Tell the Good News!

I love being around you and your classmates. I always gain insight into your surroundings which enables me to pray more intelligently! When I have the privilege to attend your school, one classmate always comes to my attention. One can’t help but notice him. His topic of conversation is the same, his adoption. John (not his real name) was adopted at age seven from an orphanage in one of the “stans”. He testifies that after Jesus, his earthly adoption is the highlight of his life. During my last visit, he explained the scenario in a little more detail. What great joy he experienced when the authorities informed him of his adoption.

During the first six years of his life, I’m sure he wondered, “will I ever be adopted?”. Not many parents are brave enough to adopt an older child. I’m sure the chances grow slimmer the older they become. John now lives in deep gratitude of God’s mercy. He went from a lonely life to a loving home; a home where he is taught the Gospel John can’t help but speak about this miraculous event that forever changed his life.

Our adoption into God’s family is no different.

We were once separated, alienated from God, without hope, without God. But, God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions rescued us. He transferred us from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of His beloved Son. He adopted us!

This miraculous salvation should dominate our thoughts and our speech. Witnessing to the lost should be easy. We must learn from John and boldly proclaim our salvation and our testimony of God’s love for us to everyone, everywhere.

Ps 145:9-12 Your godly ones shall......... speak of the glory of the Your kingdom and talk of Your power; To make known to the sons of men Your mighty acts.

High Position; Lowly Walk*

Beloveds, how royal we are! Because of the blood, we have been declared holy and blameless, we have an inheritance in heaven, we are seated in the heavenly places with Christ. And that's just the tip of the iceberg! Underneath the water's surface, our inheritance is so vast, so rich, so mysterious, it's incomprehensible.

In sharp contrast, life on earth, as a follower of Christ, is polar opposite! It's a lowly call and a lonely walk. Picture the cross. That's your life!!! In Luke 9:23 Jesus said, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.

In Phil 2 Paul says that we are to take the form of a bond-servant and become obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

That's radical obedience. That's a humble walk. So, don't be surprised with the plans God has for you. It's lowly, but it leads to eternal life.

Many want heaven, but they don't want the cross. Choose Christ. Choose the cross.

I love you.


*Title adapted from a title from one of John McArthur's sermons (Eph 4) Great sermons!

More Than the Watchmen for the Morning

I love mornings! I wish mornings lasted all day! Why? Because I have the privilege of rolling out of bed, drinking my coffee, and praying for you. Praying for you is cake! Pure joy! A great privilege, a tremendous blessing. I may fail in many ways as a Mom, but I pray I never fail to pray for you.

Yesterday morning, I prayed Ps 130 for you. Powerful passage! Look at the promises! Forgiveness, lovingkindness, abundant redemption!!! It's all ours in Christ Jesus. What more could we ask, my beloveds? What more could we ask?

We are helpless sinners, but we have a fabulous Savior. He will never forsake us. He will hear our prayers. He will forgive. He will redeem. That's why I shout with the Psalmist: "I wait for the Lord, More than the watchmen for the morning; Indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning.

He is coming. He will answer!!! Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Lean to watch and wait, more than the watchmen for the morning. It's the most productive work you can do.

Don't Waste Your Life*

Proverbs 13:20
He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm.

Beloveds, this weekend while Matthew was sick and we all sluggishly existed, the TV became central. I found, as always, the content and values of TV to be in direct opposition to God’s Word On the surface, many of the programs seem harmless, but they’re not. They are deceiving. Even, toxic to your mind.

Why is this? Most programs are written and produced by fools. A fool is someone who does not live according to the Word. They write and produce from an unregenerate heart. Therefore, don’t pollute your lives with their words, actions, and values.

A steady diet of TV is no different from “being a companion of fools”. God solemnly warns us: “The companion of fools will suffer harm” Don’t waste your life.* You were chosen, bought with a price, therefore glorify God with your body. That includes your actions and activities.

I love you.

*"Don't waste your life" taken from John Piper's Book "Don't Waste Your Life"

You Have "Unending" Life Lines Left

One of my favorite things to do with you, my beloveds, is watch game shows. "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?" is one of them. As you know, typically on game shows, each contestant has three lifelines. Once depleted, the player is defeated.

Thankfully, in the life of a Christian, defeat is not possible. We have unending lifelines. So, when puzzled and perplexed at your circumstances, call on the promises, they are your lifelines. They are your very present help in time of trouble. They will redeem you from the pit. They will cause you to soar as on eagles wings above the choppy sea of trials beneath you.

