"Christmas"

The celebrations have already begun, companies and families are juggling around the dates to get their Christmas party in before THE DAY.  Yes, there is a day all this activity is moving toward.  There are different views on how we should approach that day, even among Christians that day can be divisive. There is no doubt there is no scriptural command for the celebration, thus the very most that can be said about it is that it is a tradition that seems to find it's rest in Christianity. The tradition is somewhat tainted by pagan roots and pagan worship which is tied to many of its symbols and activities. This nation did not recognize it as a national holiday until just over a 100 years ago.  In that time it has formed into a warm traditional Christian celebration for this nation for the most part. It is colored with Christian symbols and some not so recognizable as Christian, but none the less accepted as such. So what are we to make of it?

It is not a time so much for us as Christians to reflect upon our faith and the birth of our Saviour, for that should be upon our hearts at all times.  It is not so much a time even for us to enjoy our family and friends in our celebrations, even though we will from the shear nature of the events.  It is certainly not a time for us to focus on our gift giving and receiving, which is mostly a distraction for all of us.  But for all that it is not, it is a day of opportunity, for when that day arrives, for the most part this whole nation will cease it's activities, businesses will close, government will recess, and families will gather together.  As much as society today is trying to distract their thoughts from the reason this occurs, they cannot escape the fact it points to an event in history when a child was born, a saviour was given, and a ransom was paid.  They may to some great success be able to push that from their thoughts, but this day is a reminder there is something out there, thus they have to fight the more harder to put it out of their minds, and in this I do give thanks.  If for nothing else, perhaps that is why God permits this celebration to continue among us.

  In 1864, during the War between the States, Henry Longfellow wrote:

And in despair I bowed my head.
There is no peace on earth, I said.
For hate is strong and mocks the song
of peace on earth, good will to men.

Then pealed the bells, more loud and deep,
God is not dead, nor does he sleep.
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men.

May the Scripture bear weight upon the heart of our nation this day:

Isa 52:13  Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. 
Isa 52:14  As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men: 
Isa 52:15  So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider. 
Isa 53:1  Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? 
Isa 53:2  For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. 
Isa 53:3  He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 
Isa 53:4  Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 
Isa 53:5  But he was wounded for our taransgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 
Isa 53:6  All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 
Isa 53:7  He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. 
Isa 53:8  He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. 
Isa 53:9  And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. 
Isa 53:10  Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. 
Isa 53:11  He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. 
Isa 53:12  Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bear the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

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 Content in Christ

How often have we pondered why we should have been born for such a time as this?  Maybe this is only a question that a few of us have ever cared to consider, but the fact remains, there's nothing we can do  pertaining to being a participant of a different era in history.  We may flip through the cultural pages of this world and its nations as we read of the customs and uniqueness of the particular age, only to speculate at our existence during some "good ole day."  For some natural cause within mankind, the "grass is always greener on the other side."

As believers in Christ, when we walk with Him in the light of His Word, we must surely come to see that He has reason for us in the very place He has brought us forth and at the very time of His choosing.  This should bring us such contentment as we journey through a world of challenge each day.

Humor me for a moment as I imagine the woman posted here in the picture with an "i pod." lol   Or, at best maybe she brings up a cell phone out of that apron while it ring tones with "Dixie Land." lol   In all seriousness, this just doesn't process with the moment.

While it's entirely possible that we have run a few steps ahead of our own era and overwhelmed ourselves with more than we can wisely accommodate, there's a reason for the generation in which we are occupying.  Yes, you haven't been told one thing in this context that you don't already know. If you're going to hear something from the keyboard under these fingers, you'll have to settle for no original thoughts.

 Once again we find ourselves with the need of contentment in this life.  But, in a world where change occurs at such rapid pace, the pitch is always there for more and better.  The hindrance of course, is the lack of satisfaction that always remains in hand with the improvements of each day.  Also, the grave danger of one's focus being on the cares of this life when we're commanded to keep our fixation on Christ and things eternal.

May we once again be reminded of the words written through the Apostle Paul just what it means for believers to have contentment in Christ.  The Savior has come, and so He will come again as our King, in this we should have great contentment as we enjoy the time of our journey here in His Grace.

Philippians 4:11 "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."

I Timothy 6:6 "But godliness with contentment is great gain."

I Timothy 6:8 "And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."

Hebrews 13:5 "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."


Learning contentment in Christ,

Julie

"The Gospel"

This time of the year we as a people in this country begin to think about the Christmas Holiday.  For some it is tradition, for others it is offensive.  For some it is something we should hold on to, for others it is something we should let go of.  Each season the battle lines are drawn and fighting resumes in full force.  The uniforms vary from mangers to mistletoe's.  The flags or ensigns are waved consisting from Wise men offering gifts to a fat man bringing gifts.  To those who hold to the tradition we could point out in the beginning of our Nation our religious sentiment and faith was of such that Christmas was not even acknowledged or celebrated.  To those who find it offensive we could point out the incentive of good will and kindness to each other it promotes among us, and of course let's not forget the positive effect on our economy.

Christmas means many different things to many different people.  Jesus once posed a question to His Disciples saying, "Whom do men say that I the Son of Man am"?  It was obvious that Jesus "was," but what was important was who he "was."  That question moves along with time, and reaches each generation as well as each individual who hears His name. We must then answer, whom do I say that Jesus is?

It matters not if we hold to Christmas or let it go if we do not know what it is.  I would submit to you, if it is not the Gospel, it is not worth our consideration, must less our effort in the battle to retain it or disregard it.

If it is the Gospel, it is not only worth defending on December 25th, but on every other day of our life it must be proclaimed! If it is not Christ and Christ alone it is not worthy of the time expended for or against from any human being.  If it is Christ alone then it will be fought against fiercely and must be defended and proclaimed vigorously and completely each and every day. Let us take a look at the Gospel, when we do, we are commanded to believe, repent and amend our lives.

