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!

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!

Servant, Friend, Steward, Son

By Marjorie Kinnee
Editorial

Text: John 15:14-15 – “Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends: for all things that I have heard of My Father I have made known unto you.”

God's Word uses many examples to illustrate levels of service in His Kingdom. He speaks of bearing fruit and bearing much fruit. He also speaks of of a harvest yielding thirty, sixty, and a hundred-fold and vessels of honor and dishonor. Talents are disbursed as five, two, and one – each recipient is expected to work with what he's been given. Diligence and faithfulness add to that and reward or punishment is administered accordingly. At the Judgment Seat of Christ, works are divided, depending on whether they survive the fire of His scrutiny; gold, silver, and precious stones, versus wood, hay, and stubble. Let's compare servants, friends, stewards and sons...

Servant – The American Heritage Dictionary says a servant is: 1.) One who is privately employed to perform domestic services, [cook, butler, housekeeper, maid, etc.] 2.) One who is publicly employed to perform services, as for a government [civil servant]. [Elisha was servant to Elijah. Gehazi was servant to Elisha.]

1. Jesus said a servant doesn't know the mind of his master. (John 15:15)
   
2. Jesus came to serve – He made Himself of no reputation. (Philippians 2:7-8)
   
3. For Kingdom servants, the way up is down. (Matthew 20:27; I Corinthians 9:19)
   
4. Kingdom servants do so by love. (Galatians 5:13) Old Testament – Love-slaves (Exodus 21:2-6)
   

Friend – A friend is a person whom one knows, likes, and trusts. [David and Jonathan were friends.]

1. Jesus said, “You are My friends if you do whatsoever I command.” (John 15:15)
   
2. Friends are informed about what's going on; they hear and heed. (John 15:15; Romans 12:2)
   
3. Friends learn to be of one mind (unity) with each other. (Philippians 2:5)
   
4. A friend loveth at all times. (Proverbs 17:17)
   
5. Abraham was God's friend. (Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23) Moses too! (Exodus 33:11a)
   
6. Friends Believe Friends. (Romans 4:3; James 2:23)
   

Steward – A steward is one who manages another's property, finances, or other affairs.

1. At one time, Abraham asked if his steward, Eleazar, would be his heir. (Genesis 15:2-6) Later, faithful Eleazar was sent to bring back a wife for Isaac. (Genesis 24)
   
2. A steward must be faithful. (I Corinthians 4:1-2)
   
3. Faithful stewards are rewarded. (Luke 12:42-44)
   

Son – A son is one's male child; one's son may be so by blood or by adoption. [Solomon was David's son.]

1. Isaac, not Ishmael, was Abraham's son of promise. (Genesis 21:12; Romans 9:7-9)
   
2. A son inherits, he is his father's heir. (Galatians 4:7; I John 3:1-3) We are too! (Galatians 4:28-29)
   
3. A son learns obedience. (Hebrews 5:8; 12:7)
   
4. A son is disciplined (with love) while learning obedience. (Hebrews 12:5-13; Proverbs 3:12)
   
5. Sons love fathers. (John 5:19-20) Fathers love sons. (John 14:15, 21, 23; 15:10)
   
6. Sons of God are those who are led by His Spirit. (Romans 8:14-17)
   

Amazing that we need not be limited to any single one of these categories! James says we can be “perfect and entire, wanting [lacking] nothing.” (James 1:4b) Peter speaks of an “abundant entrance.” ((II Peter 1:11) This is how it's done: “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrew 13:20-21)

May we each hear Him say, “Well done!”

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)

On the Furnace...

By Marjorie Kinnee
Editorial

Text: Daniel 3:1-30

In Daniel, chapter three, we find the story of the three Hebrew children and their adventure with a fiery furnace. You probably first heard it when you were a small child. It's been told and retold by pastors, preachers, parents, and teachers ever since. It's about three young men in a trying situation and an angry king whose will was crossed. Holding on was going to cost each of them something. There, at the intersection of unbending faith and an unbendable will, friction built; resulting in a fiery furnace which melted and purged the unbendable - and - purified and sanctified the unbending.

"Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction." (Isaiah 48:10) The Bible has much to say about furnaces, fiery trials, rods of correction, refining, purging, purifying, and the holy purpose behind such measures. Here are some things we can observe about the work of furnaces...

