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 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.

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.

Stay with God

By Berris Flemmings

Text: Daniel 3:15-18

The three Hebrew children were determined to stay with God. We learn they had "purposed in their hearts" back in the first chapter of Daniel. But in the third chapter, we see their purpose put to the test. King Nebuchadnezzar had erected a huge golden image on the plains of Dura. He expected everyone (no exclusions) to bow down in homage to the image whenever the "band" started to play. This was in direct disobedience to God's commandments, yet all around them, their fellow Jewish captives were bowing low. The penalty for disobeying the king's command was stated clearly. Severe indeed, it said the disobedient would be cast into a fiery furnace.

Amidst the music and the field filled with prostrate bodies, three figures stood erect. Nebuchadnezzar couldn't believe his eyes. These boys were some of his favorites! Perhaps they hadn't heard, or maybe they misunderstood. Nebuchadnezzar decided to give them another chance. He again made the consequences clear and issued the command. To his surprise, these three Hebrew boys spoke out. "O king, live for ever. We hear your command, but we must obey a higher command than yours. Our God is able to deliver us from the fiery furnace, but even if He doesn't, we still will not bow!"

Nebuchadnezzar could not believe his ears either. Furious, he ordered the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than it had ever been heated before and ordered the musicians to begin playing again. When the three Hebrews stood their ground, he turned and ordered his guards to bind them and throw them bodily into the furnace. Those who did so dropped dead, overcome by the fierceness of the heat. Wonder of wonders, the opening of the furnace revealed the three walking around in the furnace. Their bindings were gone, their robes were colorful, rich, and definitely not on fire. What's more, there was a fourth man there in the flames with them! Nebuchadnezzar testified that this fourth man was like unto the son of God.

Trembling, he called them to come out of the fire. As they climbed out of the furnace, it was noted that there was no evidence they had ever even been in the fire! Their hair wasn't singed, their clothes were intact, there were no burns on their skin, there wasn't even the smell of smoke on them! Nebuchadnezzar's conclusion was, "There's no god like the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He is the only one anyone should serve."

So, how did the three Hebrew boys do it? What was their secret? Here are their six principles...

• Follow After Righteousness - 
• "Follow me as I follow Christ," Paul said.
• If you want to soar like an eagle, you need to keep company with eagles.
• They Kept Their Blessing Their Blessing -
• they didn't get swell-headed
• they didn't allow their blessing to become a curse
• they chose to stay with God
• they didn't adapt or succumb to peer pressure
• They Refused to Serve Other Gods -
• Even though Nebuchadnezzar liked them, he still expected them to bow
• He offered them a way out
• They refused to compromise
• They did what was right
• Don't Take the Easy Way Out -
• Taking the easy way meant abandoning God
• They chose the furnace (definitely not the easy way)
• Do Your Part - God Will Do His -
• Their stand put them in harm's way
• God did not deliver them from the fire
• He delivered them IN the fire
• Thrown in bound, they were loosed in the furnace
• Three thrown in, four walked in the fire
• God was with them!
• When We Choose God - Victory Follows -
• Nebuchadnezzar called them out of the fire
• The fire had no power on their body
• No smell of smoke
• Not one hair singed
• No damage to their clothing
• Results - King's declaration, "One True God!"
• Promotion for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
• King Nebuchadnezzar recognized God's power

Hold fast, stand firm! It may be a roller-coaster ride, but God is on your side. He will bring you the victory!

Editor's Note: Berris and Victolynn Flemmings are both registered nurses. They are a blessing to their family, to their workplaces, and to the New Life Apostolic Church family. They teach and labor faithfully for the Kingdom's sake and the Body of Christ is blessed by their cheerful diligence.

That Ship has Sailed

By Rachel Cotharp

Today my heart took a trip, back to another trip; not one I took, but one I wanted to take. I'd planned it carefully, made all my preparations, told all my friends. It was going to be glorious, the future seemed like a long, lovely trip on a luxury ship. But to my dismay, my heart's bitter disappointment, that ship sailed... without me.

I stood on the pier ever so long watching through burning tears as it pulled away from the dock, so close I could reach out and touch it. I could hear the music playing on the deck and smell the delicious dinner being set on the tables. If I closed my eyes I WAS there, but when I opened them, I was alone.

There went my dream, streamers floating in the breeze. Here I stood with my luggage, in my traveling dress, with my ticket in my hand... hurting... humiliated.

I wish I could tell you that I turned and wiped my eyes and made the best of it. But I didn't. I stood there on the pier and grew bitter. As the people passed by I yelled to them of my loss. I railed against the ship, the captain, and the crew. I wailed and wept and waved my ticket. I lamented my loneliness and sat on my luggage.

I'm not sure how long I would have stayed there, pouting on the pier; but thankfully, a wise one came along and listened to me. He heard out the sad, sad story of the Ship that Sailed. He listened while I (again) poured out my tale of woe. After listening to my lament over how wrong I had been done, he asked to see my ticket. Silently, he took out a pen, wrote on it, and handed it back to me.

I took it in hand, looked at what he had seen, that I had not seen before... and everything changed. There, circled in red, was the name of my ship - the Titanic.

What had felt like a crushing blow was now seen as a beautiful blessing. What I had mourned with self-pity, was in actuality a preservation. What I thought would sink me, saved me.

I'm not the only one. I've seen folks who jump off the pier, swim out to the boat, and insist on having their trip at any cost - folks who leave their spouse and their children to go chase a dream, a goal... folks who leave their integrity behind, jump in another boat and chase after their ship, only to go down in the whirlpool the sinking ship leaves in its downward plunge. They would have been better off to weep, wave, and then walk away.

