The Fulfillment of Christ, Take Him with you in the New Year

Greetings,  

I pray that this week finds you well and preparing to spend time with your family,  friends,  and /or loved ones for the new year. This message was somewhat difficult to prepare. I was speaking with A representative from Dallas Theological Seminary regarding God'splan for me. I explained how, over the past few years,  I have been battling whether consciously or unconsciously, with God regarding his desire for me to teach or help others.  As part of my current study of Two Weeks in the Teachingsof Christ;  this scripture struck me.  So, I spent a little time in prayer for guidance. I believe God shared with me a few things.  Please read the scriptures below and see the comments afterwards.

Book: Luke  2:25-35
Time period: 27 - 31 AD
Place: Jericho, a city East of Jerusalem,  near the Jordan river
Author: Dr. Luke (most scholars believe)
Events: Christ is teaching through various cities in preparation for His return to Jerusalem

The Prophecy of Simeon
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon who was righteous and devout, looking for the restoration of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lords Christ. 27 So Simeon, directed by the Spirit, came into the temple courts, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what was customary according to the law, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and blessed God, saying, 29 “Now, according to your word, Sovereign Lord, permit your servant to depart in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples: 32 a light, for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” 33 So the childs father and mother were amazed at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “Listen carefully: This child is destined to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be rejected. 35 Indeed, as a result of him the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed and a sword will pierce your own soul as well!”

Matthew Henry Commentary : Luke 2:25- 35
The same Spirit that provided for the support of Simeon's hope, provided for his joy. Those who would see Christ must go to his temple. Here is a confession of his faith, that this Child in his arms was the Savior, the salvation itself, the salvation of God's appointing. He bids farewell to this world. How poor does this world look to one that has Christ in his arms, and salvation in his view! See here, how comfortable is the death of a good man; he departs in peace with God, peace with his own conscience, in peace with death. Those that have welcomed Christ, may welcome death. Joseph and Mary marveled at the things which were spoken of this Child. Simeon shows them likewise, what reason they had to rejoice with trembling. And Jesus, his doctrine, and people, are still spoken against; his truth and holiness are still denied and blasphemed; his preached word is still the touchstone of men's characters. The secret good affection in the minds of some, will be revealed by their embracing Christ; the secret corruptions of others will be revealed by their enmity to Christ. Men will be judged by the thoughts of their hearts concerning Christ. He shall be a suffering Jesus; his mother shall suffer with him, because of the nearness of her relation and affection.

According to Bible Study Tools, Simeon, is the second son of Jacob by Leah ( Genesis 29:33 ). He was associated with Levi in the terrible act of vengeance against Hamor and the Shechemites ( Genesis 34:25 Genesis 34:26 ) His father, when dying, pronounced a malediction against him (49:5-7).

sim'-e-on (shim`on; Sumeon; the Hebrew root is from shama`, "to hear" (Genesis 29:33); some modern scholars (Hitzig, W. R. Smith, Stade, etc.) derive it from Arabic sima`, "the offspring of the hyena and female wolf"): In Genesis 29:33; 30:18-21; 35:23, Simeon is given as full brother to Reuben, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun, the son of Leah; and in Genesis 34:25; 49:5 as the brother of Levi and Dinah. He was left as a hostage in Egypt by orders of Joseph (Genesis 42:24; 43:23).

Also according to Nelsons New Testament Survey (NNTS), The visitation to the temple fulfilled two Old Testament requirements. "Every male child not born in the tribe if Levi was required to be redeemed from priestly service (Exodus. 13.2, 12-15), and every woman was to be purified by offering appropriate offerings at the end of her period of ceremonial uncleanness (Lev.  12:6-8).

Additionally, NNTS states that, Simeon's and Anna'sAnnas adoration of Jesus include two important revelations for that moment in history. Jesus was to be light to the Gentiles and a glory to Israel (Isa. 49:6). Those who accepted Christ would be blessed, while those who did not, would be judged greatly. Those who rejected Him, brought grief to Mary, but this was how the world would be judged. In the end Jesus represents the revelation of the Father and brings redemption to all the world.

