Walking In the Love of God

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: Ephesians 5:1-2 - "Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour."

Children tend to follow their parents just because they are their mom and dad. If we are truly a child of God, we will want to be "like daddy." (We cry, "Abba - Father!") Because He has loved and blessed us, we need to want to give back to Him in return.

Love takes risks... "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) That's one of the greatest things about Jesus... "But God commendeth His love toward us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

• Walk in Love - do it until it feels natural.
• Guard Your Love! - "And because wickedness shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." (Matthew 24:12) 

The apostle John tells us... "God is love," (I John 4:8, 16) and that "love is of God." (I John 4:7)  Moreover, John said, "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us..." (I John 4:10) and, "We love Him, because He first loved us." (I John 4:19) Let's take a closer look...

1. The Origin of Love - God. God IS love! John 3:16-18 and chapters 13, through 17 are outpourings of the love Jesus had for His disciples, the church they were going to gather for His Name's sake, and us, who would believe on Him through their word. Families have falling outs - it's normal. Yet Jesus said, "Love one another." Everybody needs love. If you say you have the Holy Ghost but don't love - somebody's lying - and it's not God! It takes the Holy Ghost to produce the fruit of the Spirit; (Galatians 5:22) and the first fruit mentioned is love.
2. The Focus/Object of Love - God first. Then, thy neighbor as thyself. Neighbors include your family, your church family, (the brotherhood,) your friends, co-workers, and those in your neighborhood. And don't forget your enemies! We're to love them too!
3. The Nature of Love - It's found in I Corinthians 13... It suffers long, it's kind, it envieth not, it's not puffed up, it is not easily provoked, it thinks no evil, it rejoices in the truth, and it beareth, endureth, and hopeth all things. "Love covers a multitude of sin." (I Peter 4:4)
4. The Blessings [Results] of Love - The Lord has promised a "crown of life" to them that love Him. (James 1:12) Furthermore, we are also promised that "all things will work together for good to them that love God." (Romans 8:28)

The enemy of your soul wants to thwart the love of God to you, for you, and in you. His purpose is to derail the love in your heart for God and for others. He's a thief and a robber - don't let him steal your love!

I've Heard, I've Seen, I Will Heal Thee!

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: II Kings 20:5 - "...Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears, behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD."

1.) God hears... "I love the LORD, because He hath heard my voice and my supplications, because He hath inclined His ear unto me, therefore will I call upon Him as long as I live." (Psalm 116:1-2)

• a shout on the rooftop
• a whisper in the closet
• a moan in the midnight hour
• a secret thought
• a cry of distress
• prayer

When He hears - He listens and responds. "...the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16b)

2.) God sees... Nothing is hidden from Him with whom we have to do.

• when tears fall like rain
• when your heart is overwhelmed
• when the load is more than you can bear

When He sees - it moves Him. He feels. He remembers our frailty.

"...Come boldly before the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy..." (Hebrews 4:15-16)

3.) God says... "I will heal thee!" (See II Chronicles 7:14.)

• I heard
• I saw
• I understand (know) your need
• I will heal and deliver

Fall in line with God - and - regardless of my circumstances... When He and me agree (are on the same side,) - the result is - A Miracle!

The old song says, "I Got a Feeling - Everything's Gonna Be Alright!"

The woman with the issue of blood had a need that overcame her timidity, her illness, and her weakness. She pressed her way to her healing!

God spoke to Moses - "I AM that I AM." I am all that you need.

This is your (rhema) Word from the Lord...

• You've been bound long enough
• You've cried long enough
• You've felt alone long enough

He's heard... He's seen... He will heal!

God never loses His power. He sits high and looks low. You may be wondering why there are so many healings in third world countries? The difference is - they hear the Word and believe it - whether they understand it or not.

God says, "It's time for deliverance!"

• His plan is at work
• He's a God of plenty
• His storehouse is full - there's more for you
• It's time to be set free!

LET GOD BE GOD!

It's Time!

Don't Let "Nothing" Stop You!

