Living Hope Fellowship Church

In his book, My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers said, “The only way we can be of use to God is to let Him take us through the crooks and crannies of our own characters. It is astounding how ignorant we are about ourselves! Jesus reveals to us all that this body has been harboring before His grace began to work.”

Oswald says that God gets us alone by, “. . . affliction, heartbreak, or temptation, by disappointment, sickness, or by thwarted affection, by a broken friendship, or by a new friendship. . . ,” and then He can talk to us.

He says that the Holy Ghost can reveal the stubbornness and ignorance in us but we first have to, “. . . get through all the noisy questions of the head.” Then we are alone with Him.

If we will seek God first, above friends, family, and OURSELVES, then we will please God and will become faithful disciples of Jesus. (See Luke 14:26.)

BURDENS

by Sharon Cromwell of LHF newsletter staff

Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

In his book, My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers said, “If we undertake the work for God and get out of touch with Him, the sense of responsibility will be overwhelmingly crushing. . . .” Chambers continued to say, “Many workers have gone out with high courage and fine impulses, but with no intimate fellowship with Jesus Christ, and before long they are crushed. They do not know what to do with the burden, it produces weariness, and people say – “What an embittered end to such a beginning!” Yet he admonished us to never disassociate ourselves from the burden.

We all have burdens, but God does not intend for us to bear them alone! Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”

Yes, there are burdens that the Lord Himself puts upon us, but Matthew 11:29 says, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

Definitions

PUT UNDER JEWS SECTION by Sharon Cromwell

The word ZION means (a) the Jewish people, (b) the homeland of the Jewish people as a symbol of Judaism, (c) the city of God: heaven, (d) Utopia. To be “anti-Zionist” is to be discriminate against the Jews. Anti-Semitism is hostility toward Jews.

Do We Hurt Jesus?

by Sharon Cromwell of LHF newsletter staff

In a recent letter, Dr. David C. Gibbs, Jr. of the Christian Law Association, brought up some important points about our witness as we stand for Jesus. Without right attitudes, even when we try to defend right, we can misrepresent our Lord. As we face opposition, Attorney Gibbs says:

1. “We should determine to be kind.”

2. “We should determine to pray multiple times each day for the Lord’s will to be accomplished in every aspect of our stand.”

3. “We should do everything in our power to witness and prayerfully win everyone who is involved to a saving faith in our precious Savior.”

It is damaging to the Lord to show a mean and vengeful spirit. Those who fiercely oppose right still need to see a loving and gracious attitude in Christ’s ambassadors. Trust that the Lord meant it when He said in the Word that all things work together for good to them that love God! Dr. Gibbs says, “. . . we should respectfully endeavor to faithfully share Jesus Christ with everyone.”

Dr. Gibbs ended his letter with this statement, “We want to take the right stand for Christ, the right way!

Endure to the End

by Gail Redman, a dentist in East Prairie, MO, who is a regular contributor to LHF’s Love of the Truth Newsletter

As we watch Bible prophecy unfolding before our eyes, such as events in the Middle East, terrorism, snipers, wars and rumors of war, earthquakes, and plagues, we need to look to God’s Word for instruction and comfort. When Jesus was praying in the garden before his crucifixion, he rose from prayer and found his disciples sleeping. His words to them were, “Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.” (Luke 22:46)

Many today are sleeping and not praying. Satan is roaming about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8) Satan’s job is to steal, kill, and destroy. (John 10:10) What have you allowed the kingdom of darkness to take from you?

Be sober. Be vigilant. Daily get on your knees before almighty God interceding for your family, friends, and community. Temptations in this last hour are great. If we are not prayed up and filled with the Word of God, when we are tempted we will be drawn away of our own lust. James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation. . . .”

We are living in perilous times. Each day we should go into battle dressed with the full armor of God. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

Remember: “. . . he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” (Matthew 10:22)

FRIENDS

by Sharon Cromwell , LHF newsletter staff

A godly friend can be a link to God’s blessings, but an unrighteous companion can lead you into bondage. We naturally confide in our close friends. (I’m not talking about immediate family members.) Your bosom buddies had better be living for God, because Proverbs 25:19 says, “Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.”

