In The Master's Service

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September 2002

First, He came where I was. I was not looking for Him. He was looking for me. After He found me, there were some changes in my life. I then began to seek Him. Now, because of these things having taken place, we are able to labor in the kingdom.

How are we laboring in His kingdom? We are to love one another. We are to serve God with a true heart fervently. We should be helping to bear the burdens of one another.

We ought to meet often in worship services where we sing, pray and preach in His name, sharing the wonderful news of salvation by grace. Were it nor for the grace of God, we would not be able to worship Him, because we would not even know Him.

Our songs should express the truths of God's word, convey a feeling of love and respect toward God, and lift our spirits heavenward as we sing the words of truth. The tunes to which we sing our songs should be of a spiritual nature, sounding reverent and even prayerful.

When we pray we ought to do so fervently, confessing our frailties before God, beseeching Him to strengthen us, to lift us up when we have fallen, and to guide our footsteps that we will be able to stay on the right path. We should thank Him for all His many blessings toward His children.

Our prayers should be prayers of thanksgiving, showing that we recognize and acknowledge that God is Lord and that He is our only hope for redemption through His Son, Jesus Christ. We should acknowledge that we are weak and sinful, unable to extricate ourselves from the depths of sin into which we have fallen.

When we preach we must be very careful to express the truths of God's word in terms which the child of God can understand. We are not to speak in tongues that cannot be understood by the hearers. We are to proclaim the whole truth of God's word, sharing the wonderful truths with all children of God.

Elder Louis Culver

Daily Devotion for September 3, 2002

Obeying The Will Of God

As children of God, called from a death in sin to a life in Christ, and having had this manifest in the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Christ, we are to obey the commands of God.

We are to forsake not the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but we are to come together often. We are to engage in the study of God's word, committing as much of it as possible to our memory. We are to live by the word of God, following the teachings of Jesus Christ.

We as children of God are to walk the path that Jesus walked, forsaking the ways of the world and abiding by the teachings of the Bible. The Bible is our rule of faith and practice, because it is the inspired word of God. This book was given to us by God Himself - He inspired men to write His truths for our benefit.

We are to live apart from the things of this world, endeavoring always to choose the right and to refuse the wrong. How can we know the difference? God's word is our guide. No situation can confront us for which we cannot find the solution in God's word. We are to study that word in order to know what to do when the worldly situations arise.

We are to respect our Heavenly Father by doing His will.

Elder Louis Culver

Daily Devotion for September 4, 2002

Crossing Bridges And Climbing Ladders

We cross many bridges during our lifetime. A large number of these bridges are the man-made kind which span creeks and rivers. They are necessary if we are to go from one side of the creek or river to the other side. We cannot drive an automobile across without a bridge to elevate us above the water.

In life we cross another kind of bridge: invisible ones. Bridges of kindness join friends together, spanning the spaces and distances between them. We may live miles apart, yet there are invisible bridges connecting our lives, enabling us to rise above the murky waters of life and to transcend the miles of uncertainty which lie beneath.

When we are able to rise above the troubles and cares of this life and share beautiful friendships with those we love, we are made to rejoice in that love which comes from above, that brotherly love from God. We must, however, be willing to transcend the pitfalls of life, to overlook the imperfections in one another, realizing that we are all imperfect creatures. We all make mistakes, but the Bible teaches us that, should we overtake a brother in a fault, we are to lift him up and strengthen him, lest we being overcome should likewise be found in a similar situation.

When we cross these bridges we should be extremely careful that we do not damage them, lest they become unusable and we find that we are separated from one another without a bridge to bring us back together. We should never burn our bridges behind us if they are the ones that connect us to our godly friends. The ones we burn are usually the ones we will need most at a later time.

Don't burn your bridges behind you - those are the ones you will need should you need to return.

