Herald Summer2025

SUMMER 2025

our herald SPREADING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST

EDITOR

Ashley Ennis 1620 S. Hopewell Loop, Atkins, AR 72823 501.269.1144- ashley.ourherald@gmail.com

OFFICIAL BOARD

Chairman- Dee Jay Shoulders 707 Ronnie Rd., Madison, TN 37115 615.423.0040- djpreachit@bellsouth.net Vice-Chairman- Richard B. Burks 11900 Road 171, Philadelphia, MS 39350 601.656.7210- rbb4543@yahoo.com Secretary-Stacy Lisenbey PO Box 513, Plainview, AR 72857 479.393.8858- slisenbey@gmail.com

OFFICERS

WELCOME Welcome to your Herald. A place to proclaim what the Lord is doing in His church and in His body of believers. This is the voice of our association, a chance to tell what we have seen and know to be true. We hope you feel at home here. Sit at the table and eat with us- there is something for everyone.

Our mission is to connect the body of Christ through fellowship, accountability, and shared resources to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world around us.

EDITOR'S NOTE The editor reserves the right to shorten, refuse and or hold any article, or part thereof that is deemed contrary to the spirit of the association.

The Editor and the A.B. of C. receive all articles in good faith, all authors are responsible for the authenticity and veracity of material they submit for publication in Our Herald. This magazine is published quarterly, the subscription price is $20.00 per year. Please contact the editor for any further information you may require.

Ambassador at Large- Richard Humphreys 179 Millbrook St, Percy, AR 71964 870.310.1677- rickhumphreys2@yahoo.com Youth Director-Dee Stone PO Box 57, Plainview, AR 72857 479.272.4755- wiredwithjesus@gmail.com Missionary Secretary- Clifton Beecher 1887 Hack Brown Rd, Franklin, KY 42134 270.776.0902- clif.beecher@gmail.com Promotional Arm Director-Aaron Wojcik 132 Grindstone Dr, Gallatin, TN 37066 931.252.4212- aaronwojcik3@gmail.com

PRESBYTERS

Arkansas- Dennis Bledsoe 22660 130 Lot #28, Bryant, AR 72022 501.326.5411 calvin.bledsoe@outlook.com Missouri- Travis Hollingsworth 3235 W. Madison St, Springfield, MO 65802 417.818.3109 moprecher@yahoo.com Mississippi- Antoine Stokes 1609 Robertson Rd, Louisville, MS 39339 662.803.3878 stokesantoine@yahoo.com

FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to the Summer Issue where we lean into what it is to be an overcomer (in this life and the next).

Overcoming flesh. Overcoming fear. Overcoming the wilderness. If it weren’t for the Lord, what would we do?

The biggest overcomers I know are my parents, Tim and Robin Ralston. Both have overcoming stories of loss from their childhood, and yet God has blessed our family with increase. To us kids, their lives are miraculous. Jesus has taken our little and given much.

NEW SUBMISSIONS Please send all new submission to: ashley.ourherald@gmail.com Fall 2025 Submission Deadline: August 12, 2025

SUBSCRIPTIONS Please mail $20 check or money order to: Ashley Ennis 1620 S Hopewell Loop Atkins, AR 72823 Make check payable to: The ABofC

My parents are entrepreneurs. My whole life, I have seen them take risks, trusting God for the increase. We are farmers. I say we because they made a family business out of it. They took a leap of faith and started their own rice mill, ensuring there was space for us all to join in the adventure. It has been a lot of work for everyone, but today you can find our rice in grocery stores across the country- all because my parents believed it was possible and were humble enough to know they couldn’t do it by themselves (ralstonfamilyfarms.com).

Farming is a lot like ministry; it takes faith to plant a seed expecting it to grow. It takes stewardship and discipline to tend the land. It takes a grateful heart to bless God when the crops succeed, but to also bless Him if they fail. If you have a bad harvest, you don’t quit; you wait for the season to change.

“Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.” James 7:7-8

Ashley Ennis

CHAIRMAN'S CORNER

leadership LEGACY PART 4: AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP

PASTOR DEE JAY SHOULDERS

Authentic can be described as ‘genuine’.

That’s it in a nutshell. Pastor Joel Urshan, who preached the 2025 Missions Conference, told me one night after service that people are looking for leaders/pastors who are real and not those who appear to know it all. We live in a time when many face issues and troubles, and some seem to be facing overwhelming challenges. To me, this requires leaders who are genuine, authentic, and real to help guide them to God’s grace and touch their lives.

The old quote still rings true, ‘ people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care’. We must care. Jesus our leader was moved with compassion and it was from this compassion that He healed the sick and touched the lives of many. It is one thing to tell people we feel sorry for them in their battles but it’s quite another thing to come along beside them to help.

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As you know I am no longer going to be Chairman of the ABOFC come July 21 and I am so excited to see other people step up and lead this great Association to higher heights and deeper depths in the things of God. I do wish to admonish all of you to lead on with Authentic leadership. Authentic leadership means bringing your whole self to your work and leading with your values, your integrity, and your vulnerability.

“Authentic leadership means bringing your whole self to your work and leading with your values, your integrity, and your vulnerability”

There are three main components that come with authentic leadership, and the first is Vulnerability. To display a level of vulnerability is not an excuse for weakness, but rather an opportunity to lower your emotional walls and inspire others to lower theirs. Years ago we would hear the old “suck it up buttercup” motto, but hear me friends, it you will not help many people by telling them this. Trust me, I used to be one of those who said such things. Why? Because of a lack of knowledge on certain subjects and not knowing what people are truly going through. When Jesus saw His disciples after the resurrection, He did not put His hands in His pocket and hide his scars, but rather He showed them His scars and to me this was His way of being vulnerable and real to them. He was letting them know that if He got up from His hurt and pain and crucifixion and rejection, etc., then so could they and so can we.

The second thing needed in authentic leadership is Humility. To be humble is to think more of others than yourself. We know from Scripture that pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.

It also tells us that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Again, Scripture teaches that when a man thinks himself to be something, he is nothing. For sure, we need lots of humility in leadership, and the first key in this is when we admit that we need it. God, let us see our need to be humble before You and before others.

