Sometime ago, a person contacted me with a few questions. This blogpost covers one of them. He claimed to be a Christian, yet felt no reason to belong to a local church. He basically asked why it was necessary, since he was already saved. I responded as I often do, starting with the words, "There are three reasons...", and the following is a brief summary of those reasons:
1. God tells us to assemble together (Hebrews 10:25). Shouldn't it be enough that He commands us to? Maybe you don't feel like it, or perhaps you don't really like people. Why should any activity be based on how you feel? You should choose whether or not to do something on the basis of what God says, period. "Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way" (Psalm 119:128). God can give you love for others. If He loved you enough to die in your place, shouldn't you be grateful enough to share His love with others (I John 4:11,19)?
2. It was a part of the early church which has set an example for us (Acts 2:42-47). We are also to be a good example to other believers (I Timothy 4:12). How can you effectually pray for the church for instance (Ephesians 6:18), if you don't take the time to fellowship with them so you know their needs? Some of the things that a local body of believers can do for each other, is "...warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men" (I Thessalonians 5:14).
3. We need the fellowship to keep us keen for the Lord (Proverbs 17:27). It is good for us to serve together (Ecclesiastes 2:9-12). God likens us to members of a body. To function properly, we need to be cooperating. A hand or a toe can do little on its own, but a whole body can do great things (Romans 12:12-27). We are also likened to soldiers (II Timothy 2:3). When the army assembles for training, orders, or to go out to war, shouldn't every soldier possible be present?
Now I encourage you to go to a local assembly where the Holy Bible is preached, taught, and verily is the Standard for faith and practice. Read along with the preacher, and make sure "these things are so" (Acts 17:11).
Kevan Myers
Psalm 119:74
There is still time to win a battle before the sun goes down.
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
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.
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.
Saturday, December 21, 2013
JUST Thinking Out Loud
You could call it a defining moment.
I looked up the word "just" in the 1828 Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language. I learned that...
JUST: an adjective. It comes from the Latin, justus. The primary root idea is probably "straight, as adhering to a standard set or erected."
It can be used to describe that which is
1. Regular; orderly; due; suitable.
2. Exactly proportioned; proper.
3. Full; complete to the common standard.
4. Full; true; right.
THEN it got really interesting...
5. In a moral sense, upright; honest; having principles of rectitude
Our God is JUST. That is JUST the way He is. He says of Himself, "...there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me" (Isaiah 45:21). He is a JUST God AND a Saviour!
6. Righteous. The final definition lets us know that to be just means to meet the exact standard of the law of God. And right in the section, was the following verse, given as an example of the word's usage:
"For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not" (Ecclesiates 7:20).
All people are sinners. WE are unJUST, and JUSTLY deserve death and HELL.
You and I are wholly unable to be good enough to escape that judgment, for we are guilty. We cannot be good enough. "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin." (Romans 3:20). We cannot save ourselves.
But God the Son, Jesus Christ came, Whose name is "the Just One" (Acts 7:52).
And He Who is JUST was sent to earth to take the JUST punishment of the unJUST. The Lord Jesus Christ willingly shed His precious blood when He died on the cross, was buried and came back to life the third day. Why would He do this? "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God..." (I Peter 3:18).
And all who turn and trust in Jesus Christ alone as their personal Saviour SHALL be saved, for He is a JUST God and a SAVIOUR. He is JUST and the JUSTifier! As it is declared in the Scriptures:
"To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus" (Romans 3:26).
And He Who is JUST was sent to earth to take the JUST punishment of the unJUST. The Lord Jesus Christ willingly shed His precious blood when He died on the cross, was buried and came back to life the third day. Why would He do this? "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God..." (I Peter 3:18).
And all who turn and trust in Jesus Christ alone as their personal Saviour SHALL be saved, for He is a JUST God and a SAVIOUR. He is JUST and the JUSTifier! As it is declared in the Scriptures:
"To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus" (Romans 3:26).