No need to despair.
Remember, understanding God and your circumstances are never required, believing the promises are. Get in the Word, call on His name, rest in the countless promises. You will find yourself singing.

David clinged to God's promises and His Word in all his affliction.
Ps 119:92
If Your law had not been my delight, Then I would have perished in my affliction.

Our Suffering, His Glory!!!

Tim Tebow! Everytime he speaks to the media, it’s easy to think, “Wow, what a neat way to bring glory to God!!! “ Being the nation’s youngest Heisman trophy winner, he will be respected and admired for decades. Glory, fame, honor, endorsements! Sound exciting? Does to me!


However, do not be deceived. This is not the typical way in which God chooses to bring glory to Himself.


Consider our Savior. While walking the earth, Jesus was hardly respected and admired. In fact, it says that he was despised, rejected, smitten of God, afflicted, bruised, beaten, oppressed. He was pierced through for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; He poured out Himself to death, he was numbered with the transgressors; He bore our sin.....
Yet, God was glorified in His sufferings.


Beloveds, your suffering is His glory. That’s our goal! His Glory, whatever the cost!

Embrace the Cross

My beloveds, I don’t know God’s specific plans for you. But I do know one thing. Suffering for His name’s sake will be the theme. Embrace this suffering.

Keep in mind, salvation and suffering are a package deal. They are a gift. The two go together. You can’t have one without the other. So, do not be surprised at the trials what you must endure for His name’s sake.

And what does suffering look like? Forsaking your will, your desires, your plans for His. Turning from your old ways to a much better way. Jesus said, take up your cross and follow Me. Salvation is His invitation to suffer with Him.

Please answer His call and do not be afraid. Embrace the cross. It’s the road to everlasting joy and eternal life. I'll meet you there!

Phil 1:29-
For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.

Ugly Picture

Yesterday, our bunnies had baby bunnies! Unfortunately, the momma bunny is never as excited as we are! She doesn’t care for her young. She neglects them, sits on them, and even eats them. It is a detestable sight, an ugly picture. Just the thought of seeing our baby bunnies with missing arms, legs, and ears, makes me cringe.

However, I know of a much uglier picture. The picture of our Savior, bruised, beaten, and bleeding to death on a cross. Though spotless and innocent, Jesus endured His Father’s full wrath. Ugly? Absolutely.

Why? Why would God choose such an inconceivable plan to rescue us? Because of His love! For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.......

Below are two significant differences between the death of our bunnies and the death of Jesus:

First, where the mother bunny was selfish; God was unselfish. God hates sin, and someone spotless had to shed blood for the forgiveness of our sins. He chose His Son. Unbelievable!

Second, where the baby bunnies death is insignificant and had no effect on the world,
Jesus’ death totally transformed the world. He set us free from sin and death! We are now clothed in His righteousness and have an intimate relationship with the one, true God. The ugly picture of Christ dying on the cross is our glory. It’s our banner.

Galations 6:14
But may it be that I would boast,

except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Let Your Light Shine

While sitting in the DFW airport, I was struck at the darkness surrounding us. Many of the travelers seemed weary, worn, and worldly. As I watched the “gay” crowd around us, fear and anxiety bombarded my thoughts. What will become of our nation? Only by God’s grace will our family escape the rebellion around us. More questions continued to enter my mind. Will our family ever be an effective light? Will our family ever be that city set on a hill so that others may come to know You?

As I boarded the plane, I whispered a prayer, “Lord, please show me just one Christian aboard this plane?” Deep down, I knew He would answer, although I immediately forgot I even prayed that prayer! Finally, after reaching our row, which was, of course, at the back :( I struggled to find a place for our multitude of carry-ons. Going from bin to bin, I became frustrated. Suddenly, a young man jumped up and asked to help. He immediately took control. After opening bins and rearranging people’s luggage, he created a home for our bags. Forever grateful, I returned to my seat.

Shortly after take off, I noticed this same man reading the Bible to his wife. He read and read and read. Then he read “Through Gates of Splendor” to his wife. He read and read and read. What a loving couple they were. The way they looked at each other and held one another, their love was clear and evident not only to us, but to a lost world.

Thank you, Lord. You answered my prayer. Another Christian aboard the plane (someone to pray with in case of emergency!), and a great example to my children.