How many of us understand God's plan? Moreover, how many of us understand the importance of the birth of Christ? In order for God's people to understand the significance and believe in the scriptures being fulfilled, a series of events had to take place.  Having Simeon fulfill his role, provided the people of Israel advanced notice that Christ was present and the Son of God was going to change the world. Christ was not only to provide salvation to the Israelites, but to the Gentiles or those who would listen.

Today, the scriptures continue to be fulfilled, our society as a whole has been drastically altered by the mentioning of the name Jesus Christ.  Kingdoms have fought battles, nations have been destroyed and people have committed unthinkable atrocities to reject Christ as Lord and Savior. In 2014, we have the media,  political correctness, anarchist, social media,  media,  and entire countries and nations, who believe that those who choose to follow Christ are the bad people.  From ISIS, the LGBT movement, Atheist, and the Occupy Movement,  the name of Christ is against all that they believe.

As the New Year begins, it will still be unknown to us, when God will return. But, what we do know is that God is coming, whether you want to believe it or not. It is time that we put us aside and put God first. If you know Christ, it's time to share Him with others. This year and forward, we should all join together and suffer for Christ, because of our desire not to reject Him.

Happy New Year & God Bless You and Your Family!!!!!

God's Love for Mothers and Wives

Greetings,

With everyone enjoying Christmas, I am sure you are wondering what would be the discussion for the week.  Although, I thought that I would have no cluewhat God may have for me to speak with everyone regarding the celebration of the birth if our Lord and Savior, I wanted to provide you with something that the Lord shared with me on the last day or our vacation.   

I can't and don't plan to speak for any man regarding the relationship he may have or had with his mother, wife, or girlfriend.   However, I believe that I can share with you a few thoughts I have on my wife, the mother of my children;  and my own mother. Please read the scriptures below and see the comments afterwards.

Book:  Proverbs

Authors:  King Solomon, other wise men, such as Agur son of Jakeh, and King Lemuel.

Time: The tenth century b.c., some comparables to writings of the second millennium b.c.; and it is believed  that some important sections of Proverbs were compiled and edited from 715 to 686 b.c.

Purpose: Proverbs was written to give "prudence to the simple,knowledge and discretion to the young", and to make the wise even wiser. Emphasize instructing the young and guiding them in a way of life that yields rewarding ends. Acquiring wisdom and knowing how to avoid the pitfalls of folly lead to personal well-being, happy family relationships, fruitful labors and good standing in the community. Proverbs bases its practical wisdom solidly on the fear of the Lord."

The Words of Lemuel

1 The words of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him:

2 O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows,

3 Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which ruins kings.

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink,

5 lest they drink and forget what is decreed, and remove from all the poor their legal rights.

6 Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those who are bitterly distressed;

7 let them drink and forget their poverty, and remember their misery no more.

8 Open your mouth on behalf of those unable to speak, for the legal rights of all the dying.

9 Open your mouth, judge in righteousness, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

The Wife of Noble Character

10 Who can find a wife of noble character? For her value is far more than rubies.

11 The heart of her husband has confidence in her, and he has no lack of gain.

12 She brings him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13 She obtains wool and flax, and she is pleased to work with her hands.

14 She is like the merchant ships; she brings her food from afar.

15 She also gets up while it is still night, and provides food for her household and a portion to her female servants.

16 She considers a field and buys it; from her own income she plants a vineyard.

17 She begins her work vigorously, and she strengthens her arms.

18 She knows that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out in the night.

19 Her hands take hold of the distaff, and her hands grasp the spindle.

20 She extends her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hand to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all of her household are clothed with scarlet.

22 She makes for herself coverlets; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is well-known in the city gate when he sits with the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.

25 She is clothed with strength and honor, and she can laugh at the time to come.

26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue.

27 She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children rise up and call her blessed, her husband also praises her:

29 “Many daughters have done valiantly, but you surpass them all!”

30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.

31 Give her credit for what she has accomplished, and let her works praise her in the city gates.

Matthew Henry Commentary :

Chapter 31

Proverbs 31:1- 9 When children are under the mother's eye, she has an opportunity of fashioning their minds aright. Those who are grown up, should often call to mind the good teaching they received when children. The many awful instances of promising characters who have been ruined by vile women, and love of wine, should warn every one to avoid these evils. Wine is to be used for want or medicine. Every creature of God is good, and wine, though abused, has its use. By the same rule, due praise and consolation should be used as cordials to the dejected and tempted, not administered to the confident and self- sufficient. All in authority should be more carefully temperate even than other men; and should be protectors of those who are unable or afraid to plead their own cause. Our blessed Lord did not decline the bitterest dregs of the cup of sorrow put into his hands; but he puts the cup of consolation into the hands of his people, and causes those to rejoice who are in the deepest distress.