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”

Philippians 2:3

The third thing needed for authentic leadership is Transparency. Transparency makes leadership more approachable.

When people see you being honest with others, they'll likely be inspired to do the same. This mutual cause of developing honesty will naturally breed trust in the team and in the people you lead. Being upfront and honest about the challenges you face, the mistakes you've made, and what you've learned from those missteps shows you're committed to transparency, even if that means ending up with a bit of egg on your face. But people respect honesty, not perfection, and nobody is perfect. My challenge to all of us moving forward is to lead with authentic leadership and to allow God to teach us in any area where we may lack.

Finally, I love you all so much and I want to say “THANKS” for “ALL” you have done for me. Blessings, my friends.

-Pastor Dee Jay Shoulders

VULNERABILITY

HUMILITY TRANSPARENCY 2

29th National Holy Convocation May 5 - 8, 2026 Liberia, West Africa

“The Bishop Dee Jay Shoulders Administration Building is a heartfelt expression of our thanks and appreciation for your services to the ABofC in general, and the mission work here in Liberia, particular...”

Bro. Albert David Miller

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BISHOP RICK HUMPHREYS Ambassador-At-Large

overcome self

AND YOU WILL SIT WITH HIM In Genesis chapter 49, Jacob called his sons to his side to bless them before he departed from the walks of this life. His words to Gad were: “Gad, a troop shall overcome you, but you shall overcome at the last”. Gad was located to the north of the sea of Galilee and the east border of the Promised Land, so Gad was exposed to the enemies of Israel before others and he was more frequently attacked. However, in the end Gad was told he would overcome his attacker. Gad would face more attacks than those living in the interior of the nation. He would face attacks from swords, spears, bows and arrows, rocks and knives. He would have to stay physically fit and able to overcome his attacker. Gad’s attackers would come from without, because he was always on the edge of things.

You will always face attacks and you will face more attacks when you stay on the edge of the principles and boundaries of God’s Word! The biggest enemy you will face is self, the other you, the carnal man that lives inside the house with your spiritual self.

There is always the temptation for more.

More than is necessary, more than is needful, more than is adequate. “Lord give us this day our daily bread”. We battle the eye; it sees, it wants, it convinces the body to go for it and obtain it. Self desires ‘it’ without thought of necessity. We battle the ear, for it hears. It hears advertisements, enticing words and succumbs to them and gathers more. The nose rules the roost most often when the aroma is irresistible. The mouth opens even if the stomach is not empty or hungry. Temptation comes and it rules when we are on the edge of things. Anger rises when our feelings are hurt and our anger easily becomes hate and grows into malice when it is unchecked.

Our mind is our biggest attacker; our minds are the software of our brain. Our minds control the action our body takes as it directs our motions. When I am on the edge of things, I tend to react in carnal ways which are not pleasing to God. Rom 8:8 “So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God”. Rom 8:6a “For to be carnally minded is death”. Carnality brings sin and sin produces death. The wandering mind becomes a playhouse and workshop for your enemy when he is allowed entry to your thoughts.

You see, thoughts can lead to a cascade of effects, including our feelings, behaviors, and ultimately, our actions and choices.

They can also impact our physical and mental health. Thoughts often lead to words and words become actions that may be negative and harmful. The mind has to be controlled and contained by the word of God. 4

It is also written in Phil 2:14-15, “Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world”. Let God fill your mouth with positive, powerful words from His Bible so that you can have a positive effect on people rather than a negative one.

Here is what happens to a man that will not listen (hearken) to God. Ps 81:11-12 “But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me. So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels”. You will wind up on your own. God left them to do as they would, and then they did all that was ill, they walked in their own counsels, and not according to the counsels of God and His advice. God therefore was not the author of their sin; He left them to the lusts of their own hearts and the counsels of their own heads. That way, if they do not well, all the blame lies upon their own heart and the blood upon their own head. It is not in a man to direct his own path in righteousness!

“Let God fill your mouth with positive, powerful words from His Bible so that you can have a positive effect on people rather than a negative one.”

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Here is the benefit of listening to the right voice. Ps 81:13-16 “Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways! I should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned my hand against their adversaries. The haters of the Lord should have submitted themselves unto him: but their time should have endured for ever. He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee”.

Want your enemy subdued under your feet? Want all your adversaries put to flight? Listen to and obey the Lord, not self or others. Want all unrest to end? Isa 26:3 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee”.

Isa 48:18-19 “O that thou hadst hearkened(listened)to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea: Thy seed also had been as the sand, and the offspring of thy bowels like the gravel thereof; his name should not have been cut off nor destroyed from before me’. If we will listen to God, we will lie down in green pastures and be lead beside still waters, goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives, and it will NEVER END. Your posterity will continue to follow after God until the end of time. His name will remain as the head of the family through all generations. Where ever you are, be listening for His voice. Whatever you are doing, be listening for His voice, it will never lead you astray!

As I looked at our tiny firstborn baby boy, staring up from his crib with wide-eyed innocence, I was struck by a paralyzing fear. I’d heard the stories–babies who went to sleep and didn’t wake up. How would I ever be able to sleep worrying about what might happen? The strange thing is that my brain immediately went to the worst-case scenarios.

“Jesus! We’re going to drown!” Peter yelled out as a wave hit him in the face. Where was Jesus? Where was the miracle worker?

He’s asleep.

As the storm raged around them, water began to rise around Peter’s feet, but still the Master slept. Only days before he healed that leper and the Roman soldier’s servant. Surely he could save them now, but– He’s asleep. And we’re drowning now. Jesus, we need you now.

Sometimes it seems that when we need God the most, he seems to be completely uninterested in our struggle. But that’s just how our flesh interprets God’s action. The disciples trusted that Jesus could save them, but feared that because he was asleep, he wouldn’t. So they cried out in fear. Jesus, who slept soundly through the storm, woke quickly at their cries for help (because that’s what kind of God we serve).

“Why are you afraid? Where is your faith?” Jesus asked them.

