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Issue No. 047 January 30, 2007 No turning back

#1 · January 30, 2008, 6:47 am

Quote from Forum Archives on January 30, 2008, 6:47 am
Posted by: gracepeaceu <gracepeaceu@...>
An e-periodical for spiritual enlightenment,
edification and encouragement

Issue No. 047    January 30, 2007

Subscription details in the end                                                                  Home

In this issue

Perspective: No turning back

Study Note: The Golden Lamp stand (Contd..)--THE KNOB:

Outline: Portrait of a Perfect Servant.

Anecdote: “He feared no Man”

Worth Quote: Perseverance

Perspective

No turning back

NTK

‘So soon the thrill and excitement is gone!’ laments Tom. Even before the end of the first month of this New Year, life is marked by utter failure, resolutions have been broken and desires remain as dreams! It could be the life of so many. Some who started well with much enthusiasm is slowed down or even stopped in their efforts.

What shall we do now? Is taking resolutions wrong? Are our dreams for a successful life just beyond our reach? Such questions are natural indeed.

There is nothing wrong in planning for victorious life ahead and taking decisions accordingly. But the most important thing is to be sure that our desires and plans are in God’s perfect will and then to stick on to it at any cost. Once we are convinced that our steps are ordered by the Lord then our effort should be to consistently strive to reach that goal.

We should not forget that our adversary, Satan, will never take our effort to progress lightly. He will try his best to hinder our pathway to fruitful life. Even he will whisper in our ears that it is impossible for us to achieve a higher level of spiritual life. He will cause us to fail and then remind the same to keep us depressed and disillusioned.

So, beloved do not pay attention to the diabolic whisperings. If you are definite of the steps that you have taken, keep going. There may be obstacles and discouraging factors around us. Even failures may be ahead yet patiently rectify it and vigorously move forward.

The Lord’s charge to Moses is relevant in this context. “Why do you cry to me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward.” Exo.14:15. It was indeed a frightening scene - the enemy in the back and red sea ahead. Even there the Lord’s word is ‘go forward’. Yes, it is His word for His people, for He will take care of their future. He will fight for them and provide for them. We know He did keep His promise.

We too should not be afraid of the fearsome past or terrifying future. The surrounding disturbances should not distract us from pursuing the path that God has set before us. After all it is “God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Phil.2:13.
One of the unique characteristics of the heroes of faith is that they did not mind the past nor returned to their country, though they had opportunity to do so. Heb.11:13.

Yes, it’s not easy to move ahead in the midst of so many complications. Nevertheless, it is consistent and continuous efforts that yield better results in any field. So in spiritual life and service too, stay on, never give up.

Study Note

THE KNOB -- The Golden Lamp stand (Contd..)

Charles E. Wigg

Once the petals of the flower fall, there develops where they were, a green swelling. It is small at first, but continues to grow and to swell until it becomes a knob. So the knob represents a further development in the growth of the character of Christ in the believer. Inside that green swelling there begins to form a shell, then as time goes on, inside the shell, the kernel is formed, and it is that kernel that is of value, the outer green covering, and the inner shell are of no use at all, yet these things develop first.

When young and immature, we tend to give great importance to the exterior, how we appear. But we have to learn, (as Samuel did in 1 Sam. 16;7), that God is not concerned so much with the outer self, but He looks on the heart. As the believer matures, the petty things, the things that were once important, become less important, we think less of trying to impress others with outward show, and it becomes more important to us, that the character of Christ should be formed in us. We come to learn that we have to die to self, to accept tyhe cross of Christ as our own. To make His cross ours, by faith and daily surrender to His rule and control, by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. We begin to understand and to apply the word of God to our lives, and we come to a point where we are able to say with Paul, "I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me". Thus we come practically into the gain of the teaching and power of sanctification.

The almond shaped lamp:

Each branch was crowned with a cup-like lamp, shaped like an almond, which represents the reaching of maturity in the believer's life. The Lord Jesus said, "Be ye therefore perfect, as your Father......is perfect", Matt, 5;48. That word "Perfect", simply means mature, growth in godliness. Earlier in that same chapter, He commands us to let our light shine before men, that they may see our upright works, and glorify our Father who is in heaven, verses 14-16.

Before the Master can taste the sweetness and richness of the almond, the kernel, the once green outer skin, now dead shrivelled and dried, must be removed. Then the inner shell must be broken, and only then can the kernel be exposed. Taken and enjoyed. It makes me think of what Paul said to the Galatian believers, "My little children, of, (with), whom I travail in birth gin until Christ be formed in you", Gal. 4;19. They had been concentrating on the externals, circumcision, the works of the law, etc, but all was a sign of their immaturity.

