The body of Benjamin Franklin, printer, like the cover of an old book, its contents torn out and stripped of its lettering and gilding, lies here, food for worms. But the work shall not be lost; for it will, as he believed, appear once again in a new and more elegant edition, revised and corrected by the author.

 

Wait Upon the Lord...

Topic(s): Patience

Waiting is often one of the hardest things for us to do. We would even rather work than wait. Somehow we always end up in the wrong lane or the wrong line, and we're forced to wait. We must remember that when we wait on the Lord, we are not being idle or careless. Waiting prepares us. God works in us so that He can work for us.

"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 hint"   -Isaiah 40:31

 

Don't Let Me Die Until I'm Dead

Topic(s): Encouragement

Many of us don't really start our day-we just get up. For many years I've believed something a famous neurosurgeon told me. He said the first five minutes of each day determine our day. Thus, from the time 1 was 16, I've begun each day with this prayer: "O God, don't let me die until I'm dead." I've witnessed people who seem to die long before they're buried. I don't want that to happen to me. So, in the morning, don't just get up-face up, and anticipate what a good day can be.

-Tom Haggai

 

Priests or Levites?

Topic(s): Christian Life, Priorities

When Hezekiah ascended Judah's throne he immediately began a religious revival. He had the temple cleansed of the filth which had accumulated during the reign of his wicked father Ahaz. He next commanded the renewal of the burnt offerings and sacrifices of God. In this historical setting we read an interesting statement about the Levites and priests: "...wherefore their brethren the Levites did help them, till the work was ended, and until the other priests had sanctified themselves: for the Levites were more upright in heart to sanctify themselves than the priests" (2 Chron. 29:34).

The priests should have been "out in front" preparing the nation to return to God, but were not. Perhaps they were engaged in trivial pursuits, things of a personal interest, or maybe were too busy worrying about financial security in their later years. Whatever the reason, they were not as upright in heart as the Levites.

We wonder if there is a parallel to this situation in the church today. Are there preachers-men trained to do the Lord's work-who are more interested in financial security than lost souls. Some, who in times past strongly defended every truth revealed in God's Word, seem to have softened and are willing to compromise some of truths for the sake of job security and/or prestige.

Some older members do not seem as enthusiastic about sound doctrine, defense of that doctrine, soul-saving, and personal commitment as they once were. They have a "nest-egg" stored away and by their actions and attitudes seem to say, "...soul, thou hast much good laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry." These should be in the forefront of the battle for truth, and in personal commitment have failed to sanctify themselves before the Lord.

Who are the "Levites" today who are upright in heart? Are they the "household" names among us, or are they those preachers more interested in doing the Lord's work than being noticed for doing so! Of course, some whose names are household names are faithfully proclaiming and defending the truth. However, some who were once faithful have defected to the enemy, whether that enemy be false doctrine or of "being at case in Zion" (Amos 6:1).

In the local church, it could be those young families struggling to "make ends meet" but who are still sacrificing for the Lord's work who are today's "Levites." They place their confidence and trust in God who is able to abundantly bless, rather than in the treasures of this world.

Which are we - "priests" who are content to dabble in religion, or "Levites" sanctifying ourselves and our possessions in the Lord's service? In the Day of Judgment to which of these two groups would you rather belong?

-Ernest Underwood

 

Let Me Out of Here!

Topic(s): Humor

Three expectant fathers were waiting in the maternity ward. A nurse came and said to one of them, "Congratulations! Your wife has twins!" "Wonderful," he said, "What a coincidence; I'm of the Minnesota Twins ball team!" The next nurse came and said to another of the expectant fathers, "Big news! Your wife has triplets!" "Great!" he said, "Another coincidence. I'm with the 3-M Company!" The third man grabbed his hat and said. "Let me out of here - I'm with 7-UP!"