But didn’t they have faith that Jesus would save them? That’s why they cried out for him to save them, right? The truth is that I have the faith to believe that God can do anything.

As I laid my son down in that bed, it was hard to separate my faith in what God could do from my fear of what he might not do. I prayed a very specific prayer that night (and almost every night since for my kids for the last 15 years–and counting).

Jesus, thank you for always taking care of our family and providing everything we need. I pray that you would give Oliver/Stella/Hazel good dreams tonight and help them to wake up in the morning happy and healthy.

BRO. AARON WOJCIK PROMOTIONAL ARM DIRECTOR

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As I spoke the words “help them to wake up happy and healthy in the morning,” I was releasing them into God’s hands. I put my faith in the fact that Jesus was going to protect them through the night from any calamity and I would see them in the morning.

It’s not always easy to trust God completely, but true faith is believing that even if God doesn’t do what we think when we think, that He is still in control and we are in his hands.

Life gives us a lot of practice, and maybe you’re not really good at it. But remember Jesus’s compassion. He spoke about faith to the disciples but it was out of love and a desire for them to be free from fear. Freedom from fear is peace.

So no matter what life around you looks like, you can rest in peace knowing that Jesus is in control. Storms rage, but our God is alive and in control. He may not come when you want him, but he’ll be there right on time. Always!

And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

Mark 6:34

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In loving memory of

Bro. Bruce Alan Furgerson It is with deep gratitude and great respect that our family writes this tribute in honor of Bro. Bruce Alan Furgerson, who faithfully served as editor of OurHerald for many years. His steady hand, discerning mind, and unwavering commitment to truth made a lasting impact on both the publication and the hearts of its readers.

We are thankful for his work, his witness, and his example. May the Lord continue to bless the seeds he planted through every article, every letter, and every word.

With love and respect, The Furgersons & The Goodins

Bro. Bruce’s words carried weight—not only because they were well-crafted, but because they were grounded in Scripture, seasoned with humility, and offered with love. He treated this responsibility not as a task, but as a ministry.

Those who read his writings, were encouraged by his thoughtful insights and strengthened by his quiet wisdom.

Even if one did not know him personally, they knew his heart— because it was poured out in every edition he helped shape.

Bro. Bruce leaves behind a legacy not only of written words, but as a member of Grace Apostilic Church of 42 years.

He served there as a minister, adult Sunday school teacher, and board member. He was a shining example to his family and that is evident by his wife, children, and grandchildren’s service to the kingdom.

A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth.

Eccles. 7:1 8

ABofC Ministers 2025-2026

Douglas Arnold Donny Bailey William Baize Ben Baldridge Thomas Baldridge Bill Baldridge Tim Barnett Clifton Beecher Dennis Bledsoe Darrell Boyd Eric Burgett Richard Burks Angie Burks Herman Burney Jonathan Cypert Sam Cypert Glen Davis Shelia Davis Todd Decker Ron Denton Tommy Drumright Richard Ellis Ashley Ennis Dallas Farmer Allen Feezor Byron Foster Preston Foster Bruce Furgerson 9

Linda Furgerson Carmelita Furgerson Brian Glenn Jared Glover Joseph Hale Travis Hollingsworth Richard Humphreys Evangelist Dr. Fredi J. Y. Jackson Christi Johnston Zane Jones Marvin Thomas Jr. Dewayne Kelsey Charles Eric Kirkendall Daniel Lee Krug Christina Link Michael Link Stacy Lisenbey Caleb Lisenbey Nathan Lowe Nathan Lowe Charles Mahan J.J. Marais Brian Massie Harold Mauldin Derek Mauldin Liz Mauldin Jason McEvans Steven Moore

Ron Owens Luis Antonio Paez Daniel Patton Steven Payton Lon Pennington A.E. Pitts Jeffery Primm Samuel Pruitt Ronnie Pruitt Jacob Pryor Gail Reeve Matthew Rowland Karen Sanders DJ Shoulders Karla Shoulders Steven Starcher James Stevens Lori Stevens Dee Stone Tony Stratton Daniel Taylor Chase Taylor James Tipton Devin Tubbs Tim Virnig Jim Whitley Gloria Wilson Aaron Wojcik

Trust & Overcome “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.

In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33.

So many times we can get our attention caught by the troubles and trials of this world. We can be overwhelmed by the things happening in our world such as politics, suffering, evil, etc. But, as a Christian, we need to understand one thing. We are overcomers because of Jesus.

He has already overcome this world. He knows what is in this world and what we face. He has already made a way of escape.

He has a perfect plan for us.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”

Proverbs 3:5 SISTER LORI STEVENS SECRETARY OF ABOFC NATIONAL WOMEN’S MINISTRY

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We can place all of trust in the Lord. We may not understand the working of the world around us, but we can trust that the Lord already knows from the beginning to the end. He wrote the pages of this world.

He wrote my story. His love and his grace have already made a place for me. He has a plan laid out for my life if I trust him. In the end of it all and through every trial, he has overcome it all.

I can place every situation, good and bad in his hands and know that he has a way of working it for my good. It may not change the situation, but it will work for my good when I trust that he loves me and is working for my good.

We can know that he is Almighty God, above all and in all. He has plans for good and not harm. In the middle of the battle, we may only see the struggle, but he sees the victory. He wants us to keep our faith placed firmly in him and he will make us overcomers.

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

1 John 4:4 There is nothing that will prosper unless God allows it. He is the creator of all. He laid out a grand plan for this world and that includes me and you. He wants us to succeed in walking along his path. He is greater than anything that can capture our thoughts and attention. But when we keep our minds focused and stayed on Jesus, we are made overcomers.

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WHO ARE OVERCOMERS IN SCRIPTURE?

BRO. RON DENTON

theOVERCOMER "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” Revelation 3:21 The Bible has much to say about being an overcomer. Overcoming is what the Christian life is all about. Learning to become an overcomer is essential in our Christian Walk.

The Greek word most often translated “overcomer” comes from the word nike which means “to prevail, to conquer, to gain victory over something”.