The bowls:
There were three bowls for each branch, each with a knob and a flower, and four for the middle stem. These bowls were obviously reservoirs in which the oil for the lamp was stored, and from which each lamp was replenished. These Bowls obviously represent spiritual people who constantly contribute to the maintenance of the testimony in each local Assembly. It shows us how that though many contribute to the testimony borne in a place, that though there are many stages of spiritual growth to be found in the membership of any local fellowship, yet there is unity in the testimony borne. All are to combine, and to contribute to the maintenance of the light, this is what God intends, and what obedience to His word will produce. It is what Paul said to the Ephesians, "Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit, in the (uniting), bond of peace", Eph. 4;3.


Outline

Portrait of a Perfect Servant.   Isaiah. 50:4—9
                                        1. A ready tongue. V.4.
                                        2. An open ear v.5
                                        3. A set face. V.7
                                        4. A surrendered body. V.6
                                        5. A confident heart. V.9
              He is our Lord Jesus Christ. What an example!

Anecdote
“He feared no Man”

January 30 is the death anniversary of Mahatma who is known as the father of India. He was a lawyer and politician who advocated non-violence, including passive resistance to the British.His first biographer was Joseph Doke a Christian missionary Gandhi befriended in South Africa. Both were so close to each to each other in spite of the differences in their faith. It was Doke wrote first about the effect of Christ’s Sermon on the Mount’ in the life of M.K. Gandhi. The teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ had influenced Gandhi so much, though he never accepted the Christ as the saviour and Lord.

Missionary Doke met sudden death and an emotionally charged Gandhi wrote about him: "He feared no man because he feared God. He believed in his own religion with burning passion, but he respected al the other faiths.”

Worthy Quote

Perseverance

“There must be a beginning of any great matter, but the continuing unto the end

until it be thoroughly finished yields the true glory.”
                                                                                ----Francis Drake
“Perseverance is sister of patience, the daughter of consistence, the friend of peace,

the cementer of friendships, the bond of harmony and the bulwark of holiness.”
                                                                          ----- Bernard of Clairvaux

“Slow and steady wins the race.”
                                                       -----Aesop

To ponder over

Exodus 14:13

“Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. Which He will accomplish for you today”.

         'Grace & Peace' is an electronic periodical, sent out on alternate weeks,
         aiming the overall spiritual growth of the Christian Believers.
           Please feel free to forward it to potential subscribers and encourage them to subscribe directly by

sending a blank message to: gracepeace-join@welovegod.org

You may unsubscribe (to be removed from the mailing list) at any time by sending

a blank email to: gracepeace-leave@welovegod.org

In case of difficulty, please send a mail to: gracepeaceu@yahoo.com

Edited & Posted by Nelson Thomas Kumaramparampil for the glory of God and the joy His people.

Posted by: gracepeaceu <gracepeaceu@...>

An e-periodical for spiritual enlightenment,
edification and encouragement

Issue No. 047 January 30, 2007

Subscription details in the end Home

In this issue

Perspective: No turning back

Study Note: The Golden Lamp stand (Contd..)--THE KNOB:

Outline: Portrait of a Perfect Servant.

Anecdote: “He feared no Man”

Worth Quote: Perseverance

Perspective

No turning back

NTK

‘So soon the thrill and excitement is gone!’ laments Tom. Even before the end of the first month of this New Year, life is marked by utter failure, resolutions have been broken and desires remain as dreams! It could be the life of so many. Some who started well with much enthusiasm is slowed down or even stopped in their efforts.

What shall we do now? Is taking resolutions wrong? Are our dreams for a successful life just beyond our reach? Such questions are natural indeed.

There is nothing wrong in planning for victorious life ahead and taking decisions accordingly. But the most important thing is to be sure that our desires and plans are in God’s perfect will and then to stick on to it at any cost. Once we are convinced that our steps are ordered by the Lord then our effort should be to consistently strive to reach that goal.

We should not forget that our adversary, Satan, will never take our effort to progress lightly. He will try his best to hinder our pathway to fruitful life. Even he will whisper in our ears that it is impossible for us to achieve a higher level of spiritual life. He will cause us to fail and then remind the same to keep us depressed and disillusioned.

So, beloved do not pay attention to the diabolic whisperings. If you are definite of the steps that you have taken, keep going. There may be obstacles and discouraging factors around us. Even failures may be ahead yet patiently rectify it and vigorously move forward.

The Lord’s charge to Moses is relevant in this context. “Why do you cry to me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward.” Exo.14:15. It was indeed a frightening scene - the enemy in the back and red sea ahead. Even there the Lord’s word is ‘go forward’. Yes, it is His word for His people, for He will take care of their future. He will fight for them and provide for them. We know He did keep His promise.

We too should not be afraid of the fearsome past or terrifying future. The surrounding disturbances should not distract us from pursuing the path that God has set before us. After all it is “God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Phil.2:13.
One of the unique characteristics of the heroes of faith is that they did not mind the past nor returned to their country, though they had opportunity to do so. Heb.11:13.