Proverbs 31:10- 31 This is the description of a virtuous woman of those days, but the general outlines equally suit every age and nation. She is very careful to recommend herself to her husband's esteem and affection, to know his mind, and is willing that he rule over her.

1. She can be trusted, and he will leave such a wife to manage for him. He is happy in her. And she makes it her constant business to do him good.

2. She is one that takes pains in her duties, and takes pleasure in them. She is careful to fill up time, that none be lost. She rises early. She applies herself to the business proper for her, to women's business. She does what she does, with all her power, and trifles not.

3. She makes what she does turn to good account by prudent management. Many undo themselves by buying, without considering whether they can afford it. She provides well for her house. She lays up for hereafter.

4. She looks well to the ways of her household, that she may oblige all to do their duty to God and one another, as well as to her.

5. She is intent upon giving as upon getting, and does it freely and cheerfully.

6. She is discreet and obliging; every word she says, shows she governs herself by the rules of wisdom. She not only takes prudent measures herself, but gives prudent advice to others. The law of love and kindness is written in the heart, and shows itself in the tongue. Her heart is full of another world, even when her hands are most busy about this world.

7. Above all, she fears the Lord. Beauty recommends none to God, nor is it any proof of wisdom and goodness, but it has deceived many a man who made his choice of a wife by it. But the fear of God reigning in the heart, is the beauty of the soul; it lasts for ever.

8. She has firmness to bear up under crosses and disappointments. She shall reflect with comfort when she comes to be old, that she was not idle or useless when young. She shall rejoice in a world to come. She is a great blessing to her relations. If the fruit be good, the tree must have our good word. But she leaves it to her own works to praise her.

Every one ought to desire this honor that cometh from God; and according to this standard we all ought to regulate our judgments. This description let all women daily study, who desire to be truly beloved and respected, useful and honorable. This passage is to be applied to individuals, but may it not also be applied to the church of God, which is described as a virtuous spouse? God by his grace has formed from among sinful men a church of true believers, to possess all the excellency here described.

Consider the scriptures, how have you ponder the relationship you have with your mother. Is it one that you are proud of, can you say that such sounds of wisdom derived from her? I understand that this may be a very sensitive subject.  It is for me, as I read this, I remembered something my dad told me.  No matter what happened in the past, mom never let me starve, she always provided clean clothes, a clean house and shared with us love the way she understood it. She, my grandmother's,  and my aunt's, ensured that we were introduced to God and explained the importance of knowing Him. They took us through a challenging time and what appeared to be an introduction to a decaying period of morality. There is so much more that we could cover, but I merely wanted to say thanks to mom and the family of women who empowered us to search for achievement and sucess.

When I consider a Godly wife, I think of my grandmother's who began the trend. My grandmother and her generation, took marriage to the end.  As an example, my grandmother's  first cousin and her husband,  have been married for more than seventy years; in their 90's, they still make us laugh.  This is something I truly admire and envy.  I belive that after a few mistakes, God saw fit for me to have the best wife in the world and give me a chance at 70 years of marriage. In my wife I have my best friend, my soul mate, lover, and everything. She and I are one. She knows me like no other and I amazed by her beauty, each and every day.

Marriage is something beautiful to behold. As truly something created by God and designed for man and woman. Although people today look for reasons and different rationale to change God's purpose for marriage,  it will not and can not be the same.  I am sorry if this upsets you, but those who believe that the bible must change with the times, is asking for trouble. The scriptures are clear, a wife of a noble character derives from a relationship with Christ.  If you learn the heart of your wife, your marriage will increase. In this time of giving and the birth of Christ, consider Mary. She was tasked by God to be the young mother  our Lord and Savior. At the age of 14/16, newly married and in hiding. She took on the characteristics of the scriptures and raised her son, our Savior. With the help of a Godly husband, they stood by each other. With a new year approaching and this one coming to a close; have you considered your relationship with your wife? What about your daughter?  How will you build a life around Christ?