As we move through life we are sometimes able to move from one plane to another. As we advance in the workplace we must be very careful to treat with much respect those we may pass on our way up the corporate ladder. In life, we often surpass each other in one way or another. If we are kind and considerate to those we pass on the way up, they will be much more inclined to be kind and considerate of us as we pass them on our way down, should we face such a situation.

Be kind to those you pass on the way up – they are the ones you will pass again on your way down.

Be kind to those who befriend you along life's journey: you may need their friendship again before this life is over.

Elder Louis Culver

Daily Devotion for September 5, 2002

Being In Great Need

The previous message to each of you was a request for prayer for one who is ill. Some of you have already responded with messages of encouragement and indications of prayers being offered up for the family in need of them. If history teaches us anything, it teaches that many of you are praying for this family, whether or not you elect to send a message.

We do not do our alms to be seen of men. We do not stand in the public places and cry aloud with many words, making great speeches. We bow before our God and beseech Him to intercede for us, for our friends, for those who are in need of His watchcare and protection, His healing power and His all-encompassing love for His children. When we are suffering it is always a blessing to know that others are praying for us.

We are to be mindful of the needs of others, whether those needs be natural or spiritual. We are to love our neighbor as ourself. If we do this we will pray for our neighbor as fervently as we pray for ourself.

When we are in need of God's blessings we are willing to seek Him through prayer and to ask for what we need. Let us do likewise for others. We are all in need at one time or another. Most of us are in need all the time. Certainly we are in need of God's ever-present protection to shield us from harm and danger.

May we remember the needs of each other and fulfill as many of those needs as we possibly can.

Elder Louis Culver

Daily Devotion for September 6, 2002

Our Needs Supplied

As we go down before God, upon our knees in prayer, confessing our many sins, pleading for forgiveness, seeking strength to continue, desiring His presence, do we believe that He hears us, believes us, loves us, and answers our prayers?

Before answering this, evaluate two things: your prayer and God's answer. Prayer is an attitude. What is our frame of mind as we speak to God? Arrogance and a demanding attitude relegate our prayers to the trash bin, because such is not prayer in the first place. We must come before God's throne with meekness and humbleness, showing our respect for Him. Prayer is not demanding anything of God - prayer is our thanking Him for all He does for us and then beseeching Him to intercede for us in all our needs.

Once we have seen ourself as we really are by nature, we often will find that we are in the proper frame of mind to bow before God and pray. The second thing to be evaluated is God's answer to us, His response to our prayers. God answers all our prayers. Sometimes His answer is "Yes;" sometimes, "No." Whatever His answer, it is always the correct one. We often answer amiss when we are asked a question. Never so with God.

We often ask amiss, but God still responds with the proper answer. For example, we might ask for great riches, but God knows that we cannot handle such, so He withholds it from us. Instead, He gives us wisdom to understand great things.

The following was submitted by a Daily Devotion reader. It gives us food for thought concerning our prayers and what we may desire.

He asked for strength, that he might achieve --
He was made weak, that he might obey.
He asked for wealth, that he might do greater things --
He was given infirmity, that he might do better things.
He asked for riches, that he might be happy --
He was given poverty, that he might be wise.
He asked for power, that he might have praise of men--
He was given weakness, that he might feel the need of God.
He asked for all things, that he might enjoy life --
He was given life, that he might enjoy all things.
He received nothing that he asked for or hoped for --
Yet his prayer was answered.

-- Author Unknown

May we be mindful of what we ask for when we pray.

Elder Louis Culver

Daily Devotion for September 7, 2002

Be Manifest, Lord

God of all healing, of mercy and might,
I pray Thee, reveal Thy wonderful light,
And make Thy peace manifest here within.
Lord, calm and refresh my spirit again.

O soul, remember, within thee God dwells.
O that thy faith would arise in great swells!
Lord, let me be quiet in reverence before Thee,
That more of Thy greatness, I be able to see.

Shine in my heart and open my eyes;
Give understanding; Lord, hear my cries.
If my soul’s desires please Thee, I pray,
Holy Spirit, manifest Thy presence today.

