My Little Friend

By Carol Warfield

My name is Minnie, where it came from I cannot say. I have a special look when my master comes my way.
She knows if I am hungry or need a special touch. She takes me for a walk or car ride which I enjoy so much. If a storm comes up, she's there to take away my fear and say, "It's all right my little one. I'm right here beside you. Everything's okay."

Whenever I need to relieve myself, she's Johnny on the spot, whether it's morning or the middle of the night. She's always there for me. If I'm in need of anything, she knows I'll give her just a small tap and a special look to say, "My water bowl is empty, please fill it right away." Sometimes I give her a special look because I'm wanting a real treat. All I have to do is lick my lips and she's on her way.

And if I'm feeling sick, she knows just what to do. Her gentle touch and whisper of prayer gets me back up on my feet. She knows where our help comes from and she quickly calls on His Name. For you see, God made us both to fulfill His purpose.

When my time comes to leave this life and go back to the dust, she'll have eternity to hear God say, "Well done, My child. You have done okay. (Proverbs 12:12; Psalm 36:6) We both have faced many trials in life. God has always seen us through and given us extra strength to make it through.

I'm grateful for my master, she has taken me to where I am today and I know I need not fear for God and my master are always near.

It's such a blessing and comfort to know each and every day -- I love my little friend God sent my way. If you could hear my heart, you would hear it say, Thank You, God, for Your blessings You so freely give. To know that Jesus loves us by the care He gives and sends our way. (Psalm 23:4)

Editorial Note: Carol and Don Warfield are faithful saints who've been a part of New Life over many years. She is an enthusiastic writer and lover of the Word, having read the Bible through well over 100 times. It's a source of joy to her heart. 

Landmarks

By Berris Flemmings

"Remove not the ancient landmarks which thy fathers have set." (Proverbs 22:11)

The word, "landmark" is defined as, 1.) a prominent feature on land, especially one which acts as a guide in following a route or marking a boundary; 2.) an even which is of special significance in a process or period of change. From these two definitions we can say that a landmark is a reference point. Landmarks play an important role in our daily lives. Can you imagine what it would be like to travel throughout the city of Detroit without any landmarks?

Some time ago, I drove from Detroit to Dallas,Texas. I reached my destination without much trouble, but only because I kept following the directions on the map and looking for various landmarks. There were signs telling me the names of the different freeways, the speed limits, when a curve was coming up, and so on. I would not have been able to make it without those landmarks. My journey was successful only because I followed established guidelines. Can you imagine where I might have ended up if I had not followed them?
Having the experience and seeing how important landmarks are in reaching an unfamiliar destination, I can clearly see why the Bible tells us not to remove the landmarks which the fathers have set.

It's sad to see the amount of violence in the world today; children killing children, rape, stealing, and murder, just to name a few. As a child growing up, I remember the older folks talking about how terrible the sixties were and saying better must come. I can say without any reservation that worse has come and worst is in hot pursuit. Behaviors which were once condemned are now becoming the norm. People are searching for answers in all the wrong places and are coming up with all the wrong answers. The Bible tells us, "Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people." (Proverbs 14:34)

The world is in chaos because the ancient landmarks have been removed. It is more important than ever before to teach our children these guidelines; not only by telling them, but also by walking with them, pointing out the landmarks and explaining the significance of each. Proverbs 22:6 put this together beautifully, "Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it." It is said that happy families make happy communities, happy communities make happy nations, happy nations make a happy world.

Let us therefore journey through this life keeping our eyes and minds focused on the Word of God, and using it as our road map as we walk the pathway of righteousness. The pathway is old, very old, but it is God's way. It was good for our forefathers and it is as good for us today as it was back then. Furthermore, it will be just as good tomorrow

You see, God has not changed His plan for salvation, it's still the same. Men have made changes and deceived many, but the Bible tells us in no uncertain terms, "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Proverbs 14:12)

Let us draw the same conclusion as did David;
"As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him." (Psalm 18:30)
"The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes." (Psalm 19:7-8)

Let us therefore go through this life using the Word of God as our guideline,looking always unto holiness, not only in the spiritual aspects of our lives, but in all aspects. "In all thy ways acknowledge HIm, and He shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:6)

Editor's Note: Bro. Flemmings teaches the Adult Sunday School class each month in rotation. He is on our church's ministerial staff, and is willing and able - consistently serves the Body of Christ in many capacities.