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: I Kings 18:41-46
Key Verse: "And said to his servant, Go up now, and look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times." (I Kings 18:43)

What really stops most people isn't something - it's nothing. When something is going on, we can usually see, hear, and/or feel it; think about Goliath, Jericho, the Red Sea, etc. However, these "somethings" are not the biggest hindrances. The biggest hindrance is, 1.)  not being able to see the conclusion of the matter, 2.) not understanding what God is doing, 3.) knowing we don't have the resources, 4.) seeing that what we can do isn't enough, and, 5.) a lack of faith.

Don't let "nothing" stop you!

1. Remember the God you serve
1. Don't take your eyes off Him
2. Lift up your eyes unto the hills - "my help cometh from the Lord!"
3. Elijah didn't have the power to stop (or start) the rain.
2. Look for the answer to your prayers
1. Expect it
2. Pray wisely - God's will (not "blab it and grab it")
3. Believe/Trust what God says (Titus 1:2)
4. Abraham was told the child was coming
1. Sarah laughed (it seemed impossible to her)
2. The angel said, "Is anything too hard for God?"
3. Just because you can't "see" it doesn't mean it's not happening
3. Obedience and Patience are required
1. Just because things are going against you - don't flag!
2. God always wants to bless you
3. The problem comes when we become displaced
1. If we're not where we are supposed to be when the blessing is poured out, we'll miss it!
4. Our obedience needs to be nailed down - fixed!
1. Willing and Obedient (Isaiah 1:18-19)

Our God makes things (speaks them) out of nothing! We do not walk by sight - but by faith. "In your patience possess ye your souls." (Luke 21:19) The perfecting of our faith takes time. "The trying of your faith worketh patience. Let patience have her perfect work..." (James 1:2-3) - so you can be entire (whole). Bear in mind: waiting on the Lord brings renewal. (Isaiah 40:31)

The "prophecy" (three and a-half years of drought,) did not mean to stop praying. God provided for His prophet for the entire time, making them "light afflictions." (II Corinthians 4:17) 

"But my God shall supply all your need,

 according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

(Philippians 4:19)

Plowing and Planting in Hope

By Charles R. Grisham

Text: I Corinthians 9:10 - "...For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope."

Between sowing and harvest a tremendous amount of work has to be done. Even when the land is idle (during the winter) there is an absolute need for the repairing of tools and machinery.

There's only so much strength in the soil. Different soils are good for different crops. For instance, Georgia's soil grows great peanuts, while North Dakota's soil produces bumper crops of wheat. Too often, the government pays farmers not to grow crops - to let the land be idle. Then, our land lies idle while China (or some other country,) sells us wheat (or whatever). They call this "land management."

What we each have is; time, talent, and treasure. No two people have the same amount of talent and/or treasure. But we all have the same amount of time. We are always planting something. The question is; What are we planting?

"The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing." (Proverbs 20:4) Note: See also Proverbs 6:9, 13:4, 15:19, 19:24, 21:25, 26:16.)

PAY ATTENTION!

If you think about it, we take time (actually "make" time,)

for whatever it is that we really want to do.

The LAW of SOWING and REAPING

Remember - whatever it is that you're planting, (sowing,) that's what you're going to reap. Corn comes from corn seed, apples from apple seeds, pumpkins from pumpkin seeds, etc.

• Pray for rain in its' due season.
• The farmer plants in hopes of the harvest.
• Make sure your seed is "certified" seed.
• Study, examine the soil before you begin... break it up... fertilize it.
• If I plant more "me" than I plant "Jesus" - I will reap more "me."
• Within the seed is the pattern (DNA) for the life that is to be.
• Be patient and you will see the fruit of your labors in generations to come (Galatians 6:8)
• God is looking for folks who won't give up in the heat, or drought, or flood, or cold, or whatever. (I Corinthians 3:6)
• Weeding is a hot, dirty, tedious, seemingly thankless task; but we need to be good with the hoe!
• Remember that the soil only has so much energy. If its energy is used up in weeds, there's less energy for the good seed to grow.
• Without a regenerated heart, you cannot recognize the weed or the weed planter. And like crabgrass, once allowed to grow, it will take over and choke out the good stuff.
• A regenerated heart recognizes the good!.

 REMEMBER!

The increase is the project of God. The Lord's work cannot be done in our own strength. Building for eternity requires the cooperation of both partners.

"And you shall reap just what you sow,

For the things you plant - are the things that grow;

God's Word shall stand for evermore,

And you will reap just what you sow!"

