Protecting the Harvest

A Poem By Marjorie Kinnee

An uneasy restlessness grips me.

Finding no simple solution, I begin to probe deeper,

Touching tender places, bruised and sore,

Seeking the core, the roots.

On my knees I crouch low;

The hot sun scorches my back

And I sweat in the heat..

It's hard work,

Work that I'd rather leave for a more convenient season,

When the sun's rays weren't so hot,

And the ground was softened by rain.

But the angle of the sun tells me

I haven't much time,

So, I poke and sift, pinching off insects

And driving away the pesky birds and bunnies

That would harm my harvest.

My heart is cheered when I pause

and realize that the Lord of the Harvest

Is working close by.

My Burden

A Poem by
Charles R. Grisham

Oh, how I wished to drop my load,

Out where love's sweet waters flowed;

I stopped to rest, and there I sighed,

That God would end my foolish pride.

But as I sat, an angel came,

With heavenly love all aflame;

He bade me to myself deny,

And on my Master to rely.

Look ahead, and see the light,

That shines beyond all sense and sight;

Where glories of an all-pervading mind,

A universal heaven, unconfined.

Then ending all my needless weeping,

I arose to walk in the Father's blessing;

To gladly bear my earthly load,

Toward heaven's mighty blessed abode.

December 28, 1951

Seed for the Harvest

By Alan Demos

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The only requirement is that we sow His Word!

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

A literature evangelist can easily distribute more than a hundred tracts

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

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

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

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

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

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Seasonal Affective Disorder

By Rufus M. Parker

Text: John 14:1-4 - "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know."

Reading in the paper a few weeks ago, I learned there is a new disease called "SAD" - an acronym that stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder. I thought to myself - "What?" They said because it had been so cold this winter, many people have not been able to get out of their houses and do things. They become negatively affected by having to remain inside and are depressed. The article went on to say it can affect people in the spring and fall too.

Now, I know this is a trick of the devil if people are depressed in the spring and summer! Man, I'm smelling the roses and drowning some worms during those two seasons. There isn't going to be any depression here. I don't know about you, but as for me and my house, we are going outside in all seasons. People go to the beach and pool to swim and get wet, and then stay inside when it rains. Get your umbrella out, get outside, and get wet, and enjoy what God has provided. Don't stay inside and mope because of the snow. Make a snow man. I like shoveling and even eating some of it, as long as it isn't yellow.

I like standing outside in the cold for a while. It helps you get rid of the impurities in your body. For me, I'm affected by every season. Winter, I rejoice. Summer, I rejoice. Spring, I rejoice. And yes, Fall, I rejoice. Do you know why? Because the Bible says, "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24) Seasons come and seasons go, but the Word of the LORD is for ever. And He tells me to rejoice for evermore.

Editor's Note: Bro. Parker, former missionary to Okinawa and Mongolia, pastors Calvary Apostolic Church UPC in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He has authored a number of books and publishes a daily blog called, "Morning Manna." Link: http://morningmanna-parker.blogspot.com 

On Praying Through...

By Marjorie Kinnee
Editorial

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pray Through!

I've Heard, I've Seen, I Will Heal Thee!

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: II Kings 20:5 - "...Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears, behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD."

1.) God hears... "I love the LORD, because He hath heard my voice and my supplications, because He hath inclined His ear unto me, therefore will I call upon Him as long as I live." (Psalm 116:1-2)

• a shout on the rooftop
• a whisper in the closet
• a moan in the midnight hour
• a secret thought
• a cry of distress
• prayer

When He hears - He listens and responds. "...the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16b)

2.) God sees... Nothing is hidden from Him with whom we have to do.

• when tears fall like rain
• when your heart is overwhelmed
• when the load is more than you can bear

When He sees - it moves Him. He feels. He remembers our frailty.

"...Come boldly before the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy..." (Hebrews 4:15-16)

3.) God says... "I will heal thee!" (See II Chronicles 7:14.)

