W I N G S

Jack Davis

Part 3

“And the four beasts (living creatures) had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts (living creatures) give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne…” Rev. 4:8-10.

Consider some thoughts on the spelling of W-I-N-G-S. They certainly teach us of the abundant, abounding, and ascending life.

‘W’ – Worship comes to mind as we view the living creatures ascending the heights, mounting the throne in holy heavenly praise and adoration. They sing praises for ever of Him that raised them from the depths, to reign with Him over the earth - Rev. 5:10.

‘I’ – As we consider the living creatures’ wings, we sense their Interest, and Involvement in every notion, and motion of the throne. They act in perfect harmony as does the Son, pleasing the Father in all things. They are seen in this book of Revelation carrying out the will of the throne. Willingness for God’s will is indeed an outstanding trait in His people that fully overcome.

Song of Solomon 6:9-12 – “My dove, my undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; yea, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her. Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners? I went down into the garden of nuts to see the fruits of the valley, and to see whether the vine flourished, and the pomegranates budded. Or ever I was aware, my soul made me like the chariots of Amminadib” {or, set me on the chariots of my willing people}.

The Hebrew meaning of Amminadib: ‘My willing, noble, princely people.’ It seems that when he comes down, and gets too close to His willing people, He takes off with them. Next we read, “Return, return O Shulamite.” Their attitude has long been as that of the Son, “Oh, Father, not my will but thine be done.” “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”

‘N’ – Newness – Never growing old as a new creature in Christ is far better than trying to find that fountain of youth, or claiming so-called divine health. We have the privilege of being continually renewed in the power to walk in “newness of life” – Rom. 6:4. We are made to know from Romans 12:1-2, the way of victory over conforming to this world, is being transformed by the renewing of our minds. While feeding on God’s Word, meditating therein, the Holy Spirit makes it a part of us transforming us from within. As we are renewed in knowledge after Christ’s image, we take on His holy, heavenly traits, From within we are being changed in preparation for that final outward change - Col. 3:10.

In Hebrews 10:19-22, we are urged to enjoy the presence of God by the new and living way. The believers access unto God is based upon that which is ever new. From the original Greek, we get the thought of that which is newly made, freshly slain, and yet ever living. In Revelation 21:1-5, we read of that eternal state where all things are made new, (new heaven, new earth, new Jerusalem). We will ever enjoy new surroundings of glory in that eternal abode of God among His people.

‘G’ – Glory – Wings point to the glory that excels all, and that is eternal. Yet, even now while we await that eternal state, using our wings we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Our glad expectation of a glorious future lifts our spirits to raise and reign. We have many scriptural examples, and living testimonies, of those who like Paul and Silas are in some type of prison, experiencing different limitations or hindrances. Yet their spirits soar to the throne of God. Oh, Halleluiah, with many stripes upon them, their feet fast in stocks, at midnight the prisoners heard them praying and singing the high praises of our God. For it is Christ in us the hope of glory, and we expect to appear with Him in glory. We know that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us. We know that our afflictions of the present are working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.

I John 3:1-3 – “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”

Philippians 3:20-21 – “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”

Such truths as these lift our spirits, and encourage us on.

‘S’ – The Spirit realm, with its spacious freedom, and swiftness of motion come to mind as we consider our God given wings. Our hearts long for the time when we will be changed in the twinkle of an eye. All creation awaits the glorious liberty of the children of God. That which is born of flesh is flesh, that which is born of Spirit is spirit. We have lived here in a fleshly, physical body that is subject to decay, and the pull of gravity. In earthen vessels, we have borne the image of the earthy, there is none here glorified yet. But praise God we are soon to be caught up, and changed, to live with our Lord forever in our spiritual bodies, bearing the image of the heavenly. These bodies will be without limitation, which will far exceed levitation, soaring above the power of gravitation.

What does the Bible say?

By Earlene Davis

Where Are the dead?

Of course we are mostly concerned about our day in time, but we must see what the Old Testament has to say on this. In the original Hebrew text, the word to express the abode of the dead is “Sheol” from the root word meaning “to make hollow.” It is incorrectly translated “grave” in 3 citations, but correctly translated “hell” in Job 11:8; Ps. 9:17; 139:8; Prov. 23:14; Amos 9:2. Sheol comprised of two compartments upper and lower Sheol in the heart of the earth. Upper Sheol, the abode of the righteous dead was called “Abraham’s Bosom” in Lk. 16:23. Christ also called it “Paradise” in Lk. 23:43. Lowest Sheol is the abode of the wicked dead as to their soul and spirit. It is called “lowest hell” in Deut. 32:22 and “the depths of hell” in Ps. 86:13; Prov. 9:18. Prov. 15:24 has it, “hell beneath” and Isa. 14:9 – “Hell from beneath,” saying it holds the mighty men of the earth, kings, etc. In the New Testament the Greek text has “pit of the abyss” for lowest Sheol. When Jesus cast out the legion of evil spirits out of that man of Gadarenes, they besought Jesus not to send them into the deep. II Pet. 2:4 tells of the angels that sinned were cast into hell (Tararus in the Greek) meaning “”pit of darkness.” Other words translated hell in the New Testament are “hades” and “Gehenna.” In the book of Revelation, the term used for lowest hell is “”the bottomless pit” (Rev. 9:1-2,11-17; 17:8; 20:1). What we learn from those citations is that Satan is king of the evil spirits. Also when the beast (the Antichrist) is killed and raised again by Satan, he ascends out of the bottomless pit.

I Pet. 3:19 tells that when Jesus died, of course His body was in the tomb, but His Spirit went and preached to the spirits in upper Sheol. Rom. 10:7 says He descended into the lower (not the lowest) part of the earth. What did he preach? No doubt “It is finished,” His work on the cross. He brought up those prisoners and took them to heaven – Eph. 4:8-10. At that time we read in Mt. 27:52-53 many bodies of the saints arose from their graves and appeared in Jerusalem when Christ arose. Paradise is NOW in the heavens – II Cor. 5:6-8. Praise God! Through Christ’s resurrection “Abraham‘s Boson,” “Paradise” was taken to Christ’s bosom. Phil. 1:23 - to depart this life, the righteous are with the Lord as to their spirits. Their bodies will be raised when Christ comes for His own (I Thess. 4:14). Then the spirits of the saints will be clothed upon with their glorified bodies (II Cor. 5:1-2). We shall be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed (I Cor. 15:52).

The spirits of the wicked in lower Sheol will be brought up and joined with their resurrected bodies and punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and cast into their eternal abode - II Thess. 1:7-9. Rev. 20:11-15 says, “death and hell” meaning body and spirit. Jesus said, the lake of fire was prepared for the devil and his angels, but men insist on going there by rejecting Jesus - Mt. 25:41.                                                              E. J. D.

THE LAST DAYS

By Anita Clark

"Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation" II Peter 3:3-4.

Apostle Peter was speaking of people of his day who were doubting that Jesus would return. How much more do we see this happening in these latter days of this age, two thousand years later. Unbelief is abounding! We hear more and more of people expressing skepticism concerning Christ’s eminent return. The Word of God predicts that many will be in a stupor of sleepiness at the time of the coming of Christ, and will not realize that they have missed out until the tribulation of judgment comes upon the world.

The word used in this text "scoffers" in the Greek means "to deride, false teachers, or mockers." This is going on all around us today. To "walk after their own lusts" means they are consumed with "fleshly desires," fulfilling their own sinful self-indulgence. The Word of God plainly teaches us, "For God has not called us to uncleanness, but unto holiness" (I Thess. 4:7). The world is increasingly getting darker and darker with people fulfilling the desires of their flesh in utter disregard of what God’s Word teaches. Apostle Paul admonishes us in I Timothy 2:1-4, to intercede in prayer "...for all men, for kings and for all that are in authority...For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." This does not mean that "all men" will accept God’s invitation to be saved, but that this is God’s will for all.

INCREASE IN KNOWLEDGE/NEW TECHNOL-OGIES – The Word of God says in Daniel 12:4, that in the time of the end, "...knowledge shall be increased." The technology of this world is hard to keep up with. A study has shown that human knowledge is doubling every 8 years. Buckminster Fuller and author of "Knowledge Doubling Curve" writes of how that human knowledge doubled every century up to around 1900. He says, "The end of World War II reduced that time frame to every 25 years. Now some technical advances are doubling the knowledge every 2 years, while advances in clinical knowledge doubles every 18 months. Current numbers show that all of human knowledge is doubling about every thirteen months. So, whatever you knew last June is obsolete." Even the written page in books and especially the Bible is being discarded by some for the use of electronic devices. I know that I may be old fashioned, but I think that it is important to read the literal pages of our Bibles to accustom ourselves with meditating on and finding the texts ourselves without the technology.

The knowledge we get from the Word of God is timeless because we are not just taking it into our human brain, but into another dimension - that of our New Creation life. The Word must first be entertained in our human mind, but as we give our mind over to Christ, we are renewed in our mind, and the Word becomes apart of us. It then changes our actions into living for Christ. Apostle Paul says in Romans 12:2, "And be not conformed [molded to] to this world: but be transformed [metamorphosed] by the renewing of your mind..."