WHAT A GIFT! TO BE JUSTIFIED!
"Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (Romans 3:24).
"Therefore being justified by grace, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1).
"Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him" (Romans 5:9).
Friday, November 29, 2013
Written for the Generation to Come
The Bible tells us that it is good for us to share our
testimony, of how we each came to know Jesus as our personal Saviour from sin. Paul shared his testimony many times to bear witness
of the grace of God. It is a powerful
way to declare the truth of Gospel, to encourage our fellow believers, and to
give glory to our Redeemer. It is
especially important to pass on the truth of our faith in Jesus Christ to those
who are younger, both in age, and in the faith.
Psalm 145:4 “One
generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty
acts.”
Have you ever shared with others (friends, family members, fellow
believers, etc.) about how the Lord saved you?
How you came to know you were a sinner? How you heard the Gospel of what Jesus did for
you, giving His precious blood, dying on the cross, and rising again (I
Corinthians 15:3-4)? How you turned to
Him and trusted in Him to save you? No
testimony is boring. Some are saved as
children, and others as adults. Some sinners
were saved out of the gutter, and others were churchgoing sinners who were just
as mightily saved out of a church pew. Your
salvation testimony is powerful, whether or not you feel it was dramatic. Please share it. I’d like to encourage you to do this, so that
others can be edified in Christ. Do your children and/or
grandchildren know how you were saved? One of the greatest blessings I
possess is knowing how my parents and grandparents came to saving faith in
Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 38:19 “The
father to the children shall make known thy truth.”
Psalm 78
v. 3 “Which we have
heard and known, and our fathers have told us.”
v. 4 “We will not hide
them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the
LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.”
v. 5 “For he
established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he
commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:”
v. 6 “That the
generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who
should arise and declare them to their children”
v. 7 “That they might
set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:”
One great
way to start sharing your testimony is to write it down. Just write out your thoughts; put it down on
paper. Tell about how old you were, what
was going on in your life, what showed you were a sinner in need of forgiveness
and salvation, how you heard about what Jesus did for you, and how you came to
trust in Him alone for your salvation from the condemnation your deserved
because of your sin. Share a Scripture
verse about being saved that is special to you.
Your written testimony could be a paragraph or 5 pages long! Once you have written out your testimony, you
will find that it is easier to verbalize it too.
A testimony that is written down becomes a fast way to
witness. You can make copies and share them
with friends, neighbors, family and strangers through e-mail, letters to
grandchildren, or even in this year’s Christmas card! It may be one of the greatest gifts you could
give. What a blessing for everyone you
tell, to read how you came to know Jesus Christ! It may even cause others to consider whether
they have believed and turned to Jesus Christ, and be used to draw them to
salvation as well!
“This
shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be
created shall praise the LORD” (Psalm 102:18).
Sunday, September 29, 2013
I Believe God
Yesterday a year ago, my precious little son William Livingstone Samuel, was born, having already departed this earth. Today a year ago, I laid his body in the earth. Each day since, his mother and I have mourned, but not as "others which have no hope" (I Thessalonians 4:13). "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day" (II Timothy 1:12).
It is from the Lord through His word that we find comfort. "This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me" (Psalm 119:50).
God desires His children to pass on the words of comfort that He gives to us.
"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies,and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God" (II Corinthians 1:4). This I wish to do today.
That morning a year ago, fresh in the pain and anguish of the loss of a son, we found great comfort from a good many verses in Isaiah 25 and 26, from our regular reading. Here are a few of them, with some thoughts.
Isaiah 25
8 "He will swallow up death in victory; and the LORD God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it." O Death! Where is thy sting? O Grave! Where is thy victory? I look forward to the promise that God will wipe the tears away for good (Revelation 21:4)!
9 "And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation." I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. Look what my God will do! My Lord worketh "all things together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose". My heart should not depend on the ups and downs of circumstances for its rejoicing, but rather, as Jesus instructed, "...but rather rejoice that your names are written in heaven." No matter my sorrow, my salvation in Christ is secure. Therefore Job in utter grief could still cry, "The LORD gave, and the Lord hath taken away: blessed be the name of the LORD" and "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him."
