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.

A Few Good Men

By Don Warfield, Sr.

If history proves anything, it proves that there has never been a great supply of good men. It's the few who overturn the tyrant, rebuild the nation, or cause people to fall on their knees before God in repentance. Throughout history, God has always found these few good men who would rise to His cause and defeat the enemy.

The Jews of Jesus' day referred to the fathers of their nation; Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as three good men. In our own country, a few good men signed the Declaration of Independence, which was considered an act of treason by the king of England. Years later, during World War II, God had prepared a few good men to lead the world to victory. Some of those [first] names were Ike, Winston, and Franklin.

All through the Bible you will find records of a few good men; Joseph, Joshua, Caleb, all those listed in the book of Judges: down through time they march. Jesus had only twelve disciples, yet they turned the world upside down with the Gospel. What ingredients made these men good men?

Daniel, chapter one, tells us that Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself with the king's meat or drink. It was this same purpose of heart that made Joseph turn down the pleasures of Egypt, which eventually saved his entire family from starvation, and made Joshua declare, "As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." This same purpose made the disciples say, "We ought to obey God rather than man."

We need to look for good men to follow after. I thank God for my earthly father, who was a good father. When I was a child, he took me fishing and hunting. He always showed an interest in my schooling. He fathered me right up until his death. He was there when I needed him. He taught me to work because I never saw him hanging around the house without a job. He taught me to give by his generosity to others. But even with all the things he taught me - I will never be my father. Rather, I am to be an extension of my father, striving to be the man God wants me to be.

If we are ever to be one of the few good men, it won't happen automatically. You won't be a good father, a good husband, or a good neighbor unless you purpose in your heart as all good men before you have done. You will have to keep renewing that purpose in the face of all hell. Only as we stay in submission to God can He make us the man He wants us to be. Then, and only then can others say, "There goes one of the few good men!"

Editor's Note: Leader of our Home Bible Study ministry, a member of our adult Sunday School class teaching roster, and a faithful usher, Bro. Don Warfield is a blessing to the New Life Apostolic Church family. We are privileged to serve the Lord Jesus Christ in such company.

Shut Up and March!

By Mary Elizabeth Wholters

The Children of Israel were tired. They had walked and marched in the sun for six dusty days around a city that was evil and wicked. The people in the city were mocking them, throwing garbage on their heads, shouting curses for the last four days.

The first few days, the people of Jericho had looked over the walls in fear as they watched the Israelites march. They had heard of the God of the Israelites. They knew what God had done to their neighbors. But after so many dizzying days of watching them march around and around their city, they had begun to think nothing was going to happen. It was boring to them – and – to the children of God.

I can see the massive column of people plodding along, hearing the taunts of the enemy from the walls far above them. The kids were cranky. The expectant mothers and the elderly were sore and tired. They tried to ignore the taunts, but their attitudes showed the strain. They began to do only what they were told to do and no more. The dust was choking everything. The trumpets, once gleaming in the bright sun, were now dull and caked with dust. Oh, there were a few who were behind Joshua 100%. But most couldn't see the forest for the trees. You see, they didn't have the vision. They were not in direct contact with the one true God. Why were they marching? Because God said so? Because Joshua said so? Because everyone else was? I am sure that some were marching for one or more of these reasons, but most were doing it because somewhere down the line, someone began to push...

• “Move it will ya? Move it or I'll mow you down.”
• “I know you're tired, sweetie, but just a few more times and God is going to do something wonderful!”
• “Babe, could you rub my back for a minute? I'll keep walking, but my back is killing me!”
• “Sure, hon, I can do that. Are you and the babe all right?”
• “Yes, yes, we'll be fine.”
• “I wonder how God is going to do this. This seems really crazy – I hope it works!”
• “Did you see that guy on the wall? He was leering at me, Walk faster, I don't want him to see me again.”
• “How many times was that?”
• “Shhhhh! Will you just shut up and march?”

You see, the attitude had not changed from generation to generation. The same attitudes that got their parents and grandparents in trouble with Moses and God back in the wilderness had begun to creep back in. Oh, there were a few who got the message the first time; Caleb was one of them. Most of the others did not. The basic trust in their leader that every one of them should have had – they didn't exercise it.

There were gripes and complaints about why Joshua was chosen to be their leader when “they” could have done a much better job. Why was he so special? He hadn't done anything great. All he had done wast to say they could have taken a land with giants in it. GIANTS mind you! How were they supposed to fight giants? We sure would have looked silly taking on those giants. We would have lost miserably.

The God who had taken them safely out of Egypt was the same God who would deliver the giants into their hands. So, why, forty years later, was this attitude still prevalent? Maybe it's because none of the parents in that generation had dragged their kids before the elders of the camp, and said, “Tell them you are sorry” and. “We will have no more of that around here!” Instead, the parents went home, and said, “Yes, baby, you were right in saying what you did. That Moses shouldn't have gotten so angry with my little boy/girl.” (Pat, pat, pat on the head.) Their attitude should have been, “Now look,I will not tolerate any back-talking to or about Moses. He is our leader. Right or wrong, God put Him there for a purpose. We will serve the Lord, and in so doing, we will also be a servant to Moses.” And when the time came for Joshua to lead, children who had grown up with this kind of teaching would, in turn, tell their children the same thing. (See Deuteronomy 5:29.)