Be with me this day in all that I do;
Guide my thoughts, Lord, and give wisdom too.
Thanksgiving and praises be unto Thy Name.
Lord, help me this day Thy Grace to proclaim.

By the mercies of God,
Sister Peggy Hood
© 9-6-2002

Daily Devotion for September 9, 2002

Freedom Of Worship

I am thankful for the freedom we have in America to worship our God in the manner we believe He wants us to worship Him. We worship God in simplicity and in truth. We deem Him to be all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving toward His people.

Some people desire freedom from worship. That is their privilege. I would not deny them that choice. However, I do not want them denying me the right to believe as I do, to worship God as I deem proper.

One person's freedom should not be another person's captivity. Leave me to worship as I believe God wants me to and I will leave you to refrain from worshiping, if you so desire.

Freedom of worship? Freedom from worship? I will take freedom of worship every time.

Elder Louis Culver

Daily Devotion for September 10, 2002

"Love Thy Neighbour"

When we attempt to categorize anything - plants, animals, minerals, people, beliefs, etc. - we must be very careful. Otherwise, we will be sure to list something in the wrong category.

Plant, animal or mineral? It is not difficult to recognize one from the others. However, if we start listing trees as plants we would be correct, but at the same time we would have at least one sub-listing: evergreen or not.

The same is true with people, with beliefs, with church doctrine. The main difference here, however, is that if we list some in one group, by the process of elimination, we are placing ourself in some other classification. It is not necessary that we write that list and place our name on it: it is there automatically. We cannot remain in limbo, suspended somewhere between the real world and an imaginary one.

We must be extremely careful when we make lists - that is name-calling. We do not desire to have people call us names; therefore, we should not do so to them.

May the Lord grant us peace and fellowship in His name within His church. "Love thy neighbour as thyself."

Elder Louis Culver

Daily Devotion for September 11, 2002

Remembering

It has been one year since the terrorists' attacks on America. Do we remember how we felt when first we saw the destruction? Do we remember the anguish and pain so very much evident on the faces of those who were caught by the television cameras?

Do we remember the extent of our unbelief that such could be happening, especially in America? Do we remember how we questioned how anyone could dream of such destruction, much less bring it to pass?

Do we remember how the churches were filled to capacity and still they came - more and more people desiring to enter the sanctuaries all across America. Entering to pray, to meditate, to think, to try to reason why such could have taken place.

Houses of worship opened doors which heretofore had been closed except during scheduled times of worship service. They stayed open around the clock for the benefit of those who wanted to enter. And enter they did. In multitudes. Silent. Suffering. Agonizing. Seeking solace. Looking for answers.

How long did this attitude of reverence and worship, caring and loving of fellow man last? How soon did we forget much of the trauma of the realization that we had been attacked? How quickly we returned to our old ways of worshiping when it seemed convenient to do so.

God is not pleased with us if we seek Him only when we feel it necessary to do so. He has told us to forsake not the assembling of ourselves together as the manner of some is. We are to come together often in worship of Him. Who is this God?
Elder Louis Culver




Daily Devotion for September 12, 2002

Rest My Soul


As the downy chick needs shelter
Underneath its mother's wings,
So, Lord, I need Thy protection
In the storms that life here brings.

Shield, with wings of love, I pray Thee.
Let me lean upon Thy breast,
There to find sweet reassurance,
That during trials, I may rest.

Rest my soul upon Thy promise
Never to leave me, nor forsake.
O let me rest in wondrous Grace,
By the sacrifice Christ did make.

Lift my soul upon Thy pinions,
And let me as the eagle soar,
To rest by Thine almighty power,
Though storms of sorrows crash and roar.

By the mercies of God,

Sister Peggy Hood

© 9-11-2002



Daily Devotion for September 13, 2002

Which One Are You?

Some people make others happy where they go;
some people make others happy when they go.
Which one are you?

Some lend a helping hand;
others help only themselves.
Which one are you?

