Fasting
A way to stay close to God
An insert that was included in an old Good News magazine presented the following information regarding fasting. Because we are coming up to the Day of Atonement soon, this information should be of value to you. Here is the insert as it appeared:
God expects us to fast (Matt. 6:16-18; 9:14-15). It shows that we really want to humble ourselves and depend on God.
God was able to bless many people after they humbled themselves through fasting. King Ahab’s life was prolonged (I Kings 21:17-29). Nineveh was spared from destruction (Jonah 3:4-10). Jesus was able to resist Satan’s temptation (Matt. 4:1-11). The early Church leaders were guided in decision making (Acts 13:1-3).
The biblical example of a true fast is not partaking of either food or liquid (Ex. 34:28). The Bible records one-day fasts (Lev. 23:27, 29). It also teaches that two or three-day fasts are appropriate on occasions (Esther 4:16). However a person’s physical condition must be considered. If a person is not in good health, the advice of a licensed medical doctor should be obtained to determine if a fast is medically prohibited in his or her case.
Avoid seeking your pleasure, doing unnecessary work or justifying your carnal ways during a fast. Don’t view it as a form of penance designed to force God to do what you want (Isa. 58:3-4). Don’t do it to be seen of men (Matt. 6:17-18). Rather, let God reveal to you any areas where you are self-centered or weak.
Consider selecting a specific purpose to concentrate on while fasting. It might involve over-coming a personal problem, receiving guidance in decision making, gaining better understanding or seeking blessings needed in God’s work or in someone’s life (Isa. 58:6-7; Esth. 4:16).
Pray, study God’s Word, and meditate. Admit where you have sinned (Dan. 9:1-19). Thinking about God’s greatness and your need to depend on Him (Jas. 4:9-10; I Pet. 5:5-6). Seek a deeper understanding of God’s will and the strength to live it (Isa. 58:10-11). Make changes that will increase the love you show toward God and your fellowman (Rom. 13:8).
After drawing closer to God, make your requests known. Also give thanks for your blessings (II Chron. 33:11-13; Phil. 4:6).
Reap the rewards of a better attitude, more understanding and more direct intervention by God (Job 22:29; Ps. 9:11-12; Prov. 22:4).
Fast often enough to stay close to God. By doing so you’ll be much stronger spiritually (Matt. 23:12).
Monday, October 20, 2008
Fear God
Plain Truth
Jan 1969
Q&A
"Isn't this a contradiction: God commands people to fear Him,yet I John 4:16,18 says, God is love, and perfect love casts out fear?"
There are two kinds of fear, one of which is a necessary part of perfect love!
Most people today are enslaved by harmful fears - chronic fears of danger and phobias of darkness, shadows,loneliness, blood, travel; fear of being unattractive to others; a morbid fear of death; etc.; ad infinitum. Such unreasoned, chronic fears and worries rob people of contentment. The other kind of fear - the helpful kind - is fear of the bad result of wrong action. Proper fear stems from wisdom and knowledge. It warns of genuine dangers so we can take action to avoid them. The fear of God is in this category. Thus, "The fear of the Eternal tendeth to life; and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil" (Prov. 19:23).
Proper fear takes two forms. One is the natural fear of physical danger the warning we need to protect this temporal life. The other is spiritual fear for our eternal protection. Spiritual fear is called the fear of God. The fear of God warns us of those things which make life miserable and endanger our eternal life. It is a learned fear. We have to learn about the power and authority of God - that He gives life and also takes life. Spiritual, Godly fear is founded on living faith. Noah believed and feared God! This resulted in his being saved alive when the whole world perished (Heb. 11:7). Godly fear warns us that God will punish sin and wickedness (Prov.16:6). It warns us to turn away from sin because it ends in death (Rom. 6:23). This kind of fear saves our lives! The fear of God is the instruction of wisdom (Prov. 15:33). God's Word tells us right from wrong - it warns of the consequences of sin and describes the blessings of righteousness (Ps. 1). Godly fear supplies motivation and furnishes impetus to obey His Word, to avoid pitfalls and mistakes that injure us. God is love (I Jobn 4:8). He loves us (Rom. 5:8) and wants us to enjoy life forever in His Kingdom. His commandments are love (I John 5: 3) - they point out the way of love and blessings. When we fear to disobey God, we are given the incentive to carefully weigh our thoughts and actions in the light of His Word and to avoid what is wrong. Thus, we are guided into the way of love that ends in every right result (Psalm 16:11). We become imbued with LOVE. The confidence and love which result, drive out and conquer the unreasoned, harmful, enslaving fears of man.
This good kind of fear is like the healthy fear and reverence instilled in children by loving parents who teach their little children to fear to touch a hot stove Or run into the street. We are God's children, and He wants us to avoid the pitfalls of life. Thus, we fear and revere Him; and this fear to disobey teaches us perfect love. God's fear is good for us. It is really part of perfect love - the force that leads us to learn and live by the law of love. That is why a loving God tells us to fear Him!
