Things My Father Taught Me

My father, Stanley Kevan Myers taught me a lot.  Here are some of those things...

How to love to read books.
How to come as soon as I was called.
How to swing a hammer and use a circular saw.
How to camp and tent and love adventure.
How to appreciate good food and graciously eat whatever I was given.
How to receive correction and discipline.
How to milk goats and get eggs from a chicken's laying box.
How to run, hike, and climb.
How to skip a rock.
How to drive a car.
How to endure thirst, heat, cold, and pain, and keep going.
How to be a diligent worker, with a good attitude.
How to bait a hook (was with me when I caught my first trout).
How to hunt and clean a deer (you shoot it, you clean it).
How to build a tree stand or shelter off the land.
How to sing with all my heart.
How to observe, identify, and love animals: domestic, lifestock, and wildlife.
How to leave a campsite, or anywhere cleaner/better than I found it. 
How a man is to love and give himself for his wife and children.

He taught me to love water, forests, and mountains.
He taught me to value my family's heritage.

He taught me to love my family, my neighbours, and strangers.

He taught me to be a man of honour and duty.

He taught me to honour my elders.

He taught me to stand up for the weak and the vulnerable.

He taught me never to hit a girl.

He taught me to delight in worshipping God with a local church.

He taught me to know, fear, love, and serve the true and living Triune God.

He taught me to search the Scripture, and reckon them to be true.

I cannot tell you all the things my dad taught me, but I can tell the most important thing he ever taught me.

From before I was born, He would talk to me, and preach the Gospel to me in the womb.  And when I was 3 1/2 years old, and came to him greatly troubled, telling him that I was a sinner, on my way to Hell, he showed me the way of salvation.  

He reached out and got his Bible, and opened it to John 3:16, the same verse his dad turned to, when Dad went to him at age 4.

He declared what Jesus Christ, the Son of God had done on my behalf, laying down his life shedding his blood on the cross, taking my punishment, and rose the third day so that I could be saved.  At the young age, I bowed my heart, believed on the Lord Jesus Christ and was turned from death unto life!

SO SO SO grateful for my father!

And I pray that the heavenly Father will make me into the "Da" that my children need, the kind of Dad and I had growing up.

Abortion must be abolished.

Your Child, Your Friends, Your Call...

Here's a thought. 

What if you knew that your child was going to be taken and brutally murdered tomorrow? 

Let’s say that you know where he or she will be taken, where the crime will happen.  You know the address.  You know the very building.  You know that the child will be gagged so as not to cry out for themselves, and cannot escape on their own. 

Let us also say that due to an evil and corrupt society, this atrocious act is allowed by law.  That no police, no government official can or will stop it.

The only recourse there is in this society, is for someone to be there when the delivery person arrives, and plead for the life of your child before they bring him or her inside to be slaughtered?  If the delivery person is persuaded to turn from their part in this violent crime, your child could be rescued from death.  

What do you do?

You probably are saying, “What do you mean, ‘What do I do?’  I am going to be there.  Nothing could keep me from it!  Lock me in a room, and I will claw through the door, the window, the wall with my bare hands, to get out and be there!  I am going to call out with all my might, and seek to save my child, by reasoning, by pleading.  That is my child we are talking about!”

Let’s add another twist.  Let’s say you can’t go.  You are stuck in bed, a paraplegic, completely immobile.  But you have a phone. And on that phone, you have your friends' numbers listed.  What do you do?

Perhaps you are saying, “If I couldn’t go, I would call every person on that list!  I would beg every one of my friends and ask, urge, even beg them to go for me!  I would plead with them to PLEASE, take time off from their busy schedules, and go to the murder scene, in an effort to speak up for my child!  In the hopes that the delivery person would not carry out their part in the murder, but that my child might be spared!  Like I said, I would contact every person who calls themselves my friend, and say, If you love me at all, go for me, and speak to them on behalf of my child!”

What would you think, if your friend saw you were calling and put his or her phone on vibrate, so they could keep watching the game, or Bachelorettes Got Talent?  What if they answered, but said that they couldn’t go because they were going to be occupied around that time: at work, or going fishing, or endeavoring to beat the next level of Duty's Creed?  So they couldn't respond to your call for help.

What if they said, “The weather doesn’t look good enough for me to go out”, or “That is the only morning I can sleep in”?  What if they said, “I might feel uncomfortable out there.”  

How would you feel?  Your child is slated to be murdered tomorrow, and they are more concerned about their own convenience!

Well, my fellow Christian, let me be crystal clear on a subject.

Every child is made in the image of God.  He is the God that grants conception (Ruth 4:13), Who opens and closes the womb (Genesis 30:2,22).  From the moment of conception, a child is present: “a virgin shall conceive” (Isaiah 7:14). See that same verse quoted in the New Testament: “Behold, a virgin shall be with child” (Matthew 1:23).  Children, we are told, “are the heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward” (Psalm 127:3).  They belong to Him.  This includes preborn children.  He forms them wonderfully in the womb, knows them thoroughly, and thinks much of them (Psalm 139:13-17).  

