Changing Times Spring 2021 Issue by Changing Times

Your Guide to Living a Victorious Life Your Guide to Living a Victorious Life

Changing

The Newspaper of the Christian Community

Volume 19, Number 2 www.changingtimes.info Spring 2021

imes

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

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Strong and Useful Christians

In our Lord's parable, it is by trading that the talents are increased. Talents are capacities. They are given to us as possibilities only, requiring to be developed. In a hand there may be the artist's or the musician's skill, but it must be brought out and the only way to do this is by long and diligent practice. In a brain there may be the gift of the poet, the inventor or the entrepreneur, but it has to be called out, and there is no way to do this but by using the talent in its small beginnings, until it grows unto full vigor. The same is true of spiritual talents. We are taught that we should grow in grace, that is, in all the beautiful qualities which belong to the Christly character. Take patience, for example. If

we would grow in this grace, we must begin at once to practice patience in everything. It is a lesson, or an art, which has to be learned, it is not bestowed upon us complete, as a gift. Take kindness. Every Christian has the capacity for kindness, but there must be long practice of this grace before it will grow into its truest and best. Take sympathy, of which there is such need in all Christian service. There is an impression that anybody can sympathize. Almost anybody can feel sorry with one who is in distress, but this is only a small part of the sympathy which is truly helpful. To sympathize is to be able to enter deeply and intensely into the experience of others, and then to add the strength of one's own life to make them braver and stronger, to help them to be victorious. Wise sympathy is the outcome only of experience. Thus, the only way to grow in the graces and virtues of the Christian life is to exercise those graces by keeping them at work. It is not easy at first to confess

From the Editor Christ before the world. The fear of ridicule is a heavy cross to bear. The atmosphere of the school or the street, or the playground, or the place of business, is so different from that of the church that what was a delight and a joy in the friendly fellowship seems almost impossible among those who are unfriendly. But here, too, the gentle grace grows strong and vigorous in patient and habitual practice, until by and by the timid young Christian is known everywhere as a quiet, but faithful, consistent friend of Jesus Christ. In every good thing we can learn to do, we have to start as a mere beginner. Everything has to be learned in personal experience. We can do nothing well at first, nothing that is worthwhile. Hence it is that Christian work is the best means of grace, indeed, it is the only means of developing for much usefulness, the graces and the powers which exist in larger or

smaller measure in every Christian life. Many good people read the account of the man with the one talent, who wrapped it up in a napkin; the lesson is for everyone who does not put his talent to work so that it may grow. There are thousands of talents wrapped up and hidden away in the hearts and hands and heads of church members, gifts for usefulness and service, which never come to anything because they are never exercised. This teaching is startling when it is remembered that we must give account of our talents and capacities, not merely returning them unused, but bringing them back developed to their full power. We will never make anything worthwhile of our life unless we take hold earnestly of Christian duties and activities. Devotion has its place. We are devoted to reading See CHRISTIANS on Page

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Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty. – Job 5:17

Spring 2021 3

FROM THE EDITOR

Changing Times

How Can We Discover God’s Plan for Our Life?

With many, the question has been already settled. There are some who from early youth have had but one dream for their life. Almost from their infancy, they have had a passion for a particular line of duty — so definite, so earnest and so irresistible, that they never think of anything else. With one it is business, with another carpentry, with another the profession of a physician, with another the Christian ministry. In such cases the question what occupation to follow never causes any anxious thoughts. From the beginning the goal is in sight and the eye is never taken from it. But the number of young men for whom the way is made so plain is not large. In fact, there are many whom no star guides in such unmistakable way. They have not an obvious preference for any particular work. Many students, as they come toward graduation, find the question what they will do when they leave college, almost as serious as the matter of their senior examinations. A considerable number of graduates go out decorated with a degree — yet not knowing where they are going! Then in the matter of final decision as to profession or calling, it happens often that it is really not made as the result of any intelligent thought about the subject — but is merely that which appears to open. Many young men seem to drift into the place in which they are to spend their years. When they are expected to take up the burden and responsibility of their own life, they

H M

cast about aimlessly for something to do. They go the round of possible opportunities, seeking employment, knocking at door after door, until they find an opening. If you ask them what they have decided to do, they will answer, "I shall do whatever I can get to do." There is no great overmastering desire or purpose in their mind. They go out on their quest, equally ready to take a place as a clerk or salesman in a store, as a proof-reader in an editorial office, as teacher in a school, as a student of medicine, law, or business. This scarcely appears to be the proper attitude for one who has just completed a course in a college or other high-grade institution. It would seem reasonable to expect that after such a preliminary training, a young man should have formed some purpose in life, have settled upon something that he needs to do and is fitted to do. We are not made to drift on the current of life, to be carried wherever the tide chances to bear us, or the wind to drift us. We are made to think, plan, purpose and decide. If we have even a dim consciousness of the grandeur of our being and our responsibility in the world, we must make our life purposeful. It cannot be that anyone is born into this world just to be swept along like a leaf before the wind. Christianity teaches that in God's universe "nothing walks with aimless feet," that God made each one of us for something definite; that there is a place each person is designed to fill, a work he is created to do. If this is true, no one need ever be perplexed about what he is put on earth for. If God has a plan for your life, something He expects you to do and for the doing of which He will hold you responsible — He would never be so unreasonable as to hide it out of your sight so that you cannot learn what it is. But HOW can we discover God's plan for our life? We must put ourselves into the most cordial relations with God. We must seek to do His will and to be guided by Him in

made plain step by step. The revealing will not be by supernatural signs — but through conscience, by the words of God, by the advice of wise friends and parents and by daily providence. Those who are now asking anxiously what to do with their life should first of all, lay their hand in Christ's. Next, they should take an honest inventory of their gifts and capacities, to learn what they are fitted by God to do. Then they should devote their life to Christ, to love and to service to His people. No lower thought of duty can be worthy or can ever have the divine blessing. "Seek first the kingdom of God" is Christ's word for everyone. With such thoughts of life and such consecration, there can be no failure; one will surely find his place. Save the Nations Ministries >

CHRISTIANS Continued from Page 3 our Bible, we see visions of heavenly beauty, and hear promptings to services of love. We bow in prayer, and are drawn into communion with Christ, and find great joy in His love. We attend church, and our hearts are warmed into a glow as we listen to the preacher's stirring words. We sit at the Lord's Table, and as we remember the love of Christ and His devotion unto death for us. All this is right and proper. But if we allow such feelings and emotions to fade out without ripening

into action, we have received only harm and not good. For, every Christian should promptly and eagerly enter upon some line of Christian service, beginning at once to follow Christ in work for the good of others. We all owe this to our Master, and to our fellow-men, and, besides; it is in this way only that we can grow into strong and useful Christians. Let us all make a Stand! Save the Nations Ministries > N MOROE MOLD !

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everything. At the same time, we must recognize our responsibility for the abilities and capacities we have received from Him, and must make the most of them. We must have an earnest purpose in life. We are not placed in this world merely to be taken care of even by a Heavenly Father; we are here to serve God by serving our fellow-men. Ambition which begins and ends on one's self is unworthy; our ambition should be to live out God's thought for us and to become the largest possible blessing to the world. If we have these great purposes in our heart, and follow Christ closely and faithfully, we shall never lack divine guidance. "If any man wills to do His will, he shall know of the teaching." The way may not be shown to us in long stretches — but it will be

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Men

The Source of True Prosperity By Charles F. Stanley

Our loving heavenly Father is always generous toward His children. He is the author of the plan that not only encompasses our entire earthly life but also extends into eternity. In Genesis, He gives man and woman a perfect garden to enjoy. And in Revelation, we read about our ultimate home, which will be flawless and everlasting. Many of the books in between tes-

tify to the ways God provides for His people. He Owns It All The Lord is sovereign over all material wealth. The words of King David reflect the attitude we should have toward divine provision: Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all (1 Chron. 29:11). The Scriptures are filled with declarations of God's goodness and descriptions of His inexhaustible resources. He desires prosperity for His children—He wants us to have all we need and the capacity to enjoy it (Ps. 34:8-10). When we limit ourselves to human ability and resources, we will find that both run out very

Table of Contents From the Editor Men Women Teens Children Seniors Marriage Education Health Financial Feature Article The Christian Journey Guiding Light The Cross The Overcomer From The Pulpit The Deeper Truth Christian Living Spiritual Renewal Unsung Heroes Family Faith

3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 36 37

quickly. When we instead trust in the Lord's ability to work on our behalf, we tap into an infinite supply that cannot be measured or depleted. God's resources are 100 percent recession-proof. The Lord's very nature gives assurance of His abundant provision: He is: * Omniscient—God knows better than we do and before we do. * Omnipotent—The Father has all power. * Omnipresent—He is everywhere, unlimited by time or space. In (Philippians 4:19), God promises to supply all our needs. Do you believe that? Many people have confessed to me that they understand the Lord is the source of all things and He provides abundantly for His people. But they have difficulty believing in His provision in regard to their own lives. Needs and Desires A need is something that you must have in order to stay alive or carry out God's will. A desire is something pleasant. It's fun to

have—enjoyable, satisfying, and delightful. Some people believe the Lord provides only for our essential needs. But that isn't the message of the Bible. The Father's provision for us is generous. Jesus came to give us abundant life (John 10:10). When we share with other people, the Lord promises to provide what we need—a pressed-down, shakentogether, and running-over prosperity (Luke 6:38). And His gifts are always perfect (James 1:17). A loving grandparent gives his grandchildren what they need but also takes delight in giving them their hearts' desires. The heavenly Father has this same generosity of spirit toward you. He is not stingy or begrudging. God's only constraints regarding your desires are that they must not interfere with His plans—and that they will benefit you without causing harm. So, See PROSPERITY on Page 35

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God promises wonderful favor to the blameless believer. “Keep my commands . . . let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man” (Proverbs 3:1-4). God is saying if you set your sights to walk blameless before Him, you will walk in His favor and be pleasing to Him. But that is not all. God’s favor also includes power! Paul said, “For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance” (1 Thessalonians 1:5). His favor brings the power of the Holy Spirit to all you say and do. Your words will not fall to the ground, because they will have Holy Spirit power. Paul said those Holy Spiritempowered words produce great results: “And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit” (1:6).

Why were Paul’s words so powerful, so effective? Because, he says, “[We] became examples to all . . . who believe” (v. 7). It was not Paul’s preaching nor his praying that won people to the Lord. It was his exemplary life! God had found in Paul a clean heart—one that He could favor with the power of the Holy Spirit! God’s divine favor also brings high esteem among men. It is written of David: “David behaved more wisely than all the servants of Saul, so that his name became highly esteemed” (1 Samuel 18:30). The man who protects the name of Jesus by living holy before others will be given a good name before them—by God Himself! Some Christians say, “I don’t care about my name. It doesn’t matter what people think of me. I just want to be an unknown, a nobody. Let the Lord have all the glory.” That may sound humble but according to Scripture, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold” (Proverbs 22:1). God gives the righteous a good name so they can use it to glorify Him in greater measure! > Copyright © 2021 by World Challenge, Inc., P.O. Box 260, Lindale, Texas 75771.

The Publisher shall be under no liability for its failure for any cause to insert an advertisement. The Publisher will not be responsible for errors after the first insertion. Material errors not the fault of the advertiser will be adjusted by not more than one gratis insertion. Advertiser agrees to obtain clippings and tear sheets when the local rates are in effect. Advertiser agrees to protect and indemnify On Eagles Wings Unlimited, Inc., its agents and employees, against any and all liability loss and expenses arising from the publication of the Advertiser’s advertising because of claims for (1) alleged misrepresentation or misstatement; (2) alleged infringement of trademark, trade names, patents or copyrights; (3) alleged violations of fair trade laws; (4) libel and invasion of rights of privacy, (5) other violation of the rights of 3rd party’s or of government rules. The Publisher reserves the right to censor, reclassify, revise, edit or reject any advertisement not meeting the standards of acceptance of the Christian Community. All ads accepted are subject to credit approval. Reproduction of any part of Changing Times without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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The Most Miserable Place to Be By Greg Laurie

“Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me . . . that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you.”— (Romans 15:30, 32) Let’s be honest. When someone says God has been talking to them, we get a little suspicious and sometimes even a little concerned. Does God really talk to us? Does the Lord speak to us? And if so, how can we learn to know the voice of God? How can we know the will

of God? We all need direction in life. We all have to make decisions that we need God’s input on, such as whom we’ll marry or what career we should pursue. But I think we have one of two views about God’s will that are not quite accurate. The first view is that finding God’s will is really hard. We think God is sort of hiding it from us, like the proverbial golden egg. We think the Lord is saying, “You’re getting warmer. Warmer. Hot! Hot! No, cold. Cold. Cold.” As a result, we think God’s will is something we can never find. Then there’s the opposite view. We believe God’s will is something undesirable. It isn’t good, kind of like a diet, which is either boring or horrible. We think, “If it’s God’s will, it can’t be good. It can’t be desirable. It’s going to be miserable.” Of course, both of those views of God’s will are false assumptions.