Jan 1969
Q&A
"Isn't this a contradiction: God commands people to fear Him,yet I John 4:16,18 says, God is love, and perfect love casts out fear?"
There are two kinds of fear, one of which is a necessary part of perfect love!
Most people today are enslaved by harmful fears - chronic fears of danger and phobias of darkness, shadows,loneliness, blood, travel; fear of being unattractive to others; a morbid fear of death; etc.; ad infinitum. Such unreasoned, chronic fears and worries rob people of contentment. The other kind of fear - the helpful kind - is fear of the bad result of wrong action. Proper fear stems from wisdom and knowledge. It warns of genuine dangers so we can take action to avoid them. The fear of God is in this category. Thus, "The fear of the Eternal tendeth to life; and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil" (Prov. 19:23).
Proper fear takes two forms. One is the natural fear of physical danger the warning we need to protect this temporal life. The other is spiritual fear for our eternal protection. Spiritual fear is called the fear of God. The fear of God warns us of those things which make life miserable and endanger our eternal life. It is a learned fear. We have to learn about the power and authority of God - that He gives life and also takes life. Spiritual, Godly fear is founded on living faith. Noah believed and feared God! This resulted in his being saved alive when the whole world perished (Heb. 11:7). Godly fear warns us that God will punish sin and wickedness (Prov.16:6). It warns us to turn away from sin because it ends in death (Rom. 6:23). This kind of fear saves our lives! The fear of God is the instruction of wisdom (Prov. 15:33). God's Word tells us right from wrong - it warns of the consequences of sin and describes the blessings of righteousness (Ps. 1). Godly fear supplies motivation and furnishes impetus to obey His Word, to avoid pitfalls and mistakes that injure us. God is love (I Jobn 4:8). He loves us (Rom. 5:8) and wants us to enjoy life forever in His Kingdom. His commandments are love (I John 5: 3) - they point out the way of love and blessings. When we fear to disobey God, we are given the incentive to carefully weigh our thoughts and actions in the light of His Word and to avoid what is wrong. Thus, we are guided into the way of love that ends in every right result (Psalm 16:11). We become imbued with LOVE. The confidence and love which result, drive out and conquer the unreasoned, harmful, enslaving fears of man.
This good kind of fear is like the healthy fear and reverence instilled in children by loving parents who teach their little children to fear to touch a hot stove Or run into the street. We are God's children, and He wants us to avoid the pitfalls of life. Thus, we fear and revere Him; and this fear to disobey teaches us perfect love. God's fear is good for us. It is really part of perfect love - the force that leads us to learn and live by the law of love. That is why a loving God tells us to fear Him!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Effectiveness in Prayer quotes
Good News
May 1979
By Leroy Neff
Prayer is the completion of a two way conversation between God and man. God speaks to us through His Word, and we speak to Him through prayer.
Three times a day
If you were an. engineer at a power plant and had to solve the problem of a sag in a utility line, the solution would be obvious. Add a third pole as a prop, and the power flow would be uninterrupted.. This same problem can occur spiritually. For example, most Christians pray in the morning.That's the first pole. And almost all Christians pray at night. That's the second pole. But around midday the spiritual battle can rage the strongest. For increased spiritual strength add a third prayer. You say you pray all day long when you drive to work or while you do the dishes? That's not what I mean! It's fine to 'walk with God, but I'm talking about prayer on your knees, giving God your undivided attention.Most of us eat three meals a day to be nourished physically. The Bible example is prayer three times a day for proper nourishment spiritually. David, :'a man after God's own heart," set us this example. "Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and
cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice" (Ps. 55: 17). Daniel "kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed" (Dan. 6: 10). This was his habit. You can get off course by the middle of the day. The Holy Spirit needs to be replenished. Without this extra prayer you tend to forget that you are in a spiritual battle, and that you must frequently relate what you are doing to God's standards. Since you began reading this, your mind has come up with at least half a dozen good reasons why you can't pray three times a day. Get on your knees and ask your Creator to help you see its importance for you personally.
- By Ron Lohr
But the Scriptures give us other evidence beyond this. David prayed three times a day (Ps. 55:16-17) at "evening, and morning and af noon." Daniel also
prayed three times a day (Dan. 6:10). This apparently was related to the hours of prayer at the tabernacle and later at the temple, the hours of 3 p.m., 9 a.m. and 12 noon. You will find other references to these times in Acts 3:1 and 10:30.
There are two main ways we learn spiritual lessons. One is by experience. Some say it is the best teacher. No doubt it is the most effective. But it is best to learn from God's instruction and save yourself unnecessary pain and suffering.
If we had an audience with a great ruler, or person of great influence on this earth, we would be very excited and probably feel privileged. Think how far greater it is to be able to come into the presence of God, the ruler of the vast universe. "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise" (Ps.100:4). "But in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" (Phil. 4:6). When you enter God's throne room, remember that Jesus Christ is seated at His right hand. Twenty four great spirit beings are also there, with cherubim, seraphim and an innumerable host of angels as well. The driving force of the universe is listening. Pray with energy and zeal.
