Summer 24

REACHING SOULS

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.

EDITOR'S NOTE

OR Ennis

Hopewell Loop, Atkins, AR 72823 9 1144- ashley ourherald@gmail com

an- Dee Jay Shoulders

nnie Rd, Madison, TN 37115 0040- djpreachit@bellsouthnet

hairman- Richard B Burks oad 171, Philadelphia, MS 39350 7210- rbb4543@yahoocom

ary-Stacy Lisenbey x 513, Plainview, AR 72857 38858- slisenbey@gmailcom

CERS CIAL BOARD

sador at Large- Richard Humphreys brook St, Percy, AR 71964 8703101677- rickhumphreys2@yahoocom

Youth Director-Dee Stone PO Box 57, Plainview, AR 72857 4792724755- wiredwithjesus@gmailcom

Missionary Secretary- Clifton Beecher 1887 Hack Brown Rd, Franklin, KY 42134 2707760902- clifbeecher@gmailcom

Ladies Auxiliary President- Ashley Perry 180 Honeysuckle Road, Franklin, KY 42134 270776-2219- ashperry08@yahoocom

Promotional Arm Director-Aaron Wojcik 132 Grindstone Dr, Gallatin, TN 37066 9312524212- aaronwojcik3@gmailcom

PRESBYTERS

Arkansas- Dennis Bledsoe 22660 130 Lot #28, Bryant, AR 72022 5013265411 calvinbledsoe@outlookcom

Kentucky- Stephen Perry 180 Honeysuckle Road, Franklin, KY 42134 2702931131 sgperry1981@yahoocom

Missouri- Travis Hollingsworth 3235 W Madison St, Springfield, MO 65802 4178183109 moprecher@yahoocom

Mississippi- Antoine Stokes 1609 Robertson Rd, Louisville, MS 39339 6628033878 stokesantoine@yahoocom

Tennessee- Jonathan Denton 202 Lake Terrace Dr, Hendersonville, TN 37075 6152935530 jtdenton21@gmailcom

NEW SUBMISSIONS

Please send all new submission to: ashley ourherald@gmail com

FALL 2024

Submission Deadline: august 12, 2024

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Please mail $15 check or money order to: Ashley Ennis 1620 S Hopewell Loop Atkins AR 72823

Make check payable to: The ABofC

This issue is dedicated to a subject near and dear to all of our hearts- reaching souls. The reason we are here, the purpose of our call, the commands we follow, all lead to the love of the Father and the reaching of souls We call ourselves citizens of Heaven because somebody reached us, somebody spoke a Word to win us over, somebody helped us fall in love with Jesus. The Lord doesn’t need any help, and yet He chooses to use us to find His sheep and hug the prodigal

Extravagant love.

Rich mercy. Reconciled hearts Right spirits

What a wonderful thing it is to know the One who died for us sees us all the same None is more worthy We couldn’t buy His love if we wanted to We couldn’t justify ourselves if we tried

This is a stripped down version of Our Herald. I hope it inspires you to see yourself through the simple eyes of the gospel A miracle made by God seeking His miraculous work in others

AshleyEnnis

1

CHAIRMAN’S CORNER

I SAW ALSO THE LORD

SOUL WINNING

5 9

BE WISE

STEPPING STONES

ANSWERS FOR THE CHURCH

3

13

THE GREAT COMMISSION

DO YOU NEED A PHYSICIAN?

POETRY & PRAISE

17 21

15

LIVE TO BE A BLESSING

PRAYERS FOR THE PRODIGAL

19 22

LOOKING BACK & MOVING FORWARD

CHAIRMAN'S CORNER PASTOR DEE

JAY SHOULDERS

SOMEWHERE BETWEEN WORSE AND WORST

“Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,” Job 1:20

If you open a dictionary and go way back towards the W’s you will find the word “worse.” It means a more serious or unpleasant event or situation. It is more serious or severe

Then if you scroll down and find the word “worst” it means..most severely or seriously. The most serious or unpleasant thing that could happen and the most serious or unpleasant part of something

If you have lived long enough you have heard the phrase things have gone from bad to worse. Others, when things get bad say, “I am beginning to fear the worst.” But if you go back to the dictionary and look closely you will see that somewhere between worse and worst there is another word….and that word is “ Worship”.

