"The Time Of Jacob's Trouble"
"Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it" (Jer. 30:7).
In the June and July issues of The Reminder we have discussed the endtime under the designation in the King James Version of "last days" Three passages were found in the Old Testament and five in the New. We dealt with these passages up through number five, 2 Tim. 3:1, "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come."
Since these last days extend from the coming of Christ in the flesh until his coming in glory we have been dealing with the time aspect of "last days" and noting that we are approaching the last day, another term used only of the resurrection of the saints, and must realize that the time is upon us. Just how near we cannot say, but all the signs point to the soon coming of the Lord. A particular sign which has not showed up in our view yet, is a time of tribulation of which Jesus said (Mt. 24:21), "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be."
Right after that tribulation is when Jesus shall return (Mt. 24:29-31). May we turn to Jer. 30 and read verses 1- 9. There the word is not tribulation, but the word is trouble, trouble so great until the travail of a birth aptly describes the anguish of the descendants of Jacob. Men will not be producing the birth but the trials are so much like it until that description fits what men will be doing.
Through the centuries since Christ came and even before, Israel in captivity has been under great stress. Anti-Semitism has been the general spirit of Gentiles toward Jews, but their troubles will be far greater. Jeremiah said, "Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it." Whether it is the stress of their living in Gentile countries, as Germany and Russia, or whether the Jews may still read the Scriptures, and feel they must make a move to go back to the land, there is at least the promise that God will see to it that they are relieved: "Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the LORD; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid." That does not describe their lot back in the land since 1948. Therefore I conclude that those in the land now went back on their own, lured back by certain Jews who long to see their people back as of old. God has indicated that they must repent and turn back to Him with all their hearts for Him to go after them: "And it shall come to pass, when all these things are come upon thee, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before thee, and thou shalt call them to mind among all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath driven thee,
2 And shalt return unto the LORD thy God, and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul;
3 That then the LORD thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath scattered thee." (Dt. 30:1-3).
It has been suggested to me that the people have to be back in the land today. Why? God says the blessing and the curse are set before them and they must call into mind "among all the nations whither the Lord thy God hath driven thee," and there they shall return to the Lord with all their hearts, so God will deliver them.
The delivering is specifically said to be the Lord's doing but it comes when or after he has returned to earth for judgment.
"For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall no more serve themselves of him:
9 But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them.
10. Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the LORD; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid.
11 For I am with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished." (Jer. 30:9-11).
Those who are in the land on their own today have no promise of the rest and peace which God says he will give to them when they turn to Him. The happenings in Israel today are those which they are due until they turn back to their God (Dt. 30:3). Not even one's returning to God is acceptable unless it is done on God's terms. We can confidently look to God to deal with those enemies who persecute them simply for being Jews, or as they may say, for serving a false God.
Jacob's Troubles Continue
Almost daily we hear of suicide bombings in Israel. During the recent strife which identifies with the terrorism upon America, we are learning that many people hate America. Is it because they in Jerusalem are Jews, or is it because they identify with the God of heaven? I have expected that most of the terrorism directed toward us is because they are jealous of our affluence. They all want to come here. Money is available in an unstoppable stream, but why do they come this way for our wealth but destroy us piecemeal. What does Israel have to do with this situation? America has seemingly gladly gone to the aid of the remnant in that land. Yes, America goes to the aid of all countries under poverty or pressures. Maybe that is an excuse others would use. But is it not obvious that America is hated along with Israel.
1 The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him.
2 Behold I will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: 2 Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem.
3 And in that day all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it. (Zech. 12:1-3).
Israel seems to be hated of all nations. Is it not obvious that this has something to do with God's being over all the world and that world, though we blame the Jews for disobeying Him, still all nations are against them. Why? Is it not a part of the plan of the ages. God is in charge. The world is largely against him, or against the idea of Him. All such statements and questions should signal the Bible reader or any man with faith in God that these things do not just happen. God is fast setting up the outcome of this age and the return of our Christ.
Our God, by the Prophet Jeremiah, gives us a different view of what is going on there.