We can see how far advanced technology has come with creating devices to identify humans being one from another through electronics. Back in 1998 a British Scientist created implants for patients. In 2009 devices were being surgically implanted Recently, the head of Master Card commented that microchip implants under the skin could be used for commerce soon. United States Food and Drug Administration has approved the Verichip in 2009 to be placed in humans for medical information, but they have not been injected into but a few persons who paid to have one put in. One company required it for access to specified places in their building for security reasons. Some states have set up laws to prevent them from being injected into persons against their will.

Of course the concerns of Christians is that Revelation 13:16-17 states that the False Prophet will promote a mark on the head or hand of all who will buy and sell during the tribulation when the Antichrist is ruling. Somehow, the image of the Beast (Antichrist) will be able to speak and put to death anyone that will not worship it (Rev. 13:15). We don’t know exactly how this will be accomplished, but it will be done through advanced technology, no doubt.

INCREASE OF EARTHQUAKES – The Rim of Fire is the giant ring that runs around the outer perimeter of the Pacific Ocean called that because of the volcanic activity in those areas around the Pacific Plate. At this time there is a tremendous increase in earthquake activity in this area. Also, there are 40 volcanoes erupting right now around the globe 34 of which are active along the Rim of Fire area. In recent months there has been significant earthquakes in Michigan, Texas, Mississippi, Idaho and Washington. Also, in Oklahoma there have been several mild earthquakes. San Francisco has had increased earthquake activity lately. Matthew 24:7 tells us "...and there shall be famines, and pestilence, earthquakes in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows" Matthew 24:7-8.

WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS – the war with ISIS rages on. Fifty-nine nations, focused to defeat ISIS, are joined as participants in the war to destroy the radical jihads, with Russia entering in more recently. The main super powers involved have met together recently, to try to work together to prevent air tragedies between themselves, as different nations are mounting air raids on ISIS, and collisions could occur in the sky as the bombers go flying over such a small area.

Much talk has been going on about the refugees form Syria coming into various countries, after fleeing from atrocities brought on by the terrible acts by the jihadis. Much fear from citizens of countries, where these displaced persons might end up, is being voiced, and the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and the bombing of the Russia Airline plane by ISIS has caused many to reject the idea of bringing these refugees into various countries. Many in the United States are very fearful about the possible terrorist that might come in as refugees, and then do some terrorist act here in the U.S.A.

The world is full of unrest. Satan tries to take our peace continually. We must triumph over his devices. Remember the Scriptures, which comforts our hearts. "For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (II Timothy 1:7). "Be anxious for nothing, but by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your heart and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7). Jesus Christ is coming soon to catch away His bride. Be watching and ready.

Unspeakable

“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” 2 Corinthians 9:15

In this time of year, we celebrate a holiday called “Thanksgiving.” Everyone stops to be thankful. Just one day a year. How hard can that be? Everyone should be able to be thankful one day a year. How about every day of the year?

We are encouraged so much in God’s Word to be thankful, and we have so much to be thankful for. It is not my intention to write down here every little thing that I find in God’s Word to be thankful about, but I think it is safe to say that we cannot hardly read any passage without learning about something that God has, is or will do for us for which we should be thankful.

The thing that we need to remember, is that we need to and can be thankful every single day. Our attitude of gratitude is not conditional on the circumstances of the day or the  moment, or on our feelings. Our gratitude is brought forth by a complete understanding of who God is, and His relationship to us.

We are God’s creation, and as such, He has complete Sovereignty over us. As a fallen creation we deserved to be eternally expelled from God’s presence, but in His grace and mercy, He sent His Son to reconcile us. This alone should exact eternal gratitude from our heart. How ridiculous man is to think that maybe God owes him something.

The culture in which we live tries to get us to think this way. I am owed something. How foolish. Not only are we not owed anything we don’t even deserve anything, and yet, God sent His only Son to provide us everything. How sad that many of God’s precious people do not understand this truth.

“And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;” Colossians 2:13-14.

Nothing in this world should be able to bring us to the place where we cease to be grateful for this. He took everything that was keeping us from Him out of our way, and forgave us ALL trespasses. David tells us that we are extremely happy if we know that our sins have been forgiven.

God’s gift is “unspeakable.” We will never be able to express complete gratitude for His gift of His Son. In this season where we think about thankfulness, and about giving and receiving gifts, let us first consider God’s gift and express our gratitude every day.

Gordon Crook

RUTH

By Debra Isenbletter

Ruth 3:4 – “And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.”

Wait for him:  After Naomi’s  gives instructions to Ruth about what she needs to do to prepare to meet Boaz, Naomi goes on to tell Ruth to wait for Boaz to rest.  Naomi says:  “And it shall be, when he lieth down,” she knows what “shall be,” what will happen, she knows what Boaz will do after all his labors.  Boaz will rest, the word “lieth down” speaks of “rest” or “sleep.”  The lord of the harvest has finished his work, all has been harvested, threshed and winnowed.  He will now rest from his labors and guard what is his.

Watch for him:  Naomi tells Ruth to watch for Boaz and mark the place he picks to rest.  “that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie.”  Remember that this threshing floor, was large, it was used by the community, many were there that night threshing and winnowing and each person would set aside a place to rest and guard the grain that had been labored over.  The threshing floor was probably filled with people and with activity.  Ruth was to carefully watch Boaz and “mark” the exact spot Boaz chose to rest.  The work “mark” can be translated “notice,” “note,” or “observe.”  She will watch and follow him alone; she will know where he has chosen to rest so that when she comes later, it will be to Boaz and no other.  There will be no mistake about the one that she chooses.  Ruth will come to Boaz and reveal herself not veil herself.  In the Song of Solomon the Shulamite cries, “Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest … for why should I be as one that turned aside (who veils herself) by the flocks” (Son 1:7).  Ruth doesn’t have to ask “where,” she knows where Boaz has fed and where he rests and she knows that when she comes to this place it is where she too will find rest.  Ruth will come quietly, secretly, softly in the night when all are asleep and she will know exactly who she is coming to, she has unveiled herself to the one her “soul loveth” and she has come to the place where he rests and there she will find rest.

Go to him:  Naomi tells Ruth that once she marks the place where Boaz has chosen and waited for Boaz to eat and drink and lie down to sleep, that “thou shalt go in.”  This is a personal and private entering in to his presence.  Naomi tells Ruth to “go in” and she can only do that by faith.  Ruth’s faith has been activated by the words of Naomi.  Paul writes that “faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Ro 10:17).  The word has been presented; Ruth has heard it, now she exercises faith and must “go in” with boldness and claim what is hers.  This is how we enter into the presence of the Lord Jesus, of our Boaz.  Through faith “we have boldness and access with confidence” (Eph 3:12) and through faith we “come boldly unto the throne of grace and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:16).  Ruth comes boldly and finds help to meet her need.  She is to “go in” with faith and lay hold of God’s promises.

Rest with him:  Naomi tells Ruth to “uncover his feet and lay thee down.”  Ruth will do two things, and both are done by faith.  She will “uncover his feet” – this is her Revelation.  She will “lay down” at his feet – This is her Submission.  This is the place she chooses, “his feet,” and there can be no other place and no better place.  It is in this place that she will lay claim to the greatest blessings.  The place at his feet is a wonderful place, this place reveals things about us and to us. 

It is the place of a servant:  In those days and even today it was the custom for the servants to lay down to sleep at the feet of their masters.  Jamieson, Fausset and Brown writes:  “Ruth lay crosswise at his feet, a position in which Eastern servants frequently sleep in the same chamber or tent with their master; and if they want a covering, custom allows them to benefit from part of the covering of their master’s bed.”  The first thing you see concerning Ruth is the place she takes, and the place she claims, that of a servant, and not just any servant, but Boaz’s servant!

It is the place of petition and submission.  It is from this place (at his feet) that Ruth will make her request and present her petition.  We see examples of this throughout the Word of God.  Abigail took this place before David to apologize for her husband’s behavior.  When she saw David she fell “on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and fell at his feet” (1 Sam 25:23-24).  She did this first before she spoke.  Esther took this place before her husband when she came before him to petition for her people.  She “fell down at his feet and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman…” (Esther 8:3).  The woman called “a sinner,” that came to Simon’s house to see Jesus, came to the feet of Jesus.  She “stood at his feet behind him weeping and began to wash his feet with tears and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet and anointed them.” (Luke 7:38).  Mary, the sister of Lazarus, came in sorrow to Jesus and “fell down at his feet” (John 11:32) and declared in faith “if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.”

It is a place of learning:   The man who was delivered of demon possession was found “sitting at the feet of Jesus” (Luke 8:35).  He was clothed and in “right mind.”  We don’t know how long he had sat there but what things he must have heard from the lips of Jesus before others came to interrupt that time of communion.  Mary is seen earlier, before Lazarus’ death along with her sister Martha and her testimony was that she “also sat at Jesus feet and heard his word.” (Luke 10:39).  She sat “also,” like the disciples did, she sat to learn and what a revelation she had!  She saw things they did not and Jesus’ words concerning this place she chose was that she “hath chosen that good part (portion, better portion)” and that it “shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42).  Paul testified later that he had sat “at the feet of Gamaliel” (Acts 22:3) as his student and been taught the law.  Later he would sit at the feet of Jesus for three years in Arabia and there receive “the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Gal 1:12-18).

