Inflating the "I"

By Marjorie Kinnee
Editorial

 Text: Jeremiah 9: 23-24 -- "Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches; but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the LORD which exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth: for in these things I delight saith the LORD."

Certain forms of pride are acceptable; pride in your country, pride in your heritage, pride in your children's accomplishments, and in general, the sense of pleasure in well-doing.

The Big "I" -- But pride develops a problem when "I" is inflated. The greater the inflation, the more obvious "I" becomes. Sadly, prIde is quick to get out of hand. Any and every one else can see it, but the one doing the (self) inflating is running blind. His or her huge "I" is in the way. "For I say, through the grace that is given unto me, to ev ery man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think: but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." (Romans 12:3)

So ho is it that we slip so easily over the line between acceptable pride in the accomplishments of others and the foolish self-inflating kind? The Bible is clear -- "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18) I believe the seeds of sinful pride germinate when we compare ourselves with others. "For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves,and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. ...But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth." (II Corinthians 10:12, 17-18)

The first one to fall into the snare of prIde was LucIfer. His "I" got so inflated he thought to make God move aside so he could take over Heaven's Throne. What's more, it soon became plain that this kind of inflation was contagious. It spread like weeds. LucIiferian prIde so penetrated the ranks of the heavenly host that it had to be settled in a cataclysmic event. (See Luke 10:18; Isaiah 14:12-16; Ezekiel 28:11-19.) "For if a man think himself to be something,when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself." (Galatians 6:3) Although Lucifer (Satan) continues to germinate seeds of prIde in hearts and minds, his end is a foregone conclusion. (See Revelation 20:1-3, 10.)

Need help dealing with prIde? Dig into the Word! Cultivate it! Learn to think with the mind of Christ. Use the Word to defeat the suggestions and snares of the enemy of your soul. Allow the Word to do its holy work in your heart and mind. "For the Word of God is quick, [alive] and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,and the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: butall things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do." (Hebrews 4:12-13) Filter out the weed seeds... prune... purge... Down with self-inflation! Glorify God!

Praise Him Through the Pain

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: Acts 16:22-30
Key Verse: Acts 16:25 - "And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God; and the prisoners heard them."

When the multitude and the magistrates rose up against them, it wasn't the first time, nor would it be the last. Paul and Silas, in the process of fulfilling their calling, were speaking the truth and leading souls to Jesus.

Meanwhile, the world was using this young lady for their own selfish gain. (Isn't that typical?) Paul and Silas were used by God to deliver her from the torment that had her bound. But her masters were not happy about losing the income from her bondage. They incited a riot, resulting in Paul and Silas being beaten and thrown into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely. The jailor, concerned about keeping his job, thrust them into the inner prison and made their feet fast with stocks. There they sat; in the midst of their blood, the pain, and the pests, (rats, roaches, etc.,) that also inhabited that dreadful place.

Here are their reasons to praise - even in the midst of all these difficulties!

1.) HE is GOD - the Bible says, "Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord." (Psalm 150:6) because of Who He is! Their predicament (beaten, shackled in the innermost prison with the rats,) not withstanding - at midnight, they prayed and sang praises - and the prisoners heard them.

• Don't wait for the perfect circumstance
• The enemy's desire is to thwart God.
• Praise changes the atmosphere...
• Suddenly - a great earthquake...
• Shook the foundation of their problem
• All the doors were opened
• Everyone's bands were loosed
• The Jailor became interested
• Salvation came to the jailor's house.

2.) Praise sets me free - and frees others too!

3.) Praise makes God attractive to others - the jailor and his household.

Psalm 27:6 - "And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will utter in His tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD."

Psalm 33:1 - "Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright."

Psalm 146:2 - "While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being."

Psalm 147-1 - "Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God: for it is pleasant; and praise is comely."

My Burden

A Poem by
Charles R. Grisham

Oh, how I wished to drop my load,

Out where love's sweet waters flowed;

I stopped to rest, and there I sighed,

That God would end my foolish pride.

But as I sat, an angel came,

With heavenly love all aflame;

He bade me to myself deny,

And on my Master to rely.

Look ahead, and see the light,

That shines beyond all sense and sight;

Where glories of an all-pervading mind,

A universal heaven, unconfined.

Then ending all my needless weeping,

I arose to walk in the Father's blessing;

To gladly bear my earthly load,

Toward heaven's mighty blessed abode.

December 28, 1951

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. 

Mary

A Poem by
Joyce MacBeth Morehouse

She came quickly to the Garden

In the dew of early morn;

Hurrying to where they laid Him,

She knelt down to view His form.

But alas! Her Lord was missing!

And these angels? Who are they?

They stood guard in silent witness,

But the stone was rolled away.

As she stood there, weeping, stricken,

Wondering if this gardener knew.

Surely He could help her find Him;

Tell her what she ought to do;

"Can you tell me where they laid Him?

For they took my Lord, it seems."

All her hopes collapsed around her -

Broken heart and broken dreams.

As He eyed her with compassion,

Gazing in her face of fear,

His "Mary" came so gently

That was all she had to hear;

Reaching out in exultation,

Tears of joy,not sorrow, came,

For the tomb was truly empty -

Life would never be the same.

Editor's Note: Sis. Joyce is q licensed minister with the UPCI, living in Doaktown, New Brunswick, Canada - where she attends the United Pentecostal Church, (Pastor Russell H. Morehouse). Her friend, Norma Brewer, (London, Ontario) recommended Sis. Joyce to us, and spoke highly of her writing ministry. This is the first time we've presented her to our readers and are looking forward to more good things! This poem is copyrighted. Used by permission.

