When A Battle Ends

There are situations that God allows us to be in which take us to our ends...our wits' end, the end of our patience, the end of our mercy and grace, the end of our understanding. Situations that frustrate us to no end, and which torment us because we want to be gracious and kind, but the offense to our Lord is too great. The offense is more than should be borne. And yet, when others' do not know the story, we must rely on God alone to carry us through. For many years this was a story for us, and it wasn't until the 11th hour that I began to seek help in prayer from trusted, mature, Christian women. In times, as the end drew nigh, and my strength and resilience were at the brink of failure, my soul poured forth it's anguish. At times we struggle to pray because the challenges are great, and it is by God's design that we need the fellowship of believers to be fellows in our suffering. We bear one another's burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ. 

This might be one of the only times in my life where I see us having lived through something of biblical proportion. Picturing how it would be written in the Holy text. How years of failure would be penned, how years of toil would be recorded, and then the swift victory written out, and how that would be said. Many hours of pain, prayer, anguish, disbelief in what was happening, injustice, infuriating disappointment, love for His church, love for Him, love for the brethren...and pressing on and pressing on and pressing on. And it would be said in a sentence in the Bible.... Maybe two.

Our lives and the hours spent wrapped up neatly with,  "And then he was gone." Just like that.

Cain killed his brother Abel. But all the details in the midst of that we aren't told...

and Enoch walked with God...but there all the things we aren't privy to that also happened.

And God slew him...and God smote him...and God's anger was kindled. Many day in and day out details are not said or known in Scripture, but the high points where we see God's hand of power, God's direction of the destiny, ARE stated. "And we know all things work together for good to them that love Him and are called according to His purpose." 

How humbling to be a part of history like that. God is too good and mysterious, and yet, He is known and wants us to know Him...those He called before the foundation of the earth was laid can know the King of Kings! How can it be?

Oh my King, how powerful You have shown Yourself to be! How great and mighty is Your hand! How you bring justice! Even when You do make it right, it is still painful as we're torn between sadness and joy. Why do we force Your mighty hand to act? When you answer our prayer to do what must be done because evil acts prevail and Your creation is suffering...why must it hurt to witness? You have wrought us as so frail we cannot handle Your justice without a mix of emotions. But God, I praise You for Your deliverance! My heart is so full and so fearful of Your just hand. We have seen Your salvation. We have seen You defend what is Yours. It is You who lifts up and puts down! How can my soul ever despair when men come and go as powers and kings? It cannot! You are too great! Too Sovereign! Too Almighty! My soul exalts the Lord who made Heaven and earth! You have done it! You have redeemed and freed, and cast down what must be cast down. You have seen, You have heard our cry. Be magnified Oh Lord in Your church! Be magnified in all the earth! We are but clay, mold us and make us, move us and use us for Your honor and good pleasure and glory ALONE. "Now to Him who is ABLE to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all generations, Amen and amen!"

How do we live our daily lives, making decisions, living and dying, building and tearing down, and all the while it is under the umbrella of your Sovereignty and perfect will? You are too great for me. Holy, HOLY, HOLY is the Lord God Almighty. I am Yours. Do with me what you will. Amen. Thank you, Father. You have saved us. 

On the Third Day

In looking at the different ways Jews used the word "day" in preparation for teaching Genesis 1 and 2 for Sunday School, I came upon this article. It's a topic of interest because I believe Jesus was crucified on Friday, as most Christians do; yet I have been surprised to meet one or two people through my years who think it was a different day. Here's a great explanation hashing out the details! 

Why Did Jesus Mention "Three Days and Three Nights"

Does God Still Care About His Enemies? The Good and the Beautiful

We've recently finished studying Judges in Sunday School, and I was able to teach a few times. It is always so good to get to teach because of how much more study is accomplished. It is clear in Judges that God took His enemies VERY seriously. In looking at Samson alone, the wickedness of the Philistines was not something that God trifled with. In our culture of accepting everyone and all beliefs as valid, I think we need to be careful not to add to the problem. What is it that causes God to withhold His blessings upon us? Do we all, who follow Him, get the same blessings irrespective of what we do? I'm not talking salvation issues, but day to day living in obedience, which brings more blessings to God's children.  Here are some questions to ask as you consider life choices. 