Changing Times

God isn’t hiding His will from us. And the will of God isn’t bad. Here’s what we need to know: there is joy in the will of God. The apostle Paul asked the believers in Rome to pray with him that he may come to them “with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together” (Romans 15:32 NKJV). So when you’re walking in God’s

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Spring 2021 7

WOMEN

Changing Times

The War of Learning Self Control By Erin Davis

We are born sinful. I know that for a fact, because I have a two year old. My Eli is a very good boy most of the time, but there are times when he is downright carnal. And if given the opportunity to choose between what’s best for him and what isn’t, he usually picks option b. Sunday was the perfect example. We got home from church and he was exhausted. We only had a few hours before we needed to head back to church again. If my son had

the innate sense to do what is best for him, he would have peacefully chosen a nap Instead he forcefully chose a power struggle. After an hour and a half of tantrums, tricks, and tirades, he finally collapsed in his bed exhausted (then I collapsed into mine in the same state). The battle was about naps, but the war is about learning self-control. My children remind me of what God’s Word already says. 1) Practicing self-control matters. 2) It isn’t something we can learn without help. In fact, (Proverbs 25:28) warns, “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” This is so easy for me to see in the life of my two year old. It’s his lack of self-control that would prompt him to choose candy over vegetables

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every single time, causing his health to suffer. It’s his lack of self-control that gives him the impulse to hit when he wants a certain toy, causing his relationships to suffer. It’s his lack of self-control that makes him want to resist sleep, causing his behavior to suffer. But it’s time for a true mom confession. Eli isn’t the only one in our house who struggles with self-control. During that terrible nap incident, I threw a tantrum or two of my own. I yelled too much and controlled myself too little. I wish that were a rare occurrence. There are so many areas of my life where I struggle with self-control. Food, fear, and personal Bible study come to mind as my top three. Just like my toddler, I often avoid what’s best for me and run toward those behaviors which will only do me harm. My two year old won’t always fight sleep. There will come a day when he recognizes that his body functions better when rested, and he willingly chooses to go to bed without his momma’s promptings. There are a million other areas where he will also learn to practice self-control. In the same way, God is teaching me self-control in increasing measures. (2 Peter 1:5-8) says, “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and

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unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Sounds like teaching a toddler to me. My sin nature keeps me from living out God’s Truth perfectly, but He is shaping me to be more and more like Him, and teaching me how to have self-control. What’s more, (Galatians 5) promises that self-control will be the fruit that my life bears as a result of the Spirit’s work in me: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions. What about you? In what areas of your life do you need to practice self-control? How do you teach self-control to your children and grandchildren? >

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Do You Remember What It Was Like to Be a Teenager?

The self-consciousness. The physical self-awareness. Trying to fit in. Doing whatever it took to gain peer acceptance. Attempting to act cool but looking like a FOOL. (I remember spilling soda on myself at McDonald’s in front of three girls, and I genuinely wanted to die right then and there!) Being a teen is scary, awkward, and volatile. Unsurprisingly, they will produce tumult and stress in the home that younger children won’t. It’s a tough season of life for all involved, but moms and dads– and the Christian community as a whole, for that matter–need to reject the dread and cynicism that accompany this stage of life. This weekend in Raleigh at my

annual parenting livestream, I’m going to spend a full session on how we can more effectively love, parent, and influence our teens. Even if you don’t have a teen now or coming in the future, I would encourage you to tune in. You know parents with teenagers who need help, and God has also placed teens in your life who need wisdom and love! So, what does the Bible say about teenagers? Well … nothing! However, the Bible gives us excellent descriptions of the tendencies of youth. Here are just three things for you to consider as you raise and interact with the teens that God has placed in your life (I’ll talk about more in the livestream): * Teens don’t hunger for wisdom and correction. Most teens think they are wiser than they actually are, and they believe their parents (and all adults, for that matter) have little practical insight to offer. It’s frustrating, yes, but I have watched far too many adults make correction bitter as

Teens they beat their teen with demeaning words. Our call is to make wisdom attractive. You don’t do this with nasty, inflammatory confrontations. No wisdom is imparted in these moments. If you hit teens with a barrage of verbal bullets, they will either run for the bunker or come out firing themselves. “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1) * Teens make unwise choices in their companions. There is a great deal of material in Proverbs about friendship and the influence that others have on you and your behavior. Yet teenagers tend to be prickly and protective when it comes to discussions of their friends. We need to approach these conversations with sensitivity and patient love. Never resort to namecalling and character assassination. Your goal should be to ask probing questions that help the teen to

examine their thoughts, desires, motives, choices, and behaviors concerning friendship. “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (Proverbs 13:20) * Teens lack a long-term investment perspective. Teenagers tend to live for whatever they want in the moment, and they tend to put off their responsibilities until the very last minute. We must lovingly challenge their belief that this physical moment is all that matters. Our teenagers need us to be on site, teaching them to look at the long view of life, not with harsh condemnation and frustration, but with empathy and forbearance. They need our help to see that every choice, every action is an investment and that it is impossible to live life without planting seeds See TEENAGER on Page 35

We are now living in Changing Times! We need your help in making a stand for Christianity. Christians matter. Will you make a stand with us? ❏ Yes, I will pledge my support for Changing Times by donating $ ________________. Make check payable to Save the Nations Ministries, Inc. [A 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization]. ❏ I prefer to pay by credit card. ❏ Visa ❏ MasterCard ❏ American Express Number __________________________ Exp. Date ___________ Name ______________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________ City _________________________ State _______ Zip _______ Phone (

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Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah - Psalm 4:4

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Spring 2021 9

TEENS

Changing Times

Don't Criticize Our Youth By Jessica Gerald Some people tend to be judgmental, condemning, and critical of children or teens. They catch wind of some misbehavior and secretly gloat that "their children would never do that". They reason that if those parents had just raised their sons or daughters right, they wouldn't have acted that way, or gotten into that trouble. There are several reasons why we should not judge others.

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1. We bring judgment on ourselves. You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. (Romans 1:1) Even God reserves judgment till the end of our lives. He waits patiently for us to come to him. We need to extend kindness to lost teens and young adults, hoping to lead them to repentance. 2. Our children are not perfect. So, when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? (Romans 1:4) There have been many times that my own sons did things I never dreamed they would do. They knew better and had been taught better. They were good kids, but sometimes made very foolish choices. Watch your words - you may have

to eat them! 3. Our goal is to love our young people to the Lord. Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance? (Romans 1:4) Today's youth battle enormous pressure in a very ungodly society. They are struggling. If my sons are wavering between the world and the Lord, the last thing they need is for a Christian to be condemning of them. That's not going to make them want to go to church. They'll feel more like walking out the door and not coming back. Let's develop an attitude of love, mercy, and forgiveness toward children, teens, and young adults. Pray for their faults and sins instead of condemning them. Show kindness instead of criticism. Align yourself with God to reap the harvest of their souls. > ©2021 FaithWriters.com. All Rights Reserved

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Transitioning to Middle School By Pam Woody

My first day of middle school stands out clearly in my mind. My family had just moved from the city to a farm, and I didn't know anyone. I scanned the gymnasium full of tweens sporting blue jeans, plaid shirts and brown-sack lunches, and I suddenly felt awkward standing there in my Raggedy Ann jumper and holding my bright orange lunch box. If the most important rule of middle school is "don't stick out," then my middle-school days had obviously gotten off to a bad start. New challenges A child's promotion into middle school often precipitates a season fraught with fear. Kids may worry about getting lost in a bigger building, sitting alone in the cafeteria,

not finding friends or carrying a heavier academic load. In addition, this new season requires children to become more independent and responsible. For the first time, students must juggle separate classes and assignments and deal with a variety of teachers who have diverse teaching styles. These changes can seem overwhelming. Parents often wonder how to equip their tweens to make a successful transition into middle school. Empathetic encouragement is essential. Don't downplay your child's fears or shrug off her concerns; on the other hand, there's no need to share all of your middleschool horror stories, either. Be honest but encouraging with your child about the changes ahead. Game plan You may find some of these strategies helpful as your tween moves into middle school: • Before classes begin, tour the building with your child. Help him find his classrooms and locker, and give him time to open the lock if it is built into the locker. This will help

alleviate the fear of becoming lost or not being able to get into the locker. • Teach your child organizational skills. Help her set up an afterschool routine and study environment that will make it easier to keep up with homework assignments. • Create a strategy for the lunch hour. The middle-school social scene can be very cliquish — and the lunchroom especially so. To help your tween avoid the painful experience of eating alone, encourage him to make plans in advance by asking a friend to sit with him. Better yet, urge your child to introduce himself to another student and initiate a lunchtime conversation. • Oversee a healthy diet and the additional rest needed to strengthen the growing body and mind. A tween is better able to deal with stress and change when she's healthy and well-rested. • Encourage your child to get involved in extracurricular activities, which can defuse stress, build selfconfidence and help him make new friends.

Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. – Psalm 32:2

• Be open to tween fashions that may ease your child's fear of sticking out in school. You may think the latest fad looks sloppy or silly, but as long as your child's clothes are not immodest, there's nothing wrong with outfits that help her feel more confident. Save your battles for something bigger than blue jeans. Wise investment In the Complete Marriage and Family Home Reference Guide, Dr. James Dobson writes, "We, as adults, must never forget the pain of trying to grow up and of the competitive world in which many adolescents live today. Taking a moment to listen, to care and to direct such a youngster may be the best investment of a lifetime." Change doesn't have to be overwhelming, and the transition into middle school can be a great opportunity for parents to invest in their tween. Enjoy the adventure as together you face the world that lies between childhood and the teen years. >. ©1997-2021 Focus on the Family

Spring 2021 11

CHILDREN

Changing Times

Encouraging Helpfulness in Your Child How to Create a Lifelong Love of Service By Suzanne Gosselin

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Every afternoon, when I begin to make dinner, I hear a familiar clatter as my 3-year old eagerly drags her stool across the wooden floor. “Can I help?” she asks, excitement in her voice. Wanting to take advantage of her helpful spirit, I usually allow her to pour something into the bowl or stir. While I appreciate her sweetness, allowing my little one to “help” can sometimes be more work than doing it myself. Nevertheless, I want to make the most of her desire to help now so she will want to be a helper her whole life. Here are four ways to encourage helpfulness in your young child: Encourage. When you notice your little one being a helper, praise him. Say, “Wow! Thank you for helping your brother pick up his toys. You’re such a good helper.” Because correction is often a big part of raising young children, encouraging their helpful tendencies can provide you with many positive interactions each day. Engage. As I mentioned, sometimes allowing little ones to help with chores can be a chore. Don’t let that stop you. Find kid-sized chores your child can do and expand her responsibilities as she grows. You can also look for opportunities to serve others as a family so that helpfulness is a natural part of your family culture. Expect. Along with encouraging

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helpfulness and engaging in service opportunities with your child, set an expectation that your child be a helper. Read and discuss a few verses that talk about helping others and being kind, such as (Acts 20:35, 1 Thessalonians 5:14 and Galatians 5:22). Have him make suggestions of how he can help others. (For example, he could help a teacher clean up toys at the end of class.) Enable. We tend to think of enabling as a bad thing, but a toddler can’t exactly drive herself to a homeless shelter to serve. In order for your child to grow in helpfulness, you must be an enabler. When Shae’s 4-year-old son Spencer told her that he wanted to give a house to every homeless person in their city, she helped him and his older brother, Brayden, 6, come up with a doable plan. Since they couldn’t give houses, they began giving sleeping bags. Shae helped her sons collect money to purchase the bags and drove them to downtown Portland, Oregon, to hand them out. Now ages 12 and 14, the brothers continue to operate their sleeping bag ministry. “They come up with new and creative ways to raise money every year,” Shae says. “Last year they had a babysitting night and babysat 10 kids for 3 hours.” Brayden and Spencer have handed out over 1,000 sleeping bags, and it all began when their mom enabled her sons’ giving spirits. My 3-year old may not be able to do much now, but by encouraging her desire to help, I can lead her toward a lifelong love of service.>

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How to Lift People Up By Chip Ingram prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 1:1-3) Let’s take a look at some ways to speak life to those that we love. Paul starts by bestowing a blessing. Of course, you would be looked at weird if you used Paul’s language today. But there are so many ways to bless people. Tell them you’re praying for them. Remind them how privileged you feel to be their friend. Listen to them. Send an email or an old-fashioned card, or better yet, make a phone call. What you’re communicating is, “You matter. You matter to me and you matter to God.” Paul goes on to show his appreciation. He first gives thanks, specifically acknowledging their faith, their love, and their endurance. This shows that he knows these people, and values them. It’s like he’s saying, “You’ve got this, folks. I see you. I appreciate you!” Do you do that? Maybe you have the tendency to wait until you see things done perfectly, or behavior that’s righteous. Don’t wait! I also want to encourage you to verbalize your confidence in other people’s faith. Deep down I believe everyone thinks that others are way more spiritual than they are. Part of that may be because we’re not verbalizing what we see in other’s walk with Jesus. When was the last time you told someone how seeing God work in them is an encouragement to you? We’re little mirrors to one another, and we all need that. Those who constantly lift people up are doing the work of the Spirit.

