Trust in the Lord and Stay in the Race!

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: Genesis 50:24-25 - "And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which He sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence."

Joseph's family was still in Egypt when he died. He knew they would not be there for ever. But it came to a place and time (400 years later) when they had accomplished all that could be done in Egypt. It was time for them to go to "the promise!" You'd think that the promise was something they should have rushed toward - ASAP! But it was necessary that they go through the wilderness "school" before they were fit (prepared) for the promise.

Stuff had to be purged (burnt out). Stuff had to be laid aside (laid down). Stuff had to be pruned (cut off). It was necessary for Israel to learn patience as thy waited for God to bring them to the promise. They had to learn - it's not me, but it's US!

"Let us run this race with patience."

"Let patience have her perfect work."

We might not see the big "picture," but you can rest on the promise. He did not call you out so you could fail. He called you so you could be victorious! Jesus endured the cross... for the joy! We need to do the same - endure our cross. You can have joy in the midst of a trial. You can have everyone wondering what you're smiling about... not because of the tribulation, but because of what's on the other side!

Our witness needs to be about the goodness of God. That's what brought us into the truth. And it's what will bring them in too. This is the reason we hold on. This is the reason we don't give up. Think about it...! What happens if we get out of the race? They're watching us. We have a responsibility to them and to Him. As long as we trust Him and stay in the race, He has promised that we will reap the benefits. He wants to save more, fill more. The promise is there. It's prepared, waiting and ready for those who continue, those who endure, those whose eyes are on the promise, and who invite others to partake in the promise too.

Blemished Sacrifices

By Bishop Charles R. Grisham

Text: Romans 12:1-2 - "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
Hebrews 13:15 - "By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His Name."

In the times of the Old Testament, Jehovah required the best to be sacrificed -- nothing less would do. The best lamb, goat, heifer, bullock, turtledove, whatever -- it was necessary that it be the best they had. (Best, first, highest quality)

The New Testament requires a living sacrifice (us). The problem with living sacrifices is that they have this strange tendency to crawl off of the altar on a frequent basis. Some folks hang back because they are not ready to give their best. And even today, the only thing God tolerates by proxy is intercession. You can stand in for someone who is in need of salvation, deliverance, and/or healing -- by faith! This "standing in" does not save them, it's for the purpose of interceding that their "bonds/bands" will be broken/loosed. It seems that He smiles on this endeavor.

Let us compare our (New Testament) sacrifice to the Old Testament lamb...

PERFECT  -- --   SUB-STANDARD

flawless, spotless  -- --  blemished

whole  -- -- deficient

healthy -- -- diseased

clear-eyed -- --   rheumy w/cateracts

breathing clear -- -- mucus filled

sturdy -- -- lame

ears cleaned out -- -- deaf

clean -- -- filthy

blue ribbon best -- -- second string or less

first born -- -- runt 

What could be more important than coming to service to worship the King of kings?

Nothing!

OBJECTIONABLE SACRIFICES

Tardiness -- brings questions as to your commitment

Traffic -- traveling

Distractions

Disunity

Drowsiness (physical or spiritual)

In Malachi's day, God gave a scathing rebuke to the Jews who brought their lame and blind animals for their sacrifice. He saw it all -- -- what they brought AND what they left at home! (See Malachi 1:7-14.)

Ten Things My Dad Taught Me!

By Mark Henry

Text: Isaiah 38:18-20 -- "For the grave cannot praise Thee, death cannot celebrate Thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for Thy truth. The living, the living, he shall praise Thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known Thy truth. The LORD was ready to save me: therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the LORD."

At the age of twelve, Jesus said, "Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" Early on, He knew He was on a mission ordained by His Father, and had already purposed in His heart to carry it out faithfully.
.
My father and mother were divorced when I was still very young. I would spend the school weekdays with Mom and go to my Dad's on Fridays after school. Every Friday, as soon school let out, I'd climb to the highest point on the playground and begin my watch for my dad's truck to come into view. Many times over the years he took me with him to job sites. There I learned many important lessons. I've listed ten of them for this Father's Day message...