The Definition of that word is different as it is the feeling or expression of reverence and adoration. It means to glorify, exalt, and magnify. The Bible says “Oh magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His Name together ”

To magnify means to make something appear larger than it is, especially with a lens or microscope. It means to increase the importance or effect of and to extol and to glorify Magnify means to enlarge, boost, enhance, maximize, increase, extend, expand, amplify, intensify, heighten, deepen, broaden, widen.

Maybe I can say it this way OH, MAGNIFY THE LORD WITH ME. Oh, enlarge, boost, enhance, maximize, increase extend, expand, amplify, intensify, heighten, deepen, broaden, widen the LORD WITH ME.

My friends, too often we spend way too much of our time magnifying our problems and enlarging our issues by talking too much about them or by focusing too much on their effects on our lives. We magnify our situations and we then fear the worst which makes the enemy bigger in your eyes than he really is. Yes it maybe worse and it feels worse —but somewhere between worse and worst IS A POWERFUL WORD CALLED WORSHIP and that choice is up to you and me. We can magnify our problems -or we can magnify our great God who knows all about our problems. We can enlarge our difficulties or we can enlarge our view of the One who is high and lifted up and in control of it all and sits above it all and from Heaven’s point of view (which is way different from an earthly point of view). GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL!

It’s time we reverse our course of action and instead of us telling God how big our problems are, we need to tell our problems how BIG OUR GREAT GOD IS! Somewhere between your worse and worst is worship and God is wanting you to do what Job did when he faced an extremely difficult situation. Everything was in chaos and it was bad and it’s getting worse and yet Job decides to do something that doesn’t make sense to so many. He rents his mantle and shaved his head and begins to worship. While worshipping he said , The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be the Name of the Lord. Wow. So I say to us this day, what if before worse progresses to worst we instead would worship Him. We worship Him not based on our stuff or our possessions or the lack thereof. But we begin to worship Him for who He is. Choose today to worship.

...ifyougobacktothedictionary andlookcloselyyouwillseethat somewherebetweenworseand worstthereisanotherword…. andthatwordis“Worship.”

OH,MAGNIFYTHELORD

WITHME.Oh,enlarge,boost, enhance,maximize,increase extend,expand,amplify,intensify, heighten,deepen,broaden,widen

THELORD WITH ME. ...toooftenwespendwaytoo muchofourtimemagnifyingour problemsandenlargingourissues bytalkingtoomuchaboutthemor byfocusingtoomuchontheir effectsonourlives. It’stimewereverseourcourseof actionandinsteadofustellingGod howbigourproblemsare,weneed totellourproblemshowBIG

OURGREATGODIS! ...webegintoworshipHimforwho Heis.Choosetodaytoworship.

BE WISE

BRO. RICK HUMPHREYS

Ambassador-At-Large

We live in a nation and world that has turned it’s back to God. It seems that many people no longer care about their soul or give eternity a thought. Perception can be deceiving and Jesus said, “let no man deceive you”. Don’t be deceived, people do think about eternity at some point in their life, that is why we are told to ‘sow the good seed of God’s Word’ everywhere, at all times. When the Word is sowed, it has the opportunity to come up If it is never sown, it cannot come up. To sow the Word is to be a doer, not just a hearer! You have heard “a picture is worth more than a thousand words”, well an example has more effect than the greatest of speeches.

Jesus gave a command to His disciples just before He departed from Earth in Matt 28:1920, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Amen. Notice this is all about action, not idleness. Go, move, teach, be an example; be Him in action! James said in James 2:17-18, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works”. Be Jesus in all you do, not just in what you say!

Peter said concerning relationships in 1 Peter 3:1-2, “Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation (lives) of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation (life) coupled with fear”. Be an example of the Word of God; it is Jesus on display. People are always looking, even if they are not listening. Baptize people in love, for God is love. Love people, it is the only way to win them. As my pastor always says find common ground with them, make friends with them, develop a relationship that will cause them to want to follow you to the house of God and become acquainted with the One that makes you so friendly and causes you to want to always help them.