It is a place of worship:  The leper who was healed took this place at Jesus feet, when he came to give thanks and worship he “fell down on his face at this feet, giving him thanks” (Luke 17:16).  Again we see Mary, and this is the place she took when she came to anoint Jesus with that costly perfume that filled the room.  She came “and anointed the feet of Jesus” (John 12:3).  That is worship!

It is the place of a wife:  Adam Clarke, a Biblical scholar and theologian writes:  “It is said that women in the East, when going to the bed of their lawful husbands, through modest and in token of subject, go to the bed’s foot, and gently raising the clothes, creep under them.”  Ruth takes this place through Naomi’s instructions, it is ultimately the place of a wife.  Matthew Henry writes:  “She was his wife before God and there needed but little ceremony to complete the nuptials; and Naomi did not intend that Ruth should approach to him any otherwise than as his wife.”

Wait on him:  “and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.”  She had waited for him, now she is to wait on him.  This is the last thing Ruth must do.  She must wait for Boaz to “tell” her or “explain” to her what she is to do.  And he does!   Boaz knows exactly what Ruth is asking and Boaz tells Ruth exactly what she is to do.  It is nothing!  From this point on Boaz will do everything and Ruth is to “sit still” and simply wait! She will wait with hope and expectation for Boaz to do what needs to be done, to go before her and act the part of a “kinsman-redeemer” and elevate her from the place of a servant to the place of a wife! 
To be Continued

Bitterness Made Sweet

By Earlene Davis

After the children of Israel were delivered from Egypt’s bondage, they traveled three days in the wilderness and found no water (Ex. 15:22). They had to go through this strange land to get to the promise land God had given to Abraham and his seed, it was their inheritance. This speaks of our experience. This world is not our home, we are just passing through this wilderness. There is nothing down here that refreshes our spiritual life. This world’s shallow cisterns have run dry unto us. Like the cry of the Psalmist in Psalm 63 -“Oh God, Thou art my God; early will I seek Thee; my soul longeth for Thee, my flesh longeth for Thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.” For God alone can satisfy. Jesus said in Jn. 7:37, “If any man Thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink.”  May we continually go to Him for the water of life.

This was a sore trial, three days in the hot and sandy wilderness without water and they finally reach the waters of Marah and they were bitter (V. 23). Marah means ‘bitterness.’ We often set our heart on something and obtain it expecting satisfaction, to only find bitter disappointment. We like Israel began with light hearts after deliverance from Egypt, a type of the world. We like they may have thought God would provide smooth sailing from then on. Yes, our sins have been forgiven, but tribulations lay before us. We learn that it is at God’s right hand and not in this world, that there are “pleasures for evermore” – Ps. 16:11. For drought and bitterness (Marah) are all we can expect in this world that owns not Christ. God does not mean for us to settle down and be content in a world that cast out His beloved Son.

“And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?” (V. 24). Just three day before they were singing. They seem to have forgotten passing through the Red Sea and seeing the Egyptians drowned and being led by the Pillar of Cloud. Their murmuring against Moses was in reality murmuring against the Lord, so it is with us. Every complaint against our circumstances in our daily trials is against the One Who “worketh all things after the counsel of His own will” – Eph. 1:11. May we remember that what is recorded of Israel’s history is “written for our admonition” – I Cor. 10:11. What was the cause of Israel’s murmuring? Their eyes were no longer upon God. May we keep “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” – Heb. 12:2.

“And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD showed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: (V. 25). Moses did what the people should have done, “cried unto the Lord.” This is what our Marah’s are for to drive us unto the Lord. We are so prone to be absorbed with blessings instead of the Blesser Himself. Somber yet true, that it would take a Marah to made us cry unto God in earnest.

Moses did not cry unto God in vain. The Lord showed him a tree, a type of the One who provided redemption for His people. He was cast into the bitter waters of this world and sweetened the bitterness through His substitutionary death. He is the God of all grace and with long suffering bears with His people. God’s people today may fail to trust the Lord and give way to murmuring, but when we cry unto the Lord, God answers. Moses was an interceding mediator, and God acted. Praise God, we have One who “ever liveth to make intercession for us” – Heb. 7:25. On this ground God deals tenderly with us.

The tree was there all the time, but the Lord had to “show” Moses the tree. Does this not show how dependent we are on the Lord and how blind we are in ourselves? When the tree was cast into the waters, they were made sweet. There are several scriptures that present Christ figured by a tree. I will only mention one – Song of Solomon 2:3 – “As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my Beloved among the sons. I sat down under His shadow with great delight, and His fruit was sweet to my taste.” Life’s bitter experiences are sweetened when we sit down at His feet. We find His words are sweeter than the honey-comb.

Of course the tree also speaks of the cross of Christ. I Pet. 2:24, He bore our sins in His own body on the tree. His substitutionary death on the cross makes that which is naturally bitter, sweet to us. I speak especially of the fellowship of His sufferings (Phil. 3:10) the sufferings that result from being linked with Christ in His suffering path here. “If we suffer with Him we shall also reign with Him.” The reality of being linked with Him makes “Marah” itself drinkable. Acts 16 gives an illustration, Paul and Silas in prison, cruelly scourged and thrown into the innermost dungeon. In the darkness with feet in the stocks and backs bleeding, it was “Marah” for them. They sang praises so lustily that the other prisoners heard them. How were they able to sing under such circumstances? Acts 5:41 – They rejoiced that they were “counted worthy to suffer for His name.” Our trials and afflictions are opportunities for fellowship with the sufferings of our Savior.

“He made for them a statute and an ordinance and there He prove them” (V. 25). The Lord dealt with them in grace. Grace makes us more indebted to God. Grace reigns “through righteousness” not at the expense of it – Rom. 5:21. The Lord showed them that there is no bitterness which He could not sweeten with the provision of His grace. Let me make it clear – God’s commandments had nothing to do with our salvation.

Israel was already under the blood and was on resurrection ground. As we yield to  God and to His Word, the Holy Spirit does a work in us. “That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us (not by us) who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” – Rom. 8:4. “We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord (in God’s Word) are changed into the same image (we see in the Word) from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” - II Cor. 3:18. Thank God! For the working of His Spirit in our lives. We then can glory in tribulations because of the Spirit’s working – Rom. 5:1-5.
E. J. D.

Why Attend Church?

Church attendance is down in the state of Kansas according to the local TV station. This is some of the comments made by people that were interviewed. They claimed to be spiritual but not religious, they feel that going to church is boring and a waste of time. It is a very sad condition, that people do not feel the need of gathering with other believers to worship God and to take in His Word. They sound complacent and satisfied in not putting the Lord first in their lives. I am sure that there would be different exclamations and excuses. But I suspect they are just to busy with their own interests to think about God.
When we go to church, we meet with other members of the family, the family of God, our Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus (Eph. 2:19). We enjoy sweet fellowship, rejoicing in the blessings of the Lord, supporting one another in prayer. We need that spiritual fellowship and support.
We also are continuing to learn the Word of God better all the time. That Word strengthened us for the days to come. We find that when trials come, the Holy Spirit will bring to our minds the Word we have taken in to sustain us at those difficult times. In the natural we want to get to know the one we love. In our spiritual life we desire to know the one who loved us so that He died for us, paying the price for our sins.
The sanctuary is a refuge, a place to get away from the busyness of this world. A mini-retreat where we can focus our thoughts on things above, worshiping our heavenly Father for who He is and for His love and continual care.
Our faithful attendance to church no doubt is a living testimony of our Lord. That action says to others that it is important in our life. It can cause them to wonder what it is all about that attracts us to come together. Hopefully they will check it out.
Since Jesus died for me, it is an honor to remember Him and put Him first in all things. We also celebrate His resurrection, His triumph over death assures us that we also shall to raised again ( II Cor. 4:14).
As God’s child, He delights to reveal His plans to me and I want to get in on all the details. So church is needed for spiritual progress and I have lots to learn. For I desire to have an intimate relationship with my heaven Father and with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus said that when two or three are gathered together in His name, He is there in our midst– Mt. 18:20. Also the Bible tells us to not forsake gathering with other believers as some do; but exhort one another and so much the more as we see the day approaching of His coming – Heb. 10:25.

W I N G S

Part 2

“Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication. Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise; Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me. My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me.  Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah. I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest”  Ps. 55:1-8

The psalmist speaks of his great difficulty, distress and dependence on the Lord, and also his desire for deliverance. The desire to soar. Mankind has always wanted to fly. “Oh that I had wings.” You have wings, I have wings, all of God’s children have wings. Very few ever experience their development, and never enjoy exercising them fully. Wings are used as protection, an umbrella of loving care. They also propel us to victory and greater glory in Christ.

PROTECTION: I think of how Jesus wept over Jerusalem shortly before going to the cross. He said, “Oh, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth  her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” – Mt. 23:37. How tenderly He expressed the warmth, comfort and safety of His care for His people. “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. Surely He will deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. Under His wings shall you trust. He shall be thy shield and buckler” Ps. 91:1-4.

“Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast. How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings” Ps. 36:5-7. “Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me” Ps. 57:1-2. “From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.” Ps. 61:2-4.

