Room to Grow?

By Bishop Charles R. Grisham

Scripture Base: Philippians 3:12 - "Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which I am also apprehended of Christ Jesus."

Do you still have room to grow? One of the most dangerous things that can happen is to feel we have "already arrived." There are those in this world who continually measure themselves by foolish comparisons to others they think are far below their standard. Paul issued a strong warning concerning this; "For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measure themselves by themselves and comparing themselves among themselves are not wise." (II Corinthians 10:12)

Jesus warned repeatedly of the leaven of the Pharisees; (spiritual pride,) the attitude that is afflicted with the infectiousness of arrogance, the idea that "I have arrived." or that, "I am perfect." He said, "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump." Once they obeyed all their own rules to their own satisfaction, they set out to impose themselves upon others. Jesus warned about three leavens. They were...

• the leaven of the Pharisees - spiritual pride
• the leaven of the Sadducees - power and control
• the leaven of Herod - the kingdom of self

These three Jewish political sects thought only of perpetuating their own power base. Jesus' warnings were well documented. (See Matthew 23.) Interestingly, these leavens became the apostasy of the New Testament church.

There are those who have obeyed a set of rules and now feel they have the right to "look down" on others they feel are less perfect. When a person begins to pride themselves with being the best, or the holiest of all, they have placed a lid on their potential to grow. After all, they think they are the best, greatest, and holiest in every way. It's like the old popular song that said, "Oh Lord, it's hard to be humble when you're perfect in every way." They are blinded to reality...

• "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods,and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked;" (Revelation 3:17)

When we think we have already arrived we cannot grow and progress. There seems to be a necessity of need in order to progress spiritually. The apostle Paul never stopped reaching... pressing... striving. He always kept a pace of trying to get nearer to God. He made it clear he didn't think he had arrived. He said he was still trying to grow.

• "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14)

Do you think you have already arrived? Or, do you think there is still room to grow? It's a serious matter!

Raise His Banner High!

By Jill Friedman

Whenever Bro. Charles Wilson came to the platform,I knew he was going to cheer me up by preaching faith and a positive message like no one else could. In my mind he is still preaching. There are no limits to Charles' God, who is everywhere and everything wonderful.

I'll never forget his story about the difference between an optimist and a pessimist: "You can put a pessimist in a room full of gold and he'll find a flaw in something; but if you put an optimist in a room full of horse manure, he'll say, "Oh boy! There must be a pony in here somewhere!"

I considered the home in which the Wilson boys were raised. The steadfast, quiet assurance in God of Bro. Wilson, Sr., must have had a profound influence on his sons because his steady faith is found in them also. There's no shadow of wavering. This friendly man wants to serve God. He has no hidden agendas. He is cheerful, willing, and quick to respond to needs as they arise. His joy is in the Lord. Nobody can take that away. Although Sis. Wilson has gone on home to glory, her excited testimonies and zeal for the Lord linger. her cheerfulness and kind words helped me many times. Her calm understanding had a steadying effect on her home. She busily worked on a job until she retired, but still managed to put God first. She based her family on a good foundation, the Word of God. With her husband, they two pulled together for over fifty years. Faithfulness and authority stabilized their efforts.

This family caught a glimpse of the gold in the hills of God. The extreme riches that are hidden to most have always been open to their eyes. The Wilsons visualized the beauty and romance, pageantry and great adventure of being a Christian while some cannot get past the drudgery of every day life in the wilderness.

Jesus, please anoint our eyes with eye salve and let us buy this gold. May we too wear the garments of the Christian life with grace and hope and joy. Let us lift Your banner high (as Bro. Charles was taught, believed, preached, and lived,) and "do exploits" in Jesus' Name!

Editor's Note: Sunday School Teacher, leader of our puppet ministry, saxophone player, and singer of unique songs - Sis. Jill is a multi-talented lady and a willing worker in the Kingdom of God.

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!"

Heard from the Pulpit...

