Morning Thoughts - by Elder Philip Conley

Morning Thoughts Back

Acts 9:31, "Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied."

This morning, one only has to briefly look in a passing glance at the world to see war, tribulation, and suffering. Paul said that the works of the flesh are manifest, and one with any vision can clearly spot some or all of them. This world is full of wickedness, and it has no soundness in it - much like our flesh. However, it is indeed a blessing to have a little Bethel spot to come into to shut out those trying things of the world. The Lord gave the children of Israel cities of refuge to take solace in. He has given us the same today.

Here, we find that the churches are at rest throughout all the lands. The biggest threat to them (Saul of Tarsus) is now one of the brethren, and he is beginning to preach the gospel boldly that once he persecuted. So, the brethren are dwelling together in unity, and the peace of God is abounding throughout all the churches with love flowing from breast to breast. This is a condition that should be precious to the saints of God, for we do not always have such.

Many churches are not at peace. Many churches do not have rest. Sometimes, this unrest is due to an error that has filtered into the ranks, and as such, there can be no peace until the matter is resolved and the leaven purged from the lump. However, sometimes the unrest comes from personal squabbles and preeminence issues. If one looks at the pages of history, many times the biggest splits in churches, associations, and families did not come over issues of doctrine or practice. They came as a result of power struggles and giving man more glory than God. This unrest is not from above, but it is earthly, sensual, devilish. (James 3:15)

Whenever my home church has conference, the first item of conference is to call for the peace of the church. Thank the Lord that she has always answered in peace. When she does, I try to always comment that we should be thankful to God for our peace and unity that we have. Indeed, man can lay his hand on the church to try to guide and steer her into the ways of death. But, true peace comes from the Prince of Peace. True unity comes from brethren walking together (agreed) in Spirit and in truth. When this happens, the churches have peace and rest. Notice the keys to having rest from this verse, "walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, and were multiplied."

True rest and peace comes from fearing the Lord and being comforted by the Holy Ghost. That is how we grow spiritually and are multiplied. One final point, if we have peace and rest, we should NOT seek war. Errors will come, for we are but flesh. However, some like to be in a constant state of war, even when the Lord has blessed His people with peace. Therefore, if we have been blessed with peace and rest, may we rejoice in it and thank God for His mercy and grace.

In Hope,

Bro Philip