How swift, powerful and faithful God is to fly to our rescue. What a privilege we have that we, as birds of like feather, can flock together. Safe is our refuge, sweet is our rest. Yet may it be remembered that it is under His wings that we are to realize the development of our own. The ability to rise and reign develops in us as we become more and more dependent upon Him. By realizing that our citizenship is in heaven, we in Christ are heavenly creatures.

PROPULSION: “Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But 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” Isa. 40:28-31. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” Rom. 8:35-37.

Shall we not rise and reign and experience the reality of these powerful and precious scriptures? A key to victorious living is always being mindful that we are objects of His everlasting love, to remember that every victory we enjoy is only, and always, through Him. Read I Cor. 15:57-58, and II Cor. 2:14-15. Rejoice, “All things” are there in our experiences for our overcoming rather than our defeat or discouragement. Sent for our learning, these cause us to realize the use and development of our wings.

Through Moses, God told the children of Israel; Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagle’s wings and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people; for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation” Ex. 19:4-6. “For the LORD’S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance. He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye. As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings” Deut. 32:9-11. As we think of all the loving care that God manifested toward believing Israel, it touches our hearts to consider the wonderful works for and in us in the New Creation.

We seem to be very lazy creatures. We adopt a rut, get comfortable, and stay there. It is much easier we think, to let the rain of troubles wash around us than to rise above them. We simply go in the direction of the new rut caused by the rain. Only when the Lord causes it to flood, and we are close to drowning, do we have the courage to take wing.

I think of Job, what a powerful, noble and influential man he was before his trial. Job 29:18, “Then said I, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the sand.” Though he had reached a high plateau (the world would say he had “arrived”), God wanted Job to move higher. We also are prone to get complacent, satisfied with our stage of growth. We become so settled in our “nest” that unless the Lord stirs us up we would never use our God-given ability to rise and reign. Brothers and sisters, no matter the situation, or how hard the trial, we have wings.

God used the actions of the mother eagle to illustrate what he had done to cause the Israelites to aspire to that which is higher. The eagle builds her nest high on the rocks, over a cliff. She uses twigs and thistles and lines it with down. The eaglets stay comfortable and safe. Then there comes a time when the eaglets must learn to fly. The eagle “stirs up the nest,” taking out the down. This uncovers the thorns and sharp twigs, making it uncomfortable. She flutters over her young as if to say “Wouldn’t you like to fly? Rise above the uncomfortable nest, I will help you.” She pushes them out of the nest then swoops beneath them and “”bears them on her wings.” All that Israel knew in Egypt was how to use the shovel, to serve. God pushed them out into the wilderness and taught them to survive, to use the sword. Training for the time to come in Canaan to use the sceptre.  He was preparing them to ride upon their high places.

For us, our ruts begin to close in on us, and our little world suddenly becomes uncomfortable. The Lord encourages us to take wing out of these confining surroundings, with full assurance that He will be there to help us. Full provision has been made for our development. He makes us more than conquerors. We, however, make the final decision. We may become bitter or better. We may sour or soar.
J. D.

What does the Bible say?

Will Jews automatically go to heaven

because they are the seed of Abraham?

Their fleshly birth has some honor (Rom. 2:17), but also responsibility (Rom. 2:23,25,28). The flesh is rejected of God, even the most moral of mankind, which were the Jews. They claim national privilege, that they are the people of God and keepers of His Law. Yet when God sent His Son to them, they did not know Him and sought to kill Him (Jn. 1:11 & 7:1).

Jesus covered this question thoroughly in John the 8th chapter. He plainly told them He was the Messiah (Vs. 12, 18, 23) as He had told them from the beginning. They did not believe Him, for they really did not know the Father (V. 19). Jesus declared their fleshly boast (V. 33) was not enough. It did not give them any title to be free from sin. Verse 24, “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” He pointed out their need of personal salvation. He speaks of their bondage in sin, which is the greatest slavery (V. 34). A bondman (servant) cannot abide in the house (V. 35), not in God’s house nor man’s house. For servants are not sons. Sons only have a right in the home (V. 36).

The Apostle Paul illustrates this in Gal. 4:22-31 with reference to Hagar and Ishmael. Two seeds of Abraham are in view Ishmael and Isaac. The casting out of the bondmaid was soon to come to pass. The cross was the place of separation. For it is the Son that abides forever. Isaac in type the spiritual Seed is the Son. The fleshly line is the servant. The Son is free, not in bondage to sin. He is God’s free man. Christ is the seed, the Son through whom all freemen are brought into being. Christ alone delivers men from the bondage of sin and gives them right to sonship

Jesus did not deny they were born of Abraham, but showed them their true character and likeness (Jn. 8:37 & 38), and how far removed they were from their profession. If they had been men of faith like Abraham, they would have recognized the Son who proceeds from the Father (Vs. 39-40 & 42). Jesus said in Verse 56, “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day and he saw it, and was glad.” Verse 58, ]”Verily, Verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.”

E. J. D.

THE LAST DAYS

Anita Clark

“Behold, the LORD maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth aboard the inhabitants thereof. The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the LORD hath spoken this word. The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish. The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.” Isaiah. 24:1-6

These verses were spoken by Isaiah, the prophet. God did allow devastation to hit the land of Israel, and the Jews to be dispersed out of their land, and the people to languish, but the same thing is going to happen to the Gentile world also. Judgment is coming very soon. The tribulation of terrible judgment will come upon the earth because the people of the earth have transgressed the Lord’s law so greatly.

THE WORLD LANGUISHETH AND FADETH AWAY – This prediction from Isaiah speaks of a future time when God would bring tremendous devastation on the earth. In recent news we see accounts of disasters in many places around the earth. These are signs to us of the very near tribulation time coming soon upon the earth. Two verses come to mind that speak of the time just before us. The first Matthew 24:8 says, “All these are the beginning of sorrows.” The second, Romans 8:22 which states, “For we know that the creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now,” wanting to be delivered from the corruption that sin has brought to God’s creation.

CALIFORNIA STARTS CLEANUP – Great forest fires have burned off much land in California, and then the heavy rains (caused by the El Nino in the Pacific) came and washed away many homes. Interstate 5 has been closed after a massive mudslide pushed up to five feet of mud across the roadway, trapping cars and forcing crews to close the highway in both directions for nearly 40 miles. Also another highway State Route 58 has been blocked by dangerous mud-slides and flash flooding, trapping about 200 cars there in mud as deep as 6 feet. Much of California has been experiencing a terrible drought this year, but now flooding has swamped roads.

SOUTH CAROLINA – just went through flooding - the results of an off shore hurricane Joaquin, a category 4 hurricane, tracking away from the coast but none-the-less causing torrential rains, and historical flooding with records being broken for both rainfall and creek levels. The flooding broke multiple dams and destroyed hundreds, if not thousands of homes, according to news reports.

TEXAS – Hurricane Patricia which hit Mexico has brought terrific flooding to Texas. Flooding derailed a Union Pacific Train, and the crew had to be rescued. Major highways have had to be closed, and drivers have been stranded.

HURRICANE PATRICIA HITS MEXICO – A category five storm with over 200 mile per hour winds hit the coast on the Pacific of Mexico Friday. It is the largest storm that has ever been recorded in history, meteorologist say, and it produced at least 12 inches of rain, and surprisingly not very heavy damage along the coast. There was predicted to be a storm surge that would cause water to come ashore, and do major damage all along the west coast of the northern part of Mexico. Great devastation was expected, but it was actually minimal. The storm came up over the mountains and hit Texas ferociously, causing massive flooding to already soaked South Texas.

The El Nino is said to be one of the three strongest El Nino’s since record-keeping began in 1950. It is affecting the whole world. It seems that God is warning us that the judgment time is coming soon. Before the tribulation, the Lord Jesus will call His overcoming people (His bride) to himself.

TERRORISM ATTACKS IN ISRAEL – Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, in his recent speech to the U.N. General Assembly, threatened that the Palestinians would no longer abide by the Oslo Accords, which have governed the relations between Israel and the Palestinians for more than two decades. The Oslo Accord was an agreement to seek peace and to continue dialog to obtain a peaceful solution between the two conflicting parties. After the speech, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he felt that the speech “...was filled with falsehood and promoted incitement and lawlessness in the Middle East.”

Immediately after Abbas’ speech the Palestinians began to attack Israeli citizens with knives and axes, or running over them with vehicles, killing quite a few. When Israel retaliated and troops and police shot the perpetrators, Israel was blamed as the aggressors. These terrible attacks have received praise by the terrorist group Hamas, which hails the ruthless terrorists as “heroes.”

UNESCO FOR THE WAILIING WALL BEING RECLASSIFIED AS MUSLIM – UNESCO is an acronym for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. This group has often shown a one-sided anti-Israel attitude in the past. Their director recently brought a resolution to declare that the wailing wall, also known as the Western Wall should be reclassified by the U.N. as a holy Muslim site. The Muslims claim that the wall is where Mohammed tied his steed up, and then rose to heaven upon his horse’s back from there. It seems that it makes no difference that the wall is the most sacred public prayer site in Judaism.

Israelites pray at this site because it is a wall that is part of the temple compound built by King Solomon of Old Testament fame. You can see how the world’s attitude is worsening toward Israel.