9 But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them.
10 ¶ Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the LORD; neither be dismayed, O Israel:, lor, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid.
11 For I am with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished. (Isa. 30:9-11).
We have shown by reference to the verse at the head of this issue, (Isa. 30:7) that Israel is referenced during their captivity. References in the context, but specially Isa. 30:7, that God is dealing with them there, not back in the their own land. The prophecy of Jacob's trouble extends throughout their lives, through the captivities, but seen since Christ's day as the dispersion.
They have been severely dealt with in some countries. Familiarity with world history shows that it has been most countries. This became the issue during the Second World War, under the Regime of Hitler. Other countries may not have persecuted them as they were in the Holocaust but anti-Semitism has pursued them in most countries. As we are seeing in recent times this hatred of the Jew has reached terroristic levels. I feel sure God will judge this spirit, even as the race hatred towards others when we stand before the Lord. The language of Jeremiah is clear. We see in Isa. 30:11 that God says He will correct them in measure, with judgment, that is, moderately, that is, with justice, not in full rigor, but with a view to correction. How often do we remember this hand of the Lord when He comes down on us in chastisement?
Consider Isa. 10:24; 27:8; 46:28; Ps. 6:1. God will make a full end of their captors, but Israel has been preserved. God's covenant people will not be utterly destroyed. Napoleon has been quoted as pointing to a Jewish soldier in his army and saying, "There is proof that God exists."
If you ever had an ounce of hate for the Jew will you please read Isa., Chapter 30. Note in v. 24 that God is very insistent. Though He has dealt harshly with Israel the heavy hand of His righteousness shall deal with all their enemies. The "latter days" in that verse is the identical words found in those references we have been using where they are rendered "last days."
Read on into chapter 31 and feast on the love of the Father for His children, even the rebellious ones, viewing their repentance.
Christian's Troubles Next
America formerly was called a Christian nation. Our forefathers here established our government on Judeo-Christian principles. Among the principles, though not thought much about, is another world ruler who is working across borders in every land. It is Satan, the god of this world who is at work.
"In whom the god of this world (Gk. this age) hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." He does not need a formal government to do his work. All it takes is for men to forget or overlook God and His Word, the Bible, and they are quickly under Satan's direction.
I do not personally know any persons who are a part of the ACLU, but I am informed that the American Civil Liberties Union is an organization of left leaning lawyers and I note by the news that they are the ones filing numerous cases which oppose the standards on which our government operates, cases which deny to Christians the liberties they enjoy under God and which we would want our children to follow. Example, the case which forbade the use of the Pledge of Allegiance by school children because it has the words "under God" in it. How could such a decision pass in America? This group of lawyers know that the people do not believe this is right, but the people do not get to vote on the matter. The decision was handed down by a Federal Court which has several judges who either belong to or are sympathetic with ACLU's agenda of ruling God out of life and business in America. The public has no opportunity to vote on such judges; they are appointed by the President and serve for life. Then the Senate votes to confirm these judges. For many years the Senate has been controlled politically by a party that favors the liberal policies of the ACLU. Voters do not know there are rules in the Senate which allow leaders who can agree to hold up a vote as long as they please. They use the filibuster. The present President has 120 judges waiting for approval by the Senate but a power inside has stopped this action.. The appointees by the President are men who believe this nation was formed by Christians who believed that God is head over all men and nations. A decision by the US Supreme Court in 1892 said, "Our laws and our institutions must necessarily be based upon the teachings of the Redeemer of Mankind . . . Our civilization and our institutions are emphatically Christian." George Washington on October 3, 1789, said "It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the Providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and to humbly implore His Protection and favor." This in no way makes the government a party to a particular establishment of religion, but it is a stand which all human beings should be aware of and grateful to God. The Constitution guarantees this right to every citizen. It even allows him to deny God without losing his citizenship privileges. The principles of right are there for everybody. God alone grants all rights to men, not the government.
As more and more influence is wielded by those whose decisions touch the lives of others, the danger grows for Christians. Satan is busy trying to influence men who do not believe God to move in ways which take away the liberties and privileges which our government endorses for all citizens. How long before some kind of government takes over power in America besides that formed by the believers in God!