Some pray for the pastor to preach;
others pray for him to stop.
Which one are you?

There are people who share with the needy;
some feel they need all they can get.
Which one are you?

Some of us pray for others;
some of us don't.
Which one are you?

When the task is rough, some work harder;
others work not at all.
Which one are you?

When asked to lend a helping hand,
some are found to be doing so already;
others seem to have no hands at all.
Which one are you?

If someone needs a friend,
some befriend them willingly;
others don't know the meaning of the word.
Which one are you?

Some are like the little red hen:
she worked and worked to provide sustenance;
some are like the other animals in the barnyard:
they sought to take what the little red hen
had worked so diligently to obtain.
Which one are you?

Some will hear the Lord say,
"Well done, thy good and faithful servant."

Elder Louis Culver



Daily Devotion for September 14, 2002

Opportunities in Life

In God's service there is no room for a slacker. If we are not doing the bidding of the Lord, then we are not obedient servants. Disobedience always brought reprimands when I was a child; they do the same now that I am an adult. My parents taught me the difference between right and wrong. I learned early in life that doing the right things was far more desirable than doing the wrong things.

The rewards for doing right are much more pleasant than the punishments for doing wrong.

In God's service there is no room for complainers. If we spend our time complaining we will not have time to enjoy the better things in God's service. I once complained about having to do chores. I had to do them anyway. It was easier to do the chores without complaining. They would be finished sooner and then I could move on to something more to my liking.

The rewards for doing a job right and on a timely basis are much more desirable than all the delays encountered when we procrastinate.

Life is filled with many opportunities to be of service one to another, to enrich our life and the lives of others, to share the blessings God has bestowed upon us, to live more closely to Him each day.

Following the Lord and His teachings affords us a better relationship with Him and His people than does anything else the world has to offer. The children of God are the most blessed people on the face of this earth. We should thank Him always for what He has done for us.

Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Elder Louis Culver



Daily Devotion for September 16, 2002

What About Tomorrow?

You do not have to make all the mistakes today.
Save some for tomorrow.

You cannot complete everything today.
Save some for tomorrow.

You cannot learn everything today.
Save some for tomorrow.

Mistakes will be made - we are human - but we do not have to attempt to make them all in one day. We can learn from our mistakes and grow thereby. If we do not learn from them, we are destined to make the same mistakes again and again.

We are unable to do everything, completing all the tasks before us, in one day. To attempt is to make one more mistake today. While we are able to do much in a day, we cannot finish all the tasks we might be able to start. It is better to begin a few tasks with the thought of finishing them first, then starting others as time permits.

We cannot learn everything in one day. So, if you are having trouble with the two concepts presented here, learn one of them today. The other one can be learned tomorrow.

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." - II Timothy 2:15.

Elder Louis Culver



Daily Devotion for September 17, 2002

Being Content In God's Kingdom

Do you remember when you were a child and you lay upon your back looking up at the clouds? Remember how white they were against a clear blue sky on a hot summer day? Did you ever wonder where they came from or where they went? Did the thought ever occur to you that if you stayed there long enough, you might see the same clouds again as they came back around the world? How many objects did you see in the clouds; how many familiar forms did they take?

I have done all these things and enjoyed them immensely. I still enjoy seeing the beautiful clouds in God's endless sky. How contented I am when I observe His power and His glory. "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork" (Psalm 19:1). Sometimes, though, we do not see the beautiful sky filled with the clean, white clouds. Instead, we see the filth of mankind, the sin and degradation of wicked man.

Man spoils the beauty of God's kingdom when he is unduly critical of others, when he determines to impose his own ways and ideas upon them. Man also mars the beauty by his language. Sometimes his language is filthy; other times it is critical of others. Frequently we belittle others and demean those in our own family.

We should seek to do good, as much as within us is. By nature man is sinful, but by grace he has been raised above the dismal abyss of sin and has had his feet placed upon a solid foundation. That foundation is Jesus Christ Himself, our Elder Brother, the Son of God, second in the three-in-one, the triune, Godhead.

