Trust in the Lord and Stay in the Race!

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: Genesis 50:24-25 - "And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which He sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence."

Joseph's family was still in Egypt when he died. He knew they would not be there for ever. But it came to a place and time (400 years later) when they had accomplished all that could be done in Egypt. It was time for them to go to "the promise!" You'd think that the promise was something they should have rushed toward - ASAP! But it was necessary that they go through the wilderness "school" before they were fit (prepared) for the promise.

Stuff had to be purged (burnt out). Stuff had to be laid aside (laid down). Stuff had to be pruned (cut off). It was necessary for Israel to learn patience as thy waited for God to bring them to the promise. They had to learn - it's not me, but it's US!

"Let us run this race with patience."

"Let patience have her perfect work."

We might not see the big "picture," but you can rest on the promise. He did not call you out so you could fail. He called you so you could be victorious! Jesus endured the cross... for the joy! We need to do the same - endure our cross. You can have joy in the midst of a trial. You can have everyone wondering what you're smiling about... not because of the tribulation, but because of what's on the other side!

Our witness needs to be about the goodness of God. That's what brought us into the truth. And it's what will bring them in too. This is the reason we hold on. This is the reason we don't give up. Think about it...! What happens if we get out of the race? They're watching us. We have a responsibility to them and to Him. As long as we trust Him and stay in the race, He has promised that we will reap the benefits. He wants to save more, fill more. The promise is there. It's prepared, waiting and ready for those who continue, those who endure, those whose eyes are on the promise, and who invite others to partake in the promise too.

On Praying Through...

By Marjorie Kinnee
Editorial

Text: Matthew 25:1-13 ~ Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins
Key Verse: "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." (Luke 21:36)

The old-timers called it "praying through" and frequently mentioned it in victorious testimonies. Because I was a rather obstreperous child, my mother would say, "It's time you prayed through, Marjie Jean! You're so much easier to deal with when you've just prayed through." Bro. C.C. Kirby, my pastor for the first 16 years of my life, frequently said we should all be, "Prayed up... packed up... and ready to go up."

Praying through is an accurate description of its definition. As the old-timers used it - it meant that one had prayed until they felt they had overcome something and then given a release in their Spirit. Hence - "Praying Through!" It might have taken minutes or hours, but it was earnest, sincere, serious praying.

There is another realm beside the flesh and blood world in which we currently live and move around. This "world" is more real than the food we eat, the clothes we wear, and the chair we sit on. It's not spooky, nor is it science fiction; it's the Spirit world in which God Himself and His heavenly host of ministering spirits (angels) dwell. It's not a restricted world, oh no! It's unfettered by time and space, and it's focus is on the redeemed and those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. All angels serve as ministering spirits.

This spirit world is also inhabited by God's arch-enemy, Lucifer, who was called the son of the morning. (See Isaiah 14:12-16; Ezekiel 28:12-19; Luke 10:18; and Jude 6.) Lucifer, now know as Satan, rebelled against God and drew one-third of the holy angels under his sway. These, though evil and unrepentant, continue to minister; but now for evil and to thwart God's desire that all should come to repentance.

The Bible reveals that these ministering spirits (angels, both good and evil,) take an active interest in humankind. Both are transfixed by, and intrigued about our salvation.

• They desire to look into our salvation - I Peter 1:12
• They are "watchers" - Daniel 4:17; I Corinthians 11:10
• They herald tidings - Daniel 9:21-22; 10:12-13; Luke 1:26; Matthew 1:20; and Luke 2:9-10 (See I Kings 22:14-23, 28 also.) 
• They intervene - Genesis 18:2-22; 19:1-20; and Hebrews 13:2

Key in all this is our response. Drawing from the inference in I Corinthians 11:10 - "because of the angels," (See also Ecclesiastes 5:6.) we can see that angels"watch" for signs every human displays - by their responses to life, to events, and especially to the preached Word. A rebellious heart is revealed by acts and words of disobedience, even small ones! Our rebellions stir up angelic activity - the good, to rescue if possible without violating our will; the evil, to foster further signs of open rebellion.