God's Grace or Prosperity, Your Choice

Greetings,

I hope that you had a blessed week. I started preparing this message on Friday, but the Lord and I began talking about it on Thursday night. As usual, I try to share with you things that I may be dealing with to add some perspective to the point God is trying to make or the direction I think he is trying to go in. Remember, we are all human and each lesson or message may not have an affect on your life as it does someone else. Additionally, you may not even like what I had to say, but it doesn't mean that God's word isn't the truth and could help someone who is in search of a Savior.

With that said, I ask up front that you read this message carefully withhold your comments, judgments, or anger until you read the full message. Remember, this message was derived from love and will end in love. If you disagree, that is between you and the Lord, but I hope it forces you to study the Word for yourself.

NOTE: I will not mention any names of individuals whom I disagree with. The goal is for you to increase your relationship with Christ and ask for wisdom and discernment. I only hope that you take the discussion in had with the Lord into consideration.

In the past I was a big proponent of getting people to hear the Word or to church anyway possible. I was a naive about the "name or claim it sect." Furthermore, I even attended the emotional churches, or the lay your tithes on the altar while the preacher is speaking type of church. As a matter of fact, once while in training in Georgia, I visited a church that had a DJ (in a DJ both) in the back of it. Or once I was at a mega church in Maryland, where everyone was there to see these famous preachers. I was so disappointed to see the behavior of the preachers who targeted their messages at the lonely, broken-hearted, and single mothers. They knew these people were struggling, but yet they demanded they lay thousands of dollars on the platform/stairs. Why, because God would surely bless them, as He (God) knew it was all they had. REALLY!!!! Then what made it worse, after that, they demanded these broken (emotionally) people go and buy their so called inspirational books and CDs. The people all but ran me over. What did God have to do with any of that?

Exegetical preaching or sound biblical doctrine is rare for many of us. It sounds like school or too much work, who wants to do that? We may think we know the Word because we hear it through some televangelist, radio preacher, or even at home self study. But without God's help do we really know him? Scripture speaks on our responsibility to ensure that we study God's word. We must become aware of those who pervert God's word for thier benefit, and those who water God's word down to make us feel better. I think the last statement is the rage of the day. Someone once told me that if you put one drop of ink in a cup of water the whole thing is contaminated. Please read the scriptures below and see the comments afterwards.

According to the Bible Study Tools website:

Book: 1 Timothy

Author: Both early tradition and the salutations of the Pastoral Letters (1,2 Timothy; Titus) themselves claim Paul as their author (1:1; 2Ti 1:1; Tit 1:1). Some objections have been raised in recent years on the basis of an alleged uncharacteristic vocabulary and style (see, e.g., notes on 1:15; 2:2), but other evidence still convincingly supports Paul's authorship.

Background and Purpose: During his fourth missionary journey, Paul had instructed Timothy to care for the church at Ephesus (1:3) while he went on to Macedonia. When he realized that he might not return to Ephesus in the near future (3:14-15), he wrote this first letter to Timothy to develop the charge he had given his young assistant (1:3, 18), to refute false teachings (1:3-7; 4:1-8; 6:3-5,20-21) and to supervise the affairs of the growing Ephesian church. A major problem in the Ephesian church was a heresy that combined Gnosticism, decadent Judaism (1:3-7) and false asceticism (4:1-5).

Date: 1 Timothy was written sometime after the events of Ac 28, at least eight years after Paul's three-year stay in Ephesus (Acts 19:10) (AD 62 - 66).

New English Translation - 1 Timothy 6:3-12 Summary of Timothy's Duties: ...Teach them and exhort them about these things. 3 If someone spreads false teachings and does not agree with sound words (that is, those of our Lord Jesus Christ) and with the teaching that accords with godliness, 4 he is conceited and understands nothing, but has an unhealthy interest in controversies and verbal disputes. This gives rise to envy, dissension, slanders, evil suspicions, 5 and constant bickering by people corrupted in their minds and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a way of making a profit. 6 Now godliness combined with contentment brings great profit. 7 For we have brought nothing into this world and so we cannot take a single thing out either. 8 But if we have food and shelter, we will be satisfied with that. 9 Those who long to be rich, however, stumble into temptation and trap and many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evils. Some people in reaching for it have strayed from the faith and stabbed themselves with many pains. 11 But you, as a person dedicated to God, keep away from all that. Instead pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness. 12 Compete well for the faith and lay hold of that eternal life you were called for and made your good confession for in the presence of many witnesses.

