II Corinthians 4:5-7
"For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, Who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us."
September 21st
"Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice." Philippians 4:4
Regardless of what befalls you (as we speak), you are to PRAISE the Lord for His deep, unfathomable LOVE for you, which brought this particular experience into your life! Cease not to THANK Him daily for it. Even though that which ordinarily is thought of as "bad luck" or even tragedy: THAT must be received gratefully, and with much PRAISE arising unto your LORD!!! There can be no exception to that rule. PRAISE Him perpetually….
Judah (meaning `praise') received that great birthright blessing which enabled that tribe to retain KINGDOM power "UNTIL Shiloh had come"! Similarly in your life "when you have returned…." and from the depths of your heart you perpetually PRAISE Him (regardless of what), THEN shall you experience the "KINGDOM" here and now UNTIL Shiloh calls you yonder….
Never forget that your relationship to God is the same as that of an earthly child to his parents. As the latter dotes on that offspring which is observed to be mindful of counsel, and eager to ever do the parent's bidding; so similarly with God. When He observes your eagerness His Will to do, your determination His injunctions to keep, THEN does He "dote on you"! HE is well able! Even though to you it might APPEAR unfavorable, it is nonetheless His LOVE MANIFEST to draw you closer to Himself.
Sermon 3/13/84