Our flesh is one-third of our three-fold enemy. John told us we should, "love not the world, neither the things that are in the world," which are - "the lust of the eyes" [world], "the lust of the flesh," [flesh] and, "the pride of life" [the devil], (See I John 2:15-17.) Paul said we must fight it, subdue it,and make it obey the Spirit that dwells in us. He referred to it as "spiritual warfare" and likened it to soldiering. He said, "Put on the whole armor of God." This armor is needful when fighting off our enemies. Finally, Paul also said that this spiritual battle is daily. It must be fought at a moment's notice. We must be alert, prepared, and ready to fight - not against persons or even personalities. We fight against spiritual wickedness as it attacks us! We do not fight alone, but we must do our part.

Praying through speaks of the ability to press past the opposition (the world, the flesh, and the devil,) and into the freedom of victory, a.k.a. overcoming! Praying through is first and foremost... Praying! Jesus said, "Men ought always to pray." and, "Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation." He led by example in that He consistently prayed and taught His disciples to pray. In Acts 2, those disciples became empowered apostles. They were men of prayer; they also gave themselves to studying the Word. If prayer is our friend and helper, then the Word of God is our arsenal. Jesus overcame the enemy with the words, "It is written." So, hiding the Word of God in our heart becomes our weapon; and "praying through" presses past the enemy's onslaught.

If the five foolish virgins had been "praying through" - "prayed up, and packed up," they would have been "ready to go up." The wise had prayed through; they were ready when the midnight cry came, needing only to trim the wick and light the fire in their lamps. When one prays through they refresh their Holy Ghost experience. They speak in tongues, they light the fire, stir up the coals, and put fresh fuel on them. Note that when the apostles prayed through they were all filled with the Holy Ghost again! (See Acts 4:31.)

Praying through strengthens and helps you win in your battle against the enemy of your soul. It parallels the birthing process in that it includes travail and bearing down. It's a desperate struggle to bring forth new life, (death hovers nearby,) yet, when the battle is over and that new life is now visible and tangible, the celebration begins.

Praying through is wisdom. Keeping prayed through is essential - something no one else can do for you. You must do it for yourself. You can "intercede" for others, but your "praying through" cannot do their part, nor can they do your part. We need the refreshing winds of the Holy Spirit to fill us and fuel us in our quest for the victory known only to those who overcome. It's a daily thing! Staying prayed through will help you be ready for and aware of the midnight cry, "Behold, He cometh! Go ye out to meet Him!" Just before He ascended, Jesus said, "Go, and tarry in Jerusalem [wait in prayer] until ye be endued with power from on high." (Acts 1:4-5)

Pray Through!

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!

Whole Armor/Good Fight

Editorial 
By Marjorie Kinnee
(Dedicated to Matthew)

Text: Ephesians 6:10-17
Key Verse: Ephesians 6:11 - "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye might b e able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

Over the course of the past several days, this subject has been captivating. The more I dug into it, the more layers of support I found for the absolute need. Every one who names the Name of Jesus Christ is defenseless if he tries to fight in his own strength. In fact, it appears that one cannot win the age-old battle against the world, the flesh, and the devil unless he takes on this "whole armour of God." You may think that's a given, but as these verses opened up, it became apparent that the tendency to "do it myself" is one that entraps us all more often than not.

To begin with, Romans 13:12-13 says to "cast off the works of darkness," and to "put on the armour of light." The description in our text speaks of a complete suit of armour -- which provides for both offense and defense. II Corinthians 10:4 says, "the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty, through God to the pulling down of strong holds." Verse 5 goes on to describe how we are to do this.

• "Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and,
• Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." 

Piece by piece, (verse by verse,) important facets of this "whole armour" become clear...