The power of an affirming word given specifically, lovingly, and authentically, as God leads, is absolutely beyond what you can imagine. Encourage someone today! >

Out of all the countless gifts God Copyright © has given us, I believe one stands Living on the out as the most powerful: The gift Edge. All rights of speech. reserved Think about it. Contrary to that oft-repeated childhood saying about sticks and stones, words have the power to bring life or take it away. (Proverbs 10:11) says, IN HOME SITTING AND “The mouth of the righteous is a MEDICAL SERVICE fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.” 504.754.0021 (Proverbs 15:4) says, “The soothing tongue is a tree of 985.246.6475 Andi Richardson & Bob Conley, Owners life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” Read those verses again, out loud! Your mouth – the words that We Repair, Rent & Sell: come out of it – can be a fountain of life. Your tongue – your language Wheelchairs – can be not only soothing, but life Mobility Scooters Power Chairs giving. Awesome! Rollators & Walkers And the opposite? What a conLift Out Recliners trast! Violence. Crushed spirits. Hospital Beds God's Wisdom for Building Need Great Relationships, confronting Repair? Michele & Jeff Varon, Owners We Come immature behavior image Mobility City of Greater New Orleans to You! 3501 Severn Ave., Ste. 3B/C Yes, our speech has amazing Metairie, LA 70002 power to lay people low, or lift them up. As Christians, we are (504) 380-9031 www.mobilitycity.com called to build up our fellow believers, our family members, our friends, our neighbors, and the strangers we meet. Encouragement, you see, is you Climate Controlled Storage being who God has made you to be Non-Climate Controlled Storage so that others can be who He designed them to be. Encourage6 Northshore Locations ment helps others take the “next to Serve You Better step” they couldn’t take on their own, allowing them to become 3704 Forest Dr. 1008 Hwy 59 1824 Orleans St. more like Christ. How can we become these kinds of encourag985-626-9555 985-626-9555 985-626-1923 Mandeville Mandeville ers? Mandeville The apostle Paul is a model for Skilled Nursing 101 Ridgewood Dr. 809 Florida St. 74282 Hwy 25 us. He underwent endless trials as he traveled the known world spreadRehabilitation 985-845-7867 985-626-1923 985-871-0117 ing the news of the resurrected East Mandeville Covington West Mandeville Long Term Care Messiah, the Lord and Savior Jesus Hospice Christ. But he never failed to be an encouragement to those he encoun(985) 542-8570 tered. In his first letter to the church 42250 North Oaks Dr. of the Thessalonians, he writes this: Visit our website for more information Hammond, LA 70403 “Grace and peace to you. We always thank God for all of you and www.safe-stor.com www.landmarkhammond.com continually mention you in our Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! – Psalm 46:10 Spring 2021 13

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Your Heavenly Escorts By David Jeremiah

For every Christian, the time is coming when we will move into our heavenly homes, assisted by the Lord’s real estate agents—called angels. After carefully studying this subject in the Bible, I believe that angels take believers home to heaven when we die and help us move into our new houses. This is tremendously comforting, and it takes much of the intimidation out of the move. The primary Scripture teaching on this comes from the lips of Christ Himself. In describing the beggar Lazarus in (Luke 16), Jesus said, “So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom,” referring to heaven. Notice that Lazarus wasn’t merely escorted to heaven. The angels carried him there. Death is our most universal and dreaded experience, and even Christians can be apprehensive. But in the Bible, death is never defined as the ending of life, but as separation. Physical death is the separation of the soul from the body. Spiritual death is being separated from God. Eternal death is being separated from heaven. For the Christian, the separation of soul and body is temporary; and at the resurrection, our eternal souls will be reunited with our glorified bodies. I don’t suppose the apostle Paul was looking forward to having his neck forced against a block of wood with an ax hurtling toward it, but he

was clearly anticipating being with the Lord. He told the Philippians, “I am hard-pressed between the two (living and dying), having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better” (Philippians 1:23). And to the Corinthians he wrote, “to be absent from the body (is to be) present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). Let me offer a surprising suggestion. Just as we look forward to our eternal destination, perhaps we should also learn to anticipate the trip. Why dread that moment of death? The journey to heaven will not be dark, fearful, or lonesome. God will dispatch His angels at just the right time, and they’ll meet us just within the veil and carry us to the heights of His glory. When the godless rich man died in (Luke 16), Jesus simply said he was buried; and in hell, he lifted up his eyes, being in torment. But when the unloved beggar named Lazarus died, who was covered in sores that the dogs came and licked, the angels were honored to convey him to heaven. He was regarded poorly in this life, but that didn’t disqualify him from having an angelic escort through eternity’s doorway. There are other hints about this in Scripture. In (Jude 9), Moses’ body was the special concern of the archangel Michael in his dispute with Satan. When Jesus comes again, according to (1 Thessalonians 4), the angels will be there to attend to those making their transports to heaven. They are heaven’s ushers. Why would angels provide this service at the time of our deaths? Well, the angels are commissioned by God to care for His children. Though we don’t often see them, our lives are surrounded by angels; and they have more to do with our daily progress and protection than we realize. “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?”

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into the mansions Jesus has pre(Hebrews 1:14) Death may sound fearsome, but pared for us. We don’t have to not when we’re looking to Jesus. worry any more about dying. In He alone conquered death having fact, it almost makes me eager for purchased eternal life for His chil- moving day! Dr. Jeremiah is the founder and dren. There’s no denying that Christians have a different way of dying host of Turning Point for God and than non-Christians. I’ve been by senior pastor of Shadow Mountain the bedsides of dying saints where I Community Church in El Cajon, felt I could almost hear the flutter- California. For more information on Turning Point, go to www. ing of angelic wings. But it’s the Bible that gives us DavidJeremiah.org. > the truth—not our speculations or This article was excerpted from experiences. And on the authority Turning Points, Dr. David Jeremiof the Word of God, I can assure ah's devotional magazine. Call you, angels are real. They are God’s Turning Point at 1-800-947-1993 real estate agents, ready to show us for your complimentary copy of JJ-NOLA_ChngTimes-3rdpgvert_MAY2021_JJExt_NOLA-ChngTimes-May,ThirdVert_4-16-21 4/16/2021 our heavenly homes and move us Turning Points.

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The 3 Biggest Secrets for Staying Married for Life

Marriage

By Angie Lewis

Managing your marriage doesn’t have to be difficult. It takes a few initiatives on your part to get yourself into the proper prospective of how marriage really works. Marriage is about living your purpose and attaining your goals that are related to that purpose. 1. Marriage Takes Team Players Marriage takes team players working together to accomplish the same objectives. It doesn’t matter what those goals are, but what does matter is how you play the game. For an example, a wife should not go her own way, and not consider her husband and the husband should not go his own way without considering his wife. What is that anyway? That’s not the intention of Gods design for marriage. I think that’s downright selfishness.

In marriage there is no room for selfish actions. Each spouse should look for ways to build each other up for the good of the marriage. When you work with your spouse, helping them and encouraging them when they need it, you are helping the marriage to become all that it can be. Do you realize that marriage is a gift from God? God gave Adam and Eve the gift of each other. Eve was a beautiful sight to behold for Adam and the marriage was consummated when he became one in flesh with her. The gift to us is that a man will leave his parents so he can be united to his wife, and become one in the sexual joining together with her. This is what marriage is! If you could imagine for moment, the person you married as a gift from God, then your actions would begin to work towards building up the gift you have been blessed with, instead of doing things that would tear down the gift and damage the marriage union. For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. (Genesis 2:22-24)

2. Marriage Takes Commitment In marriage commitment is finishing what you start? When you stand at the altar, making promises and stating your vows to the person you love that is the starting point for your commitment to stay married for life? How well you keep those promises and vows shows your level of commitment to the marriage. Are you still married to your first love? Commitment is not difficult to achieve when we make marriage an important aspect of our life. We can follow God’s design meant for marriage or we can follow the flawed design of society. The culture of today has shown us how to throw marriage aside as if it means nothing. But God’s intention for marriage is a commitment for life. At the beginning of the world God created the union of marriage between a man and a woman to be permanent until death. Treat your gift with the commitment it deserves. 3. Marriage Takes Respect Respecting the person, you married takes action. Respect is submission, humility and appreciation all rolled into one. The flawed view of this is that couples believe these things need to be earned. Earning points to be treated with respect is wrong. This is what conditional love is all about. But God’s design for marriage is based upon unconditional love for each other. Submission is voluntarily cooperating with your spouse out of love and respect for them. …God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxi-

ety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:5-6) Bottom line is if you work together, commit yourselves to the marriage and respect one another the devil cannot come in and devour your marriage. Angie Lewis writes on subjects such as love, sex, and intimacy between couples. Her marriage books center on the biblical foundations that God outlines for couples to follow for an exceptional marriage. Angie writes numerous articles and e-books covering such issues as adultery, addictions, temptation, and forgiveness in marriage. Check out Angie’s website for additional information about her books and online marriage ministry. http://www.heavenministries.com > © 2002-2021 Heaven Ministries. All Rights Reserved. www.heavenministries.org >

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Spring 2021 15

MARRIAGE

Changing Times

What Is Important for Marriage? By Angie Lewis

Have you taken the time to be there for your spouse? Some of you reading this may be thinking, “He hasn’t taken the time to be a husband, why should I put in any special effort?” “She has rejected me for two weeks. I’m not going to do anything extra around the house for her.” But we do have to put in special effort if we truly want to be there for each other. Marriage is certainly not about keeping score. It

is about giving of ourselves freely whenever we have the chance to do so. A wife and mother who works out of the home all day, and then comes home, cooks, cleans, and tends to the children, isn’t going to have much time for her husband, that’s for sure. So, what can she do? A good starting point is for couples to decide together where their priorities lie. What is important? How is your marriage doing in the pleasure department? Do you have the time and energy to make love to each other, or is it too late and you’re tired? What about the intimacy department? Do you and your spouse ever have the time to talk about your feelings and have deep conversations with one another? Do you ever take walks togeth-

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er, or go on a date to the movies or to dinner? Marriage needs these things. What about your health? Are you eating wholesome home-cooked meals, staying energized throughout the day, or are you eating too much fast foods and boxed foods and you feel tired and worn out by mid-day? Eating home-cooked wholesome meals everyday is far better for your health and energy levels than anything else. What about your spiritual health? Do you have time for bible study and, or prayer together? Even if one spouse is not available for devotions or bible study, do you still devote your own time to prayer and spiritual study? Spiritual time together is very important in marriage. Do you have children? What about them? Do the younger children go to an expensive daycare during the day? Do your children spend needless time home alone after school? Are they staying out of trouble, or are they hanging out with their friends doing who knows

what? Our children need us. If couples have forsaken the blessings of marriage and family over a wife and mother working just so they can make more money, then maybe it is time to recheck and rethink a few priorities and see what is important. Having a happy and satisfied marriage is important, is it not? Having good health, spiritually and physically is very important as well. And obviously the health and welfare of our children is important too. So, what makes money such a high priority in our lives? Is it fear of not having anything? Is it because most American’s are in debt and they have to work even harder to pay off that debt? Are we managing our marriage properly, or just managing the money we earn so we can have more stuff? Couples work, labor and toil all day long and then don’t have time for each other. The sad thing is, they also do not have time for God. What is important? > © 2002-2021 Heaven Ministries. All Rights Reserved. www.heavenministries.org

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In God We Trust

Education

By Dr. Adrian Rogers

When the pilgrims came to America's shores, they wrote the Mayflower Compact, which stated their purpose, was to glorify God and propagate the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I believe God put a hedge around this country at that time. The Bible teaches a doctrine of hedges in the life of Job (see Job 1:9-10) and ancient Israel (see Isaiah 5:1-5). May I tell you why America has been strong? America's first line of defense has not been the military, but God Himself. But we have politely told God, with the aid of the ACLU and others, that we can handle things ourselves and to take His hedge and go back to heaven. The Author of Hope Our Nation was shaken to her knees this time last year, but I want to tell you there are some things

that cannot be shaken: God's Sovereignty (Romans 11:36) You and I dwell in time. God dwells in eternity. The past, the present and the future are all alike to Him. (Colossians 1:16-17) tell us, "For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him: And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist." God's Kingdom (Hebrews 12:28-29) Some sailors were trying to steer their boat one night in the middle of a stormy sea. They didn't know which direction land was. Then, the clouds opened and a sailor saw the North Star. He said, "Now, I know the direction to land." They manned the oars and began to pull in the direction of the shore. He continued, "Keep your eye on that star, for if we lose sight of it, we're lost." There is a star in the heavens. It is God Himself and His kingdom cannot fall. God's Word (1 Peter 1:23)

