I Peter 2:7

"Unto you therefore which believe he is precious"

Is He? I would ask this question of any that would say they are Christians, then is He precious to you? For something that is precious to the soul and theart you would treat a special way, would you not? Something that is not precious is easily replaced and not much care is given to it. So here is our test, if He is precious then how do I treat something so dear? Time is given to it. There is no other way ot foster our relationship with the Lord than being with Him. And the more we are with Him then the more we shall become like Him. Andrew Murray, "Alone with God will make one wholly for God". It is understandable then that those who do not spend time with the Lord daily have a hard time keeping Him near to them. He has lost His preciousness to them. Longer hours to speak with Him an d listen to Him will bring about a deeper love and admiration of Who He is. Just to be fixed in thoughts and meditations on His wondrous works is great indeed and enough to fill the soul with worship. Time is one of the defining tests to determine if He is precious to you. another test - Service; "If you love me you will obey Me"; when I behold His glory and know how precious He is to my life, He requires of me to follow Him in obedience. Oh, the cost of somany disobedient acts from thoughts, words and actions. We have greatly failed in this avenue of service, perhaps because self or the world robbed us of His preciousness in our sight. But as He speaks to us and moves us we will rise up and call Him blessed and do the work. So as I enquire of Him each day, when I spend time with Him, so He requires of me obedience. Soime may not see working a job or for a boss as anthing precious, but consider the work you are doing for Him. This is the kingdom of God that has eternal weight. I am found in Him because He has drawn me with His cords of love and I know that had He not drawn me in to work for Him then I would perish and be lost. But oh, the joy of knowing whose I am, no wonder Paul could say, "I know Whom I have beleived it and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him." Is this not precious in our sight? have you the joy of this truth? What is keeping you from Him being percious in your life all the day? Recognize this sin and unbelief and cast it off. It has cost you enough already and now it is high time to awake out of sleep. Put off the works of darknesss and be in the preicous light which comes from He, Who is light. "I am the light of the world". And He is precious to me.

James 2:19, 20, 26

"Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. . .that faith without works is dead"

So much is found in each chapter of James andtruly needs more time and writings to speak more directly of these precious words. But for today we will look at this theme that has been with us over the last few books of the Bible. A false teaching of Christianity today is that all you have to do to go to heaven is believe in God and christ. Driven soul winners hoping for numbers pushes this salvation expereince. many will say, "I said the sinners prayer". So what do we do with this verse 19, that says even the devils believe; does that mean the devils will be in heaven, for they professed Him when He approached them here on earth? No there is a difference between the mouth utter what the mind accepts as truth, the truth being that they do believe in God and Jesus. compared to the heart that believes that Jesus is Savior and Lord and the Son of God. They believe with the heart unto salvation because of His atonement and redemptive work for our sinful beings. Once accept as true Savior and Lord, Christ enters in and the work of the Holy Spirit begins to sanctify. This will be where the battle sets up in the body. Before our salvation we ahve been accustomed to live as we wanted. It is promoted among Americans to live life to the fullest and for self. We are a self-indulgent people, satisfying every whim and desire of the flesh. But this is in direct conflict with Christianity, where Christ taught you do not live for yourself but you die to self in order to live for Me. paul affirmed this by saying, I cruciy my flesh in order to live in the Spirit. They are in constant battle and the will of the heart decides who will rule and reign. (This is usually where most Christians fail, in the will) when Christ is ruling and reigning there are the 'works of God' to be done. We labor for Him and His kingdom and we come to this point then that'faith without works is dead'. But how many today say they have faith but there is no works that do follow them, according to the Scriptures they are a liar and the truth does not abide in them. The Scripture is clear here, faith will have works if they are in Christ; but if there is no works then there faith is dead. Where are you at today dear brother or sister in Christ? Do you have proof of Whose you are? Are you laboring for self and the things of this world? Or is there a drive to see souls reached and won and the works of God manifested to the world? this is a litmust test for the church today to reveal those that say they believe but they don't have to work for Him. That is a lie and they are not of us. And if it be that the reason we have so many that profess Christ but do so little for Him is because that they have been taught this from the majority sitting in the churches today. A survey given the other day, close to 80% of Americans call themselves Christians; but only 30% are active. What does this tell us? The 80% have faith and 50% of them have faith but no works and their faith is dead. They are religious and they believe in God, but brethern, the devils beleive also but will burn in the lake of fire forever and so will they.

Hebrews 2:1

"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."

How wonderful is all the Bible. Being able to choose a favorite book is hard, and maybe shouldn't be done. but for me I have a great joy in the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy and in the New Testament the book of Hebrews. Andrew Murray did a commentary on this book which was a pure delight to read and meditate on. There are many verses which stand out to me and I hold dear to memory and practice, this verse is one of them. The great problem today is that many things that the church and Christians used to do is being let go and removed. It is not been all at once and there are remains of it here and there, but slowly they are vanishing. These things that perhaps you was brought up on and now being let go. It should be remembered that when these things are not done, it only takes one generation and then they are removed. Maybe somewhere in records or tapes, or cds it is preserved and some will say, "I never knew that or heard of that." Why? Because we let them slip away. Once it begins to slip it soon will become a free fall to destruction. Why did these things slip away? Because in this verse it says in the opening part, "the things which we have heard". Can they be maintained if they are not heard? It is a constant teaching and declaring of the things that are right. The things that invade the mind and heart today are not things that we should keep. Keep those things that are holy and pure and undefiled; let me define what I belive these things are: 1. Bible - reading daily, memorizing and devotions of; 2. Prayer - deep, daily, specific praying; 3. Church - faithful in support and attendance; 4. Witness - obeying and casting seed. But see in our day and age of Christian living and church life and note that out of only 4 things to keep and hear about, very rare is it to find someone that is 100% in obedience. We are letting these things slip away and partly to many not aware of it but for the most part it has been a choice to decide between these holy things and earthly things and they chose the earthly over it. this generation is a by product of the last one that began slipping away, we have fallen even further away fromt he basics and are creating a greater void between the church and the Lord and wonder why is absence is before us. we should stop and determine not to lose another inch for we have fallen far enough now. We should cry out ot God for fogiveness that we have any thought to lose these things which He established and blessed int he lives of His saints. We should speak of them often, 'for the things which we have heard'. Let it not be said that they haven't heard about them. But profess and set the example before your brother and sisters in what is needful for the spiritual walk and life. God blesses faithfulness but grieves and is angry over unfaithfulness. A return to that which is needful and right is upon today. 'here I am, O Lord, send me'.