Seed for the Harvest

By Alan Demos

As Jesus spoke to both the multitudes and His own disciples, He knew that the Jewish people, however sincere or faithful, had no understanding of growth and harvest for their synagogues or the temple. They were people of tradition and Old Testament law. He had to prepare them to receive other sheep into His worldwide flock of believers. Several of His parables brought forth principles of the kingdom pertaining to evangelism, growth and the eventual harvest.

In the Sermon on the Mount, He taught that they would be “the salt of the earth,” and “the light of the world.” His plan was for them to influence more than one nation, one city and one religious group. All three Synoptic Gospels later record the parable of the sower. “A sower went forth to sow…” (Matt. 13:3.) In Matthew, Jesus pointed us to the ground when He said, “The field is the world.” Luke reveals what the seed should be. “The seed is the word of God.” (Luke 8:11) However humble the packaging, whatever the size or method of dispersion, the seed must be the Word of God and it must be planted in the ground! There we have it! God wants us to find a field, have the right seed in our hands, and sow! It doesn’t take an extensive knowledge of agriculture to be a sower – just willingness, time, a plot of ground, and some seed.

Have you found a field where you can labor faithfully for Him?

Finally, we must be patient. The seed we sow will rarely bring an instant harvest. Our love will be the sunshine; our tears in prayer will be the water. Yet, the regenerating power of the Word has to work through burial, germination, plant growth, flowers and, finally, in due season, the harvest. The faithful sower understands the principles of the harvest. He labors with purpose, beginning by preparing the seed. He knows that no two crops reach harvest in the same time period – the timing is ordered by God. Our Creator insured in the beginning (Genesis 1:11-12) that there would be future natural harvests when He created the plants and the trees with seed within. We learn what we need to know about spiritual harvesting by studying natural harvesting.

Has the seed been placed within you that will bring forth a harvest?

We live with fields all around us – big cities, small towns, and villages. The people into whose hearts we must plant the seed are not hard to find. They’re at home, at work, at school, on the streets and in our neighborhoods. How do we turn barren, unprepared soil into a harvest field? People who don’t believe in God or know who He is are not candidates for the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Faith in Jesus Christ comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God! The seed must be sown to bring forth faith! Jesus prepared for Pentecost by adding knowledge and understanding that would lead them to New Testament salvation. For three years He ministered through miracles and healings, taught and preached, rebuked the wayward and comforted the suffering. Why was He taking so much time to lay the groundwork?

He was preparing the ground even as He was preparing the seed.

None of us will ever be as effective as Jesus Christ, but He expects us to be both sowers and harvesters! Each of us can hide the Word in our hearts and minds, find a field, and decide how to plant, using our own chosen method. Some will pass out tracts to strangers or distribute literature in a neighborhood; some will preach from a pulpit; some will teach children in a Sunday School class; some will teach others in a home; others will just speak gently and persistently with a friend. No method is more important than another! No venue is off-limits!

The only requirement is that we sow His Word!

The written Word of God in a condensed version, a summary or an introduction, is called a tract, whether evangelistic for the unbeliever or doctrinal for the believer. Let’s supply ourselves with Gospel literature to use wherever we walk in our fields. Let us pray to be led by the Holy Ghost in our sowing. It is not for us to inspect the soil. We are called to sow on all kinds of ground - good ground and poor ground. Literature is a time and cost effective means of connecting God with believers needing more truth or sinners needing salvation. Literature should go out to those who don’t know about, or, are not yet ready for, our churches.

A literature evangelist can easily distribute more than a hundred tracts

in the same time that it takes to give a one-hour Bible study!

Literature ministry fulfills the purpose of God revealed in the parable of the marriage. The king said, “Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.” (Matthew 22:9). We can’t wait for them to come into our churches; we must go out to invite them. Without a doubt, we will not be wasting our time. “Cast thy bread upon the waters… for thou shalt find it after many days.” (Ecclesiastes 11:1-6) SOW faithfully in faith, and in God’s time, the Harvest will come.

Why not begin to utilize the wonderful tool of literature in your daily life

as you seek to win souls and lay a harvest at Jesus’ feet in eternity?

Editor's Note: Bro. Alan Demos and his wife Valerie have served as UPCI missionaries to the nation of Germany for many years. Bro. Demos skills and experience in literature ministry are legendary. In this article, he presents the concept of a literature ministry. Next month, we will feature a more in-depth look at what sowing the seed of the Word entails and the rewards it brings.

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Praise Report - from India!

 By Colleen Flanagan

We had our Unity Conference, and it did just that - it brought our little"family of God" together in unity! It was such a joy watching them come together all week long, practicing songs, working on the church, connecting the sound system, putting up signs, shopping, cooking - pulling together! They truly worked in "one mind and one accord!"

We did a PowerPoint to "God of this City." We tried to get a projector, but brought in a big screen monitor instead.

The little children called to me as we walked through the neighborhood; many came in and joined us. Four little girls learned "Jesus Loves Me" and we included that in the program. This has inspired so many, and now, next week, we are starting a Sunday School Program for them. We are so-oo excited!

To top things off, the "icing on the cake," the main Sunday School teacher here got the Holy Ghost on Sunday! That makes 25 since I've been here! God is so good! The ears are "tingling" here at what is happening in this little body of believers. Please keep me in your prayers. After all the fasting, praying, practicing, preaching, teaching - my body is weak. (I'm to speak at a non-Apostolic church this Sunday evening.) As I told God's people hereon Saturday, I can see the nail-scarred hands applauding, and hear Him saying, "Well done!"

Editor's Note: Sis. Colleen is amember of the Apostolic Church in Auburn Hills, Michigan (Pastor Steve Warman). She serves in short-term, A.I.M.-type ministries around the world and is currently serving in India. Sis Colleen also led our own Sis. Keila Fischer to the Lord through outreach to rehab housefor ladies back in 1998.