• Verse 14 - "loins girt about with truth" (see Ephesians 1:13, 4:21; II Timothy 4:2.) Note that the truth strengthens your back and gives you support that helps you remain upright. It also calls for the "breastplate of righteousness." [Isaiah 11:5 - "righteousness/loins; faithfulness/reins," and Isaiah 54:17 - "righteousness/breastplate; helmet/salvation; garments of vengeance/zeal as a cloke."] A breastplate covers vital organs (heart and lungs especially,) and serves to protect and support their vital functions.Note that we are to be clothed in His righteousness, not our own.
• Verse 15 - when we have our "feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace," our feet are "beautiful" because they "bring good tidings" and "publish peace" (Isaiah 52:7). We're to be instant in season, out of season and able to give an answer for the hope that is in us. (See II Timothy 4:2; I Peter 3:15.)
• Verse 16 - "the shield of faith"  is one of two moveable pieces of armour. It can be lifted and/or lowered to cover the face and body as needed. This verse says faith has the power to quench fiery darts; the fierce, painful, sudden/surprise/unexpected, vicious attacks by the enemy of our souls.
• Verse 17 - "the helmet of Salvation" protects our head. Because the head houses our brain which is the seat of our ability to know, the knowledge of our Salvation is a critical support factor. Our Salvation comes to us with abundant confirmation. Repentance is a manifest thing; you and everyone else can see a repentant heart and attitude. Baptism in Jesus Name is a public statement as well as evidence of a willing and obedient heart. The infilling of the Holy Ghost, with the evidence of speaking in other tongues is incontrovertible proof that His Spirit has come to indwell our heart, mind, and life. Jesus said His Spirit is a Comforter, a Teacher, and a Guide to lead us and reveal Himself to us. He said, "My sheep know My voice."  This verse closes with the other moveable piece - "the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." It is quick, (alive,) and powerful, and sharp. It pierces and divides soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart (and mind). (See Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 147:15; Jeremiah 23:29; Revelation 1:16.)

Other study points revealed in our text include...

1. "evil day" - See Ephesians 5:6, 16; Ecclesiastes 12:1; Amos 6:3; Luke 8:13; Revelation 3:10.
2. "done all" - the word, "done" is in the sense of completed; overcome.
3. "to stand" - A.) I Malachi 3:2; Revelation 6:17 - "Who shall be able to stand?" B.) Luke 21:36 - "...before the Son of man?" C.) II Corinthians 2:4-5 - "in the power of God;" D.) Colossians 4:12 - "...perfect and complete in the will of God."
4. Paul's Instructions to Timothy Re: fighting, soldiering, and warfare in general... A.) I Timothy 1:18-19 - "This charge I commit unto thee... war a good warfare." B.) I Timothy 6:12 - "Fight the good fight of faith..." C.) II Timothy 2:3-5 - "...endure hardness as a good soldier," don't get entangled "with the affairs of this life, ...please Him who hath chosen" you, and, "strive for masteries... lawfully."

We are called to be soldiers in the battle of the ages. We've been chosen by God Himself. Our Commander has provided for our every need. The whole armour of God is a must if we're to fight the good fight of faith - and win! We need to keep track of every piece we've been given. Put them to good use and trust in His provision - not in the arm of the flesh, it cannot save us. Only Jesus can - He is faithful!

May we prove faithful to the end so that with Paul we can say, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only,but unto all them also that love His appearing." (II Timothy 4:7-8)

I Have Kept the Faith!

By Charles R. Grisham

Text: II Timothy 4:3-7
Key Verse: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” (II Timothy 4:7)

“Faith,” in this reference, is the truth, testimony, (body of truth). “Kept” means, attended to all these things very carefully. Think of what had been given to Paul – he had served his generation and faithfully passed it on to the next.

Part of “keeping the faith,” is maintaining a Biblical view of salvation. We need to maintain a clear understanding of what's right. We can outsmart the devil by not doing things that will bring us to defeat. Don't shoot yourself in the foot! The human heart is desperately wicked. Because of this, we need to oft reiterate what His grace and blood did for us.

We “follow on to know the Lord.” (Hosea 6:3) Because we are “in Christ,” and are “a new creature,” ...”all things become new.” (II Corinthians 5:17) We take up our cross daily; but, in order to do this, our flesh needs to be kept under subjection. Paul said, “None of these things move me...” (Acts 20:24) and, “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9)

To do this, we must maintain the soundness of doctrine. The early church went through severe tests, largely from false teachers and false teaching. When the enemy comes sniffing around your children, you can pray a hedge around those you have consecrated to God. To maintain your equilibrium, you must...