To conclude, Laurie recently asked me about requirements for a husband. One of God's requirements for marriage, my beloveds, is that a Christian marry a Christian. Do it God’s way! Boys, seek to be the spiritual leaders like this man. What a servant! What a contrast he was to the many others in the airport! He was a city set on a hill. He was a light in the darkness. That is my prayer for you, my beloveds! By God’s grace will we mature and love Him in this way.

Matthew 5:16
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Request Denied

Beloveds, God’s answers to prayers are either yes, no, or wait. Of course, yes is what we desire to hear. However, we must learn to appreciate the answer no.

This morning, while rummaging through some past computer files, one file caught my eye. It was a special file of prayer requests I had written long ago. As I browsed through the list, I was amused. Almost all the answers were a resounding no.

Once again, God’s plans were different than mine! The good news is that I had an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Like a towering wave from the ocean, peace rushed over me knowing that “I can trust Him”.

Never forget that He is the Good Shepherd, whose love for you is DEEP. He will listen patiently to your requests, but He will answer prudently. Any request that is not His best for you will be denied.
Therefore, learn to give thanks when the answer is no. Always remember, He loves you when the answer is yes, and He loves you when the answer is no. You can trust Him!

Learn to Discern!

Beloveds, picture yourself as a rock fish swimming around in the Chesapeake Bay. Above you are numerous boats and commercial fisherman bobbing up and down on the surface of the water. Fishing lines are dangling around you with fat, juicy bait.

Now, how will the you know the difference between a safe enjoyable meal and one deadly bite? Is there a fish manual to inform the fish what to eat and what to avoid? NO! They are fish!

Now, consider our lives. We also swim in a sea full of temptations. And like those of the fish, our temptations are also hard to recognize. They attract our eyes, they appeal to our flesh, but really they are just juicy bait covering a nasty hook. So, how do we discern a hidden hook designed for our destruction?

Unlike the fish, we have a manual! It's the Bible! The Word of God trains you to discern good and evil. (Heb 5:14) Matthew Henry says that the Bible enables us to "distinguish between what is helpful and what is hurtful" to our souls. Therefore, you must abide in the scriptures. Otherwise, you willl not have the strength to swim away from temptations.

So, my beloveds, read the Bible and remain in it. The stakes are too high to neglect it.

Please, join your hearts with David's , who wisely said:
Ps 119:11
You word I have treasure in my heart, that I may not sin against You.

Don't Be Deceived

Beloveds, shortly after I met your dad, we went fishing. While there, he noticed me threading a worm on a hook.

To this day, he lovingly reminds me of how this one act of bravery (my worm threading) was the “hook”. He knew I was the one for him!!! Little did he know that would be the first and last time he would see me load a worm on a hook.

In fact, I don’t remember any of it. I must have been loony at the time. You know I have a disdain for God’s slimy creatures.

The point is: He was deceived. I’m not the Indiana Jones woman he thought I was going to be. Maybe this is a bad illustration, but I thought it would get your attention!!!

A lot of things in this world are not what they appear. They seem to promise much, but they deliver little.

Examples: A bigger house will not satisfy you. A fancy car will not keep you happy. A friend will not meet your deepest needs. Money will make itself like wings and fly away.

On the surface these things are appealing and even dazzling, but once you have acquired them, you will be disappointed. They are deceitful.

Good news, however, God is not deceitful. God is who He says He is and He will do what He says He will do. He will never disappoint.
So, my beloveds, passionately seek Him as a lost treasure. He is living water, and He alone will satisfy your soul.

Matt 6:19
Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Oaks of Righteousness

The Lord is faithful to open our eyes to behold beautiful things from His Word, and this morning He did just that. My strength was wavering, but He renewed my faith and gave me the encouragement I needed.



Is 61:1-3 says:
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, Because the Lord has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives And freedom to prisoners; To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord And the day of vengeance of our God. To comfort all who mourn, To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting, So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified!

Numerous times I have read this passage praying that our family and descendants would be faithful to spread the Gospel and be involved in building His kingdom. However, this morning, God gave me fresh eyes. There was a role reversal! We, my beloveds, are the ones who are afflicted, brokenhearted, captives, and prisoners. But, good news! God's promises are for everyone, even us! He promises to repair and restore our ruins. He promises to make us into oaks of righteousness.

And when He does, HE alone will receive all the glory!!!!