Jesus encouraged those who followed Him to “endure to the end”( Matthew 24:13). The term overcomer is especially prominent in the book of Revelation, where Jesus encourages His people to remain steadfast through trials (Revelation 2:26; 3:21; 21:7).

Being an overcomer is God’s will for every believer.

Overcomers in Scripture are those faithful, obedient, and persevering believers who are not only partakers IN Christ life but partakers OF His life. They live His Life, share His love, depend upon His wisdom, and are empowered by His Spirit. They do not just talk about it, they live it. They realize that they cannot overcome evil, the world, the flesh, and the devil in themselves. They know that their victory is in Christ Jesus who is THE OVERCOMER! It only comes through our faith in Christ, His atoning blood, His Spirit, and His Word that we are made overcomers.

Overcomers are those who have successfully run the race of faith and conquered the obstacles of opposition along the way. They are those believers who have made continuing faith choices to follow Christ regardless of how they feel.

Faith Choices are not choices that we make on feelings but rather our choices to obey God’s will, no matter what we think or feel. They are choices to believe God amidst huge obstacles, barriers, and roadblocks. By God’s Word we have the power to make these choices and by the power of the Holy Spirit to perform them in overcoming the World, the flesh, and the devil which war against our souls.

Being an overcomer is God’s will for every believer. If we are not overcomers then how do we win the war against the world, the flesh, and the devil? (Rev.2:7,11,17,26; 3,5,12, 21;7). It is the Word of God which gives us the authority to overcomers. Our responsibility is to choose to put off our sin and self and allow Him to accomplish His will in our lives by His power and might. Not our will but His be done.

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Characteristics of Overcomers They did not deny Christ. (Rev.3:8,10) They did not defile their garments. (Rev.3:4) They kept the word of His patience. (Rev.3:10) They remained loyal to God. (Rev.2:1-3) They overcame tribulation and remained faithful.

(Rev.2:8-10) They were spiritually zealous. (Rev.2:19) Promises to Overcomers God has made incredible promises to overcomers.

They will be clothed in white. (Rev.3:5) They will be pillows in the Temple in the Lord’s Temple. ( Rev.3:12) They will be granted powers over the nations.

(Rev.2:26) They will enjoy the tree of Life. (Rev.2:7) They will not be subject to spiritual death. (Rev.2:11) Their names will be acknowledged by Jesus Christ.

(Rev.3:5) They will be fed out of hidden manna. (Rev.2:17) They will have a white stone with their name on it.

(Rev.2:17) Christ will write His own Name upon them. ( Rev.3:12) They will sit with Christ on His Throne. (Rev.3:21) Do not give up the fight. Keep the Fatih.

Faith is the key that opens the door to our spiritual victory and what will allow us to walk triumphantly. Do not give up the fight. The Apostle Paul said: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2Tmothy 4:).

Faith means laying aside all our circumstances and getting to the place where we can say and really mean. “ I will not allow any of these things move me” (Acts 20:24).

Faith comes in the form of a constant choice and it is a choice that we can never stop making, no matter how hard and difficult the situation. It is a choice to follow God and do what He ask, regardless of how we feel, what we think of what we want. We must trust Him unconditionally.

The bottom line is we will either overcome or be overcome.

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And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

Rev. 5:5

overcome

overcome IN THE LIGHT In my last article, I shared with you that from before the creation of the earth, God has engaged in bringing the power of light to oppose and overcome darkness. In His very first act, when the earth was still “empty and void”, God spoke to illuminate the gloomy waters with His own presence and separated the day from the night.

It was also the Divine mission of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, to brighten the souls of mankind with the light of His Word and eliminate the spiritual darkness which separated them from having a relationship with God the Father. His earthly mission continues today as we, the Body of Christ, share the Gospel message and spread the light of His presence in us to draw sinners out of darkness and into His radiant Kingdom.

PASTOR PHILIP TOLMAN Edited by Jack Matthews

“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Cor. 4:6).

Our enemy, Satan, will try to thwart your assaults on his kingdom of darkness. Early on he will try to convince you that your past life of sin diminishes the effectiveness of your testimony and tempt you to give up trying to share with others your victory in Christ.

Here’s what God’s Word says against Satan’s condemning lie about your past: “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” (Col. 2:13-15).

On the cross Jesus not only defeated Satan’s forces against us, but He forever triumphed over them. In the spiritual realm, Jesus humiliated Satan and his demons, gloriously parading them before the angels and redeemed saints of old, much like the ancient conquerors did when their captive enemies were shamed before the people. Jesus did what we could never do in the flesh or in our minds. The evil forces of darkness are now totally under the control of the King of Heaven and Earth.

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As the radiance of the knowledge of Jesus Christ comes into your life, you can bring all of your past under the scrutiny of the light of this truth and eliminate it. You shouldn’t be burdened with condemnation about your past because God has forgiven it and remembers it no more.

“For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” (Heb. 8:12).

When you commit sin, all you must do is humbly bring it to the light before the Lord, ask for forgiveness and, because of the enduring blood of Jesus, God pledges not to remember it again.

Now that you understand the gracious deliverance you receive through Jesus’ achievement on the cross, you can go as His representative to others and help them to realize that Satan’s dark power over them will also be abolished through faith in what Jesus did and does even today.

So, what does it mean to “walk in the light”? It is to live and act as a true child of God, reflecting the character of God that the world needs to see: His love, mercy and peace, but also teaching the righteousness of God that the world should understand: His justice, holiness and truth.

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

1 John 1:7 15

A newborn baby doesn’t automatically know how to be good and obedient at beginning of its life. He or she must grow into this behavior by submitting to wise parents who teach in an atmosphere of grace and sound discipline. In God’s kingdom, this growth process is called sanctification, in which each believer gradually and consistently becomes a faithful disciple, learning to submit and condition oneself to the loving and merciful ways of his heavenly Father.

During His childhood, Jesus “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men” (Luke 2:52). Though He was the Son of God in His flesh, He learned obedience by the things which He suffered (Hebrews 5:8) and became our Lord and Savior. Therefore, to be Jesus’ true disciples, we must allow the same sanctification process to enable us to act and think like Him, having “the mind of Christ” (1 Cor. 2:16).

