Christmas ~ 2013

I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a more fleeting year,

Already it’s fading in our rear-view mirror;

Where the days went I cannot say,

They’ve flown by on wings of rapid decay.

It started out fresh, and clean, and new,

With promise, potential, and time in view;

Our hearts soared with hope as the year began,

Sure it would bring forth our very best plan.

But then ‘twixt the start and what we see now,

Came the gravel, the rough stuff, and the ornery plow.

It’s hard work, the details of birthing a dream,

Too often we falter and simply lose steam.

The “skin” that we live in is quick to relax,

To give up the fight, call off the attacks;

We yield when we ought to be standing our ground,

Doing it “our way” brings dreams crashing ‘round.

Then, December comes, year’s end is in sight,

And we, ever hoping, turn toward the Light;

Of that first Christmas morn, two millennia ago,

When Hope was born and its’ dawn brought the glow...

Of redemption... renewal... reviving His plan,

Life everlasting – His promise to man;

“I know the thoughts that I think toward you,

Peace... good will... and Salvation too.”

Our strength is too small, we need Him to survive,

For only in Him are we truly alive;

Yielded, submissive; that’s when we’re our best,

Trusting His Word, we can pass every test.

Willing obedience always touches His heart,

Freely giving ourselves, we make a fresh start;

Old things pass away, all things become new,

With Him in control, we can now follow through!

Marjorie J. Kinnee

December 2013

Discerning Thinking...

Text: Malachi 3:13-18 and Hebrews 4:12-13

Key Verses: "Then shall ye return and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not." (Malachi 3:18) 
"For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 12:13)

Points to Ponder...

1. What "man" thinks
2. What God thinks
3. What God's children think
4. Discerning God's opinion on the matter
5. Making choices - good and/or evil
6. Discerning the Body of Christ
7. Discerning the will of God
8. Integrity - intent and motive
9. Recognizing error/s and sin
10. Overcoming and recovering from error/s

Cheap Grace

Note: This is a direct quote from the writings of Dietrich Bonhoffer. In these days of "easy believe-ism," it seems important to re-examine this thought and ponder on it's significance...

   "Cheap grace means grace alone does everything, and so, everything can remain as it was before. Let the Christian live like the rest of the world, let him model himself after the world's standards. Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance.
   Costly grace is the treasure hidden in a field. It is the kingly rule of Christ. Costly grace is the Gospel which must be sought again and again, the gift which must be asked for, the door at which one must knock.
   Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow, and it is grace because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life..."

~ Dietrich Bonhoffer

God's "If Only..."

Text: Psalm 81:8-16

God says, "Hear, O My people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto Me." One of God's characteristics is that He is oh, so willing to make Himself know. He tells plainly what He thinks and feels, leaving no room for doubt or uncertainty. Here, in Psalm 81, He opens the record for all to read and understand.

First, He reiterated the commandment, "There shall no strange god be in thee, neither shalt thou worship any strange god. I AM the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide and I will fill it." (verses 9-10*) This last clause contains an amazing promise; one that was fulfilled repeatedly throughout their desert wanderings, was continually fulfilled throughout Old Testament history, and referred prophetically to the initial Holy Ghost outpouring on the Day of Pentecost and on every believer since.

Then comes the indictment: "But My people would not hearken to My voice; and Israel would have none of Me." (verse 11) Eighteen hundred years later, they were still not willing to hearken and heed, for Jesus said, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" (Matthew 23:37; see also Luke 19:42.)

And the consequences... "So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels." (verse 12) Jesus' revealed the overarching result... "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate, For I say unto you, Ye shall not see Me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord." (Matthew 23:38-39) Luke says, "...but now they are hid from thine eyes." (Luke 19:42b)

But! His desire, plan, and hope resounded in His reponse... "Oh that My people had hearkened unto Me, and Israel had walked in My ways!" (verse 13)

Here's what they could have had, if only...

• I should have subdued their enemies and turned My hand against their adversaries.
• The haters of God should have submitted unto Him.
• Their [Israel's] time should have endured for ever.
• He should have fed them with the finest of the wheat.* (See verse 10b.)
• With honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee.

This is what God wanted to do! Imagine His frustration! Just think about how these promise would have played out in Israel's history - the ramifications are enormous! Then, bring those thoughts up to date - think again - on how they affect His Kingdom, (the Church,) eternity, and you and I individually.

"O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end." (Deuteronomy 32:29)

God's "If only" echoes down through history, breathing a wondrous promise to all who will turn their eyes and ears toward Him in willing obedience. (See Isaiah 1: 19-20.) When conviction brings true repentance; reconciliation, and restoration follow, bringing with them the exceeding, precious promised fulfillment of God's plan and purpose - for us individually, and for His glorious Bride. (See II Chronicles 7:14.)

The Path to Perfect Peace

"Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace." (Psalm 37:37)

The 37th Psalm is chock full of good things and among them dwell seven steps that form the path to peace and perfection. Brother Charles Grisham has often said, "The trouble with life is that it's so daily." We groan under the weight of the besetting-ness of interacting with the world around us. But when applied to our personal, daily lives, these seven steps make heavenly sense, bringing godly wisdom to bear on our ever so human circumstances and situations.

