Cramming for Finals | Singles Conference | The Danger of Murmuring at Home | Ladies Conference The Official Magazine of the Oregon District UPCI
accent
August 2012
A Note From the Editor
Oregon District Apostolic Accent Volume 48, Number 1
www.ORUPC.com Editor……………………..........…………….Kassie Meyer kassiemeyer@hotmail.com (503) 689-3589 Graphic Assistance............................Jason Di Senso District Officials Superintendent……………......……………Ted Graves Secretary/Treasurer……..........……..Dan Sargeant Presbyters Section 1…………………......…..…………Gary Gleason Section 2……………………........…M. Dennis Johnson Section 3………………………......……..Kevin Goodwin Section 4…………………………......Steven L. Johnson Honorary Board Member M. David Johnson North American Missions Director…………………………….......…..Steve Hanson Secretary…………………….……….....…Virgil Alldritt Global Missions Director……………………………….......James Bigelow Apostolic Man Director……………………………..……......Mark Edday Ladies Ministries Director…………………………......….Geanice Langley Secretary…………………...…….....…….Rachel Sparks Sunday School Director………………………….…......…Darrell Sparks Secretary…………....………………….....…..Joe Higgins Oregon Youth President…………………………….......…Stan Gleason Secretary………………………………......……Kevin Neu Spanish Ministries Director……………………………………......Fito Avenia Life in Focus Coordinator…...........Bill Tittsworth Prison Ministry Coordinator….....….Doug Lethin Media Missions Director……......David P. Johnson A.C.T.S. President………...….......M. Dennis Johnson Senior Quiz Coordinator.…......…..Brian Huffman Junior Quiz Coordinator.…......…Jonathan Toews
What are your talents? What are you doing with your talents? God has designed us all with different talents and different abilities and it is what we do with those gifts that God has given us that matters. He is looking for a willing vessel , someone who will stand up and say, “I’ll say Yes Lord , yes, to Your will and to Your way.” I will use what I have for Your kingdom. There was a time when I was at the alter and I was praying for God to anoint my hands to play the keyboard , to give me musical talent. That moment transformed my life when God said , I have given you talents and abilities...use what I have given you for My kingdom. That is not to say that God will not anoint my hands to play the piano but first I must use what He has given me for His service . Are you gifted in art? Use that talent to bless others and the kingdom of God ... paint the nursery with amazing pictures children will love , create pictures for the church walls or for a children’s book , help make the Sunday school classrooms amazing, etc. Has God blessed you with musical talent to play the piano? Use that talent to bless others with music to the King. Help wherever you can help. If your pastor allows, reach out to other churches without music. Be a blessing to others! Did God give you humor as a talent? Use it to do church skits or to reach people that others would not be able to reach ...be a light in this dark world where there is a lack of joy...I know humor can bring joy! Put your best foot in to use your God-given talents to bless the kingdom of God and He will bless you beyond what you could ever think or imagine and your life will be more fulfilled . He has made each and every one of us so uniquely and He has given us all different talents...what are you using the talents God has given you for? I challenge you to find an area that could use your talents and bless the kingdom of God with them! Kassie Meyer
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Inside this Issue
SPONSORED BY THE OREGON DISTRICT UPC | HOSTED BY CHRISTIAN WORLD FELLOWSHIP 4932 LIBERTY RD. S SALEM, OR 97306
SINGLES CONFERENCE
Articles/Columns
2012
SHOUT
SEPTEMBER 27-29, 2012 SALEM, OREGON
2 A Note From the Editor KASSIE MEYER
5 4
4 Cramming for Finals DENNIS M. JOHNSON 6 Reaching Portland JR MEYER
Five power-packed day sessions Four anointed speakers
3
EVENING SERVICES
OPEN TO ALL!
Three inspirational days
2
Two dynamic night services
1
One amazing experience!!
International evangelist Jason Sciscoe has ministered for more than twenty years in churches, singles events, youth camps, healing crusades, leadership meetings and prayer conferences. For contact info and resources, visit him at www.triumptoday.org.