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)

For My Good; For His Glory

By Keila Fischer

You know when you get a song stuck in your head? Not for a day, week or even a month but for over a year? The song, "For My Good, For His Glory" has been all over me for well past that time. I've spoken to sisters in the church thinking he wanted us to sing it. But here in the midnight hour the revelation has come from my sweet Savior. It is about me. There are times on this walk with Him that I will start to wander. Like the the story of the one sheep He left the ninety and nine to find.

Wandering is not just church hopping or backsliding, it can be many different things... personal things just between you and God. Lately, I have had so much time to spend in prayer, the Word, and in taking the time to really listen to people and share my heart.

For reasons known only to the Lord I seem to like to wander. One of my favorite pastimes is to take long walks with my dogs. No headphones, no cellphone, no one but God, the dogs, and me wandering to the next interesting beautiful spot. However, when it comes to my relationship with God and His people, wandering is very dangerous for me. Oh, life happens. People die, children grow, good friends leave the Lord, life gets busy, and many distractions come our way. Taking the time to be still, to stay focused, stop wandering, and set a goal once in while - these are things this saint needs to work on. 

Taking the time and effort to show love to the people and the thing that is the most precious to me. I woke up this evening knowing that all the set backs, all the pain; it's ALL for my good, it's ALL for His glory. 

I asked the Lord, "Does it really take all of this suffering to get my attention?"

His reply? "I suffered it all for you Keila, so you would be free indeed, (John 8:36), so you would always

triumph in Me, (II Corinthians.2:14) You may have afflictions, but I will deliver you out of them all. (Psalm 34:19). It is for your good because you are My glory.

The Word

By Carol Warfield

So many people ask me, "Why do you read the Bible so much? Most of the time they're people who really don't know God in His truth. As I consider this question, I've asked myself, "Why do you?" For one thing, God wants us to be saved, healthy, and wise. These only come when we live by His Word, which has the answer to our every need.

God gave us His Word to read. It will make one wise. It will direct us into the right path. He also tells us to speak the Word in truth without deception. (Zechariah 8:16) This starts with believing that He is. (Hebrews 11:6) When we believe, then we can act upon HisWord.

Through reading the Word, we learn to trust the Lord. (Deuteronomy 31:13) We learn His statutes and to do well. His Word teaches us to learn of Him, (Matthew 11:29) also to maintain good works. (Titus 3:14)

Satan wants to take us into the wilderness so he can deceive us, but God used the Word to whip the devil.

As we try to sow the seed, which is the Word of God, we must keep in mind that no matter what the seed is, it's very important where we plant the seed. The devil is subtle, more than any beast of the field. (Genesis 3:1) He has a plan, but so does God! We need to have a plan also. Stand on the Word of God, for He honors His Word. My mother taught me early in life that the Word will stand when the world is on fire. I thought of this when our mobile home burnt in the mid-70's. The Bible, which was on my living room coffee table, did not burn, but was black with smoke.

Jesus said, "I am the bread of life." (John 6:35) He also said, "The words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit and they are life." (John 6:48) The Lord's Prayer says, "Give us this day our daily bread." (Matthew 6:11) Just as our human body needs food every day, it is also needful to feed our spiritual body with the Bread of Life.

There's much to be said concerning the Word of God and time will not allow me to tell it all. But it's in there, right in the Word of God for everyone to read.

Be sure of this: there is no problem that cannot be answered if you get into His Word. When we seek God, believe, trust, and wait on His timing, the answer will come. I'm learning more each time I read the Bible through and I'm very thankful that God placed a "Helper" in my heart - His Holy Spirit, which will lead and guide us into all truth. I want to know Him better so I can please Him more.

We must... 1.) Read the Word, 2.) Believe the Word, 3.) Quote the Word, 4.) Speak the Word, 5.) Ac t upon the Word, 6.) Trust the Word, 7.) Obey the Word, and, 8.) Apply the Word to our lives each day.

Be sure, God's Word never fails and God will have the last say. You can stand on it!

Giving Thanks

By Donna Franklin

Text: “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (I Thessalonians 5:18)

Did your upbringing include saying, “Thank you” for all the ways others did nice things for you? If so, you were considered polite, folks felt good about you, and as a result more good things came your way. We don’t give to others in order to receive thanks; but if there’s no acknowledgement, the desire to keep giving is lessened somewhat and eventually dries up.