• I heard
• I saw
• I understand (know) your need
• I will heal and deliver

Fall in line with God - and - regardless of my circumstances... When He and me agree (are on the same side,) - the result is - A Miracle!

The old song says, "I Got a Feeling - Everything's Gonna Be Alright!"

The woman with the issue of blood had a need that overcame her timidity, her illness, and her weakness. She pressed her way to her healing!

God spoke to Moses - "I AM that I AM." I am all that you need.

This is your (rhema) Word from the Lord...

• You've been bound long enough
• You've cried long enough
• You've felt alone long enough

He's heard... He's seen... He will heal!

God never loses His power. He sits high and looks low. You may be wondering why there are so many healings in third world countries? The difference is - they hear the Word and believe it - whether they understand it or not.

God says, "It's time for deliverance!"

• His plan is at work
• He's a God of plenty
• His storehouse is full - there's more for you
• It's time to be set free!

LET GOD BE GOD!

It's Time!

Knives and Axes

By Rachel Coltharp

My child is frustrated. He wants soooooooo desperately to read, but is chafing over the fact that he is being forced to first learn letters. He does NOT want to learn letters, they are such small things, his heart yearns for BIG things - like sentences, chapters, volumes. 

He is itching to dive into the adventures encased within the tomes his older siblings are consuming. He is hungry for WORDS - and I am wasting his time on letters. His vision is BIG - and he thinks mine is too small.

Have you ever been there? Ever felt frustrated because you wanted, needed, were called to something, but instead of being launched out into your dream, you find yourself doing something that feels lesser.

Take heart my friend. You are not alone. You are instead in the throes of the painful place of training. Yes, I know you FEEL ready. But when the door has not opened, it is because God is preparing you for what you NEED. 

Feeling ready rarely has anything to do with BEING ready.  

So take a lesson from the pocket knife and the ax. Both are blades, wielded by a hand. Both will cut wood. 

God may call you to cut timber while you still have only a pocket knife.

You FEEL the call and answer it with a resounding "Yes." But hacking away at an oak with a pocket knife is wearing out your arms, exhausting your strength, may not be God's plan... 

  

Many times we are sent first to spend time splitting firewood. Our heart is in the forest, but it is in the smaller task of splitting logs that we build our strength and get the feel of the blade.

We are sent to practice on logs, in preparation for the forest.  

It can keep us from burning out our physical strength, hurting ourselves and others with wild swinging, or giving up in frustration, because our tools were inadequate.  

It is okay to feel frustrated splitting logs. Split them anyway.

It is okay to yearn for the forest. Yearn, but split with diligence.

David spent time protecting/feeding sheep and leading/rescuing rag-tag outlaws

before he became king.

Joseph spent time learning to run a household for Potiphar and work with fellow prisoners before he ran Egypt as Prime Minister.

So before you charge off into the forest with the pocket knife skills you were born with, remember this, time spent sharpening your skills with an ax is not time wasted.

"Do not despise these small beginnings,

for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin..."

(Zechariah 4:10)

_____________________

Editor's Note: Rachel is the wife of Brent Coltharp, Co-pastor of First Apostolic Church of Aurora, Illinois, and District Superintendent  for the state of Illinois. They are the parents of four children, three sons and one daughter who are home-schooled by Sis. Rachel.

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)

Don't Mention It!

By Jill Friedman

When someone does something for you out of their heart and you say, "thanks," they often say, "Don't mention it." They did it with love and it didn't hurt them at all because they cared or had it to spare.

There are other times when a person can bring up a matter over and over and nag because of their own dissatisfaction. You wish they would stop "mentioning it." It's kind of the reverse of the above. They expected you to meet their need and because you didn't they keep reminding you over and over in the hopes that you will yet do it, or because they can't get it off their mind.