This Satanic influence in our culture, located in educational and other institutions, may soon deprive through atheistic judges, those who believe in God, "life, liberty, and a pursuit of happiness," according to the Bible. Those, indeed, will be perilous times.
The things predicted to occur among believers, in families and in churches, things which never occurred to us could happen in our lifetimes, may soon be happening. Satan is not stronger than God. He is not wiser. God who allows him to deal harshly with some men knows what is best for the welfare of us all. Just as he deals with Jacob, a name descriptive of all the tribes of God's chosen nation, it happens for their good. But every believer, those spiritually recognized as "children of Isaac," may expect the same disciplinary dealings from the Heavenly Father. When we allow Satan's deceivers to turn us away from God, He will visit upon us the fruit of our folly.
A Covenant People, Yesterday And Today
Baptists, possibly following the line of Protestants, often do not see the significance of Old Testament Covenants. True, the Old or Law Covenant seems very unattractive to most believers since Jesus came and gave His life for all men. The very term, Old Testament, seems to detract from the truth of God's wisdom in calling out a special people nationally with whom He made a covenant which was expensive, time consuming, and very difficult. The sacrifices, the holy day observances, the many requirements on men's lives... Every day God was to be recognized in many ways. I do not doubt that the strictness administered by prophets, priests, and even good kings, must have impressed men with the standards of righteous living according to the will of God. We sometimes wonder that so many of those in Israel were careless in these matters, even when their physical lives were in jeopardy for any violation.
I suggest you stop and turn to Romans 7 and read the first 14 verses. Here is a lesson on spirituality. The best of rules do not make Johnny a good boy. Sin works in his heart and so adorns sin as to make it attractive, even in the face of the law. I am sure that the law, fulfilled by Christ at the cross for those of us who have trusted him, is still able to perform its work on our lives. The Holy Spirit can make its force very deadly, so that you have to seek a way out. The law is holy; its commandments are right and good (see v. 12). But there is no way that standard of righteousness can be attained by a lost man, or even a saved man, as long as he depends on his own willpower.
God could legally modify the requirements of the law, but was pleased to replace them with grace. This changes the size of the admonition calling for obedience. The terms of the new covenant make this provision, so that the outward forms of the law are satisfied. Jesus was the lamb whose sacrifice at Calvary negated the need for many animal deaths. The whole course of obedience and righteousness required by the law is satisfied by God's grace through the love of God in Christ Who died for us sinners. I fear that many who are saved and have learned of Christ taking the law out of the way, have misunderstood the sense of living by faith-obedience. They assume that the work done by Christ relieves us from obeying Him. The outward commandments of the law, such as the observance of days and the offering of sacrifices excuses our actually bringing an animal, but we are still obligated to come before God with our sacrifice, the sacrifice of Christ. We do not have to wait for a son of Aaron to intercede at the altar for us, but we have to look to our High Priest, Christ, to intercede for us. His ministry may not be as careless as you think the ministry of the Aaronic Priesthood might have been. Our confession of sin becomes as serious as our understanding of our Priest calls for. A simple formula, "I am sorry," may not be enough. Our Lord knows our hearts; he sees our slovenly manner in prayer. We may have a wrong idea of just what was accomplished by Him when He died.
The Voice of Our Culture
In America we have simplified a lot of life's activities. We send a card instead of making a visit. We put money in the offering instead of ministering to the poor, the sick, the afflicted. Remember the test when Jesus calls the nations before Him (Mt. 25:40, 45)? Instead of individually going to "all the world" we send a missionary, or our pastor. We assume that loving our families, or our special friends, serves for loving the brethren. The worst of our failures consists in letting the pastor, or the Sunday School teacher study the Word and tell us what it means. Or worse still, we substitute church attendance for fellowship and spiritual worship. We cannot imagine frolicking in prayer or dancing for joy; or "walking on the water." We know only the thrill of a lively song and that does not have to be in our church or with our brethren.
