In the modern day of electronic scales, many have not even seen a set of scales that had a place on one side to put the weights and a container on the other into which the product being measured was placed until both sides balanced out equally.

Now it was not uncommon for dishonest traders to hollow out their weights so as to reduce the amount of product that was being purchased. To safe-guard people, inspectors were appointed as weights and measures inspectors, with power to check the weights and issue fines to those found doing this. No doubt if caught, the trader also lost face as people found out he was a false trader.

Our text also teaches us that a false balance become an abomination to God and no doubt also looses face with God. We in our lives, have to as it were, put our lives on the scales and test ourselves against a just weight. King Solomon tells us, “A just weight and balance are the Lord’s: all the weights of the bag are his work.” We see that as the just weight is provided by God and that giving, is His word, and we know that God gave us Jesus Christ as His living word and His life sacrifice and teachings became that just weight by which we must constantly test ourselves and keep our life in balance with His ways. If we find we do not measure up or balance, we have His Grace to call upon and He can add the good and take away the excess and balance us each and every Sunday.

Now if we do not follow this way, but wish to use our own devises, seek to cheat or defraud those around us, then we as the false trader, show an outward appearance that looks to all like a true balance, but within us has been taken away the true weight, and we are filled with emptiness or even worse our own pride, deceit, envy, jealousy etc. When we are like this, we may think we fool those around us, but if put on the scales, we then face the words of the Prophet Micah 6:11, “Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights?” As the false trader is caught out if put to the test, so will we if we deliberately begin to justify our wrong ways and loose the right to keep ourselves in balance by this justification.

We must all remember that all of us have to face that Chief Inspector at least once, let us rather take our lives to Him each Sunday and voluntarily give ourselves to be measured and corrected.

At times, we may find ourselves meandering through life’s labyrinth, feeling lost and devoid of direction. While the world often offers temporary solutions, Bible verses serve as a timeless beacon of hope, providing guidance and comfort during our most disorienting moments. Let’s explore a collection of empowering Bible verses that offer solace, hope, and a spiritual compass when we feel adrift.  

When uncertainty looms large, and the path ahead seems veiled in fog, these verses remind us that God’s unwavering presence is a steadfast promise we can rely on. Isaiah 41:10 “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” 

These passages encourage believers to ground themselves in faith even when the journey is undefined. The assurance of God’s strength and guidance provides a sense of direction that transcends our circumstances. Encountering life’s challenges can sometimes make us feel as though we’re traversing an intricate maze with no exit in sight. The Bible offers wisdom to assist in finding our way through.  Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Matthew 7:7 “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”  

These scriptures remind us that reliance on God’s understanding rather than our own is a key to emerging from the maze. By seeking divine wisdom and knocking on the door of opportunity with faith, we can anticipate the eventual clarity of our path.  

Feeling lost can often lead to a sense of vulnerability. However, the word of God offers a sheltering presence, advocating embrace of God’s word. Psalm 119:105 “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Hope is an indispensable ally when we feel unsure of our direction. It anchors us to a brighter future and reinforces the belief that we are never alone.  Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Romans 15:13 “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” 

Feeling lost is an integral part of the human experience, but it does not have to be a permanent state of being. By turning to scripture, we can find solace and direction during our most bewildering stretches. Allow these Bible verses to guide us back to a path of spiritual certainty, hope, and inner peace. Remember that no matter how isolated we may feel, we walk with a loving God who is always ready to reveal the way forward. 

MESSAGE FROM APOSTLES TO ALL YOUTH ATTENDING PHILIPPINE YOUTH 2023 CAMP AND ALSO THOSE WHO WERE UNABLE TO ATTEND.

Although written almost 2,000 years ago, there are two things highlighted, especially in the first two verses. The first is the request from the Lord – God’s word, and what can never be changed by angels (Satan) or man — Jesus Christ became the living word and is the same yesterday and today and forever. 1 Peter 1:25 “But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.”