Mar 1:15  And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

1Co 15:1  Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 

1Co 15:2  By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
1Co 15:3  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
1Co 15:4  And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
1Co 15:5  And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
1Co 15:6  After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
1Co 15:7  After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
1Co 15:8  And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
1Co 15:11  Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.

1Co 15:51  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 

1Co 15:52  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1Co 15:55  O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 

1Co 15:58  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Saint Augustine would proclaim: "The Word of the Father, by whom all time was created, was made flesh and was born in time for us. He, without whose divine permission no day completes its course, selected one day for His human birth. . . .

The Maker of man became man that He, Ruler of the stars, might be weaned as an infant; that He, the Bread, might be hungry; that He, the Fountain, might thirst; that He, the Light, might sleep; that He, the Way, might be wearied by the journey; that He, the Truth, might be accused by false witnesses; that He, the Judge of the living and the dead, might be brought to trial by a mortal judge; that He, Justice, might be condemned by the unjust; that He, Discipline, might be scourged with whips; that He, the Foundation, might be suspended upon a cross; . . . that He, the Life might die.

To endure these and similar indignities for us, to free us, unworthy creatures, He who existed as the Son of God before all ages, without a beginning, chose to become the Son of Man in these recent years. He did this although He who was subjected to such great evils for our sake had done no evil and although we, who were the recipients of so much good at His hands, had done nothing to merit these benefits." ~ Saint Augustine.

Stephen Charnock would tell us: "The Gospel was of an eternal resolution, , , , It is an everlasting Gospel; it was promised before the world began. It was not a new invention, but only kept secret among the arcana, in the breast of the Almighty.

It was hidden from angels, for the depths of it are not yet fully made known to them; their desire to look into it, speaks yet a deficiency in their knowledge of it.

It was published in paradise, but in such words as Adam did not fully understand: it was both discovered and clouded in the smoke of sacrifices: it was wrapped up in a veil under the law, but not opened till the death of the Redeemer: it was then plainly said to the cities of Judah, 'Behold! Your God comes'.

The whole transaction of it between the Father and the Son, which is the spirit of the Gospel, was from eternity; the creation of the world was in order to the manifestation of it.

Let us not, then, regard the Gospel as a novelty; the consideration of it, as one of God's cabinet rarities, should enhance our estimation of it.

No traditions of men, no inventions of vain writs, that pretend to be wiser than God, should have the same credit with that which bears date from eternity. 

That divine truth is mysterious, . . . The whole scheme of godliness is a mystery. No man or angel could imagine, how two natures so distant as Divine and human should be united; how the same person should be criminal and righteous; how a just God should have satisfaction, and sinful man justification; how the sin should be punished, and the sinner saved.

The study of the Gospel must not be with a yawning and careless frame. Trades, you call mysteries, are not learned sleeping and nodding; diligence is required; we must be disciples at the Lord's feet. As God for the author, so we must have God for the teacher of it; the contrivance was His, and the illumination of our minds must be from Him. As God only manifested the Gospel, so he only can open our eyes to see the mysteries of Christ". ~ Stephen Charnock

May the Grace of God be toward each of you this Season,

David

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From the heart and the Home

   After reading my husband's post "The Gospel," this prompted thinking in the direction of just how precious this Blessing is to the world.  Realizing in some minute manner just what a privilege we've been given to bear such a message of Who Christ is and what He has accomplished to the glory of God the Father, should humble us more and more before Him.  

This year has been a time of examination, repentance, and rethinking of long held traditions and understandings that have been a part of who we have been and what we have believed for so long.  The celebration of Christmas was one area that gave personal struggle, and in all sincerity has done so for many years.  Christ is worthy of celebration 24/7.  But, the fact remains that the celebration of His birth (as chosen on this unlikely day) is turned into every other festive celebration imaginable.  This causes me to wonder what He's interceding with the Father about concerning His children during this season.

Folks come up with cute slogans such as "Keep Christ In Christmas!" or "Jesus is the Reason for the Season."  We may buy the bumper stickers or bold pins to place on our coats and sport about, but in all actuality this may be as far as it goes.  The feasting, over done Christmas gift buying, financial hardships for many, and worn out moms and grandmothers, are a few small glitches to say the least. 

These things said, traditions can be beautiful and have there place in the life of believers in Christ.  But in this land many are over stuffed with affluence and high living whether one has such resources available or not.  As a personal challenge this year, my wish is to simplify the traditional touches and exemplify the Gospel of Jesus Christ our LORD.  Praise God, He came.  Praise God, He bore our sin and died.  Yet, Praise God, He rose!  Praise to the One Who ever lives to make intercession for us as He's seated at the Father's right hand.  

May our families and guests of our homes and gatherings this season have no reason to be confused as to Whom we are acknowledging as the Guest of Honor.  It should be evident to all in our home Who is truly the love of our lives.

Oh Come, Let Us Adore Him!  Christ the LORD! 

        

"Five Missionaries"

I am making this post by collecting several excepts from various sources to condense the accounts and events in the life of 5 missionaries and their influence upon our lives and the telling of their story. Yet it is more than a story I think, but it is the Christian life.

For some time now, my most frequent prayer for myself is for Grace that I might believe.  I say that because I have the life of Demas in Scripture always before me, to tell me it is possible that someday I could determine it is just not worth the effort and my faith would wain.  You see, I use to believe in Santa Clause, but I would not die for Santa Clause, the most he would get from me would be some cookies under the tree.  Santa Clause does not have effectual Grace to give me, Christ does, therefore, my hope and trust is by Grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, upon Scripture alone.