Once we have been lifted from the depths of depravity and have been made new creatures in Christ Jesus, we are able by the grace of God to do those things which are becoming to a child of God, up building to God's kingdom and pleasing in the sight of God. We are then able to live peaceably with and in the household of faith. We are brothers and sisters in the family of God.

As in natural families, just so in spiritual families we will have differences of opinion, of interpretation, of understanding. No two of us are exactly alike. But we as moral human beings are able to live together in a union of mind and spirit such that we can reconcile our differences without hostility, respecting the rights and feelings of each other.

There is a Godly way for every child of God to act or react in every situation in which he could conceivably find himself: "Let all things be done decently and in order" (I Corinthians 14:40).

Often - probably most of the time - we have conflicts among ourselves because of discontent. We are prone to be discontented with what we have, where we are, what we are doing. We are not satisfied to "live and let live" as some have admonished us to do. The Apostle Paul gives us a very wise statement in Philippians 4:11; he writes: "...I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."

Elder Louis Culver



Daily Devotion for September 18, 2002

BE CONTENT, BUT DON'T GLORY

Contentment means to be satisfied or be pleased with the blessings of God. A contented person is never complaining about what he does not have. He is never envious of those who may have much more than he.

Should we not be content with what God has provided? Whatever we are and whatever we have today is more than we deserve. It is by God's mercy and grace that we have a being in this world and a precious hope of living with Him in glory. God is the potter and we are the clay. We have no right to complain to the potter about the kind of vessel He has made.

In fact, in our father, Adam, He made us very good, without sin; but subject to sin. In Adam all humanity became marred. From a state of goodness and beauty we all became sinful and ugly. Yet, through our Lord Jesus Christ by God's electing grace, we have been made a vessel of honor. Through the new birth, the Father has translated us out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of His dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (Colossians 1:13).

If we have been born of God's spirit, Christ has been formed in us. Our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost. We are not our own, but have been bought with a price. That price is the blood of Jesus. Paul reminds us that while we live in this world, "we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us" (II Corinthians 4:7).

Although we should be content with God's blessings, we should never be completely content with our service to Him. We should never be content with the sin that reigns in our mortal bodies. We should always aspire to be more like our Master.

If we ever reach the place where we think we are the standard that all must follow, we know nothing as we should. The standard is Jesus, not our habits and man-made traditions. Paul wrote: "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith" (Romans 12:3).

When we are tempted to glory in ourselves, we need to consider I Corinthians 4:7: "For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory as if thou hadst not received it?" In II Corinthians 10:17 he writes: "But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."

Elder Wayne Crocker



Daily Devotion for September 19, 2002

HEAR AND OBEY THE VOICE

Isaiah prophesied regarding the terrible judgments that were coming upon God's rebellious people. But, then he shows that there will be a time when the Lord will bring them to repentance and visit them in mercy and grace. If we observe closely the work of the Lord, we will find that He still moves in the lives of His children today in a similar manner.

"And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into the corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers: And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left" (Isaiah 30:20-21).

God's ministers are teachers of the children of God today. They are not removed into the corner where their voice is not heard. Or, at least they should not be. Many of them are truly standing upon the walls of Zion, crying loud and sparing not, calling the people to repentance. We also have the written word of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, that speak to us, teaching us to walk in the Lord's way.

Why does Isaiah describe the voice as being behind us? It is because we have walked away from the Lord's path to the right or to the left. The voice of the preacher, the word of God, and the Holy Spirit tell us to turn, the way of Christ is the way we should be walking in it. May we listen to that voice behind us and turn and follow the voice.

Elder Wayne Crocker



Daily Devotion for September 20, 2002

Truth or Deceit?

Most of us say we want the truth. But do we? Most people want the truth if it is pleasant. Otherwise, they prefer to pretend that all is well even when disaster is just around the corner.

