OUR VICTORY MARCH

OUR VICTORY MARCH

Today would have been Pastor Bill's 84th birthday. He is celebrating today in the presence of Jesus. I want to encourage you to leave a note of encouragement on his blog for his dear wife, Ruth, and the family. Visit http://www.americaskeswick.org/ and click on his blog. Be sure and let them know that you are a FREEDOM FIGHTER

"Now thanks be unto God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through usdiffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place." (2 Corinthians 2:14)Apparently the Apostle Paul had been a spectator at one or more of the parades marking the victory of Roman armies over barbarian attacks. These were quite impressive to him, and he used the memory of them to provide an illustration of the victorious Christian life.He expresses his thanks to the Lord, using a word for thanks which embraces the idea of grace. This indicates that the victory he describes is a gift and not something to be earned or merited.

As he develops the picture of a victory march, he declares that the spiritual march differs from the military in that it is to be continuous. He pictures the conquering general either riding in a chariot or marching at the head of his troops. He is preceded by people carrying incense pots. Behind the general would be a line of prisoners, probably chained to one another. These would be followed by the army.In the illustration, Jesus Christ is the conqueror who leads His people in a victory march into their home city. It is possible to consider believers either as conquered captives constrained by his love (see 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, Romans 6:16-17) or members of His army (see 2 Timothy 2:3).

Whether prisoner or soldier, we shall bear the fragrance of victory like the marchers whose clothing retained the odor of the incense. As believer take the position of following in close association with the victorious Christ, the aroma of the knowledge of Him will be diffused from their lives wherever they go. -- William A. Raws

Happy Birthday, Pastor Bill. We love and miss you.

God's WORD for TODAY: Psalm 49-50; Romans 1

Great Quote: So come! With heads erect, let us advance, ignoring everything, and remaining always satisfied with God and with all that he makes us do and accomplishes within us. Let us take good care not to get foolishly involved in all those fears and doubts which, like paths leading nowhere, only tempt us to wander on and on until we are hopelessly lost. Let us leap over this maze of self-love instead of trying to explore its endless alleys.--Jean-Pierre de Caussade