July 2022

Red, which and blue – the Marshall Public Library is here for you! Located at 214 N. Lafayette Ave., call ahead for hours and methods of operation. There are also libraries available to the public – Slater Public Library, Murrell Library on the Missouri Valley College campus, and Sweet Springs Public Library.

Called by the Lord empowered by the Holy Spirit is a journey to be the best of what he has called us to be. We can be parts of a living church, which is more than being a member of a denomination as good as memberships are; we can examine ourselves at what type of church we are as individuals. Reading the book of Revelation is helpful. John of Patmos sent the seven churches the Lord's message. The Lord's love included exposing their faults allowing each opportunity to repent. Ephesus aligned itself with the powers of darkness, embracing corrupt politics. The Messiah warns prominence, and blessings, will be removed. Smyrna suffers negative societal attacks but is commended; as they suffer pressure to reject the Messiah. They will be rich with a spiritual wealth no one can remove. Pergamum told to repent, to turn away from following false ungodly teachings (sexual immorality), reminding us that we are not to run after sin or embrace the worship of false gods of social mores. Thyatira is told not to tolerate but confront sin and evil teachings from Jezebel, a false prophetess. We should discern false prophetic messages and reject sin within our hearts. Like the faithful remain committed to the true Messiah. Sardis looks like it is alive spiritually on the outside but is described as "dead" because it is spiritually lifeless internally. Our faith walk is not to be performance art. Philadelphia may be weak in some respects but is faithful in the face of trials, and the Lord promises them blessings, an 'open door'. He promises to keep them from the hour of trial that will overcome the world to test those who live on the earth. The Laodecia church contrasts the other six because the Lord has nothing for which to commend it. Their lukewarmness has him ready to spit them out of his mouth. They became ambivalent about spiritual things, self-satisfied with their wealth and claims of being blessed. Truth about each church revealed, as John also wrote, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." The good news is that each who overcomes, and conquers, will be rewarded. Historians and scholars have a variety of opinions that the church descriptions are prophetic messages for seven phases of the spiritual history of the 'church' as a collective. Others view that the seven churches are a preview of the historical culmination of a global church. The interesting viewpoints of dispensationalist works or Orthodox history is not what I am sharing but rather a personal approach when we look at the churches. Each church is addressed and defined by the Lord, followed by a correction and warning concluding with a promise. Knowing our identity in Messiah with the Holy Spirit, the Lord will show us where we erred. Loving our Creator, we can say yes to him by repentance to receive restoration and maturity. Let us not become lukewarm to be spewed out because we became useless or selfish, focusing only on wealth and cultural temptations. May we fulfill our true purpose to glorify and honor the Lord. Read about the churches in the book of Revelation. Pray and ask the Lord to open the eyes of your understanding to be, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." Blessings and Shalom

Dear Editor, In April 2018 a total of 3,317 people voted on Marshall Junction Improvements: 1,705 voted for and 1,612 voted against. This election was scheduled so that there would be minimal voter turnout and this proved to be true.