Isaiah 26
3 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, who mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." When upon life's billows we are tempest tossed, let's not be discouraged, thinking all is lost. Rather than allow our hearts to be washed overboard, should we not instead seek the face of Him Who stilled the winds and the waves? Should we not join him in the hinder part of the boat and find rest for our souls?
4 "Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:" His strength is EVERLASTING! I am weak, but His strength is made perfect in my weakness, whereby I can say "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" Let the weak say, "I am strong!"
16 "LORD, in trouble have they visited thee, they poured out a prayer when thy chastening was upon them." Many have been the prayers poured out in mourning, many the cries in the night. God hears the supplication of His saints. We are told that he keeps our tears in His bottle. Are they not in His book?
17 "Like as a woman with child, that draweth near the time of her delivery, is in pain, and crieth out in her pangs; so have we been in thy sight, O LORD."
18 "We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have as it were brought forth wind; we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen." How this describes our situation! To be with child. To have the expectation of a little babe to hold and cherish. To prepare for their coming. To lose that seed. To go into the pain of delivery, knowing the baby is gone. To feel empty, as if all that was brought forth was vanity and wind. Those who have suffered miscarriage know this pain and loss.
19 "Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out her dead." What a emotion fills my soul! To know that the dead shall rise! That the grave shall give way to victory, and the earth will cast out her dead! That I shall meet my child in glory. Because of the Gospel! Because of the Almighty Redeemer, we have the certainty of victory. What unspeakable joy!
This evening, Deana (carrying our third little one in the womb), Tirzah, and I went out and laid flowers on the grave of little William Livingstone Samuel. We thanked the Lord for William, for the honor of carrying him, even for that short while, and for the assurance that we would see him again. I read verse 19 again, and as we turned back to the house, I considered the words from the verse, "Awake and sing", and so we sang as we walked home,
So, in all things I am able to declare, even through tears, Jesus Christ is my Saviour! He it is which giveth "beauty for ashes" (Isaiah 61:3). As Paul declared, even in the teeth of the storm Euroclydon, "...I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me".
It is from the Lord through His word that we find comfort. "This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me" (Psalm 119:50).
God desires His children to pass on the words of comfort that He gives to us.
"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies,and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God" (II Corinthians 1:4). This I wish to do today.
That morning a year ago, fresh in the pain and anguish of the loss of a son, we found great comfort from a good many verses in Isaiah 25 and 26, from our regular reading. Here are a few of them, with some thoughts.
Isaiah 25
8 "He will swallow up death in victory; and the LORD God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it." O Death! Where is thy sting? O Grave! Where is thy victory? I look forward to the promise that God will wipe the tears away for good (Revelation 21:4)!
9 "And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation." I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. Look what my God will do! My Lord worketh "all things together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose". My heart should not depend on the ups and downs of circumstances for its rejoicing, but rather, as Jesus instructed, "...but rather rejoice that your names are written in heaven." No matter my sorrow, my salvation in Christ is secure. Therefore Job in utter grief could still cry, "The LORD gave, and the Lord hath taken away: blessed be the name of the LORD" and "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him."
Isaiah 26
3 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, who mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." When upon life's billows we are tempest tossed, let's not be discouraged, thinking all is lost. Rather than allow our hearts to be washed overboard, should we not instead seek the face of Him Who stilled the winds and the waves? Should we not join him in the hinder part of the boat and find rest for our souls?
4 "Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:" His strength is EVERLASTING! I am weak, but His strength is made perfect in my weakness, whereby I can say "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" Let the weak say, "I am strong!"
"I hear the Saviour say, Thy strength indeed is small;
Child of weakness watch and pray, Find in Me, thine all in all."