This world is running out of time to be born again, His return is nigh even at the door. I am reminded of the time in history of Israel in the days of Jeremiah; Jer 8:1420, “Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the defenced cities, and let us be silent there: for the Lord our God hath put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against the Lord. We looked for peace, but no good came; and for a time of health, and behold trouble! The snorting of his horses was heard from Dan: the whole land trembled at the sound of the neighing of his strong ones; for they are come, and have devoured the land, and all that is in it; the city, and those that dwell therein. For, behold, I will send serpents, cockatrices, among you, which will not be charmed, and they shall bite you, saith the Lord. When I would comfort myself against sorrow, my heart is faint in me.

“Behold the voice of the cry of the daughter of my people because of them that dwell in a far country: Is not the Lord in Zion? is not her king in her? Why have they provoked me to anger with their graven images, and with strange vanities? The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved”(Jer. 8:19-22)

Year after year is going by and instead of more assembling together as the Bible says for us to do as we see the day approaching, we do less! We have opened the door of our nation to multitudes of this world that are lost with out God and are given the opportunity to get them into His kingdom and we want to run them back to where they came from. We want to be still rather than be in action! We want peace and all we have is chaos, turmoil, demonstrations, and riots. No good. We want health but sickness, disease and plagues accompanied by viruses run rampant. Sorrow runs like a flood at every turn as opposed to comfort. Storms and destruction cause grief and loss.

People are in despair --throwing up their hands and saying “what is the use”? What’s going on? THE END. Man has traded God for a molten calf, a graven image, drugs, alcohol, pleasure, a life of sin over righteousness. WHY? Because they don’t see HIM through us! Display Jesus in word and deed. Be unashamed and uninhibited in being Jesus in action and speaking His Word in conversation. Be His Word in actions, purpose, and response. Don’t be overcome of the world, for Jesus overcame the world! Be of good cheer the Holy Ghost has come upon you and within you. “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth”(Acts 1:8).

I N T H E Y E A R

T H A T K I N G

U Z Z I A H D I E D

I S A W A L S O

T H E L O R D

I SAW ALSO THE LORD

PASTOR STACY LISENBEY

National Secretary

S I T T I N G U P O N

A T H R O N E ,

H I G H A N D

L I F T E D U P , A N D H I S T R A I N

F I L L E D T H E

T E M P L E .

ISAIAH 6:1

Our morning's headlines read...

Iran Attacks Israel

The World Awaits Response War Cabinet Approves "Powerful Response"

In the Year that King Uzziah Died

King Uzziah had a long a distinguished reign He became king at the age of 16 years old and he reigned for 52 years. Overall, he was a good king and did that which was right in the sight of the Lord. The Bible says he sought God and had understanding in the visions of God, and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper.

While he was King, Israel had military victories over the Philistines and all its enemies. He was a strong king and Israel was a strong nation. He was a builder, a planner and a general. His fame spread as far as the entrance of Egypt. He built towers in Jerusalem at the corner gates. The military was stronger than ever under his leadership. He made shields, and spears, helmets, and slings to cast stones. The Bible stays, he made in Jerusalem engines to shoot arrows and great stones. Probably not since the reign of Solomon had the nation known such strength.

Isaiah had great reason to be discouraged and disillusioned. A great king had passed away. A terrible thing had happened. It was a marking of time, similar to our experience with 9/11.

Life before and Life after.

I

Saw Also the Lord

I saw this and it was bad

BUT...I also saw the Lord and it was amazing, incredible, wonderful, and lifechanging.

I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple.

In the middle of all that had happened...GOD WAS STILL ON THE THRONE

He was still in control. He was still in charge.

Right now, while the world is in chaos, but there's a throne in heaven

And ONE still sits on the Throne.

“Then [Micaiah] said, ’Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by, on His right hand and on His left.’” 1 Kings 22:19

The War in Israel right now is as serious as any war since their independence We are as close to a World Conflict as we were with the Cuban Missile Crisis that sent the world into panic-filled bomb shelters.

But this time, saints should not be in shelters, they should be on their knees and the church should be on her tiptoes, waiting to see the Glory of the Lord.