Yes, it’s not easy to move ahead in the midst of so many complications. Nevertheless, it is consistent and continuous efforts that yield better results in any field. So in spiritual life and service too, stay on, never give up.

Study Note

THE KNOB -- The Golden Lamp stand (Contd..)

Charles E. Wigg

Once the petals of the flower fall, there develops where they were, a green swelling. It is small at first, but continues to grow and to swell until it becomes a knob. So the knob represents a further development in the growth of the character of Christ in the believer. Inside that green swelling there begins to form a shell, then as time goes on, inside the shell, the kernel is formed, and it is that kernel that is of value, the outer green covering, and the inner shell are of no use at all, yet these things develop first.

When young and immature, we tend to give great importance to the exterior, how we appear. But we have to learn, (as Samuel did in 1 Sam. 16;7), that God is not concerned so much with the outer self, but He looks on the heart. As the believer matures, the petty things, the things that were once important, become less important, we think less of trying to impress others with outward show, and it becomes more important to us, that the character of Christ should be formed in us. We come to learn that we have to die to self, to accept tyhe cross of Christ as our own. To make His cross ours, by faith and daily surrender to His rule and control, by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. We begin to understand and to apply the word of God to our lives, and we come to a point where we are able to say with Paul, "I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me". Thus we come practically into the gain of the teaching and power of sanctification.

The almond shaped lamp:

Each branch was crowned with a cup-like lamp, shaped like an almond, which represents the reaching of maturity in the believer's life. The Lord Jesus said, "Be ye therefore perfect, as your Father......is perfect", Matt, 5;48. That word "Perfect", simply means mature, growth in godliness. Earlier in that same chapter, He commands us to let our light shine before men, that they may see our upright works, and glorify our Father who is in heaven, verses 14-16.

Before the Master can taste the sweetness and richness of the almond, the kernel, the once green outer skin, now dead shrivelled and dried, must be removed. Then the inner shell must be broken, and only then can the kernel be exposed. Taken and enjoyed. It makes me think of what Paul said to the Galatian believers, "My little children, of, (with), whom I travail in birth gin until Christ be formed in you", Gal. 4;19. They had been concentrating on the externals, circumcision, the works of the law, etc, but all was a sign of their immaturity.

The bowls:
There were three bowls for each branch, each with a knob and a flower, and four for the middle stem. These bowls were obviously reservoirs in which the oil for the lamp was stored, and from which each lamp was replenished. These Bowls obviously represent spiritual people who constantly contribute to the maintenance of the testimony in each local Assembly. It shows us how that though many contribute to the testimony borne in a place, that though there are many stages of spiritual growth to be found in the membership of any local fellowship, yet there is unity in the testimony borne. All are to combine, and to contribute to the maintenance of the light, this is what God intends, and what obedience to His word will produce. It is what Paul said to the Ephesians, "Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit, in the (uniting), bond of peace", Eph. 4;3.

Outline

Portrait of a Perfect Servant.   Isaiah. 50:4—9
                                        1. A ready tongue. V.4.
                                        2. An open ear v.5
                                        3. A set face. V.7
                                        4. A surrendered body. V.6
                                        5. A confident heart. V.9
              He is our Lord Jesus Christ. What an example!

Anecdote
“He feared no Man”

January 30 is the death anniversary of Mahatma who is known as the father of India. He was a lawyer and politician who advocated non-violence, including passive resistance to the British.His first biographer was Joseph Doke a Christian missionary Gandhi befriended in South Africa. Both were so close to each to each other in spite of the differences in their faith. It was Doke wrote first about the effect of Christ’s Sermon on the Mount’ in the life of M.K. Gandhi. The teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ had influenced Gandhi so much, though he never accepted the Christ as the saviour and Lord.

Missionary Doke met sudden death and an emotionally charged Gandhi wrote about him: "He feared no man because he feared God. He believed in his own religion with burning passion, but he respected al the other faiths.”

Worthy Quote

Perseverance

“There must be a beginning of any great matter, but the continuing unto the end

until it be thoroughly finished yields the true glory.”
----Francis Drake
“Perseverance is sister of patience, the daughter of consistence, the friend of peace,

the cementer of friendships, the bond of harmony and the bulwark of holiness.”
----- Bernard of Clairvaux

“Slow and steady wins the race.”
-----Aesop

To ponder over

Exodus 14:13

“Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. Which He will accomplish for you today”.

         'Grace & Peace' is an electronic periodical, sent out on alternate weeks,
         aiming the overall spiritual growth of the Christian Believers.
           Please feel free to forward it to potential subscribers and encourage them to subscribe directly by

sending a blank message to: gracepeace-join@welovegod.org

You may unsubscribe (to be removed from the mailing list) at any time by sending

a blank email to: gracepeace-leave@welovegod.org

In case of difficulty, please send a mail to: gracepeaceu@yahoo.com

Edited & Posted by Nelson Thomas Kumaramparampil for the glory of God and the joy His people.