There are times that Satan will send an agent of hell to be an intimate friend to you. The devil tries to play upon our sympathy or lack of discernment to destroy us.

2 Corinthians 6:14 says, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” Amos 3:3 says, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”

A true friend will love you enough to tell you the truth of God’s Word. God’s “side” is what matters. Don’t let yourself be drawn into someone else’s battle, and don’t encourage or comfort a rebellious person. If you take their “side” you are rejecting God’s warning and counsel.

Your kinship with an evil friend makes God angry at you! In 2 Chronicles 19:2 the wrath of God came upon Jehoshaphat because he helped the ungodly and loved them that hated the Lord!

Open your eyes and see your friends clearly and as God sees them. Revelation 3:11 says, “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”

FROST AND FLAKES

By Sharon Cromwell

It is said that no two snowflakes are alike! It takes many millions of them to cover a region just once in a winter season! In the atmosphere where Snowflakes form, conditions are infinitely complex and variable. Free floating water molecules somehow begin to form an ice crystal and seconds later something changes, causing it to take on a different shape. Basically symmetrical, six-sided shapes, snowflakes can be needle, columnar or stud, plate like, and star-shaped.

Scientists explain what they can, but God is in control. Job 37:6 says, “For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth. . . .” Job 37:10 says, “By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened.”

We find ourselves in an “atmosphere” of constantly changing conditions also, but if we are diligent Christians, our goal is the final “shape” like unto that, “. . . of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:13)

Just as all the different weather conditions constantly change the flake and bring it to its conclusion, God allows things in our lives that affect us. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says that we are, “. . . changed into the same image [of Christ Jesus] from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

It is said that snow appears white because of the many reflecting surfaces of the crystal! We want to be white robed, reflecting the light of Christ!

“Variable” means unstable or changeable. This correctly describes our lives at times. However, Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” One thing by itself may seem to chill our bones or to nearly destroy us, but God’s plan, upon completion, will reveal the glory of God.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 says, “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

HAVE YOU LOST THE VISION

By Gail Redman

When we are born again we have a revelation of our need of a savior, Jesus Christ. As believers, we go through a process of sanctification or purging of sins. God saves us to cleanse and change us so that we can be used for the glory of God. God has a plan for each of our lives, personally and in the church. We have a choice to follow the plan that God presents to us or go our own way.

Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish. . . .” “Vision”, according to Strong’s Concordance (2377) means revelation. The definition of “perish”, according to Strong’s Concordance (6544) means go back, (make) naked, uncover. It can be stated then that where there is no revelation, the people go back, are uncovered, thus they are naked.

When God gives us a plan or revelation for our lives, it is our responsibility to be led of the Holy Spirit so that the plan comes to pass. Our hearts are dealt with concerning what God wants us to be doing and the Holy Spirit convicts us when we go astray. Satan tries to snatch the vision from us. We must be single-minded and focused with God’s vision.

What have you done with the revelation God has given to you? Are you still dabbling in the world, compromising your relationship with your Creator? Are you being faithful to the call that is upon your life? Have you found your position among the body of Christ and are you performing as unto the Lord? Stir up the gift that has been given to you. Do not make the mistake of losing the vision and going back into the world!

HE GAVE

by Gail Redman, a dentist in East Prairie, MO, who is a regular contributor to LHF’s Love of the Truth Newsletter.

As we prepare to celebrate Christmas with our families, let us not forget the reason for the season. Jesus is about giving. God gave us His only begotten Son so that we can have eternal life. This gift of life allows us to have a restored fellowship with God. God is love, and as a result of this love God is in the giving business. He gave us Jesus (John 3:16). He gives us an abundant life (John 10:10). He gave us the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38). He gave us spiritual gifts (Romans 12:6). He gave us the gift of righteousness (Romans 5:17). He gave us the gift of grace (Romans 5:15). Yes, we are told in James 1:17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

This world is imperfect. We are imperfect, and we battle Satan and the kingdom of darkness that is evil. God is a good God with good gifts for His children. Give the gift of love placed in your heart by God to others not just at Christmas but every day. Rejoice this holiday season that you are part of the kingdom of God and have received the gift of salvation!!!