Is God truth? 

Are we the friends of God if we teach truth? 

Are Mormons teaching truth? 

Are Mormons the friends of God? 

Do people with money gain more influence over our culture? 

I think it is valid to consider how many Christians willingly add to the immense financial coffers of Mormons by using The Good and the Beautiful homeschool curriculum. The issue isn't merely if anything anti true Christianity is taught, but are we not helping normalize this false religion by defending and supporting this curriculum? Do Mormons have a prominent influence in our world?

Things to look at and consider for the follower of Christ.

I do not know the woman who wrote this blog post and all the reasons behind it, nor do I care. I do care about this curriculum being made more mainstream if it is Bible believing Christians helping do it. 

https://homeschoolon.com/the-good-and-the-beautiful-controversy/

Deuteronomy 31:8 KJV [8] And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed

Why Are You Downcast, Oh My Soul?

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 

Phil 4:19

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My life passage, mostly memorized in this translation. When the torrents continue from without in multiple ways....when strength is failing. Battles fought as a team against the outside forces of darkness press down.... I cannot but see the continual trials as anything but from the enemy masked in a multiplicity of ways and means. My High Priest allows all that reaches me. All that reaches us. But oh God, it is too much. I do not think we can take much more. Bring the relief quickly, Father. Words do fail. The anguish in my soul is tremendous. When will relief come? How much longer, oh Lord? In my desperation, it is You alone who can help. You alone know it all. And in my distress, You remind me...O Taste and See that the Lord is good! You will not leave me as an orphan! You turn my grief into joy, and all of this happens while circumstances remain the same. I will not be thwarted by those who intimate that trust and relief in You is a sign of not working and caring. I will not live in a mindset of despair. No, I will trust in You. You whose ways are higher than my ways. You who turns the tides, raises the sun, sets the moon, hung the stars, parted the seas, raised the dead, and saved this utterly wicked person from the penalty of sin. You are King of kings and Lord of lords, great is Your faithfulness. And I will trust in You. Halleluiah to the One who set me free, Halleluiah death has lost its grip on me. You have broken every chain, there's salvation in YOUR name, Jesus Christ, my living hope. In all things.  

Psalm 40

God Sustains His Servant. For the choir director. A Psalm of David.

40 I waited [a]patiently for the Lord;

And He inclined to me and heard my cry.

2 He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the [b]miry clay,

And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.

3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God;

Many will see and fear

And will trust in the Lord.

4 How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust,

And has not [c]turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.

5 Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders which You have done,

And Your thoughts toward us;

There is none to compare with You.

If I would declare and speak of them,

They would be too numerous to count.

6 [d]Sacrifice and meal offering You have not desired;

My ears You have [e]opened;

Burnt offering and sin offering You have not required.

7 Then I said, “Behold, I come;

In the scroll of the book it is [f]written of me.

8 I delight to do Your will, O my God;

Your Law is within my heart.”

9 I have proclaimed glad tidings of righteousness in the great congregation;

Behold, I will not restrain my lips,

O Lord, You know.

10 I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart;

I have spoken of Your faithfulness and Your salvation;

I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great congregation.

11 You, O Lord, will not withhold Your compassion from me;

[g]Your lovingkindness and Your truth will continually preserve me.

12 For evils beyond number have surrounded me;

My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to see;

They are more numerous than the hairs of my head,

And my heart has [h]failed me.

13 Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me;

Make haste, O Lord, to help me.

14 Let those be ashamed and humiliated together

Who seek my [i]life to destroy it;

Let those be turned back and dishonored

Who delight [j]in my hurt.

15 Let those be [k]appalled because of their shame

Who say to me, “Aha, aha!”