Philemon v. 15

"For perhaps he therefore departed for a season"

In the book of Titus, I gave the verses that described those that departed from the faith and never came back. Those that profess with their lips they know Him but have no fruit showing it. Now here in this small book I come to this fragment of a verse. There are those that depart from the Lord's way for a season. Some may take the book of Luke and tell the story of the prodigal son to refer to those that departed. But note that in both of these occurrences they departed but they also returned. Now the regret of departing from the Lord for a season is that there is much time lost and opportunity, and we know that once lost can never be recovered. Our life is a brief short moment and we should make the most of it and make sure that we do not depart. Many I would say today, the vast majority, depart for a season, it is the bulk of the church. Why do they depart? The flesh is weak, but the Spirit is willing; the flesh is uncontrolled today. The world doesn't help things on the flesh for it is a constant bombardment to make us sin. And for those that have appeared to me that they are in a constant state of flux, depart, return; depart, return; and you never know how long. These are those that have no depth, they know in their hearts and minds that the way of God is right, but they practice nothing to keep them in depth through prayer, Bible and church. Remove these three things of a child of God and I will show you one that has departed or is getting ready to depart. You cannot fight the battles of the Lord and win over the flesh and the world without these weapons of warfare. I would also mention in regards to this verse of departing that there are many parents holding on to the promise of Proverbs, "Bring up a child in the ways that you would have them to go and when they are old they will not depart from them." I have seen a constant surge of epidemic proportions of children having fled the church when they become teenagers or young adults. They was raised in the truth, heard the truth and many of them responded to the truth, but they did not stay in the truth, they departed. Now for a prodigal son, they depart for a seasonand then return. but the anquish, tears and pain is hard pressed to the soul of a mother or father that knows they have departed and prays for their return.
How long is the season? Days, months, years, it is a mystery. One day without the Lord is far too much to be lost, but to lose decades and years is a sin that shall be answered for. We must guard and prepare against such departings from loved ones, and new converts. Bring them up and teach the ways of the Lord more fully.

Titus 1:15-16

"But even their mind and conscience is deilfed. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate."

I listen and watch more and more today that have been brought along by the church in false salvation. You approach a person that used to come to church, they used to be invovled and now they are no where to be found, what happened? Are even worse are those that sit in the pews on Sunday but there is nothing in their life that puts them at difference from the world. Here we have this truth, those that went out from us were not of us and those that are with us are not all of us. Some have asked me how can you tell, "they served for years but now are caught in some great sin and have abandoned their faith?" The only answer is God knows those that are His, He will judge, He will determine. For us, the test of time is before us, not only do they start well but they finish well. This has not always been the case for many that I have know and respected. But I have learned in observation of these of how I do not want ot finish. The reason those verses by Paul, "I run the race, not as uncertaily; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air; But I keep under my and bring it unto subjection lest by any means when I have preached to others I myself might be a castaway. Take heed, dear child of God, the race and battle is for a lifetime not just for a season. Soon we shall be at rest but for now, gird up your mind and have no part of this double standard of Christianity. How many I come across that tell me they have said the sinner's prayer an dbeen baptized, 'They profess that they know God.. ."but what? "But in wolrks they deny him". the old saying, 'there is proof in the puddin'' Real Christianity that is surrendered unto the Lord comes out of the heart and mind to work and labor for Him, Who is worthy. But note that as Paul is warning Titus to watch for these that say one thing but do another, mark what are their tratits, abominable, disobedient. These are things we would do well to make they are not apart of us and secondly, watching for those that are of this to mark them that they are in direct conflict with Christ. 'Oh, but you cannot judge' if you don't then they will never the truth that they are not walking and living the truth, declare it unto them. Your works say differently than what your lips are telling us. The mark of consistency needs to be demonstrated among us.

II Timothy 2:21

"If a man therfore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work."

There is much found within the books of Timothy. There is much of direction, instruction, edification and sanctification. Old Stephen Olford preached that great sermon as an exhortation to preachers from these two books. I listened to that sermon from a pastors conference over and over as a young teenage boy that God was dealing with. I still hear his words pounding away in my memory. But I find that this verse is one of great profit and use in prayer. For what do we really need today? What should we be searching for today? A vessel unto honor -- Meet for tyhe Master's use. Does He find such today among the church? Yes, He has His faithful servants who are laboring to serve and please their Master. Then there is those that know in their heart but have not yielded completely and then there is those that are deceived. which are you?
What makes us meet for the Master's use? If a man therefore purge himself from these. What should be purged from our life? He had just got done referring in early passage ont he things of this world that perish. Do not cling to the earthly, the things that are dishonoring. The things that dishonor our Lord should not be found within us or around us. But purge ourselves fromt he things that we have collected over the years that are of this world. I know people sit and watch TV for hours instead of doing spiritual disciplines, this is dishonoring and we shoule purge anything that robs us of our time with Him. Music is a constant thing in cars, Chrisitans fill their minds with country and pop music and consider it okay because they have done it for years and it is not as raunchy as rap or rock and roll. But it is still of the world and should be purged so we can be filled with Him. If you occupy your mind with things of this world then that is what yo shall be, but do not be decieved, you will not be meet for the Master's use with shuch things dominating your life. These simple things in our life that occupy our time and thoughts lead us to being vessels of dishonor instead of vessels of honor unto Him, Who is worthy. Things that makes us vessels of honor are not found of things from this earth. These things are found in prayer, meditation, Bible and fellowship with other Christians. Note those that struggle with maintaining these things and see the inconsistency in their witness and daily life. they have one good day then two bad days; one good week then two bad weeks, there is no consistency within their daily walk and they are vessels of dishonor unto the Lord. There must be a purging from our life of those things that keep us from being all for Jesus. Note the difference unto a vessel of honor, they are consistent, they are joyful, they are filled with wonder of Him. They are used in great ways for His kingdom because they have made themselves meet for the Master's use. Where is your state today? Are you vessel of honor or dishonor? What needs to go from your life that would make you meet for the Master's use? If you would give place, which you should daily, to what the Spirit is grieved over and confess and repent of this sin or sins. Root it out and be a vessel of dishonor. Paul wrote, "Whether you eat or drink or whatsoever you do, do all for the glory of God." Anything that does not bring glory to God is sin and should be removed. Oh, how quickly things would change in the church, in families and in the world if we would seek to be meet for the Master's use. Seeking to be vessels of honor unto Him and purging those things that dishonor Him. 'Cleanse your hands ye sinners, purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep. . .humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." O Father, here I am a vile and sinful creature. Purge me by the blood of Christ from all iniquity, reveal, O Holy Spirit, all that is an offense unto You. Create within me a clean heart and grant me cleansing from all my ways that are dishonoring unto You. Make me meet for the Master's use that You may receive glory and honor. In Jesus Name. Amen.