REGISTER AND MORE INFO:
ONLY
$45
INFO: SCAN HERE
shoutoregon.com LIKE US AND UPDATES:
/shoutoregon
7 Thoughts on Love based Convictions JAMES CRAWFORD 9 Keep Going STAN GLEASON 12 The Bound are Free JAMES BIGELOW 14 The Danger of Murmuring at Home DAVID REYNOLDS
Promotions 8 Singles Conference 10 Ladies Conference
LADIES MINISTRY
11 Ladies Conference Registration Form
LADIES MINISTRY
GLOBAL MISSIONS
13 Missionaries in Oregon 16 WCWC Consignment Shop
LADIES MINISTRY
Thanks to everyone who gave to Mother’s Memorial this year. We appreciate all the sacrifices that were made toward this wor thy cause.
Debbie Sanders Hawaii
Linda Gleason Oregon City, OR
West Coast Women’s Conference October 18—20, 2012
Seaside Convention Center 415 First Avenue Seaside, Oregon
For more information go to www.orladiesministries.com
May God richly bless each of you as we continue our untiring effor ts to reach the lost a nd hur ting around our world before He comes!
Cramming for Finals M. Dennis Johnson
One little boy asked another, “Why is your grandmother always reading her Bible?” His answer was, “She is cramming for finals.” One of the questions that will affect us all is emphasized in an old hymn of the church: “Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid, YOUR HEART, DOES THE SPIRIT CONTROL?” Our heart will control our thoughts, feelings, judgments, and actions. The serious question is, Does the Spirit control our heart, or do we allow influences from our journey through this world to fashion our heart? “Take up thy cross and follow me” is the call each of us heard at the start of our Christian walk. However, surrendering all to Him is not finished in one trip to the altar! We must time and time again re-surrender to His lordship as our understanding grows on the journey toward home. Satan has laid land mines and snares of all descriptions to keep us from fully serving Jesus,
4 APOSTOLIC ACCENT August 2012
and seeks to knock us out of the race if possible. The blows may come from within the church or from the outside. It is a continuous fight against the world and the Devil to keep our heart fully submitted to God and His will. THE DECEPTIVE HEART Jeremiah warns us that the heart is deceitful, and asks, who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9). Since one’s own heart can deceive him, and we all are facing the “finals,” how can we be sure? We must stay close to God and study His Word. Staying close to God in much prayer and fasting opens up our understanding to the Word. We dare not take a chance on failing the finals! Jesus said that many on that Day are going to plead that they did many mighty works in His Name, but He will say to them, “Depart from me” (Matt 7:22, 23)! How could this be? Part of our answer may be found in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:8) where Jesus taught, “Blessed are the Pure in heart for they shall see God.”
In Hebrews 4 we learn that the Word of God has the ability and power to examine and reveal the heart’s condition and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart, and that all things are naked and open to the eyes of God--the One we all will answer to. And of His appearing, John writes, we will be made like Him and will see Him as He is (I John 3). Then John continues, “Everyone who has this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” We must keep ourselves pure before Him even though we are surrounded by temptations from the world and even within the church. For example, everyone will have opportunities to get offended at someone in the church, even at leadership. Some have allowed the contamination of a grudge to lodge within their heart for years! We are tempted with envy, jealousy, strife, covetousness, pride, competition, etc. THE PRE-EXAM The Word shows us ways to examine ourselves. How do I measure up to the standards of 1 Corinthians 13, the great love chapter? And some meditation on Matthew 5:44 that tells us to “love your enemies” and to “bless those who despitefully use you” could be very revealing. Remember, “Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, mind and strength, and thy neighbor as thyself” (Mark 12:30, 31). May God help us all to be ready for finals!◊ ____________________________ M. Dennis Johnson is the Pastor of United Pentecostal Church in Albany, Oregon. He also serves as the Section 2 Presbyter and A.C.T.S. President for the Oregon District.