I realize I may never stand on a foreign land to proclaim the Gospel, but the surrender of my life and the burning desire to serve and love Christ should be no less than the one standing on the banks of some foreign river or near some isolated tribe.  It is a matter of the heart and not the work of the hands, though the hands will follow the heart. Let these things rest upon your mind as you read the following accounts.

In the dense rain-forests of Ecuador, on the Pacific side of the Andes Mountains, lives a tribe of Indians who call themselves the Huaorani, but whose neighbors called them "savages". For many generations they had been completely isolated from the outside world, and had disposed to kill any stranger on sight, and were feared by all, even by their head-hunting neighbors, the Jivaro tribe  

Then you have Jim Elliot, Ed McCully, Nate Saint, Peter Fleming, and Roger Youderian. Jim was impetuous but focused. Both a college wrestler and a writer, his good looks and physical strength were matched by a deep introspection. Ed McCully, president of his college class, played football and won his senior oratory contest. Everyone expected him to go on to law school, but something stronger called him, called him to the jungles of the Amazon.

Nate Saint was born into an artist's family. He loved the technical and mechanical aspects of life and wanted to use his interest and skills for a purpose with dimensions that would honor God and outlast the temporal. Flying support for missionaries was a way to fulfill both of his desires.

Pete was the youngest of the group, but in some ways the group's sage.

Roger was the guy you sent to do the job when it took dogged determination and a completely willing heart to get it done.

Here were five common young men whose unifying distinction was not their inherited abilities or acquired skills, but their commitment to seek God's will and to carry out his purposes for their lives. They were aware of the risk they were taking, but they could have had no idea of the impact their lives would someday have.

As told by the attackers: On January 8th 1956, Nampa ran across the beach toward the two men in the river, spearing the larger man in the river through the torso. Nampa's mother, grabbed the foreigner's arms from behind so Nampa could spear him again.

Gikita says he recognized Nate Saint from the many flights he had made over their village and speared him first. A second foreigner ran to help him, and Gikita speared him, too (this was most likely Ed).

Mincaye said the third man on the beach ran to the airplane, partially climbed inside, and picked up something like he was going to eat it. Mincaye asked why he would do this, and as he mimicked his action, I could see he must have been picking up the microphone to report the attack.

Nimonga speared him from the back, and he fell out of the plane onto the ground. When they showed me how he speared him, I knew the man must have been Roger, because that is the angle of the spear that is protruding from Roger's body as it is being towed behind the canoe in the rescue party pictures.

During the attack, the "smaller" of the two cowodi (their word for foreigner) who had been crossing to greet the women rushed to a log on the far side of the river and began calling to the attackers in phrases that Kimo and Gikita say they understood to be "We just came to meet you. We are not going to hurt you. Why are you killing us?" (This was probably Pete, who, though he was tall, was the thinner of the two men in the river when the spearing started. He also knew the language the best.)

Mincaye and Kimo said they heard singing and saw what seems to be angels along the ridge above the Beach. Dyuwi verified hearing the strange music, though he describes what he saw more like lights, moving around and shining, a sky full of fireflies with a light that is brighter and doesn't blink.

Apparently all the participants saw this bright multitude in the sky and felt they should be scared, because they knew it was something supernatural. Their only familiarity with the spiritual world was one of fear. (Dawa said that this supernatural experience was what drew her to God when she later heard of him from Dayuma.)

In subsequent months they heard the message that the Son of God had come down from heaven to reconcile men with God, and to die in order to bring about reconciliation, they recognized that the message of the missionaries was the basis of what they had seen enacted in the lives of the missionaries. They believed the Gospel preached because they had seen the Gospel lived.

Jim Elliot said to his wife Betty: “If that’s the way God wants it to be, I’m ready to die for the salvation of the Aucas.”

In Jim Elliot's diary this entry had been made. (Leviticus 17:10) He who consumes blood will ever have the face of God set against him.

“So with me. If I would save my life blood, and forbear to pour it out as a sacrifice, thus opposing the example of my Lord, then must I know the flint of the face of God set against my purpose.  Father, take my life, yea, my blood if Thou wilt, and consume it with Thine enveloping fire.  I would not save it, for it is not mine to save.  Have it Lord, have it all. Pour out my life as an oblation for the world. Blood is only of value as it flows before Thine altar.”

In the fall of 1958 Rachel Saint and Betty Elliot and her toddler, Valerie, hung their hammocks among the Waorani people. While Valerie played with the children of her father’s murderers, Rachel became acquainted with the murderers of her brother and Betty became acquainted with the murderers of their husband: Gikita, Kimo, Nimonga, Dyuwi, Minkayi, and Tona.

Nine years later, the first copies of the Gospel of Mark in Waorani were dedicated at what the Waorani called “God’s Speaking House.” Kimo prayed, “Father God, You are alive. This is Your day and all of us have come to worship You. They brought us copies of Your Carving, enough for everybody. We accept it, saying, ‘This is the truth.’ We want all of your carving.”

"Of Nature and Grace"

"All men, indeed, desire what is good, and strive for what is good in their words and deeds.  For this reason the appearance of good deceives many.

Nature is crafty and attracts many, ensnaring and deceiving them while ever seeking itself. But grace walks in simplicity, turns away from all appearance of evil, offers no deceits, and does all purely for God in whom she rest as her end.

Nature is not willing to die, or to be kept down, or to be overcome.  Nor will it subdue itself or be made subject.  Grace, on the contrary, strives for mortification of self.  She resists sensuality, seeks to be in subjection, longs to be conquered, has no wish to use her own liberty, loves to be held under discipline, and does not desire to rule over anyone, but wishes rather to live, to stand, and to be always under God for Whose sake she is willing to bow humbly to every human creature.