NO MATTER WHAT ANY MAN OR GROUP OF MEN SAYS – God’s pre-planned design will come to pass. Man has no ability to change God’s plan. He says in Genesis 12:3, “I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee,” Those peoples or nations that curse Israel will have the wrath of God poured upon them,

We know that God’s Word says that God judged Israel and took them out of their promised land because they were disobedient. We also understand that God will restore Israel to her rightful place as the “...head nation and not the tail.” It is erroneous to teach that God has totally forsaken Israel. God has allowed them to come back to their land and establish their nation once again. This is referred to in Matthew 24:32-34 as “the fig tree budding” or Israel coming back to life. The text says, “...When ye shall see all these things, know that it [the end] is near, even at the doors” (V. 33)

The really sad thing that is going to happen to Israel is that the tribulation of seven years will come upon the earth very soon. The Bible declares that the Antichrist will make a covenant or contract with the Jews for seven years (Daniel 9:27). But that text says that horrible man will break that covenant with Israel and turn on them, persecuting them (Matthew 24:15-26; Rev. 13). Israel will suffer so much until the judgment will be ended, and then Messiah Jesus will return and save the Israelites that are left alive and will bring about His millennial reign, ruling from Jerusalem (Zech. 13:8-9; 14:1-9).

We, the believers of this age will already be with the Lord, and will be coming back with our precious Lord Jesus, when He comes back to show, “...Who is the blessed and only Potentate, the Kings of kings and Lord of lords: who only has immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see; to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen” I Timothy 6:15-16. Also see Revelation 19:11-16.

Jesus is coming very soon. Trust in God to make you ready to hear the trumpet’s sound that Jesus is coming.

Slipping Away

Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. Hebrews 2:1

A paraphrase of this verse goes like this: “We should give exceeding attention to the things we have heard, so that they will not flow away.” For some reason, we tend to be forgetful about certain things. We can hear something over and over again, but if we are not giving our most diligent attention to what we are hearing we will very soon forget. The same is true concerning the things we have heard from God’s Word. We need to hear them over again, but we need to give our utmost attention to them.

We tend to give attention to things that we think are important. If our interest lies in technology we tend to pay close attention when we hear something about technology, and we retain that information. Paul often reminds us of the great importance of the gospel that we have heard. He encouraged Timothy many times concerning the diligence due the study and retention of the Gospel. 1 Timothy 4:13–16; 6:20; 2 Timothy 1:13; 2:2, 15; 3:14–17.

Our enemy, Satan, is very smart, and subtle. He rarely attempts to just tear us away from the Gospel, and from our relationship with our Lord. He works to slowly draw us away after other things. It is a slipping away that happens slowly over time as we neglect the Word of God. Sometimes, it even comes in the form of “spiritual” things that grab our attention and draw us slowly away from the simplicity that is in Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3.

In Colossians 2:8, Paul warns us about letting ourselves be robbed by those that would bring anything that is not after Christ. This is how Christians allow the truth of God’s Word to slip away; they get distracted by things that are not after Christ. Things that sound good, and appeal to the intellect or to the emotions, but are not after Christ.

We live in a time when more information is being placed in front of us in so many ways than ever before. You can read and hear and watch so many things by so many people. It is more imperative than ever that we know God’s Word today, as it is the only rule by which we can and should measure every thing we hear and see. The right question to ask ourselves about any topic is: what does God’s Word say?

Paul is encouraging us to pay close attention to what we have heard and learned from God’s Word. We can be certain that there is nothing more important in our life. Everything else that comes along is only of temporal value, but the Word of God, worked in our lives by the Holy Spirit, is of eternal value. May we be careful not to neglect the study of God’s Word.

Gordon Crook

RUTH

Debra Isenbletter

Ruth 3:3 – “Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking.” In this verse we see three important instructions that Naomi gives to Ruth that she must do before coming into the presence of Boaz. She is to: 1) Wash; 2) Anoint; and 3) Dress herself. This is Ruth’s responsibility, three essential things that she must do, it is a personal preparation. No one can do this for her, and the same holds true for us when we prepare to come into the Presence of our Lord, there is a personal preparation that each of us is responsible for in our own lives, no one can do it for us.

Washing: Notice the order, washing is the first thing she does, it is the foundation for everything else. This washing speaks of cleansing. She has finished her labors in the fields and she washes off the dirt of the day, she washes and is cleansed and is refreshed. Many times taking a bath and changing the clothes were done before an important event. Jacob did this and told his family to do this when he returned to Bethel and where he remembered and renewed the covenant God made with him. It was there that Jacob told his household to put away their gods and “be clean” (wash yourselves) and “change your garments” (Gen 35:2-3). He did this and told them to do this before coming into the Presence of the Lord. In Ezekiel 16 the Lord describes His relationship with His people (Ezek 16:8-13) and there He describes how He saw her, claimed her as His wife, cleansed her, entered into a covenant with her, and clothed her and her beauty was seen by all those around her. Here in Ruth we see Naomi telling Ruth to “wash thyself,” this is how she prepares to come into the presence of Boaz and there she will lay claim to a promise and he will lay claim to her.

This washing speaks of consecration and sanctification, of a cleansing of our walk. The priests did this before entering into the Holy Place (Ex 30:18-21). They had to wash their hands (speaks of their service) and their feet (speaks of their walk). Before entering into God’s presence in a more personal way, they washed! Aaron and his sons had to wash before putting on their “holy garments.” They had to wash before they could “minister unto (God) in the priests office” (Ex 40:12-15). They had to wash because it was what the “Lord commanded” (Ex 40:32). Ruth is about to enter into the presence of Boaz and a deeper relationship and she washes herself. And just as Ruth, we have the same responsibility to cleanse ourselves before we enter into the presence of the Lord. We wash our hands and our feet, we wash before putting on our priestly garments and when we do this, we come into His presence as priests, ministering in a deeper way. The Apostle Paul describes the necessity of this washing, this cleansing and the responsibility that we each have to do this. He said we are to “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit” (2 Cor 7:1). We’ve been out in the world, and no matter how good our intentions the world will leave a stain, we need to cleanse ourselves. The Psalmist asked the question of how do you do this and gave the answer “by taking heed to thy word” (Ps 119:9). It is by the “washing of water by the word” (Eph 5:26), by our obedience to the Word and subjection to the Word that we are cleansed. The result will be a “glorious church” without “spot or wrinkle” (Eph 5:27). When we do this, we acknowledge the Lord’s great work in our lives and let Him finish His work in our lives. Paul told the Corinthians “ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor 6;11).

Anointing: This anointing was a fragrant oil or perfume that was added after cleansing, a personal unique fragrance. Ruth anointed herself as Naomi asked but I believe she chose the fragrance, something she knew that would please Boaz. It is the fragrance of obedience, of subjection, service and submission. This is a fragrance unique to the Bride of Christ. The Shulamite speaks of the fragrance she uses in Song of Solomon, she calls it “good ointment” (Song 1:3) and says “my spikenard sends forth the smell thereof” (Song 1:12).

This anointing speaks of the anointing of the Spirit, of His enabling and power. It is the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This also speaks of the fragrance of Christ, of His growth in us. Brother Art Eggers writes that this is “the odor of Christ’s death” – the fact that we died with Christ. I also believe it is the odor of Christ’s life – the fact that our life is in Him and our factory is in Him. No one but the New Creation can wear this fragrance, it is the fragrance of grace (not works), it is the fragrance of obedience (not disobedience); it is the fragrance of a life fully surrendered to the Lord. Paul describes this fragrance. He says that this fragrance reveals the knowledge of Christ to others; it is “his knowledge by us” (2 Cor 2:14). It is the fragrance of victory, Christ’s victory for us, in us and through us. It is a fragrance to God and to the saints and to the world and to God it is a fragrance of life, it is a sweet fragrance because it is all of Christ and nothing else.

Dressing: Ruth is to “put on” a garment after she has been washed and anointed which must be done before she can do this. She is to “put on” what is already hers “thy raiment.” She has the garment of salvation, which is inward, now she puts on the garment of sanctification, which is outward. This is a picture of putting on the testimony of Christ, the testimony of the New Man. She is putting on another garment, a new garment. She will put off the garment of a widow, and put on another garment, it is a special garment for a special occasion, and this garment is a picture of a wedding garment.

Ruth’s actions were preparation for meeting Boaz and for presenting herself to him. The same preparation is seen in Esther when she first met the king. She spent twelve months preparing to meet him, for six months “oil of myrrh” (which was bitter) was used and for six months “sweet odors” were used for purifying. First that which was bitter was applied, then that which was sweet, first the suffering then the sweet fragrance that was the result of the suffering. When Esther finally met the king it is said that she “obtained grace and favor in his sight” (Esther 2:17). She had been prepared and presented and the king was pleased. Later Esther would prepare herself to come before the king and make a petition, there her preparation was different. She first prepared herself by prayer and fasting (Esther 4:16) and then she prepared herself by dressing in royal apparel (Esther 5:1). Ruth had spent months in Boaz’s fields as preparation for this moment. Those months were the “myrrh” and “sweet odors.” Now Ruth comes before Boaz, like Esther, with a petition. This is also what we are doing now, we are preparing and getting ready to meet our Boaz. When we do this, we are accepting our espousal to Christ (2 Cor 11:2); we are “making (ourselves) ready” (Rev 19:7). The Holy Spirit shows us how to prepare ourselves to come before the Lord!