Those children are God’s: Precious little ones in the womb, image-bearers of the Creator, the most innocent and most vulnerable in our society. 

And over 3,000 of them will be murdered tomorrow in this country.  And another 3,000+ the next day.  And on and on.  Moreover, due to mankind’s rebellion and corrupted state, our culture will not come to the aid of these children.  They will turn a blind eye, and have even made mischief by law to allow their destruction.  There are lurking places across our land where they "murder the innocent" (Psalm 10:8).  These children have no voice, and no hope of escape on their own.  These children, made by God in His image are being sacrificed to the god of Self.  God says concerning the little ones who are sacrificed, "...thou hast slain my children..." (Ezekiel 16:21; see also 23:37).

So what is God doing?  He is the Father of the fatherless (Psalm 68:5), Who will uphold the one who is abandoned even by parents (Psalm 27:10).  But how has He chosen to work in this world?  HE IS CALLING.  He calls on His body, the church (Ephesians 1:22-23).  

WE, who have been saved by the precious blood of the Lamb (I Peter 1:19)!  

WE, who are not our own (I Corinthians 6:19)!  

WE, who say we love Him (I John 4:19)!   

WE, who are called His friends (John 15:15)!

We are to be His feet, His mouth, His hands (I Corinthians 12:27).  We are to go out, to speak out, to hold out our hands in the name of our Saviour Jesus Christ, in the cause of those who cannot plead for themselves.

“Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.  Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:8-9).  

We are to visit vulnerable children and women in their affliction (James 1:27).  We are to “preach the Gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).      

These children are image-bearers of the God you adore.  He is calling every one who calls himself or herself His friend; for YOU to go and plead for their lives, to lift up YOUR voice to stand for righteousness and against wickedness, to do the work of an ambassador for Christ!  

If His friends are not listening to His call, who will go?  

Will YOU respond to GOD'S CALL?

Isaiah 6:8 “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.”

Abortion must be abolished.

Learn a Little from Lot

In the Scriptures, we are introduced to a man named Lot.  He was the son of Haran, and therefore the nephew of Abraham.  He is chiefly found in the book of Genesis, though his name is mentioned in several other books as well (examples: Deuteronomy 2:9,19; Psalms 83:8; II Peter 2:6-9).  I will not be attempting an exhaustive work on Lot's life as there are many lessons (quite a lot actually) we can draw from to challenge and warn us in our own lives.  But today I desire to look at Lot as the husband and father.

In Genesis 12 Abram (Abraham) was called of God to sojourn in Canaan, and Lot went with his uncle.  And when Abram went down to Egypt during a famine, Lot did too.

He would have witnessed the unfortunate situation of Abram's lie about Sarai to protect his own life (Genesis 12:10-20).  Afraid that the Egyptians would kill him to have her, Abram told Pharaoh she was his sister (a half truth), opening her up to great danger.  She was taken into Pharaoh's house and Abram was given many presents of sheep, oxen, camels, servants, etc., for her sake.  This gave Abram more wealth, but at a terrible price.  He had lost the wife that was to bare him the promised seed that all the promises of God to him and all the nations of the world were bound up in.  If God hadn't intervened, plagued Pharaoh's house, and exposed this falsehood she would have been gone for sure.

Point 1, from Lot's uncle: NEVER make your wife vulnerable to save your own hide!

This incident was a bad example to the nephew.  Lot should have learned that it was wrong to put others in the way of danger for your own sake.  We are not told what he took away from that event.

Abram returned from Egypt with his wife (thanks to the grace of God), and Lot came too (Genesis 13:1). Both men had their own flocks, herds, and tents.  The land was not enough for them both to dwell together, and Abram kindly and graciously gave Lot first pick of where he'd like to go.

"And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where...Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan...and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom" (Genesis 13:10-12).

Lot chose out what he believed would be best for his family, and flocks.  He was thinking that surely in this well-watered spot, he would prosper.  The problem was that this was the region of the cities of the plain, in the vicinity of their chief city, Sodom.  The Scripture is very forthright about the character of this city:
"But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly" (Genesis 13:13).  But did Lot take heed of the dangers of the wicked city?  Did he consider his ways and stay away from the place of the wicked (Proverbs 4:14-27)?  He not only moved his home amongst the cities, but pitched his tent toward Sodom.  It seems that this was advantageous, because he may find trade there, and you've got to think of your economic good.  I mean won't that be best for my family in the long run?  It wasn't long before Lot was dwelling right in Sodom (Genesis 14:12).  How slippery is the road into iniquity!  But maybe he could have reasoned thus: "It is just more convenient, for business you know, and my wife loves the shopping!"  He may also have rationalized that this way perhaps he could influence the society for good.