There is a Fountain

I hate commutes. Being raised in a small West Texas town, where everything was within a few miles of our home, ruined me! Most destinations were only a few blocks without traffic. Northern Virginia is just the opposite. I confess I struggle with grumbling and complaining almost anytime I venture too far from home. By the time I reach my destination, I usually feel like I a rag tossed to and fro in a washing machine.

However, Sunday mornings are different. I love the commute. We drive 20 minutes to church, and I relish it and look forward to it. Why? It’s my special time to spiritually breathe, confess my sins and breathe in the Gospel. While driving, the sins of the week and my inadequacies plague my thoughts. My behavior, my thoughts, my motives, how I responded to the children before getting into the car, all remind me of my need for a Savior and my unworthiness of being a Bible Study teacher and a pastor’s wife.

But, hallelujah, my thoughts don’t end there. By God’s grace, I remember the fountain, the fountain of my Savior’s blood.

His blood, which poured from His brow, His hands, His feet and His side, was not in vain It washed away my sin, and it continues to wash away my sin. It never stops flowing and never loses its power. Amazing!

Upon arrival at church, by God’s grace, I’m cleansed. Clinging to the cross, I’m guilt free and prepared to teach, eager to be a builder in God’s church.

My beloveds, because of Christ’s blood, you are free to serve without condemnation. Trust in Him and the work He accomplished for you at the cross. He said “it is finished” and He meant it.

Zech 13:1 In that day a fountain will be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for impurity.
I John 1:7, 9
.....And the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Highway to Holiness

My beloveds, we live in a wilderness. However, in the midst of it, there is a highway to holiness. Jump on it and head home! (Is 35:8)

There are many roads which will seem right in your own eyes (Prov 16:25), but don’t trust your heart or your mind. Dive in the scriptures and surround yourself with many wise counselors. Learn to listen and recognize God’s voice so that He may direct you in the way. He will be that voice behind you saying this is the way whether you go to the right or to the left. (Is 30:21)

This highway is a place where we abhor what is evil, cling to what is good. It’s where we seek to be unstained by the world. It’s where we join with other faithful pilgrims, studying the Word (our road map) and obeying it. It’s the highway home, to the city God has prepared for us.

But, be aware. The highway to holiness is not always easy. It’s the pathway of obedience. Just as Jesus learned obedience through the things which he suffered, so will you. (Heb 5:8) It will mean crucifying your fleshly desires and passions and saying “not my will be done, but Thine”. Remember, if you die with Him, you will also live with Him. If you endure, you will also reign with Him (2 Tim 2:11-12)

Strong Tower

Have you ever felt weak from Satan’s constant attacks? Proverbs 18:10 shows us the way to go by saying, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and they are safe.”

The name of the Lord is everything that God has made known about himself, not only his titles and attributes, but his covenant and promises. These things make up a strong, impenetrable, impregnable tower for all God’s weary people when they are being tempted by Satan.

He has revealed His name to give us rest anytime and anywhere. Inside this stronghold, God’s sheep are lifted above their enemies and fortified against them. As long as God’s followers know how to make use of it, God’s name is strong enough to protect them from the enemy. The richness of God’s wealth laid up in this tower is enough to be a continual feast and treasure to us. The righteous, by using faith, prayer, devotion to God, and dependence on Him, run into God’s city of refuge.

One example from the Bible is, when David is being chased by Saul, David thanks God in Psalms 18:1-3 for being his rock, fortress, and deliverer from Saul.

Whenever we are in a time of need, we can rely on the name of the Lord and be secure from the enemy’s arrows.

Adapted by Matthew Henry

Our Need for God's Word

Our neighbors found a deer that had been born only a few hours before and had been abandoned by his mother. They adopted him and called him Bullet. At first they had to force feed Bullet, because, although Bullet didn't know it, if he didn't drink milk, he would die.

That image reminded me of the verse in Psalms 42: 1-3 which says, "As the deer pants for the water, so my soul pants after you, O God." Although we don't know it, if we don't continually thirst after God's word, we will spiritually die and forget about God. But thankfully the Holy Spirit shows us that we, like Bullet, need food (God's Word), so that we begin to search after God's Word.
Andrew

Growing in Wisdom

Luke 2:52
And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men.

MH says:

Young people, as they grow in stature, should grow in wisdom, and then, as they grow in wisdom, they will grow in favour with God and man.

Are you looking for acceptance? Grow in wisdom. The benefits are endless when you increase your wisdom. Not only will you enjoy blessings untold, but your neighbor will benefit as well.