May 1979
By Leroy Neff
Prayer is the completion of a two way conversation between God and man. God speaks to us through His Word, and we speak to Him through prayer.
Three times a day
If you were an. engineer at a power plant and had to solve the problem of a sag in a utility line, the solution would be obvious. Add a third pole as a prop, and the power flow would be uninterrupted.. This same problem can occur spiritually. For example, most Christians pray in the morning.That's the first pole. And almost all Christians pray at night. That's the second pole. But around midday the spiritual battle can rage the strongest. For increased spiritual strength add a third prayer. You say you pray all day long when you drive to work or while you do the dishes? That's not what I mean! It's fine to 'walk with God, but I'm talking about prayer on your knees, giving God your undivided attention.Most of us eat three meals a day to be nourished physically. The Bible example is prayer three times a day for proper nourishment spiritually. David, :'a man after God's own heart," set us this example. "Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and
cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice" (Ps. 55: 17). Daniel "kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed" (Dan. 6: 10). This was his habit. You can get off course by the middle of the day. The Holy Spirit needs to be replenished. Without this extra prayer you tend to forget that you are in a spiritual battle, and that you must frequently relate what you are doing to God's standards. Since you began reading this, your mind has come up with at least half a dozen good reasons why you can't pray three times a day. Get on your knees and ask your Creator to help you see its importance for you personally.
- By Ron Lohr
But the Scriptures give us other evidence beyond this. David prayed three times a day (Ps. 55:16-17) at "evening, and morning and af noon." Daniel also
prayed three times a day (Dan. 6:10). This apparently was related to the hours of prayer at the tabernacle and later at the temple, the hours of 3 p.m., 9 a.m. and 12 noon. You will find other references to these times in Acts 3:1 and 10:30.
There are two main ways we learn spiritual lessons. One is by experience. Some say it is the best teacher. No doubt it is the most effective. But it is best to learn from God's instruction and save yourself unnecessary pain and suffering.
If we had an audience with a great ruler, or person of great influence on this earth, we would be very excited and probably feel privileged. Think how far greater it is to be able to come into the presence of God, the ruler of the vast universe. "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise" (Ps.100:4). "But in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" (Phil. 4:6). When you enter God's throne room, remember that Jesus Christ is seated at His right hand. Twenty four great spirit beings are also there, with cherubim, seraphim and an innumerable host of angels as well. The driving force of the universe is listening. Pray with energy and zeal.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Happiness Is-
Quotes from above article
Good news oct/nov 1980
Clayton Steep
The happiness God has, that which He offers to us, was meant to be with us constantly. It was meant to become a permanent part of us - of our personality and character.
He created us because He wants to give us the opportunity to live as He lives, to be in His Family.
So desirous is He for us to be in His Kingdom that He has given that which was of most value to Him - the life of Jesus Christ (John 3:16). Why? In order to make it possible for Him to give us eternal life, yes, but more -- that He might be able to give us "all things" (Rom 8:32)! All things - let your mind dwell on that for a moment!
Yes God gets His pleasure - His thrills - from giving to us. Jesus said, "It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:32). And to enter into the Kingdom is to enter "into the joy of thy Lord" (Matt.25:21,23).
Through Christ's sacrifice our sins and iniquities are forgiven, never to be remembered again (Heb. 8:12). We are recounciled to God. that makes for happiness. Therefore we can "joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement" (Rom. 5:11).
"Blessed are those... who walk in the law of the Lord" (Ps. 119:1. RSV). Obedience brings great peace of mind (verse 165). It prepares one to receive etenal life (Matt. 19:17). And that's happiness too!
God's laws are a delight (Ps.1:2). They exist for our good (Duet. 10:13). "The statues of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart" (Ps. 19:8). "Blessed is every one that...walketh in his ways...happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee" (Ps. 128:1-2).
One of the greatest keys to happiness is being thankful. We start off each day with a bonus - life - because, let's face it, nobody owes us life! But of even more value than life is knowing God and partaking of His salvation.
Nothing else in life really matters. Other blessings may come and go. Wealth, material possessions, health - they all have wings. We should be grateful when we have them, serving God "with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abuundance of all things" (Deut. 28:47). But when they are gone, we still have that which counts most: God, His Word, His Church, His Spirit.
The apostle Paul realized this and admonished Christians to always give thanks (Eph. 5:20). "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (I Thess. 5:18).
Paul always found a lot to be grateful for. He could say, "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Phil. 4:11). Thankful contentment is happiness!
Christians have the promise of eternal life. This is a hope the
people in the world do not have (Eph. 2:12).When we who are called begin to feel burdened down we can remember that the present distress is only a temporary condition. While other people's hearts are failing them for fear and worry, and while the world falls apart around us, we can lift up our heads because our redemption draws near (Luke 21:25-28).