Matthew Henry Commentary : 1 Timothy Vs. 3 - 5. We are not to consent to any words as wholesome, except the words of our Lord Jesus Christ; to these we must give unfeigned consent. Commonly those are most proud who know least; for they do not know themselves. Hence come envy, strife, railings, evil- surmisings, disputes that are all subtlety, and of no solidity, between men of corrupt and carnal minds, ignorant of the truth and its sanctifying power, and seeking their worldly advantage.

1 Timothy Vs. 6- 10. Those that make a trade of Christianity to serve their turn for this world, will be disappointed; but those who mind it as their calling, will find it has the promise of the life that now is, as well as of that which is to come. He that is godly, is sure to be happy in another has the promise of the life that now is, as well as of that which is to come. He that is godly, is sure to be happy in another world; and if contented with his condition in this world, he has enough; and all truly godly people are content. When brought into the greatest straits, we cannot be poorer than when we came into this world; a shroud, a coffin, and a grave, are all that the richest man in the world can have from all his wealth. If nature should be content with a little, grace should be content with less. The necessaries of life bound a true Christian's desires, and with these he will endeavor to be content. We see here the evil of covetousness. It is not said, they that are rich, but they will be rich; who place their happiness in wealth, and are eager and determined in the pursuit. Those that are such, give to Satan the opportunity of tempting them, leading them to use dishonest means, and other bad practices, to add to their gains. Also, leading into so many employments, and such a hurry of business, as leave no time or inclination for spiritual religion; leading to connections that draw into sin and folly. What sins will not men be drawn into by the love of money! People may have money, and yet not love it; but if they love it, this will push them on to all evil. Every sort of wickedness and vice, in one way or another, grows from the love of money. We cannot look around without perceiving many proofs of this, especially in a day of outward prosperity, great expenses, and loose profession.

Discussion : So here is our question: "What does the Bible say about the prosperity gospel?" Based on researching the Word, and various sources (i.e. Bible Study Tools, Christian Research Institute, and Got Questions.Org ) we will briefly discuss this issue. I am sure you are wondering where this is coming from. Well, on my way home on Friday, I was listening to a minister on XM Radio. I tried not to be too critical of the sermon, but my first concern was that his/her channel was listed under the entertainment channel and not the religious channel. My second concern was the message itself (Overcoming Fear); other than aiming to make people feel good, I didn't hear the minister tell the listeners to be happy in whatever situation they were in. He never mentioned that they should consider Paul's "Thorn in the flesh" (see below). Therefore, I am sure many of you are aware that there are a slew of those who call themselves ministers, apostles (a whole other discussion), evangelist, etc., spreading various versions of the gospel on a daily basis. My goal is not to tell you what to do, it is merely to provide you with the tools to find the answers through God's word, not mine. The terms to keep in mind are "Prosperity Gospel and Word of Faith." According to GotQuestions.Org, in the “Word of Faith,” the believer is told to use God, whereas the truth of biblical Christianity is just the opposite—God uses the believer. Word of Faith or prosperity theology sees the Holy Spirit as a power to be put to use for whatever the believer wills. The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is a Person who enables the believer to do God's will. The prosperity gospel movement closely resembles some of the destructive greed sects that infiltrated the early church. Paul and the other apostles were not accommodating to or conciliatory with the false teachers who propagated such heresy. They identified them as dangerous false teachers and urged Christians to avoid them.

Paul warned Timothy about such men in 1 Timothy 6:5,9-11. These men of “corrupt mind” supposed godliness was a means of gain and their desire for riches was a trap that brought them “into ruin and destruction” (v. 9). The pursuit of wealth is a dangerous path for Christians and one which God warns about: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (v. 10).
Paul said covetousness is idolatry (Ephesians 5:5) and instructed the Ephesians to avoid anyone who brought a message of immorality or covetousness (Ephesians 5:6-7). Prosperity teaching prohibits God from working on His own, meaning that God is not Lord of all because He cannot work until we release Him to do so. Faith, according to the Word of Faith doctrine, is not submissive trust in God; faith is a formula by which we manipulate the spiritual laws that prosperity teachers believe govern the universe. As the name “Word of Faith” implies, this movement teaches that faith is a matter of what we say more than whom we trust or what truths we embrace and affirm in our hearts.