1. Work Hard - Not just a conqueror, but "more than conquerors." Dad said, "If you're willing to do hard work, you'll always have a job, 'cause [most] people won't work hard."
2. Do the Right Thing - Do it the right way. Share the truth with your children.
3. Hang in There - Life doesn't always bring pleasant surprises. Stay in the game. Never give up!
4. With Privilege Comes Responsibility - Be faithful in the small things and God will open the door to greater things. Peter was given the "keys"-- and also the responsibility (Acts 2, 8, & 10)
5. Be Faithful - Mark worked at pizza delivery for seven years - Dad said, "Work it well and see what happens." Clean the toilet, do whatever needs doing. Rejoice! Do it as unto the Lord!
6. God Will Make a Way - God will never allow you to get into a situation where He can't/won't provide the solution (a way of escape).
7. Reminders are Needed - Repetition/drill! It's needed! Read it again! Quit resisting! Get it done! Get busy! Otherwise, you're wasting time.
8. Learn to Take Correction - Sin has consequences. (Sinking sand, Bottomless pit) "Go and sin no more!" Walk in the Spirit - be led bu it! This proves you're a "son of God." Don't run away! Running makes for spiritual anemia. "Spiritual teenagers" won't take it. Growth is God's goal. He's a loving Father.
9. Let God Take You Home -- We don't know who's hurting. Wait on God's timing - He knows when - don't take it into your own hands. When HE's Ready!
10. Get Your Head Up! - Keep looking up! Redemption draws near. Your Help comes from "up." (the hills) Be strong, keep the commandments of God.

Editor's Note: Bro Mark Henry and his family serve as associate minsters under Bro. George Hicks in Boulder, Colorado. They visited with us over Father's Day weekend and New Life was blessed and strengthened by their ministry. He was recently ordained by the Colorado District of the United Pentecostal Church International.

Praise Him Through the Pain

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: Acts 16:22-30
Key Verse: Acts 16:25 - "And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God; and the prisoners heard them."

When the multitude and the magistrates rose up against them, it wasn't the first time, nor would it be the last. Paul and Silas, in the process of fulfilling their calling, were speaking the truth and leading souls to Jesus.

Meanwhile, the world was using this young lady for their own selfish gain. (Isn't that typical?) Paul and Silas were used by God to deliver her from the torment that had her bound. But her masters were not happy about losing the income from her bondage. They incited a riot, resulting in Paul and Silas being beaten and thrown into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely. The jailor, concerned about keeping his job, thrust them into the inner prison and made their feet fast with stocks. There they sat; in the midst of their blood, the pain, and the pests, (rats, roaches, etc.,) that also inhabited that dreadful place.

Here are their reasons to praise - even in the midst of all these difficulties!

1.) HE is GOD - the Bible says, "Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord." (Psalm 150:6) because of Who He is! Their predicament (beaten, shackled in the innermost prison with the rats,) not withstanding - at midnight, they prayed and sang praises - and the prisoners heard them.

• Don't wait for the perfect circumstance
• The enemy's desire is to thwart God.
• Praise changes the atmosphere...
• Suddenly - a great earthquake...
• Shook the foundation of their problem
• All the doors were opened
• Everyone's bands were loosed
• The Jailor became interested
• Salvation came to the jailor's house.

2.) Praise sets me free - and frees others too!

3.) Praise makes God attractive to others - the jailor and his household.

Psalm 27:6 - "And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will utter in His tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD."

Psalm 33:1 - "Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright."

Psalm 146:2 - "While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being."

Psalm 147-1 - "Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God: for it is pleasant; and praise is comely."

For What Purpose was I Born?

By Charles C. Kirby
(A radio message dated November 11, 1945)

Inasmuch as all are born without their own consent, can it be that we are the helpless victims of Nature? Is it not more probable that those who are unhappy in this life have failed to fulfill the purpose of their birth?

When Christ was born, the Jews believed that He had come for the purpose of overthrowing Roman power and establishing the throne of David. When He failed to do that for which they thought He had come, they were sorely disappointed and immediately began to prepare to kill Him. Nevertheless, the Voice of God spoke from Heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." Evidently, Jesus was fulfilling His Heavenly purpose in life. What then was the purpose for which He was born? When we discover that, we have the key to every problem in our life; for Christ is and was the great example to all mankind. Pilate asked Him, "Art Thou a king then?" Jesus answered, "Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth." (John 18:37) He being an example unto us, therefore, let us also bear witness unto the truth.