1. Verse 3 - Trust in the LORD. See Proverbs 3:5-6, and the song "Trust and Obey."
2. Verse 4 - Delight thyself also in the LORD. See Psalm 1:2; 35:9; Isaiah 58:14.
3. Verse 5 - Commit thy way unto the LORD. See Psalm 55:22; I Peter 5:7.
4. Verse 7 - Rest in the LORD. See Lamentations 3:26. This "rest" signifies total trust! 
5. Verse 8 - Cease from anger, and forsake wrath. See Psalm 73:3; Proverbs 19:3. Note: Three times this 37th Psalm says, "Fret not thyself"... 1.) because of evildoers [verse 1], 2.) because of him who prospereth in his way [verse 7], and, 3.) in any wise to do evil [verse 8]. Bear in mind, anything repeated three times within eight verses must be worthy of serious consideration!
6. Verse 27 - Depart from evil, and do good. See Psalm 34:12-14.
7. Verse 34 - Wait on the LORD, and keep His way. See Psalm 27:14; Isaiah 40:31.

The Path [Seven Steps] to Perfect Peace. We come to the conclusion of the matter, the wrap-up...!

"Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off. But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the LORD shall help them and deliver them: He shall deliver them from the wickedd, and save them, because they trust in Him." (Psalm 37:37-40)

Psalm 119 - Special Requests

Taken from Psalm119:25-40

Consider adopting these requests (as made by the Psalmist,) as your own. Meditate on them. Ponder them. Embrace them. You'll find that the more you absorb of the Word of God, the greater will be your peace, your understanding, and your ability to see life's events from His perspective.

"Thy Word have I hidden in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee. ...Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law." (Psalm 119:11, 18) "For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword,piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)

Verse 25 introduces the word, "quicken." We'll deal with that concept as we complete this thought.

Verse 26 - "Teach me Thy statutes." One must first learn what God's statutes are. This understanding is foundational (vital) to every study endeavor.

Verse 27 - "Make me to understand the way of Thy precepts." In order to follow God's commandments whole-heartedly, we must understand (know) "the way." Thomas' question was, "...How can we know the way?" Jesus' answer gave the key. "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me." (John 14:4-6)

Verse 29 - "Remove from me the way of lying." Requesting the removal of something so foreign to a love of the truth as lies and deceit, is like an insurance policy. Not only do we need to know the truth, we also need to be able to discern and avoid the false; false ways, false teachings, false doctrine, false brethren, false thinking... and fables too!

Verse 33 - "Teach me, O LORD, the way of Thy Statutes." We need to understand the way of the matter, God's mindset and thinking. His Word is careful to make it plain - both the what and the why.

Verse 34 - "Give me understanding." Understanding comes by illumination. The Holy Ghost is a teacher and the only way to truly understand the Word written by men who were inspired by the Holy Ghost, is to have that same Holy Ghost indwelling.

Verse 35 - "Make me to go in the path of Thy commandments." In another place, the Word says, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD." When the Lord, (through His Word, His Spirit, and His
ministry,) directs our path; safety is assured, nourishment is continual, and living water completely satisfies.

Verse 36 - "Incline my heart unto Thy testimonies." Invite Him to lead you to the place where your desire and delight is found in the Lord and His provision. Our God keeps His Word! If He said it... He'll do it!

Verse 37 - "Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity." Ask for spiritual blinders, specifically to things that turn you away from your Lord. The old song says, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face; And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace."

Verse 38 - "Stablish Thy Word unto Thy servant." It's one thing to read, "Forever, O LORD, Thy Word is settled in heaven." It's another thing when the Word proves itself to you, personally. When you've found the answer to your need in the pages of God's Word, applied it, and it worked out to your good, you gain immeasureable reassurance and the confidence to trust Him and His word again and again.

Verse 39 - "Turn away my reproach which I fear." Even with the help of the Word of God, the Spirit of God, and the man of God, human nature is prone to weakness and failure/s. Hebrews 13:17 says when those who give account (your pastor/s and leaders,) have to do it with grief, that is "not profitable." The answer for the weakness of the flesh is keeping short accounts and repentance is key. For when we repent and confess our sins, He is faithful. He forgives us and cleanses us from all unrighteousness! That's how He turns away our reproach!

"Quicken me" occurs three times in these few verses. "Quicken me according to Thy Word," (v 25,) "Quicken Thou me in Thy way," (v 37,) and, "Quicken me in Thy Word." (v 40) Notice the nuances; according to Thy Word, in Thy way, and, in Thy Word. This "quickening" makes the Word alive in our hearts and lives. We then can be used to share the Word and bless the lives of those around us. The quickened Word becomes a "rhema word," which is a word sent forth to quicken.

Glossary:
According - v. in agreement, in harmony.
Precept - n. a command or directive given as a rule of action or conduct.
Quicken - v. to become alive, to receive life, to stimulate.
Reproach - v. 1.) to blame, censure, upbraid, 2.) to be a cause of blame or a discredit to.
Stablish - v. 1.) to found or build on a firm or stable basis, 2.) to show to be valid or true.
Statute - n. law; a permanent, established rule.

mjk - 3/2/2012

Wonder of Wonders!

Wonder of wonders, Amazing grace,

That JESUS in love would die in my place;

Marvelous mystery that ALL my past history -

Should become HIS story! To GOD be all Glory!

[See Ephesians 2:4-7.]

by mjk ~ April 11, 2011

How to Handle People Problems

[A Devotion based on Romans 12]

"She gets on my last nerve!"