• Furnaces may be stoked to incredible temperatures by fury and vengeance. (Daniel 3:19)
• Furnaces may be lethal for their stokers and feeders. (Daniel 3:22)
• Furnaces are instruments of change and correction. (Job 5:17; Psalm 66:10; Hebrews 12:6)
• By design, furnaces can only destroy things of earth. (Job 28:1-2; Luke 3:17; I Corinthians 3:13-15)
• Furnaces purge things which are not good. (Psalm 79:9; Isaiah 1:25; II Timothy 2:19-21)
• Furnaces purify things which are good. (Proverbs 25:4; Malachi 3:2-3)
• Furnaces create an atmosphere of extreme discomfort, and thereby, the desire for change. (Psalm 17:3; 119:119-120; Jonah 2:7)
• Furnaces make what's being changed cry out during the process. (Jonah 2:1; Zechariah 13:9)
• Furnaces are not hell - though they may feel like it. (Jonah 2:2; Hebrews 12:25-29)
• Furnaces are a temporary measure, used at a specific time and season, for a specific purpose; but the fire doesn't go out until its work is complete. (II Corinthians 4:17; Hebrews 12:11)
• Total submission to the will of God, (whether it be through the furnace of affliction, fiery trials, or chastening,) brings the confidence to speak faith and helps us conquer our human tendency toward struggle and fear. (Daniel 3:16-18; I Peter 4:19)
• A furnace offers the opportunity for a visible visit by God. (Daniel 3:25)
• When the work of the furnace is complete, the result is far more valuable than it was to begin with! (Job 23:10; James 1:17; I Peter 1:7; 4:12-14)

Rebellious children, a wayward spouse, conflict, persecution, physical affliction, traumatic experiences, crisis, chastening, and disobedience are just a few of the things that can bring us to an up close and personal understanding of the work of the furnace. In such times, please Lord, help us to remember... 1. Yielding shortens the process, (Ecclesiastes 10:4) 2. Your grace is sufficient, (II Corinthians 12:9) and, 3. You are always working all things together for good. (Romans 8:28)

The Quickening...

Editorial
By Marjorie Kinnee

Text: Hebrews 4:12-13 - "For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of 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: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do."

The writer of the book of Hebrews described the power of the Word of God as "quick" (alive) - able to bring life and light into the heart and soul of man. What's more, he did it in a manner so succinct and plain that it left no doubt that God's Word can and will accomplish whatever He purposes for it to do. (See Isaiah 55:11.) This power of the Word can take out a stony heart and replace it with a heart of flesh. (See Ezekiel 11:19-20.) It can turn a stubborn will into a broken and contrite spirit. (See Psalm 34:18; Isaiah 57:15.) Such is the transforming power of the Word of God.

The 119th Psalm is a series of twenty-two segments, eight verses in length; each segment bearing a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. They all focus on the value of the Word of God; magnifying it, exalting it, giving it the recognition it deserves as the foundation for our faith.

Psalm 119 presents three ways "Thy Word hath quickened me." (See verse 50.)

1. "According to Thy Word..." (verses 25, 107, and 154)
2. "In Thy Way..." (verse 37)
3. "In Thy Righteousness..." (verse 40)

In addition, Psalm 119 divides God's Word into four categories; Statutes, (an established law, edict, or decree,) Precepts, (a rule or principle,) Judgments, (the ability to discern and draw sound conclusions,) and Commandments, (a Divine command or edict). These are administered "after Thy lovingkindness," (verses 88 and 159,) and, "according to Thy judgments," (verses 149 and 156). Thus, the Word teaches and instructs us. It is both lamp and light. It directs us and orders our steps. It brings help and hope. It gives food for thought, brings enlightenment, and bestows a blessing to all those who seek its wisdom. Those who have a good understanding of God's Word have also found joy and delight; a faithful counselor, and a constant guide. This Word is likened to bread, feeding and satisfying the hunger of the heart.

John 1:1 tells us this "Word" was "in the beginning," (He is Author and Finisher of our faith.) and goes on to say that this "Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us..." (verse 14)

Although the Jews resisted and rejected His words, Jesus declared that He was (and is) the bread of Life (See John 6:30-35, 47-51, 53-58.) "It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit,and they are Life." (John 6:63) What Jesus was giving was an Abiding Presence;

• one who would never leave or forsake, 
• one who would lead and guide,
• one who would teach,
• one who would bring all things to remembrance, 
• one who would comfort, 
• one who had been with - but now would be in,  
• one who would come in Jesus' Name, 
• one who was (and is) the Spirit of Truth, 
• one who would testify of Jesus, 
• one who would give such great joy that no one could take it away - ever,

No wonder this Word is quickening! It gives life more abundantly - not just in the here and now, but for all eternity. 

"Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart. I have inclined my heart to perform Thy statutes alway, even unto the end." (Psalm 119:111-112)

The Benefits of True Repentance...

