Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off. But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble. And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.
Psalm 37:37-40
“BRETHREN, PRAY FOR US”
1 Thessalonians. 5:25
I know that every God-called pastor and preacher of the Gospel asks
this of those to whom he preaches. We've been called and commissioned of God to preach the Gospel to every creature…called
to watch for the souls of God's elect as men that must give account, an account that might be given with joy and not with grief. We're to
comfort God's sheep by continually reminding them that, concerning
their salvation, “her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD's hand double for all her sins.” We seek God's message of the hour to His church, knowing that His sheep are to be fed the Bread of heaven Himself. Brethren, who is sufficient for these things?... “pray for us.”
Pastor Marvin Stalnaker
The Wisdom That is From Above
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17).
You can be sure that when our attitudes and words create strife, confusion, and division, it is not the wisdom of God. Where wise men and women worship, there is love, peace, and unity.
The wisdom which is from God is PURE! When the heart entertains pure and good thoughts of others, the mouth speaks accordingly.
It is PEACEABLE. “If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, live peaceably with all men.” Men who desire peace, speak peacefully.
It is GENTLE, mild, courteous, and patient. To contend for truth is not to be harsh and cruel as some suppose. Gentleness is the fruit of the Spirit, an attribute of Christ and also of His servants.
It is EASY TO BE ENTREATED or willing to listen to any word of wisdom, reason, and explanation; and it is quick to forgive. A forgiving heart is not a sign of weakness but of wisdom.
It is FULL OF MERCY AND GOOD FRUITS. Wisdom knows that God makes men to differ. He makes rich and poor, strong and weak. So there is always the desire to share what God has given with those who have less.
It is WITHOUT PARTIALIATY. Wisdom does not judge by outward appearance, skin color, or power to reimburse. It is no respecter of men’s persons, but reaches out to all.
It is WITHOUT HYPOCRISY. True spiritual wisdom in Christ is straightforward, open-faced, and genuine. How can anyone be so foolish as to play the game of religion before God, who searches and knows the heart? Pastor Henry T. Mahan (Bulletin 1985)
A Word About Trials (1Peter 4:12)
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you, but rejoice.”
If God has given you the privilege and opportunity to go through difficult and heavy trials, then you ought to make the most of that privilege and opportunity to glorify Him by being in subjection to Him, because it might only happen once in a lifetime. We don’t desire to have severe trials nor do we pray for them. I don’t know what I would do should a severe trial come my way. But I know what I ought to do! I ought to bless, thank, and worship God because it came from God! And I ought to conduct myself in such a way under this difficulty that the people of God, who love me and who I love, would say, “This thing called grace really works!”
In my experience I have seen so many people that had the opportunity and privilege afforded them by the hand of God to react during trial in such a manner that would display what they say they have experienced, and they miss that opportunity. It’s one thing to talk of Calvinism, it’s one thing to talk of how sovereign God is, but it’s another thing to actually submit ourselves to the Lord of sovereignty! “Man that is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble.” Job 14:1.
We are going to have troubles and trials in this sin cursed world. But when God sends the difficulties, let us act like men and women who believe in, and submit to the God who is sovereign. Let’s display the grace of God. Let’s remain faithful to the public worship of God. Let’s remain faithful to the Gospel. Let’s remain faithful to the people of God. Let’s not drop our witness but show that this grace is real and it really works! Let’s show people that we love and worship God in the storm as well as in the sunshine. We should all commit our spouse to death, commit our children and relatives to death, so that when God takes them we can act like men and behave as though we knew it was going to happen, and glorify our sovereign God by a strong and faithful witness. And that faithfulness and witness will HELP ENCOURAGE AND EXHORT OTHER BELIEVERS! Always remember that God is the first cause of all things! Pastor Scott Richardson