August 2012 APOSTOLIC ACCENT 5
Reaching Portland... In July we had an awesome group of 26 young people from across the U.S. and Canada come for the Apostolic Youth Corps trip. We were greatly blessed by their desire to be a part of this great city. From the moment they landed they grabbed ahold of the burden and vision for Portland. We had many divine encounters throughout our outreaches. Apostolic young people who were on a mission to touch lives bombarded our city with Intercession, singing, witnessing, and praying for people right there on the streets. They blessed our church by playing music and singing during the services. On Thursday night at the College service 25 guests attended and over 90 people gather to worship Jesus and hear the Gospel message. Many of them who attended came to the altar desperate for a touch of God. A lady who was in a wheelchair couldn’t get to the altar so many
gathered around her and prayed. What a mighty powerful service to be a part of held on the largest campus in Oregon. Friday night at Woodstock Park we had many notable miracles: a diseased girl since she was 14 and a young man with knee issues were healed instantly. 5 Received the Holy Ghost and over 20 came for their first time including many neighbors. From that service we met a man, his wife and their10 year old son. They have been coming since and both were Refilled with the Holy Ghost and have started in a Bible study. During our kids and neighbor day there was 1 filled with the Holy Ghost. A woman was emotionally healed after dealing with a miscarriage for months. Her and her husband have both started in
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By JR Meyer a Bible study as well. There was a breakthrough in the Spirit and 10 first time guests attended. We praise the Lord for 76 guests in last 2 months. Please pray that God will move on these people as we continue to follow up to start a Bible Study and come back and obey the gospel! On a side note: On August 1st at 1:33pm the Lord blessed our family with a handsome little boy, Jericho David Meyer. He weighed 7lbs and 8oz and was 20 inches. We thank the Lord for a healthy child and gowth to the kingdom of God! ____________________________ JR Meyer is the pastor of Grace Point Ministries in Portland, Oregon. He also serves as the section 5 North American Missions Director.
Thoughts on Love Based Convictions By James Crawford THE DISTANCE TO WHICH YOU ALLOW LASTING PERSONAL CONVICTIONS IN YOUR LIFE WILL NEVER BE PUSHED BEYOND THE LEVEL TO WHICH YOU ALLOW A CONSUMING LOVE FOR YOUR GOD. There is a reason the GREATEST commandment deals with an all consuming love for God – ALL your heart, soul, might. Upon this first commandment hinges all other commandments, because this is where we gain our MOTIVATION to adhere to the commandments of God - out of a love for Him; a desire to please Him and draw close to Him, to do things that are pleasing to Him. If you try to focus on merely having personal convictions without the love in place as the motivating factor - then those will be hollow puffs are air that will soon pass; in not having an all consuming love for Him you are loving something else – whether it’s yourself or others, if it’s put above your love for God its sin. The word talks about having your eye single so your body can be full of light; if you’re allowing other loves to come between you and God that is allowing your alliances to be divided. The word declares that is being double minded and that you will be unstable in all your ways. A love for God must be exclusionary –
God needs to be preeminent in our lives. I’m not saying we don’t love one another, but our love for others should be portrayed because of our love for Him, not above our love for Him. It’s interesting in 2 Thessalonians, Paul writes that if we do not receive a love for the Truth that God himself will send us a delusion and cause us to believe a lie and be lost. Jesus cried out that he was “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” – it only stands to reason that the only way to escape being lost is to be captivated by an all consuming love for Him. Scripture plainly teaches that we need to “purify ourselves, even as He is pure,” and that we are to “Be ye holy, for I am holy,” these scriptures and many others quickly give rise to the understanding that convictions and standards are needed–which I AM NOT writing against– but it is increasingly apparent that our motivation for these standards and convictions MUST be LOVE. I’ve often wondered about some that have fallen away and the pattern their life takes. They go from being very conviction oriented – and being labeled border-line legalists – to an almost anything goes mentality. This is what happens when personal convictions are not motivated by