By Marjorie Kinnee
Editorial

Text: Hosea 14:4-8; John 15:1-5
Key Verse: Matthew 4:17 - "From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Repentance is both a mercy and a privilege extended to mankind because of the grace of God  Every other part of man's relationship with God hinges on this essential first step. Repentance is taught in both the Old and New Testaments. David's Psalm of repentance (Psalm 51) has become a model prayer. Job 33:26-30 provides a clear definition of what true repentance entails. Every Old Testament prophet issued calls for repentance, and both John the Baptist and Jesus inaugurated their ministries with "Repent ye!"

But repentance is more than just acknowledging our sin and asking for forgiveness. Repentance leads us to cleansing and clearing and making things right with those we have sinned against - including and especially God! Once man's heart is reconciled with God, he begins to understand the benefits associated with a right standing in the eyes of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Hosea provides a list of them...

1. I will heal their backsliding.
2. I will love them freely.
3. My anger [against their sin] is turned away. 
4. I will be as the dew.
5. He [the repentant one] shall grow as the lily,
6. and cast forth his roots.
7. His branches shall spread.
8. His beauty shall be as the olive tree.
9. His smell as Lebanon [cedar trees].
10. They that dwell under his shadow shall return [extends to repentant's sphere of influence].
11. They shall revive as corn,
12. and grow as the vine.
13. The scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon [which has great drawing power].
14. All this comes at Jesus' expense! He said, "From Me is thy fruit found!" (John 15:1-5).

The old song says, "Oh, what peace we often forfeit! Oh, what needless pain we bear! All because we do not carry - everything to God in prayer." He bore our sins in His body on the cross of Calvary. The price for our peace has already been paid. The benefits of true repentance are so great that it makes no sense to continue in sin any longer. Jesus said, "Behold I stand at the door and knock." Open the door of your heart to Him today!

Pleasing God...

Editorial By
Marjorie Kinnee

Text: Hebrews 13:20-21 - "Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."

A recent excellent Bible Study by Sis. Foreman entitled "Three Ways to Please God," was a special blessing to me personally and has been a catalyst for meditation and further consideration. Identifying Righteousness, Integrity, and Holiness, she encouraged us to seek to follow after the Lord wholeheartedly, knowing that the Lord sees everything from the obvious to the thoughts and intents of the heart. Righteousness is imputed unto the faithful and obedient by God Himself. We need a "made-up mind, and our integrity is founded on our determination to follow God no matter what, no matter who's looking or not looking. Holiness is born in a heart that seeks to be cleansed from every sin and filled with His righteousness. It was apparent that these three factors are not only critically important, but they're also intertwined - each adding dimension and strength to the others.

Because two of my innermost, heart-felt longings are to sense His smile of approval toward me, and to hear Him say, "Well done!" at the end of my life's journey - my thoughts turned toward identifying ways we can know we are pleasing our Lord...

First, Hebrews 13:15-16 reveals that the 1.) "sacrifice of praise", 2.) "doing good" [obedience], and, 3.) "to communicate" [with God, His Word, with those He has set over us in spiritual authority, and with each other]. All three of these are counted as "sacrifices" that are "well-pleasing unto God." It is interesting to note the sacrificial part of this equation is that each of these require our submission - sending our will under His. Isaiah 1:19 promises good to those who are willing and obedient.

Second, Proverbs 11:20 tells us "the upright are His delight." In a physical building, an upright is dependable. Other parts of the building can lean on uprights because they support the structure. Spiritually speaking, the upright are pillars in the church; loyal, steadfast, proven over time, committed and dependable. It's no wonder they are pleasing to the Lord.

Third, Proverbs 16:7 provides an interesting bonus blessing... "When a man's ways please the LORD, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him." Think about it! When God's smile of approval is on you and your life, your enemies have to sit back and take notice. God's favor is obvious. We have only to look at the lives of men like Joseph and Daniel to see that God's favor is not subject to man's displeasure. Enemies conspired and beset both of these godly men, but God's favor brought them through it all with victory.

Finally, we can rest assured that His favor will carry us through whatever life brings our way. "The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in His mercy." (Psalm 147:11) There you have it! There are ways to know when we are pleasing our Lord and Savior and that we have His smile of approval. Pleasing God brings bountiful benefits and blessings well worth any and every sacrifice; not only here and now, in this life, but throughout eternity!

Patience Until...

By Marjorie Kinnee
Editorial

Text: James 5:6-7 - Be ye patient therefore, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

As we proceed through this year of "Sowing and Reaping," the theme for July is "patience." Pastor Foreman has taught several excellent lessons concerning the nature of and the need for patience. Each one has been a blessing and an eye-opener; we have benefitted from the Word of the Lord.