16 "LORD, in trouble have they visited thee, they poured out a prayer when thy chastening was upon them." Many have been the prayers poured out in mourning, many the cries in the night. God hears the supplication of His saints. We are told that he keeps our tears in His bottle. Are they not in His book?
17 "Like as a woman with child, that draweth near the time of her delivery, is in pain, and crieth out in her pangs; so have we been in thy sight, O LORD."
18 "We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have as it were brought forth wind; we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen." How this describes our situation! To be with child. To have the expectation of a little babe to hold and cherish. To prepare for their coming. To lose that seed. To go into the pain of delivery, knowing the baby is gone. To feel empty, as if all that was brought forth was vanity and wind. Those who have suffered miscarriage know this pain and loss.
19 "Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out her dead." What a emotion fills my soul! To know that the dead shall rise! That the grave shall give way to victory, and the earth will cast out her dead! That I shall meet my child in glory. Because of the Gospel! Because of the Almighty Redeemer, we have the certainty of victory. What unspeakable joy!
This evening, Deana (carrying our third little one in the womb), Tirzah, and I went out and laid flowers on the grave of little William Livingstone Samuel. We thanked the Lord for William, for the honor of carrying him, even for that short while, and for the assurance that we would see him again. I read verse 19 again, and as we turned back to the house, I considered the words from the verse, "Awake and sing", and so we sang as we walked home,
"When I can read my title clear to mansions in the skies,
I'll bid farewell to every fear, and wipe my weeping eyes.
And wipe my weeping eyes, and wipe my weeping eyes.
I'll bid farewell to every fear, and wipe my weeping eyes."
So, in all things I am able to declare, even through tears, Jesus Christ is my Saviour! He it is which giveth "beauty for ashes" (Isaiah 61:3). As Paul declared, even in the teeth of the storm Euroclydon, "...I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me".
Monday, July 1, 2013
Let Not Thy Zeal "Be as When a Standard-Bearer Fainteth"
Some years ago, around the 4th of July, my family and I were stopped at an traffic light in Kansas City, KS. For those of you who know KCK (or care to know), it was the intersection of State Ave and 78th Street. Some road work was being done in the area--there were cones about, temporary lines drawn for lanes, and asphalt dust scattered across the road. As I waited for the green arrow to appear something caught my eye laying on the ground in the middle of the intersection. There was a small, somewhat dingy cloth, lying crumpled on the pavement
I kept that flag, and have it still today, as a reminder to pray for my country, and of the need for righteous action for the kingdom of God. I must not allow my zeal to start flagging.
"Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people (in my case, America), and for the cities of our God (the kingdom of Heaven): and let the LORD do that which is good in his sight" (I Chronicles 19:13).
There is still time to win a battle before the sun goes down.
Could it be a rag from construction worker? Or an article of clothing that fell out of a passing vehicle?
An afternoon breeze moved the rather worn cloth, and I saw some faded color in a striped pattern. "I think it is an American flag." "It couldn't be." She was incredulous, as cars and trucks went whizzing past almost running it over! Wind once again moved the cloth revealing a dirty blue field, with faint stars. "It IS a flag!"
I began to unbuckle just as the green arrow lit up, and I had to move our van. I drove passed, careful not to run over the flag, and pulled into the nearest parking lot. I leaped from the driver's seat and sprinted down to the corner. I hesitated only a few seconds, then left the curb. Into the flow of traffic I ventured, and made it to the end of the median. There were some exasperated honks from drivers, from those I'm sure were wondering what the crazy pedestrian was doing.
A big semi truck and trailer made its wide turn, which I avoided, and then dashed out into the intersection and plucked up the old flag. For yes, it was a flag, which must have been torn from its basing on a motorcycle or other motorist, and left behind unnoticed. Holding it with both hands, I returned to the curb. I caught surprised looks from a few drivers, when they realized what I had gone to get, and at least one grandmotherly driver nodded in approval and waved her thanks. I headed back to the van and my family.