a love for Him; those convictions become bloated and expand far beyond the limits of their love for him – then like an over-inflated balloon, they burst. Convictions that are not based in love will eventually breed contempt and rebellion (even James Dobson, a noted child psychologist, indicates that rules without relationship lead to rebellion); when that rebellion finally births forth, we find that the convictions that just a short time ago appeared to be held so firmly - evaporate into thin air. So what’s the solution? What do I do if I find I’ve been keeping convictions in my life ‘just because’ and the standards held in my life are just to fit in? Or what if God is convicting me about something I just can’t seem to put on the altar and leave there. The intuitive answer seems to be, especially in our convenience based culture – drop the convictions…. but God is all too often counter-intuitive and counter-cultural. The solution cannot be found in lowering your standard, but in increasing your love. If we increase the love for our God, then our convictions or standards will be rooted in a desire to draw closer to Him which results in established personal convictions... Jesus at one point indicated August 2012 APOSTOLIC ACCENT 7
SPONSORED BY THE OREGON DISTRICT UPC | HOSTED BY CHRISTIAN WORLD FELLOWSHIP 4932 LIBERTY RD. S SALEM, OR 97306
SINGLES CONFERENCE
2012
SHOUT
SEPTEMBER 27-29, 2012 SALEM, OREGON
5 4
Five power-packed day sessions Four anointed speakers
8
3
EVENING SERVICES
OPEN TO ALL!
Three inspirational days
2
Two dynamic night services
1
One amazing experience!!
International evangelist Jason Sciscoe has ministered for more than twenty years in churches, singles events, youth camps, healing crusades, leadership meetings and conferences. For contact info and APOSTOLIC ACCENT prayer August 2012 resources, visit him at www.triumptoday.org.
REGISTER AND MORE INFO:
shoutoregon.com LIKE US AND UPDATES:
/shoutoregon
ONLY
$45
INFO: SCAN HERE
Keep Going By Stan Gleason OLYMPIC RUNNER TAOUFIK MAKHLOUFI WAS KICKED OUT OF THE OLYMPICS ON AUGUST 6, 2012 FOR NOT TRYING TO WIN THE 800M HEAT. AFTER ABOUT 100M HE WAS ALREADY FAR BEHIND. IN ANOTHER 100M HE JUST QUIT RUNNING AND WALKED OFF THE TRACK. The referee kicked him out of the games not because he didn’t win, not because he wasn’t talented. The previous day he had beat the Olympic and world
Humor from Kandi Brown... Its very important to stay fit. My grandmother is a great example of this. She started walking five miles a day when she was 60. She’s 97 today and we don’t know where in the world she is. What do you mean, my birth certificate expired? All generalizations are bad!
champion Asbel Kiprop in a 1500m heat. He was talented. The referee kicked him out of the tournament because “he had not provided a bona fide effort” He wasn’t any less of an Olympian for not winning, but when he didn’t even try, he wasn’t even an Olympian anymore. You are not any less of a Christian for not being what the world would call a superstar. When we stand before God He will say “Well done though
good and faithful servant.” God’s not looking for a superstar, He’s looking for faithfulness. God’s not asking you to be the Apostle Paul. He’s not asking you to be your Pastor, He’s just asking you to be the best that you can be..◊ ____________________________ Stan Gleason is an Evangelist from Oregon City, Oregon. He also serves as the Oregon District Youth Presisdent.
Thoughts on Love Based Concictions Continued... that “if you love me, keep my commandments” he was referencing the concept that if you truly love someone, you will choose habits and actions that are pleasing to them ABOVE your own desires. If you love Him, it will show in the choices you make in life. My challenge to you today, is the same one posed to the Israelites by Moses, a challenge handed down from God, inscribed in the stone tablet, and reiterated by Jesus as the first and greatest commandment: Deuteronomy 6:4-5 KJV “Hear O Israel, the Lord our God
is one Lord; and thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” May the Lord draw you ever nearer to Him, and may your spirit be meek and correctible in the Master potter’s hands… ___________________________ James Crawford attends Apostolic Life Center in Albany, Oregon.