If we humans expect to receive thanks for blessing others - and actually look forward to it - how much more should God expect each of us to recognize all His wonderful blessings by giving of thanks? And the Scripture above tells us that not giving thanks means we are out of His will…Wow! 

Does God respond to our acknowledgement of what He gives us? Sure! One example is found in the Old Testament concerning the paying of tithes and offerings. Even though the required 10 percent belongs to the Lord to begin with, He promises to reward the faithful: "...and prove Me now herewith, saith the LORD if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” (Malachi 3:10)

Our first national holiday and feast - Thanksgiving - was instituted as a time of offering thanks for the bountiful way the Lord God Almighty helped His people. How much more are we, 400 years later, blessed by His goodness and mercy! As we celebrate this month, let’s keep an attitude of thanksgiving and look for ways to show our appreciation to God and to others. We have so much to be thankful for!   

Editor's Note: Donna Franklin and her husband attend the United Pentecostal Church in Paoli, Oklahoma - Pastor Terry Erwin. She loves the writing ministry and  has written many articles and poems. 

Persevere!

By Rufus M. Parker

Text: Luke 18:1-8
Key Verse: Luke 18:1 - "And He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint."

Do you ever get to a point that you wonder why pray? I'm sure that there are many who do; especially when they feel the wicked are getting the upper hand, or they feel God isn't answering them in a timely manner. What I find is that those who feel this way are usually focusing on themselves and their needs and not the needs of others.

In the Scriptures we find that Jesus prayed for Himself once - and that was in the garden before His crucifixion. He prayed, "O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me." But He concluded, "Nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt." Jesus had a consistent prayer life, but it was praying for others.

Paul told Timothy to pray for others. (I Timothy 2:5) Jesus said that if we will pray, we too will not quit and lose heart. Here in Luke 18, Jesus impresses upon us two important things about prayer; faith and consistency.

The Berlin Wall came down because people were consistent. When people really want something, if they are consistent long enough, they will get others to hear them. Faith causes us to believe that Jesus will answer. Consistency says, "I won't give up until I am heard." If we are not consistent in our prayer life, we will not maintain the faith we need when Jesus comes.

Sing: "I will not be denied. I will not be denied. Til Jesus comes and makes me whole, I will not be denied."

Editor's Note: Bro. Parker, former missionary to Okinawa, now pastors Calvary Apostolic Church UPC in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is the author of several books and publishes a daily devotional called, "Morning Manna."

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!"

The Reason for Tests

By Don Warfield

Text: Mark 6:45-52 (Jesus walks on the sea.)

In context, first Jesus fed the 5,000 (+) - then He "constrained" His disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side of the sea of Galilee, while He sent the people (the 5,000 + He had just fed with the loaves and the fishes,) away, then went into a mountain to pray alone.

As even was come, from the land, He could see them in the midst of the sea. He watched them toil and struggle in rowing because the wind was contrary to their goal. In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the water. The disciples cried out in fear, thinking they saw a spirit. Acting as though He would pass on by, they cried out in their fear. This was no dream, they all saw Him and they all were troubled. Calming their fears, Jesus said, "Be of good cheer: it is I, be not afraid." As He climbed into the boat, the wind ceased. Their reaction was amazement beyond measure and wonder.

Strange that their memory was so short. Just a few short hours ago He fed 5,000 (+) with just five little loaves and two fishes - they themselves had taken up twelve basketfuls of left-over fragments, yet they couldn't connect the dots when they saw Him walking on the water. Verse fifty-two tells us plainly that this "memory lapse" was due to the hardness of their heart. The miracles they'd witnessed should have brought them to sincere worship of HIM. Jesus was coming from a time of prayer. He'd replenished His supply after the miracle of the loaves and fishes, but the disciples were toiling along in their own strength and missed the point entirely.

The contrary wind was a test. Jesus knew their hearts already, so the test was not for His sake. Oh no! the disciples needed a pop quiz. Their "strength" was not in their knowledge of boats, rowing, winds, water currents, and the oddities of the sea of Galilee.

Tests prove our metal (mettle). HE already knows who and what we are. WE need to know who and what we are!