When things are unsure and there's bad news all around, I want to know that the solid, sure Word of God stands firm and will never fail. I'm not so interested in what some philosopher, politician, scientist or mathematician has to say about current events. I want to know what God says. God's Grace (2 Corinthians 9:8) There are twin towers of God's Word that can never be shaken. One is faith. The other is hope. And both stand upon the foundation of the grace of God. God is a loving God and He wants to forgive and heal America. How I thank God that we can stand on His grace. The Call to Respond We Need to Trust God (Psalm 56:3-4) All believers know that God is necessary. We know we could not exist without Him, yet how often have people become overcome with the cares of this world because they question whether God is enough. (Isaiah 50:10) tells us to "stay upon [our] God." What does it mean to "stay upon" God? It means to cast yourself completely upon Him. We Need to Seek God (2 Chronicles 7:14) It's time for every person in every nation to seek God. We can host a prayer meeting on the hour every hour for the next 100 years, but all the prayer in the world is not going to do any good unless we humble

ourselves before God and seek Him. (Proverbs 14:34), "Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people." We, as individuals, must repent. We, as a nation, must repent. We Need to Show the Love of God (Romans 1:16) This is an opportunity for the diamond of God's love to shine on the dark velvet of terrible wickedness. It's time to call upon God for holy boldness, divine appointments, and open hearts. It's time to tell a neighbor about the God who cares. It's time for believers to get out of our comfort zones and make sacrifices. Would to God that every person reading this article, would live the truth, tell the truth, speak the truth, believe the truth, and love the truth. We Need to Unite and Work for Peace (Proverbs 14:34) There was a time when our enemies would look at this nation and say, there’s something different. Has that time passed? Or can we unite and work for peace as one nation under God? Before the world falls apart, believers need to come together. It is time to unite for the cause of Christ. > © 2021 Love Worth Finding Ministries, P.O. Box 38300, Memphis, TN 38183, www.lwf.org

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Spring 2021 17

EDUCATION

Changing Times

Interesting Facts about…

The Sun We don't often think about the Sun, even though it is something that we see everyday. The surface of our Sun is about 5800 degrees and the Sun's middle is over 10 million degrees in temperature. The Sun is 93 million miles or 150 million km away from the Earth. If it were possible to drive to the Sun at 60 miles per hour, it would take 176 years to get there! If there were no Sun for light, heat and energy, the Earth would be a dark, frozen ball. Living things could not exist without the Sun, just like eternal life is not possible without God's Son! Elephant Facts The elephant is one of the most unusual creatures that God made. The elephant's trunk makes him most unique. It is used not only for drinking and bathing but for smell-

ing, breathing, feeling, and grabbing food. At the end of the trunk there is a "finger" for picking up things, such as a berry or even a branch. Elephants also use their trunk as a snorkel when crossing deep rivers. They snack on grass, fruit, leaves, branches, bark, and twigs. Because they are so large and because about 60 percent of what they eat passes through without being digested, elephants spend about 16 hours a day searching for nearly 350 pounds of food. They drink about 18 gallons of water a day and can live up to 60 years. Bible Foods In Bible times, bread was the basic food each day. Wheat, buckwheat, and barley could be toasted over an open fire and eaten fresh. These could also be ground into flour for baking bread on hot stones. The common man could not afford to eat meat except on special occasions, such as Passover. However, the Bible kings ate a variety of meats, such as: oxen, goats, sheep, deer and geese. Other foods that were also widely served include: hyssop, mint, thyme, eggs from wild birds, butter, honey and cheese made from sheep's milk.

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18 Spring 2021

The Planet Venus Venus is called the twin to our planet Earth because they are the same in size and mass. Even though Venus is our closet neighbor of the planets, there are many differences. A day on Venus lasts for 242 Earth days and the surface temperature is 887 degrees Fahrenheit. The beautiful, thick clouds of the atmosphere cover a dry, dusty desert. It even rotates in the opposite direction than we do! The Rainbow The rainbow is an arch of light displaying the spectrum colors in their order. It is caused when sunlight enters a raindrop and is bent by the drop in such a way that the light appears as separate colors. In the brightest bow, often the only one seen, the colors are arranged with the red outside. There is also a second bow above the perfect bow, in which the colors are arranged in reverse order. But this bow is dimmer because of a double reflection within the drops. The first rainbow ever seen was given as a promise to Noah and his family that God would not destroy the world again by flood, (Genesis 9:13). The next time that you are blessed to see a rainbow, remember God's many promises and look closely for the bonus bow! The Nile River The Nile River begins in Africa and ends at the Mediterranean Sea. It is over 4,100 miles long and is the world's longest river. The Nile winds a path through swamps, mountains, and deserts, collecting particles of sand, mud, and minerals, as it flows. These black particles settle in the Nile delta and make the land of Egypt very fertile. The Nile is the main source of life for the Egyptian people. The Bible mentions the Nile many times: Moses' basket was found in it; God turned Nile's water into blood; and the plague of frogs came from it. The ancient Egyptians called the river "Hapi" and worshiped it instead of the one true God. Koala Bears The fully-grown koala is about 30 inches long and weighs 12-26 pounds. Yet they are only about the size of a bee, when born, and are

carried in their mother's pouch until more developed. Koalas are solitary animals that do not live in families like many other animals. Koalas sleep as long as 18 hours a day. They eat a low-energy diet of eucalyptus leaves and rarely drink water. In fact, the name "koala" means "no drink". The Butterfly Monarch butterflies go through four life stages: egg, caterpillar, pupa, and adult butterfly. The egg hatches in 5 to 10 days, when the caterpillars promptly make a snack out of their own house by eating up the eggshell! Soon they form a tiny pouch, under a leaf or twig, and "hang around" for a couple of weeks. The beautiful adult butterfly then breaks out. As cold weather approaches, this tiny creature will fly about 50 miles per day from North America to the hilltops of Mexico, where it spends the winter. The Seahorse The seahorse is an unusual type of fish. Its long nose and the upright position in which it swims, makes it look much like a horse and that's how it got the name. The seahorse has a long tail that can be curled around coral or seaweed and used as an anchor. A seahorse can grow up to 10 inches in length and can be black, brown, white, yellow, or red in color. They are born from eggs laid by the mother. But the eggs are actually carried in the father's pouch until birth, when the baby seahorses swim away. Polar Bear Facts The polar bear has a thick coat that can vary from pure white to light brown, depending on the season. Male polar bears, called boars, can weigh 770 to over 1,400 pounds. Female polar bears, called sows, weigh about 330 to 550 pounds. But the biggest polar bear ever known was a male weighing 2,209 pounds and measuring twelve feet long. These expert swimmers are kept warm in cold water by their 4-inch thick layer of blubber or fat. Their nostrils actually close up under the water and they can easily swim for many hours at a time. After a long swim, they may enjoy a meal of seal, walrus, or whale. > A Full Service Travel Agency

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The Great Exchange By Dr. Don Colbert

Most of America's health problems today are caused by dietary abuses. Elizabeth Frazao of the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that poor eating habits are linked to more than half of the deaths in the U.S. The three leading causes of death in the U.S. are coronary artery disease, cancer, and stroke. Diet is a Foods to Limit or Avoid Butter

significant factor in the risk of each of these diseases. Diet also plays a major role in the development of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. The average American now consumes approximately 150 pounds of sugar per year and about 11,250 pounds in his or her lifetime. Equally as dangerous are the excessive amounts of saturated, hydrogenated, and polyunsaturated fats many Americans consume. These fats can form plaque and clog arteries, as well as cause us to become obese. Both of these conditions tend to shorten our lifespan. Processed foods are one of the

Healthier Foods or Beverages

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Use organic butter or melt butter in a saucepan, and then add an equal amount of extra-virgin olive oil. Stir and allow to harden in the refrigerator. Choose Go Lean Soy cereal, All-Bran, Fiber One, Shredded Wheat, Grape Nuts, or Oat Bran. Choose organic part-skim mozzarella, soy cheese, low-fat cottage cheese, or other part-skim cheeses. Choose extra-virgin or virgin olive oil. Instead of cookies, cakes, and pies, choose fruit cocktail or fruits mixed with nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, berries, melons, grapes, etc. Choose free-range eggs, and use only 1 or 2 yolks and the rest egg whites. Or choose Egg Beaters. Instead of fried or baked catfish or shellfish, choose fish with scales and fins, such as salmon, grouper, mahi, and red snapper that is grilled or baked. Limit salt and choose more garlic, parsley, and other herbs and spices. Choose mayonnaise from health foods stores, which contains grape seed oil. Choose extra-lean free-range meat, and trim off all the fat. Select chicken breast and turkey breast over dark meat. Choose skim milk, or if you’re allergic to dairy products, choose rice milk, almond milk, or soy milk. Select whole-grain pasta products. If you’re allergic to wheat, choose spelt or rice pasta. Instead of drinking sodas, choose water with lemon and sweeten it with Stevia. Another alternative would be regular green tea sweetened with Stevia. If you must have soda, choose Diet-Rite Cola, which is a made with Splenda, not NutraSweet (Aspartame) or saccharin. Choose fruit over chocolate and candy, and if you’re trying to lose weight, it's better to choose low-glycemic fruits, such as Granny Smith apples, kiwis, grapefruit, and berries. Select whole-grain bread, Ezekiel bread, millet, spelt, or brown rice bread.

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Health major sources of excessive sugar and fat in the American diet. Common items include white bread, hotdogs, bologna, and almost all other packaged foods. These usually contain food additives, sweeteners, coloring agents, preservatives, bleaching agents, and many other chemicals. Such foods generally provide a lot of calories but very little nutrition. Another food that Americans consume excessive amounts of is fast foods. These include fried chicken, pizzas, hamburgers, hotdogs, tacos, French fries, etc. These foods, which are also highly processed, are generally very high in fat, calories, and starch content but low in nutritional value. Eating both processed foods and fast foods usually results in creating a high-glycemic index, which can raise our blood sugar level almost as rapidly as eating sugar-rich desserts. Although eating these high-calorie, fat-rich foods causes us to become obese, we are actually starving from a nutritional standpoint. So, what can we do? Make the great exchange—begin substituting healthier alternative foods for the foods that are damaging to our health. I’ve put together a list of

some simple, common sense changes that you can make to substitute certain fatty and sugary foods for healthy alternatives. I also strongly encourage you to include regular amounts of fresh vegetables and fruit in your diet— three to five servings of fresh vegetables and two to four servings of fresh fruit. These live foods are generally full of essential vitamins, See EXCHANGE on Page 39

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Spring 2021 19

HEALTH

Changing Times

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In a fast-paced world, it is easy to overwork yourself, take on too many commitments, and extend yourself to the point of exhaustion. This energy imbalance weakens the immune system. Immune boosting fruits and vegetables include cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, broccoli and other leafy green vegetables,

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Why should you try Smoothies Diet? 7 great reasons are listed here * You Get More Greens In Your Diet * Alkalize Your Body * Gives You Lots of Fiber * Fill You with Chlorophyll * Helps You to Lose Weight * Pack Your Body with Protein * Make Easier to Digest One of the good things about diet smoothies is that they are admirable at helping to suppress your appetite. Anyone who has ever tried to diet knows exactly how hard it is to stay faithful to the diet when you are hungry, and it can be impossible to avoid those temptations when your stomach is growling. Various studies have shown that the fundamental cause of the obesity epidemic and tendency for people to put on weight as they get older is passive over-consumption of calories. After the craziness of the holiday season, the Low Fat Smoothie diet recipes are the ones that are guaranteed to help you lose weight. Low fat smoothie includes Orange Carrot Breeze, Wheatgrass Surprise, Banana Wheat Germ Smoothie and many more. Hope Smoothie Diet at The Raw Smoothie provides you with the smoothie of your dreams. Smoothies are nutritious, quick, and delicious. There's nothing like a refreshing fruits and vegetables Smoothies Diet to help cool you down. Low Fat Smoothie helps to lose weight and tastes great as well. All fruits provide essential Immune Boosting nutrients. > ©2021 FaithWriters.com. All Rights Reserved

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Holy Baptism By Andrew Murray

"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" (Matthew 28:19). "He that believes and is baptized shall be saved" (Mark 16:16). We find the meaning of the institution of baptism summarized in these words. The word "teach" means, "make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them." The believing disciple, as he is baptized in the water, is also to be baptized or introduced into the name of the Trinity. By the name of the Father, the new birth and life as a child in the love of the Father are secured to him. By the name of the Son, participation in the forgiveness of sins and the life that is in Christ are promised to him. By the name of the Holy Spirit, the indwelling and progressive renewal of the Spirit are assured him. And every baptized believer must always look upon baptism as his entrance into a covenant with the Trinity, and as a pledge that the Father, the Son, and the Spirit will, in course of time, do for him all that they have promised. It requires a lifelong study to know and enjoy all the blessing that is

presented in baptism. In other passages of Scripture, the blessing is again set forth. We find bound up with it the new birth required to make a child of God. "Except a man be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God" (John 3:5). The baptized disciple has in God a Father, and he has to live as a child in the love of this Father. Then, again, baptism is brought more directly into connection with the redemption that is in Christ. Consequently, the first and simplest representation of it is the forgiveness or washing away of sins. Forgiveness is always the gateway or entrance into all blessing. Therefore, baptism is also the sacrament of the beginning of the Christian life---a beginning that is maintained through the whole life. It is on this account that in (Romans, chapter 6), baptism is represented as the secret of the whole of sanctification, the entrance into a life in union with Jesus. "Know ye not that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?" (Romans 6:3). The more precise explanation of what it is to be baptized into the death of Jesus, and to arise out of this with Him, for a new life in Him follows in verses 4-11. This is very powerfully comprehended elsewhere in this word, "As many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Galatians 3:27). This alone is the right life of a baptized disciple. He has put on Christ. As one is plunged into water and passes

es eatur F g Sprin ived! r r A Have C

throughout life. As often as a baptized believer sees a baptism administered, or reflects on it, it is to be to him an encouragement to press, by an evergrowing faith, into the full life of salvation that the Trinity desires to work in him. The Holy Spirit is given to appropriate within us all the love of the Father and all the grace of the Son. The believing candidate for baptism is baptized into the death of Christ and has put on Christ. The Holy Spirit is in the disciple to give him all this as his daily experience. Lord God, make Your holy baptism always operative in my soul as the experience that I am baptized into the death of Christ. And let Your people everywhere understand by Your Spirit what rich blessing lies in this baptism. Amen. > Copyright © 1999-2021 ChristiansUnite. com. All rights reserved.