Hundreds of missiles and drones have been fired at Israel and ninety-nine percent of them were intercepted outside of Israel's air space

Israel has an air defense weapon called the Iron Dome used on short-range missiles. One of their defense weapons is called “David’s Sling.”

Just as David defeated the Giant Goliath in what looked like an impossible task, God will give Israel victory.

In 1967 Israel went to war against 3 nations, Egypt, Syria, and Jordan and in six days they ultimately defeated them and gained land.

They can only assume that God has allowed this to continue for the very purpose of setting the stage for His Glory to cover the earth.

How I know Jesus is still sitting on the Throne is because He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Which was, and is, and is to come...

John the Revelator saw Him and said His hair was white like wool, white as snow, and his eyes were like a flame of fire; his feet were like fine brass, and his voice was the sound of many waters.

Doubt looks down Worry looks around Faith Looks up

“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee” (Psalm 56:3).

STUMBLINGBLOCKS & STEPPINGSTONES

What’s the difference?

A stumbling block is something that causes difficulty or interferes

A stepping stone helps you get from one place to another.

What are some ways that we could be a stumbling block?

Being hateful or negative, joining in loose conversation, going to questionable places...others are watching and might be hindered. Our lives are constantly an example, whether it be positive or negative.

2 Corinthians 3:2 says, “You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men.” Paul’s life and actions spoke louder than a recommendation letter. He didn’t just talk the talk, he walked the walk!

The Corinthians who were converted were living witnesses to Paul’s genuine godliness and example. We as Christians are living representatives of Christ. If we are up and down, in and out, we may be influencing somebody else to follow suit.

We all have our mission field, meaning, God can put people in your path that you can personally minister to. Maybe it is on your job, at school, the retirement home, or even the grocery store you visit so often Whatever and wherever that area of personal ministry is, let your life and witness speak volumes! When the lost see a life of consistency and sincerity, it is so much more effective than if we display a life of wavering and uncertainty. Let’s be that consistent example for the lost lets show them how God can take a broken life and change it into somethinb beautiful.

Be that stepping stone to help somebody find their way to an overcoming life.

REJOICE WITH ME

Andhespakethisparableuntothem, saying,Whatmanofyou,havingan hundredsheep,ifheloseoneofthem, dothnotleavetheninetyandninein thewilderness,andgoafterthat whichislost,untilhefindit?And whenhehathfoundit,helayethiton hisshoulders,rejoicing.Andwhenhe comethhome,hecallethtogetherhis friendsandneighbours,sayingunto them,Rejoicewithme;forIhave foundmysheepwhichwaslost.Isay untoyou,thatlikewisejoyshallbein heavenoveronesinnerthatrepenteth, morethanoverninetyandninejust persons,whichneednorepentance.

Luke15:3-7

Thereisaworld thatneedsJesus andHeleftyouin chargeofbringing themtoHim.

What does it mean to win a soul?

At what point are they “won”? What happens next? Is the game over? The phrase “soul winning” is pretty common vernacular in churches today, but sometimes we say it without really thinking about its meaning.

Before Jesus ascended back to heaven, He stood in front of His disciples and gave them a final command. It would become the central mission of the Church and still is today.

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (matthew 28:19)

This was not a new concept, because the disciples had witnessed Jesus teaching and healing the multitudes, speaking to women at wells, loving the outcasts and sinners, and eating meals with sinners for over three years. They saw Him go up into the clouds, but His heart remained with them. They were soon active in their ministries sharing the gospel message as God’s Spirit gave them boldness.

O U L W I N N I N G

But they didn’t do this just because it was the right thing to do. They didn’t do it to grow a congregation They did it because they understood the love of God and His grace for their own lives. They walked in His freedom daily. His Spirit gives us love (it’s one of the fruits by the way), so they couldn’t stop themselves from telling others about that same love and grace.