Nature works for its own interest and looks to the profit it can reap from another.  Grace does not consider what is useful and advantageous to herself, but rather what is profitable to many.  Nature likes to receive honor and reverence, but grace faithfully attributes all honor and glory to God. Nature fears shame and contempt. but grace is happy to suffer reproach for the name of Jesus.  Nature loves ease and physical rest.  Grace, however, cannot be idle and embraces labor willingly.  Nature seeks to possess what is rare and beautiful, abhorring things that are cheap and coarse. Grace, on the contrary, delights in simple, humble things, not despising those that are rough, nor refusing to be clothed in old garments.

Nature had regard for temporal wealth and rejoices in earthly gains.  It is say over a loss and irritated by a slight, injurious word.  But grace looks to eternal things and does not cling to those which are temporal, being neither disturbed at loss nor angered by hard words, because she has placed her treasure and joy in heaven where noting is lost. . . .

Nature is inclined toward creatures, toward its own flesh, toward vanities, and toward running about. But grace draws near to God and to virtue, renounces creatures, hates the desires of the flesh, restrains her wanderings and blushes at being seen in public.

Nature likes to have some external comfort in which it can take sensual delight, but grace seeks consolation only in God, to find her delight in the highest Good, above all visible things.

Nature does everything for it own gain and interest. It can do nothing without pay and hopes for its good deeds to receive their equal or better, or else praise and favor. It is very desirous of having its deeds and gifts highly regarded. Grace, however, seeks nothing temporal, nor does she ask recompense but God alone. Of temporal necessities she asks no more than will serve to obtain eternity. . . .

Nature turns all things back to self. It fights and argues for self. Grace brings all things back to God in Whom they have their source. To herself she ascribes no good, nor is she arrogant or presumptuous. She is not contentious. She does not prefer her own opinion to the opinion of others but in every matter of sense and thought submits herself to eternal wisdom and the divine judgment.

Nature has a relish for knowing secrets and hearing news. It wishes to appear abroad and to have many sense experiences. It wishes to be known and to do things for which it will be praised and admired. But grace does not care to hear news or curious matters, because all this arises from the old corruption of man, since there is nothing new, nothing lasting on earth. Grace teaches, therefore, restraint of the senses, avoidance of vain self-satisfaction and show, the humble hiding of deeds worthy of praise and admiration, and the seeking in every thing and in every knowledge the fruit of usefulness, the praise and honor of God. She will not have herself or hers exalted, but desires that God Who bestows all simply  out of love should be blessed in His gifts.

This grace is a supernatural light, a certain special gift of God, the proper mark of the elect and the pledge of everlasting salvation. It raises man up from earthly things to love the things of heaven. It makes a spiritual man of a carnal one. . . ." ~ Thomas Kimpis 1380-1471. From his work "Imitation of Christ"

Are we walking in this Grace?

May the Grace of God be upon each of you,

David

"July 4th, 2015"

"If I would go to Hell for an eternal moment or so, I might be knighted" ~ Shakespeare

"By a courtier I mean one who applies himself to the passions and prejudices, the follies and vices of great men in order to obtain their smiles, esteem and patronage, and consequently their favours and preferments. . . . 

A master requires of all who seek his favour an implicit resignation to his will and humor, and these require that he be soothed, flattered, and assisted in his vices and follies, perhaps the blackest crimes that men can commit.  The first thought of this will produced in a mind . . . a soliloquy, something like my [Shakespeare] motto, as if he should say, the Minister of State or the Governor would promote my interest, would advance me to places of honour and profit, would raise me to titles and dignities that will be perpetuated in my family, in a word would make the fortune of me and my posterity forever, if I would but comply with his desires and become his instruments to promote his measures. . . . 

We see every day that our imaginations are so strong and our reason so weak, the charms of wealth and power are so enchanting, and the belief of future punishments so faint that men find ways to persuade themselves to believe any absurdity, to submit to any prostitution, rather than forego their wishes and desires.  Their reason becomes at last an eloquent advocate on the side of their passions, and bring themselves to believe that black is white, that vice is virtue, that folly is wisdom and eternity a moment. . . . 

I dread the consequences. [A master] require of me such compliance, such horrid crimes, such a sacrifice of my honour, my conscience, my friends, my country, my God, as the Scriptures inform us must be punished with nothing less than Hell fire, eternal torment.  And this is so unequal a price to pay for the honours and emoluments in the power of a minister or Governor, that I cannot prevail upon myself to think of it.  The duration of future punishments terrifies me.  If I could but deceive myself so far as to think eternity a moment only, I could comply and be promoted." ~ John Adams. In his diary, Sunday February 9, 1772.

Stars and Strips, what has it took to build such a nation?  What is today all about?  Is it our freedom and Independence?  I suppose it may have come down to that, but O' it is so much more, so much more to those who fear God.

Yes there is freedom and Independence to be assigned to this Nation, but are we to assume this freedom and Independence are the works of our own hands?  Words like the one's above are rare in today's time, but very relevant.  We have arrived at a time in our history where what was once vice is now considered virtue, and what was once foolishness is now considered wisdom and greater understanding.

This affects our character as a nation and our ability to stand against the pressures placed upon us to let go of those precious principles rooted in our history and embrace the new understandings.  We are accustomed to striving for our happiness and prosperity through the measures provided for us through the government of this country. But the values of this government have changed, and to achieve those goals require us to submit to things that weigh upon the conscience and press upon the mind. They require us to comply to values that by conscience sacrifice our honor, betray our friends, disobey our God, and by sacred Scripture inform us must be punished by Judgment.  Do we have the fortitude of heart that our founders did?  Will we compromise rather than forfeit our places of honor and profit, the prosperity of our families?  Most of all, will we obey men or God?