• Know the truth
  
• Keep it faithfully
  
• Key in on righteousness
  
• Keep a consistent, daily walk
  
• Keep fighting!
  
• Keep the faith!
  

Pressure is exerted from all sides. The “equalizer” is the Holy Ghost. When the outer pressure is the greatest, we have His promise that, “...greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (I John 4:4)

Pressure is also on the church. Remember! The church is in the world, but it is not of the world!

What you feed on will eventually come bubbling out, one way or another. We are most careful about the things we treasure; they reveal where our heart is.

Shifting your mentality toward worldliness is never a wise thing. If you don't maintain your walk and your integrity, you will suffer. It's like going fishing and getting caught! The enemy is always trying to cloud the issue... to keep us moving in a fog.

Jesus wills it that you will finish the race in victory! “I have kept the faith!”

“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.” (II Timothy 6:8)

Expecting the Wall to Fall!

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Subtitle: "Shout to the Lord for the Victory!"
Text: Joshua 6:1-5, 16-17, 26

Moses died. Joshua was the new leader. God encouraged him with these words, "Be strong, be of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest." (Joshua 1:9) His promise was... God will make your way prosperous and you will have good success. It was God who magnified Joshua and gave him favor (support) with all the people.

As they crossed the Jordan, God led them. A new generation saw new miracles. The children of those who crossed the Red Sea now saw God's power for themselves. In crossing Jordan, the waters rolled back and they trod on dry ground. They were becoming a current witness. But there was no promise of an easy victory - it was going to be a battle.

Expectation Fuels Faith!

The reason you are blessed is so the "world" around you will "see" God's glory. When God speaks, the place where you stand is a holy place. (Joshua 5:14-15) God won't always make sense to your understanding - the old choir song says, "God's not limited to man's decree, He's not afraid of the armies you see..."

No Limits! Other impossible situations (to fuel your faith)

• Elisha surrounded by the Syrian armies...
• The man born blind...
• The woman with the issue of blood...
• The Gadarene demoniac...
• The Syro-Phoenician woman who was willing to take crumbs...
• Lazarus, dead four days and decaying...
• James is dead, Peter is next...

Jericho's wall was like a double lane, two-way highway. Chariots could ride abreast around the top of the wall. It's bulwarks were formidable and impregnable.

God's Instructions: For six days they were to march around the perimeter of the walls once a day. There was to be no noise - no voices heard (not even a baby's cry) - only the sound of marching feet! Then, on the seventh day, they were to march again, still without any noise, but this time it was seven times around the wall. When the seventh round was complete, they stood still. At the signal, They blew their trumpets and began to shout. They weren't shouting at the wall, they were shouting TO the LORD!

Like they were descending on an elevator, the walls fell flat into the ground. Israel's army marched straight forward, over the multi-lane highway and into the city, where victory was theirs - complete, utter, total. The only exception: Anyone in Rahab's house was spared. (Everyone should have wanted to be there.)

When God says the victory is yours...

Don't hold your peace,

Don't sit back or hide;

Stand up and shout,

Don't keep it inside!

Waiting Till My Change Comes

By Berris Flemmings, Sr.

Text: Job 14:14 - "If a man die, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change comes."

God took the hedge away, allowed Satan free rein to trouble Job - the loss of his possessions, the deaths of his children and servants, his own health, and the loss of the support of his wife and his friends - yet in all these things, Job sinned not, neither did he charge the Lord foolishly. In the face of it all, he maintained his integrity and his testimony.

The first four letters of testimony say it all - TEST!

For growth to come, change must come first. From Abram to Abraham, from Sarai, to Sarah, From Jacob to Israel, from Simon to Cephas, (a stone,) and from Saul to Paul - God is in the business of change and change often comes while we're in a valley experience. The Psalmist spoke of the valley and said, "He restoreth my soul." It was in a valley that a shepherd boy named David won the battle with the giant who was challenging God's people. He came in the Name of the LORD. He faced the enemy head on, declaring what God had done for him already.Young David was not a warrior, he was a worshipper! Worshippers can wait for God's plan to work!