ARE YOU A HINDERER OR AN ENCOURAGER?

By Gail Redman

Many times when people are asked why they quit going to church, they recount an incident where they were offended by someone in the church. This can never be an excuse to be disobedient to God’s commandment, “. . . the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.” (Deut. 5:15)

Someone may offend us, and instead of releasing the offense to God, we might act indifferent and ignore them. We might even say something offensive like, “It sure looks like you’ve put on a few pounds.”

We need to encourage one another and be sensitive to the needs of others. Praying for someone who has offended us is the beginning of releasing any bitterness or hurt that we have experienced. Staying home from church when depressed or wounded is not a solution to emotional healing.

Make this your daily prayer: “Lord, help me to be sensitive to the needs of others and not act in a way that would hurt another. Let me not be easily offended or jealous of another’s blessings. Let us come together in one mind and one accord so that others might desire to become a part of your kingdom.”

IN WORD OR DEED

by Sharon Cromwell of LHF newsletter staff.

Quotes by John W. Whitehead are taken from

The Washington Times, article-“Otherness”,

(taken from Levitt Letter vol 25, num 7)

In his article titled “Otherness”, John W. Whitehead said that, “. . . one in six children in this country lives below the poverty level.” He relates our “. . . inability to put religion into action” to the church’s lack of teaching. He says that, “. . . Americans have grown spiritually lazy,” and that people “. . . have completely lost sight of the Good Samaritan principle of going the distance for someone in need.”

1 John 3:14-18 says, “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”

John W. Whitehead stated, “True religion is action-oriented . . .” and that “This love requires an “otherness,” a shifting away from oneself and focusing on those around you.”

Any society based on materialism or self-centeredness will reject self denial, generosity, or charitable giving until they are somehow touched by God’s Spirit.

Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”

Be thankful that you can be a giver and not always the receiver!

Kindness

by Sharon Cromwell, LHF newsletter staff

Proverbs 31:10 says the price of a virtuous woman is far above rubies! Verse 26 says, “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.”

Colossians 3:12 says to put on kindness.

Luke 6:35 says, “. . . and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.”

The love of Jesus will cause you to spend and be spent for someone else, though you are loved less for it. (See 2 Corinthians 12:15).

Happy Mother’s Day!

Overcoming Believers

By Gail Redman, a dentist in East Prairie, MO, who is a regularcontributor to LHF’s Love of the Truth Newsletter.

Successful unbelievers did not get that way by being lazy or thinking negative thoughts. A teacher does not become a teacher by saying, “I’ll never be a teacher. I am just too dumb to go to college.” Successful, worldly people are where they are by having a plan of action and then not abandoning ship when the going got tough.

As believers, we need to apply some of those same principles to our lives. We need a plan of action. We should ask ourselves, “What is God’s plan for my life? In what areas of ministry does God want me to be involved?” Once we have sought the face of God concerning His plan for our lives, we should write it down. If we don’t the enemy will try to steal our vision. We should be focused and not lose sight of God’s plan.

There are simple Biblical principles that we must follow to mature spiritually. They include: obedience to God’s commandments, faithful church attendance, and daily prayer and Bible study. Our God is a God of blessing and abundant life.

No one can think positive thoughts for you! This is a choice that must be made each day our eyes open and our feet hit the floor!

If negative thinking has been a stronghold in your life, you must make a choice to change your attitude. Take the Bible and start believing God’s promises are for you and your household. Refuse to allow negative thought to hold you captive. Today is the day to grab on to the promises that belong to you!!!

PRAY

by Sharon Cromwell of LHF newsletter staff -info from The American Center for Law and Justice

Our President Bush is bold about his passion for faith and freedom. In his State of the Union address he said, “Americans are a free people, who know that freedom is the right of every person and the future of every nation. The liberty we prize is not America's gift to the world, it is God's gift to humanity.”