Your neighbor will benefit because you will have apt, timely words to encourage them, reprove them, or guide them. (Prov. 12:26)

You will benefit, because as God uses your wisdom in words and deeds, you will find satisfaction and enjoy good.
From the fruit of a man's mouth he enjoys good. (Proverbs 13:2). A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words and the deeds of man's hands will return to him.. (Proverbs 12:14)

But that's not all.
Having wisdom stored up in your heart prevents pain and punishment. Proverbs 13:14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, to turn aside from the snares of death. Snares and landmines abound. But wisdom, is your guide out of them all.

The only way, my beloveds, to experience God's best and to walk in holiness is by pursuing, studying, and meditating on His Word, day and night. It will keep you from sin.
Ps 119:9-11
How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. With all my heart I have sought You; Do no let me ander from Your commandments. Your word I have treasured in my heart That I may not sin against You.

When you stay in the Word and gather wisdom, you will escape harmful sin patterns. When you escape harmful sin patterns, you will grow in favor with God and man! Work out your spiritual muscles of wisdom and make them bigger!

Pursuing Wisdom

Proverbs 19:8

He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good.

Everyone loves themselves! In fact, to celebrate themselves they will buy nice clothes, do nice things, go on a fun vacation, just to mention a few things. However, not everyone thinks of treating themselves to wisdom. Why? Well, for one, it takes discipline. For two, it's not appealing to the flesh. The flesh hates what is good. Seeking after wisdom appeals to the Spirit. It feeds the Spirit. The Spirit and the flesh are at war with one another. Whichever one is fed, reigns. If you love yourself and want to find good, fetch wisdom, seek wisdom, dig for wisdom. Study, pray, seek the Lord. The rewards are unlimited.

From the pen of Matthew Henry:
take pains to get wisdom, to get knowledge, and grace, and acquaintance with God; those that do so show that they love their own souls, and will be found to have done themselves the greatest kindness imaginable. No man ever hated his own flesh, but loves that, yet many are wanting in love to their own souls, for only those love their souls, and consequently love themselves, aright, that get wisdom, true wisdom. 2. That take care to keep it when they have got it; it is health, and wealth, and honour, and all, to the soul, and therefore he that keeps understanding, as he shows that he loves his own soul, so he shall certainly find good, all good. He that retains the good lessons he has learnt, and orders his conversation according to them, shall find the benefit and comfort of it in his own soul and shall be happy here and for ever.

Watch Out for Curve Balls

I sinned. Yesterday, I allowed us to watch a movie that had suggestive content. Because of the funny quips and scenarios, I rationalized and thought it was worth the laughs. However, it wasn't. In hindsight, I realized that we were laughing at fools. Cheaper by the Dozen is funny, no doubt, but there lifestyle reflects that of people who know not God.

We were being a companion of fools. We were being discipled by a family not seeking to please God. The children did not obey, the parents sought their own, the childen did not love one another, sexual immorality was tolerated. Granted, everyone was transformed in the end and the family united together, however, I fear you came away desensitized to the fear of God. I wish they made more Christian movies we could laugh at together. From now on, train your eye to only view what pleases the Lord. Sin begins with one look sometimes. Just like Matthew trains his eye to hit the baseball, train your eye to know and detect a curve ball when it's coming. What started out as hilarious lines slowly lead to dangerous inuendos. I didn't see the curve ball coming. when you, my beloveds, sense a curve ball is coming, make adjustments. Turn around, and be thankful for the Cross. The cross gives you the power to detect a curve ball and it gives you the grace to whack them over the fence.

Delight in Duty

Beloveds, delight in duty!!!
The carnival of life will entice your fleshly minds to wasteful activities. Silly games, cheap thrills, passing pleasures will profit you nothing. So, be on guard against love of pleasure and seek to be disciplined in what matters. Be disciplined in the things that will bring you everlasting joy and satisfaction. Seek after knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. Delight in it as it will bring you joy that will far outlast the pleasures of this life. You are in the spring time of your life, don't be wasteful, but purposeful. Delight in duty!!!

Below are two verses and MH's commentary to spur you on!!!!

Proverbs 18:15
The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

MH:
The more prudent a man is the more inquisitive will he be after knowledge, the knowledge of God and his duty, and the way to heaven, for that is the best knowledge. We must get knowledge, not only into our heads, but into our hearts, get the savour and relish of it, apply what we know to ourselves and experience the power and influence of it.


Proverbs 18:2
A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own mind.