Nancy stormed into my cubicle, red-faced and breathing heavy. She was at the end of her tether with another co-worker, (Heather,) who had the nasty habit of blaming others for her errors. In addition to the blame game, Heather was adept at making everyone else look bad so she could look good at their expense. Over time, Heather had made an unenviable name for herself among her peers and it looked like she was getting away with it, because supervision seemed oblivious. Nancy, however, was her particular target. Heather took every opportunity to cast doubt and suspicion on Nancy and her efforts. Nancy was having trouble dealing with the flack.

Though retired for some time now, I reflected back on this situation while studying Romans 12 recently. Here are five ways Paul recommended handling "people problems."

1. Verse 12 - Be patient. This is not easy, but Jesus said, "In your patience possess ye your souls." (Luke 21:19) Through patience, we outwait the problem. Time is a great rectifier. You can rest assured the truth will out because God keeps good records. Things left in His hands have a way of working out for your good - He sees to that.
2. Verse 14 - Bless persecutors. Jesus devoted three of the beatitude verses to those who are persecuted. (See Matthew 5:10-12.) Some of the key words are, "for righteousness sake" and "falsely." He also said, "Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward." Wow! That's contrary to the world's advice, which focuses on getting even. Paul said, "Bless... and curse not." Don't waste your time or your focus. Trust in and rest on the promise, "If God be for us, who can be against us?"
3. Verse 16 - Be humble. Don't be conceited. Don't consider yourself higher than others and be kind to those who are in low positions. Strive for balance in your relationships.
4. Verse 19 - Don't take revenge. Don't "recompense evil for evil." (See verse 17.) Leave room for God's wrath. Remember God said, "Vengeance is Mine: I will repay." Besides, what if you're holding a grudge but they have repented and God has forgiven them?
5. Verse 21 - Defeat evil with good. Overcomers will feed their enemy if he's hungry and give him a drink if he's thirsty - and in so doing, become a witness to him as well as against him. (See also I Peter 3:14-17.)

Now comes the rub! These five helps in solving people problems amount to a tall order. The flesh balks at turning the other cheek. Rejoicing over your enemy's come-uppance (when it comes) is a natural and very human reaction. At times, the only way we can muster up any patience is in the hopes that their come-uppance will make it all worthwhile.

So, how do we get our minds wrapped around God's idea of what should be done with people problems? The answer is found in Romans 12:1-2... A transformed mind - like the mind of Christ.

"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."

With regard to Nancy and Heather - there came a day when Heather got caught in her own manipulations. Nancy was vindicated and so were several others. The playing field was leveled and peace reigned in the office for a while. But, people being people, a new set of people problems surfaced. For you see, as long as the flesh is here to contend with, we'll all need to return and revisit Paul's Holy Ghost inspired wisdom on how to handle people problems!

Pastor/Shepherd

Pastor or shepherd, they're one and the same,

They take care of "sheep" and call them by name.

They feed the flock, lead them where they should go;

They guard them from danger, what e'er be the foe.

They know where the water runs cool and deep;

Where the grass is green, and the clover is sweet.

They lead, they don't drive - sheep follow by choice;

They only will listen to their shepherd's voice.

A shepherd keeps watch through dark, stormy nights;

When an enemy attacks, he stands up and fights.

Sheep tend to wander, and wander they will;

But shepherds seek the lost, o'er valley and hill.

Shepherds give from a heart overflowing,

And sheep are content because they are knowing...

They're safe in the care of a shepherd who's faithful;

Comfort like this makes the sheep truly grateful!

~ Marjorie Kinnee
June 20, 2010

Signature Scent...

God has a signature scent, one that's associated with His very essence. If you spend time in His presence, you know that His love poured out on your soul heightens and affects every one of your senses. Even as a child in an Apostolic church, I remember times when worship rising from the people of God mingled with a blue-ish haze that filled the sanctuary. It was visible, tangible, audible and breathable; satisfying even the taste buds. During these times it was easy to see why the Psalmist said, "O taste and see that the Lord is good!"

In the instructions God gave for the building of the Tabernacle and the gathering of all the things that were to be used in its service, we learn the composition of the fragrance that was to be particularly His. (See Exodus 30.) Associated with burnt offerings and as a holy, anointing oil, these were special recipes - guarded and handed down from generation to generation of priests, only the sons of Aaron could prepare them. They were not to be replicated or used for any other purpose that to be a sweet fragrance to God.

Later, in the Psalms, He let us know our praise and worship is also a sweet savor. God treasures and stores these times of communion. As they fill our hearts, they rise up into His nostrils and prompt Him to pour out many rich treasures and blessings from His vast storehouse. He places great value on obedience, which to Him is more important than even a costly sacrifice. Thus, obedience becomes a vital ingredient in the aroma of wholehearted worship.

This pleasing aroma flows both ways. His presence fills the hungry heart with good things. And His heart is thrilled and leans close to enjoy the lifting of holy hands and hearts heavenward. Praise, worship, sacrifice, and willing offerings are key ingredients of the aroma that pleases the heart of God. Best activated by a close relationship with Him, the word, communion, is an accurate description of what happens when God and man are in sweet fellowship. Before he was saved, the Gentile centurion, Cornelius' steady offerings had piled up into the heavens as a memorial to a man who was seeking after God. Evidently, God couldn't resist Cornelius' hunger. Drawn like a magnet to steel, He dispatched an angel, dealt strongly with the man of God, and opened a new dispensation - all to meet Cornelius' need.