You can bring anything to Jesus!

When growth comes, we go fr om childish thinking to thinking as a man! (I Corinthians 13:11) Joseph stayed the course until his change came. Job's staying power in the face of all kinds of adversity, brought him through - an overcomer - not only in his lifetime, but as an example to believers in every age ever since!.

There are two kinds of change: temporary - which is not lasting and often comes in stages; and, permanent - which is for ever! I Corinthians 15:50-53 describes the change of all changes - the one that will complete the process of change in every obedient believer!

Lift up Jesus - He'll do the drawing!

God has called us to be as eagles, rising above the circumstances. Do it differently! If what you're doing isn't working, change what you're doing. Put on the full armor of God that ye may withstand. God does not change. His Word stands for ever! He has promised - He will never let you go.

Wait till your change comes!

I Am the LORD that Healeth Thee!

Testimony by Marjorie Kinnee

For several years now, I have been afflicted with something called polymyalgia rheumatica, which affects the muscles and joints, particularly in the upper arms shoulders, neck, and hip joints. Untreated, it can incapacitating with severe pain. It causes mobility issues and sleeplessness. Anemia and exhaustion are also common. The only even partially effective treatment is Prednisone, a steroid which presents problems and side effects that bring additional complications; I've been taking Prednisone for more than four years.

Under a new rheumatologist, a new drug was added to my medication regimen. For the first month or so, it seemed to helping. Then, toward the end of August my blood sugars started climbing. When they reached 200, my primary doctor became alarmed and ordered me to cut back on the Prednisone. When I did so, the side effects were severe, but the blood sugars kept climbing. Wednesday, 9/4 - it was 359, Thursday, 9/5 - it was 379, and Friday, September 6th, the blood sugar was too high to measure on my home meter. I was instructed to go directly to the Emergency Room. When I arrived, their laboratory measured my blood sugar as 593. They admitted me for observation and began a battery of tests and bloodwork. They found my lipase enzymes to be above 1000. Their diagnosis was pancreatitis, (a life threatening illness involving pain that doubles one over and causes severe nausea and vomiting,) and the extreme blood sugar.

Discontinuing my oral diabetes medications and the new rheumatology drug, they began teaching me to administer insulin.Over the next two days. the nurses came into my room frequently to inquire about my pain level. But the reactions one is supposed to have with pancreatitis at the level of my enzyme involvement simply was not there! The doctors and nurses were amazed. They were expecting me to be incapacitated with pain and I was not. By Saturday evening, I began to realize something special was going on.

Because the pancreatitis did not develop as they expected, they released me Sunday morning, saying I could do whatever I felt like doing. I took them at their word and got myself ready to go to church Sunday evening. It was such a joy to be in the house of the Lord! Pondering over the events of the previous few days, I perceived the Lord had stepped into my situation and the problems the new drug had caused had not harmed me in the way it could have. The lack of pain and other symptoms could only have been the Lord's doing. I believe He has begun a healing work in my body.

Since then, I am noticing steady improvement on several fronts. I'm thankful for returning strength, for an easing of the clutches of Prednisone, and for the improvement in my blood sugar readings. My "life psalm" (Psalm 27,) closes with the following verse. I've been claiming it as an exceeding precious promise in this present situation... "Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." (Psalm 27:14)

Some time ago, I wrote a little chorus, which has strengthened and encouraged me while on this present "journey." It goes like this...

"In every situation You are good,

In every situation You are wonderful,

In every situation You bring peace to my soul;

In every situation You are Lord...

In every situation You are Lord."  

Sit On It!

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: Matthew 28:1-8

The women came to the sepulchre in sorrow, wondering who would roll away the stone so they could care for the body of Jesus...

But, before they arrived, the angel of the Lord descended. He rolled away the stone and then sat on it - waiting for the women to arrive. When they got there, he had words of comfort for them...