He also said, “We do not claim to know all the ways of Providence, yet we can trust in them, placing our confidence in the loving God behind all of life, and all of history.”

He asked God to guide and bless us: “May He guide us now. And may God continue to bless the United States of America.”

Our president expressed his concern for the unborn: “We must not overlook the weakest among us. I ask you to protect infants at the very hour of their birth and end the practice of partial-birth abortion.”

The gospel of Jesus Christ and human souls are of more importance than divisions and strife. Remember to pray for our president and family, our nation, and our military as you go to prayer for your own.

QUOTES from NOAH WEBSTER

(info taken from the Jr. Web page of the Legal Alert, by Sharon Cromwell of LHF newsletter staff)

Noah Webster said, "Education is useless without the Bible." He wrote the first American dictionary, the American Dictionary of the English Language, using the Bible as its foundation. After 27 years he finished the dictionary which contained over 70,000 words. Noah Webster considered the Bible to be the sovereign authority in all matters. In 1833, he wrote:

“It is extremely important to our nation, in a political as well as religious view, that all possible authority and influence should be given to the Scriptures; for these furnish the best principles of civil liberty. . . . They teach the true principles of that equality of rights which belongs to every one of the human family. . . .”

“The Scriptures were intended by God to be the guide of human reason. The Creator of man established the moral order of the universe; knowing that human reason, left without a divine guide or rule of action, would fill the world with disorder, crime, and misery.”

“A great portion of mankind, ignorant of this guide and rejecting its authority, have verified the fact . . . that human reason left of itself can neither preserve morals nor give duration to a free government.”

“The principles of all genuine liberty and of wise laws and administrations are to be drawn from the Bible and sustained by its authority. The man therefore who weakens or destroys the divine authority of that Book may be accessory to all the public disorders which society is doomed to suffer.”

“The Bible is the chief moral cause of all that is good, and the best corrector of all that is evil in human society; the best Book for regulating the temporal concerns of men, and the only Book that can serve as an infallible guide to future felicity.” (Felicity means happiness.)

Noah Webster, a godly American hero, died in 1843.

SATISFIED

by Sharon Cromwell of newsletter staff

Satisfy means “to gratify”, and “to free from doubt”. Therefore, satisfaction means you have something you want, and you are SURE of something.

Jesus died to save us from hell! That fact brings joy if you accept Him. If that does not satisfy the yearning in your heart, read God’s promises to believers, and seek Him in prayer!

Psalm 36:8 says, “They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.”

Jeremiah 31:14 says, “. . . and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the LORD.”

Joel 2:26 says, “And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.”

Spiritual Anemia

by Gail Redman, a dentist in East Prairie, MO, who is a regular contributor to LHF’s Love of the Truth Newsletter.

I recently heard a speaker who presented information concerning the fat consumption of the average American and the detrimental impact this has on our longevity of life. Everyone attending this seminar agreed that consuming more than 50 grams of fat per day is detrimental to your health. However, how many will take that knowledge and make lifestyle changes? Most people will go on eating normally until they decide to diet or have a heart attack or stroke.

If we apply these things spiritually, it would sound something like this: “Yes, I have heard since I was a kid that I should keep the ten commandments, go to church, read the Bible, and pray, but I just don’t have the time. My job and family keep me busy. Besides, I know that God loves me. Some day I’ll have more time to give to God. He understands. Right now I have things that I want to do.” Then, when the storm comes, the tears flow, and the cry is, “God, where are you? Why did you allow this to happen?”

Spiritual anemia causes us to be spiritually lethargic. Someone spiritually anemic cannot hear the voice of God, because they are never in the presence of God.

We make choices each day concerning what we feed our physical bodies. Don’t blame God for spiritual anemia when you are the only one who can make a choice concerning church attendance, praying, and studying the Bible.

The spiritual choices that we make today will determine our eternal future and rewards.

S P R I N G

by Sharon Cromwell

The first day of spring, 2003, is March 20. Spring time means new growth, new grass, new leaves, new life!

Lamentations 3:22 says, “It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning. . . .”