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” (Col. 3:1-3).

Earthly treasure maps won’t lead us to heavenly rewards. If we spend more of our time pursuing the things of the world than the things of God, eventually we’ll become physically and emotionally drained; robbed of the vitality of life in Jesus Christ. We who are “dead in Christ” should give more attention to the ways of God and be hidden—shielded— from the constant demands of earthly desires.

Set your mind first upon Jesus’ priorities and He will bless your earthly needs in His priority.

Continued on page 18

PASTOR NATHAN LOWE

WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH CHRIST “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Romans 8:37 This Verse Is a Declaration of Supernatural Victory. The Christian life is not a journey without battles—it is a life filled with spiritual warfare, trials, temptations, and tribulations. But during these challenges, Paul proclaims a truth so powerful that it has echoed through centuries: “We are more than conquerors.” These are not just words of comfort, but a declaration of supernatural identity.

Paul doesn’t say we might be conquerors, or that we could become conquerors. He declares emphatically, “We are more than conquerors.”

This is not conditional on our performance; it is rooted in the unshakable foundation of God’s love through Jesus Christ. Let us explore what it truly means to live as more than conquerors.

Romans chapter 8 is considered by many theologians to be the “crown jewel” of Paul’s epistles. It begins with no condemnation (Romans 8:1) and ends with no separation (Romans 8:39). In between, Paul outlines the reality of life in the Spirit and the hope of eternal glory.

Paul doesn’t deny that Christians suffer: Tribulation.

Distress.

Persecution.

Famine. Nakedness. Peril. Sword.

He quotes Psalm 44:22 in verse 36, pointing out that God’s people have always faced adversity: “For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”

Yet despite these intense trials, Paul turns the narrative in verse 37: “Nay, in all these things, we are more than conquerors…”

The Greek word for “more than conquerors” is (hypernikaō), a compound word: Hyper (above and beyond) Nikaō (to conquer or overcome) It literally means to over-conquer, to gain a decisive and overwhelming victory.

What Does It Mean to Be More Than a Conqueror? Let’s break it down: 1.Victory in the Midst of the Battle Being “more than a conqueror” doesn’t mean we escape the battle—it means we win in the midst of it. Our victory is not the absence of struggle but triumph in the face of the struggle.

“In all these things…” Not after, not without, but in them. We conquer while enduring tribulation, loss, and suffering.

Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace—God did not deliver them from the fire, but in the fire. And when they came out, they didn’t even smell like smoke (Daniel 3).

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2.Victory Beyond Just Surviving A conqueror defeats the enemy; a conqueror takes the enemy’s weapons and turns them into blessings.

Joseph was betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery, yet declared, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20).

Job lost everything, yet came forth with double for his trouble (Job 42:10).

Jesus was crucified, but His death became the victory of resurrection for all who believe.

Being more than a conqueror means our trials don’t define us—they refine us.

3.Victory through the Love of Christ Paul anchors our identity not in our strength, but in the love of Christ. He writes, “…through him that loved us.”

It is not through our effort, intelligence, or endurance, but through Him who loved us.

Christ’s love is not passive—it’s a conquering love.

His love bore nails, a crown of thorns, and a Roman cross.

His love walked out of the grave on the third day with the keys of death and hell.

We conquer because He conquered— and we are in Him. Nothing Can Separate Us From This Victory.

Romans 8:38–39 … “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers… shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

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Paul mentions the most extreme forces of life… death, spiritual rulers, time, distance, and anything created. He exhausts the categories to make one truth clear: nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.

Why does this matter? Because the root of every fear, failure, or temptation is the lie that God no longer loves us or that His love has limits.

But Paul shouts loudly to every lie of the enemy: “Nothing shall separate us!”

We Are Living as More Than Conquerors.

How do we walk out this truth practically?

You Must Know Your own personal Identity. You are not a defeated, broken, insignificant believer. You are a child of God, a co-heir with Christ, filled with the Spirit, and destined for glory. When you know who you are, you live like it. Identity must precede victory. Before David faced Goliath, he knew who his God was.

Romans 8 is filled with the language of the Spirit: … “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (v.14). …

“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God” (v.16).

The Spirit must be our daily guide, comforter, and strength. We don’t conquer in the flesh—we conquer by yielding to the Holy Ghost.

God has given us Weapons of Victory.

The Word of God – Our sword (Ephesians 6:17).

Prayer and Intercession – Our spiritual communication (Romans 8:26) Praise and Worship – Our spiritual posture (2 Chronicles 20:22) Faith – Our shield (Ephesians 6:16) Love – The force that never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8)

We don’t fight for victory … we fight from victory. True conquerors lift others up. If you have overcome, you do not just move on—you reach back and pull someone else up. You encourage the weak, pray for the struggling, and testify of God’s faithfulness.

We are more than conquerors—not because life is easy, but because Jesus reigns supreme.

Our victory is not temporary—it is eternal.

Our peace is not circumstantial— it is supernatural.

Our destiny is not defeat—it is dominion.

Let the world tremble, let circumstances shake, let the enemy rage—but we will not be moved. For …

We are more than conquerors through Christ who loved us.

Because of that, we can lift our heads.

Strengthen our hands. Steady our knees. The battle may be fierce, but the outcome is already settled. Victory is ours. Not later—now. Not barely— completely. Not by might—by love.

You are more than a conqueror through Christ.

Continued from page 15 David, the king of Israel who purposed to follow God with all his heart, expressed this devotion in Psalm 56:13: “For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?”

During David’s reign, God had spared his life from many attempts by his treacherous enemies to take his life. David’s one desire was to please God, though he had not always perfectly followed God’s instructions. Yet it was God’s faithfulness, rather than David’s failures, that kept the chosen king in step for God’s great purpose for his life.

As a child of God, purchased by Jesus’ own blood, a Divine plan has been set for you if you remain devoted to His purpose. It is for this reason that you were saved, not only to spare you from eternal death, but to sanctify your life and equip you to rule and reign with Jesus Christ in His kingdom to come.

