‘And I will for this afflict the seed of David, but not forever.’ 1Kings 11:39

There is an established irrevocable law in the family of grace that executes bitter punishment on the person who sins by ignoring God’s commandments. King Solomon wandered after strange women and worshiped their strange gods. This sin angered the God of his father, David. The punishment was that God allowed ten of the twelve tribes of Israel to leave the kingdom of Judah and start their own kingdom. God allowed this division as a punishment for the unholy deed that Solomon committed by worshiping other gods.

The Lord is ready to punish his most beloved servant when He sees him departing from His laws and  commandments. If you, as you read this, are going through similar experiences, you should cry to the Lord and pray as David did in Psalms 139: ‘Search me O God and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts, and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!’

Thank God for the Word! What a wonderful prayer! The punishment of sin is forever, but the chastisement of the heavenly father of his children is not forever! So sickness, broken hearts and broken spirits will cease when you remember that you are not under the sword of the law, but under grace!

The sword of the law kills with an everlasting death; but the rod of our  Savior under grace brings us into true repentance!

“For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prize unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the Lord.” - Jer. 39:18

Look at the power of protection that we receive when we trust the Lord. The great men of Jerusalem fell by the edge of the sword, but the servant of the Lord was saved; because he put his trust in Jehovah.  In what other person can a man trust than in his Creator? We are ignorant when we prefer the creation over the Creator. O, that we would live in faith in every situation, and then we will be delivered from the evil day!

No one puts their trust in the lord uselessly. No one has lost hope when placing their trust in God. The Lord said: ‘I will deliver with true  deliverance.’ This is a promise of great and joyful assurance! Even if doubt casts a shadow over everything, God’s helping power to his people is sure. God himself is watching his own and protecting them under His holy wings. This is our safety. Even if we are surrounded by danger, we will accept this promise in complete trust. He will deliver us in our present need. We will trust in our deliverance not because we are wise or we seek the advice of wise friends to guide us, or all signs point us to hope. None of these holds the promises of God. ‘Because you trust in me my beloved, I will deliver you.’

Try this again, and as you try it you will continue to use it the rest of your life. It is as beautiful and true as it is sure!

By Tim Malki
‘For the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him, and his righteousness unto children’s children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember is commandments to do them.’   Psalms 103:17-18

I was privileged and proud to attend my nephew Matthew Bramlett’s graduation ceremony last weekend. I was impressed with the scores of young students who were being recognized by the uiversity staff for their various academic achievements. Many degrees and accolades were awarded to graduating seniors who after very dilligent work had completed the required carricula and passed the tests. Over the last few years, each student had to be trained, molded and academically equiped to meet the challenges awaiting them as they embark on their careers. In the commencement speach they were exhorted to lead exemplary lives, full of meaning, truth and ard work. However, I could not help but notice that during the entire proceedings no mention of or reference to God was made. The absence of even a prayer of benediction on behalf of the graduating class of 2013 and their families was obvious.

Our universities provide great sources of education and enable the pursuit of knowledge. However, the respobsibility of instilling the foundations for truth and spiritual health continues to fall on us-the body of Christ. 

Whether we agree or not, this and future graduating classes are our legacy. We must leave them with the confident faith and encouragement that only through a personal relationship with God will His righteousness and everlasting mercy follow them and their children.

Congratulations Matt and the entire graduating class of 2013!