“. . . This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing. . . .” Isaiah 28:12.

If you want something new and refreshing in your life, seek God for the Holy Ghost. Acts 1:8 says, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me . . . unto the uttermost part of

OUR LORD’S SURPRISE VISITS

First part by Sharon Cromwell,Second part by Oswald Chambers, from his book, My Utmost for His Highest (edited by Sharon Cromwell of Newsletter staff

At the last LHF church Homecoming someone put a dish of refried beans on the dessert table. It looked like fudge that didn’t set up. One lady tasted it and told me, “Oh, my . . . I don’t like it!” I tasted them, and they were delicious. They just were not what I expected when I placed them on my plate!

Sometimes God surprises us when we get in a rut. His ways are past finding out and are as far above us as the heaven is the earth.

“The great need for the Christian worker is to be ready to face Jesus Christ at any and every turn. This is not easy, no matter what our experience is. The battle is not against sin or difficulties or circumstances, but against being so absorbed in work that we are not ready to face Jesus Christ at every turn. That is the one great need, not the facing our belief, or our creed, the question whether we are of any use, but to face HIM.

Jesus rarely comes where we expect Him; He appears where we least expect Him, and always in the most illogical connections. The only way a worker can keep true to God is by being ready for the Lord’s surprise visits. It is not service that matters, but intense spiritual reality, expecting Jesus Christ at every turn. This will give our life that attitude of child-wonder which He wants it to have. If we are going to be ready for Jesus Christ, we have to stop being religious (that is, using religion as a higher kind of culture) and be spiritually real.

If you are “looking off unto Jesus,” avoiding the call of the religious age you live in, and you are setting your heart on what He wants, on thinking on His line—you will be called unpractical and dreamy; but when He appears in the burden and the heat of the day, you will be the only one who is ready. Trust no one, not even the finest saint who ever walked this earth, ignore him, if he hinders your sight of Jesus Christ.”

THANKFUL

by Sharon Cromwell of LHF newsletter staff

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts . . . and be ye thankful.” Colossians 3:15

Psalm 103:1-5 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.”

We are supposed to be thankful. We are to come into God’s presence with thanksgiving (Psalm 95:2). We are to sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving (Psalm 147:7), and in 2 Chronicles 29:31 the congregation brought “thank offerings”. We are to remember to be thankful even as we ask things from God. Philippians 4:6 says, “. . . with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

Helen Wannenmacher said that, “. . . thanksgiving has made us measure the height of God’s goodness and the depth of our vileness.” When we realize just what God did for us when He gave us Jesus, we will truly be thankful. Read in Romans 8:35-39 the precious promise of the love and goodness of God to us. Nothing but sin can separate us from God!

The Grass is Greener on the OTHER Side

by Gail Redman, a dentist in East Prairie, MO, who is a regular contributor to LHF’s Love of the Truth Newsletter.

Since the time in the garden of Eden when Satan used the serpent to cause the fall of man, the “grass is greener” lie has been a stumbling block to mankind. How much time is your mind preoccupied with this “grass is greener” lie? It goes something like this: “If only I had a different job, a Christian spouse, kids that are not rebellious, more money, a loving church, etc. I know I’d be happy if only I had a job making more money with all Christians.”

Satan often dangles forbidden fruit to get our eyes off of God’s promises and onto something that is not in God’s plan.

God is not holding out on us. Our God is a good God! He always has our best interest in mind. These lies from Satan cause us to not be thankful of God’s provision and plan, but we know that the Bible tells us in Philippians 4:19: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

We are not perfect people and live in a far from perfect world. Do not swallow the “grass is greener” lie causing you to be side-tracked from God’s best. There is no such thing as a perfect spouse, kids, church, job, or life! The “grass is greener” lie is a vain imagination that needs to be cast out and rejected immediately.

THE PASSOVER LAMB

by Sharon Cromwell, of LHF newsletter staff

The Jews were in Egyptian bondage for four hundred years. It was God’s time to bring them out. Because Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, God sent plagues to convince him to let His people go. He said the firstborn in the land would die, but He protected those who accepted His provision for mercy. God’s people were to kill a lamb and put the blood on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the house.