Back in the driver's seat, I considered my prize. From the flag's condition, it was immediately evident that it had lain in the road, at least all day, unbeknownst to the drivers who passed it by, or overran it with the tread of their tires.
How sad, to think that this flag of our nation was lying in the dust for hours, while American citizens were oblivious to it!
Yet, how much more tragic is it to realize that our nation itself has sunk into the gutter, becoming corrupted by greed, pride, perversion, and the innocent blood of 55+ million babies, just like those in Israel, who "...shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters...and the land was polluted with blood" (Psalm 106:38). We have, as a people, turned away from the true God "which hath made and preserved us a nation" (from the Star Spangled Banner, verse 4), and have cast His Law behind our back.
All this pride, perversion, and horrific blood shed, and yet, so many Christians--in so many local churches-- are just "driving by." They are busy about their own agendas, not heeding the cries of the lost! Their apathy is astounding when we consider that the lost must hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the righteousness of the God of the Bible, in order to be saved.
Are we not called to be "SALT"? Are we not to let our "LIGHT so shine"? Has not the Captain of our Salvation given orders to His people to stand for righteousness and truth in society? As the hymn declares, are we not to "Work, For the Night is Coming"? Do we hold God in so light esteem, that we think He will not judge wickedness? Who are we to think that the United States is exempt from being brought fully to account before His seat?
Are we not called to be "SALT"? Are we not to let our "LIGHT so shine"? Has not the Captain of our Salvation given orders to His people to stand for righteousness and truth in society? As the hymn declares, are we not to "Work, For the Night is Coming"? Do we hold God in so light esteem, that we think He will not judge wickedness? Who are we to think that the United States is exempt from being brought fully to account before His seat?
"I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, and that His justice cannot sleep forever." Thomas Jefferson
"Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise?
He that planted the ear, shall he not hear?
He that formed the eye, shall he not see?
He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct?
He that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know?" (Psalm 94:8-10).
Judah fell into sin, and God did not let her get away with it. Even Jerusalem, the apple of His eye, was not spared. When the weeping prophet, Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, wrote Lamentations, he cried, "Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by?" (Lamentations 1:12).
Christians in America must consider this cry:
"IS IT NOTHING TO YOU, ALL YE THAT PASS BY?"
Get your Bible out and study what it says about God's dealings with countries.
"Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people" (Proverbs 14:34).
Read the 80th Psalm, and consider the truths it holds concerning God's blessing and judgment on a nation. Let us cry unto our God to "Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved" (Psalm 80:3 see also 80:7 and 80:19).
Remember and heed God's voice: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will hear their land" (II Chronicles 7:14).
So I urge you, brethren, let NOT the bowstring of your prayer go slack! Let not your zeal be as when a standard-bearer fainteth! "Be not weary in well doing" (II Thessalonians 3:13)!
Weep for your people. Repent from your sin. Pray for God to, "in wrath, remember mercy" (Habakkuk 3:2). Stand and speak for the truth and life. Be attentive to the Spirit's leading. Stop to stoop down and plead the cause of the poor and needy. Love your preborn neighbor with a zeal that refuses to be silent and absent in in the day of battle! As the watchman in Ezekiel, warn the wicked to turn from His way to Jesus Christ. Preach the Gospel to a dying people.
I kept that flag, and have it still today, as a reminder to pray for my country, and of the need for righteous action for the kingdom of God. I must not allow my zeal to start flagging.
"Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people (in my case, America), and for the cities of our God (the kingdom of Heaven): and let the LORD do that which is good in his sight" (I Chronicles 19:13).
There is still time to win a battle before the sun goes down.
Abortion must be abolished.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
It is the Same Sword
From a child, I have loved the stories of history. What joy to read of noble men and women! To hear rousing accounts of clashing battles! To learn of significant points (both high and low) in the history of mankind and gain instruction from the past! These have ever thrilled and challenged my adventurous heart. O how I have longed to be where great things happened! To walk and stand where heroes trod! Even to view and touch articles that were used by those who went before me.