By Carol Warfield

I got to thinking about all the wonderful men of God I've sat under during forty plus years of serving God. We need the Word of God, the Holy Ghost, and a true man of God to lead us. I am so thankful for these six faithful ministers who have guided my life and my walk with God. Many of the sayings they've used while preaching have stuck with me. I'd like to share several of them with you...

1. The first thing a saint will do when they become weak is begin to beautify themselves.
2. God is more concerned about our attitude than our troubles and situations, because trials will make you better or bitter.
3. To question why will not change your difficulty.
4. It's not that I can't - but I won't!
5. Because sin is not executed speedily man's heart is set on doing evil. (Ecclesiastes 8:11)
6. Prayer is never the easy way out, never for God to do it for us. Prayer is the hard way, it provides you the power to go through, it enables us to handle the problem.
7. In this life, nothing is forever.
8. Everything that's in the Word of God is for you, it's designed for you.
9. Sons are born, but disciples are made.
10. God doesn't take - He gives!
11. The eyes of faith see the result before it ever happens. The eyes of faith look up, while the eyes of man look down.
12. Faith brings perfect peace to our souls.
13. Creation itself is the proof of God.
14. The church must not be like everybody else. If the world does it, don't do it! (Leviticus 18:1-3)
15. If you keep the faith, the faith will keep you.
16. The thing that is the hardest for you to give up, that's the thing that will pull you back into the world - if you don't guard against it.
17. Flesh will never say no.
18. If you don't kill pride - it will kill you. (Proverbs 16:18)
19. Almost right is wrong.
20. Faith with love said, We can do anything. But compassion says, We must...!
21. Only dead things need paint; the barn, the house, the car, etc.
22. God will not accept anything less than our best; in prayer, in worship, in praise.
23. We cannot love people to heaven - they must obey the Scriptures.
24. Our conscience is a watch-dog for our soul.
25. Research proves all issues of holiness, both inward and outward, are essential for salvation.
26. If the Bible does not directly deal with an issue, we must trace it to it's original uses and purpose to discover whether or not it is of God.
27. Love gives, lust takes. Love is patient, kind, and understanding, lust is rude, crude, and very demanding.
28. If you are not winning them, they are winning you.
29. My friends, my God is fantastic. There are no words that describe Him. That's why I just take off shouting. It helps me to express how wonderful He is, and how crazy I am about my Lord. I'm not ashamed because He made my emotions and I'll use them as long as there is breath in my body and strength to do so - to glorify my God
30. Brains - Use them!
31. They don't know "come here" from "sic 'em!"

If you listen as the man of God speaks, you will gather fragments and crumbs of wisdom that will help you. You'll find they come back to your mind at needed moments, bringing encouragement and reminding you of the good things you have heard throughout your life as a child of God. It pays to serve Jesus!

Planning My Funeral

By Rachel Coltharp

I am planning my funeral. 

I know EXACTLY what I want.

The least expensive coffin on the market.

Do NOT waste precious dollars on a fancy box 

that is just going in the ground.  

I was frugal in life, I have a reputation to protect.

Bury me in a size 8. 

Maybe something with lace, or sequins. 

Or even better, lace AND sequins.

I know you'll have to cut it open 

and drape it over me, 

but DO PLEASE bury me in a size 8.

Save your money, don't send flowers.  

Instead, have a meal with someone you love.

Feel free to have tacos, chocolate cake 

and sweet tea to remember me by.

And here is the best part, 

I want THESE words said.

I want my kids to say, 

“My mom was a woman of integrity.  

She lived at home, like she lived in public.” 

I want my husband to say 

“She treated me with dignity and respect, 

and made me want to be my best self. 

Rachel made me proud to be a man.”

I want my neighbors to say, 

“She shared her veggies and flowers with us, 

and our kids always had a safe place 

to play over at her house.  

She sure loved our kids. 

Mrs. Coltharp, she really loved her church.  

