Slow Down

Often times in life's journey, we must slow down from our normal fast pace. There are times when it seems that we're not progressing at all. We have difficulty comprehending certain classroom courses or solving some complex life decision.

There is nothing wrong with slow, cautious travel as long as we are still approaching our goals. Never give up and totally stop.

"Everything comes to him who waits, if he works while he waits."

Have a good day!
Love,
Dad


"'I called Him, but He gave me no answer' Canticles 5:6 [Song of Soloman]

Prayer sometimes tarrieth, like a petitioner at the gate, until the King comes forth to fill her bosom with the blessings which she seeketh. The Lord, when He hath given great faith, has been known to try it by long delayings. He has suffered his servants' voices to echo in their ears as from a brazen sky. They have knocked at the golden gate, but it has remained immovable, as though it were rusted upon its hinges. Like Jeremiah, they have cried, 'Thou has covered Thyself with a cloud, that our prayer should not pass through.' Thus have true saints continued long in patient waiting without reply, not because their prayers were not vehement, nor because they were unaccepted, but because it so pleased Him who is a Sovereign, and who gives according to His own pleasure. If it pleases Him to bid our patience exercise itself, shall He not do as He wills with His own! Beggars must not be choosers either as to time, place, or form. But we must be careful not to take delays in prayer for denials: God's long-dated bills will be punctually honoured; we must not suffer Satan to shake our confidence in the God of truth by pointing to our unanswered prayers. Unanswered petitions are not unheard. God keeps a file for our prayers-they are not blown away by the wind, they are treasured in the King's archives. There is a registry in the court of heaven wherein every prayer is recorded. Tried believer, thy Lord hath a tear-bottle in which the costly drops of sacred grief are put away, and a book in which the holy groanings are numbered. By-and-by, thy suit shall prevail. Canst thou not be content to wait a little? Will not thy Lord's time be better than thy time? By-and-by He will comfortably appear, to thy soul's joy, and make thee put away the sackcloth and ashes of long waiting, and put on the scarlet and fine linen of full fruition."
Spurgeon's "Morning and Evening" March 29

Relationships

During life's journey, we have relationships with many people. Some develop into close companionships, while others remain only casual. Since we are continually dealing with other individuals, there are times when the travel is rough and bumpy. There will always be differences of opinions, viewpoints and ideas. Not everyone will totally be in agreement at all times. What should we do? Our initial thought is to belittle the other person's opinion or get upset because they disagree with us. That doesn't help much.

* Remember that everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion (good or bad, right or wrong).
* Don't get into arguments that could affect our long term relationship.
* Take the attitude of agreeing to disagree.
* Don't hold hard feelings.
* Be willing to let the other individual express their own thoughts and you go on with life.
* Don't worry about it.
* Enjoy life's relationships.

Have a good day!
Love,
Dad


"In matters of principle, stand like a rock; in matters of taste, swim with the current." ~Thomas Jefferson

In this postmodern world where truth is believed to be subjective, we must stand out (notice I said "stand out") for what is Truth. It is Truth that there is a God who expects complete righteousness to enter into Heaven. It is Truth that we are fallen men and cannot enter into Heaven on our own merit (no matter how "good" a life we think we live). It is Truth that Christ became man, lived a completely sinless life as a man, died a sacrificial death on the cross to be the perfect atonement for the sins of man, and beat death by raising from the grave. It is Truth that this passes all knowledge. It is Truth that we can only be saved from our sins and enter into an eternal relationship with Christ by believing on these Truths. It is Truth that you can only believe on these Truths if the Holy Spirit opens your eyes to see and your ears to hear. Do you know the truth?

"Jesus therefore said to those Jews that had believed him, If ye abide in my word, then are ye truly my disciples; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32)

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)

"that we may be no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error; but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, even Christ;" (Eph 4:14-15)

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Phi 4:8)

Finally, when discussing the truth with others, know that if they are blind, they are no different from the postmodernist who believes that truth is subjective. Don't beat one over the head with it, but as Paul says, speak the truth in love and leave it to the Spirit to do the work. Be a beacon of light in the world. When others see you, is there something different about you? We know that actions speak louder than words. If you live a life worthy of your calling, there will be nothing that you have to prove.

How Great Thou Art

Whether you like her or not, you have to agree that it is a job well done. When I heard it, I had to share.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhvaDJTUmrU

Use It or Lose It

Each of us has abilities and skills that cannot be accomplished by others.

Use what God has given you. The old saying is true:

"Use it or lose it."

Value your time and abilities! Don't lose them.