My mother like this motto, "If more husbands were self-starters, their wives wouldn't have to be a crank." It's also true that some never stop focusing on others' imperfections but can't or won't fix their own.

Some time back my brother told me that God was really dealing with him about studying to be quiet. He is now a really good listener - to the point that you sometimes feel you're having a one-sided conversation. So many things are better left unspoken. Like the carpenter's motto, "Measure twice and saw once." - the same can be said for speaking.

The Bible says when you do good deeds, do them in secret and your Father will reward you openly. The Bible also says don't let your right hand know what your left hand is doing when it comes to good deeds. If we can just go on each day for Jesus - doing our own work to the best of our ability - we will be happier than if we try to stand on yesterday's laurels or moan over its errors.

We can't keep the Old Testament tit for tat, eye for an eye philosophy. Jesus said, If they want your coat, give them your coat also. Somehow we've got to come to the point where we don't fear personal loss. If we accept this society's rigorous agenda and suck in more and more for ourselves, we will never be satisfied.

Twice now, my husband and I have lost nearly everything; once in a partnership breakup, and once in a fire. We have also had our daughter spared after being hit by a van while she was walking to school. At first, it is shocking. Then these near total losses make you realize what is really important and what you really can live without. In spite of all the house stuff we lost, (which was almost everything,) life goes on. But when faced with possibly losing our daughter, the pressure was almost unbearable.

I guess what I'm trying to say is - don't hold on dearly to things that don't count. Letting go of fear and self-seeking goals can give more freedom. Not holding bitterness or resentment; forgetting the bad things that others have done, and that have happened to you will set you free. The Bible says all things work to the good for those that love God and are the called according to His purpose.

Don't speak too much or too soon. Listen. hear. Don't repeat bad news; not over and over in your mind - or - to others. Let it go. Don't mention it. If you think you've done good, let that go too. Keep on doing good and don't dwell on your goodness. Remember, only God is good. Let your love be real, not seeking a reward. Don't mention it!

Editor's Note: Sis. Jill has been a member of New Life Apostolic Church since the mid-1970's. After 34 years of marriage and continued faithfulness to God, she saw her Jewish husband repenting, being baptized in Jesus' Name,and filled with the Holy Ghost, just like the Bible says! She continues faithful, playing her saxophone, teaching little children, singing in the choirs, and blessing us all every so often with the song, "You Must Be Born Again."

Just a Touch...

By Don Warfield

Did you ever have someone touch you when you were so down you thought no one knew you existed? Do you remember what that touch meant to you? Let me tell you a true story...

I knew a young man who was walking with God and God was with him in his life. But the young man sinned. he went to his pastor and confessed his sin: the pastor told him he must sit down in all church services and take no part. Eager to be forgiven and to obey his pastor, the young man complied.

As time went on the young man continued to come to church every time the doors opened. His pastor withdrew from him to help him understand how sin had made a separation line between him and God.

He still kept coming, feeling very low. It seemed nobody cared or even knew he was there, and that even God had withdrawn from him: for he felt nothing when he came. But the young man thought, "If God is ever going to return to me, I will have to be in church where He can."

After a long time of going, he began thinking, "What is the use?" But then, on a Sunday night as he left his office to go to the platform.to start the service, the pastor walked down the aisle where the young man was sitting. As he passed, he laid his hand on the young man's shoulder.

To the young man, that touch said all the things the pastor could not yet say. Through the touch, the young man heard the words, "I know you are here. I see you come every service. I do care, I still love you. God still loves you. Keep coming. Stay faithful. God is restoring you."

The next time you feel at a loss as to how to comfort someone and can't think of any words to say, think of all the words the young man heard that night with just a touch!

Editor's Note: Bro. Don Warfield leads our Home Bible Study Ministry and teaches in the Adult Sunday School Class each month in rotation. He is a student of the Word and a blessing to the Body of Christ.

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)

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!