Spreadthegospelmessage h reyougoto n,whilealso pportunities todisciple.

gospel. In fact, maybe a soul is not sage. A baby is not ready to be sent ward.

o modeled discipleship to them. He dy”. They had no qualifications or training that made them worthy candidates. They hadn’t studied the law. Scripture doesn’t even tell us they were really even looking for Jesus. Jesus came and found them. He invested His time into them. He loved them. If your discipleship doesn’t look like this, then I’m sorry, but you’re doing it wrong

I’m a classic overthinker. Maybe this whole article is redundant, but I challenge whoever reads this to look beyond what you know or have heard to see what God wants you to see in scripture. We can read the inspired words of the men who were with Jesus on this earth and follow the examples left for us by Jesus himself. Let us obey the great commission to the full extent of the meaning and example Jesus left us Spread the gospel message everywhere you go to everyone you can, WHILE ALSO LOOKING FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO DISCIPLE. We baptize, because baptism with water and the Spirit is how God changes us into a new person. But it's through discipleship of both the Spirit and our brothers and sisters in Christ that we’re sanctified. Discipleship requires time and patience. You may get hurt. You will definitely be spent, but the end result is that iron will sharpen iron and you and those linked up with you will grow

There is a world that needs Jesus and He left you in charge of bringing them to Him. So stop reading this and go talk to someone. You never know where it’ll take you!

What is the most important thing the church can do to win back the lost?

REMOVE THE VEIL

If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don't believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News (Gospel).

“Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47).

PRAY FOR THE LABORERS

The most important thing the church can do to win back the lost is to pray for the laborers. You and I may not always have the key to reaching that loved one who has walked away, but the Lord has the right laborer, for the right time, with the right word to speak life into the one who has strayed.

-Pastor Jonathan Cypert

The Lord added to the church daily, such as should be saved. Since God adds to the church such as should be saved, then a question should be asked, “Is the church ready to minister to the new souls that God gives?”

Maybe God won't give souls to your church because the church people aren't ready to minister to them. The church is a mother, and mothers take care of their children.

We mustn't get distracted by the cares of this world that will cause us to be complacent. God won't send souls that should be saved into your church if it is not ready to take care of them. God wants to send lost souls to His Church. God added to the church because they were praising God, and having favor with all the people. They were ready to receive the lost because they were praising God, and they had favor with all the people. They were also going from house to house breaking the bread(Word).

Lord, reopen our vision for lost souls through the fellowship of your spirit!

-Pastor Marvin Thomas

PREACH REDEMPTION

Salvation is not saving us from something, but salvation is saving us into something, which is the redemption of Christ reconciling man back to himself.

If we say we are saved from sin, yet continue in sin, then what am I saved from? To say I'm saved from the law, but yet it's the law that lets me know what sin is. Therefore, salvation is not saving us from something, but salvation is saving us into something, which is the redemption of Christ reconciling the world and man back to himself.

The Old Testament tells us of a price paid to redeem the first born son back to the Father. There was a price paid on Calvary of 30 pieces of silver to redeem man back to the Father and the blood shed to cover the nakedness of man before a Holy God.

-Brother Dennis Bledsoe Arkansas Presbyter

First, the church should be what God has called us to be. (Why would the lost want what we have if we are just like them?)

Second, we need to preach the uncompromised word of God. (Unless He draws us we can’t come to him.)

Finally, we need to love like Jesus. (Unconditionally!)

-Pastor Antoine Stokes Mississippi Presbyter

thegreat commission

If there is one command every Christian person should know, it is when Jesus commanded in Mark 16:15 "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." One of the main commissions we receive as a follower of Jesus is to share this Gospel message with others that they may also know Jesus for themselves. If we take a look at the church world today, that message is often lost in the trends and fashion of the day. There is often an emphasis on the church worship teams, latest and greatest technologies, buildings, programs, etc meant to draw people into a building. The building itself, while wonderful to have and comfortable seating is nice, is not the church. It is a gathering place. The church is the body of Christ We are the body of Christ. The body is to grow through adding souls to the Kingdom of God, not necessarily into our church building.

There needs to be an earnest desire to see souls saved from the doom of hell more than the being to count how many sat in a seat on Sunday. One thing that has really began to stand out in the Word of God is how it was preaching that brought about the repentance of souls. Peter preached on the day of Pentecost and three thousand souls were added to the church. Peter again began to preach in the house of Cornelius and the Holy Ghost fell on the cha

SISTER LORI STEVENS SECRETARY OF ABOFC NATIONAL WOMEN’S MINISTRY

Paul spoke in 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 saying, “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. ”

Paul's main goal was to tell them that in the preaching of the Word, God's power is demonstrated. It is the Word that brings life. It is the Word that changes situations and hearts It is the Word that is needed.