Have a good day!
Love,
Dad


The good Lord has blessed me with the desire (and I hope ability) to write. I recall in middle school having a "career fair" where we could select three careers about which we wanted to learn. One of my choices was "author." (Coincidentally, I don't remember what the other careers were that I chose.) The Lord has provided this opportunity to share my father's life lessons with you and I take it as an honor that I am so blessed to have such a father. I take it as a chance to share Christ to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ," for the furtherance of His kingdom. And as an opportunity for me to grow and learn to be a better Christian, wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. Needless to say, it is quite a job that I have taken on (not negatively); I am already amazed, humbled and overwhelmed at the response that I have received from you and how it is being used in your lives. If at any time, you wish to discuss or share anything about what I have posted, please feel free to comment. I can only praise God for His abundant mercies!

"Thus saith Jehovah, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches; but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he hath understanding, and knoweth me, that I am Jehovah who exerciseth lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith Jehovah." (Jer 9:23-24)

It's All in How You Look at It

Things turn out the best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out!


Have a good day!
Love,
Dad


'In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit' Luke 10:21

The Saviour was 'a man of sorrows' but every thoughtful mind has discovered the fact that down deep in His innermost soul He carried an inexhaustible treasury of refined and heavenly joy. Of all the human race, there was never a man who had a deeper, purer, or more abiding peace than our Lord Jesus Christ. 'He was anointed with the oil of gladness above His fellows.' His vast benevolence must, from the very nature of things, have afforded Him the deepest possible delight, for benevolence is joy. There were a few remarkable seasons when this joy manifested itself. 'At that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth.' Christ had His songs, though it was night with Him; though His face was marred, and His countenance had lost the lustre of earthly happiness, yet sometimes it was lit up with a matchless splendour of unparalleled satisfaction, as He thought upon the recompense of the reward, and in the midst of the congregation sang His praise unto God. In this, the Lord Jesus is a blessed picture of His church on earth. At this hour the church expects to walk in sympathy with her Lord along a thorny road; through much tribulation she is forcing her way to the crown. To bear the cross is her office, and to be scorned and counted an alien by her mother's children is her lot; and yet the church has a deep well of joy, of which none can drink but her own children. There are stores of wine, and oil, and corn, hidden in the midst of our Jerusalem, upon which the saints of God are evermore sustained and nurtured; and sometimes, as in our Saviour's case, we have our seasons of intense delight, for 'There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of our God.' Exiles though we be, we rejoice in our King; yea, in Him we exceedingly rejoice, while in His name we set up our banners.
~from C.H. Spurgeon's "Morning and Evening" March 24

Apply Yourself

Hope that you had an enjoyable weekend.

Doesn't it seem that the clock slows down Monday through Friday and speeds up right after school on Friday throughout the entire weekend?

Hope that you have a great week. Much success is waiting if you apply yourself!

Have a good day!
Love,
Dad


Regarding the book of Ruth:
"Manythings besides may be learnt from this little book, as the different circumstances of good people in this life, and the particular providence of God respecting them. It furnishes out examples of bearing afflictions patiently, of industry, courteousness, kindness to strangers, and young converts; and none can doubt of the divine authority of this book, that considers the use made of it in the genealogies of Christ..." from John Gill (1697-1771)

"Naomi and Ruth came to Bethlehem in the beginning of the barley harvest season. It was the custom to allow poor people and those without support to follow the reapers in the field and pick up what they had left. Ruth went out to glean in the fields; and by God's providence she gleaned in the field of Boaz, Naomi's near kinsman (2:1). Boaz took notice of Ruth, had compassion on her, instructed her to glean in his field, and told the reapers to let fall some 'handfuls of purpose' (2:16) for her. This world belongs to the Lord Jesus. It is his by design, by decree, and by death (Col. 1:16-17; John 3:35; Rom. 14:9; John 17:2). We live and glean in his field. The Lord Jesus in grace and love has taken notice of some of Adam's race. He knew us though we knew him not; He loved us though we did not love him; and by his handfuls of purpose, we have lived and prospered to this day. God takes care of his own even in their days of unbelief... Read in Ruth 3:1-7 how Ruth humbled herself at the feet of Boaz, seeking his mercy, as we lie at the feet of Christ, for he owes us nothing. Read in Ruth 3:10-11 how Boaz accepts her whom he already loved, even as we are accepted in the Beloved upon evidence of humility and faith. Read how Boaz married Ruth and all of his wealth and name became hers, even as we are married to Christ and are joint-heirs with him because we are his and wear his name. The pagan girl became the wife of Boaz, the great-grandmother of King David, and stood in the lineage of Christ - all of grace!" an excerpt from "The Works of Henry Mahan, Volume 1." Henry Mahan, 2007.

My Dear Grace

Today you celebrate your first birthday; therefore, I want to express my best wishes, thoughts and love to you. Oh what joy you have brought me during this one year and I trust for many additional years to come.