After the preparation, Ruth is to do two things, First she is to GO: “get thee down to the floor” and second she is to WAIT: but make not thyself known unto the man.” She is to hurry and then wait. The going is easy but the waiting is hard. The word “get thee down” means “to run down,”  don’t delay. Ruth must go in boldness and faith and without doubts. But then once she arrives, she must wait, not to rush in. The conversation between her and Boaz is private not public. Wait: “till he have done eating and drinking.” She is to give Boaz time to be refreshed and made glad. The Lord’s timing is always perfect. The preparation has been made by Ruth and the heart has been made glad in Boaz (Ps 104:15). The scene is set for a conversation, a petition and a promise that will be made!
To be Continued

Outline Study Of Simon Peter

by Verta Giddings

Peter was the more prominent one of the disciples, like a pioneer. He is considered to be a big, blustering fisherman, but he broke the ground for the other disciples. He often was their spokesman.

John 1:35-42 – These were disciples of John the Baptist, now of Jesus. Andrew, brother of Peter introduced him to Peter – “We have found the Messiah, the Christ.” Right away, Jesus called Peter “A stone.” Didn’t Jesus know what Peter would later do and say? Of course, He did! Peter was afterward called to follow Jesus – Luke 5:1-11.

Peter lived in Capernaum – Mark 1:21, 29-31; also it says at Bethsaida - John 1:44 – a nearby city. He was married – Matt. 8:14-15; I Cor. 9:5.

Jesus taught Peter about forgiveness – Matt. 18:21-22 – until seventy times seven.

Three disciples were singled out to be with Jesus on special occasions: they were Peter, James and John.
(1)    When Jesus raised the young girl from the dead – Mark 5:35-42.
(2)     At Jesus’ transfiguration – Matt. 17:1-2.
(3)    In Gethsemane – Matt. 26:36-38 – here Peter cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest – Matt. 26:51; John 18:26.

Peter was the first disciple to recognize Jesus as the Messiah – Matt. 16:13-18. Peter said, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Peter’s character was not always ‘rock-like.’ Jesus fully understood Peter’s weakness, but He still said, “thou art Peter” (a stone).

Jesus told Peter he would deny Him, and of course Peter declared he would go to prison with Him and even die for Him – Luke 22:31-34. Jesus said he would pray for him. When the time came, Peter did deny Jesus, but when Jesus looked on him, he wept bitterly – Matt. 26:69-75; Luke 22:61-62. Peter did deny Jesus, but he showed his repentance before the Lord. Judas Iscariot, on the other hand never let Jesus know he was wrong that he betrayed Him.

Peter was the first of the disciples to see the resurrected Christ – Luke 24:34; I Cor. 15:5.

He was the first to proclaim salvation to the Gentiles – Acts 10: & 15:7-11.

He was put in prison after the death of James, and was released by an angel of the Lord – Acts 12:3-4, 7-11.

The Apostle Paul said that Peter was the apostle to the circumcision (the Jews), as Paul was to the uncircumcision (the Gentiles) – Gal. 2:7.

Peter had the encounter with Paul at Antioch – Gal. 2:9-14, but he learned by it – II Peter 3:15-16. Peter had been eating with the Gentiles until some (Jews) came from Jerusalem. Then he withdrew himself from the Gentiles and caused others to do the same. If this matter had not been addressed and cleared up, where would we be today? Paul had experienced the glorious message of the grace of God and would not let Peter deny it.

This action of Peter’s was just as serious as his denial of Christ when he was facing death. It was not standing for the finished work of Christ.

Amen!

W I N G S

Part 1

“In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.  And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.” Isa 6:1-3
This is not an interpretation of Isaiah’s vision, but an examination of the God-given wings of the seraphim. We in Christ are heavenly creatures. The highest order of humanity is depicted as cherubim and seraphim. The seraphims’ three pairs of wings in this verse speak to me of a trinity of triumph in the believer’s heavenly characteristics. These develop as we become more and more dependent on the Lord. The seraphims had wings for the face, the feet and for the flight itself.
FACE-COMPREHENSION: We are wise to look to the Lord to fill our vision, and give us an overcoming outlook. He would settle us on spiritual priorities. As He covers our faces with spiritual humility, we are not looking to be seen of men, nor to see man. We are looking to behold His glory, and be transformed into His image. In Song of Solomon, the King says to His beloved; “Come with me… look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir” (Chapter 4:8). Our dear Lord would elevate our vision to see everything from His point of view. Many storm clouds arise on our horizon, but they are not so intimidating when you look down of them, as He does.
FEET-CONDUCT: Are our feet covered? He gives us an overcoming walk. Before we can act properly, we must see and understand that we are a heavenly people. A believer’s life is to manifest heavenly characteristics by divine enablement. He has provided that we have wings on our feet, so that we may run and not be weary, we may walk on the most troubled waters and not faint. We may walk with God, and be followers as dear children. In dependence upon Him we enjoy holy conduct on a heavenly course. God wants us to know that we may go when, where, and how He wants us to go. Yet we can never get there unless our feet are supernaturally covered, gloriously shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace. As we walk by faith and not by sight, the God of peace bruises Satan beneath our feet.
FLIGHT-CONQUERING:  “Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of His understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary,. And the young men shall utterly fall: But 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” – Isa. 40:28-31.
Our God has provided that we, being endued with power from on high may “mount up,” manifesting the resurrection life. This is realized as a result of waiting on the Lord. Our wings develop as we progress in dependence on the Lord. Thus, we become less dependent on worldly props. Man made unions and confederacies have their terrestrial indications. Shall we align with the terrestrial or reign as belonging to the celestial? -
Isa. 41:10-15: We can make the choice to stay down here and wiggle as a worm, or mount up, even use the winds of adversity to our advantage and  God’s glory. This “waiting” is not just abiding one’s time. We can’t run with the world and wait on the Lord at the same time. To wait, from the Hebrew, expresses to bind together by twisting. We are triumphant as clinging vines.
Are we eagle saints: an eagle doesn’t fret over crossing a roaring river, while soaring toward the sun. To talk with God, no breath is lost. To walk with God, no step or strength is lost. To wait with God, not time is lost.
J. D.

What does the Bible say?

About tithes and offerings

God used Abraham to introduce tithing. Abraham did not originate it, God moved him to tithe - Gen. 14:18-20. God had wonderfully blessed Abraham in giving him victory over his enemies and gaining much spoil. God laid it on his heart to give a tenth to God by giving it to Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of the most high God. In this way, God taught Abraham to tithe. So we understand that tithing was introduced 430 years before the law was given. Tithing was one of Abraham’s steps of faith. It showed his love and obedience, an expression of his worship and praise to God out of a thankful heart.

To whom does the tithe belong? Lev. 27:30,32, “all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed…or of the fruit…or of the flock…the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.” The tenth belongs to the Lord and not to us.

To whom then did God instruct the children of Israel to give their tithes? Numbers 18:21, it was to the Levites (the priests), to support them for their service of the tabernacle of the congregation. They speak of the ministers or pastors of today. In I Cor. 9:1-14 the Apostle Paul teaches that it is God’s will that the pastor should be supported by the assembly. To support them would be the Lord’s portion. Paul served these Corinthian saints, even though they were not mature enough to tithe.
Some ministers or pastors have the idea they need not tithe. But they should be an example in this, not giving to themselves, but to the Lord; giving to the work of the Lord somewhere, such as to missionaries whether at home or abroad.

God speaking through the prophet Malachi asked this question, “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings” - Malachi 3:8. The Lord challenges His people to prove Him, in verse ten: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” He says, Try Me, prove Me. you will see. God promises blessings to the tither – Prov. 3:9-10. When the children of Israel began to tithe, the Lord blessed them abundantly – II Chron. 31:5-10.

Tithing was never a type, a shadow nor a sign, so it never ended. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus said the tithes were not to be neglected. It is a fact that the tenth is the Lord’s and always will be. Tithes belonged to the Lord in Abraham’s day, it was His in Moses’ day, and it belongs to Him today. Some use the excuse that under grace all belongs to Him. In that sense, all belonged to Him under the law. Do you give all to Him?

Tithing is an act of worship. When we yield to God in this act of obedience, it is a step of faith, and shows growth in our spiritual lives. We do not give unto man but unto the Lord. We honor Him by giving to Him what is His. II Corinthians 8:1-5 tells of some really poor saints in deep poverty that gave liberally? How were they able? They first gave of themselves to the Lord.”

In Heb. 7:1-10, Paul confirms that tithing was introduced under grace, then continued as a gracious requirement under the law. The standard under grace surely is not less then under the law.

The difference in tithes and offerings is that tithe is the tenth, and belongs to the Lord. Offerings are over and above the tithes. Giving is the teaching of the New Testament. God gave His Son for us (Jn. 3:16); Jesus gave His own life (Gal. 1:4). He is our example of giving (II Cor. 8:9). Jesus is quoted in Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” We are to give according to our ability. Giving is our privilege. “For God loveth a cheerful giver” – II Cor. 9:6-7.

Christ will bring “Many sons unto glory” because of His giving - Heb. 2:10. Because of His giving we should love to give. Those who have a revelation of God’s grace should be the greatest givers.
Earlene Davis

THE LAST DAYS

Anita Clark

“Now, we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto Him, That ye be not shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand” II Thess. 2:1-2.