16 Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;

Let those who love Your salvation say continually,

“The Lord be magnified!”

17 Since I am afflicted and needy,

[l]Let the Lord be mindful of me.

You are my help and my deliverer;

Do not delay, O my God.

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The Lord, the Keeper of Israel. A Song of Ascents. Psalm 121

I will raise my eyes to the mountains;

From where will my help come?

2 My help comes from the Lord,

Who made heaven and earth.

3 He will not allow your foot to slip;

He who watches over you will not slumber.

4 Behold, He who watches over Israel

Will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord is your [a]protector;

The Lord is your shade on your right hand.

6 The sun will not [b]beat down on you by day,

Nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord will [c]protect you from all evil;

He will keep your soul.

8 The Lord will [d]guard your going out and your coming in

From this time and forever.

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Psalm 28

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12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 1 Cor 10:12-13

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2 Sam 22, ........here is just a portion of this passage, which is worth reading in its entirety.... The violence is not necessarily outward war. There is a spiritual violence assaulted against God's children. It bruises and bashes us against the rocks leaving us so weary if we fail to go to the One who refreshes and restores our soul. 

Now David spoke the words of this song to the Lord on the day that the Lord had saved him from the [a]hand of all his enemies and from the [b]hand of Saul. 2 He said,

“The Lord is my [c]rock and my fortress and my deliverer;3 [d]My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge;
My savior, You save me from violence.4 I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
And I am saved from my enemies.5 For the waves of death encompassed me;
The floods of [e]destruction terrified me;6 The ropes of [f]Sheol surrounded me;
The snares of death confronted me.7 In my distress I called upon the Lord,
Yes, I called out to my God;
And from His temple He heard my voice,
And my cry for help came into His ears.8 Then the earth shook and quaked,
The foundations of heaven were trembling
And were shaken, because He was angry.

Protestation of Integrity and Prayer for Protection.

A Psalm of David.

26 [a]Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity,

And I have trusted in the Lord [b]without wavering.

2 Examine me, O Lord, and try me;

Test my [c]mind and my heart.

3 For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes,

And I have walked in Your [d]truth.

An Explanation of the Sovereign Gospel

Check out "An Explanation of the Sovereign Gospel" from Grace to You

https://www.gty.org/

Grace to You

I'm comfortable with the way this is explained. I'm merely a follower, not one with the mind of God. There's no need for me to force this view, which logically works in my mind and aligns with what I read. I see that the Bible says various things that have to be true at the same time, whether they gel logically in the human realm isn't the question or issue. God has a mind far above my own, and God is good. He is just. He is love. Bottom line, I trust Him. 

Why to Love the Church

https://youtu.be/i_Oi1yeo-ZI?si=DjKq5SQWJ0GXnxua

A great sermon by John MacArthur on Reasons to Love the Church. This is part 2 which I don't think any serious Christian could disagree with. 

My Small Tribute

Pastor John MacArthur has been a part of my life for nearly 30 years. While studying at Virginia Tech, I met Jesus, and landed at Harvest Baptist Church. The pastor, who was studying for his MDiv through The Master's University, was very good with helping me grow in Christ. He gave me the first MacArthur book, Charismatic Chaos, because some of the roommates I had at the time were into speaking in tongues. One was part of a movement that taught you how to do that because it meant you were genuinely saved (due to the filling of the Holy Spirit, which they wrongly taught happened apart from salvation). The book cleared up many confusing points of Christianity, and it was the seed that grew into many titles from that godly man. I've listened to more sermons on Grace to You than any other source, and am so thankful. Being forgiven and set free from the bonds of my sin was the greatest event of my life, and John MacArthur taught me more than I could ever say. I've never rejoiced at the news of someone dying until his passing. It was just the immediate thought to be happy to know such a faithful servant was finally in the presence of the One he longed to glorify. John MacArthur taught me to love the church...to put myself in the background and be content serving where God has chosen. I'm thankful GTY.org will continue to play sermons. I'll continue listen. And while I am very sad that John isn't out in California anymore, I've got a peace that God's timing is best and that everything is going to be alright. 

