Page 95 - Evidence of Things Unseen

and obnoxious.
There is present at this time a Saul Branch of Christianity, and they have control of the
reins of the church. They guard the doors, and choose what message will be proclaimed to
the masses. Their message is not one of a vital and active faith, for Saul failed in this regard,
being unwilling to wait for God in the midst of a crisis. This branch of the church does
everything through the power and strength of man. It is marked by programs of man, and
it is a kingdom of man. It looks very impressive on the outside, even as Saul was impressive
by being head and shoulders taller than everyone else around him.
There is also a Davidic Branch of the church. At times this branch of faithful believers
is allowed to dwell in the households that Saul controls, but more often than not those of
this Davidic branch are driven away by the jealousy of Saul. Many in this group find
themselves living as outcasts, having their place and their ministry (pictured in Michal, the
wife of David) given to another whom Saul chooses. These are without honor, and are often
hounded by the Saul Branch of Christianity who wishes that they did not exist, for the Spirit
expressly testifies that a day is soon coming when the reign of Saul over the people of God
will come to an end, and other, more faithful servants, will stand in his place.
This is a most precious truth that those who find themselves outside the camp
suffering the reproaches of Christ should take to heart. The kingdom will shortly be torn
from the hands of the Saul Branch and given to the Davidic Branch who are being trained
through hardship while suffering many reproaches.
We had only been in this home on Branch View for a couple months when I came to
a financial test. There was a three week break before the summer quarter began at the
college, and as an adjunct instructor I only received pay for actual hours taught in the
classroom. Added to my recent reduction in hours to twenty per week, I now also had a
three week period with no income and very little support was coming in from other sources.
I pleaded with God to send forth His provision, but none was forthcoming. My bills began
to get behind.
Not being able to pay rent on time was a particularly grievous trial. It was not like
being late on paying a phone bill, or utility bill to some impersonal organization. We were
renting from friends whom my wife had known from her youth, and I did not want them
to think ill of me. I had already found that it was pointless to try to reason with people about
the walk of faith God had called us to, for even Christians could not understand God dealing
with modern day people in such a way. They might admit that God required men and
women in years past to follow Him in faith, such as Abraham, or David, or Elijah, but I had
been unable to convince anyone that He would require something similar of me. In my
distress I asked God to let me take another job to supplement my income, but the Holy
Spirit was constraining me greatly in this regard, and I knew it was not His will that I
should do so.
When my rent was about a week late I knew I needed to contact our landlord and let
him know that I was committed to paying him when I had the funds to do so. When I spoke
to him he asked me if I had gotten the letter he had sent, and I told him I had not. He was
somewhat surprised at this, but it turned out he had put the wrong address on the envelope
and it took two weeks for the letter to arrive at our house. He told me to expect the letter,
and he suggested I get another job. I thanked him for his patience and hung up.
I really wrestled with what God was doing in my life at this time. I told God that I was
faithful in my expenditures. I had not incurred any more debt, and I was living in a frugal
manner. I told Him I was quite willing to work a second job if He would release me. All I