“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.” (Eph. 5:8-10).

As you walk in God’s revealing light, through prayer and applying His Word, the Holy Spirit will show you the obstacles of sin or resistance that hinder your life’s journey. As you repent and remove them, the spiritual fruits of goodness, righteousness and truth that make up God’s character, will grow in proportion to the depth of your relationship with Jesus Christ (John 15:4-6).

There is so much more than can be taught about walking in the light of God’s Word and grace. As you practice your commitment to the Lord, He will lead and guide you into all truth. (John 16:13).

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THE PERPETUAL PASSOVER REV. BILL BALDRIDGE

PART 4 - NOTES FROM MY STUDIES Please note this is a series and must be read as such.

If you will recall my goals for this study: 1. The perpetual Passover 2. Bread: leavened bread, unleavened bread, and “The Bread of Life” 3. Spiritual communion versus literal communion 4. Redemption 5. Relationship

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One of the earliest mentions of bread is listed in Genesis 3:19. This, of course, is in reference to man’s fall. The major sustenance of life for fallen man is bread. Man, of course, will die because of his fallen state. Yet, to sustain man while he lives, “bread” is mentioned as his source of nutrition. This “bread” was to be obtained by man’s work by his own hands.

This bread would never keep him alive here on earth indefinitely. Man has left his only provision for Eternal Life in the Garden of Eden. He has forsaken his communion with God and left his major sustenance for Eternal Life. But God, in his great love, has a plan of redemption. The only method for man to have Eternal Life is to eat of the “Bread of Life”. Our physical bodies must have bread that sustains us for a short period of time.

Our spiritual bodies also must have bread that will sustain us for all of eternity. As I begin to speak about bread, I know it will be difficult to some of you to accept long held beliefs that are in tradition and not founded on the true Word. I can only pray that your heart will be opened to a truth of scripture hidden in Catholic doctrine.

Hebrews 8:13: In that he saith, a new covenant he hath made the first old.

Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.

Hebrews 10:1: For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

Hebrews 9:24: For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, no to appear in the presence of God for us.

We have long since left those shadows and figures of the old covenant. They served us well, but where do we go from here? Many people get lost in this great transition from old to new. Many new things got lost or hidden in the early stages of Christianity.

The one world church began to twist and outright change the Word delivered to the saints. It is no surprise that many of our Protestant faiths adhered to Catholic doctrine as it was all they knew. A new look at our Holy Word delivered by Christ himself will set the record straight.

If we leave the types and shadows of the old covenant, where do we go from there? Well, the answer of course is obvious, the New Covenant. What is not so obvious is the true meaning of the New. The Catholic Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325 was led by Emperor Constantine, the Emperor of Rome and the world. The Council had two major changes in this new world religion.

The first was the standardization of the Roman Church doctrine of the trinity to become the accepted belief of this new One World Church (Catholicism). It will be accepted that there are “three persons in the godhead”. The second change was to resolve the Easter controversy. The early, or Jewish, church believers would not adhere to the Roman Easter Sunday celebration. A great rift began over these two issues or doctrines. The early Jewish believers would not accept what the Roman church would teach, and for this, they would pay a dear sacrifice. They were persecuted and driven away.

Constantine’s one world church would be the “holy religion,” and anyone rejecting it would pay a price of great persecution.

If the Old Testament Jews learned nothing else, they were monotheistic at their very core. Any doctrine advancing another belief would be totally foreign and false to them.

The Trinity You know the word trinity is found nowhere in either the New or Old Testaments? Nowhere in the Bible do you find the word trinity. No self-respecting Jew would ever believe anything close to a Trinitarian belief. If the Old Testament Jews learned nothing else, they were monotheistic at their very core. Any doctrine advancing another belief would be totally foreign and false to them. Now a further rift came between the early Christian believer and the Catholic “Universal” Church at Rome.

All Jewish believers believed in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. They never believed this actually made three gods into one God. God was never revealed in scripture as three persons in one God, and neither was He ever revealed as one-third of a god. I know many Trinitarian believers may have a shock over this Catholic doctrine. My purpose isn’t to expound on this as much as to show some long-held beliefs should be looked at critically.

Literal Communion The Easter controversy came because the Catholic church wanted everyone to follow the teaching of a feast of the resurrection to be celebrated always on a Sunday, and never on the day of the Jewish Passover, which was the 14th day of Nisan. Further teaching developed into a literal “communion” or “eucharist” by the church at Rome. Again, no Jew ever associated the word eucharist to mean communion. The word eucharist had nothing to do with any kind of communion rite or blessed eucharist ritual. All of this came later in the Catholic Church. Two beliefs are presented as being scriptural at best. These two beliefs, Trinitarian doctrine and literal communion are directly from the Catholic church and should be questioned as to their validity.

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THANK GOD for an

EXODUS REV. BRIAN L. GLENN

There is no doubt when perusing the historical record of Israelite hurdles and happenings that the mass flight of a cunning and cruel Pharaoh is a cataclysmic crescendo of celebration. It is far from lost to the casual reader of the text that this picture of freedom from the tyrannical Pharaoh and the shackles of Egyptian bondage is a shadow of New Covenant salvation.

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The corporate Church has for centuries since it's fire-baptized birth on the day of Pentecost proclaimed with fervent gusto the testimony of an individual and subsequent corporate freedom from our days of sinful bondage to Satan and his world system.

This was and is the birth, the Genesis, an emergence where old is passed and new has come.

This Exodus was the start of a progression intended to be an unbroken quest. Led by a pillar of fire by night and cloud by day, the children of Israel would walk in the abundant daily provision of God. This would bring them to the foot of the mount where they would receive and learn the law of God and rules for righteous living, establishing a Tabernacle for organized religious ritual. The cloud moved again, signifying the progression had not ceased revealing God’s plan as they were strategically stopped at the edge of Canaan.

Here is the conundrum. So far there has been progress. Were there failures? Yes. Were there difficulties and derailments? Yes. However, still they pressed on unified.