That's why the apostle Paul tells us to be "Rejoicing in hope" even
though at the same time we may need to be "patient in tribulation" (Rom.12:12). For a short season we may be "in heaviness through manifold temptations." Yet knowing we will be grateful throughout eternity for what these trials produce in us, we can "rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory" (I Pet. 1:6-9).
The world can offer no thrill or happiness as exciting as
anticipating the moment when our change will take place and real life will begin.
We have a God we can trust. We can take all our problems to Him.
He has never failed. "Take delight in the Lord.... Commit your way to
the Lord; trust in him, and he will act" (Ps. 37:4-5, RSV). "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love
[obey - John 14:15] God" (Rom.8:28). Since the promise is that all
things work together for good, there is nothing left to worry about, is there? Talk about freedom! Talk about peace of mind! "The
righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles" (Ps. 34: 17).
Jesus Christ proved" that He could overcome every obstacle. There is no problem in the world that He cannot solve for us. That is why He tells us, "Be of good cheer [in other words, be happy!]; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
Although there are additional ways in which the Bible describes true happiness, they may all be summed up in one definition: Happiness is -doing God's will. It really works. "If ye know these things, happy
are ye if ye do them" (John 13:17)!
Good news oct/nov 1980
Clayton Steep
The happiness God has, that which He offers to us, was meant to be with us constantly. It was meant to become a permanent part of us - of our personality and character.
He created us because He wants to give us the opportunity to live as He lives, to be in His Family.
So desirous is He for us to be in His Kingdom that He has given that which was of most value to Him - the life of Jesus Christ (John 3:16). Why? In order to make it possible for Him to give us eternal life, yes, but more -- that He might be able to give us "all things" (Rom 8:32)! All things - let your mind dwell on that for a moment!
Yes God gets His pleasure - His thrills - from giving to us. Jesus said, "It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:32). And to enter into the Kingdom is to enter "into the joy of thy Lord" (Matt.25:21,23).
Through Christ's sacrifice our sins and iniquities are forgiven, never to be remembered again (Heb. 8:12). We are recounciled to God. that makes for happiness. Therefore we can "joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement" (Rom. 5:11).
"Blessed are those... who walk in the law of the Lord" (Ps. 119:1. RSV). Obedience brings great peace of mind (verse 165). It prepares one to receive etenal life (Matt. 19:17). And that's happiness too!
God's laws are a delight (Ps.1:2). They exist for our good (Duet. 10:13). "The statues of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart" (Ps. 19:8). "Blessed is every one that...walketh in his ways...happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee" (Ps. 128:1-2).
One of the greatest keys to happiness is being thankful. We start off each day with a bonus - life - because, let's face it, nobody owes us life! But of even more value than life is knowing God and partaking of His salvation.
Nothing else in life really matters. Other blessings may come and go. Wealth, material possessions, health - they all have wings. We should be grateful when we have them, serving God "with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abuundance of all things" (Deut. 28:47). But when they are gone, we still have that which counts most: God, His Word, His Church, His Spirit.
The apostle Paul realized this and admonished Christians to always give thanks (Eph. 5:20). "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (I Thess. 5:18).
Paul always found a lot to be grateful for. He could say, "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Phil. 4:11). Thankful contentment is happiness!
Christians have the promise of eternal life. This is a hope the
people in the world do not have (Eph. 2:12).When we who are called begin to feel burdened down we can remember that the present distress is only a temporary condition. While other people's hearts are failing them for fear and worry, and while the world falls apart around us, we can lift up our heads because our redemption draws near (Luke 21:25-28).
That's why the apostle Paul tells us to be "Rejoicing in hope" even
though at the same time we may need to be "patient in tribulation" (Rom.12:12). For a short season we may be "in heaviness through manifold temptations." Yet knowing we will be grateful throughout eternity for what these trials produce in us, we can "rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory" (I Pet. 1:6-9).
The world can offer no thrill or happiness as exciting as
anticipating the moment when our change will take place and real life will begin.
We have a God we can trust. We can take all our problems to Him.
He has never failed. "Take delight in the Lord.... Commit your way to
the Lord; trust in him, and he will act" (Ps. 37:4-5, RSV). "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love
[obey - John 14:15] God" (Rom.8:28). Since the promise is that all
things work together for good, there is nothing left to worry about, is there? Talk about freedom! Talk about peace of mind! "The
righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles" (Ps. 34: 17).
Jesus Christ proved" that He could overcome every obstacle. There is no problem in the world that He cannot solve for us. That is why He tells us, "Be of good cheer [in other words, be happy!]; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
Although there are additional ways in which the Bible describes true happiness, they may all be summed up in one definition: Happiness is -doing God's will. It really works. "If ye know these things, happy
are ye if ye do them" (John 13:17)!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
What Kind of Example are You Setting
Quotes from magazine
How do we grow in this thing called faith? It is simple. We just do what Israel did not. Whenever trials come upon us, we face them as opportunities to build faith, rather
than as calamities to be feared. We know that although the physical circumstances may look disastrous we look to an invisible circumstance that can affect the outcome.