This is a time for courage, the weak will not survive, they will be assimilated to a new culture at a much quicker pace that has heretofore been experienced in this country.  Mr. Adams was driven and protected by a healthy and adequate fear of God and so must we.  This is a time for a courageous people to hold forth the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the love of God to mankind. Courageous people will forfeit their pleasures and resources for the cause of the Great Gospel of Jesus Christ.  His Grace has been offered to all who will receive it, so our defense to these things is the Gospel proclaimed.

Elections will be held, our vote will be counted, but the political will not yield the hope, only the Gospel.  Our lives must reflect it, no, must live of it and draw our life source of it.  We must stand for righteousness and only through Grace may we do so.  We must be wise a serpents, but as harmless as doves.  The words of our Saviour were stern, but His hand gentle and loving to His own.  The Gospel is a Glorious Gospel, the time is a glorious time to diffuse it among men for the hope of our nation.  This 4th of July, let us not be discouraged, but hope in the Glorious Salvation that has been brought to our ears and through the Grace of God make it known to God grants us.

May the Grace of God be to each of you,

David
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        Speaking the Truth in Love...

During the course of conversations in the previous week, often the statement has been made, "We are not to judge."  Even though this statement may stand alone with its own legs, it's likely being used as a dismissal to the notion of having to confront the ways of the transgressor.  Surely, judgment belongs to the the Judge of all the earth.  Rightly so will He, indeed, judge all in that Great Day.

The point intended here is there is a way to express the Truth as an effective witness of the Gospel through the provision of His great love.  Without the Grace He has given within the life of each believer, words are empty and without power to produce a desired result in the life of one choosing to walk in the way of iniquity.

The Apostle Paul in an exhortation to the Ephesians explains the varying gifts given to the body of Christ for its edification.  The implications  (at least in part) are that these are there to aid in the growth and maturity of a believer.  It's a time for growing up and not being tossed around with deceptive speech of what may even seem to be correct in some distorted appealing way.  As he warns of being aware of the "cunning, crafty" folks just waiting to lead astray, he gives an approach so tried and true, and so like our Lord.  "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:"  Eph. 4:15

Hateful speech and big sticks in our hands are not becoming to those who are the children of God.  But, mighty warriors in prayer and supplication who stand upon the precepts of His Word and follow with obedience thereto comprise the weapons of warfare which He has graced us to possess.  As we  attempt to rightly divide His Word of Truth, may we "speak the truth in love" as we "abstain from all appearance of evil." (ref. I Thess. 5:22)

In moments when this world is spinning in circles all about and that one well articulated instruction is needed to surface within the soul, this seems so appropriate to the occasion:

"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"   Micah 6:8

For His Glory.....


Scripture reference:  Eph. 4

"Our Children Need to Know"

 “It is alleged by men of loose principles, or defective views of the subject, that religion and morality are not necessary or important qualifications for political stations. But the Scriptures teach a different doctrine. They direct that rulers should be men who rule in the fear of God, able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness.

But if we had no divine instruction on the subject, our own interest would demand of us a strict observance of the principle of these injunctions. And it is to the neglect of this rule of conduct in our citizens, that we must ascribe the multiplied frauds, breeches of trust, peculations and embezzlements of public property which astonish even ourselves; which tarnish the character of our country; which disgrace a republican government; and which will tend to reconcile men to monarchs in other countries and even our own.” ~ Noah Webster. 1823, in his letters to a Young Gentleman Commencing His Education.                                                   

 “Sin is to a nature what blindness is to an eye. The blindness is an evil or defect which is a witness to the fact that the eye was created to see the light and, hence, the very lack of sight is the proof that the eye was meant...to be the one particularly capable of seeing the light. Were it not for this capacity, there would be no reason to think of blindness as a misfortune.” ~ Augustine of Hippo, City of God 

Rom 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

Rom 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

Rom 1:30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

Rom 1:31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

Rom 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. 

Our American children need to know some things;

1. They need to know if they serve God it is going to cost them more than it has cost us.
2. They need to know their commitment to Him will require more Grace than what was required for us in our life time.
3. They need to know the sacrifices they will have to make to remain faithful will exceed the sacrifices we have made.
4. They need to know, their walk with the Lord in this and the following generations will set them apart in dress, fashion, entertainment, and occupation much more than was required in ours.
5. They need to know that the allure of this life will be much more attractive and appealing in their culture than it has been in ours.
6. They need to know there will be a gospel presented with much fanfare that will accommodate and incorporate this attractiveness into its message.
7. They need to know where the true Christian faith was once socially profitable in this nation, it will now be looked upon with disdain.
8. They need to know if they pursue a higher education, that education will be fashioned to separate them from their faith.
9. They need know that their Biblical view of marriage and family will be challenged, and to maintain a pureness in the home and protect their children from the abusiveness of their culture will require greater diligence and discipline.
10. They need know their life will not be an easy one if they choose to serve God in this crooked an perverse generation, but in the mist of it, the Grace of God abounds.
11. They need to know if they are faithful, there will be the greatest joy in it all, they will know levels of peace and love within their family, those outside the faith will never know.
12. They need to know this peace of God will keep them and bless them and sustain them to the Glory of His name.
13. They need to know that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in them.
14. They need to know what ever is required of them in the Gospel will be established in them by His Grace and His Grace alone.
15. They need to know that theirs is one of the most wonderful and greatest times in History to Glorify and Honor the name of Christ.
16. They need know in light of all that has been mentioned, the greatest calling they can have in life, is to hear, head, and diffuse this glorious Gospel of Christ to a lost and fallen world.       

"D-Day and Our Day"

D-Day was JUNE 6, 1944.

Over 160,000 troops from America, Britain, Canada, free France, Poland, and other nations landed along a 50-mile stretch of the Normandy coast of France. It was the largest amphibious invasion force in world history, supported by 5,000 ships.  