Have we put too much emphasis on other things that, while needed and good, may not be the important part?

Worship is needed, fellowship is needed, gathering together and studying the Word is needed But, the Word needs to be central. The gospel message is what will change hearts, change lives, and change this world. A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver (Proverbs 25:11)

A word spoken at the right time will be a treasure to a broken heart and life. A word spoken at the right time will resonate and bring a change in a life Never doubt the call to speak the gospel to a lost and hurting soul. All the songs of praise and all the wonderful buildings and programs cannot compare to a gospel message spoken at the right time to the right person. There are souls on the line. We need a hunger and thirst for the Word and to share the gospel message with a lost and dying world.

Continued from page 4

Josh 1:6-8 “Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success”

BE WISE, BE A SOUL WINNER, BE PATIENT, BE FRIENDLY TO PEOPLE, BE AND EXAMPLE OF JESUS IN DEEDS. And most importantly Jude 20-23, “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Pluck them out of darkness and bring them into His marvelous light”.

For the fullness of the Gentiles is nearing it’s end and the times of restitution are swiftly coming! Every soul is valuable, for it cost the blood of Jesus. Lets win the lost at any cost, even if it is life it’s self. Be spent for the kingdom of God, it’s dividends are out of this world! Though “the field whited unto harvest” cost you everything, it is worth it! Reap unto everlasting life!

P A S T O R

P H I L I P

T O L M A N

IVE TO BE A

blessing

PART 1

Everyone desires to live a blessed life. Who wouldn’t want days full of peace, joy and goodwill, plus having everything that is needed without worry of coming up short?

Many people seek these things by working hard and investing in financial opportunities in hopes of a good return and a life of ease Others may take a slothful approach and continually rely upon welfare programs or charities for a less rewarding, but steady existence. The Bible however teaches a different kind of prosperous life that is abundant in blessing yet tempered with occasional difficulties to keep one reliant upon God, from whom all blessings flow

It is a balanced life of working and sharing, having enough to satisfy personal needs, but with a generous portion left over to help the needs of others in godly ways As the Creator of all life, it is therefore God who establishes and officiates the rules of living. If we follow His holy commandments and instructions, with the privilege of His grace, we will receive the benefits of His abundant life However, if we choose to go our own way, break His rules and frustrate His grace, we will suffer destructive consequences.

In the Book of Numbers we see a reality that cannot be changed “The Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation ” (Num 14:18)

The ancient people of Israel were taught that God is patient and would mercifully forgive sins if they remained true to Him. If they embraced other gods and practiced their abominable rituals, they would invite a curse from God not only upon themselves but their descendants also. Another verse in Deuteronomy repeats this warning:

“Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me,” (Deut. 5:9).

The penalties of rejecting God may result in never-ending circumstances of hardship and even death. Every person must choose to either serve God and walk in His ways or live under a terrible curse which threatens the well-being of even their great-great grandchildren. God may remove the curse and restore blessing through repentance, but it does not go away on its own.

The first mention of blessing in the Bible came in the life of Abram, as he was living with his father Terah in the Land of Ur. Terah came from a long line of idol worshippers and God saw that in order to bless Abram, he must be removed from that household. God impressed the family to leave Ur and journey to the Land of Canaan. Along the way, Terah died at a place called Haran

God then called to Abram, “Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” (Gen. 12:1-3).

God never made a covenant with Terah, nor did he remove the curse that was over his life as a result of the sins of his fathers. Yet God desired to extend His blessing to Abram and his descendants, thus making a righteous heritage for the future people of Israel and by extension to the Jewish, Christian and Islamic nations of the world as well Abram was obedient to God’s promise: “So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.” (Gen. 12:4).

God fulfilled His pledge to Abram in marvelous ways. He gave the ex-idolator a new name, Abraham, which means “father of a multitude.” With Sarah, his wife, Abraham was showered with blessings of land, livestock and protection from enemies. His abundance reached the people that were around him Even his nephew Lot became a prosperous herd owner.