God is that invisible reality standing beside us ready to make "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Rom. 8:28).
Our daily troubles are opportunities to build faith. Problems intrude into all our lives. Our trials can come from almost any area of life school, work, home or play. We also have Satan's influence and the pull of the world to continually cope with. We have to contend with our own human nature. Unless we fearlessly approach these trials as
opportunities to build faith in God, life can become a tremendous burden. None of us enjoy adverse circumstances in our lives, but if we can accept them as necessary in building faith, then we can at least approach our trials with. a positive rather than negative attitude. Peter said "the trial of your faith" is "much more precious than ... gold" (I Pet. 1:7).
Why? Because faith is the essential element we must build in order to do the Work and enter the Kingdom of God. Without faith we would all fail. At times life seems filled with many "Red Seas," some little and some so big they look impossible for us to cross. But let us learn the beautiful truth that ancient Israel did not- that there is no "Red Sea" too big to cross with God. Let's view each day of our lives, with all its joys and sorrows, as just another step toward the Kingdom of God.
June-July 1980 Good News
What Kind of Example are You Setting
By David Carley
How do we grow in this thing called faith? It is simple. We just do what Israel did not. Whenever trials come upon us, we face them as opportunities to build faith, rather
than as calamities to be feared. We know that although the physical circumstances may look disastrous we look to an invisible circumstance that can affect the outcome.
God is that invisible reality standing beside us ready to make "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Rom. 8:28).
Our daily troubles are opportunities to build faith. Problems intrude into all our lives. Our trials can come from almost any area of life school, work, home or play. We also have Satan's influence and the pull of the world to continually cope with. We have to contend with our own human nature. Unless we fearlessly approach these trials as
opportunities to build faith in God, life can become a tremendous burden. None of us enjoy adverse circumstances in our lives, but if we can accept them as necessary in building faith, then we can at least approach our trials with. a positive rather than negative attitude. Peter said "the trial of your faith" is "much more precious than ... gold" (I Pet. 1:7).
Why? Because faith is the essential element we must build in order to do the Work and enter the Kingdom of God. Without faith we would all fail. At times life seems filled with many "Red Seas," some little and some so big they look impossible for us to cross. But let us learn the beautiful truth that ancient Israel did not- that there is no "Red Sea" too big to cross with God. Let's view each day of our lives, with all its joys and sorrows, as just another step toward the Kingdom of God.
June-July 1980 Good News
What Kind of Example are You Setting
By David Carley
Love Thy Neighbor Just What Does It Mean
Quotes from the Article
Trials and tests are common in all our lives. We have trials, and so does our neighbor. While Christ was undergoing the trial of His life, He was praying for Peter, a key disciple whom Satan wanted to destroy. And yet Christ Himself was about to be sacrificed. What a selfless love! Christ instructed Peter, "When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren" (Luke 22:31-32). This is the type of love we must manifest toward our neighbor.
The same as loving God
God actually puts Himself in the place of our neighbor. Whatever we do to our neighbor, we are actually doing to God (Matt. 25:31-46). Do we always consider, as we deal with another human being, that we are doing to God whatever we do to that person? This knowledge should have powerful impact when we consider our relationship with our neighbor!
Do we begin to see the importance God places on relationships between human beings made in His likeness? Every human being is a potential member of the God Family, and we must not do anything to deter our neighbor from fulfilling God's purpose in his life. This must be the underlying premise upon which we base our every thought and deed toward our neigh bor.
Good News Feb.82
Love Thy Neighbor Just What Does It Mean
By Ellis LaRavia
Trials and tests are common in all our lives. We have trials, and so does our neighbor. While Christ was undergoing the trial of His life, He was praying for Peter, a key disciple whom Satan wanted to destroy. And yet Christ Himself was about to be sacrificed. What a selfless love! Christ instructed Peter, "When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren" (Luke 22:31-32). This is the type of love we must manifest toward our neighbor.
The same as loving God
God actually puts Himself in the place of our neighbor. Whatever we do to our neighbor, we are actually doing to God (Matt. 25:31-46). Do we always consider, as we deal with another human being, that we are doing to God whatever we do to that person? This knowledge should have powerful impact when we consider our relationship with our neighbor!
Do we begin to see the importance God places on relationships between human beings made in His likeness? Every human being is a potential member of the God Family, and we must not do anything to deter our neighbor from fulfilling God's purpose in his life. This must be the underlying premise upon which we base our every thought and deed toward our neigh bor.
Good News Feb.82
Love Thy Neighbor Just What Does It Mean
By Ellis LaRavia
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Are You Just " Enduring To The End"?
Some in God's Church simply intend to "tough it out" until
Christ returns. Literally, they are "ENDURING to the end"
(Matt. 24:13) - but not the way Christ intended. Are you
making their mistake?
by Richard A. Wiedenheft
Good News Magazine
July-September 1973
THINK BACK to the time just before your first contact with the message proclaimed by God's Church. Your life had probably become somewhat frustrating and purposeless. You had problems and worries. You saw inequities and wrongs all around you. Perhaps you wondered, "What is it all about?"
