Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me (John 14:1).

Because of the weakness of the human frame, the troubled heart has always been a part of mans existence on this side of eternity. Now, all of us know that as children of God, we rejoice and we are thankful for all the abundant blessings God bestows upon us each day of our lives (Philippians 4:4; Colossians 3:15). We also are painfully aware that sometimes even though so greatly blessed, some tremendous burden will come crashing down upon our shoulders causing our lives to be filled with pain and anguish that sore troubles us. It is in those moments that the words of our Lord from John 14 become so meaningful. They are words that will guide us safely through any trial imposed upon us in this earthly sojourn. Listen intently as Jesus continues: "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also" (vs. 2-3).

O to be sure, there are going to be those times when we will become weary, our steps slow and our shoulders stooped because of a burden we must bear. Thanks be to God. we don't have to bear that burden alone. I am convinced that Jesus sees us, that he knows our every need and that he is touched because he cares, he cares (1 Pet.5:7). Every day God thinks about us (psalms 68:19). Every hour God looks after us (Psalms 46:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:3). Every minute God cares for us (1 Peter 5:17; Psalms 116:1-6). Every second God loves us (Jeremiah 31:3; Romans 8:35). There is absolutely no burden that ever troubles our heart that he did not face during his sojourn on this earth (Hebrews 4:13-15). Because of this he can bind up all our wounds and heal our broken hearts whatever the cause may be (Hebrews 4:16; Philippians 4:6-7; Psalms 40:17, 55:22; Isaiah 40:35).

Yes, sometimes the path we must travel will be rough and burdens will press down heavily upon us but so long as we hold on to the nail scarred hand of our Savior, he will keep us safe on our journey and one day we will gain the greatest victory imaginable (1 Corinthians 15:52-57). What a glorious thought to cheer us as we press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14).

Charles Hicks

“There Is Nothing in A Name”

It is quite interesting to listen to the feeble attempts of men to justify those things for which men have no authority. It would seem that once a person has decided to embark upon a certain course, that reason is thrown to the wind, and common sense is ignored. The title of this week’s column demonstrates this very fact. Some years ago Johnnie Ann and I were making multiple trips to Ukraine to establish and strengthen the Lord’s church in Poltava. We were only allowed to remain in the country for 90 days, so we would do what we could during that time, return home, and reapply for a visa and get back to Poltava as quickly as possible. That was period of great interest regarding matters pertaining to religion in that country, and it provided a unique opportunity to preach and teach the truth with the full expectation that our labor would yield visible fruit for the Lord. But you don’t have to go to Ukraine to hear this oft-stated and ill-advised excuse for failing to abide by God’s divine authority when it comes to the name we are to wear as God’s children, or the terms that we are to use to refer to the church. It just so happens that an incident on one of our mission trips provided an opportunity to demonstrate the foolishness of those who might attempt to claim, “There is nothing in a name.” It was a great occasion to “answer a fool according to his folly” (Proverbs 26:5). His name of Sergei. He had been converted to the Lord prior to our having met  him on our first trip to Poltava. He served as our contact/sponsor/interpreter on each of those mission trips. On occasion he would meet us at the airport in Kiev and escort us to Poltava. He was diligent, good at what he did, and he was wise beyond his years. I cannot remember the details at how the meeting came about, but Sergei introduced us to two missionaries from Australia who were members of the Church of The Brethren. They showed some interest in our work and wanted to discuss some matters in private. I agreed to meet with them. “George” and “John” were their names. Both spoke good English with the typical Australian accent, which made for pleasant conversation. It also eliminated the need for Sergei to interpret, breaking him lose to work on the Ukrainian preacher that had come with these men. Upon our meeting, “John” suggested that we combine our efforts in order to make a greater impact for the cause of Christ. I simply told him that we could not extend fellowship to those who demonstrated a disrespect for the authority of Christ. I told him there were too many doctrinal issues that separated us and any attempt at cooperation between the two of us could only produce difficulty, not to mention that fellowship with error would render us partaker in their false doctrines (2 John 10-11). “Such as?” came his reply. I immediately focused on the names they wore. “How can we even begin to discuss unity when we can’t even agree on the names and terms that we use? Where, for example is the term “Church of the Brethren” mentioned in the Bible?” His response was so typical of those who cannot see beyond their proverbial noses when it comes to such matters: “There is nothing in a name!” This is where the conversation became somewhat humorous. I responded to John, “George, there IS something in a name!” He quickly responded, “I’m John; he’s George.” I continued, “Ok George, whatever; let’s continue.” Again he responded, “No, I’m John, he’s George!” I continued, “George, turn with me to Colossians 3:17.” I was abruptly interrupted, “Look, I’m John, NOT George!” I could hear the frustration in his voice; he must of thought by now he was talking to some dunce, unable to remember even the simplest of matters such as the name of person. I then made my point: “John, I thought you said there was nothing in a name! If you are so intent on my calling you by your proper name, how do you think Christ feels about you calling the church by the wrong name?” The point was made, the conversation concluded, the study ended, and we went our separate way. I don’t think he ever got the point I was trying to make. Names ARE important, and there IS something in a name.  If you doubt that for a minute, why not try cashing a check made out to someone other than your self.  How much success do you suppose you would have borrowing money from a bank if you refused to sign with your legal name? Why, then, do we assume that when it comes to religion we can attach any name we select to identify the church of our Lord? It is His church (Matthew 16:16-18), He paid the price (Acts 20:28), and it is His followers, and only His followers, that will be saved (Eph. 5:23). We are told that there is “none other name under heaven, that is given among men, wherein we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). The Holy Spirit guided the apostles into all truth (John 16:13), and the only terms used to designate the church all include a reference to the Lord Jesus Christ in one fashion or the other. “The church of God” (1 Cor. 1:2), “the church of the firstborn” (Heb. 12:23), “the churches of Christ” (Rom. 16:16); these are terms the Holy Spirit used to designate the church for which Jesus shed His blood. Where in God’s word do we read of the “Church of the Brethren,” the “Baptist Church,” “Pentecostal Church,” “Seventh Day Adventist Church,” “Harvest Tabernacle Church,” or “Cowboy Church,” to name just a few. The God given name for His people, as well as that soul saving institution, the church, is extremely important. The Bible tells us that the disciples were called “Christians” first in Antioch (Acts 11:26). Why can we not be satisfied with the name provided by the Holy Spirit, and glorify God in THAT name (1 Pet. 4:16)?   Would to God that names devised by human beings forever cease, and His name be glorified. Let us wear the name of Christ only. If you have heard that there is nothing in a name, don’t you believe it for a second. Hold fast to God’s word, and make sure you have divine authority for all that you do in matters pertaining to religion (Col. 3:17). Look again at 1 Peter 4:16 and tell me, “There’s Nothing In A Name”!   by Tom Wacaster ~~~~~     On The Lighter Side:  Two older gentleman were talking and one said to the other, “You’re having an anniversary soon, right?”  The other replied, “Yup, a big one... 20 years.”  “Wow,” said the other, “what are you going to get your wife for your anniversary?”  The other replied, “I’m giving her a trip to Australia.” “Wow, Australia, that’s some gift!” said the other man. “That’s going to be hard to beat. What are you going to do for your 25th anniversary?” “Go back and get her.” Did you hear about the midget who scaled the wall at Alcatraz? As he was letting himself down over the wall with knotted bedsheets, one of the guards thought he was a little con descending.