A favorite term in the Word of Faith movement is “positive confession.” This refers to the teaching that words themselves have creative power. What you say, Word of Faith teachers claim, determines everything that happens to you. Your confessions, especially the favors you demand of God, must all be stated positively and without wavering. Then God is required to answer (as though man could require anything of God!). Thus, God's ability to bless us supposedly hangs on our faith.James 4:13-16 clearly contradicts this teaching: “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” Far from speaking things into existence in the future, we do not even know what tomorrow will bring or even whether we will be alive.

As I stated previously, consider what's being said. If you truly believe in Christ, why would you limit him? Placing humanism ahead of Christ is never the way. God promised he would bless you and would provide for you, but you have a part to play as well. Remember, Jesus said in John 14:1-7; “Do not let your hearts be distressed. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 There are many dwelling places in my Fathers house. Otherwise, I would have told you, because I am going away to make ready a place for you. 3 And if I go and make ready a place for you, I will come again and take you to be with me, so that where I am you may be too. 4 And you know the way where I am going.” If this is true, why are we stressing? Life is and was not designed to be easy, everyone is not designed to be rich, or poor. Everyone is designed by God, whereby he knows from the womb, that certain things will happen in your life (Psalm 139:13-16; Mat. 10:26-33)

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 ...Therefore, so that I would not become arrogant, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to trouble me so that I would not become arrogant. 8 I asked the Lord three times about this, that it would depart from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is enough for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” So then, I will boast most gladly about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may reside in me. 10 Therefore I am content with weaknesses, with insults, with troubles, with persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.

Matthew Henry Commentary : 2 Corinthians 12:7- 10 The apostle gives an account of the method God took to keep him humble, and to prevent his being lifted up above measure, on account of the visions and revelations he had. We are not told what this thorn in the flesh was, whether some great trouble, or some great temptation. But God often brings this good out of evil, that the reproaches of our enemies help to hide pride from us. If God loves us, he will keep us from being exalted above measure; and spiritual burdens are ordered to cure spiritual pride. This thorn in the flesh is said to be a messenger of Satan which he sent for evil; but God designed it, and overruled it for good. Prayer is a salve for every sore, a remedy for every malady; and when we are afflicted with thorns in the flesh, we should give ourselves to prayer. If an answer be not given to the first prayer, nor to the second, we are to continue praying. Troubles are sent to teach us to pray; and are continued, to teach us to continue instant in prayer. Though God accepts the prayer of faith, yet he does not always give what is asked for: as he sometimes grants in wrath, so he sometimes denies in love. When God does not take away our troubles and temptations, yet, if he gives grace enough for us, we have no reason to complain. Grace signifies the goodwill of God towards us, and that is enough to enlighten and enliven us, sufficient to strengthen and comfort in all afflictions and distresses. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Thus his grace is manifested and magnified. When we are weak in ourselves, then we are strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; when we feel that we are weak in ourselves, then we go to Christ, receive strength from him, and enjoy most the supplies of Divine strength and grace.

According to GotQuestions.Org, "No one likes to live in pain. Paul sought the Lord three times to remove this source of pain from him (2 Corinthians 12:8). He probably had many good reasons why he should be pain-free: he could have a more effective ministry; he could reach more people with the gospel; he could glorify God even more! But the Lord was more concerned with building Paul’s character and preventing pride. Instead of removing the problem, whatever it was, God gave Paul more overwhelming grace and more compensating strength. Paul learned that God’s “power is made perfect in weakness” (verse 9). The exact nature of Paul’s thorn in the flesh is uncertain. There is probably a good reason that we don’t know. God likely wanted Paul’s difficulty to be described in general enough terms to apply to any difficulty we may face now. Whether the “thorn” we struggle with today is physical, emotional, or spiritual, we can know that God has a purpose and that His grace is all-sufficient." So the question for us, are we any better or different from Paul. Can we demand God to remove our "Thorn", or through "name it or claim it", can we will it to happen? It seems to me that God's will is greater and learning that is the key. Be blessed and choose Christ.