You can then understand my feelings as a child, when blessed at times to go and see places that I had read about. I am so grateful that my parents took our family to places to see for ourselves. What learning times I had! I recommend such trips for every family. You don't always have to travel far. Here are just a few of the places I was able to experience.
In Diamond, Missouri, at the George Washington Carver National Monument, I stood and saw the site of the cabin where he was born. My brother, sister, cousin, and I walked, nay, ran down the trail to the spring (still flowing) where George fetched water as a boy. I remember looking up at the life-size statue of the young "plant doctor," and wondered, "If I had lived back then, would he have wanted to be my friend?"
In St. Joseph, Missouri, my family and I went to see where Johnny Frye, the first Pony Express rider, set out west towards San Francisco. Think of it—ten days to traverse plain, mountains, and desert! Through weather, outlaws, and Indian attack those young wiry lads brought the mail with speed and devotion. As a young boy, I stood at the Pony Express Stable museum and trembled deliciously to think, "It happened here." Years later, as a man, I was in Wyoming and went out on some friends' ranch and saw where a Pony Express station once stood. There I experienced the same shiver. "How exciting to think, I got to see this!"
I hiked the hill of the Little Bighorn region in Montana, and saw the place where General George Armstrong Custer and his men had their last stand. I'd look at each marker, and wonder what each man thought as he tried to hold his ground. And I'd try to picture Crazy Horse and his warriors, as they gained victory thinking about these mighty men on both sides, wishing I could have been able to sit with each and learn why they were fighting and that I would have had the opportunity to share the Gospel with them.
We toured Daniel Boone's last home in Defiance, Missouri. How incredible to see the narrow windows crafted for defense, amazing furniture the great woodsman had fashioned with his own skillful hands, and even the threaded door hinges he designed to keep the wooden floors from getting scratched. It was there I saw Ticklicker, Daniel's famous rifle, and I would have touched it too, but it was on the other side of the glass.
I got to walk through Squire Boone's Caverns, and remembered how God had saved the life of Daniel's kid brother by having him fall into the cave while he was pursued by hostile natives. The escapades of this Revolutionary War hero and the first Baptist preacher in Kentucky filled me with fervor. God's providence and care was made very evident to me as I looked at the spot where he was delivered. The words he carved on the stones of his mill nearby, still ring in my ears: "My God my life hath much befriended; I'll praise Him till my days are ended."
Whenever I see an historical marker, I want to stop and see what it says. Even just this spring, My wife, daughter, and I stopped several times while driving through Kansas to see an old train station, stone arch bridge, church, and a one room schoolhouse from 1896. The stone schoolhouse stood alone on one end of a pasture. We pulled over, piled out, and looked in wonder. You could see the bell still in the tower, two stone outhouses (presumably one for boys and one for girls), and the pump for the schoolyard well. We imagined children walking up the lane to school, and wondered what became of them. Who taught in this place? Who were the students? Did a courageous student stand up to a bully in that yard? What was accomplished in history because of truths taught? What has been lost in education in the generations following? How I wished to venture closer, to explore, to peek in the windows. I would have paid for a tour, but alas, it was desolate, the only signs of life in the area a herd of cattle grazing a hundred yards off. So we drove on.
For years I have picked up various items for my collection:
—a Civil War bullet that was found on a battlefield (perhaps the Battle of Wilson's Creek)
—stone arrowheads and chippings left by native Americans in Oklahoma, Kentucky, and Wyoming
—a Civil War bullet that was found on a battlefield (perhaps the Battle of Wilson's Creek)
—stone arrowheads and chippings left by native Americans in Oklahoma, Kentucky, and Wyoming
—a couple tin cans (used and discarded by pioneers) that I found along the Oregon Trail
—various articles, including instruments from a ship, salvaged on an historic beach in Two Harbors, Minnesota
—ancient pottery I dug out of the earth with my own hands in Israel
These and other objects are great tools for teaching lessons from the past, giving inspiration for the mind in our present day, and can stir up motivation to take up a challenge for the future. Being able to see and even hold pieces of history can make events become more "real", assist us in understanding what others went through, and encourage us to live uprightly in our generation.