I Timothy 1:18

"This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare"

Do you think most today would say they are warring a good warfare for the cause of Christ? Do you think that some even know that there is a war going on? From the actions of the church today it seems they are fast asleep and so very passive about the state of things. I believe the devil has mastered the work of slumbering the church off to sleep and they don't even realize it. We have lost our way in thsi warfare because we have become weary in the battle and want rest; or we have compromised to the truth and want to 'get along' with everyone; or we have lost sight of eternity because of worldly lusts and desires. The old hymn' the battle is not over' but we daily labor in this battle until that day when we shall finally be at rest. But if we are aware that we are at war then we should make practice to 'war a good warfare'. No general wants said of him that they did a poor job in the war, they want a military victory. How shall we gaint he victory in this warfare?
--know who is the enemy, I believe the church looks upon its own brothers and sisters in Christ and sees them as the enemy. Now, I am not talking about religious people in the churches that are lost, they are the enemy. For any man that is not with Christ is against Christ and Jesus told it plainly that the Pharisees father was the devil because they did the works of him. Any one that is not saved is of the devil and is lost, but any one that is saved is a brother and sister in Christ. They are not my enemies, the world is. One thing you learn in Acts that everytime the Spirit came in power was when the church was in unity. Could it be that we have not seen the power unfold because we have not been in unity? But know that the enemy is not to be trusting nor allowed to come in and decieve and harm the flock. An enemy is to be feared guarded against.
--be fit; Athletes must train to do well in the competition, muscians must practice to play well and Christians must be trained to fight well. Our weapons are not of this world but the warfare is spiritual. then why does Christians take so lack an approach to prayer, meditation and study of the Word? An unfit army is certain to lose. It is a daily exercise that will keep us fit in the warfare, our minds, hearts and souls ever so sensitive to the things of God. but if we skip days and weeks of being with Him then we become unfit soliders for the cross of Christ. 'Renew yourself day by day' is the standard of being fit. And isn't it amazing the Christians can go a week without any spiritual disciplines in their life and then wonder why nothing is happening in the church. Families did not make themselves fit for Christian warfare and lost their chidlren to the things of the world because they gave place to it. Train yourself up in the ways of the Lord and be faithful unto Him Who is faithful unto you. Study, pray and wait before Him Who will protect and deliver you from all the ways of the world.
--don't just wound the enemy but kill the enemy; Now that may sound like I am suggesting to wage a Crusade warfare, but understand the enemy is sin. Sin must be destroyed just as Jesus did it, 'lay down your life, take up your cross, and follow Me'. Kill the enemy is to kill the lusts of the flesh, the desires in the heart and die to self daily in order to live int he Spirit. We want to kill everything else in the world but the real enemy. "I am crucified in the flesh, and Christ lives in me."
Are you warring a good warfare? Or have you been entangled with the things of this present world? This day resolve that you will war a good warfare, give place to Christ Who beckons unto you to be with Him. Remember this life is not forever and the battle msut be won, here. At death it will be too late, labor today for that is all we are granted. A moment to choose to serve Him Who is worthy. And remember this, your battle, your war is not just effecting you but all those around you. Our battle impacts the church, our family, friends and each generation loses ground or gains ground in the war by their decisions. It is a great weight to labor in this war and we must not lose any more ground. Fight a good fight and war a good warfare, so that you might hear those blessed words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter now into the joys of the Lord".

II Thessalonians 2:13

"Because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation"

There is a wonderful theme found throughout Scriptures of God's mighty to save. Many have problems with the vastness of God and the work of salvation in the hearts of men. But I have no problem with understanding this work of redemption for fallen man. God knows everything; and many will agree to that, but then question whether he knows whether a man or woman will choose Him for the saving of the soul. If God knwos everything, and He does, if you don't believe this truth then you don't believe God is God, but that He is a God of limitations, then He knows what you and I will decide. another wonderful description of God is that He is present in all times, past, present and future. How deep to know that the same God that saved me on my day of salvation, is the same today that meets me and the same that shall meet me in future days. He is consistent even though I am not. For as I may forget Him for hours during the day, pray that it be not any more than that, He nevers forgets me, but is always in the present. The wonderful Scriptures reveal this Scripture truth to us today. The twins that were in Rebekah's womb, Jacob andEsau, were known of God and was foretold in what they would become. How? Because God demonstrates His knowledge about the future. "Jacob have I loved and Esau have I hated"; the one chose God to serve and the other rejected Him. You come to Jeremiah and that wonderful passage in Jeremiah 1, "I have chosen you, while you was still in the womb I ordained you and chose you" God knows and sets His mark on those that are His. John the Baptist, while still in his mother's womb upon hearing that Mary, the mother of Jesus had come, leaped by the moving of the Spirit in the belly. He was declared by the angel to his father, that he should be the prophet that goeth before the Messiah. All these things are done in the present with the people involved to demonstrate what shall be. It is no different then, for me or you if God has seen fit to chose us for salvation from the beginning. whereas, you should accept this instead of trying to understand completely, for how can finite understand the ways of infinite? It is impossible. So where one tries to understand it and will not accept it until they do, they lose the opportunity to rejoice that they have been chosen to be saved. "When I understand it, then I will accept salvation." I fear you will never be saved then, for even the devil knows that if can keep you from believing that all things are known of God and done by God, he can keep you from being saved through faith. The very end of this verse declares, "Belief in the truth", if you cannot believe this truth you cannot be saved. It should cause us to rejoice that we were chosen and not cast off. For as much as God knew those of His church that would receive, does He not also know those that will reject Him? I take great delight that I am not of them, born in a place or time that was limitede in the availability of invitation, but great grace has been given to us of this day and time. Isn't it a marvel that with so much of invitation extended to this people so many reject and refuse savlation? God knows this, even though, He does not desire this. For another Scripture tells us, God would have all to be saved and to come to a knowledge of Him for salvation. I give thanks for Him choosing me from the beginning. I know not who are the other ones to be saved, but I would pray for them all around me that they also might be those that was chosen from the beginning. Consider now those tha thave not been chosen, what hope do they have? None. Eternal lostness, damnation for such a soul. Oh, how awful and heart rending in those that having heard the Gospel should reject and perish. Does this not move us to pray? Seeking the face of God for His mercy and the power to see the souls of many saved is this prayer.