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under it, so is the believing confessor baptized into the death of Christ, in order then to live and walk clothed with the new life of Christ. And there are other passages where again the promise of the Spirit is connected with baptism. It is promised not only as the Spirit of regeneration but also as the gift from heaven bestowed on believers for indwelling and sealing--for progressive renewal. "He saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which He shed on us abundantly" (Titus 3:5,6). Here, renewal is the activity of the Spirit, by which the new life that is planted in the new birth penetrates our whole being, so that all our thinking and doing is sanctified by Him. And all this rich blessing which lies in baptism is received by faith. "He that believes, and is baptized, shall be saved." Baptism was not only a confession on man's part of the faith that he already had, but equally a seal on God's part for the confirmation of faith--a covenant sign in which the whole treasury of grace lay open, to be enjoyed

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And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. – John 14:13

Spring 2021 23

Changing Times

The Christian Journey Eternity, a Very Big Word By Pastor Doug Gilford One day I sat and read the Gospel of John to look specifically at how much Jesus spoke about eternity. I was happily amazed that out of twenty-one chapters, over half of them contained verses where our Lord spoke on “eternal life,” “everlasting life,” or used the words “never see death.” Jesus came preaching by introWhen is the last time you ever ducing a concept not used in the stopped and considered eternity? Old Testament: eternal life. The As a preacher, I like to remind people of the Old Testament underpeople at funerals, and funerals are stood Heaven, but Jesus made it mostly the only time people con- clearer and more precise, that in sider it. Him is an instantaneous, here-and-

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now, eternal Life—instead of just retirement into some Heavenly abyss at the end of your life. If Eternity is such a big word that Jesus would spend so much time pointing people to think about and consider it, wouldn’t it be important for us today to take another look at it too? In (Luke 21), Jesus, speaking again on eternity and the final judgement, says this: “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap.” Did you notice the words “Be careful…that day will close upon you unexpectedly like a trap?” What is “that day?” That is the day when we all are launched from this life to the next, from a physical, earthly existence to a spiritual one. We call that death. Please do not overlook the caution given by the Savior. He says, “Be careful.” That is, do not be careless. Do not be ignorant. Do not be foolish. Do not just look at the things that we easily see but consider Heaven while we live on Earth. He is saying, “Live carefully because death will come when you least expect it.” In Luke’s passage, Jesus then gives a simple instruction for all of us to live by: “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man." Not only does Jesus want us to live carefully while considering Heaven but to always be prayerfully watching. The watchfulness that Jesus is referring to means to be vigilant and awake—paying attention! But for what? Go back to the verse and continue reading. It says, “so that

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you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” It is a sobering thought that anyone would leave this earth not ready to stand before the Lord. That is why Jesus implores us to both be careful and watchful. That is why He spends so much time talking about Eternity. Christ desires all of us to understand this reality. He also says to be prayerful. When we keep a prayerful life, which is communication to Christ, we will continually be ready to meet the Lord. When Jesus prayed, He did not just ramble repetitious, memorized prayers. He poured out His heart to God. Look at Jesus’ prayer to the Father in (John 17). Take some time to read it and you will find no routine, religious phrases. When Jesus prayed to God, He was praying to His father, His dad. In that prayer He addressed God as “Father” six times. He displayed openness and sincerity as He prayed to God. Most of all, he expressed willingness to do what was necessary to change the course of Eternity for all mankind. Are you living carefully? Are you considering your Eternity? Take some time and talk to the Lord. Be open and honest. Your Eternity depends on it. > Doug Gilford, Senior Pastor, Cornerstone Church 23051 Hwy 1088, Mandeville, La 70448. (985) 624-8652, www.cornerstonenola. com

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Guiding Light

A Day Each Week for Spiritual Renewal

It is important that we understand the meaning of the Sabbath in relation to our individual spiritual life. We are apt to look at the day and its observance chiefly from the side of duty. We should remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. We learn from the Bible that the day was set apart by peculiar sanctions. But the devotional value of the Sabbath is not so often considered. To the individual Christian, however, this is a most important phase of the subject. What is the purpose of the day as a "means of grace"? What help is it intended to be to us in our spiritual life? No doubt it is meant to be a day of rest from the ordinary labors and tasks which occupy us during the week. For six days we are to work diligently, and then on the seventh day we are to rest. The more completely we can get away from our weekday occupations the better. There is a blessing in Sabbath rest. We cannot go on forever without rest. We must pause now and then to take our breath and renew our strength. But rest is not the only purpose of the Sabbath. It is to be a day also for spiritual renewing. The tendency of our life in the world, with its entertainment, its cares, its grinding and pinching, is to make us forget God and the things of the spiritual life. The Sabbath not only calls us away to rest for a day from this wearying toil, but invites us also for a season to thoughts and occupations which will lift heart and mind out of the entanglement of earthly and material things into a range of thought and feeling altogether different. For one day, we can go up out of the valley, with its little space and dreary outlook, and stand on a mountain top to get a vision of glory and beauty which will give us new thoughts of life. This purpose of the Sabbath suggests also how the day should be spent. If we make it a day of merely worldly pleasure we only substitute

one class of secularities for another, and this will give us no spiritual uplift. To get from the Holy Day Christ. We come into the good felIt is when we thus make the Sabwhat it is meant to give to us, we lowship of Christian people and get bath, a day to get into God's presshould occupy heart and thought fresh inspiration from our contact ence and to hold converse with the with things that are spiritual. It with them. We have wider views. things of the spiritual world that we should be a day for thinking of God We see life from the Heaven side. find the blessing it has for us. Then and of the things that are eternal, of We see God's face and hear His it sends us into the week braver and our own relation to God and to our voice. stronger, with new inspiration for fellow-men, of our duties, obligaSuch an hour on the Sabbath gentle living, for kindly ministry, tions, and responsibilities. changes all life for us for the whole for heroic struggle. Our heart gets A tourist among the Alps tells of week before us. We see everything out of tune, its strings become ratclimbing one of the mountains in a in a new light. We have a new per- tled and jarring, in the difficult life dense and dripping mist until he spective after that, in which all of the weekdays — but the Sabbath had passed through the clouds and things appear in their true relations. sets us right again and prepares us stood on a lofty peak in the clear The world is far more beautiful, for for living sweetly, so as to please sunlight. Beneath him lay the fog, we see it now as our Father's world. God and to be a blessing in the like a wave- less sea of white vapor. The Sabbath songs sing Lose in our heart world. 2” in 25 Minutes He could hear the faint sounds all the week and make the way Resting in His peace, coming up from the vales below. easier and the burdens lighter. Save the Nations Ministries > But there he stood on the tall plat($125 Value) form, far above all the vexed, troubled, broken life of the vales, with only Heaven's deep blue above his Lightmountain will help youI slim those areas thatFor are resistant Havedown Some Good News You! headContour and the glorious peaks round him. · Want Yourthighs, Money Toarms Be Safe? to diet and exercise; waist, hips, and chin. GU Firs Something like can be felt when AR t Ye · Want Your Money To Grow? AN ar you give God center-stage in your TE ED · Want To Have A 6% Guaranteed Growth? mind on this Holy Day of rest. Through the weekdays, we dwell in Donie Holmes, V.P. the low valleys, among the mists. Life in this world is full of struggles, of failures, of disappointCall For My FREE 115 Page Growth Without Risk Safe Money Book ments, of burden-bearing. Then the Visit our website: www.ldomire.com Sabbath comes and we climb up out 800-844-3254 Donie Holmes oﬃce 228-342-4301 of the low places of care, toil and This is a single premium fixed deferred annuity issued by a life insurance company which may include a first year Bonus. Interest rates are subject to change. Withdrawals prior to age 59 1/2 may be subject to a 10% IRS penalty. Guarantees subject to the tears, and spend the day in the claims-paying ability of the Insurance Company and not insured by FDIC. Surrender of the Contract may be subject to surrender charge or market value adjustment. Products not available in all states and not available at all ages. sweet, pure air of God's love and peace. We get near to the heart of

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…Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. – John 16:33

Spring 2021 25

Changing Times

“Take Up Your Cross” And Follow Jesus By Samuel Mills

Will you take up your cross and follow the example of Jesus? Perhaps you will never be required to suffer for your faith in Christ, but the question we should all settle in advance is, would I, if called upon, pay the ultimate price? "Then He said to them all, if anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will save it. What good is it for a

26 Spring 2021

man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self"? (Luke; 9:23-27) There are at least three conditions in the above scripture that must be met by those who follow Jesus. We must be willing to deny self, take up our crosses, and follow Hm. Anything else is superficial lip service. Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me," and His disciples understood what He was saying. Crucifixion was a standard Roman method of execution and condemned criminals had to carry their crosses through the streets to the execution site. Following him meant making a genuine commitment, the risk of death, and no turn-

ing back. Christians follow Christ by imitating His life and obeying His commands. To take up one's cross means to carry your own cross to the end, even if it means death, for your faith in Christ. We must also deny our selfish desires to choose our direction in life without regard to Christ. Following Christ may seem costly now, but in the long run is well worth the pain and effort. Nothing can compensate for the loss of eternal life. A good example of how to take up your cross is found in (Acts 16:22-25). Paul and Silas had been severely flogged and thrown into prison, yet were praying and singing hymns to God. They were praising God even in the most difficult circumstances. Another instance is when the people close to Paul learned that he was going to Jerusalem where he would likely be thrown in prison; they pleaded with him not to go. "Then Paul answered, why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 21:14) According to Paul, the Christian

life is the best life there is. It is true that when you take up your cross, there will be a burden to bear, but the benefits far outweigh the costs. Not even life itself can compare to what we gain with Christ. Jesus wants us to stop trying to control our own destiny and to let Him direct our paths. He knows better than we do about real life. When we give our lives in service to Him, He will send the Holy Spirit to comfort, instruct, fill us with joy, and guide us through our troubles, and onto the path, He would have us follow. We then discover the real purpose of living, and a brilliant future, not only in this world, but also for a glorious eternity, so fantastic it defies description. As you take up your cross, remember that there are Christians in over 40 countries who face daily persecution, imprisonment, and even death for their faith in Jesus Christ. We must pray for these persecuted Christians that they will remain steadfast in Christ as they take up their cross. © Copyright 2006-2021Trustingin-Jesus.com. All Rights Reserved >

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God’s Special Forces By David Wilkerson

You've heard of the U.S. Army's Special Forces—a highly trained army-within-anarmy, an elite unit of dedicated soldiers. Special Forces are made up completely of volunteers, fighters who have been noticed and called out by their superiors. Before the war in Afghanistan, Osama bin Laden had said American soldiers were weak, cowardly, not trained for mountain warfare. He predicted the Taliban would send U.S. troops home in shame, but he hadn't counted on America's Special Forces. This fearless unit invaded Afghanistan with a mere 2,000 soldiers. Within days, it had located all the enemy's strongholds.