Family development in a "Right Now" generation

Message for 12/8/14

Greetings,  I hope that your past week went by well and you found time to do some internal searching and research regarding the development of a proactive relationship with Christ.  I pray that this week and this message finds you in good health.  

As usual, In preparation for writing,  God and I converse on issues that I or my family have faced, or issues that are going on in the world. Obviously, there's quite a bit that could be said. It is up to you if you choose to take a side. But as for what we will focus on today, is family.  The foundation of what my personal belief, is the primary cause for much of the issues today.  When I mention family,  I don't just mean the human family,  I mean your spiritual family.  The one many of us are missing with the Trinity (The Father,  Son, and Holy Spirit).  Please take a moment to review the Word of God below and I will explain later.  

Book : Proverbs

Authors:  King Solomon, other wise men, such as Agur son of Jakeh, and King Lemuel.
Time: The tenth century b.c., some comparables to writings of the second millennium b.c.; and it is believed  that some important sections of Proverbs were compiled and edited from 715 to 686 b.c.

Purpose:  "According to the prologue (1:1-7), Proverbs was written to give "prudence to the simple,knowledge and discretion to the young" (1:4), and to make the wise even wiser (1:5). The frequent references to "my son(s)" (1:8,10; 2:1; 3:1; 4:1;5:1) emphasize instructing the young and guiding them in a way of life that yields rewarding ends. Acquiring wisdom and knowing how to avoid the pitfalls of folly lead to personal well-being, happy family relationships, fruitful labors and good standing in the community (see outline, p. 1279). Although Proverbs is a practical book dealing with the art of living, it bases its practical wisdom solidly on the fear of the Lord (1:7; see Ps 34:8-14 and note)."

Proverbs 17:25-28 (New English Translation )
25 A foolish child is a grief to his father, and bitterness to the mother who bore him.
26 It is terrible to punish a righteous person, and to flog honorable men is wrong.
27 The truly wise person restrains his words, and the one who stays calm is discerning.
28 Even a fool who remains silent is considered wise, and the one who holds his tongue is deemed discerning.

Matthew Henry Commentary :
17:25  Wicked children despise the authority of their father, and the tenderness of their mother.
17:26. It is very wrong to find fault for doing what is duty.
17:27- 28. A man may show himself to be a wise man, by the good temper of his mind, and by the good government of his tongue. He is careful when he does speak, to speak to the purpose. God knows his heart, and the folly that is bound there; therefore he cannot be deceived in his judgment as men may be.

As I did some research,  I went to a site called "Got Questions.Org", you may have seen me mention this site in the past. The question I asked was as follows :  Question:"What does the Bible say about being a good parent?"

Answer: "Being a good parent can be a difficult and challenging venture, but at the same time can be the most rewarding and fulfilling thing we ever do. The Bible has a great deal to say about the way we can successfully raise our children to be men and women of God. As a good parent, the first thing we must do is teach them the truth about God's Word.

Along with loving God and being a godly example by committing ourselves to His commands, we need to heed the command of Deuteronomy 6:7-9 regarding teaching our children to do the same. This passage emphasizes the ongoing nature of such instruction. It should be done at all times—at home, on the road, at night, and in the morning. Biblical truth should be the foundation of our homes. By following the principles of these commands, we teach our children that worshiping God should be constant, not reserved for Sunday mornings or nightly prayers.

Although our children learn a great deal through direct teaching, they learn much more by watching us. This is why we must be careful in everything we do. We must first acknowledge our God-given roles. Husbands and wives are to be mutually respectful and submissive to each other (Ephesians 5:21). At the same time, God has established a line of authority to keep order. “Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God” (1 Corinthians 11:3). We know that Christ is not inferior to God, just as a wife is not inferior to her husband. God recognizes, however, that without submission to authority, there is no order. The husband's responsibility as the head of the household is to love his wife as he loves his own body, in the same sacrificial way that Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25-29).
 