She invited me to come every time we talked.”

I want my friends to say, 

“Rachel always told me the truth.  

It wasn’t always what I wanted to hear, 

and I didn’t always agree with her, 

but she always had my best at heart.”

I want my bank account to say 

“She always paid her tithe, 

and gave generously to the Kingdom.”

I want orphaned/abandoned children to say 

“She shared with us when we were alone, 

cold, hurting and hungry.”

I want my Bible to say, 

“She slap WORE ME OUT”..

I want my computer, cell phone, debit card, check book and mailbox to say “She served Christ first with me, herself second.”

I want my house to say, 

“I heard her pray every day,   

and watched her disciple her children

 right here within my walls. 

She made me a holy place.”

And I want it all to be true.

So, like I said, I’m planning my funeral.  

Every day.  

Every time I plan a meal.  Every time I open my web browser.  Every time I whip out my debit card.  Every time I pay my tithe.  Every time I open my door to a neighbor, a friend, or a child.  

Every time I reach for my Bible.

Every time I choke back my sarcastic reply, choosing a gracious word instead.  Every time I stifle my irritation and serve with humility, as unto the Lord, and not men.

For when my voice has ceased to speak, 

my words will echo in the hearts of my children.  

When my prayers have ceased to be breathed, 

they will still fan the flames 

in the souls of my loved ones.  

When my fingers stiffen and are folded 

into eternal stillness, 

my life will still touch those I leave behind.

  I’ll be gone.  

But I’ll still be here.

I’m planning my funeral.  

Are you?

Editor's Note: Rachel, wife of Brent Coltharp, who co-pastors First Apostolic Church in Aurora, Illinois, is the mother of four children and wears many hats as she passes through her days. Most of what she has described in the article above are easy to observe in a life that's being well-lived for Jesus.

Doing Good to Others

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: Luke 10:30-37
Key Verse: Luke 10:37b - "Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise."

In the story of the good Samaritan, Jesus taught the basic principle of ministry - doing good to others in the stead of Christ.

Let's look at six ways to help and do good for others...

1.) Be Sure You Have the Right Attitude.

• The Priest - insecure, fearful, avoided the problem. He held the victim at arm's length and isolated himself from the suffering man. Though his mandated ministry was clearly outlined, this priest was not willing to fulfill his responsibilities.
• The Levite - curious but uninvolved. Like a gawker, he wanted to see what was going on, but wasn't willing to pitch in and help.
• The Samaritan - saw and took action at his own expense. His compassion reached out to risk his own life for the sake of the injured man. He was willing to get dirty and bloody and gave of his time, energy, and personal resources.

* The key here is that we need to treat others as we would like to be treated!

2.) As People of God, We need to Cultivate a "Good Samaritan" Attitude!

• See the need...
• Ignorance and busy-ness are culprits/enemies of the right attitude.
• Meet the need...
• We need discernment; slow down, talk and listen to others.
• Two pence = two days' wages!

3.) Sympathize/Empathize - Show Compassion!

• Feel how others feel. (See Romans 12:5.)
• Judge nothing before the time!
• Learn how to listen!
• You learn sympathy/empathy by your experiences.

4.) Seize the Opportunity!

• Don't wait! Don't hesitate! - become a friend!
• Get down on their level - identify with them.
• Take a risk - be willing to get dirty.

5.) Be Willing to Sacrifice for the Sake of a Soul!

• Money - personal involvement/investment.
• Time - the Samaritan took at least two days!
• Energy - first aid, picked up, carried, took care.
• No guarantee of a return.

6.) Love Needs to Be the Driving Force!

• Compassion moved the Samaritan to action.
• He didn't get discouraged when/if he wasn't appreciated. (What could a man left for dead know of what was done to rescue him until well after the fact?) 

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!

A Little Word...