Life brings a multitude of situations in which one must go through. Although we'd like to go around, go over or under, or in some way escape it, we come to the understanding that there is nothing else to do but go directly through. As the game says, "Do not pass go, do not collect $200,00."

"...Patience works experience..." and, "Let patience have her perfect work" become like a mantra. Yet we find ourselves saying with the prophet, "How long, O Lord?"

What if God says that about us? We know that during His earthly ministry, Jesus had several "How long...?" moments. We know He became frustrated with the complaints and rebelliousness of the children of Israel, both in the wilderness and in their continual backslidings as they dwelt in the promised land. Obviously, the spiritual obliviousness of the disciples tried His patience. Yet, His Word tells us He is longsuffering, that He is in the business of transforming us into His image, and that this process takes time and much patience on His part. Is it any wonder then, that we too need a healthy dose of patience?

James telling us to be patient until... He says it twice: until "the coming of the Lord." Giving the example of the farmer who prepares the ground, sows the seed, adds the fertilizer, pulls the weeds, but has to wait until the process is complete before he can harvest the fruit of his labors, James leaves no doubt. Yes, there's much work involved, but nothing is finished until the wait is over.

We've long referred to the Rapture of the church as "the coming of the Lord" and there are numerous Scriptural reasons for that thinking. Moreover, all the waiting will come to perfection when the Lord ushers His Bride into His presence forever. But... there appears to be more than the Rapture involved here, much more...

Any time the Lord Himself comes into your situation, it is the coming of the Lord. Salvation, healing, deliverance, intervention, wisdom, understanding, godly counsel, and even death are all evidences that the Lord has come. Isaiah 61:1-3 speaks of the kinds of situations which bring about the coming of the Lord. Psalm 23 abounds with pictures of the trust and patience needed when the Lord is your Shepherd... "maketh me lie down, leadeth me, restoreth, with me, comfort me, prepares a table, anointest my head, goodness and mercy follow me, I will dwell." All these are indications of the need to be patient. We have heard of the patience of Job, he said, "...all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come." (Job 14:14) 

In the process of time... If God can wait for the early and latter rain to be complete before catching His beloved Bride away unto Himself; then hold on, settle yourself. "...When that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away." (I Corinthians 13:10)

"Behold, the coming of the Lord draweth nigh!"

Heavenly Kisses

By Marjorie Kinnee
Editorial

Text: Psalm 85:10-11 - "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven."

Mercy is God's business. At man's best, his kind of mercy is flawed, dependent upon God's example to be of any effect. Proverbs 16:6 says, "By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD, men depart from evil." As God's mercy comes down to us, we begin to see the truth of our lack and our need. A repentant heart is the seed bed of truth.

David's condition was grave, his sin was egregious. In his prayer, (Psalm 51,) we can identify twenty-one key words or phrases. They are the facets of true repentance...

1. Have mercy,
2. Blot out my transgressions,
3. Wash me thoroughly,
4. Cleanse me, 
5. I acknowledge my transgressions,
6. Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned,
7. I was shapen in iniquity,
8. Thou desirest truth in the inward parts,
9. Purge me, and I shall be clean,
10. Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow,
11. Make me to hear joy, and gladness,
12. Hide Thy face from my sins,
13. Blot out all mine iniquities,
14. Create in me a clean heart,
15. Renew a right Spirit within me,
16. Cast me not away,
17. Take not Thy Holy Spirit from me,
18. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation,
19. Uphold me with Thy free Spirit,
20. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness,
21. Open Thou my lips.

David's spiritual condition was desperate. Without God he was in total darkness, as if he were dead. Hedged in by his sin, he had nowhere to go. His prayers went no higher than the ceiling; God wasn't listening. Condemnation lie in wait like a predator. His strength and hope had perished. He saw and heard the snide remarks and derision of all those around him. Sitting in misery and affliction, David felt cut off, estranged from every good thing he'd ever known.

But God! (See II Peter 3:9.) As the mercy of God flowed down toward David's need, truth rose up to meet it. "It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Right there, at the conjunction of mercy and truth, righteousness and peace, David found himself squarely in the center of a heavenly kiss! Though his sin had separated him from God, mercy like the morning dew embraced the truth of what true repentance is. It is the great reconciler! You too can find the joy that comes from placing yourself in the center of a heavenly kiss!