Good Friday Timeline

The times are approximate, but I find it helpful to know generally what was happening, when, on this day where we remember the crucifixion of the Son of God. 

Good Friday Timeline

**I do not endorse this website for any other material as I have not looked at it closely. 

Precept Austin-Sermon Transcript on Ephesians

The other night I was looking at posts on this blog that have been visited recently, and came upon a post which contained some links. I hadn't looked at those links in over 10 years. Well, one I deleted without looking further at it, and the other I perused reading a few articles that piqued my interest because they were slamming a doctrine I adhere to. It was interesting how I felt a bit nervous reading them, but in striving to be an honest student of the Word (albeit, very very weak) I didn't want to shy away. As I read what seemed like a scathing rebuke of what I consider truth, I was more convinced that how I see things is accurate. A terrible argument full of confusion, which lacks logic and accuracy, does nothing to substantiate a claim, for the record. I deleted that link also.

There was another link and in looking at that site the last couple of days, I'm finding it is scholarly, thoughtful, and thus far, accurate from my vantage point. This sermon transcript is very good and contains some favorite verses of Scripture. Verses that have given me great comfort and made many things seem to fall into place once I gave them an honest reading. Let's not be afraid to believe God and take Him at His word. Don't let people try to label you or put you in a box, equating all sorts of things to you because you think "X"...they can think you also think "Y"...let them. I'm not worried about it and will not let the way others act cause me to change course or spend tons of energy trying to defend myself.

God is so wonderful...you know a conversation I had recently prompted me to spend a little time on my blog. I found that old post, looked at the links, and then came upon this sermon to read. It literally says exactly what I believe and things I just said to this friend, in a very general way so as to not promote disunity, which I am careful about in live conversations. How great is our God to give me this comfort and assurance!! I've found no greater comfort than Ephesians 1, and to see this pastor explain it just how I see it is amazing. 

Sermon from Robert Morgan on Ephesians

Exposing Unbelief

Good sermons... not light and fluffy. Stuff that shows we need to redeem the time and be serious about how we interact with the truth that's available to us. 

Exposing unbelief part 1,2,3

https://hopebiblechurch.org/sermons/

"The Chosen" Show

As many of you have, I've been asked if I like the show The Chosen for quite a few years. Many people I know like it and have recommended it to me. I've never wanted to because of the Mormon connection with it, but this point regarding someone regularly depicting Jesus Christ really has me thinking along another more serious line. I do think there is a difference in re-enacting a Biblical story and having a series with Him as a character. I hadn't thought of that before but am glad to consider it now.

This article references numerous works I respect (Grudem, Postman etc), so could be worth a read:

https://g3min.org/the-chosen-and-the-sufficiency-of-scripture/?srsltid=AfmBOooLyV-GBbzWxoGXYeCkystF_k6vg8f-eiejs88o655ZRLojIO1q

We should always be striving to 'put on' Christ and 'put off' the things of this world. There's no shame in changing direction; it is what we're supposed to do the more we learn and the closer to God we get. And we are each accountable to God for our own actions and decisions. We can't follow outward rules that aren't in our hearts and please God. 

I think images that end up being worshipped are a sin. All images are not sin. A familiarity with relating so much in my mind about the Bible to a TV show just makes me uncomfortable. I like my own impressions...that's why I won't watch The Hobbit and preferred to not watch LOTR at all. Once we get man's images in our heads, our own flee.

Here's My One Political Post

Satanic influences abound and here is an example with Kamala Harris. Absolutely unbelievable. I do not think anyone who is actually in Christ as a born-again believer can vote Democrat. It is a deceived person who does; meaning, they are outside of a saving relationship with Christ. I don't go around saying this because hearts aren't changed by pounding on the outside of the man, but here on my blog where I can say what I think to those who choose to read what is written, I'm saying it. 

https://notthebee.com/article/someone-shouted-jesus-is-lord-at-a-kamala-rally-and-kamala-responded-that-he-was-at-the-wrong-rally

We need to be in prayer for those who hate truth, hate God, and are heading to an eternity in Hell. God help us love those people. 