Do you not know that God could have blasted every enemy out of the land before they even stepped foot over the border? But time and again He tested them to see what they would do, and, sadly, they never quite seemed to get it.

This time, they had been told to march once around the city walls each day for six days; silently, saying nothing. On the seventh day, they were to march seven times around the walls, still silently, and then, when the priests blew the trumpets, they were to shout and make as much noise as they could – and watch what would happen. God delivered the land into their hands before they even got there, but He required of them an act of obedience to get the result.

Do we think we will get off any different? We are charged by God to obey, yet we seem to be willing to apply the rule to someone else and not ourselves. Verse after verse in the Bible takes on this matter of obedience; it's the “Obey them that have the rule over you” issue. It has a promise attached. Still, we continue to pawn it off on our kids and others, as if it's their job, not ours. The Word of God commands our children to obey – yes. But we, their parents, are supposed to demonstrate a life of willing, cheerful obedience. That, coupled with vocal support of our leadership, is a very important lesson.

Two of the reasons for showing unwavering support for our leaders are, 1.) so our kids will know what is right, and, 2.) so they will see the value of obedience. This is no time to be griping and complaining – in word, in thought, or in body language. We need to keep our attitude in line. The time has come. The time is now. It's time to... Shut up and march!

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!

Milestones / Graduation

By Marjorie Kinnee

 

A milestone's not a mill stone,

It's not a cumbersome thing;

It simply means we stop awhile

And see life's on a wing.

 

Milestones show how far we've come,

How far we've yet to go;

Provide a sense of where we've been

And set our hearts aglow.

 

The road ahead is yet unknown

Its joys and sorrows hidden;

Going back is not a choice,

To higher ground we're bidden.

 

For some it's graduation

From lesser, tamer shoals,

And launching out into the deep;

Uncharted, higher goals.

 

In life, there's many milestones,

from the cradle to the grave;

We're ever hoping, learning,

absorbing what others gave.

 

And when this life is over,

And our race on earth is run;

May we hear our Father saying,

"Welcome home, My child, Well done!"

 

 

Editor's Note: Three high school graduations, and graduations from kindergarten, elementary, and middle school, as well as promotions and home-goings to glory mark this year's month of June. While millstones only tie us down and hinder us from moving on into  future victories - milestones help us reminisce and make new pledges for continued growth and progress. The future is full of promise for the child of God!

 

 

 



Risk Takers

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: Luke 5:1-11

Peter was a professional fisherman, a fish expert, so to speak. Convinced of his own prowess and abiblities, he thought he fully understood what he was doing - knew all the ins and outs. Yet, though he'd toiled all night - still he'd caught no fish! What's more, he was vocal about it.

Obeying was key to what God wanted to show him... Peter's "nevertheless" meant taking a risk. "What if?" can get in the way of obedience. Then, as now, God is looking for risk-takers!

Steve Jobs, in a speech to graduates at Stamford University, said... "External expectations fall away when you realize you're going to die. No one wants to die - not even those who want to go to heaven. Death is the best invention of life."

Risk means possible dangers and death. (This is not Russian roulette or casino gambling.) To the follower of Christ, obedience means taking the right kind of risk. "Nevertheless - at Thy Word..."

Step out in faith... "I believe God!"
Get out of your comfort zone!

We're living in perilous times, but God is still looking for risk-takers - now, today!

• In the parable of the talents, the one who refused to take the risk with his talent was called an "evil servant."
• Esther said, "If I perish, I perish, but I'm going to see the king." 
• The "Three Hebrew Children" recognized the risks, acknowledged them, and concluded... God is able to deliver us. But if He doesn't, We're still not going to bow down.
• The little boy with the lunch was a risk-taker. He gave up a sure thing, and in giving it to Jesus, watched it become a blessing not only to himself, but also to the entire multitude.

Yes! Risk-taking involves setbacks and problems. But the overcomer steps out in faith onto the promises of God!

Let It Go! Move Forward!

Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: Philippians 3:13-14 - "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."

It is imperative that we focus on where we are right now. He is worthy! Forgiveness is essential. It's a must! You can go no farther until you forgive.

"To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; lest Satan should get an advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices." (II Corinthians 2:10-11)

Paul is saying here that unforgiveness gives the enemy and advantage over you. Bitterness is a root and it will defile you and others around you. Learn to put it behind you! Don't allow the devil to use the Word of God against you.

• Forgiveness means living at peace with all men -- as much as lieth within you.
• Forgiveness means keep on keeping on (be faithful).
• Forgiveness means keeping your focus on Jesus (eyes on the prize).

Don't let the enemy get you off-track.

• Samuel wasn't rejected, (even though he thought Israel was rejecting him,) it was God who was being rejected.
• storms (rough times) reveal new growth,
• "all things work together for good...",
• lilies grow best in the valley.
• Moses wasn't deterred by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.
• Egypt was a bad place - it needed to be left behind.
• No turning back!

The Battle is won (or lost) in the mind. It takes a made-up mind... a bulldog grip... "my heart is fixed..." I'm going on with the Lord!