MH
A fool may pretend to understanding, and to seek and intermeddle with the means of it, but He has no true delight in it; it is only to please his friends or save his credit; he does not love his book, nor his business, nor his Bible, nor his prayers; he would rather be playing the fool with his sports. Those who take no pleasure in learning or religion will make nothing to purpose of either.

Wicked Thoughts vs Holy Thoughts

Wicked Thoughts vs Holy Thoughts

Jer 4:14
Wash your heart from evil, O Jerusalem that you may be saved. How long will your wicked thoughts lodge within you?

Do you have wicked thoughts lodged within you?
Beware! Whatever vain thoughts keep creeping into your mind, they are drawing you further and further away from the one true God. Your double-mindedness will soon give way to blind idol worship. You will soon be numbered with the idol worshippers in the OT. So, if your mind is becoming fixated on something other than God, nip it in the bud.

Repent and replace your mind with God’s Word. God’s Word alone can rightly divide and dissect the sin in your life. Learn to love God’s law. Learn to cherish the sweet words of life....for they are like a honeycomb, sweet to the taste and healing to the bones.
James 4:8 aptly commands us to, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you, Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be miserable and mourn and weep let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord and He will exalt you.
Thus, repent and return. Soak in the Word. Let the Word be Your daily delight, so that Your wicked thoughts will be replaced with holy thoughts.

Victory in the Wilderness!

Matthew 4:1-11
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil........

Life on earth is a wilderness. It’s a wasteland. It's a place that will never satisfy. Land mines abound. Temptations are abundant. So, beware, my beloveds. They are all strategically designed to defeat you.

Like Jesus, learn to recognize them for what they are......schemes of the devil to destroy your devotion to Christ. Satan will lie to you. He will lay juicy temptations in your path.

However, don’t fear. The righteous are bold as a lion. Jesus conquered the enemy. The enemy is defeated. Your job is to focus on the Word. Emerse yourself in it. Learn it, meditate on it, memorize it. Pant for it as the deer pants for the water. Stand firm in the Lord, He will give you victory over your temptations.

I pray your faith will not fail. I pray that you will be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might! In Christ, you are overcomers. You will have have victory in the wilderness.

Read Matthew 4:1-11

Spring Time of Life: Your Responsibilities

Rejoice, you are in the spring time of your life ! You have much to look forward to. But, beware. Many in this stage become enamered with love for pleasure. It's the way of the culture. However, my beloveds, don't swim downstream with the culture. Instead, swim upstream against the flow.

During this time, gather wisdom, knowledge, and understanding from God. The cost is great if you don't. The results will be regret and shame. Proverbs 5 illustrates this well. It distinctly outlines your responsibilities as a youth, and the benefits taking your responsibilities seriously and the dangers of not. By God's grace, I'm going to try to address these truths the next three blogs.

I love you!!!! God chose you, redeemed you, and has an inheritance for you.

Labor for it!

Wisdom: Labor for it. And with your getting wisdom, get understanding. Proverb 4:7

Beloveds, pray for wisdom. Take pains to acquire it. Give diligence in all appointed means to attain it. Read it, study it, listen to it.

Wait at wisdom’s gate, Prov. 8:34.

Get dominion over thy corruptions, get possession of wise principles. Get wisdom by experience, get it above all thy getting. Be more in pains to get this than to get the wealth of this world.

"True wisdom is God’s gift, and yet we are here commanded to get it, because God gives it to those that labour for it"

(Deduced and quoted from Matthew Henry's commentary)

Buy Truth and do not sell it

Acquiring wisdom requires time. Who has extra time? We all have time!!! It's just a matter of priorities. And priorities depend on where your heart is.

To acquire wisdom, schedules will have to be reworked, entertainment and pleasure will have to be forfeited. For me, it means, simply not going shopping. I don't necessarily like to spend money, but I do like to look. It means saying no to many good things as well. Distractions will vy for your time and energy. You must be purposeful and disciplined in your acquiring wisdom. You must decide on a place, a time, and have a plan. Nothing should usurp that time, unless your family is needing you. Satan will attempt to derail your efforts, your flesh will lust after temporal pleasures, the world will lure you with many traps.

However, you must stand firm against the schemes of the devil. You must be wise and make the most of your days; lfor the days are evil. Ps 90:12 Moses earnestly prays "teach us to number our days That we may present to You a heart of wisdom."