The Birth of Jesus Christ...

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: Matthew 1:18-21 - Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as His mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His Name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins."

Let's consider four important facts about the birth of Jesus Christ. Note: A fact is something that can be proved or verified...

Fact 1: He was born. He actually lived on earth. He walked and talked with men, proving that God keeps His promises. Messiah, Shiloh, Jehovah Shuah. See Daniel 9:25 and Luke 2:1-3. He fulfills prophecy - Genesis 3:15. His birthplace was in Bethlehem - Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:1, Luke 2:4.

Fact 2: He was born of a virgin. See Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:18-21, Luke 1:27-37. Why? 1.) To fulfill prophecy, 2.) So His Father would be God (not man). Note that Jesus' blood came from His Father. 3.) Only a free man can purchase a slave. (Galatians 4:23, 31)

Fact 3: He was God's perfect plan. Imagine Joseph's shock at Mary's pregnancy! he needed to be convinced. He needed to be stripped of pride, doubt, and fear. See Proverbs 29:25, II Timothy 1:7, I John 4:18, Hebrews 13:6.

Fact 4: It was His mission. "To save His people from their sins." and, "To seek and to save that which was lost." See Luke 19:10, Acts 5:31, Hebrews 7:25.

The Law of Sin and Death

By Pauline Foreman

Text: John 8:32, 36 - "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ... If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."

"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh,but after the Spirit." (Romans 8:2-4)

Where did the law of sin and death come from? When Adam and Eve yielded to the voice of the serpent and sinned, that brought death into the world. After their sin, God put them out of the Garden and blocked the way to the tree of life. This was a mercy, for it would have been a dreadful thing for them (and us) to live forever in a sinful state.

We don't think about the law of sin and death. Like gravity - it's a law that's ever with us. Gravity says, what goes up must come down. Gravity rules - it's always in full force. The only way to defeat the law of gravity is to be in a protected zone - a spacecraft, or aircraft. Other laws that rule in our day-to-day lives include thorns and thistles, seasons, sowing and reaping, and the presence of evil urges that affect us all. Our nature is carnal and is sold under sin. What's more,the wages of sin is death. The Spirit of God and the flesh of man war one against the other. Feelings reign in the fleshly nature. When you're under the law of sin and death, you do not operate under the law of the Spirit. The "flesh" owns you.

The will of man cannot conquer the law of sin. Man's will, resolutions, and conscience are powerless. James said we are tempted when we are drawn by our own lusts and enticed. (James 1:14-15) It's a "law" that is at work in us - a cycle of defeat we don't have the power to overcome.

We need the Holy Ghost to overcome sin!

You don't have to be a slave to sin any longer. The Holy Ghost, working in you, gives you the victory - the power to overcome sin and the flesh.

• The voice of the Holy Ghost will alert you, warning you of things that need to be conquered. Listen!
• Be thankful! Your new "Governor," (the New Testament) brings grace to reign in you.
• "Sin shall not have dominion over you." (Romans 8:9)
• In the Holy Ghost you have help - you're dead to sin.
• To defeat the law of sin and death; you must be under His blood, protected in the zone of grace.

Know this! Sin cannot be managed! "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His." (Romans 8:9) Without His Spirit, you are under the law of sin and death (the old law) and subject to its consequences.

God Drops Breadcrumbs...

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: Matthew 15:21-28
Key Verse 27: "And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their master's table."

Manna was "bread from heaven" miraculously supplied each morning for the children of Israel during their wilderness wanderings. God invented and God supplied, it was portable and perfect (met the need). Jesus said, "I am the bread of life." The disciples said, "Evermore give us this bread."

The Canaanite woman was not a Jew, not an heiress, not blessed; but she had a need and sought Jesus' mercy. He answered her not a word (shut the door). Even the disciples wanted Him to send her away. But she hung in there - He was her only hope. She had no other resource, so she kept waiting.

During the time Noah and his family were loading the animals, supplies, and themselves into the ark, the door remained open. But when mercy's opportunity was complete - God shut the door. (Not Noah or anyone else.)

The Canaanite woman was not giving up. She waited... until... she was not leaving without her blessing. Jesus brought up the subject of bread. He also told her she was not one of the "favored children," and called her a "dog." (And technically speaking, she was all that.)