All the requests remain unchangeable, but especially verse one— “Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God. Which is your reasonable service.“

And verse 2. “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect will of God.” 

The second thing that has and will continue to change is the world, the push to follow different beliefs, philosophy of mankind worshiping the creation and not the creator, living for today, false promises of riches, independence to do what we like, laws are for others, enjoyment can be obtained through alcohol, drugs etc. On the reverse side, we see God’s love in providing blessings through medical science and the other sciences to providing many blessings to the world not known previously. But the greatest blessing now available worldwide is the gift of God’s grace freely available. That is why the Apostle Paul used the words, this world. We are not standing on a road in Rome 2,000 years ago, but we are standing on a road in the Philippines in 2023. That is why it is so important to have our minds renewed each day to be sure we are on the right pathway in life. The request for this renewal should take place first thing as we begin each day.

Psalm 5:3 “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord, in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee and will look up.”

The Morning Salute given to the church for this year, should provide the words of a simple prayer needed — “Lord, by thy Grace, establish my thoughts, season my words and guide my actions today, so that I may in all ways, endeavour to follow your will.”

On our journey for that day, we will be confronted to make decisions on life matters. Before rushing in we should pause and ask ourselves the simple question —

“WHAT WOULD JESUS HAVE DONE?” and respond accordingly. This takes the step from Faith in Christ, to Trust in Christ. We all need to mature to move from Faith to Trust.

If we make the wrong decision and realise we are now following the world, all is not lost. We can sincerely confess this to our Lord and by His Grace, our minds can once again be transformed to the will of God. 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”          

Imprint those words “WHAT WOULD JESUS HAVE DONE?” on your mind and it will act as a G.P.S. for your journey through life.

To conclude this message as we see what is happening around the world to so many of our brothers and sisters in faith, we ask the Youth as the front row soldiers of the Lord, to consider that important part of the whole armour of God, as described by Apostle Paul — Ephesians 6:18 “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”

How often have all of us experienced this word of God in our own lives when we think we are better than our fellowman and put ourselves above where we ought to be – then in a flash we are brought “down to earth”, usually in a way that others see our fall. But do we learn? This word also applies very seriously in our spiritual life also. Often, we put ourselves up and feel good in our selves because of what we have in our lives, and then in the spirit, begin to look down on others as inferior in faith. If we do this, we will also have to take a great fall. It may not be in this life, but it certainly will be when our Lord returns, and yes, it will also be in front of all others. Christ spoke of this in His teachings in Luke 14:7-11, when He spoke of all that were bidden to a feast, and how some sought out the highest seats and the chief rooms, and He said, “When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him, And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.” When we apply this to our spiritual life, we see how important it is to learn from our natural falls because of pride, as we must never judge our fellowman, especially by outward appearance, because God does not see man as man sees man, outwardly, but God sees into the heart of man.

Once we become high-minded even our prayers become of little effect, because we soon place ourselves in the place of the Pharisee in Christ’s lesson in Luke 18:10-14. Now to understand the full meaning of this, we must know what a Pharisee in that day was. The Pharisees were a sect of Jews who took extra vows in an open service to fulfil God’s law, but as time went on, they developed a haughty spirit, and believed that because they were a Pharisee, they must be better than their fellow Jews. We can read how that haughtiness displayed itself when he (the Pharisee) noticed a publican (tax collector, lowest of esteemed man) in the temple with him.

He held his head up and prayed to himself, “God, I thank thee that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican; I fast (attend service) twice a week, I give tithes, etc.” – But the publican would not lift up his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast saying, “God be merciful to me a sinner.”

Christ’s words should ring loud in our ears, “I tell you this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”

We see, we should at all times be careful that we do not allow the added blessings which we have been granted in this our Apostolic Faith to go to our heads, as it can easily be turned into pride and a haughty spirit. At all times remain humble and meek, and show this humbleness by deeds to all we come in contact with.