"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." (II Corinthians 5:20) 

The Seed is the Word

Editorial by
Marjorie Kinnee

Text: "Now the parable is this: The seed is the Word of God." (Luke 8:11)

Both Matthew and Luke record the parable of the sower. Identifying four types of soil, Jesus spoke of things easily understood in an agricultural society. Farmers knew all about stony ground, about weeds and thorns, and about hungry fowls of the air. They also knew that fertilizer and crop rotation upped their chances of an abundant harvest, which was the goal of every farmer. But when He explained the parable to His disciples, Jesus likened the soil to the hearts of men. Thus, while the hearts of men varied in their ability to receive, grow, and bear fruit; He began His explanation with an absolute fact. "The Seed is the Word of God."

From the beginning, the Word of God was powerful. The very first record of the Word of God ia found in Genesis 1:3 - "And God said, Let there be light, and there was light." Hebrews 4:12 tells us "...the Word of God is quick, [alive] and powerful..." The apostle John launched his gospel with this truth... "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1) And in his first epistle, John says, "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;... that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us:..." (I John 1:1, 3)

New Life Apostolic Church has been immersed in our theme for this year; "Reaping the Harvest." Each month, throughout the year we're focusing on particular aspects of that theme. Bible Studies, sermons, and devotional messages highlighting various facets have blessed and inspired us to "sow the seed" diligently and in faith, expecting an abundant harvest.

One thing is sure - with good seed, a good harvest will follow. Even seed stored in Egypt over thousands of years in the tombs of the kings; once planted, it grows and flourishes. Jesus said, "Except a corn of wheat fall into the earth and die, it abideth alone." The laws of harvest are immutable. Though seed may lie dormant for a long time, even over centuries; but when planted in good soil, it will come to life. Why? Because the life is in the seed! Jesus also said, "The words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63b)

This is why you may plant a seed of truth in the heart of someone, then you and/or he moves away to a distant place. You never see each other again. Rest assured, that seed still has all the potential it ever had. Somewhere, sometime, in God's time, it will come to life! (See John 4:35-38.) It's God breathed!

Let's consider the breath of God. Genesis 2:7 tells us that God breathed into man's nostrils "the breath of life, and man became a living soul." That was the physical birth of man. Since then, every child born into this world has to take that first breath. Without it, the child is stillborn. Ezekiel related his vision of the valley of dry bones - a vast army of slain [dead] soldiers. Although the scattered bone were miraculously joined together and muscles and skin covered the carcasses, they were still a bunch of dead bones and skin until the breath of God came. As Ezekiel prophesied to the winds, they blew across the slain. The breath of life entered and they lived again - a great and mighty army. (See Ezekiel 37:9-10, 14.)

When Jesus talked with Nicodemus, (John 3:1-8) He drew a correlation between the natural, physical birth and the new birth - a work of the Spirit - and referred to the wind. Later, at the close of His earthly ministry, Jesus "breathed" on His assembled disciples and said, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost." (John 20:22)

Is it any wonder then, that when the Day of Pentecost was fully come... "Suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting... And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:1-4)

We are laborers together with Christ. The work He began in the earth has been entrusted to us who believe and obey His commandments. We have been given the ministry of reconciliation, crying "Be ye reconciled to God!" (See Isaiah 55:8-13.) "So shall My Word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."

The Prayer of a Seed...

Editorial
By Marjorie Kinnee

Text:  Psalm 4:1-8

Every seed that is sown is dependent on God's laws of sowing and reaping if it is ever to come to life, growth, and fruitfulness. Soil, seed, sun, wind, and rain are all necessary, common denominators in the process. Seeing this psalm from the perspective of the seed brought the realization that the seed is totally incapable of caring for itself. All the elements that are necessary for its very life are also the very elements that can contribute to its destruction. What's more, it has to die to live!

Vs. 1 - "Hear me... enlarge me... have mercy..." If a seed could talk, surely it would cry out to its Maker. The sole purpose of the seed is to be fruitful and multiply. A seed is often soaked in water before planting to enhance its capacity to hold moisture. Water is one of the basic elements of life.

Vs. 2 - "How long...?" Seems like much of a seed's existence is caught up in waiting, in hiding. It hides in the fruit, it hides in seed packets, it hides in the ground. In each of these places it has to wait. Surely nothing is more tedious than waiting.

Vs. 3 - "The LORD hath set apart him for Himself..." Submitting to the will, the pre-ordained plan and purpose of God is made so much easier when this truth is absorbed and embraced.

Vs. 4 - "Stand in awe... sin not... commune with your own heart upon your bed... be still..." So many Scriptures come to mind about waiting and the strength that comes in trusting in His covenant and promises. There is so much to be said for those who wait patiently for the Lord to bring His good pleasure to pass. Doubtless, it is not easy; but it is a crucial part of dying out.