Exodus 12:11 says, “. . . it is the LORD’S passover.” The Lord executed judgment on the land, but when He saw the blood, He passed over those households. “Passover” became a perpetual feast for the Jews.

Jesus is our Passover now. His blood, offered once for all, made the atonement to God for us. When we get saved His precious blood covers our sins. Hebrews 4:15-16 says, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Jesus is the Lamb of God. 1 Corinthians 5:7 says, “. . . Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.” When sinners get born again, God sees Jesus’ blood on them, and He will pass over them when He sends judgment. PRAISE THE LORD!

The Wages of Sin

by Gail Redman

One of the first scriptures a new Christian frequently learns is found in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our lord.” Sin destroys. We do not have to look far to see the results of sin: the alcoholic or drug addict that dies prematurely; the adulterer, fornicator, or homosexual who contracts a sexually transmitted disease, and perhaps death with AIDS; the gambler who perhaps loses all material possessions. The cost of sin is guilt that separates us from God.

We have a choice to make, even as believers. If we choose the path of disobedience to God’s commandments, we no longer have liberty as we approach God in prayer. We can either be a servant to Satan or to God. Both pay wages! Straddling the fence is painful. Serving Satan brings spiritual death and separation from God. The wages (reward) of serving God is eternal life. Why would anyone choose death over life?

Do not be deceived by sin. When sin knocks on your door, resist and remain submitted to God. (See James 4:7) The other choice is to be drawn away of your own lust, yield to the sin, and eventually bring forth death. (James 1:14-15) Serving God brings joy, peace, comfort in our times of need, and eternal life. Choose life over death!!!

War

The following quotes are from “Turn the Other Cheek?” By Dr. Ron Rhodes, (Levitt Letter, March 2003). Dr Ron Rhodes was formerly “The Bible Answer Man” on syndicated Christian radio programs. This article was compiled by Sharon Cromwell, LHF newsletter staff

Dr. Ron Rhodes explains three different perspectives held by Christians. He says, “Some believe war is always wrong because God commands us not to murder (Exodus 20:13). This view is known as pacifism. Others believe Christians should participate in all wars in obedience to their God-ordained human government because disobeying the government amounts to disobeying God (Romans 13:1-7). This view is known as activism.”

“Still others argue that not all wars a government might engage in are just (consider the war instigated by the Nazi German government). These Christians believe that only under certain circumstances is war justified for self-defense purposes and/or to stand against a greater evil. This view is known as selectivism, and is their view I believe best reflects Biblical teaching.”

Romans 12:18 says, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Selectivists realize peace is not always possible. Romans 12:19-21 tells us to overcome evil with good. Rhodes says, “. . . sometimes this necessitates good people using force against evil. . . .”

There is a question about “turning the other cheek” considered by reading Matthew 5:38-39. However, Jesus avoided arrest until it was God’s timing for His death (John 8:59). Thus, Christ’s lack of resistance at the time of His arrest, trial, and death does not dictate against protecting yourself.

God raised up His anointed warriors to conduct war against unjust nations. The New Testament commends them in Hebrews 11:30-40). Jesus did not tell the military in the New Testament to give up their line of work (Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 3:14; Acts 10).

Jesus said in John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Dr.Rhodes quotes Francis Shaeffer: “. . .What if you come upon a big, burly man beating a tiny tot to death and plead with him to stop. Suppose he refuses? What does love mean now? Love means that I stop him in any way I can.” Not only are there sins of commission, but there are sins of omission.

The apostle Paul asked for the army’s protection in Acts 22:25-29. Rhodes says that Christians who believe in selectivism believe it is all right to use military force “. . . in self-defense and against evil nations.” He also says, “. . . it may be that peace will only come on the other side of a just war.”

Keep our military, our President, and our country in your daily prayers. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, “Pray without ceasing.” Pray for peace and blessing upon America and upon Israel.

