Month: June 2018

“O my people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old—what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from our children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done” (Psalm 78:1-4).

I have Grandson, Braidon with me this week. He’s seven, but he’ll tell you he’s almost 8 (Oct.). It’s been a busy week because he is busy.  He has slept very well at night after running through the yard and hay fields on whatever adventure his imagination is taking him. He’s doing well and we talk to Mom every day. Not once has he cried or asked to go home-yet. That’s a blessing for all of us.

My dad had his 94^th birthday this week. His birthday always falls on or near Father’s Day. What a life! He is a faithful man of God and a man of integrity in the community. He spent his life farming and doing carpenter work.  He also drove a school bus on back country roads for 20 years or more. There are many houses in this area his skills have touched and many lives influenced by his character. Thank you, God for such a dad and I’m grateful to have him with me for so many years.

These days Daddy isn’t able to be very active but he wants to be. He planted a couple of tomato plants near the house.  He still does his own laundry and most of the housework.  I help sometimes. I’m sure it’s hard to be dependent when one has been so independent.  My sister-in-law and I help him with cooking and sharing some meals with him. From my perspective it’s also hard to see my daddy become less able, but I’m glad I’m nearby to help.

I’ve been thinking about the differences between life in my dad’s younger years and the life of my grandson. Today’s culture has strayed from Biblical values further than any time in my lifetime. Many consider “sin” a “choice” and neglect to honor the Creator who made them.  I pray regularly for my grandchildren to be protected from the evil one.

We, the Church, must stand strong and remain faithful to our faithful God, who never changes. His Word is just as true today as it was when the Israelites rebelled against God and were taken captive by their enemies.  I pray for the Church and Christian families as they pass the truth on to the next generation. That is our hope. Praise God for faithful fathers who not only teach truth to their children by their words, but model it for them as well. God bless fathers.

“Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name’s sake. Why should the nations say, ‘Where is their God?’”  Psalm 79:9

 

 

“One day as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there” (Luke 5:17).

 Luke tells us how Jesus had called his disciples and they obediently followed Him. He continues in chapter 5 to explain how the news of Jesus’ healing power spread after He healed the leper. In verses 17-26 we read about the healing of the paralytic. He had to be carried and let down through the roof in order to reach Jesus. When I read this account I wonder, was it because the Pharisees and teachers were sitting there in the way? Yes, Luke says there was a crowd, but he also says those Pharisees were “sitting there.”

Luke is very clear in stating that healing power was present with Jesus and the men carrying the paralytic were determined to get him to Jesus.  Jesus not only healed the man, but He also forgave his sins. The Pharisees and teachers complained about that since they obviously did not believe that Jesus had power and authority to forgive sins.

How often do I “sit there” when God’s power is present waiting for me to act? I’ve found that being retired can sometimes bring the temptation to not be productive with my life. I figure there will be another day to do whatever it is that needs doing. I’m working on that with God’s help. Jesus doesn’t want me to waste my time with self-pity or laziness.

Some days I act more like an obstacle than an obedient follower of Jesus.  Staying connected to God through His Word and through prayer is most important for an obedient follower.  Working at whatever I do as if I am doing it for the Lord puts the best perspective on my work. Doing the laundry and cleaning my house for the Lord! Yes, it is only by His blessings that I have those things to do. The writer of Ecclesiastes says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. . .” (Ecclesiastes 9:10a).

How will God use me today? I’ll get busy on the work at hand and allow Him to guide me from there.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24).