Vs. 5 - "Offer sacrifices of righteousness... put your trust in the LORD..." No amount of human logic, reasoning, plans, plots, or agendas can take the place of complete and utter, childlike trust. It was that kind of trust that gave the three Hebrew children the strength to allow themselves to be planted in a fiery furnace. It was that kind of trust that brought Joseph through repeated betrayal and treachery. Seeds give themselves freely, trusting God to take care of the harvest.

Vs. 6 - "There be many that say, Who...? ...LORD, [shine] on us..." No matter what the gainsayers and the naysayers say, nothing can go awry if it has the smile of God's approval on it. The seed is dependent upon days of sunshine to warm the soil and bring the seed to life. Folks can doubt all they want to, but God's laws of sowing and reaping take no notice of doubt or unbelief. They're in effect for ever!

Vs.7 - "Thou hast put gladness in my heart..." The hope of the seed is the harvest that is yet to be. During the last supper, Jesus spoke of the time when they would once again gather to eat it anew int His Kingdom to come. He then set about to give His life to birth that Kingdom. Paul tells us Jesus endured the cross, despising the shame, for the joy that was set before Him.

Vs. 8 - "I will both lay me down in peace and sleep... only You, LORD..." The seed can commit itself without fear, purely and simply because of Who it is that is in charge of its life - both now and to come. Implicit trust holds nothing in reserve. So it was with the three Hebrew boys... "We are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up." (Daniel 3:16b-18) Seeds of that sort will always bring forth an abundant harvest!

The Seeds of Joy

Editorial by
Marjorie Kinnee

Text: Psalm 107:21-22 - "Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declate His works with rejoicing."

In a recent devotion, I read that the New Testament Greek word, chairo, is translated as both joy and grace. It's also the center of the Greek word for thanksgiving. The author suggested a connection and I began to ponder on the significance of this concept.

My mind drew a pathway between thanksgiving and joy and found it paved with grace. It came to me that the seeds of joy are implanted by and in a thankful heart, and, that thanksgiving is the soil in which joy grows best. I began to think about people I have known who displayed a heart of thanksgiving. To a man, (or woman,) each name and face that came to mind were persons of joy. It radiated from their faces and in their actions. What's more, many of the other "fruits of the Spirit" were also manifest in these joyful ones.

It appears as though I've stumbled onto a secret, that really isn't a secret at all! It does require a bit of "seek and ye shall find," but it's not hard to see once you know where to look. We know that Jesus is the Author of our joy, so when we begin to think on His goodness and grace toward us, our families, our friends, and in general; thanksgiving is artesian - it just springs up and flows out.

If joy springs up out of a thankful heart, it behooves us to begin to voice our gratitude. Once we convert our thinking into the thankfulness mode, the reasons to be thankful are like the spores of dandelions, prolific and broadcast on and by the slightest breeze. The Joy dishwashing soap people used a commercial some years ago. It simply said, "Your Joy Shows." How appropriate!

If you want to radiate the joy of the Lord to the lost and dying world around you, cultivate a heart of thanksgiving. It's the seedbed of your joy!

Terminal Thinking

By Marjorie Kinnee
Editorial

Text: Psalm 39:4-8

One cannot sit under the teaching of Charles R. Grisham for 25 plus years without absorbing many impactful truths. One was his Three Touch Points for every day... (paraphrased)

1. Touch God,
2. Touch others,
3. Touch something that will outlive you.

This philosophy led him into a writing ministry which affected the lives and ministries of multiplied thousands. And, like the ripples on a pond, his impartations continue on and on as his endeavors are being replicated in those to whom he ministered. They, in turn, pass what they've learned into the hearts and lives of those under their sphere of influence. Now that is a legacy!

True terminal thinking is not a box canyon. Psalm 39:4-5 reveals it's proper scope.

• Make me to know my end
• And the measure of my days,
• That I may know how frail I am.
• Every man at his best state is but a vapor.

Understanding the following will underline the importance of the above...

• Our earthly work is vain.
• In reality, we heap up wealth we cannot keep;
• We have no idea who is getting it.

Here's a couple of examples. 1.) You hold stock in a mutual fund, but the mutual fund managers invest your dollars into ventures they think will be profitable. These ventures may or may not fit with your priorities and principles, but you trust the fund manager/s to do right by your investment. Hedge funds and various cloaking manuevers make it possible and even probable that you have no idea who is actually getting your money. 2.) In an inheritance devoted to family members, you have no guarantee that they will actually use it for the purpose/s you intend. While they would be foolish to squander your money; once you're dead, there is no real way to find out whether your inheritors have kept to your wishes. An heir who is determined to bypass your guidelines has only to wait long enough for those who are managing your estate to go on to other things. Then they can do as they will without further impediments.

