Greetings once again in the wonderful name of Jesus! Well, fall is supposed to be here but we are still waiting for cooler weather! In His time.
This issue’s lead article is once again adapted from a message used on a recent tv broadcast. It is one we all need in this dark hour, specially me! How timidly we often approach the things of God as though the things He has promised somehow depend upon us: our performance, our worthiness, our ability, etc. God is truly looking for those who will take Him at His word. Jesus paid an incredible price to give us the very riches of God.
We are heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ! How strange it would be if we were to inherit an earthly fortune yet be afraid to draw upon it. The devil has so many ways of trying to blind and discourage us from claiming that which God has given us in Christ. May we stop listening to his lies and boldly claim, and fight for as needed, that which is ours.
As I thought about this issue my mind went back to an old article entitled, “Through Paths of Dryness and Desertion.” I probably thought of it because of how I, myself, was feeling. It’s very easy for us to attempt to gauge our spiritual standing with God based on how we feel and upon our circumstances at any given time. That is a prescription for an very up-and-down spiritual life!
The simple fact is that we are called to walk by faith, and not by sight. If God let us “see” and “feel” all the time we would never grow up spiritually. And so, we all experience times of dryness when God seems far away. This is totally normal and no cause for dismay.
Of course, He is always right there, yet in His infinite wisdom, He sometimes withdraws that “sense” of His presence. It is then that we must lay fast hold of His Word, realizing that His Word is the real truth and that earthly feelings and circumstances are fleeting illusions.
Then, I thought of the short article about the butterfly. What a wonderful picture of God’s plan for us to “fight” to possess that which He has given us. As Paul told Timothy, “Fight the good fight of the faith; Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called ....”
1 Tim. 6:12.
The other short article, “Your All in All,” was shared in a recent service. I know it will bless the Lord’s people.
Once again we had our Youth Camp in South Carolina over the Labor Day Weekend. We rejoice over the opportunity and trust that many seeds were sown that will have eternal results. It is a challenging time to grow up but Jesus is able to save completely those who come to God through Him!
Till next time may God’s rich blessings be yours.