Seven hundred years before the birth of Christ, the prophet Isaiah revealed the plan and purpose of God coming into the world to be born of a woman. Practically all things in the universe act according to the law of cause and effect. The cause for the coming of Christ is found - a deplorable condition upon earth that required the aid of a Saviour from Heaven. "And judgment is turned away backward and justice standeth afar off, for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey. And the LORD saw it and it displeased Him that there was no judgment. And He saw that there was no man and wondered that there was no intercessor. Therefore, His arm brought Salvation unto Him and His righteousness it sustained Him. For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of Salvation upon His head; and He put on garments for clothing and was clad with zeal as a cloak." (Isaiah 59:14-17)

I have little or no confidence in any man's religious profession when it is not put into practice with a good supply of zeal. Christ Jesus came to the world and found the nations bound by their superstitions, ignorance, and fear, even in the children. The rulers of the Temple and synagogues were bound by sinful habits, which, although they condemned them in others, they condoned them in themselves. The lies of the satanic being who had deceived mother Eve into sinning had thoroughly schooled the inhabitants of the earth in his evil teachings and cunning ways: men living in sin without shame. Yes, they worshipped gods that were not real. They defiled themselves and all who came in contact with them. Jesus told the Pharisees that they compassed land and sea to make one convert, and when he was converted to their belief he was without doubt a confirmed child of the devil and headed for hell. In the midst of such gross darkness, sin, and shame, Christ stood forth as the world's only hope. And, please be informed that Christ is still the only hope for the world of today. When men could not penetrate the darkness of sin and unbelief, Christ was the light. When they knew not which course to pursue, Christ was the way. When they were dying physically and mentally, (dying in body and soul,) Christ was the life. And when they could not discern between right and wrong, Christ was the truth. He said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)

How weighty the words of Christ, "To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth."

• "O Truth,Thou art the guide to all that stumble in darkness; Thou art the hope of all who perish today in the pangs of death and sin; Thy lamp of light is the beacon that guides life's lost sailors into the Haven of rest. Thy Word is the bread that makes the weak strong. Thy Spirit is the garment of righteousness that is given to clothe the naked. And, Truth, Thou art more precious than the gold of Ophir. Thy Words are like apples of gold in pitchers of silver. Thou hast escaped the search of the wise and prudent." [Source unknown]

And even those who brought the atoms under control, making possible the discovery of the atom bomb have been unable to find and analyze truth. But, thanks be to our Great God, this secret has been given to the meek of the earth, God having passed by the door of the high and mighty, chose rather to dwell in the hearts of the meek and lowly. Christ Jesus came from the glory world to bring truth to the earth. Even though His personal ministry was limited to but a small portion of the earth, earth's billions have been privileged to hear His gentle voice, "Come unto Me." He stands out today as the light of the world and the personification of truth. So far-reaching has His life and ministry been that millions down through the centuries of time have been set free through His Word and Spirit.

The miraculous success of the apostles of the early church was built upon this foundation. They were filled with the Spirit of Truth, which is the Holy Ghost. The souls of the apostles were as burning torches touched by the fire of the Spirit of Christ, the light of life, and the more abundant life. Just before Jesus went away, He said unto His disciples, "These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms concerning Me. Then opened He their understanding that they might understand the Scriptures and He said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His Name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things." (Luke 24:44-48)

Why was I born? Well might the apostles have asked this question of themselves until the day when Christ filled them with His Spirit and sent them forth to bear witness to the truth. Here was the answer to the eternal question, "Why was I born?" Here was the fulfillment of life and living. Here was a purpose, here was a mission and a goal - to bear witness to the truth. The lives of the apostles, like all true Christians of this generation, were filled with the life of Christ. His purpose was their purpose. His mission was their mission. His truth became their truth. "To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, to bear witness unto the truth." The God who made the universe, He who made man in the beginning and breathed into him the breath of life - yes, God,our Great Creator, came down through more than forty generations of His children and was born of a woman to bear witness to the truth. Before the light of His Spirit, before the piercing light that burned in His eyes; the hearts of men melted to the point of public confessions. The healing eyes of the Spirit of Truth, like the balm in Gilead, healed again the hearts that were torn and bleeding.