Not only do we miss the thrill of such fellowship with the Lord, as in private devotions, but our cold hearts would be shocked if confronted with a genuine broken heart. Such is the lifting up of the soul (Ps. 25:1; 86:4; 143:8); we have avoided the bruising which breaks hearts (Ps. 37:15; 38:8; 51:17; 69:20; 147:3; Pr. 15:13; 17:22; Jer. 23:9).
Do you agree that we are just not as serious with God, with our brethren, and with our fellow men as we ought to be? Why not? Is it not that our religion is more form than substance? Our approach to the Bible is only to scan a portion, read a verse, or meet today's devotional. Is this enough?
True Spirituality
Just how shall we answer? I am thinking of the perilous times we may face in the last days. "1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away" (2 Tim. 3:1-5).
We were talking of our having more form than substance. Does this passage describe the elements of our daily religion? Going back a few verses to 2 Tim. 2:22 and examining the verses up to those just quoted, here is what we see: "Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. 24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will" (2 Tim. 2:22-26).
Paul was addressing a young preacher, Timothy. He was telling him what to preach or teach those to whom he had been sent. He was to remain at Ephesus, charge those to teach no other doctrine than he had given them, and how to behave in the house of God, the church of the living God (cf. 1 Tim. 1:3-6). The Second Epistle, the last recorded words of Paul left to us, has to do with the walk of believers in the church. He reminds Timothy that all those in Asia had turned away from him, and that a good soldier must endure hardness (cf. 1:15; 2:3). If these admonitions were in order that early in the history of the church, how about today? Weak Christians seem to have a tendency to take the strong instructions about difficult times and a righteous walk must not apply to men today. They think this way because they are taught that Christ has already forgiven all their sins, "past, present and future." The sacrifice of Christ does cover all sins, but not before they are committed. We are to confess our sins, pray for grace to overcome temptation, and strive to walk humbly and in obedience. 1 Timothy and Titus give certain instructions as to the walk of a believer. Here in Second Timothy the instructions are further admonition to take care to our personal walk and testimony. Please take note that young believers need just such instructions. A young faithful servant like Timothy had his work laid out for him.
Now in the last days we all, young and old, need more than a few rules. Those verses tell us some things which will enable them to stay the course. When one does go astray he must seek God in prayer, looking for the disposition to repent and acknowledge the Truth. In the Word, the Bible, are pointed references to what we must believe if we are to walk humbly and obediently before the Lord. This is not to alien sinners about being saved. It is to erring believers who have been captured by Satan through his subtlety and need to recover themselves from his snare (2 Tim. 2;25-26).
The list of errors into which men may fall, provides a dangerous climate for weak believers, particularly in that the list is included a form of godliness, but one devoid of real spiritual power (2 Tim. 3:2-5). It also opens the door for worldly pleasures, and it began with dangerous elements like pride, disrespect for parents, profane actions. It is not surprising that it denied God's power. The entertainment of the flesh is less dangerous than that with a semblance of godliness, but compromising with evil. Satan never thought of a better deception than the establishment of religious organizations, even so-called churches, which have organization and civic activity which spend time and effort making the world look beautiful, efficient, and helpful, but with no allowance for God's direct intervention.
In my tracing of certain movements and people which come into prominence in the last days, I began a study of Daniel and Ezekiel. These two prophets were to witness to a people already in captivity, so the language is mystical because God does not want the details of His workings known by rebels, but He does love His covenant subjects and still pleads with them, even though they are "impudent," hardhearted and headstrong.
I found in Ezekiel 1 the surprising need. God showed him visions of God (v. 1) and in the last verse he saw "the appearance of the likeness of the glory of God." He started off seeing a whirlwind, active, then fire enveloping it. In the whirlwind was a chariot (?) With wheels and by each wheel a cherub. Only four cherub, which may suggest four wheels, but these are arranged in pairs with a wheel within a wheel. Could you draw a picture of this? It would have to conform to something akin to something you have seen before, else it would not be understandable. I am writing from memory, but that can only be of something I have visualized. To visualize something from a description of words requires the imagination. What good is imagination? It is an imaging of something described. Colors and shapes are mentioned. Coals of fire are used to explain some of the color, but it is not literal fire, as, perhaps, the wheels are not literal. If so, in the wheels, around the fellows, would be a poor place to place eyes. But eyes suggest personality. Often in this description is mentioned human characteristics, as a hand, feet, faces (both animal and human). The feet were straight. The sole of the feet were like the sole of a calf's foot. These feet sparkled as the color of burnished brass.
