Category Archives: Seriously

End of the Road

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We all know it is coming sometime. “For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others. Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names” (Psalms 49:10-11). Death is sure for each of us. Some live longer than others, but there is no escaping it. There are two areas of concern at death for a husband and father, spiritual and material.

Do you know that you know if you died tonight you will go to Heaven? I can’t tell you how many I have spoken with who say they prayed a prayer, and they are counting on heaven. But when questioned about Christ in their lives, grave concern is warranted because they have no indication of spiritual life. I hope each would know that you know your faith is a living faith in Jesus and you have spiritual fruit evidenced in your life. I pray you are living for Him and serving Him. 

Additionally, husbands are responsible to provide financially for their wives and children. We are aware of several husbands who died while their children were young enough to still be in the home. Even with such tragic circumstances, greater hardship was averted because these men made financial provision for their wives for such a situation. My brothers, not only give this thought, but put action to it. “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel” (1 Timothy 5:8). 

What Love

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“Ahhh.” When that sound of relief comes from your lips or maybe you just feel it without the expression, what provoked that response? For me, it most often comes when I’m extremely tired and finally get to lie down to sleep. Another time for me is when sit down in my recliner in my office with my Bible on my lap to begin my early morning Bible time. That is an “ahhh” moment for me. I love my time in God’s Word and prayer. 

Recently at church, I engaged a first time visitor in a lively, happy exchange. In time we segued to where she was spiritually. I often ask people if they are regularly in the Word, to which she replied, “Everyday. I couldn’t not be in the Word. I love my Lord.” 

I realize that some people aren’t “there,” and time in the Word is a matter of disciplined obedience to read every day. If that is you, keep on with the desire to learn more about your Lord, and to understand better the enormous love He has for you, His mercy, and His grace. “We love him, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). In time it will be a delight. 

Maybe you have no hunger for His Word. If so, examine yourself. Are you truly saved? The worst lie anyone can tell himself is that he is saved when he isn’t. Next, examine what you are filling your mind with. The world’s media will poison your desire to know and grow in the Lord. 

If you are like our visitor, praise the Lord . . .

“Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee” (Psalms 73:25).

What a Gift

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Likely you have noticed how different people respond when they are given a gift. On one hand deep and sincere thankfulness and appreciation for the gift and thought behind it. On the other hand there may be a token or oblatory, “thank you” at best with an air of “is that the best you could do?” The response should not be our motive in giving, but it gives us pleasure to know it was appreciated.

We men who are married have been bestowed with the second greatest gift a man can receive. First, is salvation which is an unmerited act of grace by our Lord Jesus. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Next most precious gift is a wife giving herself to her husband. 

In a Biblical marriage, she is vowing to be a helpmeet, to follow and honor her husband. Do any of us deserve it? No. So how well do we express our appreciation of her as a gift? Brothers, may I encourage you to give it deep consideration. “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Ephesians 5:25).

All day everyday may we live out and vocalize our gratefulness to our God Who redeemed us and the wife he blessed us with. “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD” (Proverbs 18:22).

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:17).

Any Problems?

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When someone asks you how you are doing, often the response is predicated on the problems we are facing. No problems equals a great day. However, if you are alive, working, and interacting with others, likely you are dealing with problems of one degree or another. How do you respond? Feel sorry for yourself? Be grumpy? Go around with a sad face? Do your “best” to make others as unhappy as you are? Maybe you’ve been there and done that but are willing to try something else. 

Here are some thoughts. First, what is in your power to resolve? Whatever is, allocate time and energy and then deal with it. 

Next, consider if any of it is my fault or something I need to take responsibility for. May we be quick to ask the Lord, “Is it I?” Amazing how often we either are the problem or hold the keys to the solution. If so, we must own up to it and resolve it. 

Consider if the Lord may be chastening you (Hebrews 12:5-7). 

If not chastening, maybe God wants to use afflictions to grow you. “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:2-4).

Seek your wife’s input. We can be blind to something she has been concerned about and praying about (Proverbs 27:6).

Sometimes what we need most is a right perspective. As children of the Lord Jesus Christ (if saved by faith in His shed blood for our sins), nothing can afflict us that He doesn’t permit. “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy 2:3).

Read the Psalms if you want the right perspective on suffering and resting in the tender care of the God of the universe. He is good, always good, always. 

Dark VS Light

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One of my grandsons is greatly enthralled with Maglites. He loves to repair them and talk about them. Maglites were a front-runner utility flashlight that packed a lot of light while remaining rugged. 

Portable light when in darkness is a good thing. Hmmm, sounds like what believers are supposed to be. “Ye are the light of the world” (Matt 5:14a). We are in the midst of, and moving into even more, dark times. Christians are to be lights shining in the dark, pointing to our God, bringing Him glory. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt 5:16).

In our country and locale, an evil wicked day is about to be celebrated. I understand that those who are lost, with no hope of life, will celebrate death and every wicked, evil thing imaginable. What breaks my heart is when I see professing “believers” decorate their homes in celebration of the wicked event. Oh readers, are we light? What do we shine on?

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness” (2 Corinthians 6:14).

“Ye that love the LORD, hate evil” (Psalms 97:10).

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light” (Eph 5:8). 

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Eph 5:11). 

“If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:6-7).

May we walk in the Light and be a light in a dark world. 

Could You Help?

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We have been asked to have a weekend conference in Wood Leaf, North Carolina the weekend of March 8th, 2024. As we begin preparation, there is an area in which I would appreciate your help. 