Something was missing!
And them came the thrill and challenge of God's truth. You saw in it the answers to many gnawing doubts, the solutions to problems - real, positive, workable principles that could make your life fuller, happier and more abundant.
You seized God's way with zest and put those principles into action - at the cost of your hobbies, perhaps of your job, your friends, even your family. But it was well worth the sacrifice because your life now had meaning and direction - and you had the promise of eternal life! You abounded with the zeal that God calls the "first love" for His truth.
Routine of Christian Living
As the days, weeks and months rolled by, however, you discovered that you were still you, that life still had its frustrations, disappointments and heartaches. Even as a converted and changed Christian, you continued to have trials and tests, some of which were burdensome and wearing.
And so your "first love" began to fade, your original childlike excitement now tempered with the mature realization that God's way is not a magical, mystical solution to all ills - that it requires hard work on your part.
Are you now therefore one of those who are simply "waiting it out" - tolerating your problems and shortcomings - hoping that somehow when Christ appears in the clouds your whole mental attitude will be instantly changed? Are you looking for God's Kingdom to bring you "instant happiness"?
Brethren, don't be deceived. God is not going to end all our problems, trials and tests for us while we are rising to meet Christ in the air - we must be working on and conquering them now, by our own hard effort magnified and made effective through God's spiritual help!
God promises eternal spirit life and rulership in His Kingdom only to those who in this life develop righteous spiritual character - who practice love, joy, peace, happiness and overcome and solve their problems now!
God's People Should Be Happy
Jesus explained to His disciples that one who is faithful in little will be faithful in much (Luke 16:10). If we learn here and now to lead full, happy, purposeful physical lives, to master and overcome our afflictions, God knows we can be happy for all eternity in His Kingdom.
In John 10:10 Christ told the Pharisees: "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." God intended our physical life to be an abundant one - not necessarily full of wealth and earthly possessions, but full of love, joy, peace and happiness.
"Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance . . ." are among the fruits of God's Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). Notice that love, joy and peace head the list. These are the spiritual works by which God is judging us.
Can we really evidence love, joy, and peace if we are just "waiting it out"? Obviously not. Putting up with our shortcomings and allowing circumstances subject to our control to toss us about - hoping that Christ will return before our endurance runs out - is not the way to peace and happiness!
When Christ returns He wants to find His servants "so doing" (Matt. 24:46) - actively and aggressively making changes in themselves; actually solving problems - not simply "marking time" and putting up with their lacks - not relying on someone else to push them into overcoming. He wants to find in us ever-increasing joy and the sense of purpose that comes only with spiritual growth.
Take a test.
Can you say that since you were put into God's Church you have been very blessed - and that you are being spiritually blessed more all the time?
If not, something is amiss.
If you don't feel very blessed and happy - and increasingly so as time passes, you may be "missing the boat."
Trials, Yes! Unhappiness, No!
Certainly God did promise trials and tribulation for true Christians. Anyone who will live godly is in for some rough times.
But even in the face of trials, a Christian should not become unhappy and frustrated. James commanded, "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations [trials]; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience" (James 1:2-3).
No crisis or dilemma seems cause for us to shout for joy - at least not in the immediate physical sense. But we are commanded by our Creator to rejoice in the long range good that a trial can produce. We can have the vision and foresight to know that God is absolutely in control, allowing a problem only for our ultimate spiritual good.
Trials can be traumatic; but they need not destroy the overall contentment and joy we have in knowing we are now learning how to live so we can reign for all eternity with Christ.
Nothing must be allowed to blur our vision of our goal. Then, nothing can destroy our happiness! Christ exhorted His disciples: ".. . rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you" - or because of any supernatural abilities we might be given - "... but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven" (Luke 10:20). That is our cause for great rejoicing, regardless of our physical circumstances.
Be Deeply Converted
Although the temporary physical blessings of this life can add to our happiness, we must never let the lack or desire for them destroy or ruin our rejoicing. No attempt to base our life and happiness on physical things which an so easily be taken from us can ever succeed.
But to be able to get our minds off the physical things of this world, we must be deeply converted - we must strive to rid ourselves of the habits, aspirations and vanity of our carnal lives. We must understand and despise the carnality we see in our own minds. We must be willing to accept correction and admit our weaknesses and faults.
We should pray for God to show us our errors and shortcomings, to correct us in His mercy; and we should also ask God's ministers to help us see where we need to change.
Admitting error, accepting correction, then striving to overcome, must become a daily challenge for us --knowing that we are qualifying for an eternal goal which is the foundation of our happiness.
With this spiritual goal in mind, we can greatly appreciate any physical blessings God has granted us and use them to the fullest. Sin and unhappiness come from misuse or abuse - but happiness, peace and joy come from the proper appreciation and use of all that God has created.