WE NEED YOU, LORD!

by Gail Redman

Many times I tell the Lord how much I need Him. I feel deep within that I would not want to face a single day without knowing that God never leaves or forsakes me. God is my provider, my protector, my healer, my salvation, my soon coming King. I need His direction, wisdom, and strength as I face each day. He is my everything!

I wonder where we would be today if we had never given our hearts to the Lord? How deep would our sins have progressed? How many hardships would we have endured without the comfort of our Creator? Many have no peace with God, because their sins are not covered by His blood. A curse is upon them instead of a blessing.

Why would anyone not desire a personal relationship with the Creator of the universe? We must pray and believe that the spiritual eyes of understanding will be enlightened for those still walking in spiritual darkness! God, send revival and bring restoration and healing to those in need!

When I Think of America . . .by Attorney David C. Gibbs, Jr. of the Christian Law Association, Seminole, Florida (edited by Sharon Cromwell)

Our freedom is based on spiritual as well as legal foundations. About two-thirds of Americans see the Fourth of July as one of the nation’s most important holidays and take time to celebrate the event.

We need to consider the sacrifices our Founding Fathers were willing to make for freedom and the spiritual reasons that motivated them to make those sacrifices.

Our Declaration of Independence began by noting forthrightly that all men are “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights” and ended by stating, “With a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”

On July 4, let us honor our country, our flag, the faith of our founders, and the courage of those who are now defending our liberty. Let us value our “unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Let us defend life, live in liberty, and experience happiness through the virtue of living a godly life.

YOUR ID

by Sharon Cromwell

(Info from zdnet.com, Work on national ID persists by Hollis Bischoff, Tech Update, October 14, 2002)

The focus of a National ID goes far beyond the government’s responsibility to protect its citizens. Proposed implementations of a national ID remind me of tyranny. It is another step closer to the rule of the antichrist. Who will be in control of the extensive databases being created about every human being? How do you feel about no more privacy? The words “total information awareness” and “hidden camera surveillance” tend to strike fear in a heart that is not established in God. Over one Pentagon office is a motto that means “Knowledge is Power”.

Raised to be independent, it greatly irritates me to think of an earth controlled by one ungodly man. Independent, but not rebellious, I am thankful that God cares for us, and I am glad to be under His wings and under HIS control! Luke 12:7 says, “But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore. . . .”

Jesus said in Luke 12:2, “For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.” That is scary, knowing that all have sinned according to Romans 3:23. However, Romans 4:7 says, “. . . Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.” Man may collect records all about you, but GOD IS the highest power in the universe! When He says your sins are covered by the blood of Jesus, you are able to come into His presence.

Returning to the subject of ID, according to Hollis Bischoff’s article, Work on national ID persists, “National ID maturity transformation will move from voluntary (through 2006) to mandatory, with standardized information presented in multiple form factors beyond 2007.”

In the February 2002 issue of Love of the Truth LHF newsletter was an article about a chip that could be placed under the skin for identification. In his October 2002 article, Bischoff says, “Additional identification standards will be introduced (e.g., biometrics, eye scans, DNA, and an embedded chipset at time of birth) that identify a person without external identification.” He said that the debate about what to use, when to use it, and when to make it mandatory will go on for seven to ten years.

Bischoff added that, “Given cultural, religious, and political barriers, it is likely that mandatory compliance will happen only if extreme events occur to fundamentally change beliefs.” In the Bible, Chapter 11 of Daniel warns us that a man of peace will pull the religions of the world together.

Bischoff advises people to start socializing the “national identity policy” into their environment, but I warn you that it is time to seek God! James 4:4 warns us that, “. . . a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”

Your name is involuntarily on a list or in a database somewhere. However, you can get your name put in God’s book of life if you will commit your life to Christ Jesus for salvation. Daniel 12:1 speaks of a time of great trouble, but it says that, “. . . at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.”

BIBLE REFERENCES: Revelation 13:11-16, Revelation 16:2, Revelation 19:20, Revelation 15:2, Matthew 24:44, Luke 21:3

E-mail livinghope@hughes.net

Phone 618-634-2541