This begs three questions... 1.) What kind of fragrance pleases God? And, 2.) How is it released?

The thing that triggers the release of this fragrance into the presence of God (and others) is brokenness.

• When the circumstances of his life broke Joseph again and again, the result was not bitterness, but the realization that God was in the breaking and used it in the blessing that followed.
• When the woman broke her alabaster box of fragrance over the feet of Jesus, the aroma filled the room, speaking not only of His suffering, but of her adoration and thankful heart.
• When Jesus broke and blessed the little - five loaves and two fish - He gave it to His disciples, who distributed it (in a pattern of what would follow,) and the hunger of many was satisfied.
• And when the sinless body of Jesus was broken and freely offered, it resulted in the salvation of the world!
• Your brokenness allows the perfume of God's presence to fill your world and become a precious ointment that testifies... "O taste and see that the Lord is good... He satisfies the hungry heart... He makes broken things every whit whole..." and releases an irresistably sweet aroma.

The aroma of fresh-baked bread or a hot apple pie triggers mouth-watering images of good things nearby. No wonder God uses this analogy to illustrate both the hunger our heart and His ability to satisfy all who hunger and thirst after His righteousness. His promise is, "they shall be filled!" The question has never been can He? or even will He? The only remaining question has to do with me and you...

3.) What kind of odor does my life present to God - and to others?

• Am I like the children of Israel in the wilderness who frustrated Him with their complaints and murmurings?
• Am I like King David who knew how - and gladly worshiped God with all his heart, mind, soul, and strength?
• Have I gone after other gods and other loves, replacing the devotion I owe him for all His kindness, mercy and benefits with a not so secret wandering eye?
• Am I like Josiah, who saw his failures in the Word and turned himself and everyone around him back to God?
• Do my lips say one thing - and my heart, mind, and actions say something else entirely?
• Or am I like Daniel and his three young friends who purposed in their heart that no matter what, everything they did was going to be God's way and for His glory?

I too have a signature scent. The odor I present to God and to those around me is based on the choices I make. It's a unique recipe I put together every day I live. If I choose to please myself; my flesh, its desires and agenda, if I seek after the things of this world and its system - my recipe becomes a stench in His nostrils and to those around me.

But if I choose to please Him and to set my heart and mind on heavenly things; it brings glory to God and makes my world more aware of Him and His goodness. I become a living testimony, and a catalyst of His redemptive plan.

Either way, this "signature scent" reminds Him of what He did at Calvary! (See II Corinthians 2:15.) Disobedience crucifies Him afresh, makes His sacrifice of no effect. But if my choices are born of a willing, obedient heart - the result is:

• an odor that is pleasing to Him,
• the joy of His salvation,
• His smile of approval, and,
• an irresistable force that moves the most obstinate of obstacles!

There is coming a day and a place when and where the fragrance of His joy and ours will combine into a holy, sweet incense, a perfume that will permeate heaven's atmosphere with a communion more perfect and complete than mortal senses can even imagine. We in Him and Him in us! Praise perfected! (No wonder worship is the most heavenly of occupations.) That day will be glorious indeed. But until then - every day - we're putting together our signature scent; the fragrance by which we'll be known throughout eternity!

Note: This thought was inspired by a recent Our Daily Bread devotion.

Love, Trust, Know...

It was just a brief encounter in a local store. One of the clerks there is a child of God who attends a nearby Apostolic Church. As we talked, she mentioned the illness of a mutual friend and then spoke of a recent tongues and interpretation this friend had given... “My people love Me, but they do not trust Me because they do not ‘know’ Me.” Though I did not hear them when they were originally spoken, these words have not left my mind since I heard them.

I wonder, how often is the Lord frustrated by our unwillingness to trust Him? To ‘know’ Him? He counseled us to “learn” of Him, for He is meek and lowly in heart. He promised we would find rest for our souls – yet our human nature is unwilling to invest the time and effort necessary to achieve this kind of knowing. So we struggle on in our dilemmas, living way beneath the power available to us. The Apostle Paul longed to ‘know’ Him in the power of His resurrection and in the fellowship of His suffering. Ah! Our human nature likes the resurrection power part, but we cringe from the death and suffering that precedes that resurrection.

That brings us to the other two words; love and trust. It is a given that in order to trust someone you have to know them. But romance novels are built on the premise of infatuation and instant attraction. Evidently, you can love without trust, but such love is shallow and can’t endure the pressure and heat of time. Anything you can “fall” in love with easily can just as easily be swept away by a new infatuation. Shallow love is easily replaced. But love born of knowledge has a strong foundation and becomes the birthplace of trust.

A child’s trust is built on experience. All they know is that their mother and/or father have been the central point of their existence and so they tend to trust even in the most scary times. We’ve heard the story of the child who jumped into his father's arms from the window of a burning building. A teenager or an adult might have questioned the father’s strength and ability to catch him, but the little child has not learned to doubt, so “what if?” never crosses his mind. He leaps – fully trusting his father to catch him. All he knows is what he’s learned from and about his father and mother. His trust is based on that knowledge. It’s a heavy parental responsibility but one that has made weak men strong.