At Jacob's well this man of truth drew from the depths of a Samaritan woman's heart the confession of a life wasted in sin. And there, this great Son of Jacob offered her the water of life that could wash away each guilty stain. This was the ministry of all Spirit-filled preachers in the apostolic era. That is exactly what Jesus did when He sent forth His ministers to make disciples of all nations. The powers of darkness were greater than the men who were to be sent against it. Therefore, Jesus said unto them, "Behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you. But tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem until ye be endued with power from on high." (Luke 24:49)

Now turn to the second chapter of the book of Acts. There you may read the account of the coming of the Holy Ghost Fire. This, of course, was the Pentecostal Fire. When the multitude that gathered heard the apostle Peter preach unto them that in Jesus Christ was the redemption for all mankind, they became convicted of their sins and asked, saying, "Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent!" Then and only then will God answer for you that eternal question, "Why was I born?"

By your first birth you were born in sin, therefore Jesus said, "Except a man be born again, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God." (John 3:3-5) By virtue of the second birth, a birth of the water and Spirit, which is baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, you become a child of the Kingdom, a witness of the Truth, and you will also know the purpose for which you were born.

O Taste and See!

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: Psalm 34:8 - "O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him."

David, the author of this psalm, had humble beginnings as a keeper of sheep. God had plans for his life and David prepared himself by developing a praise and worship habit in the back of beyond. He opens this psalm with an invitation to join him in praise to the Lord.

The world is an uncertain place. Blessed assurance is not going to be found there - there is only one place of safety, one refuge; it is Jesus!

David had purposed in his heart that the praise he was offering was going to be based on his personal experiences. He was convinced that if you could just understand how good his experiences were, you would want to try God for yourself. "O taste and see that the LORD is good!" Try it! You'll like it!

God's plans for His people are good - He has good things in his mind. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the LORD..." (Jeremiah 29:11-14a) It's His desire that all would come.

Once we comprehend what He is, then we can understand who He is. He said, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

John the Baptist said, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." (John 1:29)

Paul said, "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself." ( II Corinthians 5:19)

Trying Jesus opens whole new vistas, a whole new level of understanding, new realms of possibility... "O taste and see that the LORD is good!"

Some once tried and tasted, but they've forgotten how good He is. They wander off, and, like the prodigal, settle for corn husks and swine's slop. But when they hit bottom and find the grace to come to themselves, they see the need to arise and go home, where the Father is waiting with open arms. In the Father's house, a wondrous meal is prepared, the flavors of "home cooking" are beyond compare. Celebration and rejoicing ring the rafters as he, who was prodigal, but is no more, sings, "O taste and see that the LORD is good!

I Have Kept the Faith!

By Charles R. Grisham

Text: II Timothy 4:3-7
Key Verse: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” (II Timothy 4:7)

“Faith,” in this reference, is the truth, testimony, (body of truth). “Kept” means, attended to all these things very carefully. Think of what had been given to Paul – he had served his generation and faithfully passed it on to the next.

Part of “keeping the faith,” is maintaining a Biblical view of salvation. We need to maintain a clear understanding of what's right. We can outsmart the devil by not doing things that will bring us to defeat. Don't shoot yourself in the foot! The human heart is desperately wicked. Because of this, we need to oft reiterate what His grace and blood did for us.

We “follow on to know the Lord.” (Hosea 6:3) Because we are “in Christ,” and are “a new creature,” ...”all things become new.” (II Corinthians 5:17) We take up our cross daily; but, in order to do this, our flesh needs to be kept under subjection. Paul said, “None of these things move me...” (Acts 20:24) and, “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9)

To do this, we must maintain the soundness of doctrine. The early church went through severe tests, largely from false teachers and false teaching. When the enemy comes sniffing around your children, you can pray a hedge around those you have consecrated to God. To maintain your equilibrium, you must...

• Know the truth
  
• Keep it faithfully
  
• Key in on righteousness
  
• Keep a consistent, daily walk
  
• Keep fighting!
  
• Keep the faith!
  

Pressure is exerted from all sides. The “equalizer” is the Holy Ghost. When the outer pressure is the greatest, we have His promise that, “...greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (I John 4:4)

Pressure is also on the church. Remember! The church is in the world, but it is not of the world!

What you feed on will eventually come bubbling out, one way or another. We are most careful about the things we treasure; they reveal where our heart is.

Shifting your mentality toward worldliness is never a wise thing. If you don't maintain your walk and your integrity, you will suffer. It's like going fishing and getting caught! The enemy is always trying to cloud the issue... to keep us moving in a fog.

