Men forget God when they become pre-occupied with pleasing themselves or seeking the approval of others. The real tragedy is that God's own people -- saved by His grace and cleansed through the precious blood of Jesus -- so often forget!
    Israel, the covenant-nation of Old Testament times, "forgot God their Saviour, which had done great things in Egypt for them", (Psalm 106:21). They did this "days without number" -- perverting their way and making gain of their neighbors through extortion, (Jer. 2:32; 13:25-18:5; 3:21; Ezek. 22:12). And many who now presume to claim the rich blessings of the New Covenant have as truly forgotten Him -- perverting their way, rejecting His order for their lives and insisting on their liberation from all "ru1es and regulations". But they claim "rights" that have not been divinely granted them!
    When Israel forgot God: He abhorred them, (Deut. 32:18-26); His anger waxed hot against them, (Judg. 3:7-8); He sold them into the hands of their enemies, (I Sam. 12:9); and sent fire upon their cities,

    In times of weakness the best of men tend to burden themselves down with an excess of anxiety and care. What a list might be compiled of the many and varied cares that so often weigh us down -- almost to despair. There are: personal cares, home cares, business cares, cares for ourselves, cares for our loved ones, cares for our friends, cares for the church, cares for society and the nation, present cares, future cares, imaginary cares, borrowed cares, and an immeasurable host of nameless cares. ALL involve the "cares of this life" which Jesus clearly associated with hearts that are "overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness" -- incapacitating one for alertness to the approaching manifestation of His personal return to this earth, (Luke 21:34).
    Such cares are sinful -- arising from unbelief. Nor are they hazardous only in a spiritual sense; they weary the body, distract the mind, divide the heart, burden the soul and make one totally unfit for God's service. How urgent it is, therefore, that we learn to be men of much prayer, and of steadily decreasing anxiety!

    Peter urges that we cast ALL OUR CARE upon the Lord; "for He careth for you, (1 Peter 5:7). It is not only our PRIVILEGE but also our DUTY TO CAST OUR CARES ON HIM. "Cast thy burden upon the Lord", wrote the Psalmist, "and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved" (Psa. 55:22).
    When professed Christians are overwhelmed by anxious care, it is a sure evidence that they have spent little time in trusting prayer, (Jn. 14:13-14). For when the heart is full of FAITH there is no room for ANXIETY! Thus, Paul urges: "Have no anxiety: in every situation make your requests known to God with prayer, supplication and thanksgiving. Then the peace of God, which is greater them any thought can comprehend, will stand guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus", (Phil. 4:6-7), Bruce's Expanded Paraphrase).
    The "spirit of fear" is NOT one of God's gifts! (2 Tim. 1:7). E.G.

    The kingdom of this world has become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign forever and ever", (Rev. 11:15, New American Std.). The context in which this passage is found clearly depicts a FUTURE EVENT associated with the open, visible manifestation of the Son of Man when He comes in the clouds of heaven to assume His rightful place as "King of kings and Lord of Lords" -- ruling in righteousness, justice, peace and equity over a universal and everlasting kingdom.
    Few human governors possess adequate qualifications to rule in such a manner as even their dearest friends desire that they should. But there will be no inadequacy in the King of Zion. It is desirable that a king should be wise, good and powerful; in each of these areas Jesus Christ excels. In Him "are hid ALL the treasures of wisdom and knowledge", (Col. 2:3). His very life and death, in behalf of a sinful race, bespeak His goodness, (Acts 10:38; John 10:11). And all authority "in heaven and earth" belongs to Him, (Matt. 28:18). All the stores of nature and grace are at His disposal.
    When He walked on earth, as a man among men, Jesus presented such credentials of His right to Messiah-ship as clearly evidence His ability to exercise and sustain such a righteous rule as God has purposed from all eternity. Even His enemies marveled at the wisdom with which He constantly spoke and acted. With amazement they wondered at the