I Thessalonians 5:22

"Abstain from all appearance of evil."

Herein is found the problem of the church today. They had rather mix and mingle with good and evil and rest their conscience that all is well. It seems we have forgotten the difference between right and wrong; light and darkness and good and evil. For must be one or the other, not a mesh of two. But here is a directive from the Apostle Paul, a means to stay holy, good and a vessel of light. How often have you fallen and given place to sin because you put yourself in the enemies camp? How masterfully does the devil uses the means of bringing us to sin against God when we give place to the things of this life. This should mean to us to not have any apprehension over what is right and what is wrong. Christians today still want to debate over what is evil. They categorize sin now, by levels, of what is really bad and should be avoided but what is not too bad in their eyes and can be played with at times. we have lost the idea of the Scriptures that these earthly amusements costs us more than we realize and damage the witness of Christ. How cruel and heart rending when a non-believer looks at us while we are indulging in a earthly pursuit and says, "I thought you was a Christian?" Our embrace of earthly things has led to our heavenly witness to be washed away. An excuse is offered, "Everybody is doing it"; and I will answer that with my father's favorite line, "No, not everybody will be doing it, because you are not going to be doing it." But to give a list of appearances of evil should be reflected inward and outward. Outward: what do you watch on TV; what music do you listen to; what do you do with your spare time; what do you invest your money in; Inward: what thoughts do you think; what is on your heart; how do you perceive things; what are your priorities; these questions on posed to make us consider how our appearance to this world is reflective of Christ or self. If you surround yourself with worldly things then you will practice them. The devil is patience and he can chip away at your resolve until you are broke down and fall prey to an evil practice. Anything that causes my brother to sin should be put away lest he be tempted. Anything in my house should be open for examination lest I be harboring sinful pleasures. Let nothing in my life cause me to be a reproach to the cause of Christ. many today in the church have the appearance of evil. so much so, that it is hard to tell the church goers from the lost world. They smell like them, they drink what they drink, they talk like they do they are in every way worldly. Perhaps they have not been redeemed at all, since they have not been made to be new creatures? For all the old things need to be put away and a difference in your life must be manifest to the world, we are not our own but we are Christs. Avoid all places of evil so that there is no question of why you are there and what you are doing. The old excuse offered, "I am trying to win my friends" That is wonderful and granted that is priority but you wil not win them by acting and frolicing with them.

Colossians 3:2

"Set your affection on things above, not on things on th eearth."

Within this book there are many great truths and directives. This verse has been one committed to memory for many years. It is a directive and a leading from the Holy Spirit. You see the things of this earth never satisfy people. If we would learn from Solomon and all his wisdom that he had searched the world and observed the way people lived and found that all was vanity. It was empty and nothing lasted. But for a Chrisitan they know that the uniqueness of Chirst in their life is that nothing satifies like Him. He brings love, peace and joy into the life and we have never experienced anything like this. It is so wonderful and complete. Now having experienced this we draw from this truth that the spiritual world is far better and complete than this one. This being the truth of the matter then why waste your time with the frivolities of this earth? 'Set your affections on things above', move beyond this world and its vanity and latch hold eternal things. What are these things? One of the things found within the epistles is a little word that Paul used over and over, 'the mystery' of the Gospel. The mystery of the way in which a holy God grants salvation to lost men and women. He not only pardons their sin but in enters in their being, this is a mystery to understan how God can enter into us who are unfaithful and vile. The saving of the soul causes the angels in heaven to rejoice and it is a mystery of things above. Secondly, prayer is one of these things. How marvelous and profound in its plan and work. It directs us to heaven and leaves this world to shaped and changed because of it. Prayer to work in and through people and events to complete the will of God. This is a wonder that when men believe and pray things happen that cannot be explained by man but only 'it is a work of God'. The Bible is another thing above. Truth is something lacking here on earth, absolute truth, dwells with us but finds such harshness among people to accept it. Why? Because it is above and we are beneath. But when your desire is for things above this world you will rest in the Word for you know its power and ability. It is a testimony of those that have followed the ways of God and great things were done for the kingdom. It is the same power that proceeds to be described in Rev. and Hebrews, that the 'Word of God is sharp and cuts deep'. Our words here on this world may cut but they do not do like the Word of God. Christ is described in REv. as a Sword coming out of His mouth, His word is truth and shall destroy all before Him. He spoke it into existence and He can speak it out of existence. This is the things above which is beyond this world of understanding. Lastly the church is a thing above. Church seems to be defined by the building on the street corner, but when you give thought that Christ died for the church, established the church and is comimng back for the church understand it is a thing from above. Peter, upon you I will build the church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against you. It is a heavenly thing wherein the kingdom of God abides within each of His servants. It has endured through persecutions, perils, tribulations and religious counterfeits and it will be perfected and made ready to be the bride of Christ. Hererin are things above and with these four things we lose interest in thsi worldly things. Where do you place your time, thoughts and energy? Cast off the works of darkness and put on the robe of righteousness. Let your desires be on heavenly things for His glory in you and through you.