If you want to lose a popularity contest quickly, try to warn people about God's promises of chastisement and judgment upon those who rebel against His laws. The bearer of bad news is seldom if ever welcome. This is nothing new.

"Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever: That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord: Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us" (Isaiah 30:8-11).

Isaiah is a good example to those who proclaim God's word today. He never fails to state plainly the bad news. However, He follows this with an encouraging message of God's great mercy to those who repent.

God's preached word, like His written word, should bring down high looks of pride and lift up those that feel to be poor and needy. God's children who do not receive both messages will suffer from spiritual malnutrition.

Elder Wayne Crocker



Daily Devotion for September 21, 2002

Love And Fellowship

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" - Psalm 133:1.

To dwell together in unity demands that we be in fellowship, which in turn necessitates that we love one another. How can we dwell together without love for each other?

We should show our love for each other at every opportunity. The more love and respect we show toward others, the more love and respect they will show to us in return. We invest our finances where there is often doubt whether we will gain anything. If we invest our love and respect to others we are assured of a decent return on our investment.

"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" - Micah 6:8.

Elder Louis Culver



Daily Devotion for September 23, 2002

How Many Times

O Soul, how much will you fret and worry,
Trying to finagle things around to your way?
How many times need you be reminded,
That God the Father provides for you each day?

How many times must you be found anxious
Before you turn to God, seeking for His help?
How many times, O my weary soul,
Will you be frustrated, and looking to self?

How many times? O when will you learn
To go with your burdens unto God in prayer?
Just think about how greatly He's blessed you
In by-gone days, when you sought for Him there!

By the mercies of God,

Sister Peggy Hood

© 9-22-2002



Daily Devotion for September 24, 2002

Esteeming Others

"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." - Philippians 2:3.

Whatever we do, let us do it without striving with one another. To strive with a brother is to debase the love of God which should be shining forth from every child of God. While no two people think exactly alike, we should be endeavoring to come as close as possible to a unity of thought.

It is vain for us to glory in ourself because we have nothing of which to boast. We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. Wherewith can we boast? Instead of taking undue glory to ourself, we ought to be giving all the glory to God who saved us and called us with an holy calling.

"...but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves..." Lowliness of mind, meekness, humbleness - the innate characteristics of a child of God who is following his Lord and Saviour in humble obedience while here on the earth. When we are thus engaged in our thinking and demeanor, so shall we be esteeming others better than we esteem ourself.

When we put others first in our thoughts then we have reached the point at which we are obeying the teaching of this verse.

Elder Louis Culver



Daily Devotion for September 25, 2002

IS SOUND DOCTRINE ENOUGH?

Being sound in doctrine, knowing the truth and standing upon it is very important to an individual and a church body. In the New Testament, there may not be a stronger church in this regard than the church of Ephesus. Not only did this church apparently maintain the doctrine until the time of Revelations, but also faithfully carried out discipline (Revelations 2:2-3 and 2:6).

However, this church was still in great danger of having its candlestick removed. It stood in need of repentance! Jesus said, "Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent" (Revelations 2:4-5).

There can be differences of opinion about what is meant by "first love" and "first works" in the above passage. It seems to me that our first love as Christians would be a fervent love for Jesus Christ and fellow saints. Motivated by this love and our desire to be more like our Master, our first works would be to minister and assist those who are ministering to the needs of God's afflicted and poor people.

Jesus said, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35). Notice that He did not say that they would know it by our soundness in doctrine and strict discipline. Obviously, sound doctrine and correct discipline are very important. The point is that the love we have and manifest one to another is more important, "And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity" (I Corinthians 13:13).

When we find one who is diligently working to assist poor and needy people, we should be very careful about how we go about putting them down. Even if they may not have done everything exactly the way we think they should, they may be living the gospel better than we. May we remember what King Jesus will say at the last judgment: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Matthew 25:40).

Elder Wayne Crocker



Daily Devotion for September 27, 2002

Which Will You Do?

"...Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you...." - James 4:7b-8a.