• Fear not!
• You seek Jesus - who was crucified
• He is not here
• He is risen as He said
• Come, see the place where the Lord lay
• Go, quickly, and tell His disciples...
• that He is risen from the dead
• behold, He goeth into Galilee before you
• there ye shall see Him
• Lo! I have told you!

It is interesting to note that what the women thought of as a problem, (rolling away the stone,) the angel was powerful enough to not only take care of it, (do the work,) but also to sit on the problem in victory!

Stay with God

By Berris Flemmings

Text: Daniel 3:15-18

The three Hebrew children were determined to stay with God. We learn they had "purposed in their hearts" back in the first chapter of Daniel. But in the third chapter, we see their purpose put to the test. King Nebuchadnezzar had erected a huge golden image on the plains of Dura. He expected everyone (no exclusions) to bow down in homage to the image whenever the "band" started to play. This was in direct disobedience to God's commandments, yet all around them, their fellow Jewish captives were bowing low. The penalty for disobeying the king's command was stated clearly. Severe indeed, it said the disobedient would be cast into a fiery furnace.

Amidst the music and the field filled with prostrate bodies, three figures stood erect. Nebuchadnezzar couldn't believe his eyes. These boys were some of his favorites! Perhaps they hadn't heard, or maybe they misunderstood. Nebuchadnezzar decided to give them another chance. He again made the consequences clear and issued the command. To his surprise, these three Hebrew boys spoke out. "O king, live for ever. We hear your command, but we must obey a higher command than yours. Our God is able to deliver us from the fiery furnace, but even if He doesn't, we still will not bow!"

Nebuchadnezzar could not believe his ears either. Furious, he ordered the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than it had ever been heated before and ordered the musicians to begin playing again. When the three Hebrews stood their ground, he turned and ordered his guards to bind them and throw them bodily into the furnace. Those who did so dropped dead, overcome by the fierceness of the heat. Wonder of wonders, the opening of the furnace revealed the three walking around in the furnace. Their bindings were gone, their robes were colorful, rich, and definitely not on fire. What's more, there was a fourth man there in the flames with them! Nebuchadnezzar testified that this fourth man was like unto the son of God.

Trembling, he called them to come out of the fire. As they climbed out of the furnace, it was noted that there was no evidence they had ever even been in the fire! Their hair wasn't singed, their clothes were intact, there were no burns on their skin, there wasn't even the smell of smoke on them! Nebuchadnezzar's conclusion was, "There's no god like the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He is the only one anyone should serve."

So, how did the three Hebrew boys do it? What was their secret? Here are their six principles...

• Follow After Righteousness - 
• "Follow me as I follow Christ," Paul said.
• If you want to soar like an eagle, you need to keep company with eagles.
• They Kept Their Blessing Their Blessing -
• they didn't get swell-headed
• they didn't allow their blessing to become a curse
• they chose to stay with God
• they didn't adapt or succumb to peer pressure
• They Refused to Serve Other Gods -
• Even though Nebuchadnezzar liked them, he still expected them to bow
• He offered them a way out
• They refused to compromise
• They did what was right
• Don't Take the Easy Way Out -
• Taking the easy way meant abandoning God
• They chose the furnace (definitely not the easy way)
• Do Your Part - God Will Do His -
• Their stand put them in harm's way
• God did not deliver them from the fire
• He delivered them IN the fire
• Thrown in bound, they were loosed in the furnace
• Three thrown in, four walked in the fire
• God was with them!
• When We Choose God - Victory Follows -
• Nebuchadnezzar called them out of the fire
• The fire had no power on their body
• No smell of smoke
• Not one hair singed
• No damage to their clothing
• Results - King's declaration, "One True God!"
• Promotion for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
• King Nebuchadnezzar recognized God's power

Hold fast, stand firm! It may be a roller-coaster ride, but God is on your side. He will bring you the victory!

Editor's Note: Berris and Victolynn Flemmings are both registered nurses. They are a blessing to their family, to their workplaces, and to the New Life Apostolic Church family. They teach and labor faithfully for the Kingdom's sake and the Body of Christ is blessed by their cheerful diligence.