When we are blessed, our bounty is shared with the people that are close to us, but in a limited way. Having many possessions enables us to live well, but a spiritual blessing is something that reaches out to future generations.

God desired to bless all of mankind with abundant spiritual life, but this was fulfilled only through Jesus Christ, the righteous Seed of Abraham. As inheritors of this glorious life, we also have a part in being a blessing to others.

Not only was Abraham blessed, but God also gave him the inherent authority to bless. In Genesis 12:2 God told Abraham, “…thou shalt be a blessing.” He was given power within himself to pronounce blessings upon others and was given Divine protection for his faithfulness. “Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” (Gen. 15:1).

As a close member of Abraham’s family, Lot was a recipient of Abraham’s unction to bless and to protect, even though he had no direct covenant with God. His herd grew abundantly alongside of his uncle’s, so much so that they had to separate Lot’s human desire led him to choose the rich plains of Sodom as his new home, not knowing the danger that lurked in that region. Foreign enemies kidnapped Lot, causing Abraham and his servants to rescue him And Lot was completely unaware of the immoral menace prominent among his depraved Sodomite neighbors.

Lot’s experience teaches us that physical blessings may come from a familial relationship with God, but they are no guarantee of eternal bliss. Only by believing and trusting God on a personal level do we receive the far greater spiritual blessing of His abiding presence forever

DOYOUNEEDA PHYSICIAN?

Jesus once said, “They that are whole need not a physician, but those that are sick." This appears in Lu 5:31-32, Matt 9:12, and Mk 2:17

In these passages, Jesus is explaining that he came to help people who know they are sick, spiritually or physically, and not those who believe they are sinless or don't need God's forgiveness

Jesus is subtly rebuking the religious leaders who see themselves as righteous and without need of a savior. Jesus was responding to the Pharisees who were concerned with why he spent time with sinners. Jesus uses the metaphor that sick people need doctors, and that he was there to help people who knew they were sick. Jesus's words were subtly rebuking the religious leaders who were blinded in selfrighteousness

Jesus here encapsulates His mission and the heart of the Gospel message. Let's seek to understand its implications for our lives and our faith.

Jesus is at a banquet hosted by (Levi) Matthew, a tax collector. Tax collectors were despised in Jewish society. They were considered sinners for their collaboration with the Roman oppressors When Jesus chose to dine with Matthew and his friends, it scandalized the Pharisees and scribes. They could not comprehend why a holy teacher would associate with such disreputable people. In response to their criticism, Jesus says these words. "They that are whole need not a physician, but the sick."

Let’s examine the meaning of "Whole" and "Sick."

The "whole" refers to those who perceive themselves as righteous, self-sufficient, and not in need of help. The "sick" are those who recognize their brokenness, sinfulness, and need for healing and salvation

The Pharisees, in their self-righteousness, saw themselves as spiritually whole. They followed the law meticulously and prided themselves on their outward piety. However, their self-perception was blinded by their own spiritual sickness their pride, hypocrisy, and lack of compassion.

In contrast, the tax collectors and sinners, though despised and ostracized, were acutely aware of their moral failures and societal rejection. They knew they needed mercy and forgiveness, making them open to Jesus' message of grace.

Jesus likens Himself to a physician, one who comes to heal the sick. This analogy captures His redemptive mission. Jesus came to seek and save the lost, to restore those who are spiritually sick.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus demonstrated compassion for the broken-hearted, and the sinners. He reached out to lepers, healed the blind, forgave adulterers, and dined with tax collectors. His actions showed that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace.

In reality, we are all spiritually sick, in need of the Great Physician's healing touch. Romans 3:23 reminds us, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Recognizing our spiritual sickness is the first step towards receiving Jesus' healing and salvation

We must resist the temptation to see ourselves as spiritually superior to others. Instead, let us humbly acknowledge our need for Jesus' grace daily.

