he liberated Jerusalem. From that time until the construction of the temple by Solomon, only one genera tion passed. So it will be with us!” II Chronicles 6:5-6 shows why Jerusalem is the place. God has de clared, “I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there.” Psalm 122:6 urges us to “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” You see, when we do we’re really praying for our Lord’s return. Some years ago, in the city of Richmond, Virginia, a real estate company got together an interesting package. Purchasing a number of acres in a hillside area just outside of the city, they planned to make it the most exclusive residential sec tion of Richmond. Before they came in, however, there was already a small mission church which had been struggling in the area. The develop ers tried to force the church to close. The singing, it seemed, had become offensive. The old hymns bothered some of the new residents. The de velopers started circulating a peti tion. They thought they’d have no problem in getting plenty of signa tures, especially when they took it to a Jewish man. He was very force ful in declaring, “I cannot sign a thing like this. If I believed in the Messiah’s return as do these Chris tians, I’d shout it from the highest house top on every street in Rich mond!” My friend, do you believe in the return of our Lord Jesus Christ? Has God been speaking to your heart? Do you know the reality of His Word? Are you able to say with conviction and determination, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” ? God grant that it may be so!
EVER ON Growing old but not retiring. For the battle still is on; Going on without relenting Till the final victory’s won. Ever on, nor think of resting For the battle rages still, And my Saviour yet Is with me And I seek to do His will. Years roll by, the body weakens, But the Spirit still is young; Breath of God—it never ages, Is eternal, ever strong. Rather, year by year it strengthens Gaining o'er the things of sense, By Thy Spirit, lead my spirit, Saviour, till Thou call me hence. Things of earth decrease in value, Brighter shines the light above; Less the power of human hatred, Sweeter far the Saviour’s love. Let me tell it to the needy, Far and wide Thy worth proclaim; That my closing years may praise Thee Glorify Thy blessed Name. Let me labor in Thy harvest More than ever is the past Reaping in what Thou hast planted, Till I dwell with Thee at last; That before Thy throne eternal I may have some fruit to bring, Not my work—the fruit of Calvary, All Thine own, my Lord and King. PRAYER POTENTIAL I often say my prayers, But do I really pray? And do the wishes of my heart Go with the words I say? I may as well kneel down And worship gods of stone, As offer to the living God, A prayer of words alone. For words without the heart The Lord will never hear; Nor will He to those lips attend Whose prayer is not sincere! Lord, show me what I need, And teach me how to pray, And help me when I seek thy grace To mean the words I say.
Criticism is sometimes the disapprov al of people, not for having faults but rather for having faults different from our own.
20
Made with FlippingBook Annual report