When it comes to spiritual things, it is all the more critical to understand that your seventy "promised" years are really not all that long. What you've invested your life into needs to count for far more than a mutual fund or an inheritance of tangible and/or monetary assets. Often, individuals  become involved with philanthropic activities thinking they do "lasting and permanent good." However, eternal values cannot be bound up in dollars and cents.

In verses 7 and 8, the Psalmist says...

• My hope is in God.
• He alone can keep me from a life of spiritual rebellion and disaster.

Bro. Grisham's Touch Points have eternity's values in view. Taking into consideration the brevity of life and the need for making our days here on earth matter for the Kingdom's sake, makes for better choices and a more valuable impact on and in our world.

Reasons to Rejoice!

Editorial by Marjorie Kinnee

In a world writhing in the throes of disasters and tragedies, wars and rumors of wars, rebellion and strife, sorrow and sheer human misery; it's easy to focus on the negative. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was in the midst of the American Civil War when he penned this verse...

"And in despair I bowed my head,

'There is no peace on earth,' I said,

'For hate is strong and mocks the song

of peace on earth, good will to men."

He could have been writing about 2012. (See Romans 1:29-32.)

But just as Longfellow went on with his poem once he'd lifted his focus off of the chaos all around him, and looked to the Source of all help; we too can face 2013 with reasons to rejoice. Here are a few to get us started...

1.) Begin with I Peter 1:6-9 - Read and rejoice!
2.) With the angels at God's good will toward men - Luke 2:13-14.
3.) With all of creation - Psalm 65.
4.) When the lost is found - Luke 15.
5.) With the angels over a repentant sinner - Luke 15:10.
6.) In God's great doings - Luke 2:46-49.
7.) In your salvation - Psalm 13:5; 35:9.
8.) Because your name is written in heaven - Luke 10:20.
9.) In the Holy Ghost - Romans 5:11.
10.) With the wise men's exceeding great joy - Matthew 2:10.
11.) With the shepherds - Luke 2:20.
12.) In Jesus' Name - Acts 4:12; 5:41.
13.) In God's love - Zephaniah 3:17.
14.) In God's mercy - Psalm 33:18-21.
15.) In God's faithfulness - Psalm 89:1.
16.) In the truth - I Corinthians 13:6.
17.) In knowing Jesus' voice - John 14:27.
18.) In His tender care (the Good Shepherd) - Isaiah 62:5; Luke 15:6.
19.) In hope - Colossians 1:23-29.
20.) Evermore - I Thessalonians 5:16.
21.) "In the Lord always... again I say, Rejoice!" - Philippians 4:4.

Knowing aforetime what we will be facing in the days to come, Jesus said, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world!" (John 16:33b)

Attitudes of Gratitude

Standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon, a pouting, disgruntled teen-ager was overheard talking on her cellphone. "There's nothing to do here," she moaned, "I'm bored!" Her discontent in the face of this most awesome place caused many emotions to squirm in me. I marvelled and wondered at the same time... What an attitude!

How is is that such a scene did not produce in her a sense of how big God is and how small we are? Why wasn't she speechless in wonder? What was it that made her oblivious to her surroundings and concerned only with the here and now? Thinking on this prompted consideration of the attitudes that produce gratitude. After reading an article that highlighted the following six points, sharing them and the thoughts they produced made this Thanksgiving season special.

1.) I have what I need. Jehovah Jireh ~ God provides. "But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)

2.) I appreciate you! My family, friends, and mentors ~ again, God's provision ~ is a support system with skin on. They encourage me and make me aware of my blessings and I value them. "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." (Jude 20-21)

3.) I believe. This is bedrock, foundational. Martin Luther said, "Here I stand, I can do no other." Jesus said the wise man built his house upon a rock. Paul said Jesus is that Rock. Solomon said, "Buy the truth and sell it not." (Proverbs 23:23) When your convictions are built on the rock of truth, you won't be overwhelmed by the storms life brings. Even deadly calm cannot pull you off course!

4.) I love. I Corinthians 13 is called the love chapter. It speaks of love's giving nature and how it focuses on the good, the hopeful, and the potential with patience and grace. "Finally, brethren, whatsoeverthings are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."(Philippians 4:8)

5.) I want to know. Desiring to learn, to understand, seeking after wisdom ~ these are signs of a hungry heart and an inquisitive mind. It is good to wonder why, to be interested. The psalmist said, "They that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing." (Psalm 34:10b) Jesus said, "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33) Solomon said, "The fear of the Lord is the beginnning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10) and, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." (Proverbs 4:7) You see, knowing Jesus puts life's events in their proper perspective.