Churches in God's Revelation to John

I think it is interesting when studying the Revelation how we can see the problems in the churches of Ephesus, Pergamos, Thyatira and yet be unmoved in examining our own church and life of service. Even as the sins in these churches are specifically named, why is it we do not have specific examples of the problems that are relevant to now as we talk? Things are always theoretical and not specific, but Christ was very specific. I find it noteworthy also that when Christ has something against them, it was for sinning. Not a willy nilly condemnation on them being unwise, but what that lack of wisdom, or lack of faithfulness led to. 

We know the messages about the churches are messages for us today. They should cause us to examine our own churches and our own lives and deal seriously with wrong thinking and teaching. Too often we keep things theoretical, as if we are looking through a glass pane at the past and taking note, but we don't really dig hard and say, "Is there a Jezebel in OUR church? Am I a Jezebel??"

Do we ask ourselves if WE have left our first love and thought through what that would look like, or do we assume that of course we haven't? Our service is from a heart of love for Christ and therefore we are never jealous or petty, we never withhold information so we appear to be in the "in" crowd. We aren't competitive with our fellow believers, playing in to the games some others play with having 'favorites'. We don't care if someone else got information first or was able to hold the baby or whatever. Our love for each other and Jesus is always before our own eyes.... 

Do we gloss over the sins of the people in the churches in Revelation and think we aren't represented really, but if we were to be, surely we are like Smyrna who was suffering for righteousness? Do any churches look at the Revelation and examine themselves and take action? 

If I were to look at churches in America, I see things God could easily come and condemn them for. I could see Christ condemning the church for setting His vulnerable children under the teachings of mockers and scorners day and and day out (government schools). I cannot for the life of me picture God pleased with His people doing this, and I can certainly envision a much harsher condemnation for those who heartily approve of encouraging others to set their children under teaching that is contrary to God's truth, Creation, Christ's payment for our sin being of critical importance etc. I do not see God in Revelation condemning the churches for having unwise positions and leaving as a minor thing. He goes after how that lack of wisdom led to sinful behaviors. Is there even a genuine difference between doing something unwise and sinning? Is it acceptable for Christians who should know better to act unwisely? Does that get a pass? 

We drink daily in front of our children, not to get drunk, but we set the example as a Christian. Does God slap our hand and say to the church who allows that sort of thing, "Bad idea but it was just unwise?" I don't see that sort of character in the Lord. I see clearly defined criticisms from Him, and we know He is serious about causing little ones to stumble. 

Does putting impressionable children (of Christians) under the authority of the ungodly (also called wicked, depraved, rebellious) NOT constitute a stumbling block, particularly when the materials they use to teach leave God out and promote lifestyles abhorrent to the Creator? Does entrusting children made in the image of God to people who would have aborted them, or think they should be able to "change" their gender, or who practice homosexuality, or who deny God, who are unregenerate in general, is that like causing them to stumble and teaching them to sit among scoffers? What category does that fall into if not that? 

I'm of the mindset that a huge blind spot in American Christianity is heartily approving of and using godless, government run schools to educate. I think we will see His judgment on this issue. The short-sighted want to say that position stems from results, claiming that kids from private schools and homeschools turn out unregenerate, too, so we can't criticize public schools. Who has said anything about RESULTS? I'm talking about the front end of decision making where wisdom and an understanding of our responsibility as parents to raise our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord is supposed to lead. I'm not talking about results anywhere. Our obedience to the Lord is based on doing the right thing for the right reasons and we entrust results to Him.

I think another criticism God has in today's churches is the lack of caring what His word says and the lack of serious devotion to it. Too many churches want to entertain from the pulpit and I see that style no where in Scripture. We are flippant and concerned with socializing while we say we aren't! 