Some false teachers were saying that Christ’s coming had already taken place, so Apostle Paul was emphatically saying, “Christ’s reign on His throne has not already started, but there must come a falling away first.” That has taken place over these 2000+ years since the beginning of the Grace Age. We are very near the time for the Lord to come and deliver us. The words “shaken in mind,” from the Greek speaks to us of how easy it is for our “intellect, our thoughts, feelings or understanding” to lead us to a wrong interpretation. The word, “shaken” mean “to waver, agitate, or topple.” Satan tries to do that. “Troubled” means “to wail, to clamor or frighten.” “By spirit” is not speaking of the Holy Spirit or the Spirit of Christ but of a demonic spirit that oft times transforms himself as an angel of light to deceive (II Cor. 11:13-15). Paul says even if they write you an epistle or speak to you some word, misinterpreting the Scripture, do not listen. So, we must heed these words from the Lord through Apostle Paul and be careful to follow the truth that has been revealed to us through the written Word of God by the Holy Spirit.

136 NATIONS RECOGNIZE A PALESTINIAN STATE – The U.N. Security Council may recognize a Palestine State before the end of 2015. At this time 136 nations with population of 5.5 billion people have stated that they will recognize the Palestinian state. Since Israel re-elected Benjamin Netanyahu, who put together a cabinet that does not seem inclined to negotiate with the Palestinians, the U.S. government is pledging to “re-evaluate our approach” and says that it will not “prejudge” what it will do if a vote comes up at the U.N. on this subject. However, it is reported that the U.S. has already given the okay to France to bring a resolution on a Palestinian statehood at the U.N. Many feel that if the U.S. does recognize a Palestinian state, it will absolutely shatter U.S. relations with Israel and plunge the entire Middle East into chaos. The U.S. did vote against allowing the Palestinian flag to be flown outside the UN, building with the other flags of member nations until further peace negotiations become reality. The U.S. voted against this resolution. In May of 2015 the Vatican recognized the “State of Palestine.” This resolution puts a lot of pressure on Israel to broker a peace deal which would bring about a major compromise with the Palestinians. We are still expecting that “the prince that shall come” of Daniel 9:26-27 will “confirm the covenant” with Israel as the prophecy declares. He will be the beast of Revelation 13. We must keep our eyes open to world events in this end time in which we live.

POPE ON WORLD TOUR COMES TO U.S. – Pope Francis has traveled to many countries from Ukraine to Nigeria calling for peace between nations of the world. He has been to Cuba and visited with the Castro brothers and held many open air meetings and other masses. Wherever he goes people say that he brings peace. He will come to address the U.S. Congress on September 24th, and the U.N. General Assembly on September 25th. He was called “the Prince of Peace” yesterday on the news. No one but Jesus Christ should ever be called that (Isaiah 9:6) as that is the prophesied name of the Lord Jesus Christ alone.

WAR AGAINST ISIS CONTINUES – Isis is still fighting, taking over and occupying regions of Iraq and Syria. It is still killing Christians. A news report recently told of these evil men going into a Christian enclave, and demanding the Christian children to either recant Jesus Christ or be beheaded. The children all stood for their belief in Jesus and would not give it up, so, they were beheaded in front of their parents. What a glorious victory to stand for Christ even though they were so young. They went instantly to be with the Savior, as their last breath left their bodies. Times are getting harder all the time. Surely Jesus Christ is coming so very soon.

RUSSIA HAS BUILDUP IN SYRIA – Russia has initiated a military buildup in Syria. This includes surface-to-surface missiles as well as combat aircraft with air-to-air capability. Russia has said that the purpose of the buildup is to combat the Islamic State. The U.S. is worried about the risk of an inadvertent confrontation between Russia’s military and the American-led coalition that is carrying out airstrikes in Syria against the Islamic State. The danger is great in this situation, as this war spreads. There is danger for Israel, who is concerned about ISIS coming south against them. According to Reuters News Agency Israel’s Security Cabinet has approved a fence to be built along the Jordan-Israeli Border. The fact is, there will never be peace on earth until the Mighty Prince of Peace, Jesus comes and sets up His kingdom. Much more warfare is ahead for this old earth until all things are made new.

EARTHQUAKES INCREASE – The recent earthquake in Chili is the third Massive quake that has struck that country in five years. Chili has invested millions of dollars to build an infrastructure that will withstand massive earthquakes since it has become the most seismically active spots on earth. This recent earthquake was 8.3 in magnitude and forced one million people to immediately leave their homes. Since then other quakes have followed - one a 5.1 that lasted 3 minutes claimed 11 lives and did damages worth billions of dollars. The earthquake that hit Chili on Wednesday was reported to be five times stronger than the one that hit Nepal in April, 2015. However, Chili had fewer casualties than Nepal had. A tsunami alert was put out but it did not do much damage except right in Chili, where 15 ft. of water hit some buildings, and overturned some cars. This earthquake gave off so much energy that it shortened Earth’s day by a fraction of a second by changing the planets’ rate of rotation.

CBS reported in July 2015 that scientists are predicting “The Really Big One” hitting along the U.S.A. Coast from Washington state to upper California at any time, declaring that it is overdue from the tracking they have done of earthquake events of the past in this area. We know that Jesus Christ prophesied that before His return there will be “earthquakes in divers places” which will be a signs of His return. This earth is not our home. We’re “looking for a new heaven and new earth wherein dwells righteousness.”

JESUS CHRIST IS COMING VERY SOON – “Wherefore, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that has so easily beset us and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith: Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of God” Hebrews 12:1-2. LISTEN TO THIS EXHORTATION!

Captives

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,” Luke 4:18

Men did not then know they were captives as noted by their attitude toward Jesus. They thought they were in control of their lives and did not need anyone to help them. They were certain that they had their lives under control. “They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” John 8:33-34

There is no difference with men today. For the most part, they do not think they need help. After all, we live in the land of the free. We can’t be captives. And yet, men are captive to so many things. There are captives all around us.

Jesus came to set captives free. We are born captive to sin and the bondage that comes from that condition. We do not have the ability to free ourselves from that situation. Most do not even recognize where they are. Jesus came to change all of that. His death on the cross is the only remedy.

How often do we want to help someone because we see the results of their captivity and we want to try to help them free themselves. We only have one thing to offer that can truly set them free; Jesus. There is no other answer in this world.

Even God’s very people can fall into bondage. By the blood of Jesus we have been set free, but how many return to bondage putting themselves under the Law? Notice that I said “putting themselves.” God does not put us there, and God’s Word does not put us there.

Quite the contrary, God’s Word frees us from the bondage of the Law. Jesus’ blood sets us free from the bondage of sin, and makes us His children, with full benefits of children. In Romans 8:15 we read that we “have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage” - Galatians 5:1. Why would we seek to place ourselves under something that God does not?

Where men are set free, there is great rejoicing. Today we can rejoice greatly because we know that Jesus has set us free. Free from the Law, free from the power of sin, free from the desires of the world. And as we rejoice, we can share this great freedom with others around us that are captive. Jesus came to set them free.
Gordon Crook

A SPIRITUAL WALK

Jack Davis

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage…For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself…This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary the one to the other; so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Gal. 5:1,13,14,16-18,25

We are admonished twice here to, “Walk in the Spirit.” The flesh and the Spirit are seen in sharp conflict. The flesh can only produce works, but the Spirit produces fruit. In Hebrews 9:14, the Apostle Paul describes the works of the flesh under the law as “dead works.” In Ephesians 5:11, he speaks of “the unfruitful works of darkness.” Jesus said, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” John 3:6

Adam and Eve “heard the Voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day.” Even though they had made themselves fig leaf aprons, they still tried to hide themselves among the trees of the garden. Their works were insufficient. Self-effort does not afford even a satisfactory partial covering before God. Now, before the fall, Adam walked and talked with God; but being of the earth, earthy, He could never do so on the plane that we may today.
To “walk” speaks of conduct, or behavior, and points to progress or growth. It includes the proper person, the right realm, propelling power, and permeating purpose. Consider that!

First, we must let God do the walking in us. God is Spirit, so our only capacity to go with God is completely outside the realm of the flesh. “And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people” - II Cor. 6:16. This teaches us of submission on our course of life, a yielded walk. We are to let Him determine our altitude and attitude in each step. We will then walk in His fellowship, in His light, with no darkness and no stumbling. Now as a child has trouble keeping pace with his father, it seems it is also easy for a youngster in Christ to get out of step with God.

This is the way God has provided that we overcome the lust of the flesh. It is Scripturally evident that a walk with God can become so supernaturally natural, that all other conduct is very unnatural. For us to live after the flesh is to act like a fish out of water.

“If we live in the Spirit:” all believers were baptized at Pentecost into one Body, in the Spirit. To illustrate this, think of a large container of water. Let it represent the realm of the Spirit. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are placed in the realm of the Spirit. This does not say that we are filled with the Spirit. Rather, it is like bottles being thrown in the container of water – the bottles are in the water, but the water is not in the bottles. Sink one bottle and it is filled, while the other is floating. In God’s purpose we all need to be filled, flooded to overflowing, and submerged into the very depths of God’s Holy Spirit. We think it would be foolish for a fish to jump out, move about, or try to operate on dry land. This is not his natural habitat in which to conduct business.