The disciples were discouraged, due to their circumstances; storm, wind, waves, weariness.
They were fearful, half-way across, in deep water, felt abandoned.
They were also doubtful; doubt born of fear/unbelief, losing what ground they'd gained.

Jesus said, "Be of good cheer: it is I, be not afraid." HE doesn't need GPS! HE sees us where we are and comes to meet our need. The old song says, "When I could not come to where He was, He came to me!" In the Matthew 14:22-32 account, Peter cries out, "Lord, save me!"

Therein lies the crux of the matter. "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us..." The Word is what will help and save us. Stay in the Word!

Editor's Note: Bro. Don Warfield delivered this message in a recent Bible Study. It was a blessing to all who heard it and strengthened the believers.

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.

  

How to Know God

By Justin Jeffrey

Text: I John 4:16 - "And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him."

God is Love! Think of the love God has shown you, your family, your friends, and yes, even your enemies... in Calvary and in the church.

Through the little book of First John we find six ways to Know God!

1. Believe in God - and His Word... (I John 1:5-7)
2. Confess Your Sins to God - Repent [die daily]... (I John 1:9-10) You need a clean slate - all your sins! You can't hide anything from God.
3. Know His Word - it's the way to know Him! (I John 2:3-5) They say, "knowledge is power" - but His Word is the power you need.
4. DO His Word - walk like Jesus walked (I John 2:6; 3:18-24; 5:2-4) the obedient overcome! It's more than say-so, it's do-so!
5. Love Not the World - the world passes away! (I John 2:15-17) it's going to let you down!
6. Love Others - Your love for God is measured by how well you love others (I John 4:4-14, 20-21) He loved us, died for us - when we were His enemies ("while we were yet sinners").

Before you teach others, you need to know God for yourself. Then, to follow and get closer to God you need a plan. The Apostle John's plan is a good one to use.

Editor's Note: Justin is our youth leader, sound engineer, and all around help to Pastor Foreman. He wears more hats than "Bartholemew Cubbins." It is easy to see that the blessing of the Lord rests on this young man as he goes about his faithful service.

Overwhelmed...

By Donna Franklin

[Dedicated to my pastor's lovely wife, Sis. Pamela Erwin, who understands overwhelmed hearts.]

"From the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the Rock that is higher than I." (Psalm 61:2)

According to my dictionary, to be overwhelmed is to be engulfed; to be submerged as whatever overwhelms you surges over you, overcomes you completely, overpowers you. No wonder the Psalmist said he would cry out to the Lord when his heart was overwhelmed.

Sometimes circumstances seem to "pile on" - that's just what happened to Job, and I am sure his heart was overwhelmed. The book of Job records his crying out to God, needing deliverance and longing to understand why his suffering came and why it was so severe.

There are other times in the Bible when God's people found themselves absolutely overwhelmed, but it wasn't always a negative. Think about what happened in the upper room when the Holy Ghost fell and the disciples were engulfed, overcome, overpowered. And note that they didn't stop crying out to the Lord!

Regardless of our circumstances, Jesus is totally in control. We can cast our cares upon Him, and we can be content in whatever state we're in. So... perhaps I can write a new psalm about being positively overwhelmed:

"From the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee; When my heart is overwhelmed..."
Let it be overwhelmed with love for You.
Let it be overwhelmed with thanksgiving for my salvation.
Let it be overwhelmed with peace and joy because Your Spirit lives in me.
Let it be overwhelmed with wonder at all Your mighty works.
Let it be overwhelmed with amazement when I consider Calvary.
Let it be overwhelmed with faith and trust in my Rock.
Let it be overwhelmed with humility to have been chosen as one of God's people.
Let it be overwhelmed with laughter when I realize all Your promises are for me, too.
Let it be overwhelmed with awe because I've received the revelation of WHO You are.
Let it be overwhelmed with worship in Spirit and in Truth,

Author's Note: This psalm is a gift to anyone who enjoys it. Feel free to re-write it or add to it.

Editor's Note: Sis. Donna Franklin lives in Ada, Oklahoma and attends the Paoli United Pentecostal Church, (Paoli, Oklahoma,) Pastor Terry Erwin.