We understand the Lord’s teaching above in the context of His message in the Gospel of Matthew. He and His Father as the creator of mankind, know that food, clothing, and shelter are daily essentials, but they should not become our focus in life.

As human beings, whatever we focus on, or set goals to achieve, is where our heart, thoughts and, in turn time and actions, get placed. Colossians 3:1-2, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

As a principle for setting things in the right order, the above teaching can be applied to many aspects of life. Specifically, by applying it to three simple aspects, we can witness how putting the Lord first before self allows us to access His righteousness.

1) Events – The second commandment tells us that God rested the seventh day and made it Holy. When we come to our day of rest, do we seek first the Kingdom of God to make that day Holy or do we prioritise other events for ‘self’ ahead of worshipping God?

2) Offerings, Church Funds – Do we set aside these things first in our life or give to God what is left?

The Lord summed up getting the priority right in these two areas. Matthew 22:37-38, “Jesus  said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.”

He then went on to show the third area of life for our priorities.

3) Charity – Matthew 22:39, “And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Do we put ourselves out in order to help others or just when it is convenient? Matthew 22:40, “On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

It is sound spiritual knowledge to know and understand what our Lord taught regarding getting our priorities ‘right’ in His sight, but it is wisdom to apply that in our lives.

This flaming sword was prefiguring the power of God that would be exercised by the third part of the trinity, the Holy Ghost. It was showing the role of the Holy Ghost even in our day, and that is to point mankind to the tree of life, Jesus Christ. Christ taught this would be the role of the Holy Ghost while on earth.

This sword is often referred to as the “Sword of the Lord” and was used by God down through the ages, to show the power. When God’s people were led by Moses out of captivity, God taught them what is called the “Song of Moses” to be reminded of God’s power and blessings, and we find in that song the words “If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies.” This shows the power and perhaps the fearful side of the role of the “Sword of the Lord.

As Joshua was to lead God’s people to the promised land, he looked up and saw a man with the sword drawn, and Joshua asked whether he was for or against. He answered, neither, for as the captain of the host of the Lord, he was for the Lord, and Joshua was told to take off his shoes as he was on Holy ground. We see clearly that the Holy Ghost will always stand up for the Lord.

200 years later, Gideon was instructed to go to battle with 300 men armed with trumpets, pitchers and lamps. To us it would appear a hopeless state, but as they sounded the trumpet, broke the pitcher to reveal the light inside and shouted “The Sword Of the Lord”, the enemy began to kill each other and the battle was won. This shows that when we are prepared to break the darkness and let our light shine and call on God’s spirit in us to take over, we can over-come all our wordly cares and battles.

200 years on and King David sinned against God by numbering the children of Israel, and God spoke through the prophet, giving him the choice of three years famine, three months to be destroyed by his enemies, or three days under the “Sword of the Lord”. David chose the “Sword of the Lord” for he knew of the great mercies of the Lord. As the time commenced, 70,000 men were struck down by pestilence and David looked and saw the Angel of the Lord with the sword stretched over the nation, and he fell down with the Elders and confessed to God he was to blame, and to have mercy on the people. David was instructed to build an Altar and make an offering, and God instructed the sword to be withdrawn. We see the role of the Holy Ghost in pleading with man, but also as a spiritual access for our petitions for Christ to act as our intercessor and the means of dispensing peace after confession.

400 years later the prophet Jeremiah saw that this sword of the Lord would be used for the judgement of the world and asked the question, when will it be able to be put up in peace? Over 600 years later, the Apostle John saw in the Revelations, the time before the end, and he saw the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, and his heavenly armies go forth with the sword in his mouth to smite the nations. We see that as it proceeded from his mouth that it represents The Word of God, and this is confirmed in Revelation 19:13; “And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called “The Word of God”. We know that it is only by the Holy Ghost that the Word of God is given to us, and that is why we must give ourselves to hearing and doing the Word of God, and then we will appreciate and value and not be fearful of this Sword shown in our text, but realise that it is leading us to the Tree of Life.