Is it any wonder why Jesus said, “except ye become as a little child, you cannot enter into the Kingdom of heaven”? The trust a child displays is born of his love and his knowledge. You may say, “Some parents are not trustworthy!” and this may be true of earthly, sinful parents – but if you know God, you know it is not true of your Heavenly Father. “His strength is made perfect in [our] weakness.”

Even when His answer is “No” – He has promised never to leave or forsake you. He goes with you and gets under the yoke with you even in the most difficult of times; when you’ve failed, when you’re sinking, when your body is wracked with pain, when your heart is broken, when your mind skitters about in panic, when the enemy comes in like a flood, when you’re perplexed and don’t know what to do, when you’re between a rock and a hard place. Whatever the circumstance, if you know Him and His Word, your love can anchor itself in that knowledge, and, like that little child, take a leap of faith into His waiting arms.

“Perfect love casteth out fear.” The more experiences you’ve had, the more times you’ve depended on His Word and His promise, the more you have seen His hand at work in your life and in the life of others, the more you know of His Word and His Character; the better you are able to trust Him and obey without fear. Obedience is the measuring stick of trust. Abraham trusted God’s promise and bound Isaac to the altar. Noah trusted God’s Word and built an ark to the saving of his house. Mary trusted God and yielded her body and her reputation to bring the Lamb of God into the world.

Lord, haste the day when Your people love You and trust You because they know You!


Marjorie Kinnee
July, 2009

Sometimes...

Sometimes life is hectic,

Sometimes slow and sweet,

Sometimes joy surprises us -

Hidden 'round our feet.

But this we know assuredly,

In Jesus all is well;

He measures every day with love,

Secure in Him we dwell.

mjk - 4/20/09

Because of Love!

The Great I AM – the all-seeing, all-knowing, all-sufficient, all-encompassing, all-wise, all-powerful, all-majestic, all-perfection, all-holy One dwelt in a realm our human minds cannot grasp. Isaiah glimpsed it – the Throne room with angels, 24/7/365-1/4, crying, “Holy, holy, holy…the earth is full of His glory!” – the train that fills…, the incense, the fragrance, the worship, the purity, the aura, the perfection, the altar, and the coals from off the altar… (Isaiah 6) Heaven’s splendor is beyond human imagination. Yet all that God is – He laid aside and took on Himself human flesh – because of love!

The angels were created to worship and they pleased Him. But He longed for full fellowship with someone who would choose Him above all other attractions. So, He created a perfect environment and placed a perfect candidate in it – one with whom He could freely fellowship – because of love!

How He enjoyed that fellowship, those walks and talks in the cool of the day. His heart knew great joy in those days. Yet, all-knowing, all-seeing, He watched as Eve listened to the serpent and Adam joined her. He watched as they believed the lie and tore fig leaves away from their life source, making a futile covering of dead things. The rupture of the fellowship He had with Adam was more painful to Him than it was to Adam. Something had to be done to restore that fellowship and there was only one solution. (It had been planned before time.) His love constrained Him.

Webster says constrained is to compel by physical, moral, or circumstantial force; oblige.] He instituted blood covering for sin. Mankind continued wayward. Noah found grace. Abraham chose to follow freely. That choice caused God to covenant with him and his children. But weakness was deeply imbedded. God’s chosen people, Israel, also fell. Idolatry, pride and fullness of bread pulled them away from their Life Source. In their folly, they made coverings of dead things. (Isaiah 28:20; 30:1) They too, believed the lie that mankind could somehow engineer his own salvation by human means.

Sad to say, even with all these examples of what not to do, we are no different. We still listen to the lie, thinking that by our goodness or by some chance of Divine oversight or neglect, we can cruise into a relationship based on our priorities and agendas. It never ceases to amaze me how persistent He is. “For God so loved…” His love constrains Him.

Knowing full well the price reconciliation would exact, Holy God, who was all-powerful, placed Himself “in the hands of sinful men” (Luke 24:7) and because of that love, He allowed them to do with Him as they would. Beaten, mocked, spat on, tortured, crucified and buried – man did his worst. What those Roman soldiers did that day was an open acting out of what mankind has been doing all along. “But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Hebrews lets us know where His priorities were. “For the joy that was set before Him – He endured the cross, despising the shame!” (Hebrews 12:2-3) Note that the joy to come was first and foremost in His mind. All the rest was something to be endured, to be considered as nothing by comparison.

Man’s mess required God’s best. His love, His desire for Heart to heart fellowship – not just here and now, but for all eternity – constrained Him to bridge the awful gulf. (Colossians 1:21-22) There was no way for us to reach to Him but He willingly bankrupted heaven to make a way out of no way… All because of love!

“Oh, the love that drew salvation’s plan,
Oh, the grace that brought it down to man,
Oh, the awful gulf that God did span –
At Calvary!”

Will He Find Faith?

“Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8)

Most of my adult life, I relegated this Scripture to the Rapture of the church. Considering it to be a revealing glimpse of the pathos and yearning in the heart of Jesus for a group of people who would believe and have faith in Him during this last and evil generation, I pledged in prayer that He would find faith on this earth, and by that I meant in me. But I’ve seen this verse in a new light; one that expands my horizons and brings fresh excitement and enthusiasm for His wonderful plan.