6.) I want to see beyond. Bishop Grisham often said, "If you see a turtle on a fence post, know that it didn't get there by itself." He was quoting Bro. J.T. Pugh, but the truth remains. True appreciation goes beyond what's readily apparent. Although I don't know who the author was, an old poem goes like this...

"Back of the bread, the flour,
And back of the flour, the mill,
And back of the flour, the sun and the rain,
and the wind and the Father's will."

 



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!

Dealing with Difficulties

Editorial
By Marjorie Kinnee

Difficult situations... difficult people... such things are common to us all. In fact, it seems that life is fraught with difficulties of one kind or another. David faced a lot of difficulties throughout his life and his Psalms reflect many of them and his responses to them. So did Moses, and Paul, and Jesus. While each difficulty we face brings its own unique facets, there is a Biblical response that guarantees a positive outcome. Let's look carefully at Colossians 3:12 in the NIV...

"Therefore as God's chosen people, holy and dearly beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."

There you have it in a nutshell. Five words, five steps, five secrets, if you will, to dealing with all the difficulties life can throw your way! Let's break them down...

Compassion: a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortunes, accompanied by a strong desire to allieviate the suffering.

Kindness: the state or quality of being kind [kind: of a good, or benovolent nature; considerate, helpful].

Humility: the quality of being humble; modest opinion or estimate of one's own importance, rank, etc.

Gentleness: kindly, amiable, moderate; not severe, rough, or violent.

Patience: bearing provocation, annoyance, misfortunes, or pain without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like; quiet steady perseverance; willing to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay.

Note: these are also numbered among the fruit of the Spirit. So they are available to everyone who believes and follows Christ.

Considering this particular verse and these definitions leads to a sure method of dealing with difficulties. Here are a few examples:

1. Jesus, when He faced Judas Iscariot.
2. Jesus, when He was on trial before the Sanhedrin.
3. David, in dealing with Saul.
4. Hannah, when her adversary provoked her sore.
5. Moses, when he dealt with Miriam and Aaron's rebellion.
6. Joseph's dealings with his brothers.
7. Isaac, in the conflict over digging wells.
8. Abraham, in dealing with Lot's herdsmen.

When difficulties come,  and they will... Remember these five helpful keys; Compassion, Kindness, Humility, Gentleness, and Patience. If you can overcome and be victorious over any and every difficulty. The one who, by yielding to the Holy Spirit, conquers his own spirit wins the war -- even when he seems to be losing the skirmish!

But God...!

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the Kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." (I Corinthians 6:9-11)

What a litany! Sin, like fractions, seeks the lowest common denominator. It weighs you down, It drags you down. It matters little whether one is guilty of one sin or the whole list, a corrupt tree can only bear corrupt fruit. It's destiny is bound up in it's corruptness. The thing many simply refuse to acknowledge is that one sin is enough to receive sin's penalty, (wages,) which is death! Most of us are guilty of way more than just one. Since you can only die once before facing eternity, how in the world can one person pay the penalty for multiple sins? Of course, the answer is... it's impossible... and that leaves us in an awful mess! But God! It's in the midst of this dither, this heavy load of condemnation, that Jesus comes, bringing hope and salvation!

"And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked acccording to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace are ye saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:1-7)

John said, "God so loved... that He gave..." Our sins branded us as ruined, worthless. But God's plan was a sinless substitute, Jesus Christ - the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world! Under the law, the blood of bulls and goats could only roll man's sins ahead another year, But God, knowing the need, was already pointing the way to Calvary and the sinless, spotless sacrifice that would once and for all cover all sin - backward to the dawn of man's existence and forward to eternity. Isaiah saw how the heart of God yearned to reconcile sinful man to Himself... "Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before Mine eyes; cease to do evil... Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow: though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:16, 18)

No matter how bad it was... no matter how low... no matter how far... But God, who is rich in mercy and grace is still reaching. Repentance and remission of sins is the way He chose for us to come to Him. (See Acts 2:37-38; 3:19; 22:16.) Based on John 3 and I John 5, G.T. Haywood penned these words...

"In sin I wandered sore and sad,
With bleeding heart and aching head;
Til Jesus came and sweetly said,
'I'll take your sins away!'

I gave my heart, my life, my all,
To Him who drank the cup of gall,
In saving sinners from the fall
And took their sins away.

The Water, Spirit, and the Blood
Agree if we but understood,
In making sinners pure and good,
And take our sins away.

Thank God for the Blood!
Thank God for the cleansing flood!
Thank God for the Blood!
It washes white as snow!"  

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?