Wife of a Bandit - A Testimony

By Jill Friedman

My husband was unsaved, but he would say... "I'm coming; you can't change a bandit overnight." (but God can!)

For years, my husband would hum verses and choruses to old gospel songs he did not know. I started to notice what they were... "An Old Account Settled" was one, another was "Marching to Zion" (like our choir used to sing when I was a child). He also would whistle "I Remember When My Burdens Rolled Away." Hearing these gave me hope down through the years.

Then one Saturday, after 34 years of marriage, I was thinking of buying something at the store and felt a check in my Spirit - so I did not go.

My husband came home heavily burdened like never before. He felt that if he did not act, something horrible would happen. Feeling deep grief and heavy conviction, he didn't know how to rid himself of it, or what it was. He tried to talk to his mother - that did not help. Then he talked to me and I encouraged him to talk to Pastor and come to church.

When he came that Sunday morning, he was desperate, crying and repenting. He returned for the evening service and felt he had to be baptized in Jesus, Name that night to get relief from the weight bearing down on him. He didn't want to wait until the following Sunday for Bro. Grisham to get back into town - felt he had to deal with this right away. So, he was baptized immediately and has faithfully attended ever since (eight years now). His joy over being forgiven was great - so was his worship. He didn't know many of the choruses we sing, so he would whistle along. As he did, his face reflected the gladness in his heart. 

About a year later, he was still seeking the Holy Ghost, we went to Michigan Camp Meeting. I would get to the tabernacle early to save a front row seat, waiting and lifting my hands in worship as people entered for service. On the second to last night of camp, Bro. Lee Stoneking prayed for my husband. However, he did not receive the Holy Ghost that night. The next night, the last night of camp,my Jewish husband received the Holy Ghost in a miraculous way, speaking like a warrior or an Old Testament prophet in a very unusual dialect I had never heard before. Since then, he has been used many times by the Lord in witnessing to his Jewish friends and relatives. Seeds are being planted - God will give the increase. 

Never give up! God is able! "This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes!"

P.S. The next song God gave him was, "Bringing in the Sheaves!" Hallelujah!

Expecting the Wall to Fall!

By Pastor Ken Foreman

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

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

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

Expectation Fuels Faith!

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

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

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

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

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

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

When God says the victory is yours...

Don't hold your peace,

Don't sit back or hide;

Stand up and shout,

Don't keep it inside!

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!"

Fixing Your Focus

By Don Warfield, Sr.

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.

As a young man, I wanted to know why we do what we do as Pentecostals.

David's past affected his future. Living in the past blinds you to the future. The past can overwhelm you and restrict your present and future usefulness. Even good things like blessings can hold you to the point where God can't send new blessings your way. Fix your focus on what's in store...

• Revival - Salvation
• Holy Ghost outpouring - Joy
• Rapture - Millenial
• Heaven - Eternity with Jesus

1.) Paul said he hadn't made it yet. He kept his body under subjection.

• If your past is under the Blood, Jesus does not remember it any more.
• If you (or anyone else) digs up your past, you (or they) go there alone because Jesus won't go there.
• Remember, it's not over until your feet leave the ground!

2.) You have to let go to reach forth (forward)

• Think about Who is out there in your future
• Pressing toward the prize involves effort
• Jesus said, "The Kingdom of God suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force."
• At the close of his ministry, Paul said,
• I have fought a good fight.
• I have finished my course
• I have kept the faith
• He knew there was a crown of righteousness waiting
• He knew the time of his departure was at hand
• He was ready to be offered
• He was about to apprehend that for which he had been apprehended
• Victory was within reach - but once again he needed to let go of what was past and stretch himself toward what was in store.

The little maid witnessed to Namaan's wife. She was right where God wanted her to be (no matter how she felt or how her family felt). Her words changed Namaan's life.