display of super-human authority with which He commanded: stormy winds to cease their raging, turbulent seas to be calm, demons to depart from their enslaved victims, the lame to walk, the blind to see, the withered and diseased to be made whole, the leper to be cleansed, the hungry to be fed and the dead restored to life. And ALL this was accomplished by "THE WORD OF HIS POwER!" He but SPOKE, and it WAS DONE!
    Human rebellion cannot thwart God's purpose to rule the earth through His Son; by it such rebels only forfeit any right to share in its glorious fulness. The combined opposition of men and demons cannot prevent the ultimate execution of God's righteous purpose in the earth, (Psalm 2). The sore trials that must yet be faced by the people of God will but purge and purify them for a fuller enjoyment of God's kingdom.
    When Christ returns to reign the age-long prayer of the saints will be answered. Our Lord Himself has taught us to pray: "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven", (Matt. 6:10). Every provision of His ancient covenants will be perfectly fulfilled. The authority of universal dominion, given in Eden, will be executed by our illustrious King Jesus. The curse of the Adamic covenant will be lifted from all mankind -- the "Seed of the woman" finally crushing the serpent's head. Righteous government will be exercised -- God's order fully established. The promise of eternal blessing and inheritance, made to Abraham and his

seed, will be abundantly fulfilled. The nation of Israel, long cut off from the covenant through rebellion and unbelief, will be restored to fellowship with God -- submitting to His righteous rule and becoming a channel of blessing to others. A kingdom of priests (God's own peculiar people -- considerably less than the plurality of all the saved) will bless all nations when Jesus is enthroned as King-Priest upon the restored throne of His father, David. And the blessings of the New Covenant, inchoately bestowed on the church during our Lord's earthly ministry, will be manifested in all their radiant beauty when the Spirit is poured upon all flesh -- when the knowledge of the glory of the Lord shall fill the earth as the waters cover the sea.
    "Even so, come QUICKLY, Lord Jesus!"


(Hosea 8:14).     Terrible judgment awaits forgetfulness of God. Thus, severe warning is sounded in the Scriptures against forgetting, (Deut. 6:12; 8:11-14; Psalm 9:17).
    Surely all who build their own "idols", rather than submit themselves to the ways of God, should ponder His words to Israel, as spoken through the prophet Isaiah: "Now whom did you dread and fear that you were so FALSE; that you did not remember or give Me any thought? Was it not because I have so long kept silent that you have not revered Me? I will make known what your righteousness and your

doings come to, and THEY WILL NOT BENEFIT YOU. When you cry out, let your idol-collection save you! The wind will carry them away; even a breath will take them off. But he who takes refuge in Me shall inherit the land and shall possess My holy mountain", (Isaiah 57:11-13, Berkeley).
    What kind of "idols" are YOU fashioning, after your own wisdom, rather than yield yourself fully to the wisdom, will and way of God? Better beware; it is TOO COSTLY!

    Word has just been received that missionary Roland Allen will be with Landmark Church for both services this coming Sunday. It is always a blessing to have this brother with us. Let us pray for him as he comes and holds forth the Word of life.
    Why not bring a friend to share this blessing. By all means, ask God's blessing upon the services. Your expectation is a valid index of both your prayer life and of the degree of assurance with which you make your requests known to the Heavenly Father. Think about that!


FAITH -- 'Tis a precious grace,
    Where'er it is bestowed;
It boasts a high, celestial birth,
    And is the gift of God.

Jesus it owns as King,
    And all-atoning Priest;
It claims no merit of its own,
    But looks for all in Christ.

To Him it leads the soul,
    When filled with deep distress; Flies to the fountain of His blood,     And trusts His righteousness.

Since 'tis thy work alone,
    And that divinely free;
Lord, send the Spirit of Thy Son,
    To work this faith in me!
    God is doing great things for Landmark Church! Don't miss a blessing by neglecting to attend a single service! Let's REJOICE TOGETHER!