The Temple and the Tent

By Laurel D. Williams

The tent in the wilderness was designed by God. It was a heavenly plan, given to Moses, as he stood face-to-Face with God. God designed every aspect of it. He gave knowledge of craftsmanship to special men and women in the construction of the tent. It was a beautiful place, full of gold, silver, bronze, and fine, embroidered linens with golden weavings of cherubim. The tent was beautiful beyond measure. It was more magnificent than the temples of Egypt the children of Israel had left behind. The tent could be assembled and dis-assembled and moved; as God directed His children, it moved with them. The tent was the center of their camp; all Israel was camped around it, by tribes and divisions. Every person could look out of their dwelling and see the presence of God in their life. God was with them everywhere they went. He was in the middle of their life. He was acsessable to them.They could see the fire/light by night - every night, and the cloud of His presence by day - every day. It was tangible, visible evidence that He was their's and they were His!

The temple was David's dream. He amassed great stores of wealth and goods, had builders plan, and gave instruction in the construction of his dream. David helped his son, Solomon, follow the plan David developed from his heart out of his love of God. But God would not allow David to build the temple; he was a man of war and bloodshed. He even told David, "I don't need a house to dwell in." (II Samuel 7:1-7) And yet, David felt that God did. So, Solomon constructed the temple with skilled craftsmen. The glory of that temple was unsurpassed. God blessed it and filled it with His Presence. And yet, something was different...

No longer did the Presence of God move about with the people. God was placed in a stationary temple. If you wanted to meet with God, you must now go to Him. The place became more revered than the Presence. In Solomon's prayer, he requested that God would abide forever in that place. (I Kings 8:12-13) But, doesn't God reside in the entire universe eternally? (I Kings 8:27) So, in essence, the temple became a place man decided could house/contain God. No longer could every individual look from their dwelling to the evidence that God was in their midst. No longer did God move about with them, lead them. Man had contained God.

God has never desired a relationship with man that was campartmentalized. When Adam and Ever were in the garden, He had a personal daily relationship with man and woman. He talked with them and walked with them. God moved with them.

When the children of Israel met God on Mount Sinai, God desired a kingdom of priests. (Exodus 19:5-6) He desired to commune with every individual of the community He had chosen as HIS. Yet the people were afraid, and asked Moses to be their intercessor. And God granted their request. They could have had a relationship with God. like Moses', and see God face-to-Face. But their fear kept them from the desires of God.

God's plan from the very foundation of the world was to reside in the temple of man. Christ died and God's Spirit has been given as an unmerited gift to us! God desires to commune with us each and every day. God want to move in our life, be the very center of our life. God wants us to see the evidence of His presence in our life - each and every day. Where we go, God goes. God does not need us/man to design, improve on, beautify, or put our/his own ideas into HIS mighty plan! HE is the Master Builder, the Artist of creation. HE is above all, through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4:6) Our hope is in the unmerited gift of Christ! (Ephesians 4:7) God designed the most beautiful temple, the one HE wanted to dwell in - it is you and I! What an awesome thought!

When we go to worship God in our respective buildings, let us remember something. The REAL temple is standing in the building. (I Corinthians 3:16) We do not have to ask God's presence to enter the building, HE is already in HIS temple! Wherever we go, if God abides in us, His presence is there. And oh, what a mighty Presence it is when all the temples of God are together as one body, fitly framed together! (Ephesians 2:21-22)

One day, my earthly temple will pass away. But instead of a temple, I'd like to be known as a tent... someone that moves with the Presence of God. When this tent passes away, then, my heavenly temple, made in His image, will begin. We will finally have the relationship God has desired all along! We will be ONE! We will be totally infused with His Light, His Fire, His Power, and His Presence.

"Whereas I have not dwelt in any house somce the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle." (II Samuel 7:6)

"Howbeeit, the Most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, Heaven is My throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build Me? saith the LORD; or what is the place of My rest? Hath not My hand made all these things?" (Acts 7:48-50)

"God that made the world and all things therein, seeing tha He is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though He needed any thing, seeing He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him, though He be not far from every one of us." (Acts 17:24-27)

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you"(I Corinthians 3:16)

"And I saw no temple therein: For the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city hath no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: For the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof." (Revelation 21:22-23)

Editorial Note: Laurel Williams lives in Orange, Texas and attends the Eastgate Pentecostal Church in Vidor; Pastor George R. Edwards. Sis. Laurie says this article is "secondhand," because it was born out of discussion  between herself and her mother, (Sis. Betty Austin,) concerning a study that was taight at her mother's church (which is in Auburn Hills, Michigan). I find it amazing how the Word of God circulates, and like a pebble thrown into a pond, it's ripples reach around the 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)

The Importance of Godly Wisdom

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: James 3:13-18; Proverbs 3:13-18

Happy is the man that finds wisdom. It's more important than money, fame, possessions, positions, power, honor, and strength. James 1:5 says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."