• Her captivity restricted her
• His leprosy restricted him
• Her witness changed him; his health, his religion, his outlook
• His former gods had no power
• Her God had all power
• Her witness refocused his thinking

How will they hear without a preacher? (witness)

Acts 10 shows us that this message is not for angels to deliver. It's our responsibility! Your witness is to tell what God did for you and to let them know He can do the same for them.

We are not the message - HE is!
We are simply the messenger. "...and you shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:8b)

Editor's Note: Bro. Don Warfield, Sr., leads our Home Bible Study ministry and teaches the adult Sunday School class in rotation each month. His studious attention to the Word is evident in him able ministry of the Word.

A Life that Lifts...

By D. Keith Leaman

Text: Acts 3:6-8 - Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

As Sis. Foreman taught the Sunday School lesson this morning, the song, "Trust and Obey" came to my mind. The lame man at the gate was asking for alms. He'd been there doing that for years - but on a specific day... God's timing was perfect.

Backslidden Don Warfield, Sr. had a birthday party. While there, he talked with me about an Israeli attack on Iran. During the course of that conversation, I learned that Don played gold - and that began golf outings that continued for two or three years - just a friendship. But the friendship that developed led to Don coming back to God!

• You can't force a rose bud
• You can't help the butterfly out of its cocoon
• It has to be in God's time
• There's a right time and a right place.
• December 4. 2010 - at a conference in Malaysia - a lady was teaching a youth class on prayer, including taking time to listen. She recommended at least 90 seconds of listening.
• A second lady was teaching missionary kids (mk's). Seth, a 10-year old boy tapped her on the shoulder and said, "Pastor Leaman." The group prayed a general prayer.
• On the second day, Celinda, the 2nd lady, was given more information as to Keith Leaman's need.

You can rest assured - God knows where you're at! He hasn't forgotten!

Editor's Note: Bro. Keith and Sis. Mary Leaman visited with us on Sunday, October 9, 2011, approximately one year before his death in 2012. As was his custom, Bro. Keith, like Barnabas in Acts, was an encouragement to the body of Christ. As we sang each of the verses of the hymn, "Trust and Obey," we began to realize we were witnessing the hymn in action in the lives of Bro. Keith and Sis. Mary. (See Malachi 3:16-17.)

A Root Out of Dry Ground

Subtitle: "Impossible Possibilities"

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text:  Isaiah 53:1-2

When a preacher ministers, his desire is to impart. "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." In the valley of dry bones, (Ezekiel 37:1-14) God was speaking not only to the prophet, but also to the church, and to individuals when He asked, "Can these bones live?" When we think we're in an impossible situation, we need to remember... God can turn nothing into something!

There's still hope even in a hopeless situation. Dry ground is dead, lifeless, a portrait of hopelessness. But in God's hands impossibilities become possible. "Now unto Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all you can ask or think..."

Ezekiel did what God said. He spoke to the bones. (God's Word will not return unto Him void.) Something began to happen - bone came to bone and sinews, muscles, and skin covered them - but they were still dead - no breath.

Ezekiel kept doing what God said. He spoke to the wind. As the wind blew, breath entered into the slain and they stood on their feet - a great and mighty army!

Numbers 17:8 speaks of Aaron's rod, one of twelve dead, dry sticks, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel. All twelve were placed in the Tabernacle overnight so God's will as to which of the twelve would be the priestly tribe in Israel could be revealed. The next morning, eleven of them were still just sticks. But Aaron's rod, the rod for the tribe of Levi had buds, blossoms, and fruit (almonds) - all on the one stick! When God promises you something, it is for you. You can bank on it!

Abraham was 99, Sarah was 90 - they laughed at the very thought of senior citizens having a baby. But God had the last laugh - Isaac!

Parched, dry ground is difficult indeed. Like a sunflower growing up through a crack in the cement of the freeway - when God says, "Live!" when God says, "Grow!" - nothing can prevent His Word from coming to pass. If He said it - He'll do it!

When Jesus came...