August 2012 APOSTOLIC ACCENT 9
Thanks to everyone who gave to Mother’s Memorial this year. We appreciate all the sacrifices that were made toward this worthy cause.
Debbie Sanders Hawaii
Linda Gleason Oregon City, OR
West Coast Women’s Conference October 18—20, 2012
Seaside Convention Center 415 First Avenue Seaside, Oregon
For more information go to www.orladiesministries.com
May God richly bless each of you as we continue our untiring efforts to reach the lost and hurting around our world before He comes!
West Coast Women’s Conference Seaside Convention Center Seaside, Oregon
Linda Gleason Oregon City, OR
Registration Fee Info: Postmarked by October 5th $35.00 Postmarked after October 5th $45.00 (Fees apply regardless of how Many sessions or days attending) (No Banquet this year)
October 18th—20th, 2012
Debbie Sanders Hawaii
Other Information: Our young ladies 13-17 welcome—must be accompanied by an adult. Nursing babies 1 year and under allowed to attend All ladies attending must be from a UPC Church You may bring guests but they Must register and pay registration fee.
Headquarters Hotel: Rivertide Suites Hotel, 102 N. Holladay, Seaside, OR 97138 (See all motel info on our website at www.orladiesministries.com) Thursday:
5:00 p.m. Registration at Seaside Civic and Convention Center 7:00 p.m. Evening Service Saturday: 10:00 a.m. Morning Service 12:30 p.m. Drawings/Dismiss
Friday a.m.: Friday p.m.:
10:00 a.m. Service 7:00 p.m. Evening Service
********************************Registration Form************************** Make Checks payable to “Oregon District Ladies Ministries” and mail to Rachel Sparks, 6720 S.W. 198th, Aloha, OR 97007 Name:_________________________________________________________________________ Address:______________________________________________________________________ City:___________________________________________________________________________ Phone( ___)________Pastor_______________________________________________________ I am an Oregon District Minister’s Widow_______Home Missionary Wife____________ (Must be in the 5 year status) Registration for Widows and Home Missionary Wives is Free but you must register. August 2012 APOSTOLIC ACCENT 11
Ransom (World English Dictionary) Noun- 1. The release of captured prisoners, property, etc, on payment of a stipulated price. 2. The price demanded or stipulated for such a release. Hold to ransom: a. to keep (prisoners, property, etc, in confinement until payment for their release is made or received b. to attempt to force (a person or persons) to comply with one’s demands By James Bigelow In today’s global crime market, a for a ransom payment. According new form of crime that is making to police reports all over the money for organized crime world, this crime has become very cartels is kidnapping for ransom. profitable for criminals. It takes This activity involves gangs who place often in countries such as kidnap people and then hold them Mexico, Somalia and Pakistan. The for a ransom payment. According ransom payment sometimes runs to police reports all over the into millions of dollars. world, this crime has become very We all know about people being profitable for criminals. It takes kidnapped, or taken hostage, place often in countries such as and the kidnappers asking Mexico, Somalia and Pakistan. The relatives, groups or governments ransom payment sometimes runs for a ransom price in exchange into millions of dollars. for the lives of their victims. We all know about people being Canon Andrew White, Vicar of St. kidnapped, or taken hostage, George’s Church in Baghdad, is an and the kidnappers asking extraordinary man. One of his selfrelatives, groups or governments imposed tasks has been to offer for a ransom price in exchange himself as a hostage negotiator for the lives of their victims. for people kidnapped in Iraq. Canon Andrew White, Vicar of St. Recently a kidnapped Israeli George’s Church in Baghdad, is an soldier was exchanged for a huge extraordinary man. One of his self- number of Palestinian prisoners. imposed tasks has been to offer Matt.20:28 says “the Son of Man himself as a hostage negotiator came not to be ministered unto, for people kidnapped in Iraq. but to minister, and to give his life Recently a kidnapped Israeli a ransom for many.” Jesus paid the soldier was exchanged for a huge price of his own life as a ransom number of Palestinian prisoners. to release us from the slavery and In today’s global crime market, a consequences of sin. The Greek new form of crime that is making meaning for that little word “for” money for organized crime has the sense of “in the place of” cartels is kidnapping for ransom. or *as a substitute for.” This activity involves gangs who Christ died for all; he negotiated kidnap people and then hold them total freedom for all men 12 APOSTOLIC ACCENT August 2012