When the four kings of Genesis 14 came and judgment fell on the wicked cities, they were carried away as captives.  Lot and his family were swept along with the rest.  Even a beautiful parrot who chooses to fly with crows will fall into the same snare in the cornfield that the crows fall into.  If Abram hadn't heard and attacked the army of the kings, and rescued the people, Lot and his family would have spent the remainder of their lives in slavery.  And yet even after their deliverance, Lot went back and lived in Sodom.  Oh, that he would have "forsake[n] the foolish and live[d]" (Proverbs 9:6)!

Point 2: NEVER compromise what is right in order to find prosperity.

God has sent two angels to Sodom to see the wickedness of the city before it is destroyed by fire and brimstone (Genesis 19).  Lot rightly brings them into his home and shelters them.  When the vile mob of Sodomites come and threaten to attack and rape the visitors, Lot does right in speaking against it, saying "...do not so wickedly" (Genesis 19:7).  But then he goes on to say, "I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes..." (Genesis 19:8).  God FORBID!  After all this time, being around such evil, his thinking is skewed, and he offers his own daughters to their lust in order to save his guests!  Unthinkable?  It ought to be.  But when someone compromises with wickedness, their understanding can be dimmed.  If not for the intervention of the angels, Lot and his whole household would have been victim to the violence of the men of Sodom.

Point 3: NEVER sacrifice your children for your sake or for others.

I could go on, but you most likely know the rest of the account and when pondering Lot's error continue in discerning danger signs and things to avoid as husbands and fathers.  We as Christians must take warning from all this.

As a father, Lot was indeed a failure.  He went to Sodom, following his own agenda.  He did not consider the detriment it would bring to his wife and children.  He sought prosperity, convenience, and prominence, perhaps even claiming it would benefit his household, but it led to the ruin of his own family.  He may have thought, I can handle it, but failed to think about whether his girls could handle it.  And even when he finally got his family out of Sodom, it was evident that Sodom did not get out of his family.    

Brother, your wife and children are your first priority from God.  They are your FIRST ministry.  It is THAT ministry which qualifies you for other service to our Lord (I Timothy 3:5).  And it is serious (I Timothy 5:8).  God gave your wife and children to you, and you will answer to Him for how you live with, love, labor for, and lead them.

Furthermore, abortion must must be abolished.

Husbands and Fathers - Stand Fast! Save the Women and Children!

Hearken Oh, Brothers! Have you heard of Maritime Manhood Memorial Day?  It is not actually an official holiday, but perhaps its should be.

Yesterday was the 160th anniversary of the Birkenhead shipwreck.

The date was February 26, 1852. The British H.M.S. “Birkenhead” was en route to South Africa. This troopship held over seven hundred, which included the crew of sailors and also the passengers -- men, women and children. They were soldiers and their families sent to reinforce the troops engaged in the Kaffir Wars.
The ship itself was typical of the glorious power and industry of her generation. She was one of the first iron-hulled vessels of war. The crew and passengers had no fear in regard to her seaworthiness. But at 2:00 a.m. on that fateful day, the ship struck aground off Cape Danger. Within 20 minutes, she had sunk.
In those moments before she submerged, the soldiers and sailors made a valiant decision: “Stand fast!  Save the women and children!” They would give their lives for the women and children. So their wives and babes were loaded into the limited number of lifeboats and so escaped. The more than 400 soldiers willingly stood at attention on deck and allowed them to get to safety. Then when the ship went down, those who foundered in the water refused to swim for the boats, lest they should capsize the little vessels.
The remaining men struck out for shore, but there was another danger. Sharks! Many were ravaged by these frenzied man-eaters. Slightly more than 80 men reached the shore alive. Hundreds lost their lives, yet not one woman or child suffered injury.
The story of the “Birkenhead” drill was told for many years. It was that event which established the principle of “Women and children first.”

The famous writer Rudyard Kipling wrote a poem of the account:

“So they stood an’ was still to the Birkenhead Drill, soldier an’ sailor too!”

Sadly, it is now one of those great accounts that people have forgotten out of mind in recent years.
These men thought more of their families than their own lives.  So they braved the sinking ship and terrible sharks, in order for the next generation to be protected.

In these uncertain days of rocky seas, stormy gales, and shipwrecks men NEED to shew themselves to be MEN.
While multitudes are: running about "seeking the ports" of their own desires, pushing and shoving to not "miss the boat", "casting off" all restraint, "weighing anchor" on their responsibilities, and putting their own interests and agendas before their families WE must follow a DIFFERENT course.

We need to see that the Captain of our salvation has given us orders!  We need to read His ship's articles! While others are "bailing out" of their roles, let us stand fast.