I believe God is doing something similar in the spiritual realm. While in prayer, I was impressed by the Holy Spirit with the concept—God has been at work in the heavenlies on a covert operation. He's rising up an army-within-anarmy, searching his regular troops to form an elite unit of volunteers. This special force is made up of warriors he can touch and stir, to do battle with the enemy. We see a picture of this in the Bible, with Saul's special militia. The Word tells us, "There went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched" (I Samuel 10:26). God's Special Forces today include the young, the middleaged, even the elderly. They've been training in their secret closets of prayer. Their intimacy with Jesus has taught them how to fight. Now they know how to do battle on any spiritual plane, whether in the mountains or in valleys.

God's army-within-an-army is in place in every nation. Its activity may be covert now, but soon we'll see it doing exploits in the name and power of Christ. God's Word is coming forth, and the famine is ending. The Lord will prevail. His Word shall conquer all. "The people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits" (Daniel 11:32). "They that wait upon the

Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31). > Copyright © 2021 by World Challenge, Inc., P.O. Box 260, Lindale, Texas 75771

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FROM THE PULPIT

The Trinity By Dr. Louis Berkhof

1. Statement of the Doctrine. The Bible teaches that, while He exists in three Persons, called Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These are not three persons in the ordinary sense of the word; they are not three individuals, but rather three modes or forms in which the Divine Being exists. At the same time, they are of such a nature that they can enter into personal relations. The Father can speak to the Son and vice versa and both can send forth the Spirit. The real mystery of the Trinity con-

sists in this that each one of the Persons possesses the whole of the divine essence, and that this has no existence outside of and apart from the Persons. The three are not subordinate in being the one to the other, though it may be said that in order of existence the Father is first, the Son second, and the Holy Spirit third, an order which is also reflected in their work. 2. Scripture Proof for the Trinity. The Old Testament contains some indications of more than one Person in God. God speaks of Himself in the plural, (Gen. 1:26; 11:7); the Angel of Jehovah is represented as a divine Person, (Gen. 16:7-13; 18:1-21; 19:1-22); and the Spirit is spoken of as a distinct Person, (Isa. 48:16; 63:10). Moreover, there are some passages in which the Messiah is speaking and mentions two other Persons, (Isa. 48:16; 61:6; 63:9, 10).

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Due to the progress of revelation, the New Testament contains clearer proofs. The strongest proof is found in the facts of redemption. The Father sends the Son into the world, and the Son sends the Holy Spirit. Moreover, there are several passages in which the three Persons are expressly mentioned, such as the great commission, (Matt. 28:19), and the apostolic blessing, (II Cor. 13:13). (Luke 3:21, 22; 1:35; I Cor. 12:4-6; I Pet. 1:2). 3. The Father. The name ‘Father’ is frequently applied in Scripture to the triune God, as the creator of all things, (I Cor. 8:6; Heb. 12:9; Jas. 1:17); as the Father of Israel, (Deut. 32:6; Isa. 63:16); and as the Father of believers, (Matt. 5:45; 6:6, 9, 14; Rom. 8:15). In a deeper sense, however, it is applied to the First Person of the Trinity, to express His relation to the Second Person, (John 1:14, 18; 8:54; 14:12, 13). This is the original Fatherhood, of which all earthly fatherhood is but a faint reflection. The distinctive characteristic of the Father is that He generates the Son from all eternity. The works particularly ascribed to Him are those of planning the work of redemption, creation and providence, and representing the Trinity in the Counsel of Redemption. 4. The Son. The second person in the Trinity is called ‘Son’ or ‘Son of God.’ He bears this name, however, not only as the only begotten of the Father, (John 1:14, 18; 3:16, 18; Gal. 4:4), but also as the Messiah chosen of God, (Matt. 8:29; 26:63; John 1:49; 11:27), and in virtue of His special birth through the operation of the Holy Spirit,( Luke 1:32, 35). His special charac-

teristic as the Second Person of the Trinity is that He is eternally begotten of the Father, (Ps. 2:7; Acts 13:33; Heb. 1:5). By means of eternal generation, the Father is the cause of the personal existence of the Son within the Divine Being. The works more particularly ascribed to Him are works of mediation. He mediated the work of creation, (John 1:3, 10; Heb. 1:2, 3), and mediates the work of redemption, (Eph. 1:3-14). 5. The Holy Spirit. Though Socinians, Unitarians, and present day Modernists speak of the Holy Spirit merely as a power or an influence of God, He clearly stands out on the pages of the Bible as a Person, (John 14:16, 17, 26; 15:26; 16:1-15); (Rom. 8:26). He has intelligence, (John 14:26), feeling, (Isa. 68:10; Eph. 4:30), and will, (Acts 16:7; I Cor. 12:11). Scripture represents Him as speaking, searching, testifying, commanding, revealing, striving, and making intercession. Moreover, He is clearly distinguished from His own power in (Luke 1:35; 4:14; Acts 10:38; I Cor. 2:4). His special characteristic is that He proceeds from the Father and the Son by inspiration, (John 15:26; 16:7; Rom. 8:9; Gal. 4:6). In general it may be said that it is His task to bring things to completion both in creation and redemption, (Gen. 1:3; Job 26:13; Luke 1:35; John 3:34; I Cor. 12:4-11; Eph. 2:22). A Puritan's Mind © 1996-2021

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Man: The Once-Born and the Twice-Born By A.W. Tozer separate from each other. Those born is at enmity with the Spirit of the redemption which is in Christ Jesus. who are twice-born crystallize twice-born is to bring down upon To accept this truth requires around the Person of Christ and one's head every kind of violent tough-mindedness and a spiritual cluster together in companies, while abuse. No language is too bitter to maturity that modern Christians the once-born are held together hurl against the conceited bigot who simply do not possess. To face up to only by the ties of nature, aided by would dare to draw such a line of it, hardly contributes to that "peace the ties of race or by common distinction between men. Such malig- of mind" after which our religious political and social interests. nant ideas are at odds with the broth- weaklings whine so mournfully. Our Lord warned His disciples erhood of man, say the once-born, For myself, I long ago decided CLASSIFICATION IS ONE OF that they would be persecuted. "In and are held only by the apostles of that I would rather know the truth THE MOST DIFFICULT of all the world ye shall have tribulation," disunity and hate. This mighty rage than be happy in ignorance. If I tasks. Even in the realm of religion He said, and "Blessed are they against the twice-born only serves to cannot have both truth and happithere are enough lights and shades which are persecuted for righteous- confirm the truth they teach. But this ness, give me truth. We'll have a to make it ill-advised to draw too ness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom no one seems to notice. long time to be happy in heaven. > fine a line between men and men. If of heaven. Blessed are ye, when What we need to restore power to the religious world were composed men shall revile you, and persecute the Christian testimony is not soft © 2021 of squares of solid black and solid you, and shall say all manner of evil talk about brotherhood but an honest oChristian.com. white classification would be easy; against you falsely, for my sake." recognition that two human races All Rights but unfortunately, it is not. These are only two of many pas- occupy the earth simultaneously: a Reserved It is a grave error for us evangeli- sages of the New Testament warn- fallen race that sprang from the loins cals to assume that the children of ing of persecution or recording the of Adam and a regenerate race that is God are all in our communion and fact of harassment and attack suf- born of the Spirit through the that all who are not associated with fered by the followers of the Lord. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® us the enemies of the Lord. The This same idea runs through the Pharisees made that mistake and entire Bible from the once-born crucified Christ as a consequence. Cain who slew the twice-born Abel With all this in mind, and leaning to the Book of the Revelation where C J Ladner Insurance Agency, Inc. over backwards to be fair and char- the end of human history comes in 1972 N. Hwy. 190 Covington, LA 70433 itable, there is yet one distinction a burst of blood and fire. 985-892-5030 which we dare make, which indeed That hostility exists between the we must make if we are to think the once-born and the twice-born is thoughts of God after Him and known to every student of the Bible; bring our beliefs into harmony with the reason for it was stated by the Holy Scriptures. That distinc- Christ when He said, "If ye were of We appreciate your support! tion is the one which exists between the world, the world would love his ~ Ace Indovina two classes of human beings, the own: but because ye are not of the once-born and the twice-born. world, but I have chosen you out of 504-828-4233 That such a distinction does in the world, therefore the world hates www.fortknoxalarm.com fact exist was taught by our Lord you." The rule was laid down by the with great plainness of speech, in apostle Paul when he wrote, "But as contexts which preclude the possi- then he that was born after the flesh christian bookstore bility that He was merely speaking persecuted him that was born after Open Mon.-Sat. 10am-5pm figuratively. "Except a man be born the Spirit, even so it is now." again, he cannot see the kingdom of Difference of moral standards 985-641-7776 God," He said, and the whole chap- between the once-born and the 1337 Gause Blvd., Slidell, LA ter where these words are found twice-born, and their opposite ways Ed & Linda Paul, Owners confirms that He was speaking pre- of life, may be contributing causes cisely, setting forth meanings as of this hostility; but the real cause blunt and downright as it is possible lies deeper. There are two spirits For God so loved the for language to convey. abroad in the earth: the spirit that "Ye must be born again," said works in the children of disobediworld that he gave Christ. "That which is born of the flesh ence and the Spirit of God. These his one and only is flesh; and that which is born of the two can never be reconciled in time Spirit is spirit." This clear line of or in eternity. The spirit that dwells Son, that whoever demarcation runs through the entire in the once-born is forever opposed New Testament, quite literally divid- to the Spirit that inhabits the heart of believes in him shall ing one human being from another the twice-born. This hostility began and making a distinction as sharp as somewhere in the remote past before not perish but have that which exists between different the creation of man and continues to genera of the animal kingdom. this day. The modern effort to bring eternal life. Just who belongs to one class peace between these two spirits is and who to the other, it is not not only futile but contrary to the John 3:16 always possible to judge, though moral laws of the universe. the two kinds of life ordinarily To teach that the spirit of the onceIn that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you Spring 2021 29 that I shall pray the Father for you; - John 16:26

