Editor’s Note
by Editor(s)

As the last year of this millennium unfolds, it seems timely that this issue of The Intercessor contain articles with an historical look at who we are and how we ended up affirming with God that "I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." Sharing his personal testimony, Fowler Cooper poignantly describes a life driven by obsessive–compulsive disorder-God’s perfect circumstance to drive him to, in his words, the "One Honest Moment that Changed My Life." That change–Jesus Christ living His life through Fowler–brought him mental and spiritual health and a career with countless opportunities to offer that same Life to others.

In a similar vein, five individuals in the New York Fellowship sketch their own personal histories and the common thread of desperation that brought them together in a support network determined to personally apply God’s truth in daily life. As an update, "New York Fall Conference" provides a candid glimpse of the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit to expose sin and bring the fruits of repentance among that same fellow-ship today.

Our lead article, taken from Norman Grubb’s The Deep Things of God, presents the total answer to the question "How can suffering and sorrow be in the will of God?" Norman’s penetrating examination of this ancient question shifts our focus from man’s limited perspective to God’s perfect "Purpose of the Negative."

The faith walk of an Old Testament prophet comes into con-temporary focus in Brett Burrowes’ study of Nehemiah in this issue’s "Bible Study." A true intercessor for the nation of Israel, Nehemiah placed himself totally at God’s disposal, left his comfortable life in the king’s palace, and lead a sin-ravaged nation to rebuild their "pitiful pile of rubble," Jerusalem. Giving cogent, practical examples, Brett demonstrates that the life of Christ lived out in the vessel Nehemiah is the same life He seeks to live out in His vessels today.

How can I know God’s will? Read for yourself Norman Grubb’s account of the crisis that pressed him through to finding God’s complete answer to that question-an answer that can be appropriated by His people today-in "The Story of the Ten." Two further resources for grasping and applying God’s total truth are featured in "A Look at a Book" and "Tape Talk." Tommy Prewitt’s review of Norman Grubb’s booklet Touching the Invisible not only gives a foretaste of Norman’s piercing insights into the Scripture, but also how they encourage him today. Tape Talk reviews our newest addition to the Zerubbabel Tape Ministry, "In Simple Terms." In these audiotapes recorded at Summer Camp ’98, Page Prewitt adds clarity and powerful personal examples to the basics of Norman’s Total Truth.

Don’t overlook several short features rich in personal application of God’s truth. "From Jollity to Joy" relates how Breda Sunderland’s dread of the holidays was transformed by recognizing that Christmas was "a day like any other…when Jesus Christ lives through this vessel." Meryl Langley offers a glorious "Moment with Meryl," describing God’s confirmation of Meryl’s intercession for her daughter’s restoration to God. Finally, "The Life of a D.C.D." describes the power and quality of life Jesus Christ lives out through a pure, totally yielded human vessel-by one who lived it–C.T. Studd.