When Jesus came the first time, robbing Himself in flesh and exchanging His heavenly throne for an animal’s feeding trough – He found faith. There was Mary, who stepped out onto her faith, saying, “Be it unto me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38) There was Elizabeth, who, pregnant herself, bore witness that Mary was “the mother of my Lord.” (Luke 1:43) There was Joseph, who listened to the word of the Lord and obeyed His commands to the letter. There were wise men from the east, who came seeking the newborn King. There were shepherds who believed the message of the angels and came to find the young child. There was Simeon, who believed the word of the Lord which said he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Christ and who had the faith to recognize Him in the temple. And there was Anna who was abiding in the temple and came to give glory and praise to God. Ah yes, when He came the first time – He found faith.

Furthermore, I have seen the church in action – I have watched the gospel message heal the broken-hearted and give sight to the blind, physically and spiritually. I have gazed in wonder at the Holy Ghost filling a life with joy, peace and His abiding presence. Every time I see or hear of a soul being baptized in His precious Name for the remission of their sins, I recognize that the seeds of faith are still alive and doing their holy work in the hearts of men all around the world. Ah yes, when He comes for His church – there will be faith on the earth.

But what about when He comes into your daily routine? What about when He passes by your pew as His Spirit moves in the sanctuary? Does He find a faith-filled response? What about when the Spirit is moving and a soul near you is reaching out to Jesus – do you allow them to struggle on alone, or are you sensitive enough to pray for and with them right then? What about when the hungry soul at school or on the job asks you a question about the Kingdom or about your faith, does He find a faith-filled response? Does your life focus all attention toward Jesus? Does your testimony ring true? Jesus cares about little children, the lost, the grieving, widows and orphans, the destitute, the lonely. Is your compassion like His compassion? Are your hands an extension of His hands?

I submit to you that He doesn’t only come on special occasions, like Christmas or the Rapture. He comes every day, in multiple ways – and He is always seeking a faith-filled response!

Abraham was called the father of the faithful because he stepped out of his routine and into the realm of promise. Mary’s faith was demonstrated by her submission to the Word. Simeon’s faith was revealed by his watchfulness. In each case, He came… Oh, may we hear His heart’s cry! When He comes to your earth [situation] will He find faith?

By Marjorie Kinnee

Cubism... in a Round World

God has always made a practice of calling people out of the present world and its system and showing them a new and better way – one that leads to everlasting life. But His order and purpose runs counter to human wisdom. His perspective is the whole. He knows the end from the beginning. He works, shapes, molds and creates. He doesn’t fit into human molds. His Kingdom is not of this world. His promises include a future where He will be King of kings and Lord of lords. He has prepared a place – a city foursquare, where there is no night, no sun, no sickness, death, sorrow or pain, no sin, and where the riches of this earth are mere paving stones and building blocks.

This world is in a constant struggle to conform, to press, to force, to extrude your soul into their ideals, through their molds, and into their image. Their image is round, easily diffused. It morphs readily into ever lower forms, its tendency is to seek its lowest level. Blur any thought of breaking out of the mold. Hold the soul hostage to addictions, chains of habit, guilt, shame, traditions of men, and popular opinion. When all else fails, promote procrastination, second guessing and wavering. These are as effective as any physical lock in keeping one running in circles. Just as the physical world is round, so the flesh’s one thought is to conform to its dusty origins... circular, round and round, ever spiraling downward.

On the other hand – that which is born of the Spirit is transformed – into the image of His dear Son. It becomes a new creature. Old things pass away. Behold! All things become new! Now comes a clean slate, a new and lively hope, a new man, a new life, a new future. Called out of darkness, into marvelous light, free from the chains of sin, empowered to live a life of victory and to overcome this present world and all its shimmering illusions. This new man begins to realize he no longer fits into his old life. What you’ve found is worth way more than mere coin of the realm which is round like the world from which it comes. Life takes on new, heavenly shape; prune, purge, crucify – as the old gives way to a new dimension. What He is cutting away would interfere with your fit in the place He has prepared. Everything is different there – different weather, different economy, different shape, different dynamic – nothing of the old rules, the old mindset, the old life carries forward into that City built foursquare.

What’s more, your old life is also aware of the change. Old friends exert pressure. "You’ve changed!" they complain, "You’ve become so square, I don’t know you any more. Come on, loosen up a little!" What you need to know is that it’s a test. They want to know if you’re for real. God wants to help you firm up your confidence and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you’ve traded temporary, ephemeral, shadowy things for a substantial foundation and a sure footing – shifting sand for the Rock of Ages – hope in this life only for an everlasting, eternal, lively hope; one that anchors you to that Rock, which is Christ Jesus. He has called you out of a world headed for destruction and given you a new home, a new life, new goals, new purpose, a new way of thinking and living. He’s preparing you for the place He’s already prepared for you! His promise is that He will be with you always and assured you that He has already overcome the world. He also gives you the strength you’ll need so you can overcome it too. Nothing has been left to chance. You can make it... you have His Word on it!

Catch a glimpse of the promise on the horizon. The transformation is taking place even now. You are growing into the image of His resurrection. Just as earthly bonds could not hold Him, so bars of bone will not be able to hold your soul. Very soon now, the trump of God will sound and "the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord!" (I Thessalonians 4:16-17) "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is!" (I John 3:2)

"And the City [our destination] lieth foursquare..."
(See Revelation 21:10-22:5.)

Selling Your Inheritance

Last week, I learned that the estate of my girlhood Sunday School teacher was being sold. Through the years she had also became my friend and a mentor who always had time to discuss the things of God. So, hoping to find a memento or keepsake, I made my way to her home. The family was nowhere around. An estate sale firm was managing everything, cars filled the driveway and street.