Now that is not 5000 ships scattered across the world, but 5000 ships headed to one 50 mile stretch of coastline. Add to that 195,700 navy personnel and 13,000 aircraft. 

I can not seem to get my imagination to go there. I try to visualize 5000 ships and 13 thousand aircraft and all those men in one place at one time bringing the forces of the world into one massive conflict. One must wonder if it would not have brought into question the future of humanity and the world.  On that day, the sea along the heavily fortified beaches ran red with the blood of almost 9,000 killed or wounded. 

On that day the President of the United States, Franklin Roosevelt in speaking to the American people asked the nation to join with him in prayer, he began:

I ask you to join with me in prayer:

Almighty God, Our sons, pride of our Nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our republic, our religion, and our civilization...

Give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith. They will need Thy blessings. Their road will be long and hard.

For the enemy is strong. He may hurl back our forces... We know that by Thy grace, and by the righteousness of our cause, our sons will triumph...

Some will never return. Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom..."
"Help us, Almighty God, to rededicate ourselves in renewed faith in Thee in this hour of great sacrifice...

I ask that our people devote themselves in a continuance of prayer. As we rise to each new day, and again when each day is spent, let words of prayer be on our lips, invoking Thy help to our efforts.

Give us strength...and, O Lord, give us Faith. Give us Faith in Thee... With Thy blessing, we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy...

And a peace that will let all of men live in freedom, reaping the just rewards of their honest toil. Thy will be done, Almighty God. Amen."

Today we face an old enemy, but he is on different fronts, he is not as yet fortified in the natural as he was then, but deadly just the same. Then we fought to preserve our Republic, our Religion, our civilization, but today our enemy is not as visible, yet he threatens the same. Today he lets us talk of freedom while he secretly binds our hands.

Then we were told to ask for strength, today we are told we are strong already. Then we were told to ask for stoutness of heart, today were told to take pride in ourselves. Then we were told to ask for steadfastness of faith, today we are told the expression of our faith is to be kept to ourselves. Then we cried out to Almighty God, "help us", today we cry out how great we are and how we can anything we set our minds too. Then we prayed give us faith in thee, today we are told there are many faiths of which we are to pray. Then we were asked by the leader of our nation's government to join with him in prayer, today that government tells us not to pray.

 March 30^th, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln told us, “Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us! It behooves us then to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.”

Three months later, in conversation Lincoln was asked if he thought the country would survive. President Lincoln replied: “I do not doubt that our country will finally come through safe and undivided. But do not misunderstand me . . . . I do not rely on the patriotism of our people . . . the bravery and devotion of the boys in blue . . . (or) the loyalty and skill of our generals . . . . But the God of our fathers, who raised up this country to be the refuge and asylum of the oppressed and downtrodden of all nations, will not let it perish now. I may not live to see it . . . I do not expect to see it, but God will bring us through safe.”

It seems again today we are intoxicated in our own self sufficiency and feel no need of God's redeeming and preserving Grace. Again our pride brings us to a place where it is to below us to pray. The hope of our nation and the victory over our enemy still lies in God's Grace and His Grace alone. Will He bring us to repentance and call us back to Himself? I cannot say at this time with the surety of President Lincoln that he will do so because it has been said of old, Rom 1:21 . . . that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Rom 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

Rom 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

Rom 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

Rom 1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

Rom 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

Rom 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

Rom 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

Rom 1:30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

Rom 1:31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

Rom 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

I do not doubt God's promise of II Chronicles 7:14, nor do I doubt the surety and truth of Romans 1.  God has always had a people, His Church will remain and be preserved and kept, but as nations have turned away from Him he has always let them go and given them over to themselves.   

It behooves us then, again, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins and to pray for clemency and forgiveness. It is of necessity as we do so, that our lives are surrendered to His purpose and we are fully committed to serve Him in the mist of a crooked and perverse nation.  Our purpose must be to glorify Him in all things, in all manner of life and conversation.  

Another aspect of our lives must be to our children and grand children.  It is also a necessity that we pray for them, and as we pray we must teach them the truth of scripture and they must see that truth being lived out in our lives.  We must live faithful before them for they will have the task of building their lives in a nation gone astray. 

They will not have the benefits of the social and cultural restraints that we were afforded.  They will not know the freedoms we have experienced because a sinful and debauch people cannot govern themselves rightly. They must know that the faith will cost them much more dearly than it cost us if they embrace it in their lives.  They must be prepared to sacrifice the things of this world for a walk of faith.  They will be persecuted for their faith in ways most of us in this nation have never known.  

In the mist of this they must know to love those that persecute them and do good, they must know their responsibility to give the Gospel at every opportunity.  Their lives will be different from ours as we have grown up in an environment favorable to Christianity, where it was socially beneficial and politically proper to confess the Christian faith. Their lives will be lived in a much different environment.  

To some this may sound scary, but we must set our face for one purpose, will we serve God or no?  Scared we should not be, concerned yes.  Concerned to the point we make the commitments and preparations for life in a different America if our nation is not turned to repentance.  We must know that as our children face these things that their lives can be filled with great joy, their families also can know a much deeper joy and love than perhaps we have known because of the great supply of God's Grace in times such as these for His people. They may not experience the material pleasures we have been afforded, but they will experience so much more of His preserving Grace upon their lives.  It is a glorious thing to live in such Grace and experience such a walk with God. Our America past has provided so much for us to be amazed at that it has been easy for us to slip into our own dependence and miss out on the wonderful dependence upon God's Grace to make us what we are for His Glory.        

May the Grace of God be upon each of you,

David

"People of Faith" (False Doctrine)

I suppose it would be appropriate to address false doctrines while on the subject. False doctrines varies from something that is very similar to the truth to something being directly opposite.

It may look very similar to the real thing, just stretched and twisted slightly to misrepresent the truth.