Acts 5:41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

Were the apostles mad? They were threatened, put in prison and beaten, but they were rejoicing! How could it be? They should be asking God why they were suffering when they were doing His work.

To most people, it would be considered a shame to be whipped in public. But to the apostles, they considered it as an honour to suffer for the name of Christ and to be partakers of Christ in His sufferings.

They were doing just as the Lord said: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven….Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven” (Matt 5:10, 12).

Faithless Christians ask why but the faithful ones let the will of God be done. Last week, I read a piece of terrible news but it contains a beautiful story of faith. A little girl, Juniper Wren Stacy, was born on October 10, 2016 to her parents, Jeffrey and Meghan Stacy. But she passed away peacefully in their loving arms on October 14, 2016. Just four days on this earth but she touched many lives and was loved deeply. What happened?

Her mother wrote: “My water broke around 10am yesterday, and the cord prolapsed. We were rushed by ambulance to the best hospital around for babies. Juniper was without oxygen for a long time.” The medical team had to resuscitate the baby. They got Juniper’s heart to beat on its own, but they had to breathe for her. She had seizures because of brain swelling. The brain scans showed no activity but the seizures.

No parents would want to go through such ordeal. How did Jeffrey and Meghan take it? They did not blame God. I was totally inspired by their faith and courage. This is what Meghan wrote on her Facebook: “I can honestly say things look so different now that I know Juniper Wren. I’m seeing beauty in everything. Things are more real, more vibrant. Everything seems to be more purposeful. Juniper will do that for you. Let her love and light show you the gifts are around you. Don’t take a single one for granted.”

One wrote: “An angel wrote in the book of life my baby’s date of birth then whispered a she closed the book, “Too beautiful for earth.”

I was so touched by their faith and even at this time of their life, able to encourage others. I read of others who shared their similar experiences how they too had lost a little one. I do not know brother Jeffrey and sister Meghan but I prayed very hard for them hoping that God will give Juniper life. But I think God deemed she was too beautiful for earth and took her to Him. How blessed are those little eyes which open and the first face they see is the face of God. And more blessed are those whose faith when under trials, remain steadfast and continue to trust in the One who did not grant them their petitions.

Job lost everything he loved in one day. He did not question God. What did he do? “Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD” (Job 1:20-21).

Instead of charging God foolishly, Job praised the name of God. I am thankful for the faith of our brethren who, in spite of their illness, continue to trust in God and praise God. They set as examples for those who may suffer the same afflictions: “Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God” (2 Cor 1:4).

The early Christians rejoiced in their tribulations because they counted it an honour to suffer for Christ. “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:13).

They did not look at the present pain but at the exceeding joy that will come when they meet God. They looked for a better home when their pain will be over and there will be no more pain (Revelations 21:4).

Let us not look only at the present pain but the glory that shall be revealed to us, when the crown of life is placed on our heads. “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Revelations 2:10).

Jimmy Lau

Psa 119:97  Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.