She agreed (didn't take offense,) but came back with, "Truth, Lord, but even dogs get to eat the crumbs that fall from the master's table." She knew that He could supply her need.

Your faith releases (unlocks) your blessings!

Jesus said, "O woman, great is your faith!" He marveled at her - knew her by her faith. ("When the Son of man cometh, will He find faith in the earth?")

Your faith is bigger than your shortcomings.

Another woman, with an issue of blood, knew that just by touching the hem of His garment, she would be made whole. And she was! She knew that even the breadcrumbs were sufficient to meet her need.

Jesus said, "I am the Bread of Life!"

(John 6:33)

God's Priority - Your Needs

By Jonathan Jeffrey

Text: Matthew 6:33 - But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

The job of the church is not to impact the church, it's to impact the world!

In football, the huddle is not the object - it's what happens when the huddle breaks out that makes the difference!

Matthew 9:37-38 - reveals Jesus' priority and His only prayer request - souls!
I Timothy 2:1-4 - tells us to pray for the lost to be saved according to God's will.
John 13:35 - instructs us to pray for love among the brethren.
Jude 22 - says we should keep ourselves in the love of God.
Matthew 12:29 - shows the need for the binding of the enemy's spirit and influence.

God's priorities include...

• a witness of righteousness
• a witness of miracles with signs following
• a witness of boldness in sharing the Gospel
• a witness of unity among the believers
• a witness of wisdom among the believers
• the awakening of souls
• the conviction of sin

Our goals should be...

• having the mind of Christ
• having a harvest-centered focus.

Editor's Note: Jonathan Jeffrey has made himself a servant of the body of Christ here at New Life. Husband of Jamine, father of three vital and active young sons, Jonathan serves as our New Life church photographer and is a blessing to the music ministry, singing and making melody in his heart and life to the Lord!

The Joy is Better Than the Victory

By John Broyles

Text:  II Timothy 3:1-5

Lots of teams play - but most don't get the victory.

Jesus "endured the cross, despising the shame, for the joy that was set before Him." Jesus said satan was a murderer and a thief from the beginning. You need to know that although the devil instigates difficulties and death for many - children, the innocent, elderly, etc., they are not his real goal. His real goal is the Jews and the church... both of which are living proof of the perfect plan of God, that it's on course, destined for Heaven. God's Word is true!

You can have joy in the worst of circumstances. You need to learn how to trust Him and His Word. God is never surprised by current events, even though we may be. See Daniel 11:2, and then verses 36-45. Persia is modern day Iran. Three kings (melech = kings and kingdoms) stood up: kings; Ahasuerus, Darius, and Cyrus, (all mentioned in the Bible,) kingdoms; Parthian, Scythian, and Muslim. Google the funeral of the Ayatollah Khomeni - a new wave started from this point forward.

Know that the word isn't headed for a bed of roses. But know also that God's plan will prevail!
Even better than the victory that has already been won for us through the power of the Holy Ghost and the blood of the Lamb, is the joy of knowing, embracing, and becoming a part of His wondrous plan and purpose.

Political parties and the philosophies of men cannot solve the world's problems. God's intent for Israel was that they would be a nations of kings and priests. They failed - so He brought the church (Gentiles) into being to be kings and priests unto God. Through His Holy Spirit He gives us power to become the sons of God!


Editorial Note: John Broyles attends Faith Apostolic Church in Troy, Michigan, (Pastor Marvin Walker,) serving his local church in multiple capacities. He is the brother of Sis. Marjorie Kinnee and Sis. Jill Friedman.

I Am the Way!

By Don Warfield, Sr.

Text:  John 14:1-6

Jesus is not a way - He is the only Way!

Nicodemus came to Jesus by night. Jesus said, "No man hath ascended up to heaven, but He that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven." (John 3:13) Salvation is from God (that's plain, clear, and simple,) - religion is man's answer to God's way. "There is a way that seemeth right unto man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25) Some bypass the cross, the blood, and even Jesus Himself! (See Acts 4:12.)

• Without the truth (Jesus' way) you are like a blind man who follows another blind man. On the Day of Pentecost, men asked, "What shall we do?" Peter answered faithfully. (See Acts 2:38.)
• Pilate asked "What is truth?" But he did not recognize the Truth that stood before him.
• John the Baptist said, "This is He - the Lamb of God (slain from the foundation of the world,)  that taketh away the sin of the world."

