If they want your coat, give them your coat also. Somehow we've got to come to the point where we don't fear personal loss. If we accept this society's rigorous agenda and suck in more and more for ourselves, we will never be satisfied.

Twice now, my husband and I have lost nearly everything; once in a partnership breakup, and once in a fire. We have also had our daughter spared after being hit by a van while she was walking to school. At first, it is shocking. Then these near total losses make you realize what is really important and what you really can live without. In spite of all the house stuff we lost, (which was almost everything,) life goes on. But when faced with possibly losing our daughter, the pressure was almost unbearable.

I guess what I'm trying to say is - don't hold on dearly to things that don't count. Letting go of fear and self-seeking goals can give more freedom. Not holding bitterness or resentment; forgetting the bad things that others have done, and that have happened to you will set you free. The Bible says all things work to the good for those that love God and are the called according to His purpose.

Don't speak too much or too soon. Listen. hear. Don't repeat bad news; not over and over in your mind - or - to others. Let it go. Don't mention it. If you think you've done good, let that go too. Keep on doing good and don't dwell on your goodness. Remember, only God is good. Let your love be real, not seeking a reward. Don't mention it!

Editor's Note: Sis. Jill has been a member of New Life Apostolic Church since the mid-1970's. After 34 years of marriage and continued faithfulness to God, she saw her Jewish husband repenting, being baptized in Jesus' Name,and filled with the Holy Ghost, just like the Bible says! She continues faithful, playing her saxophone, teaching little children, singing in the choirs, and blessing us all every so often with the song, "You Must Be Born Again."

Just a Touch...

By Don Warfield

Did you ever have someone touch you when you were so down you thought no one knew you existed? Do you remember what that touch meant to you? Let me tell you a true story...

I knew a young man who was walking with God and God was with him in his life. But the young man sinned. he went to his pastor and confessed his sin: the pastor told him he must sit down in all church services and take no part. Eager to be forgiven and to obey his pastor, the young man complied.

As time went on the young man continued to come to church every time the doors opened. His pastor withdrew from him to help him understand how sin had made a separation line between him and God.

He still kept coming, feeling very low. It seemed nobody cared or even knew he was there, and that even God had withdrawn from him: for he felt nothing when he came. But the young man thought, "If God is ever going to return to me, I will have to be in church where He can."

After a long time of going, he began thinking, "What is the use?" But then, on a Sunday night as he left his office to go to the platform.to start the service, the pastor walked down the aisle where the young man was sitting. As he passed, he laid his hand on the young man's shoulder.

To the young man, that touch said all the things the pastor could not yet say. Through the touch, the young man heard the words, "I know you are here. I see you come every service. I do care, I still love you. God still loves you. Keep coming. Stay faithful. God is restoring you."

The next time you feel at a loss as to how to comfort someone and can't think of any words to say, think of all the words the young man heard that night with just a touch!

Editor's Note: Bro. Don Warfield leads our Home Bible Study Ministry and teaches in the Adult Sunday School Class each month in rotation. He is a student of the Word and a blessing to the Body of Christ.

O Taste and See!

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: Psalm 34:8 - "O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him."

David, the author of this psalm, had humble beginnings as a keeper of sheep. God had plans for his life and David prepared himself by developing a praise and worship habit in the back of beyond. He opens this psalm with an invitation to join him in praise to the Lord.

The world is an uncertain place. Blessed assurance is not going to be found there - there is only one place of safety, one refuge; it is Jesus!

David had purposed in his heart that the praise he was offering was going to be based on his personal experiences. He was convinced that if you could just understand how good his experiences were, you would want to try God for yourself. "O taste and see that the LORD is good!" Try it! You'll like it!

God's plans for His people are good - He has good things in his mind. "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. Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the LORD..." (Jeremiah 29:11-14a) It's His desire that all would come.

Once we comprehend what He is, then we can understand who He is. He said, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

John the Baptist said, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." (John 1:29)

Paul said, "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself." ( II Corinthians 5:19)

Trying Jesus opens whole new vistas, a whole new level of understanding, new realms of possibility... "O taste and see that the LORD is good!"

Some once tried and tasted, but they've forgotten how good He is. They wander off, and, like the prodigal, settle for corn husks and swine's slop. But when they hit bottom and find the grace to come to themselves, they see the need to arise and go home, where the Father is waiting with open arms. In the Father's house, a wondrous meal is prepared, the flavors of "home cooking" are beyond compare. Celebration and rejoicing ring the rafters as he, who was prodigal, but is no more, sings, "O taste and see that the LORD is good!

Listen and Hear!

By Pauline Foreman

There was a Man named Jesus, you see,

He was born to save you and me;

Born of a virgin, begotten of the Spirit,

Everyone who has an ear should want to hear it.

We were made in His image,

But through sin we were blemished;

Nevertheless, He had a plan,

To redeem sinful man.

He went about healing the blind, halt, and lame,

His love and compassion soon gained great fame;

They came from the north, south, east, and west,

He delivered them all from all their tests.

He that has an ear – listen and hear.

Opposing forces came against this Man,

But for the love of people He took a stand;

He defeated the devil on every hand,

And took the punishment of sinful man.

For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross,

So that mankind would not have to be lost;

When life to you seems dark and grim,

Take up your cross and follow Him.

Wherever He leads, be willing to follow,

And your life will never be hollow;

Your void He will fill,

Give new life, He will.

He that has an ear – listen and hear.

Repentance of sin is where you begin,

Baptism in His Name is the next step to claim;

He promised to give you the Holy Ghost,

You will be filled to the uttermost.

In another tongue, you will speak,

When it is Him wholeheartedly you seek.

He that has an ear – listen and hear.

To give your life to Him is very smart,

Righteousness to you He will impart;

A broken and contrite heart He will in no wise cast aside,

But is faithful to complete the work He began inside.

No longer a slave to sin,

You will have peace within;

Every time you kneel,

He will begin to heal.

All the hurts of the past,

Will be gone at last.

Read your Bible and you will find,

How to be like Him – so good, so kind;

He is high and holy, yet so meek and lowly,

To be like Him is a process – slowly.

Continue to run this race,

He will guide you at His pace;

For the race is not given to the swift or strong,

But to the ones that endure the whole course long.

He that has an ear – listen and hear!

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.

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!