False doctrines are nothing new, they have been around for a very long time.  You don't have to do very much reading in the New Testament to discover the New Testament writers were very often having to address false teachings that were continuing to crop up.  Then if you do a little study throughout church history you will find church history filled with correction and debate over these false teachings.  If you have a passion for God, this can be frustrating to deal with, but we shouldn't let it discourage us from continuing to seek the truth.  These false teachings can sometimes be very damaging, but they have their purpose, as all things do.  We find in 1Co 11:18  For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. 
1Co 11:19  For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. 

Here Paul tells us that there must be heresies, but these heresies have their purpose, they come so that the real deal may be known among us.  So we have them and always have and always will in this age, but when we understand their purpose it helps us to continue to press through and be watchful.

So how do we watch for these false teachings?
There are several things that come to mind that can be helpful.  One being when you hear something you are not sure about, take it to your church leadership, if they have been properly set in place there is some good council to be had in the safety of the local congregation.  I suppose that should be a given.

But that don't leave us without any responsibility to do some work ourselves. (Act 17:11  These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so) These things are too weighty not to take them seriously.  Check out some church history, if what you have heard cannot be found in church history, it may not be in church history and that should raise a red flag.

Even more helpful is the study of the Word of God yourself, being familiar with it is a necessity in the Christian life.  But it is also important how you approach the study of the Word. One of the Sola's of the Church is Sola Scriptura, which basically means Scripture Alone.  It is the doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture. It is the understanding that we speak where the Scripture speaks and not beyond.  This principle of course was held by the early church, (2 Peter 1:19) but it was brought to light more recently during the reformation of the 16 century.

So how does this work?  This may get me in trouble as I have some very close friends that hold to this practice, but it makes for a good example. I bring this to light with a most humble heart not seeking to offend but only to test this against  Sola Scriptura.

There is a practice in many churches today call being slain in the spirit.  It is where an individual is supposedly overcome by the Spirit of God and falls into a trance like state.  If you were to ask me what this practice is, it would be difficult to tell you as you do not find this practice in Scripture.

Some might point to accounts in the Bible where people fell down in the presence of Angels, or fell into trances and had various experiences. But none of those fit, explain or sanction, this practice we see today.  I have seen this occur many times, have participated in the practice myself.  When I once questioned the experience, I was told I was just to yield to the Spirit and let God minister to me.  So I tried to do as I was told as best I could understand. I'm sure one looking on would have determined I had been slain in the spirit, but nothing really happened to me outside of human persuasion.

I suppose I could be challenged, that being only my experience, others would say they had a real experience.  I will not challenge the fact some may really have had some kind of spiritual experience, but can we justify and induce a practice into worship based on an experience?  If you hold the idea that Scripture is sufficient, you will have a very difficult time doing so.  If you are looking to determine if this practice and doctrine is biblical or false, unless you allow for other forces to determine your doctrine and practice other than Scripture, you will have another red flag.

I want try and answer all the persuasions that might be brought forth to justify being slain in the spirit here.  If you do have a question I will do my best to answer it. The issue is identifying false teachings and false doctrines which lead to false practices and corrupt forms of worship.  The New Testament is detailed and very descriptive in the ways we are told to Worship Him.  The book of Acts lets us see into the actions and practices of the early Church.  Sola Scriptura does not give us authority to add to that descriptive worship outside of Scripture, doing so opens the door to all kinds of activities, some might even induce some kind of experience. This seems like a very dangerous thing to allow to manifest itself inside the Church.

I could bring up a number more numerous than I would desire of practices inside many Christian Churches today where we would have many red flags arise using these principles mentioned above. Most all of them I have myself either believed or participated in at one time or the other.  I have come to feel safe only in the Scripture, it is just to dangerous to go beyond it.  An experience may be fascinating, it may for the moment give you a feeling of peace or joy, but if it falls outside of Scripture I would be very careful.  1Jn 4:1  Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 

I hope some of this can be helpful, my intent is only to encourage us to test the things we think we know or believe with the truth of Scripture. If all we have is some obscure passage somewhere in the Bible where something similar may or may not have happened, or we have to stretch or twist the scripture just a bit to give us what we want, do we not at the least need to give thought to and question what we are doing?

May the Grace of God be upon each of you,

David
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  Honor to Whom Honor

Once again we find ourselves coming upon yet another Memorial Day on our calendars.  Celebrations will soar with all manner of observances and for the most part, fun and recreation.  Surely there's nothing wrong with enjoying that extra long weekend away from the duties of the workforce and the often periods of stress that are known to accompany the work day.  Yet, in all of the rest and refreshment that are so cherished in this time of year, we really mustn't forget the reason for the occasion.

As we went into town this weekend, the patriotic reminders were posted in shop windows.  Flags displayed along walkways were popping up throughout the city.  How good it was to see that there are those who do not forget.

We owe eternal gratitude to our Sovereign God for preserving us in this nation.  Truly it's a given that everything about any success that has transpired in this great land, has been a provision from above.  Yet so often the means by which our freedom was achieved has come from those who paid with their own blood and even life itself.  My simple thinking today inclines me to say "thank you" to those who have gone on before,  and to those in their family who may know the experience of giving that loved one up for such a noble cause.

Among our festivities and moments of pleasure during this time, may we give thanks to our Heavenly Father while we are much in prayer for the salvation of such a land of the free.  As Christians we know that we have citizenship in Heaven, though we are citizens somewhere here in this earth while we're here.  The Apostle Paul gave some well clarified instructions to the Romans that leads us to understand what is expected from Christians in this world.

Romans 13:1-7 "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.  For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.  Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil.  wilt thou then not be afraid of the power?  do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:  For he is the minister of God to thee for good.  But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.  Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.  For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.  Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour."