The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning, here we see that if we are to walk with the Lord we have to abide by that old commandment, the one that we received from the beginning. Therein we question – What is the first commandment that God ever gave to the world? We know that many might think it is this or that, but to get the answer for that we have to go to the creation of the world. In the beginning we read that the world was without shape or void, and the world was darkness, and God said – Let there be light: this is His first commandment, and there was light, and He divided that light and the darkness and separated them.

The first commandment of God is that unless we seek out this light and have it divided from the darkness of this world, as the Apostle John said, we will stumble. Therefore, we need to seek out that light within our lives. How do we receive this light? How does it come about? How can we use this light? We look around and we see that it is daylight. We ask the Lord to be the light of our lives, but He does not come as a shining light as He did with the children of Israel and led them.

How do we use that light which is the first commandment that God ever gave to the world? We find Jesus’ own teachings on this, in the Book of Matthew Chapter 6 verses 19-23: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” We see therein our Lord explained where this light is and how we can use it. He said – Our eyes are the light of the body; and it will reflect from us what is inside of us, whether it is light or whether it is darkness. He said we should use these eyes to perceive and to show the world that there is light in the world. We should use our eyes to observe. Before any temptation comes to us, we should observe with our eyes where it might lead to, and it then gives the opportunity to resist or to accept, depending on the lusts of the body.

All of us face temptations where we use our eyes to decide what we are going to do. There would not be anybody who has not received on their emails the opportunity from somebody to inherit a large amount of money and all they had to do is press a button. We use our eyes. We read that. Our mind then kicks in because Christ is within us and He reminds us that this is a temptation that will lead to disaster. We must use our eyes in the same way within the world. Every time something is thrown at us, look around, see the consequences, see what the Lord would do. Ask ourselves – What would Jesus have done? And act accordingly. In simple ways we fall short of this. We are running late somewhere. We use our eyes. We see a sign post that says 100kph. We think – I am under the protection of angels, no one will know; I will now do the speed that I need to do to get to my destination. We have yielded to that temptation. And so, it is with every temptation within our life. If we stop and consider we are given the opportunity to use the light of the body which is Christ within us emanating through our eyes to pause, to stop, to think, to see the consequences, and when we see those consequences then to resist that temptation.

In this teaching of Christ, we see the foolishness of man in vowing to do things and swearing by those things that he mentioned, that we will give them up or have something done to us if we fail to keep those vows. All things are ultimately in the hands of our Creator, we are but clay, he is the potter and if we give our lives to him, he has that final say.

Vows can be positive, that is, that we will do something or negative, that is to abstain from doing something. Nowhere in the Bible do we find that the Lord ever demanded “Thou shalt vow this or that” but always put the onus back on the people. “If thou shouldst make a vow” or “When thou vowest etc”. then let such vow be observed. We see the onus is on us. Even in the law period, having made the vow, every effort was then to be made to fulfil it, lest a slight would be put upon God, and a stain on the conscience of the worshipper. Ecclesiastes 5:5, “Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.”

Vows even unto the law were entirely voluntary, and we see many cases recorded where vows and oaths were prevalent at the time Christ was on earth. That is why He gave us the text, so that in the Christian period that stood before the people, these same mistakes would not be made.

We today, as Christians, also have vows in the Church. Vows at Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage, Ordinations etc. All of these are voluntary and not forced upon anyone and in conformity to Christ’s teaching, and the acknowledgement of our own short fallings, all vows are answered by a simple Yes, and then followed by “So help me God”. These are the most important words of “any vow, for we acknowledge that it is only with the help of God, that we can expect to even attempt to fulfil them. If in our life we forget those words and forget to call on help from God through His Spirit and we try to go it alone, we will be doomed to failure but if we believe as written in Luke 1:37, “For with God nothing shall be impossible. “and remember firstly those things that we have committed with a Yea and think more sincerely about the prayer we offered at that time “So help me Go” We will obtain a better understanding of our text and be strengthened.