Spiritual exercise is hard and continual work, and, like physical exercise, letting off means loss. The wise show works with meekness of wisdom. Ephesians 5:15-17 tells us to "walk circumspectly... as wise... redeeming the time." There are two types of wisdom; earthly (verses 15-16) and heavenly (verses 17-18).

• Earthly Wisdom (worldly) is...
• sensual - appeals to the flesh ("feels good")
• devilish - causes confusion ("envying, strife, and every evil work")
• manipulative, flatters
• earthly wisdom boasts and promotes itself.
• Heavenly Wisdom comes from above and is...
• pure
• peaceable
• gentle
• easy to be intreated
• full of mercy and good fruits
• without partiality and hypocrisy
• speaks the truth in love
• slow to speak, slow to wrath, quick to listen
• not a respecter of persons (appearances)
• heavenly wisdom is revealed by its works.

"And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." (James 3:18)

"The LORD is exalted; for He dwelleth on high: He hath filled Zion with judgment and righteousness. And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is His treasure." (Isaiah 33:5-6)

Charity

By Justin Jeffrey

Text: I Corinthians 13

I Corinthians 13 is also known as the "love" or "charity" chapter. Jesus said all men would know we are His disciples by the love we show to one another. He called it a new commandment and repeated it many times over. John, James, Peter and Paul, in their letters to the churches, made love a frequent topic. This was not some weak, paltry kind of love, but an all-consuming, self-sacrificing, giving love modelled after Jesus' example. "We love Him because He first loved us."

I Corinthians 13, verses 4 through 8 outline the properties and effects of Jesus' kind of love...
Verse 4

• long suffering - waits, is patient.
• kind - looks for opportunities to do good.
• envieth not - is happy for the success of others.
• vaunteth not itself - doesn't promote itself; it isn't puffed up.

Verse 5

• does not behave itself unseemly - it's courteous.
• seeketh not her own - not out for itself, serves others at its own expense.
• is not easily provoked - it controls itself.
• thinketh no evil - it's not judgmental, or critical.

Verse 6

• rejoiceth not in iniquity - does not condone sin.
• rejoiceth in the truth - lets truth prevail.

Verse 7

• beareth all things - keeps on keeping on.
• believeth all things - believe the best.
• hopeth all things - hope for, expects progress.
• endureth all things - steadfast, stand fast, hold fast.

Verse 8

• charity never faileth - it's always there.

Verses 8-13 (Recap)

• Love outlasts prophecies, tongues, and knowledge.
• Now we know in part - then we'll know as we're known.
• Now we prophesy in part - then we'll understand all.
• The partial will pass when the perfect comes.
• Children think, speak, understand as a child - Men put away childish things.
• Now we see through a glass darkly - then Face to face.

"And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity."


Editor's Note: Justin is our youth leader here at New Life. The E.D.G.E. youth group seeks to find the leading edge of the move of God and become a part of the flow of the Spirit. We're proud of their accomplishments in life and in the Kingdom of God!

The Fruit of the Spirit

By Justin Jeffrey

Text: Galatians 5:16-26

We have choices...

1. Desire to please the flesh
2. Desire to have it both ways - please flesh and Spirit
3. Desire to please the Spirit - bear fruit

Whichever choice you're making begs the question...

• What are you doing to succeed in achieving your desire?

When a person goes all out to achieve their goal, (choice) they are willing to make sacrifices, burn the candle at both ends, do whatever it takes to attain that desire.

The fruit of the Spirt is; faith, love, joy, peace, gentleness, lonsuffering, temperance, meekness, and goodness. Note that they're called fruit for a reason!

Fruit is juicy, sweet, good for you, flavorful, refreshing, purgative, covered with skin, and contains seeds. (plant them!) If you just let them sit and don't eat fruit, it will spoil! What's more, when it comes to fruit; you want the real thing - not plastic, wooden, or styrofoam imitations.