The whirlwind motion almost suggests violence, but it was so orderly that Ezekiel was not disposed to run. The cherubim had wings on each of four sides, and had hands under these wings. That suggests much performing of service. They were thoroughly equipped to move, to serve, to go (up, down, forward, returning), but they did not turn. It was always straight forward. Got the picture yet. Lets allow more imagination, but not pretending. It is not made up.
Ezekiel was told that the heavens were opened and he saw visions of God. This surely means that there were various representations of God. Wheels are for moving, not for staying in one place. Cherubim represent God in His holiness: separate, different, always there, always right. There to serve, obey, use the hands. They moved and the wheels moved at the same time. Performance was continuing, consistent, but invariable, no turning, just straight forward. Hands are for service, feet are for service, for work, good deeds. Man was created in the image of God, not a physical image, but life qualities (ministry, emotions, thinking, joy, peace, giving, forgiving, judging, doing righteousness). Faces are for representation of life qualities: kindness, obedience, goodness, justice, peace, happiness, strength (of mind and heart), four on each cherub (a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle). I leave you to think on the qualities represented in these sixteen faces. Keep in mind that the whole picture portrays the glory of God. Picture Him like a lion, like an ox, like an eagle, like a man. Are you even glad he has human qualities. Jesus took all those in order to die for us, to intercede for us, to rule over us, to keep ahead of us, to be there for us... The same yesterday, today, and forever.
The wheels were high (also deep, if you please). Our God is above us over us, but down upon us, dreadful was the word. How many eyes, all around! All-seeing. The spirit of the living creature was in the wheels. When or wherever the living creature went or stayed, all went or stayed. The triune God is visible in the symbolism.
God has a voice. He communicates. He pleads, He commands, He can be heard. His voice is like many waters. Think of that quality. Water from a broken dam says one thing, from a river in flood says another. It told Noah of God's displeasure. It got all men's attention, but for many it was too late. The voice of the Almighty speaks to all, for all, to condemn all, to defend all who will allow it. He is there to defend all, and to call all to service or to judgment.
The spirit was in the wheels, making the wheels to show life. We say of the human flesh that the life is in the blood. This is true (Lev. 17:11. 14). But spiritual life is in the Spirit, or is spiritual (2 Cor. 3:6; Gal. 6:9; Rev. 11:11). It exists though the body be dead. God is the source of all life. He consistently acts, that is, His actions are always in harmony with His announced will and purpose. Also, it occurs to me that the living creatures (cherubim), seemingly apart from the Person of God, are described as having their spirit in the wheels. Are you mindful that intelligent creatures may be "in Him." Such are independent in their choices, but activated by the Active God, the Holy Spirit. We emphasize the important of understanding our "relationship" with Him, but we are responsible to enter and willingly contribute to that relationship.
Ezekiel saw the "terrible crystal." How does this register with our mundane minds. A crystal so clear and bright that it dazzled the vision. Moses (x. 3:6) did not dare to look at Him "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him" (Jn. 1:18). He brought Him out into view of man. The best view with the eyes of Him today: (1 Jn 4:12) "No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us).
Please consider the living creatures, the description of movements and activities, is a picture of God's working in His providences here on earth. We believe He is doing His will in heaven. Can we believe He is also working here on earth, but fallen man is resisting. He will ultimately get it all right and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
My space is running out, but not my imaging mind of God's glory. How about you! Q
The Reminder,
September 2003
This writing is on August 29. I had hoped to have this paper in the hands of the printer before now, but have faced several limiting factors. I am providing for a better storage building, but had to remove the old building before it could be put up. The extreme heat we have had in this section of the Ozarks has kept that from happening. I can stand heat fairly well, but my wife cannot. It has been over 100° several days. At our age we are doing the best we can. I am thankful to be able to compose the copy for this paper.