Now we see a total travesty on the edge of the reed-ridden Jordan River, where a detrimental dilemma arises. These Israelites had come a long way, leaving behind a slave mentality while learning a total dependence on God for everything, including daily bread. The next challenge will necessitate another level of transformation requiring possession through aggressive means instead of passivity. From being conquered and controlled, they are now being called to conquer. An incomprehensible fumble of faith will facilitate the finality of their fate here on the edge of a river of descent.

So, they survived, safe and sad. They wandered around, circling the same issues in the desert year after yea,r locked in what was intended as a temporary trip that became a march of death.

This is a type and shadow of the present predicament of the Church.

Large factions of the Body of Christ have danced on our deliverance and shouted on shattered shackles. We have learned the legalities and legislations of organizational religion and erected houses of holy habitation.

Yet, even as we huddle in our hallowed houses and rise to righteous rituals, there is an unrest. There is a deeper spiritual call of progression and a recognizable pull of prophesied possession.

How many of our "tribes" have failed to see the fulfillment of the promises of God because we feared the giants?

Facing indescribable intimidation at the conquest of Cannan, the land of promise, the people decried the decree of the divine and declared defeat without engagement.

Some few faithful saw provision through faith while others saw fear and failure. The believing spies showed up with a report of the available harvest while the naysayers who saw themselves as realists declared, “There are giants in the land and we are as grasshoppers in their sight.”

Giants of peer pressure.

Giants of possible failure or success.

Giants of new methods and means.

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The now hallowed and venerated giants of comfort zone, the familiar, and the well-worn path were never meant to be permanent dwellings but temporary means of progression and growth. We often place eternal value on the temporary.

So we circle the mountain year after year and talk about how wonderful it is that God has brought us out of Egypt.

We circle the same church debates, argue the same church order, and feel the emptiness of promises un-possessed.

“Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.” Hebrews 4:1 I sense a shift in the spirit as those last day possessors rise in the spirits of Caleb and Joshua. God is taking from the Apostolic church the things He never called us to do so that we can see clearly the call of divine destiny. This is the hour of decision. There will be those who sanctify the shifting sands of Sinai and yesteryear and we honor them.

We wouldn't be here today without their prayers and spiritual patronage. However, the best way to honor our history isn't to build houses in the sand.

Possess the Promise.

That's where we truly overcome. While we have fought battles in our pursuit, the war is won as we possess the promises of God. Even though there are always more discouragers than encouragers, no victory ever came without a fight, and it’s better to chance a defeat than live defeated in passivity.

Claim your Cannan.

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Continued from page 20 Now, let me get back to bread as this will help you to at least question what you believe or altogether help you see a greater truth. The breaking down of the Old Covenant and establishment of the New is necessary and critical in your studies. Please follow this very closely.

The word lechem is Hebrew for regular leavened bread. The Greek word is arton for regular leavened bread. Unleavened bread in Hebrew is azumos. What many people refer to as The Last Supper was definitely NOT the Passover. It was simply the last meal Jesus would share with His disciples.

This wasn’t a religious activity per se. Jesus used this last meal to teach, explain, who He was and how He would commune with them in His New Covenant promise.

John 16:25: These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.

The original disciples and Apostle all taught that Jesus gave them regular leavened bread at the last meal, aka Last Supper.

The original disciples and other Jewish believers knew that Jesus was teaching Spiritual truths, using figurative language exactly as He has said in John 16:25. The literal communion meal is almost never questioned. I’ve made that a question to many and I can say it always brought me scorn, ridicule, and damnation on the part of those I asked to at least examine the scripture. There are even some of my fellow believers who believe the Last Supper [meal] was the Passover meal Jesus kept with His disciples. Stay tuned and I will prove that to be impossible.

LOVE THY GOD Bro. John Thompson When I met my wife Stephanie, I hadn’t met anyone as nice. I have said that she’s the reason I know God, but that isn’t all together true. Thre reason I know God is because I read the Bible. I believe that’s why the Bible was written, so we could know God. My wife softened my heart so I could understand love, so I could understand God’s love.

“I will love thee, O Lord, my strength.”

Psalm 18:1 The pattern of David’s life was to honor and obey God. David’s intent in Psalm 18 was to humble himself before God and show the love he had for Him. Through its many pages the book of Psalms encourages us to praise God for who He is and what He has done by pointing out His greatness and confirming His faithfulness to us in times of trouble.

Let us know God, so we can love God. David does not say God’s way is easy.

David’s years of evading Saul and his men brought hardship and conflict with other enemies, but he testifies to the truth that whatever threats chased him, there was always a greater pursuer afoot: goodness and mercy.

Though he had been hounded by those who tried to harm him, he remained confident that this divine love would follow him everywhere. Perhaps David knew that the strength he had in God was the strength of divine love chasing him down. It isn’t a passing fancy or superficial emotion, but a profound and unshakeable commitment that seeks the best for us.

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David was a man after God’s own heart and intended to let Him know this.

“The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”

Psalm 18:2 The Lord empowers and protects each one of His children. he defends and delivers.

He is our place of shelter and our seat of safety. David proved that God is faithful and He will not let us be tried beyond our ability to endure. He will always provide a way for us to escape, so that we can endure life’s problems and pains.

“I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.” Psalm 18:3 David called upon the Lord by faith. He trusted in God to intervene in the affairs of man. he knew what God would do, or what He could be trusted to do by the way He expressed Himself through His name. His good name.

When your car breaks down, you don’t take it to the bank teller; you take it to a mechanic- someone you know and trust to fix the problem. David took his problems to God because he knew he could not fix them himself.

“The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.

The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.” Psalm 18:4-5 David was often scared. He saw the snares that were laid for him, and his knee-jerk reaction was anxious fear of death.

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This is a normal reaction to what he was facing and we have all experienced something similiar. This will cause a person to go through a process called “gathering your thoughts.” You pull yourself together and remind yourself that there is no terror in love.

Regardless of what was happening, David trusted in God’s love. Trusting God is a refusal to give in to the fear that will drive us away from God. Stop running and start fighting.

Turn and fight.

God is there if you need Him- and you will need Him. When fear tries to separate you from the love of God, turn and fight like you are the third monkey on the ramp to Noah’s Ark... and it’s starting to rain.