Enjoy the taste of delicious food; be inspired by beautiful music; be thrilled by the fellowship of other members of God's family; appreciate the glory of God's creation. In proper balance drink in of all of God's physical creation, but always seek His Kingdom first (Matt. 6:33).
Solve Your Problems
As true Christians, we must actually solve the problems of this life. Never think or say, "I can't do things any different. That is the way I am," or, "I can't help it if conditions are that way" - and slip into a do-nothing attitude.
Too many of us are satisfied with second place - with less than a fulfilling marriage, with less than obedient children. We bounce from job to job without direction. We allow circumstances to shape our lives. We slip by from paycheck to paycheck just keeping our financial noses above water. We allow our own physical bodies to remain too fat, or enervated, or in pain, when it lies within our power to correct the situation - if we only would exert the effort to do so.
Are you developing and using your mind, broadening your mental horizons, learning in fields you have previously ignored or had no opportunity? Then again, perhaps you are already too broad in your interests and need to narrow them down and begin to specialize in certain fields.
Granted, there are limitations to what we can alter in this life - but are we really changing to the utmost? It's true that change is often arduous, embarrassing and traumatic, but are we really measuring it as we should in comparison to the jubilation beyond?
Are you solving and overcoming problems - putting them into the past? Or engaged in a simple endurance contest?
Accentuate the Positive
"A basic human tendency is to see the negative side of things. It doesn't matter who you are, you can always find something to be discouraged about if you want to. There is always trouble in the world, in the nation, in every community. There are aches and pains, discouragement and disappointment in our personal lives.
But one thing is sure: worrying about these problems, brooding about them, being unhappy about them, won't make them go away.
So what should we do?
We must learn to thrust our problems into the hands of God through prayer and meditate about the positive aspects of our life and His way. We of all people do know who we are - we know where we're going. We have the absolute promise that ".. . all things work together for good to them that love God . . ." (Rom. 8:28). Before us lies the greatest goal that a human being could imagine - the promised goal of being in God's family for all eternity.
Brethren, let's accentuate the positive!
Let's recapture the original zest and happiness we experienced when we first began to walk in God's way of life.
Remember, this physical existence is the training and testing ground for an eternal spiritual life in God's glorious family. Eternal happiness is available only to those who learn true happiness here and now!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brought to you as a study resource by the
Church of God Faithful Flock
Christ returns. Literally, they are "ENDURING to the end"
(Matt. 24:13) - but not the way Christ intended. Are you
making their mistake?
by Richard A. Wiedenheft
Good News Magazine
July-September 1973
THINK BACK to the time just before your first contact with the message proclaimed by God's Church. Your life had probably become somewhat frustrating and purposeless. You had problems and worries. You saw inequities and wrongs all around you. Perhaps you wondered, "What is it all about?"
Something was missing!
And them came the thrill and challenge of God's truth. You saw in it the answers to many gnawing doubts, the solutions to problems - real, positive, workable principles that could make your life fuller, happier and more abundant.
You seized God's way with zest and put those principles into action - at the cost of your hobbies, perhaps of your job, your friends, even your family. But it was well worth the sacrifice because your life now had meaning and direction - and you had the promise of eternal life! You abounded with the zeal that God calls the "first love" for His truth.
Routine of Christian Living
As the days, weeks and months rolled by, however, you discovered that you were still you, that life still had its frustrations, disappointments and heartaches. Even as a converted and changed Christian, you continued to have trials and tests, some of which were burdensome and wearing.
And so your "first love" began to fade, your original childlike excitement now tempered with the mature realization that God's way is not a magical, mystical solution to all ills - that it requires hard work on your part.
Are you now therefore one of those who are simply "waiting it out" - tolerating your problems and shortcomings - hoping that somehow when Christ appears in the clouds your whole mental attitude will be instantly changed? Are you looking for God's Kingdom to bring you "instant happiness"?
Brethren, don't be deceived. God is not going to end all our problems, trials and tests for us while we are rising to meet Christ in the air - we must be working on and conquering them now, by our own hard effort magnified and made effective through God's spiritual help!
God promises eternal spirit life and rulership in His Kingdom only to those who in this life develop righteous spiritual character - who practice love, joy, peace, happiness and overcome and solve their problems now!
God's People Should Be Happy
Jesus explained to His disciples that one who is faithful in little will be faithful in much (Luke 16:10). If we learn here and now to lead full, happy, purposeful physical lives, to master and overcome our afflictions, God knows we can be happy for all eternity in His Kingdom.
In John 10:10 Christ told the Pharisees: "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." God intended our physical life to be an abundant one - not necessarily full of wealth and earthly possessions, but full of love, joy, peace and happiness.
"Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance . . ." are among the fruits of God's Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). Notice that love, joy and peace head the list. These are the spiritual works by which God is judging us.