Philippians 3

I am working to add a devotion as I finish my Bible readings. I am coming fast through the Epistles and wanted to share a devotion from each one, which becomes quite a task. There is much that I wish to share from Philippians but I will center in on my favorite chapter here, chapter 3 and the "I may's".
v. 8, "I may win Christ" - 'if any man come after me, he must die to self in order to live for Me'; Paul writes here that having counting all things as dung, for the one purpose that he may receive Christ completely. We see and recognize many today that are content with receiving Jesus as Savior but have no intention of Him being their Lord. Now, I am certain that the Scriptures are clear here that if He is not your Lord then He is not your Savior. But how many today are under the lie that it is not necessary to win Christ as Paul is writing here. "That is just for those fanatics", the say. But Jesus was clear on the fact that our life was a pursuit to win Him. Paul also refers to this in Corinthians were he writes about winning the race. There is a desire to win Him, Who is worthy to be won.
v. 10, "I may know him" - again, my word study to 'know' finds a deep meaning for a Christian. there is one thing to know someone superficially but quite another intimately. Can this finite know His infiniteness? No, I would seek to go deeper unto Him. "Deep calleth unto deep"; "No man can know the deep things of God; but the Spirit reveals the deep things of God"; it is not found in my experience or study to know about Him; it is found in the Spirit of God revealing Him to me; How much do you want to know Him? How much have sought for Him? Remember the wonderful repeated over and over throughout the Scriptures, "when you seek for Me, you shall find Me, when you search for me with all your heart'. It is a life pursuit to continue to search, to meditate, to wait upon Him and then we begin to know Him as He reveals Himself to us. Many keep at arms length from Him and know no more of Him that a casual friend. Time is what allows for us to know more of Him. If you meet Him only once a week you will never know Him.
v.11, "I might (may) attain unto the resurrection of the dead" this life is short and brief, and then comes eternity. Isn't it a marvel that so many know this truth but refuse to think up;on it; they live as if life will always continue as is, that it will never end. but the truth is clear, this life will end and without hope in Christ eternity will not be with Him but in hell. Oh, the fear should move us to cry out for attain the resurrection of the dead in Christ. That knowing this truth, to be absent fromthe body is to be present with the Lord. Christ suffered, died and was buried; but the whole theme of our christianity is found in the resurrection of the dead unto eternal life in heaven with Him. I attain this by embracing life in Him; dying to self, crucifying self and the flesh to rise in Him.
v. 12, "I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus"; Christ Jesus has laid seige to my soul and being and I wish the same. Is there an intent desire to apprehend Him? To be arrested in attention, thought, desire, passion and life for the cause of Christ. Paul sought after Him to apprehend Him. Song of Solomon, "I sought for Him and I found Him, whom my soul so long has loved and I would not let Him go"; having obtained Him, he held on to Him and would not let anything take Him away. there has been things in our life of other interest that has caused to lose Him for a short season. Other loves, other interests and we know that we have lost time with the One Who is so precious to our souls. The life lesson here is to be learned, that moments lost can never be gained again. Seize the moment; apprehend Him in the moment for the growth and love that needs to abound and be a witness of His glory and power.

Ephesians 3:19

"And to know the love of Chirst, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God."

The great prayer for the church by the Apostle Paul. How powerful it is, how deep and rich for the kingdom. We would do well to memorize and expound on it with our lives and churches. One of my word studies that I did through the Bible was the word "know, knowing". There is great instruction with that word withing our walk with the Lord. And here we begin this verse to know something, to know the love of Christ. How empty it sound to me when people refer to the love of God. How I love that old hymn, "the Love of God". but how can finite understand infinite. How can we, as man, know the love of God in its divinity from Him? When I pray, I offer this truth that I do not know the love of God or Christ, but I ask to be taught to know this Eternal love, this Divine love for it far surpasses the love of man. Therefore, I am not interested in the love of man, we use the term to loosely anyway. But I will learn from Paul here to know the love of Christ. What did Jesus say? No man hath any greater love than this, than to lay down his life for another. Test myself, test the church, are we willing to lay down our lives for another, for Him? No doubt, found within this first test are those that would fail in loving Christ and knowing His love. How else do we know this love of Christ? "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." Are Christians keeping the commandments of God? Can an unfaithful servant say that he is faithful? Many will say, "I love the Lord"; but if they don't keep His commandments then they don't love Him. The second part in this verse that uses the word to 'know' is found "which passeth knowledge". Knowledge is good and profitable when it draws us nearer to Him. But for some they have gained knowledge for the sake of knowledge; and this type of ability is vanity because it leads to pride and self-righteousness. Beyond human comprehension and learning is what is referrred to here. That which is beyond the minds intellect and moves into the realm of experience by faith. FAith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Knowledge is beneath faith because it requires proof of substance, to see it, to handle it. The last part of this verse to hold to is once we have gained a knowledge of Christ love and accept it and possess it this leads us beyond this world of substance of physical things to the spiritual. The fulness of God is referred to several times in the Bible and what is sorely needed today among us. We are so content with a little dab of Jesus when He offers His fulness. The 120 in the upper room received the fulness and they were changed for ever. Our confession today should be laid here. We are empty or only slightly filled, so now fill me Lord with Your fulness. Dying to self in order to be filled with Thee. Pour me out that ye may possess me from top to bottom. The fulness of God is so vast and wonderful do you not crave it? Have you not thought upon it? Give meditation to it then and hunger for that which He wishes to do.

Galatians 5:10

"I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded. . ."

I am led this morning to write quickly of this verse. I am coming through fast through my Bible readings and epistles go quickly in reading. So I will try to write one devotion from each of the remaining books in the New Testament. There is much marked and referred to in the book of Galatians, great verses and great themes. But I cannot pass by this verse, for you see, it is my verse. It was given to me as a calling into the minstry so many years ago. When as a young teenager full of possibilities and vigour I was led to this verse most dramatically. I was not aware of it and neither had I any comprehension of Scripture at this point but fixed within my mind was the book, chapter and verse, given to me over and over until finally I looked up to ease my mind. Oh, what wonder I found here. Could this be for me? God speaking to me that He has confidence in me through HImself? There was no doubt that if God had confidence in me, then I must serve Him and I yielded to follow and serve Him. Many years, tempations and joys have come and gone and always with joy I do remember when God spoke. Henry Blackaby scolded preachers about not having a verse from the Bible as their own. It has been something as a mark upon the saints that God uses His word to speak and direct us. A salvation verse; a calling verse; a promise verse. What is yours? Where has God led you to read or look up a passage so that He might speak to you?
Even though I did not quote all the verse I hold to it all as my own. He that troubles me, God will deal with. As a pastor and servant of the Lord, we are not without hardships and man is frail and vile, they attack for they are pawns of the devil in many instances. I try not to be anxious or fearful of man becasue of this verse, you see, I am committed unto Him for safe keeping. And if my enemies rejoice over me, I am as David, the Lord has bidden them to rejoice over me. My own failures and sins have led to my downfall. I have failed Him Who had confidence in me many times over. Does that mean I lose heart and quit? No He has said, He has confidence in me whether I am walking with Him or contrary to Him. I beleive that this is one of the reasons that God in the midst of my iniquities, God was always beckoning unto me to return, repent and follow after Him. For God Who cannot lie, has confidence in me, a poor, weak, vessel. He is making me to be a vessel of honor and removing my dishonor unto Him. Oh, how precious is the blood of Jesus Christ that cleanses me from all iniquity. What power is laid before the children of God who will believe in what God hath said and promised.