Everywhere, people were searching through the house and garage; opening drawers, rooting through cupboards, cabinets and bookshelves, and climbing to the topmost closet shelves. If they were children, you’d have said they were snooping. One lady carted off a box of vintage patterns. (I later learned she’d sell them on the internet.) A man had a big box of electrical wiring items, still in the packages. Another woman snapped up an exercise machine. Someone else wanted her garbage cans. Everyone was finding bargains!

With a set of four new handkerchiefs, several greeting cards, (my friend’s tastes were similar to mine,) a piece of cookware to match and complete my set, a flour sifter, an original copy of "The Phenomenon of Pentecost" by Frank Ewart; I headed back through the living room with my "finds" to check out.

No, wait! There on a shelf was a pile of music I’d missed… and a complete set of choir books from the church I grew up in! I could not believe the family had bypassed this trove! Not only did it have sentimental value, but I’ve often heard how difficult it is to find a complete set of the songs our choir sang. This collection spanned twenty five years at least – from the late thirties until the early sixties. No one was paying any attention, but my heart was full. I approached the checkout lady wondering what she would charge. When the price was set at 50 cents a piece, I paid them and hurried my stuff to the car before they could change their minds...

Then sat there a while with thoughts springing up, like Jack’s beanstalk seeds... All the things my friend deemed important, the accumulations of a lifetime, yet she no longer needed them. First, they’d been sorted through by family, then pawed through by strangers in a three-day estate sale. What would happen to the residue, I do not know, but it spoke volumes about what we think is important versus what really matters.

As I leafed through the three books of choir songs, childhood memories rolled as if on a screen; the power of God filling the sanctuary with a visible, blue-ish, smoke-like haze, faithful saints (long gone to their reward,) with hands raised and glory shining from their faces, Bro. Drummond’s broken leg healed right before my eyes, Spirit saturated services making the rafters ring with worship and praise, Bro. N.J. Bibbs (from Indiana) preaching, "Where Will Eternity Find You?" the night I was baptized, the sight of hundreds of white hankies waving in the air as we sang, "In the New Jeruaslem," Sis. Helen Anderson singing, "You Must Be Born Again!", and Bro. Andy Campbell singing the lead-in song for the Sunday afternoon radio broadcast, "Pentecostal Fire is Falling!" with the announcer’s voice over, "Christ Tabernacle Church in beautiful Royal Oak, Michigan is on the air!" Vignettes of a godly heritage and its eternal significance brought tears of thanksgiving and worship.

Then came a question: Is this Truth up for sale in your estimation? What price do you place on the treasure of a clean conscience and sins covered under the Blood of Jesus? Do you appreciate the sacrifices that gave you this golden opportunity? If you do not, someone else will perceive their worth and cart them away. Their gain – your loss... but what a loss! In the company of Esau, Demas, and the foolish virgins, there will be an eternity to remember and regret.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Jesus spoke of "treasure hidden in a field" and "a pearl of great price." A good look at Jesus makes the things of earth lose their luster. To one who perceives His value, no price is too costly, no sacrifice too dear. Ask Abraham, ask Moses, ask Paul, ask the unnamed saints of whom it was said, the "world was not worthy." (Hebrews 11:32-40) The value you place on eternal things determines the value you'll place on anything else.

According to the Pattern


By faith, Noah, being warned of God,

saved his family;

He moved with fear, prepared the ark,

"For see that you build it," saith He...

"according to the pattern."

The priests of old served before the Lord,

as shadows of the heavenly;

Their tabernacle plan was ordained of God,

"For see that you make it," saith He...

"according to the pattern."

And when the Day of Pentecost was fully come,

A Holy Wind blew mightily;

As Peter preached the Word, anointed by God,

"See that you preach it," saith He...

"according to the pattern."

From age to age, through ebb and flow,

From sea to shining sea;

When e'er a heart opens to make Him a home,

"O see that you make it," saith He...

"according to the pattern!"

~ mjkinnee ~

Whose Children...?

"…For he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have the light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light." (John 12:35-36) "For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light." (Ephesians 5:7)

Characteristics of the children of darkness . . .
* They have worldly wisdom [knowledge of evil]. (Luke 16:8)
* The children of the flesh are not the children of God (Romans 9:8)
* Their conversation is in the lusts of their flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind and are by nature the children of wrath. (Ephesians 2:3)
* They are deceived by vain words and the works of the flesh. Because of these things the wrath of God cometh upon the children of disobedience. (Ephesians 5:6; Colossians 3:5-6)
* The children of the devil are manifest – whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither is he that loveth not his brother. (I John 3:10)

Characteristics of the children of light . . .
* They are joyful in their King. (Psalm 149:2)
* They love their enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again. (Luke 6:35)
* They are the children of God, being children of the resurrection. (Luke 20:36)
* They shall be gathered together in one. (John 11:52)
* They walk in the Light and believe in the Light. (John 12:35-36)
* The Spirit itself bears witness with their spirit that they are the children of God. (Romans 8:16)
* They are heirs, heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ. (Romans 8:17)
* They which are of faith are the children of Abraham. (Galatians 3:7)
* They are the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26)
* They are the children of promise. (Galatians 4:28)
* They are light in the Lord. (Ephesians 5:8)
* They are children of the light, and children of the day… putting on the breastplate of faith, and love; and for an helmet the hope of salvation. (I Thessalonians 5:5,8)
* The children of God are manifest – they love God and love their brother. (I John 3:10)
* They keep His commandments and they overcome the world. (I John 5:2-4)