• He was poor - no claim to fame
• He was born a Jew - a despised race
• He was raised in Nazareth - a despised place

"If God be for us, who can be against us?" The woman with the issue of blood said, "If I can but touch the hem of His garment..." She wasn't willing to just deal with it. She came to Jesus...

• in spite of how she felt
• in spite of what the doctors were saying
• in spite of 18 years of experience/s
• in spite of the press of the crowd

She knew she would be made whole if she could just touch Him. Down on the ground, pressing, reaching through, stretching past the feet and ankles of the crowd - the tips of her fingers grazed the hem of His garment. Jesus stopped... "Who touched Me?"

When, trembling, she confessed, He spoke with such compassion... "Your faith has made you whole."

Are you willing to believe?

Lord, Evermore Give us This Bread!

By Dwayne E. Christensen

Text:  John 6:28-34

There is nothing like the smell of baking or fresh-baked bread. Bread is a staple throughout the world. In the olden days, they didn't eat "boughten" bread; they only ate "home made" bread. Spiritually speaking the Word of the Lord is likened unto bread.

How important it is to "hear" the Word of the Lord! The closer we get to the coming of the Lord, the more we need to hear the preached Word. The Old Testament prophet spoke of a "famine for the hearing of the Word." Question: Do I love to hear the "pure" Word?

Jesus was the embodiment of the Word. ("The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.") Be careful not to let dramas. skits, etc., to replace preaching. Preaching will never be obsolete! It pleases God "by the foolishness of preaching to save them that are lost."

"Evermore give us this bread!" Jesus said, "I am the Bread of Life!" Don't base your walk on emotional touches. "The ear tries words as the mouth tastes meat." (Job 12:11; 34:3) Know that cooks like to feed hungry people. You and I have to have a hunger for the Word in order to truly feed on it. Preach the Word! Balanced nutrition is tasty, filling, and nourishing. Note that anointing cannot be equated with noise or repetitiousness. When the true bread is brought forth it feed the inner man a true feast.

The resurrection power dwells in those who are full of the Holy Ghost and addicted to the Word - The Bread (the Word) and Water (the Holy Ghost) of Life! If you've got to move anything, don't move the preaching and the preached Word! God says, "My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge."

Teaching, preaching, treaching, screeching... however you get it... enjoy it, appreciate it, value it. Give it your best attention, efforts, acceptance, appreciation, loyalty, and cheerful, willing obedience. "Lord, evermore give us this bread!"

Editor's Note: Bro. & Sis. Christensen pastored the church in Windsor for twenty-seven years. They are currently pastoring the Pentecostals of Mississisauga, Ontario. Their love and appreciation of the Word and for souls is known far and wide.

  

I've Been Called to Change the Atmosphere

By Marvin Bembry

Text:  Esther 4:14-16 - "For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Then Esther bade them return unto Mordecai this answer, Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so I will go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish."

God has called us to the Kingdom "for such a time as this." When we understand this - it changes our response and our attitude.

Worship/praise lifts up... magnifies. Jesus said...

• "...If I be lifted up from the earth - will draw all men unto Me."
• "Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near."
• "Ask... Seek... Knock..."

He is seeking whosoever will...

God is already bigger than all your needs. He doesn't need your magnification to increase His size. But YOU need to magnify Him to appreciate His power!

While Saul sought his own advancement, and Samuel lay prostrate mourning... God sought and found a man (David) who was occupied with praise and pursuit [of God] and anointed him to be king.

Problem: We do not seek what we "think" we already know.

Look at how God revealed Himself to Job. It was in showing Himself as all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present majesty. He challenged Job to rethink - and in doing so, Job changed his atmosphere from one of "woe is me" to "How Great Thou Art!"

Paul said, "Oh, that I might know Him - in the power of His resurrection, and in the fellowship of His suffering."

Editor's Note: Bro. Marvin Bembry pastors New Birth Ministries in the Chicago area.