By Marjorie Kinnee
Editorial

Text: Matthew 6:9-15; 18:21-35; (Luke 11:2-4)
"And forgive us our debts, AS we forgive our debtors." (Matthew 6:12)

In other texts, the word, "debts," is rendered as "trespasses" and the verse reads, "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us." The word, "trespass," is defined as "going beyond the known boundary or boundaries."

In that context, let us closely examine the little word, "as."

Used as both an adverb and a conjunction, Webster gives several meanings for this two-letter word...

1. (adv.) - to the same extent or degree
2. (conj.) - in the same way
3. (conj.) - at the same time
4. (conj.) - for the reason that
5. (conj.) - with the result that
6. (conj.) - in accordance with

Forgiveness, according to the texts above, is required. There is no plan B, no other option is provided, no excuses, no evasions, and no extenuating circumstances. It is a given that offenses and trespasses will come. You can count on it. It is also set in stone that we are required to forgive those offenses and tresapasses. Our forgiveness from God hinges upon our willingness to forgive others.

So far, nothing we've said is new news. We've quoted and sung the Lord's Prayer all our lives. It's been said that in the highjacked flight over Pennsylvania on 9/11, those who tried to retake the plane prayed the Lord's Prayer just before saying, "Let's roll!"

But it all boils down to that one little word - as. Think about it!

1. Forgive - to the same degree or extent - you've been forgiven.
2. Forgive - in the same way - you've been forgiven.
3. Forgive - at the same time - you're being forgiven.
4. Forgive - for the reason that - you've been forgiven.
5. Forgive - with the result that - you'll be forgiven.
6. Forgive - in accordance with - the forgiveness you've received.

Peter wanted to put a number on forgiveness. He sought for a limit. "Lord, how oft shall my brother [poor Andrew!] sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?" Jesus' answer nipped Peter's question in the bud. He set the number high enough to be unreachable in any given day. And considering that we know HIS mercies are new every morning and we are told not to let the sun go down on our wrath; the count must restart every day!

The next thing Jesus did was to launch into a parable. Seems a king was taking account of his servants. One came with a debt of 10,000 talents. There was no doubt that he owed it and no way he could repay it. He pled for mercy and patience, promising to repay all.

For whatever reason, the king was moved with compassion. Maybe he'd just learned that his wife was going to have a baby, maybe some enemy had been defeated in battle, maybe some plot to overthrow his rule had been thwarted; whatever the reason, the king's compassion caused him to forgive the enormous debt and set the servant free.

On his way out of the palace, the forgiven servant noticed a fellow-servant who owed him 100 pence. We're talking gold, (the 10,000 talent debt,) vs. copper (100 pence). The forgiven man takes the little guy by the throat demanding immediate payment. The little guy begs for mercy, but to no avail. He was cast into prison until the debt was paid.

The fellow-servants witnessed it all and went to tell the king, who, in turn, recalled the culprit. "Wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt, just because you asked. Shouldn't you have had at least the same pity on your fellow-servant as I had on you?" Furious, the king restored the entire 10,000 talent debt back into the record books and delivered the debtor into the hands of the tormentors until all the money was repaid.

Peter's final answer was Jesus closing statement... "So likewise shall My heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses." (Matthew 18:35)

Oh Lord, Forgive us our trespasses [crossing His known boundary/ies] AS we forgive those who trespass [cross over our known boundary/ies] against us!

How to Obtain Life and Peace

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: Romans 8:1-6

In this chapter, Paul references the Holy Spirit nineteen times! This truth is a strong foundation you can build upon. "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)

• Know the truth - Know what's right
• No condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus
• It's sin that leads to condemnation and death

Condemnation: to declare a person guilty and worthy of punishment.

• Through Jesus you don't have to be condemned

In Luke 18, both the Pharisee and the publican were praying.

• the Pharisee was "I'm all good!" [He despised the publican.]
• the publican was "Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner." [went home justified]

In Numbers 12, Miriam and Aaron rebelled.