The devil is a skinny man. It doesn’t take much room for him to get between you and God. Stay close.

Everything is a part of God’s perfect plan.

If we believe He is perfect then we must believe everything He says, sees, touches, does, and allows to happen is also perfect, even if we don’t understand it.

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18 You are a part of the greatest love story ever told. Your response?

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.”

Matthew 22:37

BROTHER DOUGLAS FARMER

Alive and Awake Hallelujah! Hallelujah! I’m so glad to wake up each morning totally alive and awake spiritually and physically. It’s so awesome knowing Jesus lives in me since I’ve been Born Again.

When I died to this world, I got Born Again. All the things of this world that I really enjoyed lost all its attraction. All

SISTER MARY LOU FORREST

With Jesus I Am Free When darkness falls around me and Satan is at his worst I turn to the words of Jesus each chapter, line, or verse His word says I am an Overcomer by the blood He shed for me He can not have my joy, with Jesus I am free I don't worry over things that try to take control For in the darkest moments He will restore my soul He leads me by still waters into His precious light Overcoming Satan's evil ways I know I'll win the fight

the things of God that I rarely ever thought of became most important in my life. Being alive and awake in Jesus and with Jesus now means more to me than everything else in this world and of this world.

Being Born Again is having a new eternal life. The old me was of this world, and like this world, it was temporary. The new me is of God and like God is eternal, Alive and Awake now and forever. The flesh I live in is from dusk and will go back to dusk. The Spirit that lives in me now will never die, it is the Spirit of God and is eternal.

It’s Alive and Awake now and forever.

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Charlotte Maria Tucker

The Retrospect When on Zion’s hill we rest In the mansions of the blest, What a strange and fleeting dream All life’s hopes and fears will seem?

What will all our pleasures here— Titles—honours—then appear?

Like a bubble on the river, Bright awhile—then lost for ever!

Things that now employ each thought, Warmly wished for, fondly sought— We may smile, and wonder much Heirs of Heaven could stoop to such!

“Charlotte Maria Tucker (1821-1893) was an influential English writer and evangelical Christian missionary known for her extensive contributions to children's literature and social reform. Born in Hertfordshire, England, to a family that valued reading and writing, Tucker began her literary journey after converting to evangelical Christianity in 1848. Despite limited formal education, she published her first collection of allegorical short stories, ‘The Claremont Tales,’ in 1852 under the pseudonym A.L.O.E. Throughout her life, Tucker produced over one hundred and fifty works, primarily focused on religious themes and the societal challenges faced by the poor, particularly during the industrialization era.

In addition to her writing, Tucker was active in social work, using her earnings to support ‘ragged schools’ for impoverished children. In 1875, she moved to India as an unpaid missionary, where she continued her literary efforts and taught at various institutions.

Her works, such as "Pomegranates from the Punjab," aimed to introduce Indian women to Christianity and share insights about life in India with readers in England. Although her contributions have been largely overlooked in contemporary times, Tucker's legacy as a pioneering religious writer and advocate for social change remains significant.”

Source: ebsco.com/research-starters/history/charlotte-maria-tucker

Will the petty wrongs of earth Seem one moment’s anger worth; Or a friend’s depart—the sorrow Felt by those so soon to follow?

All that time bestowed will be Lost in bright eternity; Save the harvest Christian Love Sowed on earth—to reap above!

The Willing Sacrifice The precious blood of Christ my Lord, The Saviour all-divine, Was shed to cleanse men’s souls from guilt; That blood has flowed for mine!

But what return can sinners make For love so great, so free?

All is too little, oh! my God, To sacrifice to Thee.

If all that I possessed on earth, Before thy feet were laid, Light as the dust the gift would prove In heaven’s balance weighed.

The costly treasures of the skies Thou didst resign for me; All is too little, oh! my God, To sacrifice to Thee.

But Thou wilt not disdain a heart That would Thy word obey, That loves to own the mighty debt It never hopes to pay.

For were each hair upon my head A separate life to be, All were too little, oh! my God, To sacrifice to Thee.

Literature Source; Project Gutenberg. (n.d.). Retrieved June 20, 2025, from www.gutenberg.org.

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Excerpt from “Adopted Son” by Charlotte Tucker "Then if we are God's children," exclaimed Nelly, "we must all be brothers and sisters to one another."

"It is so," replied Viner earnestly, "though is our selfishness and pride we too often forget it. Those who love their Father in heaven will love His children on earth also, and form one blessed family of love."

"I never thought before," said Nelly, thoughtfully, "when I repeated the Lord's Prayer, why I should say 'Our Father,' instead of 'My Father;' but now I will try to remember every time, that I am one of a great family of love!"

Few more words passed between Viner and his daughter, until Nelly suddenly exclaimed, "Who is that stranger-boy coming this way with a bundle hanging by a stick over his shoulder, who looks up at the name over every shop, and seems so tired and sad? Father, do you think that this can be Walter?"

It was Walter indeed, the convict's son, who now received from Viner such a kindly welcome as the true Christian gives to the unfortunate.

Walter appeared, from his height, to be a boy of about ten years of age, but the expression of his sharpened careworn features made him look much older; it was not the expression of a child. There was at first a restlessness in his manner, as of one ready to take either offence or alarm, which gave Nelly a curious impression that he was like some wild creature that had been hunted. He usually fixed his eyes on the ground, and when he raised them, it was not with the straightforward look of a boy who has nothing to conceal or to fear. Poor outcast! The remembrance of his father's shame hung like a heavy cloud over him; the first fresh flow of youthful feelings had been checked at the spring, he was inclined to suspect others, and to feel himself suspected.

He could not, however, resist the influence of the unaffected kindliness which he met with from Viner and his little daughter. The best food at the simple meal was placed on his plate, there was consideration for his feelings, and attention to his comfort in everything that was said or done. His chilled heart began to warm under the power of kindness, gradually his manner appeared less shy, he became less silent and sad, and before the evening was over, was ready to smile, and even laugh at the playful words of Nelly.

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