Being recipients of Jesus' grace, we are called to extend that same grace to others. Rather than judging or condemning those who are struggling, let us reach out in love and compassion, pointing them to the Great Physician

God offers an invitation to every person He created. We are invited ...To receive Jesus and become a child of God. John 1:12-13. The Lord calls us to receive Him as our Savior and to have a personal relationship with Him through the indwelling of His Holy Spirit. Christ invites us to trust Him to do the transforming work in us.

Coming to Jesus is not enough...we must abide in Jesus Abiding means listening to God speak through Scripture, living in growing dependence on Him, knowing Him more intimately, and drawing upon His power in order to live a godly life.

We must also follow Jesus. In order to follow the Lord, we must be familiar with His character and His plans. The evidence that we are following Him will appear in our attitude, our character, and our relationships

God loves every individual He created and wants each one to know Him personally. Through the gift of salvation, we receive the Holy Spirit, who enables us to abide in Jesus and follow Him. This is the path to the joy and contentment God has planned for us.

Prayersforthe Prodigal

SISTER ASHLEY ENNIS

Within the story of the prodigal son, Jesus reveals His heart for those who have walked away from their faith. A heart full of compassion and mercy.

Knowing that His will is that not any should perish, we can take this story from the very mouth of Jesus and find the keys to prayers that unlock redemption.

LUKE 15:11-32

“And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.” (v13)

Lord, we pray for those willing to end relationships to act foolishly in the name of false freedom. Help them to remember the love that binds their hearts to those in the faith.

“And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.” (v15)

We pray for those who have made alliances with demonic influences, are participating in sin, and are confused by this world.

“And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.” (v16)

We pray for the rock bottom that must come before the turnaround. Lord, if it can be spared, then spare it, but if it cannot, we pray for the strength not to interrupt Your process. Let no man give and get in the way of Your will.

“And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!” (v17)

Thank you for the moment when the prodigal comes to himself. Thank you for minds that are restored and hearts who yearn again for the Father’s house. Thank you for the hunger pains that prompt decisions to return.

“And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” (v20)

We pray for a great wave of compassion to come across those who see their child’s face as they return. Let them not return to bitter homes and angry hearts, but to hugs and tears of joy.

“And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. ” (v21)

Lord, let a spirit of repentance fall and cover the face of the earth. Let those who sin against you see their sin and earnestly yearn to be restored to right standing with God. Let them find the refreshing that comes from repentance so their hearts will be full and peace will come to those they love.

“But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. ” (v22-24)

Jesus, we thank you for the party that is coming. We know angels rejoice when a sinner repents, help us to join in the celebration. Help us not to hold back our best from the offering. Let joy fall on those who have grown weary from waiting. Let them rejoice in You and Your strength. Thank you for raising the dead.

“Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing...And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.” (v25-30)

We pray against the resentment that tries to take hold of families. Help us to be slow to anger and quick to forgive. Restore relationships that have been hurt through betrayal and injustice. Bring peace to families so they can embrace the return of the prodigal. Heal hearts so that no one is left behind in their pain.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

the returning

There'samovinginmyspirit

Deepdowninmysoul

IhearthevoiceofJesus

Liketheprophetstoldofold

Heiscomingbacksoon

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Nowingswillbeneeded Forthattripbeyondthesky

Willthechurchbeready?

OrwillitbelikeNoah'stime?

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CometogetherwearyChristians

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TheLordhasmadeheavenready Towelcomemeandyou

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SISTER MARY LOU FORREST

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Jesus, there is power In Your Name. I love calling your name Jesus.

I love calling your name just to get closer to you Jesus.

I love calling your name when I’m going to sleep and I love calling your name when I’m waking up.

Jesus, there is so much power in your name. Jesus, I never get tired of calling your name, anytime and all the time.

Jesus, I love praying for other people to receive what they need from You.

Jesus, I want to be the best prayer intercessor I can be for you. It’s the sweetest Name I know and all things are possible when I’m in Your presence. There is power in your name. I love praising you morning, noon, and night. I really really do love praising you all the time. There is power in Your Name, there’s Power in Your Name, there’s Power in Your Name.

BROTHER DOUGLAS

Photographstakenfrom PastorElzieQuinn’schurch inVisalia,California.

SubmittedbyBro.John Hattabaugh,takenbyPastor HowardPost.