II Corinthians 12:9; 13:4, 10

"power of Christ"; "Power of God";

Within these three verse, four times Paul writes of the power of God. Do you wish to see and experience the power of God? It should be a prayer for us and a testimony of His power in our life and the church. When is the last time a testimony was given of the power of God? Every conversion is a testimony of the power of God to save and deliver. Every answered prayer is a word of praise to His greatness. The moving of God within us is for this action that He shows Himself strong for them who are perfect in Him. is this in your life? Do we see the power of God upon families today? Is the church a demonstration of the power of God? It is absent, isn't it.
Why? Has God lost His power? Is He not able to do all things? In my prayer time I quote and read the verses in Genesis, Exodous and Jeremiah that reaffirm God has not lost His power and that there is nothing too hard for Him. So if God has not lost it then why don't we have it?
Search within your soul today, do you see what is missing? Why did other saints have it and we see sprinkling around us when they saw gushing rivers? The vast difference today is found within the oneness with Christ. Thought patterns of God have change, and not for the better but for the worse. It seems Satan has been able to lower the thoughts of God even among His own people. There is such a weak impression of God, that fear is absent and holiness is abstained from. The church wants nothing of these things that is the clear path to the power of God. Isn't the record true that at anytime when the power of God was demonstrated it was because a man had given place to God and all His glory and God honored that. God showed up to the one that was calling in faith upon Him Who created and sustains all things. Missing today is the right perspective of God in worship, study, prayer and silence. I demonstrate this with groups this way; clear your mind and sit in silence; how long before a thought comes in? For most it only takes a few seconds and the mind begins to process and calculate about what is going on round about you or what needs to be done? But to still the mind is a discipline hard to find today. And even more so to keep the mind on Christ consistently. Always wrestling aginst thoughts of this world. The flesh dominates, our world infiltrates and we are lost at sea. Because of such poor discipline in the mind set, we have no opportunity to experience the power of God in the darkness let alone in the light. An other reason the power is absent is because of unbelief. Sad, as it is to say, faith is weak and gross. Largely because within the last decades there has been the withdrawing from the Word of God. Verses are not held as the promise of God; hope in these promises are missed and reason and physical life is depended upon. Old saints like George Mueller, "Open thy mouth wide and I will fill it"; deemonstrated the power of God because of holding onto one verse. Many more saints could be listed from days long ago, but I am searching for present saints that have shown the power of God because they refused to listen to the world. They anchored in the Word and stayed there with faith. Another reason for missing power of God today is the lack and neglect of prayer. Although it is encouraging to see so many returning to prayer, it is still lacking in so many. Power is absent because prayer is absent. restore right praying and power will be shown again to the nations.

II Corinthians 8:11

"Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have."

There is an impression on the will to do something for God. No doubt, it is the Holy
Spirit breathing God's Divine will into the thoughts and intents of the heart. I have heard manyh testimonies of saints that during meetings, conferences and such that they have been 'strangely warmed' about the things of God. Moved to do something, to believe in faith, to witness, to pray or something of Divine nature and have shared of this moving upon their life. This moving of the Spirit upon them is the 'readiness to will'. God wishes to do something and He turns to His people to do it. Let us never become so brash that we take credit for what God is doing in us. Even though, many be moved to this 'readiness to will' it is that the best of intentions fails when they are left for a few days or weeks. many have started a new year with a holy resolution to undertake to meet God and follow Him only to be found by March or spring to have returned to their old ways. Paul knows this and is encouraging the children at Corinth not just to be moved but to accomplish; to do it. No doubt, found among us is a daily breathing of the Spirit into our hearts and minds and we resolve that we accomplish it this day, only to return at evening and say, "What happened to the day?" I would have you note the leading of the Holy Spirit and know that God is active in your life. Many search for proof of God being present because their faith is weak and they know not the things of God. Here is the evidence before us that God is present. But even if I had no proof of this, know that God is still active and present within our lives. But then why is there not a fulfillment of the will. Because the Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. The Spirit comes and places this Divine will within us and we agree with it. It may be that somethings come upon you and you fight God, much to your shame, but you know it to be right. Beyond the decision of doing or not doing, you know it is from Him and you know you must obey. But at this point choice enters in. Will we obey? Can I do this? Why not someone else? The will wrestles with itself and it is a matter to wait now until conclusion to see if the flesh or the Spirit of God abiding in us will prevail. That is why Paul encourages the church to act in obedience to this right leading and to fulfill it. We should search our minds and hearts today, what have we left undone? what has moved us to consdier that we have put off? where is He leading you even now? Then rise and be doing for the glory of your Lord. REmove anything that would hinder and quench the Spirit and be found in full compliance with Him. Even though somethings may continue to gnaw at us until we obey, somethings are at a given moment. These things cannot be restored, one time and gone, never more to be seized. A witness, a prayer, a reading, a confimration, each one presenting themselves that God was wishing to do something in you and through you but you would not. It can become a consistent pattern of life for Christians to wait it out until it leaves. Just stay busy with something else and "I can dismiss it". Know the cost of such thinking, it is a soul, an eternal moment for a soul that is at jeopardy. How vile that we should dicker about eternal matters in such a way. To those that make a way of life routine, they have lsot the sensitivity to the Spirit and are costing the kingdom much. Is this what you want? Then seek Him for forgiveness and restore the senistivity to the Spirit found in obeience. Lose not the precious moments which God has given to us, lest He pass it on to someone else.