Discipline and instruction are integral parts of being a good parent.Proverbs 13:24 says, “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.” Children who grow up in undisciplined households feel unwanted and unworthy. They lack direction and self-control, and as they get older they rebel and have little or no respect for any kind of authority, including God's. “Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death” (Proverbs 19:18). At the same time, discipline must be balanced with love, or children may grow up resentful, discouraged, and rebellious (Colossians 3:21). God recognizes that discipline is painful when it is happening (Hebrews 12:11), but if followed by loving instruction, it is remarkably beneficial to the child. “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4)."

You may question the connection between the issues today and the biblical foundation laid out in the Bible.  You may question why I chose to put so much faith in God's word and subject my family to God's grace, mercy, and wisdom.  Finally, you may ask how can I build a relationship with Christ.  Well, let's consider what we just read.  Take a look at our society and the social problems of today.  While heading to dinner with my family, we were listening to XM Radio, on the Radio Classics channel they were playing the speech given by President Roosevelt regarding the attack on Pearl Harbor, which had occurred on 12/7/41.  At the end of the speech, the radio announcer played the National Anthem.  We explained to our son that although we weren't around then, we missed how at night in the 70's and 80's, the National Anthem would play at night and television would go off the air for time. Obviously, he thought it was awful and failed to understand why we missed it. We explained how it forced us to talk and we developed such imaginations and family bonds. Today, our children have no time to verbally speak with each other and parents are to busy to have dinner together.  I even notice that children today don't even have true relationships to emulate. They rarely see husband and wife hold hands or kiss, long-term marriages (man and woman), and people taking their families to a bible believing church.

In a recent discussion that took place this weekend, and one that happened several weeks ago,  I spoke to several parents about how today parents spend so much time either trying to be friends with thier kids or worried about their kids feelings when making a parenting decision.  They find this overwhelming urge to give the child rights, privacy, and the feeling of being involved with family decisions. While thier may be a time and a place for it, it should be severely limited. Improperly teaching your child the meaning of equality could be detrimental.  Think about it, do you see yourself equal to God, your heavenly father.  If he punished you for doing something wrong, do you believe that you could talk back to him and say something stupid like, "Well Joey did it and Satan (The father of lies) didn't punish him.  I'm older now, and I should be able to do what I want!"  How well do you think that will go over with Him?

My point to all of this is that as a parent,  building the proper foundation with Christ is key to good parenting.  Taking stock in that relationship will put your relationship with your family in check quickly.  Social media,  technology,  and basically the evil desires of the world truly have a stronghold on the dreams and aspirations of our youth today.  From music, reality TV,  to movies, the Bible offers ther best and only blue print to raise your child and strengthen your family.  

As I try to rap this up consider the previously mentioned verses in Proverbs  17:25-28, verses 26 - 28, are key developments to aiding a young person in life. These character building traits are ones that only the Bible can offer. There will be days such as we see in the media where people judge others motives, when the only facts they have are thier actions; anger or misinformation  causes them to make a rash decision or join the wrong crusade, because they fail to remain silent long enough to discern right from wrong.

I can only ask that you consider my comments,  but moreover the words pulled from scripture.  The world may be against you or others believing in Christ, or it may a difficult choice to brave the level of adult peer pressure that you will face; I can only ask that you consider giving God a try.  Not only for yourself,  but for your children and your family.  

Finally,  a little help from Got Questions.Org, on salvation from Christ;  Answer: “All you need to do to be saved is to ask Jesus to come into your heart...”   "When the Bible gives a gospel presentation, it encourages people to believe (John 3:16;Acts 16:31), receive (John 1:12), or change their minds, i.e., repent (Acts 3:19). That is the proper response to the gospel. We are to change our minds about our sin and about who Christ is, believe Jesus died and rose again, and receive the gift of eternal life in faith. We are to recognize that we are sinners (Romans 3:23), understand that we deserve to be eternally separated from God (Romans 6:23), trust that Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins (2 Corinthians 5:21;1 Peter 2:24), and receive the gift of salvation God offers us (Ephesians 2:8–9). All of this is done in faith, with God’s enabling (John 6:44). Salvation is not something we do or earn. Salvation is something we receive from God due to His mercy and grace."

References :
Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/good-parent.html#ixzz3LFd6rXcM
Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/ask-Jesus-into-heart.html#ixzz3LHbfNI2K