everywhere. In Revelation 5:9, the Apostle John was caught up in the Spirit and saw into the future as the people of God worshipped the Lamb that was slain, “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof; for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” The ransom price paid was his precious blood. It’s a done deal: his precious blood has been shed as the ransom price; the bound are free. The scripture of truth declares, “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). But this raises some important questions… “How then shall they [who are unaware that the ransom has been paid] call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?” (Romans 10:14-15) Allow me to rephrasing Isaiah 6:8. When the voice of the Lord said, “Whom shall I send to Bolivia, and who will go for us? Then said
James & Stacy Marse (who will be in Oregon August 28 – Sept 2), “Here we are; send us.” When the voice of the Lord said, “Whom shall I send to Jordan and the Middle East, and who will go for us? Then said Cynthia White (who will be in Oregon Sept 4 – 9), “Here am I; send me.” When the voice of the Lord said, “Whom shall I send to Israel and Palestine, and who will go for us? Then said Steve & Loy Bennett (who will be in Oregon Nov 6 – 11), “Here we are; send us.” When the voice of the Lord said, “Whom shall I send to Namibia, and who will go for us? Then said Keith & Elizabeth Ikerd (who will be in Oregon Nov 13 - 18), “Here we are; send us.” Others are being sent who will be in our district next year: Oscar & Erin Rodriquez, Stephen & Lynette O’Donnell, John & Vonda Guidry, Steve & Yvonne Nix, Charles & Stacey Robinette, Dan & Debbie Barkley, Shane & Dena Hayes, Joe & Fanny Cooney... “And the Lord said, Go, and tell
this people…” (Isaiah 6:9). Our missionaries have been sent by the Lord, but they also need churches who will partner with the will of God by providing a prayer covering for them and by contributing to their financial support. I think they might like to say something to us similar to the words of another missionary named Paul, which are found in the Amplified Bible rendering of Phil 4:15-19. (Replaced wording is in bold font). “15 And you Oregonians yourselves well know that in the early days of the Gospel ministry, when we travelled on missionary deputation, no church (assembly) entered into partnership with us and opened up [a debit and credit] account in giving and receiving except you only. 16 For even in the churches of Oregon you sent [us contributions] for our needs, not only once but a second time. 17 Not that we seek or are eager for [your] gift, but we do seek and are eager for the fruit which increases to your credit
James Bigelow is the Oregon District Global Missions Director.
Steve & Loy Bennett
James & Stacy Marse
November 6-11 Israel/Pal
August 28-September 2 (Tue- Tigard)
Bolivia
[the harvest of blessing that is accumulating to your account]. 18 But we have [your full payment] and more; we have everything we need and are amply supplied, now that we have received from the Global Missions Division the gifts you sent us. [They are the] fragrant odor of an offering and sacrifice which God welcomes and in which He delights. 19 And our God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” We rejoice in the wonderful promise found in that last verse but I fear that too many of us claim it out of context. In its proper context, the promise that God will supply all our needs is contingent upon us supplying the needs of our missionaries. Selah. ____________________________
Cynthia White Keith & Elizabeth Ikerd
September 4-9 Middle East
November 13-18 (Sat/Sun AM/PM- Oregon City)
Namibia
Information on each missionary and country, plus many helps, can be viewed or downloaded at www.globalmissions.com Pastors can place their request for specific missionaries to visit their church by contacting James Bigelow at: 541.756.7141 or 541.217.4310
jamesLbigelow@hotmail.com
August 2012 APOSTOLIC ACCENT 13
The Danger of Murmuring at Home By David Reynolds
“They despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word: But murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord” Psalms 106:24,25 “Notwithstanding ye would not go up, but rebelled against the commandment of the Lord your God: And ye murmured in your tents…” Deuteronomy 1:26,27 When I was young I lived in a Pastor’s home. At times there were problems in the church and at times the saints’ did not treat my father with respect. I remember at times my mother would mention something about these problems at the table only to be cut off by my father—“Helen, the kids!”. I usually was the last person to know about these issues—thus I grew up hearing nothing negative about the church or about God’s people. That is probably why I am in the church today.