We, in the realm of the Spirit, must settle down and become at home there. We should never try to conduct any part of our lives outside the realm of the Spirit. Such conduct is very unnatural and spiritually harmful. Many believers try to bring the flesh into the realm of the Spirit, and they utterly fail when they do. When the Spirit is flooding our being, we have the power within that conducts a behavior in harmony with our Spiritual Father, as we yield.

A Spiritual Walk is walking by faith. When we walk by faith we take steps like Abraham, Rom. 4:12. Abraham started his trip with God not seeing the end of his journey nor even the steps in between. The flesh attempts to go by sight, but “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Heb. 11:1. A Spiritual Walk of faith is pleasing to God for it is based on God’s Word. It is in harmony with God’s will, and eagerly looks forward to the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Galatians 5:18 speaks of placing ourselves under the law, where we would try to operate in the realm of the flesh. This binds us from enjoying our God-given liberty, and carrying out our God-given delight of doing what God would, instead of what our flesh would. Does the law curb sin by showing it up? The “strength of sin is the law” – I Cor. 15:56. The Law stirs and strengthens our flesh to sin.

“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace” – Rom. 6:14. This indicates that sin does exercise its dominion in lives under legal bondage. But, thank God, “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death” – Rom. 8:2. We are not debtors to the flesh, the old self life. We owe the old man nothing, no allegiance. He has no legal right to demand any loyalty. He is dead! We may understand from Romans 7:4-6 that Jesus died in the place of the old man, the old Adamic head, which was under the penalty of our sin. Jesus also arose as the rightful Head of a New Creation; hence, He has the right to full dominion of our lives. As we yield to Him that dominion, we walk by the Spirit, and are led by the Spirit.

A Spiritual Walk is being led by the Spirit. Romans 8:3-4, “God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:” that the righteousness  which the law demands be supernaturally fulfilled in us as we walk in the controlling influence of the Holy Spirit. We are energized by the Holy Spirit, as we yield to His guidance and control. We do well to be most receptive to His impressions, and responsive to His impulses. I am sure that He graciously checks us when we are about to take a step outside the will of God. I am also sure that the signal gradually weakens, as it is ignored. That still small Voice also urges us on in taking the right steps.

John 16:13 tells us, the Spirit of Truth was sent to guide us into all truth. Now this expresses far more than theory, theology, or the letter of Truth. This is to be enjoyed as heart reality. Truth is to be relevant to our present day living.

“The flesh lusteth against the Spirit.” Yielding to the flesh, we carry out a conduct that is very binding and hindering to spiritual behavior and progress. Oh, praise God, we have been liberated from legal bondage, and brought into the realm where love is the motivating force.

A Spiritual Walk  is walking in love – Gal. 5:13,14. “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour” - Eph. 5:1,2. “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,” Eph. 4:1-3.

The law of love supersedes and super-abounds the law of “carnal commandment.” This law raises us above the harsh condemnation, and brings us into close communion. In the law of love, there is the force of magnetism. While under the law of commandment, there is the force of depression. The Holy Spirit reproduces Divine love, shedding abroad the love of God in our hearts. While He makes us deeply aware of how dearly we are loved, He moves us to a conduct of love. He deepens the desire to have our lives run in channels of love. True love realized in experience constrains us from conduct in the flesh that would hurt, hinder, or harm our neighbor, family, or our precious Lord.
Jack Davis

RUTH

Debra Isenbletter

Ruth 3:2 – “And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshing floor.”

Naomi asks a second question in this verse. This question will be the answer to her first question, which showed her desire to find rest for Ruth. Her second question is about Boaz, the one who will provide that rest. She already knows the answer, the answer is yes, and though it is posed as a question, it is a statement, there is only one answer. It is both a reminder and a reassurance to Ruth. In Naomi’s words we also see the dual relationship that Boaz has with Ruth, he was her kindred and he was her master.

Naomi says to Ruth: “And now is not Boaz of our kindred?” This is who Boaz is. This is a fact, it is undeniable and this will be the basis for Ruth’s request of Boaz. He is not only someone who is related to them, “our kindred,” but he is our “next kinsman” and because he has this relationship, he is one who bears the title and responsibility of “kinsman-redeemer” and through that title he can truly meet the need of Ruth and give her “rest.”

Naomi says to Ruth: “with whose maidens thou wast?” This is who Ruth is. She belongs to Boaz, and she serves Boaz, for he is her Master. Ruth was one of those maidens that belonged to Boaz and this is another tie that binds her closer to him. This is a fact, a truth that Naomi reminds Ruth of, it is past tense, it is not in question and it shows that Ruth is done gleaning. She is ready to step into another role, another relationship, a deeper, more personal one.

Just as Ruth did, we have a dual relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. He is both our Redeemer and our Master. He is our “kindred,” the Son of Man as well as the Son of God; both give Him the right to redeem. He was “made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” (Heb 2:17). He is our “kinsman-redeemer,” our Redeemer – He was “made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons” (Gal 4:4-5). Paul shows us the progression of that relationship that began as servants, with the promise is sonship, and the potential is full mature sons. Jesus is our Master, our Lord; He is the One that we serve. Paul tells us that He “gave himself or us” first that He might “redeem us from all iniquity and purify” us, with the result being that we would be “zealous of good works” (Tit 2:14), we would be good servants!

What does Naomi say Boaz would be doing? – “Behold he winnoweth barley.” Strong’s says this word “winnow” means: “to toss about, disperse, scatter (away), spread.” Webster says it means: “to remove chaff, separate, sift, free of unwanted elements; to get rid of what is undesirable.” Here we see Boaz as the “Lord of the harvest” and he is separating, removing, examining. He is laboring right alongside with his servants in the final stage of the harvest. Think about what this says about Boaz, here is a “mighty man of wealth” working alongside with his servants in winnowing his barley. This harvest means something to him, as do his servants. This “winnowing” speaks of separation, the removal of the bad from the good and it is not an easy process. There was the literal separation of the grain (wheat/barley) from the chaff and there is another separation of what goes on in our lives that the Lord will do. It is the separation of Truth from Error; it is the separation of good works from bad works. If the works are built on error, the Lord will see, and will separate. He will “try every man’s work” and there will be a reward or loss of reward (1 Cor 3:13-15). John the Baptist spoke of Jesus with a “fan (for winnowing) in his hand” (Mt 3:12) and with this fan He would “purge his floor” and “gather his wheat.” This speaks of an examination by the Lord Jesus Christ. There will be an examination. Nations will be examined and separated (Mt 25:31-46) and some will enter into the Kingdom. Saints will be examined at the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Cor 5:10; Ro 4:10) and Sinners are examined at the Great White Throne (Rev 20:11).

The time that this takes place is at night: “tonight.” The harvesting of the grain was done during the day and the winnowing of the grain was done during the night. Most commentators say that the reason for winnowing at night was because of the breeze that came at sunset, it was this breeze that helped in the separation of the chaff from the grain.

“The winnowing process is performed by throwing up the grain, after being trodden down, against the wind with a shovel. The threshing-floor, which was commonly on the harvest-field, was carefully leveled with a large cylindrical roller, and consolidated with chalk, that weeds might not spring up. The farmer usually remained all night in harvest-time on the threshing-floor, not only for the protection of his valuable grain, but for the winnowing. That operation was performed in the evening, to catch the breezes which blow after the close of a hot day, and which continue for the most part of the night. This duty at so important a season the master undertakes himself: and accordingly of ancient manners, Boaz, a person of considerable wealth and high rank, laid himself down to sleep on the barn floor, at the end of the heap of barley that he had been winnowing.” (Jamieson, Fausset)


The place for the winnowing was “in the threshing floor.” This word comes from “to smooth,” it was an “open place,” “a floor” and was made by “smoothing” the ground. This place was usually “outdoors” or “on a hill” usually near the fields and they were highly valued. The site for the temple in Jerusalem was originally a threshing floor that David purchased (2 Sam 24:18; 1 Chron 21:15). The threshing was the first step; it took place first and was at a specific location. The threshing was done in several different ways. Sometimes a “sharp threshing instrument” (a solid object studded with flint) was used. (Isa 41:15). Sometimes oxen were used to pull a sled with a board with spikes over the grain or they would be used to walk over the grain. (Deut 25:4), and sometimes the grain would be beaten with heavy sticks. (Judges 6:11). The “winnowing” was the second step; it took place after the threshing. This is where the final work was done, where the grain was separated from the chaff.

Naomi is telling Ruth that the time to approach Boaz is when the threshing and winnowing has been accomplished and the labor is finished. This is a time of rest for Boaz. The work of the laborers has been examined, judged and rewarded. Now Ruth will ask for and receive her reward, and it is a greater reward! Boaz is also guarding that which belongs to him. No one will steal this harvest, the master guards it! In Boaz we see a picture of Jesus guarding what belongs to Him. He gives us this assurance, that none can take away what belongs to Him. We have eternal life, no man can pluck us out of His hand or His Father’s hand (John 10:28-29); none will ever be lost (John 17:12; John 18:9). Nothing that belongs to the Lord will ever be taken, stolen or lost, for He both guards what belongs to Him. In Ruth we see a picture of those who come to Jesus and lay claim to all that is His, they lay claim to that greatest reward of all – that place by His side as His bride!