Welcome, friends, to another
broadcast of Morsels for Zion's Poor. Paul instructs Timothy
with these words, I exhort therefore that first of all supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,
for kings and for all that are in authority, that we may lead
a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty, for
this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.
The Lord alone will cause all that these earthly magistrates
do to work together for good to all of his children, whether
or not we agree with whatever policy or agenda they might have. As the sons of light, we dwell
in the light and are not overtaken by darkness, regardless of the
darkness that swirls around us. Let the potsherds of the earth
strive with the potsherds of the earth, or as the Lord told
his disciples, let the dead bury their dead. Many lament the changing
of the guard as if this somehow thwarts the purpose of God rather
than fulfilling it. I'm sure that the apostles often
lamented various trials that befell them as a result of the
rulers under which they lived. Yet they spoke no evil towards
those whom the Lord raised up into these places, and they did
not expect that it was these powers which would render unto
them some blessing. The Lord was pleased to put Silas
and Paul in prison at the hand of an earthly government. Yet
he was pleased to meet with them there and put a song in their
heart and praise upon their lips. Year of the light of the world,
a city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. He alone is
our light. We look for light nowhere else
in this world of sin and sorrow. He has ordained that we be the
emissaries of his light, not by political activism, but by
worship. Paul exhorts the Colossians in
three very closely related activities, which are the lifeblood of the
saints. Rejoice evermore. Why should the saints be discouraged?
Has not our Savior and King triumphed openly over all principalities
and powers? Can the powers of darkness prevail
against the children of light? Rejoice ye in that day and leap
for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. He has gone
to prepare for us a place, and where He is, we shall be. Rejoice,
because your names are written in heaven. What is inscribed,
no man can alter. What then? Notwithstanding, every
way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached, and
I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. There is no greater
place of rejoicing in this world than in sending and hearing of
the gospel of Christ's redemption. We ought to pray without ceasing.
True prayer is both effectual and fervent. It is effectual
because it is always according to the will of God. True prayer
is fervent. Fervent prayer is unceasing prayer.
Some think that they are heard because of their much speaking.
Fervency has more to do with the singleness of purpose than
it does with zeal or passion. The Lord heard the desire of
the Canaanite woman whose daughter was vexed with the devil, even
though he at first appeared to disdain her request. Yet by the
power of the Spirit which worked in her mightily, she persisted,
knowing that he alone was her deliverer. No man, having put
his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom
of God. And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men
ought always to pray and not to faint. And shall not God avenge
his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he
bear long with them? And then in everything give thanks.
Man by nature is an unthankful creature. By this we do not mean
that he does not take pleasure in events which produce the result
with which he is pleased. Even unbelievers often speak
of being blessed and expressing thanks in a measure, such as
what we see around the holiday called Thanksgiving. Yet this
natural expression of enjoyment of the good things as men define
them, which before men falls quite short of being truly thankful
in the manner in which Paul describes. This type of thanksgiving is
that which is produced by the Spirit of God in the sons of
God and does not exist in men by nature. We see this type of
thanksgiving expressed in an attitude more so than in word.
If anyone had reason to hold a grudge against his brethren,
it would be Joseph, sold into slavery by his own kin. Yet he
was thankful for these events. But as for you, you thought it
evil against me. But God meant it unto good, to
bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
We see it in the apostles. And they departed from the presence
of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer
shame for his name. Their thanks was expressed in
their gladness to do the will of God. We are given to understand
that He works all things together for good to those who are called
according to His purpose. Our Savior's joy was found in
the unfolding of His Father's will. This is to give thanks
in everything, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning
you. Do you truly pray? For a free
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forthepoor at windstream.net.