Proverbs states it this way: Buy truth and don't sell it. Stay focused. Say no to distractions. Time will never be recouperated. Learn now to sacrifice passing pleasures for the sake of the Gospel and the good of your soul. Buying truth has a high ROR (rate of return) It's worth it!

Welcome Wisdom!!!

Wisdom is a gift. We should welcome it as an intimate friend. We should attend to it with all diligence, so as to know it. And not only know it, but seek to understand it. Understanding the Word leads to doing the Word.

Proverbs 4 says the beginning of wisdom is to acquire wisdom! Read it, study it, listen to it, Hear and receive God words. Drink it in as the ground drinks the rains which falls upon it.

Hebrews 6:7
For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and breings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God.

So, soak it in, my beloveds! Welcome wisdom as a friend, and it will save your soul!

Our Life Saver

Ps 119: 11
David says: Your Word I have treasured in my heart that I may not sin against Thee.

Just as a helpless swimmer at sea would treasure a life saver, so must we treasure the Word of God. It is our lifeline to keep us from being swept away in sin. We are helpless and powerless without it. Without it, we die.
David knew this. Therefore, he delighted in it, treasured it, and meditated on it.
Thus, remember you too are helpless. You are born again, but still living in your sin craving flesh. Without large doses of the Word of God, you will be carried away by the cravings and passions that so easily entangle you.
Never “cool” in your affection for the Word of God. Treasure it and delight in it more than all riches. Be still and meditate on it. It's your life saver!

The Winter Season

Although the leaves fall and the cold winter sets in, remember it’s a season. A season with a purpose. Spring and summer will soon come around. The leaves will reappear, the flowers will bloom, the birds will sing, the sun will shine. But for now, we are called to endure the winter.
Jesus had His winter season. It’s when he left His home on high for the earth below. He went from royalty to rags, He went from a perfectly glorious place to suffering the pangs of sin. It lasted 33 years. Then he returned to His glory.

Was the 33 years worth it? Absolutely! The results and the rewards are phenomenal. He did the Father’s will, He broke the bonds of sin and death. He atoned for the sins of the world. He is now high and lifted up, exalted to the right hand of the Father. And one day, every knee will bow an deveyr tongue confess that Jesus is Lord.

How does this apply to us? We are to follow in His footsteps. While on earth, we are to crucify our flesh with it’s passions and desires. Then one day we will reign with him.
Just like it was His season to die, it is our season to die.
II Timothy 2:11
If we died with Him, we shall also live with Him.
Is we endure with, we shall also reign with Him.

Deep Waters, Fountain, and a Bubbling Brook

Proverbs 18:4
The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

Deep waters, fountain of wisdom, a bubbling brook. Don't let those three words pictures esquape your minds. From your mouth should flow the wisdom of God. A well-spring of wisdom as deep as deep waters, flowing and abundant like a fountain, fresh and clean as a bubbling brook.

Matthew Henry says "to be an intelligent knowing man has in him a good treasure of useful things, which furnishes him with something to say upon all occasions that is pertinent and profitable". Words that make no noise, but never run dry. Our words should be pertinent and profitable.

Wisdom comes from God, from studyng the Bible, from listening to wise men, and from reading wise men. It also comes from experience and from watching wise men.
Proverbs 18:15
The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. My beloveds, seek after knowledge, wisdom and unerstanding, that you may have something to say upon all occasions for His glory.

The Winning Weapon

Life on earth is a continuous battle against sin. Temptations abound. So, beware. Be educated. Be skilled. The only way to fight sin and temptation is knowing, understanding, and using the Word of God, your weapon.

Don't waste time as the battle has already started. Once saved, you members wage war against the Spirit. (Galations 5:17: For the flesh sets its desire agianst the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another) Your members, coupled with the devil and the world, make an unformidable foe. You will lose everytime without the sword.

This week I woke at 5 am on a Saturday. Hooray! I will get up, knock out my Sunday School lesson, and be able to concentrate on my beloveds during the day. However, for one whole hour, 5-6 am, I paced back and forth from the coffee pot, praying, arguing, complaining and fighting with God. I want a dining room and an addition to this house, or better, a new one. Now.

After one hour, I went into to your father and confessed my sin to him. It then dawned on me that I had not been in the Word. I didn't even know where my Bible was. I opened my Bible to James 4: and as soon as I read it, the chains were broken. I was free. Free from the bondage of sin. Consequently, I was able to happily study the Bible and prepare for my lesson without any thoughts of materialism.