Both Sister Byrd and I see an Ophthalmologist over at Mountain Home, Ark. When we began to see him he was coming over here to Harrison each week, but he decided to stop that , so we drive over there. It is about an hour's drive. We went on Monday last week. He examined us particularly for macular degeneration, a problem which people our age can almost universally expect. He had put me on special vitamins to nourish the eyes several years ago, but this time he increased the dosage considerably as he could see some evidence of its development in my eyes and a little more in hers. She had been having trouble and was blaming her glasses, but she did not need a lens change, nor did I. But he found a fluid bag in her eye partially obscuring her vision, so used his laser and broke the bag. She says she is seeing better than she has for many months. It had been two years since we were last there. Now he wants us back in one year.
When we left the clinic it was just about 12:00 and we did not want to go in on anyone who would insist on fixing a meal for us, so I called Sister Roberta Floyd and told her we would come by, if she did not object, as soon as we ate a bite.
Bro. Floyd, whom many of you will remember,. Had a stroke some months ago. It was serious enough that he stayed in the hospital and a home for care for several months, but now he is home. His speech is almost normal. Sounded very natural to us. His left arm shows some effects, but the biggest problem for him is maintaining hi balance, so he uses a wheel chair and does not try to walk much. We had a very good visit and did not come home as soon as we thought we would. We are thankful that he is able to get around enough that he can go to church occasionally, and promised that he and perhaps Bro. Ed Sullivan would come together to visit us before long. We shall be happy to see them both.
Bro. Sullivan has had a problem or two and must use a cane to get around.
Persecution of Christians
Not in America? Well, it is appearing in America. When we read of the perilous times to come in the last days it is evident that the liberty we have enjoyed will not continue. Bro. Manoj Pun in Nepal reports attempted murders, forced moves, and severe inconveniences in his country. It comforts me to know that they likely are being better prepared for the perilous times than will be many here in those days. Be sure to study the lead article in this issue, and also the previous one, if you can. That is the June and July issues. There is no August issue. We hope you missed it.
Vacation season has hit us this year. We expect people to take off from their jobs and go visit family members. Visit brethren other places too. Age has given me some patience, but I still feel hurt when we miss those we know and depend on. Visiting brethren sometimes fill in for us. We have never needed more chairs than we have.
We had expected Bro. Wayne Ruff to visit (his old home here) but did not come. The delay was extended and now we learn that he has West Nile Virus. Mosquitos are the propagators of this vicious ailment and a few do not make it. At last report it is evident that Bro. Ruff is recovering. We feel Bro. Ruff is the man for the hour, doing a good job where he is.
August Paper Missing
You may be curious as to why I am missing an issue of The Reminder. It does not save much money, for the software for the computer costs as much whether I miss an issue or not. Of course, I do not pay the printer when I miss, and I do not pay postage. But it w as not a short age of funds which pushed the paper out of the mailing for August.
My wife, though limited, needs a little help in vacuuming and with other chores, as watering the flowers and caring for the animals. Then the storage building on the place which we needed for the lawn mower, the tiller, and several other tools and where I store things which have no room or place in the house, had begun to leak. Getting on top and tearing off a roof is a little much for me at my age, but when I had a bid by someone to do it the cost was so far beyond our ability to pay until we decided to tear down the building and use the lumber for other things, and place a new building on the concrete foundation of the old one.
The old building must be removed and the temperature here in Harrison has been unusually hot, so we do not stay out there as long as younger people might.
Our son, Ben, has bought a double-wide and bought land from us and has put it on near us. He has been using our old pickup truck to do the moving. We get to see the girls a lot more with him living close. Ben has been too busy to even put The Reminder on the web for two months now. We hope you have not stopped looking for it. Maybe he will get back to it again soon. The web address for this is at the bottom line of the box on page two. Copy this into the line you use to search on the web.
How do you visualize God's glory? See Ezek. 1:1, 28. The figures are understandable. Q