II Corinthians 1:11

"Ye also helping together by prayer for us"

Is there a need for help? Absolutely. Across the board people are crying out for help; spouses in need; parents losing their children; churches looking for an answer; souls lost and perishing; souls struggling each day with sin; Oh how we need help. Well here is the answer to the call for help through prayer. "By prayer" how needful it is but how little it is done. I am still very much aware that during the last prayer conference there was this confession from pastors that they did not pray. It wasn't that they did not pray enough, signifying that they prayed but not enough time, but that they did not pray at all. I remember the story from Andrew Murray, where he was at a conference and he asked how many had prayed 60 minutes that moring, only a few hands went up; he asked how many had prayed for 30 minutes a few more hands went up; he asked how many prayed 15 mintues and more hands went up; then he asked how many prayed at least 5 minutes and the vast majoity responded; but folowing that time a man came up and approached him and confessed that he did not know if he had prayed 5 minutes a week. You see the sad truth is that everyone knows about prayer but only a few are doing it. Everyone makes excuse that they pray but it is only glimpses of thoughts in their head toward God about a need they want. Waiting upon the Lord and needful praying is removed from such a manner of praying. We should see the weakness in the church today and know that it is help is lacking because praying is lacking. Now that is individually, what about the church? Most churches open with prayer, have prayer over the offering (the same prayer), have a prayer during the ser vice which would consist of all the sick and asking for God's blessings on their work and lastly close in prayer. That would be around 95% of all church praying. What has happend to the people of God that prayer is so limited an unneedful to them. May God forgive us and I know He will correct us one way or the other. But the church must learn again to pray as the people of God. Go back to Acts and read again that almost everytime the Spirit fell it was when they were with one accord and it was united prayer. oh, how we need that today. Note the last two words shared in our text, "for us" It is a specfice prayer by the Apostle Paul, 'for us' the workers asking for help. Could you get it today, if you needed help would you know who to go to, to ask for prayer for you? The great story in my life was when TW Hunt told me he would pray for me. How appreciative I was, and that after almost 4 years when I approached him again, he called me and my wife and my oldest children by name. How did he remember me after all this time? He practiced what he said he would -- he prayer for us. Oh what a lesson I learned that day. There is power in praying 'for us'. Specific people, families, churches. Holding them up ujnto the Lord so that He might be gloified in them and through them. That was what Paul was asking and we need it today.

I Corinthians 2:9-10

"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit; for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God."

Here we are! One of my favorite section of verses in the Bible. Memorized years ago for the one theme that has been constantly within my soul. The vastness of God's provisions for us. So often many Christians are set on the physical. You hear it in their prayers, "heaing, wealth, possessions, advancement". They ask for things of this world. And there is a legitmate need for asking for the needs of life. "But God knoweth that you have need of these things, but rather seek ye the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you." If this verse be true, and it is, then our priority should be found in looking for the kingdom of God (or should I say being filled with the kingdom of God). The kingdom of God is in layers; intialy it is found in salvation, then growing of knowledge of Christ, then indeptheness and finally holiness. And no man can continue to grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ without the 'deep things of God'. We cannot obtain these deep things apart from the Spirit. So let the fulness of the Spirit come upon us and then we shall know and have the deep things of God. But in our day a few that are seeking for the 'deep things of God' want it for personal advancement, pride and/or vanity. a remanant want the deep things of God for His glory. How few care for such things. Have you tried to have a conversation about the deep things of God? My frustration has extended over and over because of those that have not cared for these things which touch my soul. i am able to perceive when I begin talking whether they are of the same sort as I. And may I say that the fruit gleaned from old saints that have been pursuing these deep things by the Spirit have whetted my appetite deeper. Old saints that I have read and found there purusit of holiness in these things have been a blessing and an encouragement. But for the vast majority, when I mention these things they have no concept of what I am talking about. I have read and heard the testimony that would match the words of Paul, "I knew a man caught up to the third heaven and heard and saw things too wonderful" Men have seen and experienced things in this life of the next life that have been too wonderful. But it is because they have walked with Him and they have listened an waited for Him, knowing that the Spirit reveals them. I would ask you today, what do you hunger and thirst for? what do you want to see in this life that God cannot reveal and speak to you? Do you care for the deep things of God?
Upon the whole their are few, but if you crave these things, know that God hath breathed His Spirit into you to draw you. Yea, I believe that God draws all men for this craving and desire to know Him and serve Him, but He knows those that will follow on. It is the Spirit of God within you giving you these holy breathings, neither assume that it comes from your own wickede heart. That would be an offence unto Him. He has done it, is doing it, and will do it in you and me and we seek to obey and love Him.

Romans 6:19

". . .to iniquity unto iniquity. . ."