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You and I may not live in tents any more but there is far too much murmuring in our homes— in front of our young people. The sin of murmuring is as current as today’s newspaper. Discontent with the workings of God and/or God’s people is very serious in the eyes of God. When discontent is voiced at home you may think that no one hears—but your children hear. You may as well be living in a tent. Adolescents have big ears. If you want to assure that your young person will leave the church and go to hell—just make a habit of murmuring in your tent. The children of Israel murmured when the water was bitter [Exodus 15:24]. They murmured again when the water was lacking. [Exodus 17:3]. They forgot so quickly the miracles just performed. They murmured for want of bread and because they had left their fleshpots in Egypt. [Exodus 16:2]. When God promised them a land flowing with milk and honey, and all they had to do was to go in and claim it, ten of their men brought back an evil and discouraging report. “And the men which Moses sent to search the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander upon the land, even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the land, died by the plague before the Lord” [Numbers14:3-6]. The saddest incident of all, however, was when Korah, Dathan and Abriram rose up against Moses and Aaron, saying. “Ye take too much upon you,
seeing all of the congregation are holy—every one of them.” Moses invited them to come up before the Lord. They refused and stood “with their wives, and their sons, and their little children” in the door of their tents. “And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the Lord hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind. If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then the Lord hath not sent me. But if the Lord make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the Lord. And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them: And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods. They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them:” [Numbers 16:27-33]. Murmuring in their tents led to rebellion against God’s chosen leaders. This is not a light thing to God. God’s judgement fell not only on the parents but also the children and the little babies. Innocent children are always hurt by the rebellion of parents. If you want to destroy your children—then complain against the ministry and the people of God.
Even after God judged Korah and his friends the people again murmured, questioning the justice of the judgement of God. When will we ever learn. Murmuring destroys the faith of our children in God, the ministry and God’s people. Discontent brings about murmuring and murmuring leads to rebellion God--give us a spirit of contentment! Let our children only hear words of thanksgiving and praise for the goodness of God. If we cannot say words that build faith in the hearts of our children -–let us not say anything. God help us to say only words that build-- and not words that destroy. Let us not murmur in our homes; for if we do, like Israel, we will die spiritually and our children will wander in a spiritual wilderness. “Godliness with contentment is great gain” I Tim. 6:6.◊ ____________________________ David Reynolds has been the Minister of Discipleship at Portland Pentecostals since 2007. He is a graduate of Conquerors Bible College, Cascade College, Portland State University and post graduate work at the University of Oregon. He served as a teacher, assistant Principle & Principle. Since retiring from public education he has traveled extensively to over 37 countries preaching & teaching in Bible Schools and has written several books on Education, The Family & Parenting.
August 2012 APOSTOLIC ACCENT 15
WCWC Consignment Shop! Attention Ladies! WCWC will be having our 1st Ladies Consignment Shop opening this year! Please bring your clothing items and join in the fun! We will be accepting: Modest clothing for women & children (In good condition only) Dresses and tops on hangers Purses & shoes welcome too! This will give you an opportunity to sell items to make money for you! And a percentage will go towards your Adopted Missionary Offering. This will be included in your MM offering for your church next year. If you have questions, please email Dawnella Higgins at BQcoachmom@hotmail.com