Can we really evidence love, joy, and peace if we are just "waiting it out"? Obviously not. Putting up with our shortcomings and allowing circumstances subject to our control to toss us about - hoping that Christ will return before our endurance runs out - is not the way to peace and happiness!
When Christ returns He wants to find His servants "so doing" (Matt. 24:46) - actively and aggressively making changes in themselves; actually solving problems - not simply "marking time" and putting up with their lacks - not relying on someone else to push them into overcoming. He wants to find in us ever-increasing joy and the sense of purpose that comes only with spiritual growth.
Take a test.
Can you say that since you were put into God's Church you have been very blessed - and that you are being spiritually blessed more all the time?
If not, something is amiss.
If you don't feel very blessed and happy - and increasingly so as time passes, you may be "missing the boat."
Trials, Yes! Unhappiness, No!
Certainly God did promise trials and tribulation for true Christians. Anyone who will live godly is in for some rough times.
But even in the face of trials, a Christian should not become unhappy and frustrated. James commanded, "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations [trials]; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience" (James 1:2-3).
No crisis or dilemma seems cause for us to shout for joy - at least not in the immediate physical sense. But we are commanded by our Creator to rejoice in the long range good that a trial can produce. We can have the vision and foresight to know that God is absolutely in control, allowing a problem only for our ultimate spiritual good.
Trials can be traumatic; but they need not destroy the overall contentment and joy we have in knowing we are now learning how to live so we can reign for all eternity with Christ.
Nothing must be allowed to blur our vision of our goal. Then, nothing can destroy our happiness! Christ exhorted His disciples: ".. . rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you" - or because of any supernatural abilities we might be given - "... but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven" (Luke 10:20). That is our cause for great rejoicing, regardless of our physical circumstances.
Be Deeply Converted
Although the temporary physical blessings of this life can add to our happiness, we must never let the lack or desire for them destroy or ruin our rejoicing. No attempt to base our life and happiness on physical things which an so easily be taken from us can ever succeed.
But to be able to get our minds off the physical things of this world, we must be deeply converted - we must strive to rid ourselves of the habits, aspirations and vanity of our carnal lives. We must understand and despise the carnality we see in our own minds. We must be willing to accept correction and admit our weaknesses and faults.
We should pray for God to show us our errors and shortcomings, to correct us in His mercy; and we should also ask God's ministers to help us see where we need to change.
Admitting error, accepting correction, then striving to overcome, must become a daily challenge for us --knowing that we are qualifying for an eternal goal which is the foundation of our happiness.
With this spiritual goal in mind, we can greatly appreciate any physical blessings God has granted us and use them to the fullest. Sin and unhappiness come from misuse or abuse - but happiness, peace and joy come from the proper appreciation and use of all that God has created.
Enjoy the taste of delicious food; be inspired by beautiful music; be thrilled by the fellowship of other members of God's family; appreciate the glory of God's creation. In proper balance drink in of all of God's physical creation, but always seek His Kingdom first (Matt. 6:33).
Solve Your Problems
As true Christians, we must actually solve the problems of this life. Never think or say, "I can't do things any different. That is the way I am," or, "I can't help it if conditions are that way" - and slip into a do-nothing attitude.
Too many of us are satisfied with second place - with less than a fulfilling marriage, with less than obedient children. We bounce from job to job without direction. We allow circumstances to shape our lives. We slip by from paycheck to paycheck just keeping our financial noses above water. We allow our own physical bodies to remain too fat, or enervated, or in pain, when it lies within our power to correct the situation - if we only would exert the effort to do so.
Are you developing and using your mind, broadening your mental horizons, learning in fields you have previously ignored or had no opportunity? Then again, perhaps you are already too broad in your interests and need to narrow them down and begin to specialize in certain fields.
Granted, there are limitations to what we can alter in this life - but are we really changing to the utmost? It's true that change is often arduous, embarrassing and traumatic, but are we really measuring it as we should in comparison to the jubilation beyond?
Are you solving and overcoming problems - putting them into the past? Or engaged in a simple endurance contest?
Accentuate the Positive
"A basic human tendency is to see the negative side of things. It doesn't matter who you are, you can always find something to be discouraged about if you want to. There is always trouble in the world, in the nation, in every community. There are aches and pains, discouragement and disappointment in our personal lives.
But one thing is sure: worrying about these problems, brooding about them, being unhappy about them, won't make them go away.
So what should we do?
We must learn to thrust our problems into the hands of God through prayer and meditate about the positive aspects of our life and His way. We of all people do know who we are - we know where we're going. We have the absolute promise that ".. . all things work together for good to them that love God . . ." (Rom. 8:28). Before us lies the greatest goal that a human being could imagine - the promised goal of being in God's family for all eternity.
Brethren, let's accentuate the positive!
Let's recapture the original zest and happiness we experienced when we first began to walk in God's way of life.
Remember, this physical existence is the training and testing ground for an eternal spiritual life in God's glorious family. Eternal happiness is available only to those who learn true happiness here and now!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brought to you as a study resource by the
Church of God Faithful Flock
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