It is the worst fear of a Christian - to to commit iniquity against the God Who loved and saved us. But far worse is to go from iniquity unto iniquity. And how many times has the case been demonstrated that one sin led to another and before long they were submerged in the bog of transgression. One step off of the straight and narrow will lead to crushing iniquity that allows for Satan and the forces of hell to rejoice and take delight that a son of God has fallen. Oh for a sensitive place within our souls that would cry out at the first sight of falling into iniqutiy. How that might keep us from sin, but remember that He has promised that He would keep us from falling. Then why to Christians today seem to bath themselves in sin and iniquity and go from inquity unto inquity?
One reason is what I constantly refer to as the lack of spiritual disciplines. I am convinced that when a man or woman of God holds true on a daily path to be with God and wait upon Him, sin is absent from those moments of intimacy with Christ. But allow for a Christian to rise up from prayer or bible time and go about their daily activities and soon they will fall into sin. Becasue they left Christ in the secret chamber instead of 'abiding in Him and He in them'. It is a deep life with Him in the chamber but that life muse be dwelt upon throughout the day. The day is the Lord's and must be used to bring Him glory. But so often is the confession from pastors, deacons, teachers and the church as a whole that they have not spent time with Him. Therefore, they cannot abide in Him because they have removed themselves from His presence. Because they have removed from Him (if you are not moving toward Him then you are moving away from Him) then they are moving toward SAtan. Remember, 'our enemey as a roaring lion walking about seeking whom he may devour'. When you withdraw from Him then Satan is waiting for you outside the camp and you know that he has mastered the way to lead any child of God to inquity unto inquity. Therefore, make no place for Satan, nor give place for the flesh but be filled with the Spirit.
Another reason that iniquity unto inquity takes place in the Christian is because of the flesh. Now when we came to Christ we were to die toself in ordeer to live in the Spirit. 'Take up your cross and follow me; die to self' But when yhou behold the church today, where is the death of the flesh? I heard growing up and read it from the old preachers, "Baptists don't drink; don't dance; don't playh cards and don't go to the theatre" and I always refer to this old saying because Baptist do all four things now with now conviction about it. We see no surrender of self but men and women wanting the best of both worlds, "give me the entertainments fo this world and let me have my salvation for the next world' Truly I don't know how with Scripture people can justify themselves in the flesh and be children of the king. Separate yourselves from them, come ye out from among them; But because these sins of the flesh is so deep and routinely enjoyed they fall from inquity unto inquity.
The cost of it - the Spirit is quenched when we go from inquity unto inquity. What can we do without the Spirit? No power; no leading; no feeding, we are left unto the remains of a dead carcass. Now can you see why the church is the way that it is in America? Cease from inquity unto inquity and repent then all will change. Romans 6 is a needful study for us and may it be embedded in our prayer to keep us from sin and may we be ashamed when we allowed our flesh to lead us from inqutiy unto inquity.

Acts 27:20

"all hope that we should be saved was then taken away."

Paul and his companions were on their way to Rome. A witness had been borne on this ship that God was going to deliver them. But in the midst of this promise there was constant threatenings of life to be taken from the weather, from the sea, to all th eother hazards of life found within this world. Leaning upon the promise of God is so needful within a Christians life. Holding a promise from God's Word to your life is strength and encouragement of faith. But how often Christians have no word of promise. "Is there any word from the Lord?" And how often they have to answer, "all is quiet, there is no word from Him." But there is, for He that cannot lie has spoken to us. He would daily speak to us if we would be listen and give time to Him. Why is it then that so many have lost hope? They have lost hope int eh Word, in the church, in prayer, there faith has diminished instead of "Lord, increase our faith". "All hope that we should be saved was taken away." Weary traveler through this life, give not up hope in Him Who has promsied that He has gone to prepare us a place for evermore. And even though your circumstance might be like Job's that you have lost every earthly thing, remember - "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Bless His Holy Name."
And what should we say of salvation for the lost here? Have they lost hope that they should ever be rescued and won to Jesus? Truth is perished from the pulpits; families have sold out to the world and hell; and friends care not for the souls committed unto them. It is a hopeless tiime, it seems. But though all be against us, "Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world". HOld on to that Word from Him, Who cannot lie and know that He hears, HE loves, He is hope and sustains hope. Find in Him all that you need. Rest not nor trust in things of this earth, for they shall all pass away. But He Who liveth forever and ever has not grown weak nor weary with the lostness of mankind today. His desire is to seek and save all that is lost and He will not lose one of those committed unto Him.

Acts 16:16

"And it came to pass, as we went to prayer. . ."

How often is it that when you go to pray you are not alone in meeting God? Not only does God promise to meet us; the Holy Spirit moves us to pray but there are other outside things that come along as well. For one, our own thoughts come in; "What do I need to get done today?' "I wonder whaty so and so is doing this day?". And not only our own thoughts, but the devil will also come. Note here in this verse that when Paul and the others were going to pray this woman with a demonic spirit met them. It is for only one purpose that this happens, it is to stop the work of prayer. In conversations, I have pursued how people pray and how they meet God and when they meet Him. I am curious of such things and am always hopeful to learn something new. When asked by some how I know some of our great prayer warriors today, I answer that I have pursued them to ask how they pray. I am sure that this is not a standard question that most get asked. But be warned of this, that when you resolve to pray this is what the devil fears and abhors more than anything else and he will come to stop you.
Always wrestling against the flesh; sleep a little longer, watch a little TV, read a book, have a conversation, be with the family. All these things are fine in their own means, but becomes sin when it stops us from meeting Him. Robert Murray McCheyne talks about secret prayer, "Christ loved secret prrayer. Ah, you are no Christian, if you do not love secret prayer. Disguise it as you may; defend it as you can; explain it as you like; but a prayerless man is a Christless man." Strong words unto the church today that is guilty of the sin of praylessness. May we resolve that nothing will stop us or prohibit us from meeting Him each day. And knowing that we have to battle during prayer, before prayer and after prayer, get your spirit saturated with the Holy Spirit to overcome. Remember the Words, "Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." The battle is for a life time and then we shall be at rest with Him. There will be no restraints then but continued prayer.

II Kings 2:14

"Where is the Lord God of Elijah?"

There is a song today entitled, "Days of Elijah" and it declares the truth for us. For as it was in the days of Elijah that Ahab and Israel had forsaken the Lord God, Elijah was not aware that God had 7,000 who had not bowed nor kissed Baal. There is a remnant of disciples of Christ today that are crying out in this day of evil. An invitation from the Lord has been given for our nation to repent and return to following wholly after Him, but it has been rejected. The church today, more interested in religion and traditions than serving the Lord. It was during the days of Elijah that judment fell upon the land -- famine, drought, war. Even after the battle on Mount Carmel where Elijah defeated the Baal worshipers, the children of Israel had declared that the Lord was the true God but they did not follow with active worship. And the kings of Israel cotinued in disobeidence. Found among believers today is the truth, "the Lord is the One true God", but it almost seems like it is lip service because their life and actions do not follow what their mouth is saying. There is very little yieldedness and surrender today among Christian believers. Judgments are now falling all around this coutnry and the world. why won't the church today cry out for mercy and declare a repentant heart. Must we get to the end of Kings where that awful phrase was written, "until there was no remedy" before we finally declare an urgency for the church. we have fallen from His mercy because we have chosen self and worldly means instead of faithfulness and holiness. A cry to pray has gone on deaf ears; a spirit of love has been buried beneath doctrinal resentment; and denominations are more worried to adapt to modern means instead of relying on the One True God for His help.