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friendship with Jesus. We cannot enter into the joy and gladness of friendship, unless we believe heartily. Peter was one of Christ's closest friends—but he was always saying rash words and doing rash things which interrupted his fellowship with Christ. Such a spirit as Peter's, however loyal and couBy J. R. Miller rageous, cannot realize the sweet than a boy—and Jesus, whose and gentle things of the holiest bonds have never slackened since. friendship. For three years this friendship grew But John loved on in silence and in sweetness and tenderness, and trusted—his friendship was deep during those years it was a wonderand strong. At the Last Supper he ful transformation that took place in leaned on the Master's bosom. That the disciple. is the place of confidence—the God has saved many a life by bosom is only for those who have a sending to it a sweet human friendright to the closest intimacy. ship. Christ comes to sinners and It is the place of love, near the Christ and John were friends. It saves them with love. That is the heart. It is the place of safety—in was a great, all-absorbing, over- way He saved the prodigals of His mastering friendship, which trans- time. He came to them and became the secret place of the Most-High. formed John. This friendship began their friend. It is to a personal The bosom is the place of comfort that day when the John the Baptist friendship with Him, that Christ is too. It was the darkest night the said to two young men, as Jesus always inviting men. Christ saves world ever saw, that John lay on the bosom of Jesus. But he found compassed near: "Behold the Lamb of men by becoming their friend. God!" John surrendered his heart and fort there. The bosom is the place of The two young men followed life, to this friendship with Jesus. trust also. That is what leaning on Jesus and were invited to his lodg- He opened every window and door Christ's breast means. Do not think that that place of ings, spending the afternoon with to his new Master. The basis of innermost love was for John only Him. What took place during those John's friendship with Christ was hours we do not know—but we do his trust. He never doubted. Thom- and has never been filled since that know that a friendship began as doubted and was slow to believe. night. It is like heaven's gate—it is IANA between John—then scarcely more This hindered the growth of his never closed, and whoever will ANA may come and lie down there. The Tired, worried, scared or bosom is also a place for those who (866) scared 310-7977or TextREACHOUT Reachout 310-7977 TEXT Tired,(866) worried, BOUT iLOUISIANA s a just plain stressed? 24-Hour Hotline to 741741 s a 24-HOUR HOTLINE TO 741741 sorrow—oh, that all who have ANA C r i s i s SPIRITjust plain stressed? PIRIT risis Tired, worried, scared or known grief, knew that they may m for Doesworried, juggling familyorand scared just plain •juggling Tired, worried, scared or just n afiso Sarpfederally i r i t i s•aTired, rit m just plain stressed? Does family and creep in where John lay and nestle s ,f uanndde d C r i s i swork seems overwhelming? plain stressed? yCounseling stressed? , and work seems overwhelming? b y there! n or ndividuals, Does juggling family and bgy P r o g r a m•f Does • Does juggling family juggling family and workand seem i itl i e s , a n Do isolated? s ,S p f ai rmaffected d you feel groups John's transformation is the work seems overwhelming? You areare notnot alone. Spirit Do youwork feelseem isolated? overwhelming? uapf p , d b y overwhelming? You alone.model for all of us. No matter f eocrtteSpirit Louisiana upport, L i ssupport, i rDo i tyou Do you feel isolated? o onu a ni adn a S pDo tional • miss Do you feel isolated? you your loved ones Talk to someone feel isolated? You are alone. o n a n d s u• how many imperfections mar the Talk tonot someone m p p o rDo t , you miss your loved ones iformation voot irosn a l and You are not alone. who you haven’t seen • Do you miss your loved ones v ion rf os r m a t i o• You are not alone. Do you miss your loved ones whom beauty of our lives, we should not n a nwho d you seenloved ones urvivors impacted Dohaven’t you miss your today! Talk to ent of COVID19? today! Talk tosomeone someone whom you haven’tofseen snfto r It s uisr v i v o ryou s because haven’t seen because asters. funded because of COVID19? who you haven’t seen be discouraged. But we should Talk to someone nded today! dde b dAct e y r eby c eFEMA n t COVID19?because of COVID19? Today! fford because of COVID19? Act by never consent to let the faults you “so over” COVID19? Today! sc . tI t bithrough sy f u n d e d Are Astered Are you “so COVID19? •“so Are youover” “so over” COVID19? sS tt e r feodr d A• Are you over” COVID19? remain. That is the way too many a f c t b y e r e dand etAbuse Are you “so over” COVID19? ai sn ca e COVID19 continues to impacts us d m i n i s t e r e d of us do. We condone our weakCOVID19 continues to impactus us ahnAdministration ce COVID19 continues to COVID19 continues toimpacts impact us Ht e a l St h h e u b s t a n c e all. Just call to talk to someone COVID19 continues to impacts us all. Just call to talk to someone ealth ness and imperfections; we pity Just all. Just call call to to talk talk to to someone someone M At)a. l H e a l tall. d H MS en h because all. Just call toare talk to alone. someone you are not alone. because you not HSA). them and keep them. We should because you are not alone. you are not alone. 9a tPARTNERS i o n ( S A M H S A ) . becausebecause you are not alone. give ourselves no rest until they NERS ffice of Homeland NERS Call (985) 634-7223 9 PARTNERS are all cured. But how can we get Call (985) 634-7223 meland Call (985) 634-7223 Emergency e l af inc d e of Homeland nOcf y Weekdays these evil things out of our lives? Louisiana c, a ythe Weekdays nn d aE mergency Weekdays sia a n a e s s , t h e L o u i s i a n a of How did John get rid of his faults? f f iHealth’s c e f o r Office 8:00 AM– 4:30 PM PM i cHee af lot rh ’ s O f f i c e f o r 8:00 AM– 4:30 8:00 AM– 4:30 PM L o c a l and the lefHealth By letting the love of Christ posH eLaol c t ha a l nd the Local Call (985) 634-7223 rng te n seEntities r eadv et op ahave tie FPHSA.ORG n r eh d to rtnered to FPHSA.ORG FPHSA.ORG ep si n a nd urces and sess him! Lying upon Christ's Weekdays 8:00 AM- 4:30 PM ag n dr e s ocoping provide z eh ne sl p tahlel icri t i z e n s t h e i r FPHSA.ORG s their bosom, Christ's sweet, pure, deet iniconnections onnga l. w e l l - b e i n g . ABOUT LOUISIANA SPIRIT ng . zens with their wholesome life infused John's life (866)funded 310-7977 Reachout Crisis Counseling Program for Text individuals, families, and groups ell-being . Louisiana Spirit is a federally and made it sweet, pure and to 741741information and affected by disasters.24-Hour LouisianaHotline Spirit provides emotional support, counseling, wholesome. referrals for survivors impacted by recent disasters. It is funded under the Stafford Act by FEMA and It is the friendship of Christ— is administered through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA). which alone can transform us. You COVID19 PARTNERS are a Christian, not because you belong to a church, not because you Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the Louisiana Department of Health’s Office for Behavioral Health and the Local Governing Entities have partnered to have a good creed, not merely because you are living a fair moral provide coping resources and connections to help all citizens with their emotional well-being. life, you are a Christian because (866) 310-7977 TEXT REACHOUT you and Christ are friends. 24-HOUR HOTLINE TO 741741 What can a friend be to a

Christ and I Are Friends

30 Spring 2021

friend? Let us think of the best that earth's richest-hearted friend can be to us and do for us. Then lift up this conception, multiplying it a thousand times. If it were possible to gather out of all history and from all the world—the best and holiest things of pure, true friendship, and combine them all in one great friendship, Christ's friendship would surpass the sum of them all. Even our human friendships, we prize as the dearest things on earth. They are more precious than rarest gems. We would lose everything else we have, rather than give them up. Life without friendships would be empty and lonely. Yet the best earthly friendships are but little fragments of the friendship of Christ. It is perfect. Its touch is always gentle and full of healing. Its help is always wise. Its tenderness is like the warmth of a heavenly summer. If we have the friendship of Christ, we cannot be utterly bereaved, though all human friends be taken away. To be Christ's friend—is to be God's child, with all a child's privileges. This is one essential in being a Christian. We could not say that Paul is our friend, or John—but Jesus is living, and is with us evermore. He is our Friend as really as He was John's. Christ is our Friend. That means everything we need, will be supplied. No sorrow can be uncomforted. No evil can overmaster us. For time and eternity—we are safe. It will not be the streets of gold, and the gates of pearl, and the river and the trees which will make heaven for us, it will be the companionship, the friendship of Christ! But we must not forget the other part of this friendship. We are to be Christ's friends too. It is not much we can give to Him, or do for Him. But He would have us loyal and true. Surely the consciousness that Christ is our friend and we are His— should check every evil thought, quell every bitter feeling, sweeten every emotion and make all our life holy, true and heavenly! > GRACE GEMS! A Treasury of Ageless Sovereign Grace Devotional Writings Our Purpose To humble the pride of man, to exalt the grace of God in salvation and to promote real holiness in heart and life. ©GraceGems.org 2021 >

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Weakness in Triumph

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And he was very thirsty, and he called upon the Lord and said, 'You have granted this great salvation by the hand of your servant, and shall I now die of thirst . . . ?' (Judges 15:18) Samson was thirsty and ready to die. The difficulty was totally different from any that the hero had met before. Merely to get thirst quenched is nothing like so great a matter as to be delivered from a thousand Philistines! But when the thirst was upon him, Samson felt that particular difficulty to be weightier than the great past difficulty out of which he had so specially been delivered. It is very usual for God's people, when they have enjoyed a great deliverance, to find a little trouble too much for them. Samson slays a

thousand Philistines and piles them up in heaps, and then faints for a little water! Jacob wrestles with God at Peniel and overcomes Omnipotence itself, and then goes "limping because of his hip!" Strange that there must be a shrinking of the sinew whenever we win the day. As if the Lord must teach us our littleness, our nothingness, in order to keep us within bounds. Samson boasted right loudly when he said, "I have slain a thousand men." His boastful throat soon grew hoarse with thirst, and he betook himself to prayer. God has many ways of humbling His people. Dear child of God, if after great mercy you are laid very low, your case is not an unusual one. When David had mounted the throne of Israel, he said, "I am this day weak, though anointed king." You must expect to feel weakest when you are enjoying your greatest triumph. If God has wrought for you great deliverances in the past, your present difficulty is only like Samson's thirst, and the Lord will not let you faint, nor allow your enemy to triumph over you. The road of sorrow

is the road to heaven, but there are wells of refreshing water all along the route. So, tested and tired pilgrim, cheer your heart with Samson's words, and rest assured that God will deliver you before long. > © 1994 - 2021 Truth For Life. All Rights Reserved

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Spring 2021 31

Changing Times

Your Hour for Boldness – A Word By Andrew Strom

Last year I put out a word about what would happen at the end of this "pandemic" season and the "sudden stop" it has brought about. The article was called, "Remnant This is Your Hour." I am still utterly convinced of its truth. Despite all the bad, the pandemic has also brought a massive change of season - and with it will come massive opportunity - but only for those who are bold. Here is a portion of that word: "To those who have been "waiting" in the caves and the rocks and the depths of the wilderness - I say, "Lift up your eyes." The very season you have been waiting for is here. Your true ministry is about to

begin... Like World War II, like the Great Depression - this is the hour after which nothing will ever be the same. And Remnant - this is the season you were built for. I am speaking to those who have been set apart. You have allowed yourself to be broken. You have trained yourself for battle. You know how to preach Repentance and Conviction of sin. You have been trained in the healing of the sick and the moving of the Holy Spirit. You know how to baptize, to pray powerfully - and to train others. You are a fully-equipped preacher of the true gospel... You have a boldness and an audacity about you. While others shrink back, you will jump forward. You were built for such a time as this. "Fortune favors the brave," goes the saying. And this has never been truer than it is now. While others fear - you are bold. While others play it safe - you see this hour for what it is - and you

many will indeed hide away in their basement, fearing to go forth in such stormy times. But Jesus didn't promise us a rose garden. In fact, as I have said before, this is the hour of the "storm harvest" - a harvest that can only be brought in by those who are prepared to reap in chaotic conditions. And what a great hour awaits such ones - for the fields are indeed whiter than ever - especially in the poorer nations where fewer and fewer will dare to go. The harvest is ripe beyond words - yet the laborers are so few. Will you be such a "storm-harvester," my friend? Will you be one who dares all for Christ - to bring in such a mighty harvest? Look up, for the season has changed. Remnant, this is indeed your hour. The fields are ripe, the time is short, and the "Lord has need of thee." > Special blessings to all, Andrew Strom. www.revivalschool.com

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seize the moment. Those who shrink back will miss out. Those who are alert - and move forward with boldness - will have the field almost to themselves... Remnant - this is the hour you were built for. Don't let it pass you by." I am writing today to loudly confirm every word that I said back then, and to encourage every person on this list to lift up your eyes and see this "new day" not with a mindset of fear and negativity, but as a season full of new opportunity. Yes - there are plenty of negatives that we could be dwelling on. But this is a call to look with different eyes - and see the massive opportunity that awaits those who are bold enough to seize the day. It is just like the motto of the British Special Forces - "Who dares wins." Right now, we see postings every day on the Internet by Christians who are stoking our fears over what is happening in the world - causing many to shrink back in alarm. And

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Our Unlimited God

God is Different God doesn’t require a certain atmosphere in order to exist. He doesn’t depend on physical laws to provide Him with an environment He can live in. He doesn’t age; He doesn’t get sick or weak. God depends on nothing. As Psalm (102:25-27) so beautifully phrases it, “Of old, You laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You will endure; yes, they will all grow old like a garment; like a cloak You will change them, and they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will have no end.” When God described Himself to His servant Moses, He revealed two of His names: “I AM WHO I AM” and “the Lord God” (Exodus 3:14-15). The Old Testament was originally written in the Hebrew language, and in Hebrew both those names are heavily rooted in the

word hayah—a word that simply means “to be.” In other words, God is the God who is. He exists without the aid of anything or anyone. The universe itself can come and go, but God remains, unchanging, self-existing and eternal. That’s good news for us. As fragile, temporary beings with limited life spans, it’s encouraging to know that our Maker has none of those limitations. We might be constrained by things like height and depth and width and time, but God isn’t. The God who rules the universe exists apart from the universe. That’s good news for us. That’s not an easy thing to wrap our minds around. As human beings, we look at the world in terms of boundaries and limits. A thing is this and not that; it begins here and ends there. But God can’t be stuffed into a box. He is limitless; He is unbounded in time and space, existing “from everlasting to everlasting” (Psalm 90:2). We’re told that the human race was made in His image (Genesis 1:26)—but it’s an unlimited spiritual form we can’t fully comprehend with our limited human minds. God can be anywhere, at any time, without restriction or qualification.

And that’s not all. The early disciples referred to God as “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all” (Acts 1:24), and God confirms it: “I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind” (Jeremiah 17:10). There is nowhere God cannot be, nothing past or present He cannot know and, just as important, nothing He is powerless to do. “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh,” He tells us. “Is there anything too hard for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27). Jesus provides the answer: “With God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). We serve an unlimited God We can’t fit God into a box. He exists outside of time and space. He has no beginning; He will have no end. There is no corner of the universe He cannot reach; no action He is not powerful enough to perform. He is aware of everything at all times—from the number of hairs on your head to the most secret thoughts of your heart. There are, however, certain boundaries God refuses to cross because of His perfect, righteous character. The Bible tells us that, among other things, God will not lie (Titus 1:2). But when it comes to us and the challenges we face, the simple fact remains: the God of the universe cannot be limited—not by anyone and not by anything.