Gaining national freedom required a fight. Same with sin. Freedom from sin requires a fight. However, instead of real guns for the battle, the Word of God is your weapon. The winning weapon!!! It never fails.

Praying for Your Wives (Husband)

Proverbs 18:22

He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord.

A good wife is a great blessing. Seek a godly wife through “care and prayer”. She will be as a rare jewel; she will have exceeding worth.

Matthew Henry says: she will not only contribute to your comfort in life, but will also “forward you in the way to heaven” A good wife (or husband for Laurie) is a sign that God delights in a man to do him good and has mercy in store for him, for this, therefore, God must be sought unto.

I'm praying, my beloved ones, for godly spouses. May the Lord bless you and multiply you May you walk with Him and fear Him all the days of your lives.

Trust God

A couple of weeks ago, God gave Dad a promise. it was Jeremiah

This greatly encouraged your Dad in light of the fact that the church is about 20,000 behind budget.

Having had to walk through financial shortages many times, we knew we could trust Him.

Well, today at church the offering was $23,000. That may not completely cover the deficit, but in narrows it to a tiny margin. Praise Him. He is faithful. Don't become fearful with money shortages. Make sure you give to the Lord what He requires, spend frugally, and trust Him with the rest.

The Bookshelf

The Bookshelf.
Precious Ones, I have been praying for bookshelves for years. Seriously, I have. My goal was to find them at garage sales, thrift stores, Salvation Army, anywhere second hand. However, they seem to be few and far between, that is, the good ones anyway.
So today, having grown impatient, I broke down and bought one first hand! I had received some birthday money which I used to help pay for it. PTL it was on sale! I wouldn’t have bought it otherwise. (Don't ever buy anything full price).
When I arrived back home, God gave me this verse and I just want to share it with you.
I Timothy 6:17
Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.
Remember to never idolize the things of this passing world. They will burn. He is good. He gives you things for you to enjoy. But, beware, they are never to take His place. He must be your first love. He must be your delight, not the vain things of this world.

What is the antidote for loving your things more than God?
Repent: James 4 and get in the Word.
David says: Ps 119:47
And I shall delight in Thy commandments, Which I love. Love and delight in God and in His Word.

Faith vs Fear

Beloved ones,
Sometimes it looks like the promises are vaporizing. The chances of rain and promised mercy are dwindling. Nothing promised is materializing.
This is a test. No doubt, fears will creep in, feelings of abandonment will take over. Nip it in the bud. It quickly turns to bitter jealousy (which is demonic according to James 4) and sinful distrust.
The only antidote in this dangerous situation is the Word of God. The Word will build your faith. With that faith, you can run, you will mount up as eagles. Is 40. So, stay hunkered down in the Word.
Strive to grow in faith. The purpose of your trials.
Heb 11:1 Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not yet seen.
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

if your way is dark, trust in the Lord. (Isaiah 50) Don’t try to fanagle your way to get your desires met, wait on Him. (Streams in the Desert March 30)
Stay faithful. Just as Jesus was abandoned on the cross, wrath poured upon Him, He still said “My God, My God” Although you may feel like it, you have not been abandoned, so You must say: My God, My God. And as Job boldly says in his afflictions Job 19:25 As for me, I know that my redeemer lives.
While you wait, humble yourselves, listen to Him, talk to Him, develop the tongue of disciples. Learn all you can in the dark. He will bring forth your righteousness as the noonday.
See Streams in the Desert, march 30 and File entitled Faith vs Fear.

Do Not Touch His Glory!!!

Dear Ones,
No doubt, you will have successes in this world such as grades, sports, etc. However, do not take His glory, not even in the small things of life.

Why? He gave them to you. Apart from His grace, they wouldn’t happen. Where did you get your brains and abilities? Him. But, the temptation to steal His glory is powerful. We hunger for glory. So, we must pray and fight against it.

Proverbs 16:19 says:
It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud.

In other words, it’s better to fail and remain humble than to succeed and be proud. Being successful and humble is a test which many people fail. If God grants any successes, I’m praying the FF/D will not fail that test, but be humble by His grace alone!

Matthew Henry wisely says:
Humility, though it should expose us to contempt in the world, yet it recommends us to the favor of God, qualifies us for his gracious visits, prepares us for his glory, secures us from many temptations, and preserves the quiet and repose of our own souls.

“There is no limit to what God can do with a man, providing he will not touch the glory.”