I am both amazed and grieved at the host of powerful, negative influences that you, as conservative Christian families, are facing today. I would be VERY grateful and blessed if you would provide your feedback as to how you feel your children are faring against the onslaught. If you have benefited and been blessed by Seriously Dads, would you consider taking a few minutes to be a blessing to others by your feedback? I would be most grateful if you would. 

On the following questions, “10” is the best. If you want to break it out by child, that is fine. Frankly, if you would prefer a phone call, I’d love to talk with you, schedule permitting. Let me know your time zone and general windows of availability. Likely the following would be a good husband/wife discussion prior to your responding.

  • Do you believe your children are on track up to be strong, dynamic Christian adults living for the Lord and not for the world? 1-10 ______
    • If so, what do you attribute that to? ________________________
    • If not, what do you attribute that to? ________________________
    • Is your family consistently in the Word
    • As a family?  Yes.   No 
    • Individually?  Yes.   No
  • How would you rate the influence of your church on your children? 1 – 10 (10 positive)
  • How would you rate the influence of their church friends on them? 1 – 10
  • Estimate how many hours a day of media (movies, social, etc) they consume.  ____
  • Do your children read books such as Harry P? Yes?   No?
  • Do your children participate in organized sports? Yes?   No?
  • Anything else you would like to share on this topic that you feel is important?

May this be a good opportunity for evaluating how it’s going. Any changes you should make? Is this consistent with your goals? Do you have goals? 

We are grateful for you all. I tried to keep this brief, but if you want to give more detail, please do. Maybe share this email with your wife as well. Thank you for your feedback.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Who Me?

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Have you noticed how easy we are on ourselves and blind to our faults, which we expertly justify and minimize? It is one thing to destroy our health, morals, or even our testimony for Christ, but as we impress on our children by our example, the world’s media and entertainment (i.e. our “liberty”), that is serious. Certainly, the Lord Jesus treats it seriously based on the consequences He says we deserve in that situation. 

“But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matthew 18:6).

The survival instinct under water is to try to get back to oxygen. In this case, as you descend deeper and deeper, your head is down due to the weight tied to your neck. You can’t turn to swim up, even if you could overcome the weight. It’s impossible. You are totally helpless. Every effort to get free only uses precious air while you continue the rocket-like descent. Your lungs in agony “scream” for air and feel like they will burst as you eventually lose consciousness. 

The One Who died for us gave this example to vividly demonstrate His love for the young and innocent and how serious He is about not causing them to stumble in their faith. My heart breaks for innocent children who are “taught” by dad’s example to love the world through his media and entertainment.  

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1-2).

Wanted

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There is a giant LED billboard in our area that will occasionally display a huge “WANTED” at the top with the name and photo of someone who has committed or suspected of a crime and for whom the authorities are looking. Think of how troubling it would be to see your name and photo appear there. 

Similarly, those who are Christ’s and living for Him are “WANTED” by Satan and his demons to seek, devour, and destroy. However, we don’t have the “benefit” of the billboard-sized reminder that we are WANTED and being targeted by Satan. Scripture, however, should be our reminder! 

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). I observe many believers who seem to live without a hint of caution concerning being ensnared or devoured by Satan. Is it their pride that gives them a false sense of security so they live carelessly thinking they and their children are untouchable by the enemy?

Yet, all of a sudden, they wake up to a bad dream. Life is shipwrecking and everything they held as precious, including their children, are going down with the ship. 

“Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world” (1 Peter 5:8-10).

Are you alert, or sleeping? “Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:14-16). 

More of What?

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I wonder if this might be called the super-size age. “Up size mine, please.” More and bigger is the cry. Does man’s fleshly appetite know any limits? Our appetites are given to us by our wonderful, loving, all-knowing, all-good God. They are good when seeking the right things under the control of His Spirit. What do your appetites seek?

“Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things” (Philippians 3:19). “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof” (Romans 6:12).

Or

“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God” (Psalms 42:1-2)?

“For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:5-6). “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live” (Romans 8:13). May we feed the spirit and starve the flesh. “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” (Romans 13:14).

Humbling

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I consider myself quite active in sharing Christ. I have a long list of people I pray for almost daily. I actively seek to engage neighbors with a desire to get to talk about spiritual things. When I am in stores or pumping gas, I try to strike up conversations with that same goal. I’m motivated by my love for the Lord Jesus and for others. However, there is something that I’m very reserved to do and that is to hand out tracts.

We have known a missionary couple, serving with their large family in Africa, for almost twenty years, and we observe their lives. They are the most active soul winners I know whether stateside or in their country of ministry. They recently came back to the US for a son’s wedding. They were engaging people in spiritual discussions or handing out tracts at every opportunity. It’s who they are. I love that about them. 

I have really good “reasons” why I don’t hand out tracts (at least I have convinced myself for the almost 50 years I have been saved that they are good reasons). So I asked their thoughts on my “reasons.” They gently reminded me of the power of the Word and prayer (Ugh, where’s my faith?).

What if over those 50 years, I gave out 100 tracts/year? That is only 2 tracts a week. That is nothing, agreed? Out of 5,000 tracts, what if 10 people were saved? Would that be worth it? What if only 5 were saved? Now what if only 1 single person was saved from eternity in hell? Of course that answer is YES!

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

Frankly, I have come to believe my “good reasons” stem from my pride and a lack of trust in the power of prayer and God’s Word. 

My brothers, I’m publicly repenting.