Offenses...

By Scott A. Phillips

If there is one thing that is a thief of joy and a drain of purpose in the lives of otherwise good people, it is this singular issue. Jesus said it this way, "it must needs be that offences come..." Or let me translate it, "Get ready to get offended." People are going to hurt your feelings, take you for granted, say mean things and even cast you in a bad light.

This is going to come from all directions. From people you have never met, people you barely know, your neighbor, your children, your spouse, your best friend. Everyone will hurt you at some point. I would like to tell you different, but the truth is embodied in yourself. You have a bad day some times, right? Wake up on the wrong side of the bed and fail to be as understanding as you should be, right? Well, on one of those bad days you probably hurt someone's feelings. You did not mean to, but because you were wrapped up so tight in your own thoughts you failed to consider others. Of course, if you were confronted you would have all sorts of excuses and could easily justify your lack of consideration.

Headline: Everyone has bad days and the day they offended you, it was their turn. So, just as you expect and hope others will cut you some slack, you must cut them some slack as well.

In my short life, (forty-two glorious years,) one of the greatest thieves in the lives of people I love and care for is this little fox called offense. Offense is a funny thing. It does not have to be a big thing, it can and often is a little thing. However, that source of sensitivity is easily infected - and from that place of offense all sorts of trouble will flow, surging into a flood of consequences.

I had an ingrown toenail once. It was intensely painful. It seemed everyone would bump or step on my foot. I was very aware of every little transgression of others' feet, because of my pain. Offense is like that. Do yourself a favor and everyone that loves you - just let it go. If you choose to keep it, nurse it, care for it and protect it; you are holding on to a bitter evil that will ruin the good God has planned for you."For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:" (Matthew 6:14)

Forgiving and releasing others from what they did to hurt your feelings is really not about them. It's about you. Even if they continue to be a jerk or jerk-ette, just let it go. If you let jerks and jerk-ettes contaminate your spirit, they get to live there rent free and you carry the weight and live with the stench of what they've dumped on you. The sad thing is, when you're living in offense, you end up hurting the ones you love and projecting that hurt on others. You begin to be hurt and offended at others who don't realize you have a large infection.

When you are nursing a hurt... nip it in the bud. Don't let it continue. Take a deep breath, pray a prayer for grace from God for yourself and then give it to the person who just ticked you off for their selfish ways. Your Father and Stepfather, your Mother and Stepmother, your Brother and Stepbrother, your Son and Stepson, your in-laws and out-laws; forgive them. Bless them. Cut them some slack.Bless 'em again. Do it till you mean it.

If you do not, you will continue to plow in the barren field of bitterness and harvest rotten onions of trouble. If you will forgive, in doing so, you will be able to progress to the next stage in God's purpose for your life. Forgive the offense; large and small, recent and long ago.

Editor's Note: Pastor of New Birth Church in Clinton, Mississippi, Scott Phillips is married to Becky. They have three fine sons who are growing in God. Scott is a . prolific writer with his own blogsite, several books, and numerous articles to his credit.                                                                                                               - mjk

Sit On It!

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: Matthew 28:1-8
Key Verse: "And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came, and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it." (Matthew 28:2)

The women came to the sepulchre in sorrow, wondering who would roll away the stone so they could care for the body of Jesus. They were prepared to do so, but, before they arrived, the angel of the Lord had already descended. Unknown to them, he had rolled away the stone and was now sitting on it, waiting for the women to arrive. Imagine their surprise when they came around a corner and saw the angel! But not only did they "see" an angel - he had words of comfort for them!

• Fear not!
• You seek Jesus...
• who was crucified
• He is not here!
• He is risen as He said
• Come, see the place where the Lord lay
• Go quickly, and tell His disciples...
• that He is risen from the dead, (and,)
• behold, He goeth into Galilee before you;
• there - ye shall see Him
• Lo! I have told you!

It is interesting to note that what the women perceived as a problem, (rolling away the stone,) the angel was powerful enough to not only take care of it, (do the work,) but also to sit on the problem in Victory!