Others can go so far as to cast doubt on the authority of Scripture even though they claim to be genuine churches. These institutions are focused on building their church and fellowshipping, not offending anyone.

There are problems with women leading and weak men allowing them to. There is a lack of leadership and those "stars" will be judged for letting factions come up or stifling their people's learning. 

So many things....we have to examine ourselves and make sure we are not playing into whatever problems plague our own church. We can repent on behalf of the church body and ask God to convict and bring change, but it has to start somewhere. One person can make a difference. 

I recommend watching the videos in the sidebar entitled The Children of Caesar by Voddie Baucham. 

Sermon Series on Calvinism and Premillennialism

 Why Every Calvinist Should be a Premillennialist

This is a commitment to listen to, but if you are curious, here is part 1 of 6 in the series, from 2007, from John MacArthur. There's a solid bit of information scripturally that doesn't require interpreting the Bible differently, suddenly, when it comes to the end of times. I'm looking forward to the rapture of the church, the 'catching away' that Scripture teaches, and hope those in the Mid or Post Tribulation camp will listen to these thoughtfully. 

The whole series is listed here.

Is It Really The Answer?

You know when you've had a difficult thing going on in life and you are looking for an answer, and finally it comes? A child vomits for hours each night for months and one day the mystery ends: they have a food allergy. Someone you love stops talking to you and with no communication, there is a real question in your mind about what happened. It turns out they were diagnosed with something serious and it made their world turn upside down and inside out immediately. 

Whatever the scenario, I'm reminded that very often in life we go through challenging times. We seek answers because we want to fix the situation or at least make the best of it. If nothing else, we just want to know what is happening and have some semblance of an explanation. The "not knowing" is grueling. 

What I want to touch on tonight is when we think we're given an answer that is going to lead to a decent resolution or solution. When we think that whoever gave the answer actually can help. 

We are complex beings made in the image of God, and we have numerous systems in play at all times. Our bodies function in ways that are mysterious. Some systems are understood well, but others are not. There is a great deal yet to be truly understood about how the systems interact with one another and what it is that really makes us tick and what makes us sick. Why does a germ make one person ill and not another? We can say it is the immune system, but what of the deeper understandings of why. on one day this happens but another it wouldn't? How much does stress break us down and make us vulnerable? What about diet and even our own preconceived notions? 

I've read that in this era of depression and the multiplicity of mental health diagnoses, we are seeing far more mental health issues than we used to in spite of some doctors (most) claiming we know how to deal with those sorts of problems now. People aren't less anxious with all these "solutions", they are far MORE anxious. The answers to depression have not eradicated depression, rather the number of cases has exploded. Logic would make us consider we don't have a cure or a good way of managing this. Logic would suggest the solutions are making things worse. 

Where should we put our trust and hope? Do 'they' really know the cure for these things they like to tell us we have?

Just because a doctor looks at a set of conditions and professionally puts a label on them, does not mean he knows how to then remedy things! Often doctors are irresponsible or are of the opinion we won't be "helped" until we GET a diagnosis so they give one to keep us busy or silence us. Often they follow the training they've had that this plus this equals this...label it and then start experimenting. 

We have to understand that every human being is unique, and if we allowed the mental health "experts" to label everyone, no one would be normal. Everyone would have some condition or ailment. It is the nature of the industry and it begs the question, has this way of looking at society helped us? Are we healthier and happier than before this new trend started, as a society? A nation? 

There is so much experimental treatment of people with mental health diagnoses, it is really criminal what doctors often do. Mind altering treatments are not new to this era, but the difference from the past is that we often know we're permanently changing someone's brain. 

I understand wanting to have hope, wanting to feel in control again after so much time out of control, but no human understands us as well as God. Sin and living outside of God's ways leads to all manner of ailments: physical, mental and emotional. Until we are right with God, we should hold off on any "treatments" because sin is often the root cause of our problems. God is in the healing business and there aren't devastating side effects to His methods. He loves us and knows just how we work. Nothing is outside of His realm and understanding. He truly will DO NO HARM. 