When the wind of the gale rips across the deck, let us HOLD FAST! We need to see and do our duty. When you read the Captain's orders, do not choose your own way by demanding, "I! I!"  Answer, "Aye, aye!"

We must take the responsibility to nurture and teach our wives and children, or else we will witness their shipwrecked lives and souls.  Let us cry, "Oh, Lord my Captain!  Let me not lead my family into shipwreck, let not my wife and children castaways (I Corinthians 9:27)!  Teach me to truly be the husband and father my family needs!"
If we are not faithful in little things, how can we be expected to be faithful in the great things?  Give your life daily for your wife and little ones!  What should our response be when we must choose between our own agendas and the spiritual well-being of our households?  The same as the men of the Birkenhead:

"Stand Fast!  Save the Women and Children!"

Fellow husband, and fellow father, how are you living each day to bless, protect, and give your life for your wife and your children?  To the man who is yet unmarried, how will you live today in order to be properly prepared for the time, Lord willing, when you are a husband and father? Your actions today are either hindering future rewards or laying down a proper foundation. "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it" (Ephesians 5:25).  Seek ye out of the Book of the Lord and read, then live thereby.

There is still time to win a battle before the sun goes down. Abortion must be abolished.

Training Children in the Truth

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (III John 4).

“How can we train our children in the Christian faith, to walk in the Truth?”

This question came from a father and mother who really desire that their children not only have salvation, but that they grow in faith and follow Jesus Christ with all their hearts.

I know many parents who have this same desire for their sons and daughters. Though it is true that each individual is responsible for his or her own decisions and can accept or reject the truth and training they receive, there is a definite general principle that if you “Train up a child in the way he should go...when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). There are many way in which this principle can be implemented, but I will zero in on three major parts:

[Important note to consider - Have your children trusted in Jesus as their personal Saviour yet? All the training in the world will have no eternal worth if your child doesn't have salvation.  When your child understands he is a sinner and Christ's payment for his sin, he can be saved. I believed on the Lord Jesus Christ when I was three and a half.]

From what I have read in the Bible, I would counsel that parents do the following three things:

1. Train their children to love the Truth. 

Instill in them a love for good books, especially the Book of books, the Bible.  Read the Bible to them and with them every day.  Starting young is important.  My parents starting reading the Bible to me when I was still in the womb. 

Remember what Paul said about Timothy--that from a child, he had knows the Holy Scriptures (II Timothy 3:14-17).  Teach your children (even your young ones) how to read, study, memorize, and meditate on the Bible (Psalm 1; Psalm 112:1-10; Psalm 119; II Timothy 2:15).  God promises rewards of wisdom and understanding to those who meditate on His word.   

Also, you can read the exciting biographies of great Christians like David Livingstone, Amy Carmichael, Hudson Taylor, Brother Andrew, and George Muller.  Help your children find heroes that are pleasing to the Lord. Have you read Ten Peas in a Pod, by Arnold Pent? That is a great book to read as a family. 

Being in the word yourself, and applying the Scripture to you personally, will give your children an example to follow. Share videos and books on creation and truth, so they will have answers, and be able to share with others. 

2. Train them in the way of the Truth. 

Help your children find good friends that will build them up in the Lord (Proverbs 13:20).  Teach them to fear the Lord (Psalm 34:11).  Encourage them and nurture them in the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).

Live out for them the truth of redeeming the time, because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15-16).  Make sure right priorities are demonstrated in your home, and show them how not to waste time on things that are not profitable.  Video games or other independent play can become a time waster--if not balanced with family time, Bible reading, hiking in the great out-of-doors, learning valuable skills, and other beneficial past times. 

Find ministry that you can involve your young children (giving away tracts, helping teach Bible clubs, writing letters to missionaries, singing in nursing homes, visiting the elderly, etc.). Be faithfully involved in your local Bible-believing church, and bring your children along to share in the church's ministry (Hebrews 10:25).  Help them learn the importance of seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). 

3. Love them in Truth. 

Be there for them (Proverbs 29:15).  Play with them.  Use teachable moments (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).  Show you love them by your words, your actions, your attitudes, and how you relate to your spouse.  Be a godly example (Titus 2:7).  Children pick up up a lot more than many people commonly think. 

Make sure you are open and loving and joyful in the Lord and your children will see the sincerity in your lives.  This also includes being consistent in godly discipline (Hebrews 12:6).  Hold them accountable for their actions (Proverbs 20:11). 

And pray, pray, pray for your children (I Thessalonians 5:17)!  Prayer is vital. Remember how fervently Job prayed for his children (Job 1:5).
 

If these steps are taken and applied, I am convinced that it will produce good fruit, and help your children “walk in Truth” in their personal lives when they are older (Proverbs 22:6).

There is still time to win a battle before the sun goes down.

Abortion must be abolished.