WHATEVER STATE – Over the years as I traveled on deputation or reporting back to supporting churches my first wife was often asked to give a testimony or speak to a women’s group. I was reminded recently of a verse she often used. Philippians 4:11, “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” Women need the stability of a home and being on the road and sometimes without any particular roots between ministries, etc. she would use this verse. She knew that the word “state” referred to conditions or circumstances but she liked to use it in the sense of our traveling and ministering in different states across the country. Christian servants need to learn early on “to be content” and that can be difficult, especially for a wife. Whatever the circumstances of our life of service or the country or state we are serving in, we need to trust the Lord to give us that “peace” or “contentedness” that prevents us from being unsettled or disturbed by our “state.” I have known men who had to give up their ministries because their life partner could not adjust to their circumstances, how sad. Kathy use to tell me “Blow in my ear and I will follow you anywhere.” Thankfully, both of my wives have been willing to be content in whatever “state” they are found.
A FRUIT INSPECTOR – Over the years I have been accused of wrongfully judging people as to their whether or not they are true Christians. I must honestly admit that only God sees the heart and knows exactly who is and who isn’t a true believer. However, family is recognizable and true believers are a part of God’s family and are recognizable to one another. Years ago in Auburn, Washington I belonged to Bible Baptist Church (it was a C.B.A. Church). At the time my wife and I were working with the youth group of the church. An Irish Evangelist was holding evangelistic meetings at our church. One evening after preaching and making some distinction between a group not being Christians and those who were, a lady approached him up front at the close of the service and reminded him of Matthew 7:1, telling him to “JUDGE not, that you be not judged.” He quickly reminded her of verse 16 in the same chapter which says, “You will know them by their fruits” and told the lady, “I am a fruit inspector for the Lord.” Something an unbelieving world does not realize is that a born again Christian is given the Holy Spirit of God to dwell in them, giving them a discerning spirit. There is a common bond among believers that is usually quite readily recognized, especially of those who are actively living in the Lord. By the same token, the life and actions of nonbelievers are recognizably different. Belief and practices belie the false claims of some who tell us they are Christians with no apparent fruit to support their claim. I realize there are people who have made decisions to receive Christ as their Savior but no longer live the life or manifest the “fruit.” Two thoughts come to my mind in these circumstances: (1) They may be backslidden from their faith and will enter heaven by the “fire” mentioned in I Corinthians 3:13 or (2) what we read in I John 2:19, “They went out from us, but they were not of us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.” If I were to find myself backslidden or not living or walking the Christian walk, I would do some serious soul searching and settle the matter while there is still time. These people will either be eternally lost or enter heaven devoid of any of the promised rewards the Scriptures tell us about. I think I have the beginning of a good evangelistic sermon going here, but I will forego for now.
EARLY TRAVEL & INDEPENDENCE – At Christmas time my great grandson Quentin flew by himself from Texas to here in Columbus to be with his grandma and grandpa Newell (Gary & Donna). He was here at our home as well on Christmas Eve. I think he is six years old. You don’t often see children traveling alone. This event took me back to my own childhood, the product of a broken home. I recall traveling between my parents and grandparents alone at age of five or six and beyond. It was usually by bus and once by bus part way and then by train. I remember having a note being pinned to me to make sure the bus driver would know where I was suppose to go. Broken families often create critical problems for children. Some are embittered, sending them down a wrong path. Thankfully, in my case there was no embitterment. In fact, I believe those early experiences led me down a path of independence. Though I have a picture of my mother and father with my father holding me at a very early age, I do not have any memory of my mother and father being together. Thankfully, there were grandparents that filled in the gap that I believe made a great difference. My grandparents on both sides were Christians, giving me some direction toward Christianity. I knew they prayed for me as well as taking me into their homes as occasion required, particularly on my mother’s side. Times spent with my paternal grandparents were during summer vacations while my maternal grandparents had me during preschool times and during K-2nd grade. There was always loving care, even though I was not with my original parents. My stepmother had more to do with my growing up years than my own mother. Through all of those growing up circumstances I believe they led to an early independence that I do not always see in a lot of adolescents coming of age.
GARY’S POEM – We have been getting a lot of comments back about Gary’s poem about his brother John whose funeral we attended this month. When he prepared that for the graveside service we didn’t know it would also be requested for the memorial service the following day. It touched a lot of hearts and rang so true to those who knew John’s life, ministry and witness.
AN UPDATE ON BEN – They have now put Ben on a heart pump and are keeping him sedated to give him an opportunity to heal following the surgery. He is also having problems with his defibrillator going off and the doctors don’t understand why. Your continued prayers for him, his wife and mother are greatly appreciated.
OBAMA COMMENTS – I have gotten a couple comments back on what I wrote in the last “Musings” about Obama’s presidential campaign as well as additional information. Some long time friends informed me about a seminar dealing with Muslim’s and Islam. You might find it interesting to check out his website out. I have thought for a long time that we need someone that is knowledgeable to help our churches know how to witness to Muslims while understanding the great differences in belief. Check Usama K. Dakdok out.
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