Jesus wills it that you will finish the race in victory! “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 6:8)

A Message to a Lukewarm Church

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: Revelation 3:14-22

Most everyone in the United States of American can remember where they were and what they were doing when "9/11" happened. Moments that change history have the ability to indelibly imprint themselves in our minds and hearts. We were all violently and rudely awakened to the need to be prepared. In the days following, everyone was calling for and talking about prayer. The urgency of the crisis, refocused many minds God-ward, but as is so often the case - when the pressure eased, prayer returned to closet , out of sight, out of sound, and out of mind. Preachers of all denominations hastened to assure their congregations that God was still in charge and He would protect the nation because we were founded on trust in Him.

In many ways, the U.S. can be likened to the church in Laodicea. Lukewarm, neither cold not hot, the church in Laodicea was on the fence. God wanted them to decide, which side they were on. This isn't the first time God has pressured men to make a choice.

• Moses called Israel to make a choice between blessings and cursings
• Joshua cried, "Choose ye this day whom you will serve!"
• Elijah cried, "How long halt ye between two opinions?"
• Joel declared, "Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision."
• Regarding Laodicea, God said, "I would that you were either cold or hot - because you're neither I will spue you out of My mouth."

The signs of a lukewarm church...

1. Prayerlessness (no communication)
2. Unstirred/Uninterested (God's Word transforms!)
3. Disobedient
4. Forgetful hearers
5. Bored
6. Don't care about the lost
7. Don't attend church regularly
8. Dull - Don't hear or heed warnings

The good news is, "I counsel thee..." God warns anyway, giving the lukewarm a chance to get it right. His desire is to heal, to restore, to reconcile.

The way to heat up the lukewarm - "Buy gold tried in the fire."  Step one is repentance - the opportunity to turn the tide before it's too late. Baptism in Jesus' Name washes away sin, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost, brings the power to become an overcomer! Overcomers are not lukewarm!

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!

Waiting Till My Change Comes

By Berris Flemmings, Sr.

Text: Job 14:14 - "If a man die, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change comes."

God took the hedge away, allowed Satan free rein to trouble Job - the loss of his possessions, the deaths of his children and servants, his own health, and the loss of the support of his wife and his friends - yet in all these things, Job sinned not, neither did he charge the Lord foolishly. In the face of it all, he maintained his integrity and his testimony.

The first four letters of testimony say it all - TEST!

For growth to come, change must come first. From Abram to Abraham, from Sarai, to Sarah, From Jacob to Israel, from Simon to Cephas, (a stone,) and from Saul to Paul - God is in the business of change and change often comes while we're in a valley experience. The Psalmist spoke of the valley and said, "He restoreth my soul." It was in a valley that a shepherd boy named David won the battle with the giant who was challenging God's people. He came in the Name of the LORD. He faced the enemy head on, declaring what God had done for him already.Young David was not a warrior, he was a worshipper! Worshippers can wait for God's plan to work!

You can bring anything to Jesus!

When growth comes, we go fr om childish thinking to thinking as a man! (I Corinthians 13:11) Joseph stayed the course until his change came. Job's staying power in the face of all kinds of adversity, brought him through - an overcomer - not only in his lifetime, but as an example to believers in every age ever since!.

There are two kinds of change: temporary - which is not lasting and often comes in stages; and, permanent - which is for ever! I Corinthians 15:50-53 describes the change of all changes - the one that will complete the process of change in every obedient believer!

Lift up Jesus - He'll do the drawing!

God has called us to be as eagles, rising above the circumstances. Do it differently! If what you're doing isn't working, change what you're doing. Put on the full armor of God that ye may withstand. God does not change. His Word stands for ever! He has promised - He will never let you go.

Wait till your change comes!

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.

The Rebellion of Ham

Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: Genesis 9:20-29
22 And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without.

God desires a Spirit of Unity among His people

• love, submission, one accord, one purpose, in honor preferring one another
• unity assists the goals of both good and evil
• good - unity on the Day of Pentecost
• evil - unity at the tower of Babel
• "rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft"
• it goes hand in hand with disobedience

Shem, Ham, and Japheth ALL got on the ark. Noah was a hero - in following God's instructions to the letter, he testified to the world how God brings victory to those who obey Him. He'd gone from being a shipbuilder and a sailor to being a farmer (planted a vineyard). Note: farming did not diminish Noah's position - he was still a great leader.

Noah's big mistake/s:

• excess - he got drunk [beside himself] (See Ephesians 5:18; Proverbs 20:1.)
• exposed - he was naked [unclothed] (See Matthew 18:7 - woe to offenders.)