• Moses' response was, "Heal her now, O Lord, I pray!"
• Walk After the Spirit - Do what's right!
• Make the right decisions and act upon them.
• Keep Your Thoughts in Check - Think what's right! (I Corinthians 10:5)
• The law was a schoolmaster to lead us to Christ, but it was not possible to obey the law in the flesh.
• Jesus died to set us free from the curse of the law (revealed sin).
• Make up your mind - I want more of Jesus!
• Make no provision for the flesh.
• Be Spiritually minded - "the Spirit is life" (verse 10)
• Justification - the accused is acquitted, declared righteous, free from the penalty

Onward Christians

By Charles R. Grisham

 

Let we Christians take our stand,

As we journey to that land.

Let us labor, watch, and pray,

For there will be a brighter day.

 

Let our lives be as a light,

To show the way that leads to right,

Telling sinners the old, old story,

How they too, may live in glory.

 

Our life on earth is but a span,

To His great, almighty hand,

Let our deeds be acceptable to Christ,

That we might have eternal life.

 

When all is ended here below,

Will our lives be white as snow?

If we haven't earned a frown,

We may wear a shining crown.

 

 



Who's Validating You?.

Editorial
By Marjorie Kinnee

The raising of Lazarus from the dead caused many of the Jews to "believe on Jesus." (John 12:11) This included many chief rulers. Yet in the same chapter we read, "...because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God." (John 12:42-43) What a dilemma! Knowing to do good but fearful that someone or something will be lost if you persist in the good you know to do. This crux is common to man, but it begs the question; who's validating you?

Popular opinion is weighty. Popular opinion is a salesman. The idea of what others will think accomplishes everything from correcting childish behavior to the latest polling data on the presidential elections. Politicians of all persuasions would have you think everybody and his cousin will be voting for them. It's the "pack" mentality. Know this, peer pressure is not reserved for teen angst only.

But there are three major problems with popular opinion. 1.) fickleness - will o'the wisp, here today and gone tomorrow. No staying ability. 2.) polluted wells - popular opinion depends on word of mouth. But if you've ever played the "gossip" game, you've seen how word of mouth can become twisted and polluted in just a few forwards. Social media has crystallized the gossip game into a corrupted art form. You cannot get pure water from a polluted well. 3.) cisterns - cisterns are reservoirs, holding tanks for fluids, usually water. They have no constant source of refreshing. Once corrupted, the corruption stays until the tank is emptied, scrubbed, bleached, rinsed and refilled. Without a drainage system and a source of renewal the cistern is going to stagnate, becoming a breeding ground for all sorts of foul critters and gunk.

Validation by every other earthly yardstick, (be it education, wealth, health, fame, beauty, material possessions, achievements, physical prowess and/or strength,) is still shallow at best and ephemeral always. If the source of your validation is weighted down with man's opinions, prejudices, and evaluations it can only reproduce more of the same. This flesh is never far from its genepool. What's more, we pass that genepool onward. We can do nothing else.

Even in the church, where the saints of the Most High congregate, there is a danger. It's comparing ourselves amongst ourselves. Who's the best, who's the greatest, who's the most educated, who's the most charismatic; "I am of Paul, I am of Apollos, I am of Cephas..." We seek to elevate ourselves by our accomplishments; what we know, who we know, and with whom we associate. What's worse, we consider ourselves a failure if we cannot measure up to someone else's yardstick. Paul said such comparisons are not wise. All they engender is a missed mark. In short, seeking men's applause is an exercise in leaning your ladder against the wrong wall. If you climb to the very top of the ladder, you're still in the wrong place. Jesus said, "What is a man profited if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?"

Paul's "pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus" aims the ladder in the right direction. When Jesus is your focal point, your example, and your reward, you're on target. After all - what is better than HIS smile of approval? Do you think that, as you stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ, you can be certified by anything other than what HE saw and recorded? And, if you get to hear HIM say, "Well done! thou good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joys of your Lord! Is that not the greatest validation anyone could ever receive?

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.