Our daughter, Tirzah Carmichael is named in honor of Amy Carmichael, the Irish missionary to India, who served faithfully for 55 years. Amy's life, ministry, and writings have been a blessing to multitudes and a testimony to the grace and power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Let's consider her words in one instance...
"Someone gave me a bit of brick and a little slab of marble from Rome. It was wonderful to touch one of them and think, Perhaps the apostle Paul or one of the martyrs touched this as they passed. But how much more wonderful is it to think that we have, for our own use, the very same Sword our Lord used when the devil attacked Him...We have the same Book that He had, and we can do as He did. So let us learn [His words] that they may be ready in our minds; ready for use at the moment of need - our Sword which never grows dull and rusty, but is always keen and bright. So once more I say, let us not expect defeat, but victory. Let us take fast hold and keep fast hold of our Sword, and we shall win in any assault of the enemy."
What delight we should take in the Scriptures! Think of it—God inspired men to write His words down, and has preserved those words for us even today. The very same "sword of the Spirit"! The "quick and powerful"! The trusty two-edged weapon! The Book that declares "the end from the beginning"! That reveals the truth of the God of the universe! That can make a sinner "wise unto salvation", and can grow a believer to be "throughly furnished unto all good works"! The same Book which was wielded by Jesus Christ, the apostles, the martyrs, missionaries such as Livingstone, Hudson, and Carmichael, and so many others, has been laid in your hand.
Let us NOT lightly esteem it!
Let us NOT neglect the use of it!
Let us NOT despise the treasure which our Lord has entrusted with us!
"Let us take fast hold and keep fast hold of our Sword, and we shall win in any assault of the enemy."
There is still time to win a battle before the sun goes down.
—ancient pottery I dug out of the earth with my own hands in Israel
These and other objects are great tools for teaching lessons from the past, giving inspiration for the mind in our present day, and can stir up motivation to take up a challenge for the future. Being able to see and even hold pieces of history can make events become more "real", assist us in understanding what others went through, and encourage us to live uprightly in our generation.
Our daughter, Tirzah Carmichael is named in honor of Amy Carmichael, the Irish missionary to India, who served faithfully for 55 years. Amy's life, ministry, and writings have been a blessing to multitudes and a testimony to the grace and power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Let's consider her words in one instance...
"Someone gave me a bit of brick and a little slab of marble from Rome. It was wonderful to touch one of them and think, Perhaps the apostle Paul or one of the martyrs touched this as they passed. But how much more wonderful is it to think that we have, for our own use, the very same Sword our Lord used when the devil attacked Him...We have the same Book that He had, and we can do as He did. So let us learn [His words] that they may be ready in our minds; ready for use at the moment of need - our Sword which never grows dull and rusty, but is always keen and bright. So once more I say, let us not expect defeat, but victory. Let us take fast hold and keep fast hold of our Sword, and we shall win in any assault of the enemy."
What delight we should take in the Scriptures! Think of it—God inspired men to write His words down, and has preserved those words for us even today. The very same "sword of the Spirit"! The "quick and powerful"! The trusty two-edged weapon! The Book that declares "the end from the beginning"! That reveals the truth of the God of the universe! That can make a sinner "wise unto salvation", and can grow a believer to be "throughly furnished unto all good works"! The same Book which was wielded by Jesus Christ, the apostles, the martyrs, missionaries such as Livingstone, Hudson, and Carmichael, and so many others, has been laid in your hand.
Let us NOT lightly esteem it!
Let us NOT neglect the use of it!
Let us NOT despise the treasure which our Lord has entrusted with us!
"Let us take fast hold and keep fast hold of our Sword, and we shall win in any assault of the enemy."
There is still time to win a battle before the sun goes down.
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