What ship has sailed for you? What dream have you watched grow distant, On what pier are you wasting time? Let me circle something on your ticket. Look there, below your plans; see Psalm 37:23 written just below it. The steps of the righteous are ordered by God.

Go ahead, unpack your bags, tape your ticket inside your Bible. Let God bring you through the disappointment. Let God wash your bitter tears. Since the steps of the righteous are ordered by the Lord, you can pick up your bags and march off that pier, head held high. You did not miss the boat. Your ship WILL come in - when it is the right ship for you. God's plans for us are so much bigger than our plans. You can trust Him. When He steps in it's because He sees a shipwreck while we only see a luxury liner.

Editor's Note: Rachel Coltharp is the wife of Brent Coltharp, pastor of First Apostolic Church of Aurora, Illinois and Superintendent of the Illinois District (UPCI). Rachel is a homeschooling mother of four and speaks throughout the country in varioius venues. Her wrtings are always worthy of thoughtful consideration. 





 

My Test

By Charles R. Grisham

Through fountains of tears my soul doth reach for Thee,

O'er mountains of fears my heart cries out to Thee;

The cool valleys of rest that long have evaded me,

Oh hasten this test to triumphnat victory.

Long nights of remorse, of years that were wasted,

Now free from sin's curse, Heaven's joys I have tasted;

Life's song, verse by berse, I'll sing until daybreak,

Quenching doubt as I thirst to win for His Name's sake.

I've been tried in the fire, I can say He is faithful,

I was sug from the mire, indeed, I am grateful;

Glad morning of rapture, deliverance is nearing,

Bright dawning of grandeur, His glory endearing.

Each trial has its measure of intended glory,

We seek Heaven's treasure at the end of life's story;

I'm pressing, I'm striving, by faith it's my best,

Lord, grant through my trying, I'll pass this, my test.



Chosen in the Furnace of Affliction

By Betty D. Austin

"Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction." (Isaiah 48:10)Recently, I found myself in the furnace of affliction because of something beyond my control. After having a check-up with my OB-GYN, followed by many other tests, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The thought came to mind after hearing the diagnosis was, ‘the furnace of affliction.’ I recognized the fact that I had no say in the matter of getting cancer but I did have a choice in how I would respond. My choice or choices, I believe, determine the outcome of my particular furnace.

Certainly, I am not the first nor will I be the last person to find themselves in a furnace of affliction. Scripture is filled with them. With faith and God’s grace, I considered their choices and determined to make the same choices they made.

Way back in the early ‘40’s, a desire to know God began to grow in my heart; no doubt the seed of my desire had been planted by my mother. In 1949, at nine years of age, I made the choice to commit my life to the Lord. He marvelously filled me with the Holy Spirit. Through the years, I chose to commit again and again to the Lord as situations in life loomed up before me. Yet, here I was again, facing a new furnace... What would I choose? Three choices came to mind...

1. Charge God foolishly
2. Curse God and die
3. Pray

A couple of these were no doubt presented to me by the enemy of my soul, just as they had been presented to heroes of the Scripture with furnace experiences. They were choices without hope! It was an easy choice to make!
I have Job’s witness...
He held firm to what He believed, and knew from experience, about God

"In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly." (Job 1:22)

"Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die." (Job 2:9) Job's wife was so distraught she encouraged her husband to curse God!

"…Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips." (Job 2:10)

I had James’ (the brother of the Lord) words also!

"Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:13-16)

Let’s consider the questions & choices James posed in this passage...

1. Is any afflicted? Pray!
2. Is any merry? Sing!
3. Is any sick? Call for elders; let them pray anointing with oil in the Name of the Lord. The prayer of faith shall save the sick and the Lord will raise him up and if there be sin, they shall be forgiven.

The key here, I believe, is save him and ‘raising’ up; James did not say heal here in this phrase. In the latter portion of verse 16, there is the promise of healing when we pray one for another. It is the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man that avails much - one in right standing with God and with one another.

James gives us the answers to the questions; answers with promises in regard to our furnace of affliction. Yet I must answer with my choices in regard to his questions. James could not make the choices for me! I had to choose to reply per his instruction. If not, I will find myself among the number who chose to charge God foolishly, or curse God and die!

In the furnace of affliction I will pray; I will sing; I will call and the Lord shall save; the Lord shall raise up; the Lord shall forgive; the Lord will apply His righteousness and the Lord shall deliver me!

"As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise." (Proverbs 27:21)"A person’s character will be revealed by what he considers important enough to praise." – Sages of Torah

‘The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the Lord trieth the hearts." (Proverbs 17:3)One of the great Jewish sages says, "With the right tools anyone can test the purity of things but only God can determine the purity of the heart. We are not able to do so but God’s furnace will reveal it."

The Fourth Man in the Fire will always walk with us in the furnace of affliction when we choose in agreement with His Word. He enters my furnace. He chooses to do so! In the furnace I become truly known by Him and He by me; I become unto Him a person of inheritance! He gives what the world can never take away – and it is more precious than pure gold!

"But the Lord hath taken you, and brought you forth [withdrawn you] out of the iron furnace [crucible] ...to be unto Him a people of inheritance, as ye are this day." (Deuteronomy 4:20)

Editor's Note: Betty Austin, wife of Charles Austin and mother of four children, (including Laurel Williams, who wrote an article for the September issue,) is a member of The Apostolic Church in Auburn Heights, Michigan (Pastor Steve Warman), where she is involved in the teaching ministry. Update on her medical condition includes a praise report that surgery was successfully performed on September 19th. Subsequent tests have her doctors feeling they have removed the threat completely. We praise the Lord with Sis. Betty and her family over the good report!                                                               - mjk