Do we resist the devil as we are taught in Scripture, or do we join his forces and walk alongside him? It is possible for us to resist the devil; otherwise we would not have been told to resist him. The child of God has dwelling within him the Spirit of God. He has the power of God on his side. The child of God has the wisdom and knowledge that assure him there is a God.

Do we draw nigh to God as we have been instructed to do? Again, if it were not possible for us to draw nigh unto Him, we would not have been so instructed. When the power of God through the Holy Spirit indwells the child of God, he is able to do great things through Him that strengthens him.

Our strength and our help come from the God of all creation. God so designed His creation that He would be the Supreme Ruler of it. He is with us when we draw nigh to Him. He is always present with us but we do not always recognize that fact. Only when we draw nigh to Him by our prayers and by our living are we able to recognize His nearness to us.

Let us resist the devil but draw near to God.

Elder Louis Culver



Daily Devotion for September 28, 2002

Plant Trees

Plant trees in the shade of which you never expect to sit.

When we truly care for others we will do what we can to make life better for them than it has been for us. We will plan ahead, hoping to provide more and better things for those generations to come than we have had in our generation.

We ought to plan for the betterment of mankind, especially for those of the household of faith. The church will remain on this earth until the second coming of Jesus Christ. We are promised this in God's word. However, we are not told where it will be. We must endeavor to maintain house for the Lord in such a way that He will not come and remove it from its location near us.

Plant trees in the shade of which you never expect to sit.

We may plant real trees for the enjoyment of those who may come after us, after we have left the walks of this life. I know a man who planted several acres of black walnut trees a few years ago. He stated that he would never see them reach their total potential in his lifetime, but his children and grandchildren would be able to gather the walnuts, to walk among the walnut groves and even harvest the walnut lumber for future use.

Plant trees in the shade of which you never expect to sit.

Another privilege and obligation we all have is to teach the youth of today to live upright before their God, to respect Him and obey His commands. They should be taught to obey their parents, the law, those in authority over them. Youth of today have many privileges out there before them; however, they must apply themselves diligently to living moral, upright, decent lives in order to benefit to the fullest extent from these things.

Plant trees in the shade of which you never expect to sit.

Elder Louis Culver



Daily Devotion for September 30, 2002

You Cannot Draw A Round Square

"...Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord." - Jonah 1:3.

Jonah thought to flee from the Lord and thereby avoid doing the bidding of the Lord. He sought to leave the presence of the Lord. He purchased his ticket, paying for it from his own resources. Now the Lord had told Jonah, "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me." - Jonah 1:2.

Man goes to great lengths to run from the Lord, but the Lord goes to greater lengths to retrieve him. Consider the one lost sheep while the ninety and nine were safe in the fold. Jesus sought the one sheep that had gone astray and when He had found it He returned it to the fold.

Nineveh was the capital of the vicious and godless Assyrians, Israel's arch enemy. No wonder Jonah was fearful of going to that city! This city had a diameter of approximately 50 miles. There must have been at least 600,000 inhabitants thereof. We find in 4:11 that there were "...more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand...." That would be 120,000 children not yet old enough to know the difference between their right and their left hands. Consider that there were twice as many children old enough to know the difference. Then add to that number two parents for every three children. This alone would equal 600,000 inhabitants. No matter the number of inhabitants, Nineveh was a great city.

Jonah thought to flee from the presence of the Lord, but the Lord is everywhere present and nowhere absent. It is true that many times we leave from following after the Lord and we feel, then, that we are far away from Him. In truth, He is just as near to us as He ever way, but we cannot experience that nearness because we have been disobedient and have strayed from following after Him.

Fleeing from the Lord is like trying to draw a round square. It is a logical impossibility, for God is omnipresent - everywhere - and we cannot escape from someone who is everywhere. Psalm 139:7-12: (PS Psalm 139:7-12)."7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. 12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee."

Elder Louis Culver


(II Chronicles 7:14).