With Grateful Heart,

Julie

"People of Faith" (What is true Doctrine?)

In Joh 18:37  While Pilate was interogating Jesus and pressing him for answers, Jesus stated, ". . . Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice."  

Pilate obviously proving himself not to be of the truth replied, "What is truth. . . ."  Truth for many is not an absolute, but is a thing of relativity, as a matter of fact there may be multiple truths existing at the same time.  For others truth is simply what they believe it to be and for others truth is something obscure that can never be fully known.

For people of faith, truth must be absolute and it must be knowable.  But as we have noted in previous post, this can be a difficult process that will require effort on our part. One looking in from the outside or someone newly arriving in Christian circles may look at all the different doctrines within all the various Christian groups and wonder, how will I ever know the truth?  Which one really has the truth? 

Here are just a few things to acknowledge about the truth of Scripture: 

1st - The text from which we derive our doctrine is ancient, thousands of years old.

2nd - Cultural differences are immense between the time of their writing and ours.

3rd - Language barriers are difficult, first understanding the meaning, then bringing that meaning fully over into another language all with varying dialects.

4th - The actual text we have are copies of copies that have been made over the centuries.

One might take the above statements and argue that we never can really really know the truth, or perhaps try to explain why it seems Christian's can't agree upon what they really believe the truth to be (their doctrine).  That would be a misuse of the statements, it is only to acknowledge that there are difficulties to overcome, but they can be over come.

In the opening scripture Jesus said he came to bear witness of the truth. That tells us that truth is out there, and He was a witness of it.  Like last week's post when Peter testified to the truth of who Jesus was, Jesus told Peter that knowledge did not come from man, but from the Father.  Here Jesus tells us that those who are of the truth hear His voice.  This is a statement of not just hearing but understanding the truth of what is heard.  This is what happened in last weeks post with Peter's understanding of who Jesus was. All of the difficulties that lay before Peter in coming to this understanding were overcome by the light of Grace provided by the Father. 

Now lets be real, it is fair to ask after reading that, why are we not as Christians walking under one unified doctrine of belief as in the beginning of the ancient church?  

To avoid a complicated answer and getting lost in all the various factors involved in human complexity, the likes of which I am insufficient to even begin, let me give you the sum of it all as was spoken by Jesus to the Pharisees upon their question of divorce.  

Mat 19:8  He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. 

Any time we are outside the truth of God's Word it is because of the hardness of our hearts.  That is not something we as Christians like to acknowledge, but our differences in what we believe the truth to be come from the hardness of our hearts, our holding to our pride, self worth, or a myriad of other vices that blind us to the truth.  This hardness separates us in doctrine and opens us to deception and false teachings that are ever present to avail itself within the Church.

John 5:39  Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 

Want to know the truth?  You can begin the wonderful discovery of who God is today, humble yourself, seek his face, give your life to knowing Him.  As you travel you will discover truth all along the way.  While you travel, love those who differ, knowing like Peter, the light of Grace will shine truth before your eyes.  

2Ti 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 

2Ti 2:16  But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 

2Ti 2:17  And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 

2Ti 2:18  Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. 

2Ti 2:19  Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 

2Ti 2:20  But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 

2Ti 2:21  If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. 

2Ti 2:22  Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 

2Ti 2:23  But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. 

2Ti 2:24  And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

In another place we are told to "think on these things" this is our journey, we work, we study, we think and employ our mind, all of these efforts are but only means by which God uses to bring the light of truth. Don't let all the differences in Christian doctrine deter you from seeking the truth about Him, there have always been difficulties, there always will be in this age, but truth has always been there to discover and enjoy as we discover who He is, the Christ, the Son of God! 

May the Grace of God be upon each of you,

David

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Contentment in Christ

Once again we find ourselves in the heart of the completion of another school year.  Young men and women are graduating and diplomas are being passed out by the scores.  What exciting days for these who will embark on yet another adventurous leg of the journey for their lives.  If you are reading, and this status applies to you, then a very warm "Congratulations!" be to you from us.

While attending the graduation of my nephew recently, I was blessed to be seated with my mother.  As we had ample time to have some good conversation due to arriving so early to get a seat, she made a remark that has stayed with me since the event.  We were watching people so busily buzzing around to take care of their part of the ceremonies when my mother said to me, "I'm so thankful that the Lord blessed me to be a housewife."  My only correct answer would be to concur with her.  After all, she has always been there for her family, serving faithfully her God, her home, and her neighbor.   

It should be so appropriate to be able to say when we're in the last miles of our journey in this life that we're content and blessed beyond measure with the lot we were given from our Father above.  On the other hand, it can be rather saddening for those we may know that never seem truly content with any aspect of their lives.  We who know something of this contentment that is found in Christ also know that it's because of Him that we can be content.  All other methods  of responding to this life will leave us short of the mark we wish to reach.

The perfect situations, the perfect career, the perfect family, or the perfect housewife simply do not exist.  Truth revealed unto us lets us know that only Christ is perfection.  Our daily walk with Him which requires us to humbly seek His direction through His Spirit insures us of  peace of heart even midst the most difficult of circumstances.  

If we truly seek the Christ while He may be found, there will be no shortage of contented labor in Him.  With all due respect to those professionally inclined, we really do not have to find our worth in a document that hangs on our wall sporting our accomplishments.  When that document is needed for what the Christ has given us to do, He will teach us how to carry His gifts.  Even though "pomp" certainly seems to go with the "circumstances," the glory and honor belong to our Lord.

May we do well that which He has given us to do.  May we run well in this race to His glory, honor, and praise.  Oh to speak of our satisfaction with Him, and pray to hear Him say He is satisfied with us!

Thankful for His Grace and Contentment,

Julie

I Timothy 6:6-8 "But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."

Philippians 4:11-13 "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.  I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."