There is real hope in Christ and His payment for sin. He brings wholeness, peace, love, joy and patience into our hearts. His Word and truth renews our minds. Doctors and medicine cannot do what He alone can do, and they often just guess and try different things, sometimes leaving a person far worse off than they started. No doctor can renew our mind. "If then you've been raised with Christ, seek those things which are above where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things of the earth, for you have died and hidden your life in God. When Christ who is our life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory." Colossians 3 I believe...

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Pr 3:5-6

With that I'll exhort us all to remember this reason so many are in the straight they are in. As a people: We want change, but we won't change. 

We must change if we want different results. No medication or doctor can bring that about. The Word of God can. Let the Word of God richly dwell with in you and may your spirit, soul and body be preserved complete, without blame, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen and amen. 

Christian Beliefs

This is a helpful book for understanding the basics of Christianity. While mediocrity is the trademark of this current generation, reading quality materials is a key way to combat that low standard. There is a much larger volume written by Grudem on this topic that you may come across. This condensed version is for a quick touch. 

Celebrating Good Friday

I've been reposting this annually since 2010! I try to keep links updated since they tend to disappear as the years pass :). 

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This year as we've remembered Christ's sacrifice for us in dying on the cross and being raised from the dead, we've done activity/coloring pages from Family Life that I found somewhere online but can't find now...they've been simple and a sweet way to get the story into the forefront of our minds. I read from John as the kids work on their sheets.

Today, a most sacred day, we are breaking in the midst of John 18 to go on a scavenger hunt for the items to be found in the traditional Resurrection Eggs. I've assigned each child an equal number of items, knowing everything can be readily found around the house and yard. This is a fun way to involve older children in the retelling of the events of this week so long ago.

Tomorrow, 'Holy' Saturday (we don't really call it that), we will bake Resurrection cookies before bed, using chocolate we can beat instead of nuts, and Sunday we will enjoy Resurrection rolls in the afternoon.

Some links for activity pages you can do with your kids: 

https://deeperkidmin.com/product/triumphal-entry-printable-bible-story-and-activity-pack/ (paid)

 

https://sermons4kids.com/triumphal_entry_colorpg.htm (free)

Complete Easter study free from Calvary Chapel-scroll down on the page to find Triumphal Entry, Jesus is Crucified and Jesus is Risen! Takes some work now (since 2021) but is worthwhile!

 https://calvarycurriculum.com/nt-matthew-john/


God bless you this Good Friday.

In the Beginning, God Created...

 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 And the earth was a formless and desolate emptiness, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. 3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day,” and the darkness He called “night.” And there was evening and there was morning, one day. Genesis 1: 1-5

There are a lot of people who do not believe this portion of Scripture, literally the opening words that God wanted to communicate to mankind. To not believe this is someone's prerogative. Believing it requires a response, and there are many who do not wish to give it the response it obviously demands. To recognize this as truth means that we must acknowledge that not only does God exist, but that He created all that we see and know. This opening passage of Scripture shows an active, orderly, in charge God. An omnipotent God that calls forth, creates, sees, moves, determines, separates, and speaks. 

To literally believe Genesis 1 means that there was initially darkness, and that God is the One who brought light to that darkness. God saw that the light was good and separated it from the darkness, which shows that the darkness was different, and the One who created that, saw it and made a move. Order was being directed and decided upon, and that was done by God. These passages require holy worship to the only One with the authority to determine the course of all things, including our lives as those who worship and follow Him.

This same God of Genesis has designed the family to operate in a particular way. There is a head to the family and there are subordinates. There is a picture of Christ's relationship to His church in the family unit. It is a mystery that God has outlined for us. When we believe it and follow it, we will experience the consequences of that decision. When we pick and choose what to believe or reject it all outright, we get to experience the consequences of that decision. 