Noah's younger son, Ham, was the father of Canaan. The command is, "Honor thy father and mother." Instead of honoring, Ham drew attention to his dad's error. He exploited his father's shame. His "flesh" rejoiced in Noah's defects and errors, probably because he felt they justified his own errors. (Two wrongs do not make a right!) A rebellious spirit's intent is defiant; it means to bring harm; (family, church, leadership,) reduces influence, (overthrows,) and brings selfish change.

Always treat others the way you want to be treated. Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it over their shoulders, and backed into the tent (room) to cover their father without looking at him.

• Led by the Spirit of God
• Sought to make a way for redemption
• Love covers a multitude of sins
• Showed love (respect, honor,) in action
• Grieved, they had compassion
• Demonstrated the Spirit of Restoration
• Able ministers of Reconciliation
• build up, not tear down

"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the Spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if a man thinketh himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself." (Galatians 6:1-3)

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?

Thirst!

By Melvin Butler

Text:  John 4

I Corinthians 10:4 says Israel drank from a spiritual rock, "and that rock was Christ."

Moses' faith was continually tested...

• The promise was, "I will deliver you from Egypt." The reality was that they were stuck between the Red Sea and the baddest army in the world! But God parted the Red Sea and delivered them from their enemy.
• The promise was, "I will take you to the Promised Land." The reality was that they were thirsty and there was no water in the desert! But God brought them water from a rock (which was Christ).

The Samaritan woman was trying to fill the hunger in her soul, (fill the void,) but nothing and no one else could meet her need. The void in each of us can only be filled by Jesus. He touched her at the core of her need. Her response? "I gotta tell somebody!"

Psalm 61:1-5 says, "Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I."

• From the ends of the earth - Drink!
• When my heart is overwhelmed - Drink!
• If you're thirsty - Drink!

Jesus said, "If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake He of the Spirit, which they that believe on Him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)" (John 7:37b-39)

If the water source was on the outside, maybe the world could get to it. But because it's on the inside, the world cannot give it to you, nor can it take it away. Our job is that of a "water bearer!" Our message is - Drink! and you'll never thirst again!

Editor's Note: Bro. Melvin Butler pastors an independent Apostolic church in Detroit. He is a long time friend of Pastor Ken Foreman.

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.

  

Sit On It!

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: Matthew 28:1-8

The women came to the sepulchre in sorrow, wondering who would roll away the stone so they could care for the body of Jesus...

But, before they arrived, the angel of the Lord descended. He rolled away the stone and then sat on it - waiting for the women to arrive. When they got there, he had words of comfort for them...

• Fear not!
• You seek Jesus - who was crucified
• He is not here
• He is risen as He said
• Come, see the place where the Lord lay
• Go, quickly, and tell His disciples...
• that He is risen from the dead
• behold, He goeth into Galilee before you
• there ye shall see Him
• Lo! I have told you!

It is interesting to note that what the women thought of as a problem, (rolling away the stone,) the angel was powerful enough to not only take care of it, (do the work,) but also to sit on the problem in victory!

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.

God's Promises Are Within Your Reach!

By Mark A. Grisham

Text: Exodus 16:4 - "Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in My law, or no."

Israel was captive in Egypt 400 years. God delivered them and made them into a mobile people who lived in tents. God's blessing (favor) was upon them. They had cattle, goats, sheep and clothing and shoes that didn't wear out. His supply was inexhaustible. "Manna" rained down from heaven on them every day. Morning by morning... "Take what you need!"

On the sixth day, for the Sabbath, a double portion (two-day's worth) was provided. "Take what you need!"

"Manna" was just outside their tent door - within their arm's reach!

Imagine! Two million plus people received what they "needed" (each one of them) every day of every year for forty years.

Yet after ten generations they'd lost their identity and had taken on Egypt-ness. They'd been delivered from Egypt but Egypt was still inside them. Now they longed for what they'd gotten used to while God was raining His favor on them.

You need to know that His promise (and favor) is strong enough to stand on. "Take what you need!" That should build up your "most holy faith." You can retrieve the promises of God. His blessings are available at your tent door. "Take what you need!"

Editor's Note: Sermon notes from a message preached at New Life by Bro. Mark Grisham. An evangelist, he and his wife live in Houston, Texas.