In the 8th chapter of John, Jesus reasoned with the Jews, who claimed to be the children of Abraham. Jesus went straight to the heart of the matter, saying those who sin are slaves to sin and that slaves have no permanent place in the family. The mere fact of descending from Abraham did not mean they had inherited Abraham’s faith. For if the God of Abraham was truly their Father, they would have recognized Jesus who came from God. As it was, in denying and refusing Jesus, they were lying to themselves and plotting to murder the Just and Holy One. They were revealing and following the lead of their real father – the devil. Instead of repenting when the True Light exposed the darkness in their hearts, they were furious and took up stones, determined to obliterate that Light.

Whose child are you? Whose child do you want to be? Why stumble around in the darkness with an alienated mind, putting your trust in lies and in the deceiver? Follow on to know the Lord. Look into the Light of His Word. Allow it to lead you into Life everlasting. The Spirit and the Bride say come, and whosoever will, let him come and become a child of the Light – today!

Whose Nature . . . ?

Have you noticed that crisis brings out the best or the worst in folks? It all hinges on their response. We count those who respond well as heroes and emulate their good example. We write songs and poems about them and recount their stories to our children.

But what do you do when there’s a crisis? Are you like an ostrich, burying its head in the sand and exposing the bulk of its body to dangers it refuses to face? Are you like a bull or a she bear, bellowing and pawing the ground and charging perceived threats without caution or regard for consequences? Are you like a skunk, spraying out an obnoxious cloud whenever it feels threatened? Are you like a wounded dog, snarling and snapping at those who would try to help? Are you like a snake in the grass, a hidden menace to unsuspecting souls who cross your path? Or like a hungry tiger, prowling about in the shadows seeking the oblivious, the unaware, the straggler? Are you like a hyena or a vulture, hanging about on the outer fringes, rejoicing in defeat and drooling over the left-overs?

An animal-like response has no place in a Christ-like mindset. Yet all too often crisis reveals our flesh at its worst. Out of the depths come blood-thirstiness, rashness, inflamed emotions and inflammatory words, vengeful thoughts and actions, envy, and the harboring of hard feelings. These are a breeding ground for the slaughter of the innocent.

When crisis hits, do you hide in the hopes of avoiding unpleasantness? Do you flare up in retaliation? Do you rejoice in the downfall of others? Do you spray out clouds of defensiveness? Do you bide your time, waiting for a chance to get even?

James said, "My brethren, these things ought not so to be." The Christ response is diametrically opposed to any "normal" human/flesh response. Forgive, turn the other cheek, go the second mile, allow yourself to be wronged, answer not again, don’t revile, don’t seek your own, speak the truth in love, bless, encourage, entreat elders, don’t be an accuser, control your tongue, be loyal, be faithful and steadfast, support the work of God.

To be Kingdom minded is death to being self-minded. "My rights" take a back seat to what will benefit the family of God. When offenses come, (and Jesus said they will,) they must be released into the hands of the Judge of all the earth. We have the promise that He will do right.

Life’s daily little decisions serve as practice for the big ones. It’s like they lay the ground work, because the patterns we set when making little decisions spring unbidden to the fore in crisis. In our humanity, we tend to follow precedents already in place. That’s why Daniel’s pre-set "purpose of heart" made such a difference between him and the other Jewish captives. It reveals the chasm between what’s self-serving and what’s Christ honoring.

Know also that our choices rarely affect only us. They also affect those who cannot choose for themselves, those on the peripheral and those who are still outside the walls. Daniel had three young friends who were encouraged in their choices by his purpose of heart. He was also a witness to those on the periphery and those who were unsaved.

Crisis comes to all. David’s responses (to Goliath, to Saul and to Absalom,) were exemplary. Daniel’s was heroic. Jesus was perfect. When crisis brings "crunch time," the power of life and death is present. It’s in your hands. You choose. The question is – whose nature rules?

Peace-work

"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?" (James 4:1, NIV) What is it you want? Are the desires of your heart in accordance with His desires for you? If you get what you want, who stands to profit? Are you seeking things of your own? These are important questions in the present distress and they need to be addressed if we are to avert disaster. Jesus said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

If we would expend the same energy we spend in angst and concerns about our "rights" on seeking the things Jesus identified as the "first" things, we have His assurance that we would find a bumper crop of righteousness. Remember that He also said we would be known as His disciples by the love we show one to another and that we are to abide in Him so we can bear much fruit. James said, "The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." (James 3:18) Quoting Jesus again, "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." (Matthew 4:9)

As I pondered on these things, an awareness of the sacredness of the Body of Christ grew, bringing a strong caution to mind. Not discerning the Lord's Body is a recipe for disaster, both personal and corporate. Those who fight and bite and devour are not serving the Lord Christ. But peace and righteousness are so intertwined as to work in concert in ushering in the Kingdom of Heaven wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, "...be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless." (II Peter 3:14)

Making peace can be hard work, but the rewards are eternal! "And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of rightousness quietness and assurance for ever." (Isaiah 32:17)

"Blessed are the peacemakers!"