It is not new for people to think they are smarter than God. It is not new for wives to question the authority of God Almighty because they have a husband who does stupid things. It is not new for mothers to talk incessantly to others about their children's behavior, while never disciplining them as they should, deceiving themselves into thinking that talking about a situation equals corrective action. It is not new for the godless to write books that promote child training that runs completely against the loving truth that God has given us in how to point our children to Him. And it is not new for husbands to shirk their God ordained role to lead their families (whether or not it is because their liberal wives make it hard for them to do so). It is not new for husbands to lord their position over wives who are emotionally beaten down. Sin is not new, my friends, and it comes in all the same colors and shades that is always has. 

The reality is, as Christians who are tasked with pointing others to the truth, we do all we can to make Christ attractive. We do all we can through prayer and lovingkindness. But we must hold on loosely because the world, and its sin, is alluring; and many who start on the path of righteousness leave it for worldly wisdom. Many who seem firmly planted in the truth wither and dry up when the heat of hard decisions starts to bake them in the hot sun. We cannot be discouraged as the true followers of our Lord and Savoir Jesus Christ. We must move on to the next mission God has directed us to, always striving to be sanctified more and more so that we can't help but bring God glory through our kind submission to those He has placed us under. We who walk with God are all under authority. Let us make sure we are following the right one. 

“Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. Matthew 7:6 

Amen

In thinking whether we trust God or not: 

I'd like to remind us that God saw what was happening with Babel and the building of the tower therein. He took action, clearly demonstrating He is God and we are not in control. We humans like to think we're in control. If we are very careful about X then Y will not happen. Some parents think they are in control of aspects of their children's lives which no mortal can actually control, for example. 

As we see more Christians get obsessed with the way medicine works, often for reasons not hard to comprehend, it is essential to always put our actions and the expectations of those actions in the pool of God's sovereignty. Our putting them in the pool does not change the reality He IS sovereign and in complete control. Rather, it changes our focus--our obsessing. It changes our telling people off regarding their health decisions. It changes our pride and self-assurance. It changes our anxiety over making sure it is all perfect. Bear in  mind, God chastens those He loves. 

Doing all we know to be right to avoid a certain circumstance, and then having that circumstance become our reality, changes us in ways nothing else can. When we are people with terrific conviction, drive, and discipline, we can make many things happen. It can be easy to forget it is God who enables success and brings results,  regardless of whether they are positive or negative. They are His to bring. 

So we buy organic meat and dairy and our child still starts puberty prematurely. 

We don't vaccinate and our child grows up to be infertile. 

We are careful in pregnancy and our child still gets life threatening allergies. 

We don't use traditional medicine and cancer still comes. 

We clean with natural products and uncontrollable rashes still turn up. 

We never used chemicals on our skin or went out in the sun,  and skin cancer still showed up.

How can this be?? We did all we knew to be right, faithfully, and yet, we suffer. 

Beloved, let us remember that God is sanctifying His children. It's not about creating the perfect scenario to then bring the perfect outcome. It's not about us having it ALL the way we've worked to have it. 

Don't you see? The issue is this: are we going to work hard to do what we believe is right, trusting Him if it turns out we're wrong, or trusting Him if it turns out we were right but it still went all wrong? Where is the grace and mercy if that isn't how it works? Because some do it ALL wrong and get the results we'd want. Right? The mother who smoked in pregnancy had a healthy baby. The mother who never went around second-hand smokers had a child who developed asthma early on. And we recognize that as grace and mercy with the smoker,  right? The issue isn't the ISSUE at all. It is where our trust is. God's grace and mercy are not dependent on anything we can muster or control. They are His gifts to give. Our job is to serve Him faithfully and work hard, always trusting the results to be part of His plan. Not our plan.

We're not to be fatalistic because God calls His children to righteousness and excellence. He expects us to trust Him and if we do not, He cares enough to make the trust happen. Even if the fallout of that process is something we must look at for the rest of our lives. 

God is good, all the time. 

Jonah Chapter 1

This is a good start to the book of Jonah. An insightful picture of the King of Kings. 

Jonah 1