Category Archives: Seriously

2024

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2023 is over, and if you noticed, the Lord didn’t return. Could it happen in 2024? Do you long for His return, or might you be happy if He doesn’t come in your lifetime? Seriously consider this. Might His return be the furthest thing from your mind, or do you have a constant awareness and desire to see Him? Do you love Him above all people and things? “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matthew 22:37).

You will remember my post titled “Humbling.”  The Lord graciously convicted me that I wasn’t handing out tracts regularly. I would engage and witness, but I could be more effective by carrying and giving out tracts. It has been good since I began. I can’t reclaim the lost ground over all those years, but I can be faithful with each new day He gives me. 

That is probably the only good thing I can think of for the Lord delaying His return. We can  share with more people as to why they need Jesus. “And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:39).

“They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption” (Psalms 49:6-9).

On Duty or AWOL?

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The dire need of families today is for husbands/fathers who are men of God and serious about living for Him Who died to purchase them. Our Savior humbled Himself by leaving the glory of Heaven to come to this world to redeem for Himself a peculiar people. Are we living for Christ, or the “gods” of this world? 

Might this time be similar to Judges 3? We are told in verse 3:1a “Now these are the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them…” Prove means to “test, try, prove, tempt, assay, put to the proof or test.” There were two purposes. To also teach them how to fight against evil and to see if they would obey “… to know whether they would hearken unto the commandments of the LORD” (Judges 3:4b). 

They failed. In verses 5-7, we are told the children of Israel, “… dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites…took spouses for their children from them and served their gods.” In essence, they loved the world, lived like the world, and embraced their gods.  

I wonder if the Corinthian church was an example of that in Paul’s time AND what is going on in the American church as a current example. May we heed Paul’s admonition to the Corinthians.

“And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:16-18).

Amazing

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Recently, while at a Christmas nativity event, I encountered a dad who had a very worn and beloved, 3-foot-tall stuffed play raccoon hanging over his arm. I engaged and found out that it was his young daughter’s beloved companion. She always wanted it with her, and where they went, it went. However, the daughter quickly tired of carrying something almost as big as she was. So she asked her daddy to carry it, and because he loved her, he would. 

I was impressed with his humility. A grown man carrying a child’s giant raccoon would raise many questioning looks from observers. Possibly there were some child training opportunities being missed, but he demonstrated his love for his daughter and benefited in growing his humility in the process. 

In Andrew Murray’s book titled Humility, he suggests reading the gospels with a careful eye to note Jesus’ humility throughout His ministry. Teri and I have followed that suggestion underlining examples and noting in the margin our observations. It has been an inspiring exercise in humility. 

During this time of year, please especially consider how the Creator/God of the universe humbled Himself to take the form of man. He then allowed Himself to be treated as a criminal and die for sinful, rejecting, rebellious men. Only a loving, sacrificing God could invent and execute such a plan. Eternal praise that He did. 

“And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:8-11).

Heaven

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If you are saved, surely you have thought or think about Heaven. What are your thoughts about it? Frankly, our thoughts about Heaven might reveal a lot about us. 

Over the years I have heard some amazing/sad things that professing people have said they were looking forward to in Heaven. Before I was saved, I likely would have looked forward to flying, in some manner, in Heaven. What consumes peoples’ hearts now is what they see as Heaven being the ultimate fulfillment of. Scripture does not tell us about any earthly rubbish in Heaven to include big-screen TVs, movies, sports, video games, and many other things. 

“Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:1-2). 

Heaven is God’s home. What will make Heaven glorious is being in the presence of our righteous, holy, merciful God and Savior. Jesus will be the light. To be with Him, nothing else matters. If you love Him now, Heaven will be Heaven. If you love other things more, hmmm, then something is very broken. “A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things” (Matthew 12:35).

Love Him now, serve Him, love reading His Word, love worshipping Him, love praying to Him, and love sharing Him with the lost. This, my brothers, is the warmup for Heaven.  May we be about His business. (BTW, we won’t be able to share with the lost in Heaven, so now is the time.)

Young But Wise

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A number of years ago we read a book, gifted to us by dear family friends, while we were traveling on an extended trip. Recently, I wanted to sharpen my soul winning skills and reread it. It is so good, I am compelled to highly recommend it to you. I believe you and your children will reap eternal benefits.  

The book is Will Our Generation Speak? by Grace Malley. It has many endorsements by the “who’s who” of today’s soul winners. Grace was in her early 20’s when she wrote it, but you would think it was written by someone in their 60’s. The wisdom this young lady shares is amazing. She has countless stories/examples that instruct and motivate. I’m confident that you and your children will find great encouragement and excitement in being busy about what we are must do. 

We live in a time when believers fill their time with things that are of no profit to God’s kingdom (or themselves), and parents seem to be pleased if their children merely stay out of trouble. However, what if Dad, Mom, and the children were on-fire and passionate about seeing souls introduced to our Lord and King Jesus Christ? Some of us say we want revival, but are our hearts and lives consistent with that desire? 

Oh my brothers, I plead with you. Purchase a copy. One young brother whom I highly respect as a passionate, soul winner said, “Oh yes, I LOVE that book! That was the book that was the tipping point for me between knowing how to share my faith and actually doing it. And it would be fantastic as a read aloud – I like that idea!” 

“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). 

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.