"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing." (John 15:5)

Editor's Note: Justin is our Youth Leader here at New Life. Multi-talented, he is a faithful laborer in so many ways. God has highly favored New Life in selecting Justin for His service.

What's New? Are You?

By Rufus Parker

 

Text: Ecclesiastes 1:9-10 - "The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us." 

I often wonder why some people worry when others get something that they may think is new? Solomon says that there is nothing new under the sun. I guess that's why automobiles lose their value as soon as you drive them off the car lot. They are made by something that already has been. 

 

Paul tells us, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (II Corinthians 5:17) Does the Bible contradict itself? Absolutely not!

 

Solomon is referring to natural things, Paul is referring to Spirit things. Job asked the question, "Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one." (Job 14:4). But Jesus said, "Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you." (John 15:3) Again, is this a contradiction? No! Job is speaking of the natural, Jesus is speaking of the spiritual. 

 

We know that everything that is made natural has already been because God created the heavens and the earth and all that therein is. But man isn't a natural thing, he is a living being and therefore he can be made new. The new birth process is to turn him from a living being into a spiritual being; from corruptible to incorruptible, from mortal to immortality. No one could have made this any clearer than the Lord Jesus Himself, when He said, "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God." (Luke 18:27)

 

Editor's Note: Rufus Parker, formerly UPCI missionary to Okinawa, Japan, is now retired and living in Wisconsin. Bro. Parker writes a daily internet blog/devotional and has authored several books.

Onward Christians

By Charles R. Grisham

 

Let we Christians take our stand,

As we journey to that land.

Let us labor, watch, and pray,

For there will be a brighter day.

 

Let our lives be as a light,

To show the way that leads to right,

Telling sinners the old, old story,

How they too, may live in glory.

 

Our life on earth is but a span,

To His great, almighty hand,

Let our deeds be acceptable to Christ,

That we might have eternal life.

 

When all is ended here below,

Will our lives be white as snow?

If we haven't earned a frown,

We may wear a shining crown.

 

 



Pentecost Sunday - In Israel

By Charlotte M. Wholters

Text: Acts 2:39 - "For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, as many as the Lord our God shall call." 

Last year I attended a United Pentecostal Church service just outside the Upper Room in Jerusalem, Israel. Hundreds of people of every sort of Christian religion were crowded in and around the room. Priests in robes sang songs inside the room in Latin while Africans sang outside the room in a language I couldn't identify. I think I heard Spanish and probably a few other languages too. There was literally "no room in the inn," so our group had to go to the corner of a rooftop for our service. We added our English to the cacophony of voices. You'd expect that my life would have been changed by being in such a holy place at such a holy time, but that's not what I was thinking.

I was thinking that Pentecost Sunday in Jerusalem was no different than Pentecost Sunday anywhere. Despite the privilege of being able to experience so many cultures worshipping God at once, I couldn't help but feel most moved by remembering that the Upper Room in Jerusalem is not the official Upper Room, which no longer exists. In fact, what we call the Upper Room today was probably built by the Crusaders more than a thousand years after the Upper Room experience recorded in the Bible. Furthermore, the lion's share of all the "holy sites" in Israel are not the original buildings from Bible days or verifiable as the exact location of anything.

After living here for a year and a half, I've now been to most of the tourist sites in Israel. I've traipsed through Nazareth, been to Bethlehem, and dunked my feet in the Jordan River. I've been to the Western Wall, (the closest spot to the Holy of Holies that Jews can reach,) more times than I can remember. I've been to the Sea of Galilee, and to Qumran, the place where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. I've also been to the tomb where Jesus was reportedly buried. He wasn't there.

The important thing, the holy thing about Pentecost Sunday, Easter, Christmas, or any other holiday is not where it happened, but that it happened. You can experience the same wonder of Pentecost Sunday in your church anywhere in the world, thanks to the power of Jesus that remains longer than any building [made with human hands]. We don't exist to glorify a place, but to glorify a God - THE GOD of the universe! Thanks to His timelessness, His mercy and His death on the cross, the POWER of PENTECOST is available to ALL, no matter where you live!


Editor's Note: Charlotte and James Wholters live in Tel Aviv, Israel, where he serves as a military attache' to the American Embassy. They have three children; Camilla, Joshua, and Grace. They attend UPCI services in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, where Charlotte serves as keyboardist and musician.