Why is it so easy to forget that? We tell ourselves all the reasons God can’t help us, can’t see us, can’t get to us in time, can’t make it work, and can’t fix it. Sometimes those reasons are born of desperation. Sometimes they’re born of doubt. Sometimes they’re nothing more than half-baked excuses for doing what we want to do instead of what God wants us to do. But those reasons are wrong. When an angry mob moved in to seize Jesus, one of His disciples decided to take action. The disciple believed Jesus was the Son of God, but he also seemed to think the Son of God needed his help. He sprang forward, swinging his sword—only to earn a swift rebuke from Jesus. “Put your sword in its place. … Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:52-53). God doesn’t need our help. We need His. God is the One with the perspective and wisdom and power to do what we cannot. There is no scenario where God is powerless to act. There are, however, times God chooses not to act. Sometimes God doesn’t answer our prayers in the time frame or in the manner we’d See GOD IS DIFFERENT on Page 39

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The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen. – 2 Corinthians 13:14

Spring 2021 33

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PROSPERITY Continued from Page 5 don't be afraid to ask God for what you want as well as what you require. Preconditions God asks certain things of those who will be blessed by His generosity. I believe these instructions are intended to keep us focused on Him. That way, we can continue to receive from the Lord and know how to use wisely what He gives. The Father wants us to: 1. Keep His commands: The Lord promised to bless the Israelites with fruitful crops and herds if they would obey Him and worship Him alone (Deut. 28:1-2, 11-14). When we keep God's commands and live according to His principles, we are in a position to enjoy prosperity. 2. Be generous to others: The Father trusts an openhanded person with more, because He knows that His gifts will be used to bless others (1 Tim. 6:17-19). 3. Believe in Him and His Word: If you don't have faith that God will supply your need or grant your heart’s desires, you won't be ready for a blessing when it shows

up. When you are having difficulty believing God will meet your personal needs, ask for grace to help you trust Him more. When His children cry out sincerely like this, the Father delights in answering. Other Preconditions? God's provision for you is motivated entirely by His unending love for you. He is not moved by repeated requests or begging. You don't have to complete special rituals or spend a certain amount of time in prayer and fasting for a need to be answered. There is no checklist or point system that the Lord uses in meting out rewards. When you believe in God, keep His commands, and begin to act with generosity toward others, the Lord will bless you. And you will never deplete the source of your prosperity—that would be like trying to dip the ocean dry with a thimble. So, don't miss out on the Father's blessing. Come to Him in faith, and receive what He longs to lavish upon you. >

TEENAGER Continued from Page 9 that will be the plants of life they will someday harvest. “Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices.” (Proverbs 1:29-31) I want to conclude this devotional with the same question that I started with: do you remember what it was like to be a teenager?

Effective parents are those who can remember what it was like to live in the scary world of those adolescent years and display the mercy that they once needed themselves as a teen. I’m deeply persuaded that this is a period of unprecedented opportunity. I would go as far as to say that the teen years are the golden age of parenting, when you can help prepare adolescents for a productive, God-honoring life as an adult. >

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Spring 2021 35

Changing Times

FAMILY

Family Fun for Everyone

Arts & Crafts • Finger-paint. • Draw pictures on the driveway with sidewalk chalk. • Get out the coloring books and crayons, and color. • Build a model car or airplane. • Design a family calendar; record birthdays, anniversaries, and family events. • Make Christmas cards or ornaments. Family Growth • Have family devotions. • Plan a guy/girl night. Dad: Teach your son how to change the oil. Mom: Teach your daughter how to sew. • Decorate a can and fill it with ideas of fun things to do. Take turns pulling out something new each day. Food & Meals • Have an ice cream sundae night with special toppings, whipped cream, and candy. • Bake cookies together and take some to your neighbors. • Plan a potluck dinner with friends. • Have a barbeque. • Pack a picnic. • Go to an ice cream shop. • Build a bonfire, roast marshmallows, and make S’mores. Getting Out of the House • Visit the zoo or a local museum. • Pick fruit at a U-Pick. • Take a road trip down a road you’ve never explored. • Plan and go on a scavenger hunt with your kids. • Attend a free community concert. Hospitality • Adopt a “grandpa” or “grandma” from your church and do something special with that person. • Host a “Cousins Camp” if cousins live nearby. If It’s Raining • Build a fort with blankets, tables, and chairs. 36 Spring 2021

• Make a “home movie.” Let the kids use the camcorder, dress up, and use whatever resources you have on hand to set the scene. • Design a personal collage of “Things I Love” or “The Story of My Life.” Give everyone a large poster board and a stack of magazines. When finished, take turns talking about what the pictures mean. • Give your girls a “makeover.” • Play dress-up or “Cowboys and Indians.” • Play musical chairs. • Sing around the piano. • Write a “progressive story”— each family member adds one sentence—and then illustrate it. • Write encouraging notes to relatives, people in the military, friends, and pastors. • Play board games. • Put together a jigsaw puzzle. Neighborhood Fun • Host a bike-decorating contest, and let the kids have a parade to show off their bikes. • Plan an art show. Display the neighborhood children’s artwork, and invite their families to attend. Serve refreshments, and elect a judge to award ribbons. • Organize a community cleanup day. • Make sock puppets, write a script, and invite the neighborhood kids to the puppet show. Sports & Exercise • Play soccer or kickball. • Go on a bike ride. • Play Putt-Putt Golf or visit to the driving range. • Go roller skating or ice skating. • Visit the playground. • Shoot hoops or play H-O-R-S-E with a basketball. • Take a hike and collect rocks and leaves. • Jump rope. • Play “Kick the Can” or “Capture the Flag.” • Have a water fight with the hose, buckets, balloons, or squirt guns. • Fly a kite. • Teach the kids how to play hopscotch or croquet. © Revive Our Hearts. Used with permission. www.ReviveOurHearts. com >

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FAITH

The Divine Work By John MacDuff

"Jesus answered and said unto them — This is the work of God, that you believe on Him whom He has sent." (John 6:29). It is evident that true faith in the Lord Jesus is something more than a mere assent to the things concerning Him. It is a belief that is invariably connected with certain results, the first and chief of which is a personal application to Him for life and salvation. Faith has always respect to some testimony, to some statement made, or assurance given. To have faith in one of our fellowcreatures, is to place reliance upon the veracity of his declarations. In like manner faith in Christ has reference to the Word of Christ. "The one who comes unto Me, I will never cast out," is one of the most precious and encouraging of His many gracious sayings. Now the sinner, convinced of his lost condition, and conscious of the danger to which he is exposed, believes this promise to be true; but is he satisfied with merely assenting to it as such? No! he resolves to apply to the Savior on the strength of it. While prostrate at His footstool, his language is, "You have said that You will not reject those who come to You, and I praise Your blessed name for having made such a statement. I, therefore, a poor, guilty, hell-deserving creature, present myself before You, not doubting but that You will be as good as Your Word. O Friend of sinners, in infinite love and mercy remember me. You are able to save to the uttermost, and this is my humble, heart-felt cry — Lord, save me, or I perish!" Such, we conceive, is saving faith. It is not a mere notional belief

in the person, or work, or character, or sufferings of Christ; but it leads the soul in its deep distress to apply to Him, in order to obtain the salvation which, He procured by His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, and which He has promised to bestow without money and without price. We have a striking emblem of the sinner believing in Christ, in the conduct of the children of Israel, when they were stung by the serpents in the wilderness. See the serpent-bitten Israelite writhing in the agonies of death. The poison is in his blood; the fever is burning through his convulsed and agonizing frame. But in his extremity, he is exhorted to look to the bronze serpent which is lifted up on a pole in the midst of the camp. The bronze emblem of the Redeemer appears before him, and he casts his languid eye upon it. The ravages of the disease are at once stayed; the pulses of health begin to beat within him; and with renovated vigor he is restored to the bosom of his family and friends. Now in reference to this memorable scene, the Savior says, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up; that whoever believes in Him should not perish — but have eternal life." We are thus clearly shown that if we only look to Him in the exercise of faith, the blessed consequence will be — that we shall live. He is now lifted up, not on the cross — but at the right hand of the Majesty on high; and from yonder radiant throne on which He sits as a Prince and Savior, His language is, "Look unto Me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other!" GRACE GEMS! A Treasury of Ageless Sovereign Grace Devotional Writings Our Purpose To humble the pride of man, to exalt the grace of God in salvation and to promote real holiness in heart and life. ©GraceGems.org 2021 >

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38 Spring 2021

The Family of God

The first chapter of the Bible contains a particularly confusing statement: “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness’” (Genesis 1:26). Who is God talking to in this verse? In the very next sentence, we read that God “created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them”. This is perplexing. First God is talking to someone who shares His image, who also has the ability to create life—and in the very next verse, we see a singular God creating the human race. Every indication seems to suggest that God was talking to … another God? But that’s impossible. How often in the Bible does God remind us, “There is no other God besides Me” (Isaiah 45:21)? There must be another explanation. And yet, as we dig deeper into Scripture, we’ll discover the incredible truth: There is no other explanation. God was, quite literally, talking to another being whom He also called God. God, it turns out, is a family— and, most importantly, a family you have the opportunity to call your own. • “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made” (John 1:1-3). • We’re told later on that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14), revealing that this Word—this being, who was with God and who was God— came to the earth as Jesus Christ. • In time, Christ’s disciples came to understand that truth, acknowledging, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Slowly, a picture begins to emerge. The Bible reveals two beings, both of them God. One of them carries the title of Father; the other carries the title of Son. Collectively, they form the God family and the deeper we search, the more

we discover about that family. • Paul tells us that he bows his knees “to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named” (Ephesians 3:14-15). Paul’s remark about the “whole” family hints at one of the greatest truths of the entire Bible: The family of God is growing. It’s why you’re here. It’s why all of us are here. God is building a family, and He wants to make you part of it. • John tells us, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:1-3)! Those who faithfully follow and obey God are going to be like Him. The God family is a tightly knit group. Christ told us, “I and My Father are one” (John 10:30) and later prayed to God on behalf of all those who would one day come to believe in Him, “that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one” (John 17:2223). Those verses also tell us that becoming part of the God family requires the same thing from us, which doesn’t come naturally at all. After all, “the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). But that’s the thing: We don’t have to remain “natural men.” God gives us the opportunity to change and to grow. To receive His Spirit and begin the process of becoming something so much more than we could ever be on our own. • The apostle Paul described the end of that process to his fellow believers, writing, “We shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. … For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:51-53). God loves us. He wants the absolute best for us. His Son came and died for us so that we could have a place in His family. He is a merciful, all-knowing, all-powerful God with our best interests at heart, desiring to shepherd us through the See FAMILY on Page 39

www.changingtimes.info

FAMILY Continued from Page 38

GOD IS DIFFERENT Continued from Page 33

confusing maze of life and into an incredible future. But because He loves us, He’s not going to force that on us. He’s going to let us make our own decisions. He’s going to let us reap the consequences of poor choices. The Bible— His Word, preserved for us—contains all the warnings and instructions we need to live the best possible life. Building a relationship with God is a journey that lasts a lifetime. Every day is an opportunity to know and be known by the God who loves you, who has a plan for you and who has the power and foresight to bring it all to pass. We are talking family here! Save The Nations Ministries >

like—but that doesn’t mean He isn’t listening. That doesn’t mean He doesn’t care. And it certainly doesn’t mean He isn’t capable. There are a lot of reasons why God might not answer a prayer the way we’d like Him to. He might, for instance, be in the process of working out something better for us—something we can’t see from our current perspective. We might be asking for something that’s ultimately bad for us, even if we can’t quite see that’s the case. Or it could be that our own life choices have distanced us from the God we’re praying to. As Isaiah writes, “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you

EXCHANGE Continued from Page 19

Galatians 6:7). Instead of reaping a harvest of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and arthritis, let’s begin to reap a harvest of divine health. Make a commitment to yield your appetite and food choices to Jesus. I believe as He shows you what foods to lay down, you can choose from among these healthy substitutes and experience better health, more energy, and a greater sense of wellbeing than ever before! >

minerals, enzymes, disease-fighting antioxidants, and the phytonutrients we need to maintain good health. If you truly want to follow Jesus in every area of your life, you cannot ignore your eating habits. Remember, your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and what you sow into it is what you’ll reap (see 1 Corinthians 6:19;

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from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear” (Isaiah 59:1-2). In other words, when it comes to understanding when and why God chooses to act, the answers aren’t always going to be as clear-cut as we might like. In the end, it comes down to faith. Oftentimes, we have faith, but we also doubt. We trust, but we look on with skepticism. We’re locked in an internal struggle between what we believe in our hearts and what we see with our eyes, and there’s nothing wrong with asking God for clarity. Today, stop and ask God to reveal to you what He wants you to know so that He can act freely in your life and when you get these divine directions, you will be able to experience God’s unlimited being! Save The Nations Ministries > Dr. Don Colbert is a graduate of Oral Roberts School of Medicine and shares his years of experience and research in nutritional medicine in all of his work. He is a national speaker, bestselling author and host of a national talk show titled Your Health Matters. © 2021 Dr. Don Colbert, MD PA www.drcolbert.com

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Changing Times Spring 2021 Issue

Articles inside

Family

Christian Living

The Deeper Truth

Spiritual Renewal

The Cross

The Overcomer

Guiding Light

The Christian Journey

Feature Article

Health

Education

Men

Women

Teens

Financial

From the Editor