God Himself stepped out of eternity and into time - with the intent and purpose of reconciling the world unto Himself. He took upon Himself the form and nature of man - a body that could die - yet without sin. His humanity shrank from the awfulness. His divinity knew it was the only way.

"In Him we live, and move, and have our being." (Acts 17:28) Jesus is our source of physical life, as well as our source of spiritual/eternal life. He came to bring us life, and life more abundantly.

I AM -

• Moses asked, "Who shall I say sent me?" God answered, "Say I AM that I AM hath sent me."
• Isaiah 56:7 says, "They'll know My Name - They'll know it's Me speaking."
• Answering the Jews, Jesus said, "Before Abraham was - I AM."
• To the woman at the well, Jesus said, "I AM He that speaketh unto thee."
• In the garden of Gethsemane, when the soldiers came to take Jesus, He said, "I AM He!" and they fell to the ground. He said this twice. (See John 18:5, 8.)

Jesus allowed for no alternatives... no plan B... no many roads to one destination. His words were plain... "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man cometh to the Father but by Me."

Without Jesus we exist - living, but dead in sin.

With Him we Live!

In Him we Live!

Us in Him and Him in us - it takes both!

Abide!

 



Editor's Note: Bro. Don Warfield leads our Home Bible Study Ministry, serves as an usher, and teaches in the Adult Sunday School Class.

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!"

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.

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!

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.

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."

1. Don't stop parenting just because times are tough. Be available! Be faithful!
2. Keep doing what's right. The same things that make you effective in the good times will make you effective in the tough times.
3. God has unlimited resources. They're available to those who place their trust in Him.

The end result was - Just as God said; Elijah ate, the widow ate, and her son ate many days - until the drought ended.

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!

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.

Choosing the Christian Life

By Pastor Ken Foreman
[Sermon Notes]

Text: Proverbs 22:1-6

God made us to live a righteous life; to walk and talk with Him. Politeness and courtesy are important, but choosing the world and its' friendship is a sign of enmity with God. (James 4:4)

A Christian life is an abundant life! Some of the benefits include; a good name, (Bible names describe character,) and loving favor. Jacob's name meant deceiver, trickster, supplanter. His name described his character. He didn't wait on God's timing - he just rushed in and grabbed what he wanted. Note that God had already promised that "the elder would serve the younger." But Jacob was determined to do things his way. And "his way" brought heartache on all who were involved.

Years later, when God changed Jacob's name, He gave him a good name! Israel = "prince who has power with God." From the dark life of a deceiver and a supplanter, Jacob was brought into the light and was given a new life of favor with God.

Note: Be careful what you call your children!

God sees the rich the same way as the poor - every one of us needs His salvation! Jesus knew what the rich young ruler really needed and that was to learn that his worth was not guaged by his possessions. Your soul is priceless (precious) to God. Rich or poor, high and mighty or meek and lowly... God says, "All souls are Mine!"

In I Kings 3:9, Solomon asked God for wisdom and an understanding heart to discern between good and evil. God gave him his request and much more besides, because his request was right and proper. It reflected Solomon's fear of the Lord and his respect for the task that was set before him. It also marked the beginning of Solomon's wisdom.

When you make Jesus your choice...
     + You'll find the windows of heaven are opened,
     + God is going to shower you with blessings, and,
     + He'll give you wisdom (prudence) and understanding so you can avoid the pitfalls.

Note: The longer you know God and the closer you get to Him, you'll find you repent more (for what you used to think of as "little" things).

Note: When you seek His favor for righteous reasons, He will bless you abundantly and supply all you need.

Caution: Keep on keeping on - doing so triggers the blessings. Also, by listening to His voice and obeying, He'll spare you the thorns of life (skeletons in the closet,) and actually keep you far from them! You don't have to experience evil - if you'll learn from your God-given examples.

Parents: Children need to learn (while they're yet wet cement). (Ephesians 6:1-4) Their primary teacher is your life and your example, and faithful training. God gives you the responsibility to mold and shape them into what He'd have them to be. This is the most wonderful heritage you can give your children. It's two-fold: when they have matured - and - when the Word has matured in them.