December, 1933
T H E K I N G ' S B U S I N E S S
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What of the general world situation? Is there any explanation of the universal chaos which is engulfing man kind? W e aré hearing much these days o f hidden hands and secret powers. O f course, the “ hidden hand” is Satan’s hand, and the “ secret power” is that of the devil. As prince o f this world, he is using men everywhere as his passive instruments o f world destruction. National or international distress, economic and political chaos, pri vation, famine, war—all tend toward the utter ruin of human civilization, and the humiliation of the creature whom God formed, and who is destined to usurp Satanic authority. Surely, as never before, the warning o f Ephesians 6 : 12 (R . V .) becomes of increasing value: “ For our wres tling is not against flesh and blood, but against the princi palities, against the powers, against the world-rulers o f this darkness, against the spiritual hosts o f wickedness in the heavenly places.” Today also there is tremendous need for the Christian to acquire and use the “ whole armor o f God.” This is our only defense against the enemy— a defense which Satan, working through human agencies, would destroy. The startling significance of these modern conditions is, of course, that “ the coming o f the Lord draweth nigh.” God will not permit the ultimate and final triumph of sin and Satan. “ He must reign whose right it is to reign,” and then will come times o f refreshing from the presence of the Lord. The world’s only hope in this hour of dire extremity and imminent dissolution is the Lord Jesus Christ. May our hearts be looking up as our redemption draws daily nearer! show that Christ is living in you. Be sure you show your self friendly, and that you are not forming the habit o f carrying a chip on your shoulder, or o f setting yourself up as an example, or o f failing in any way to be winsome for Christ. Do you know that it is possible for you to live so close to your Master, and to have your life so saturated with prayer, and filled with the Spirit, that all o f your influence will be used to attract others to Him? You can create a spiritual atmosphere that will affect the life of every one who comes near you. Unconsciously, others will be made hungry to know your God, if they see Him truly living in you. It may be for a time God is withholding Christian friend ships from you in order that you may learn to know Him as El Shaddai. This word is translated “ Almighty God” in the Bible, but it has in it the meaning o f “ one who satis fies all our need— the all-sufficient one.” When He called Abraham to walk alone with Him (Gen. 17:1 ), and when He calls us to “ come out from among them, and be ye separate” (2 Cor. 6:17, 18), He reveals Himself as El Shaddai, and He may give you the experience for awhile o f seeming to stand alone with Him that He may prove that He is enough. Have you learned to know Him as your all in all? Desire above all to know Him, and to please and honor Him, and you will learn to know the abundant life that He has for you.
W e know all about the teaching that this particular rain bow is over the head o f the Jew and not the church. Suf ficient it is to say here that if the signs are unmistakable that Israel’s day of redemption draws nigh, how near must be the translation o f the church, which precedes Israel’s redemption! Remember, O saints o f God, that it is written: “ Then shall they see the Son o f man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (v. 27 ). Today, beneath the lowering, glowering clouds, a cowering world awaits its judgment. The saints o f God, however, await to be “ caught up to gether . . . in the clouds ”— above the clouds (1 Thess. 4 : 17, literal translation). The eye o f faith which is peering through “ the sure word of prophecy” sees, and fears not the fears of men, neither is afraid (Isa. 8 :12). “ I will look for him” (Isa. 8 :17 ). Invisible Conflict Behind Visible Chaos [Continued from page 420] In spite o f Satan’s best efforts, he has often suffered severe reverses. There have come times of revival and re pentance when men and women have prayed down the blessing and power of God. Hearts have been seized by intense conviction of sin; and they have been loosed from Satanic thraldom, as they turned their faces Godward. But then Satan begins his real warfare. Every group of Christians is the object o f his subtle attack. If immune to theological heresy, they may be brought low by internal dissensions and friction, and all sorts of petty and pergonal difficulties are made to serve the Satanic scheme. Dear Miss S co tt: May I bring my problems to you for an answer in the Girls’ Query Corner ? I have given up worldly amusements and am trying to live a surrendered life, but I am very lonely and unhappy. I seem to find little companionship, even among the church young people. Their whole thought and conversation seems to be taken up with worldly things. I cannot see that my stand helps any one. It seems, rather, to make the young people unkind to me. Though I try my best, I cannot find very much in my cir cumstances to rejoice in, or to give me a very happy or successful Christian life.— T r o u b l e d O n e . M y Dear: W e are not taught in God’s Word to rejoice in circum stances, but to rejoice in the Lord. What an opportunity your circumstances give you to shine for the Lord, and to show that He can keep you in perfect peace and put a song in your heart in spite o f circumstances! Take your concordance and Bible and note the things in which you are to rejoice. It is God’s will that His children be not only happy, but also bubbling over with joy. Is it not true that you are quite occupied with self— your happiness, the way. people treat you, etc. ? Let self die and be lost in the “ sweet will o f God,” having no will o f your own. You need “ a mind at leisure from itself.” Remember, you are not given life just to have your own way. Every rebuff is an opportunity to keep sweet and to
Q i r l s QUERY CORNER Conducted by M yrtle E. S cott Questions for answer in this corner should be sent to Miss Scott, 8961 Dicks Street, West Hollywood California. No name will be published.
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