How ironic that you were born on the first day of spring; the day when we normally think that the weather will be fair and growth will be seen. During the winter, there is great bareness and unfruitfulness, yet when spring comes, attitudes improve, excitement fills the air, light breaks and hearts are melted with a sense of love. That is what I think when I see you and your infectious smile and cheerful appearance.

Song of Solomon 2:11-13 "For lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; the flowers appear on the earth, the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; the fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell."

Years ago, parents would name their children either in regard to or love for family members or friends and/or particular circumstances and situations. Every time that the parent would address the child, they would be reminded of the person/reason of that name. Today, however, names are given more because of the "sound" of it, frivolous and meaningless reasons. When I think of you, I am inclined to think that your parents did a great deal of consideration when they gave you your name. What a reminder and blessing when your name is mentioned because of what it reflects! Grace: God's riches at Christ's expense; unmerited and undeserved favor. How truly good is God's grace! I believe that your parents gave you this name because of what God has done to and for them. It is my burden and prayer that in due time, He might likewise show His grace upon you. May you be brought to the knowledge of your need of Christ and may the spirit of God reveal Jesus to you. Then, and only then, can you understand the true meaning of your name, Grace.

It is my understanding that you were also given your middle name, Carey, from your Grandmother Augustine's side of the family. You are a descendant of a great missionary of the middle 1700s. William Carey was born in 1761, and at the age of 32, went to India as a missionary. For 41 years he labored there, without any fanfare, support and little notice. There was very little response to his message and ministry. Yet he continued on in spite of difficulties and sorrow. He was so determined to go regardless of the cost! Initially, his wife refused to go along, but finally consented to be with him; therefore, she and their one child left England for India. She gave birth to a daughter shortly after the departure, this following the loss of two other baby girls. It wasn't too long after arrival in India that Mrs. Carey died, but he remained faithful to his calling.

Before his departure from England, he was an apprentice shoemaker but spent much time studying and self taught himself several languages. He read much from the Puritan writers and became deeply concerned with the propagating of the gospel message throughout the world. The amazing characteristics of William Carey were his conviction of the need of others, faithfulness to a cause, and desire to benefit others. He lived for the glory of God and assistance towards those that he met. Before he died, he made it a point to convey, "say nothing of Dr. Carey when I am gone but speak about Dr. Carey's God." I am hopeful that you, like him, will be enabled to have the same spirit, attitude and determination.

May you have the same longing, like your sister, to learn and study. May you have her determination and competitive spirit. While at the same time, I hope that you have the compassion and affection of your brother. There will be many similarities and comparisons between you and your siblings but remain yourself and truly be full of "grace."

To my "spring day" girl and "amazing" grace, my love and prayer!

Love,
Popaw

Sign of the Times

City and state officials will change the names of roads from time to time.

We're living in a society today that is constantly changing names of activities to eliminate the thought of sin and wrong doing.


- Instead of murdering innocent babies, we call it a woman's choice.

- Instead of adultery, we call it an affair.

- Instead of homosexuality and sodomy, we call it an alternative lifestyle.

- Instead of robbery, we call it personal freedom to make up what we're lacking.

- Instead of laziness, we call it welfare and/or unemployment.


Be careful not to get caught up in the deceptive practices of Satan.


Have a good day!
Love,
Dad

Wise Companions

On highways, we are constantly aware of merging traffic --people getting on the main road. Sometimes we are the one merging into traffic; and at times, we let others come into our line of travel.

Life has its merging of relationships. People are continually entering into our lives -- some good, others not so good.

Be careful but open minded. Travel on defensively.

Remember:
"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." (Prov 13:20)

Have a good day!
Love,
Dad

Strive for Betterment

There is something to be said about increasing the speed limit on freeways; one will get to their destination quicker [In 1992, Kentucky interstate speed limits were increased from 55 to 65]. When we travel, I know that you get restless with my slow driving.

In life we should have a spirit of restlessness; have the ability from becoming complacent with our achievements.

We should always strive to advance. Never stop from doing what we should become.

Strive for betterment!

Have a good day!
Love,
Dad


"Property is the fruit of labor...property is desirable...is a positive good in the world. That some should be rich shows that others may become rich, and hence is just encouragement to industry and enterprise. Let not him who is houseless pull down the house of another; but let him labor diligently and build one for himself, thus by example assuring that his own shall be safe from violence when built."
The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln edited by Roy P. Basler, Volume VII, "Reply to New York Workingmen's Democratic Republican Association" (March 21, 1864), pp. 259-260.

"It is only through labor and painful effort, by grim energy and resolute courage, that we move on to better things." Theodore Roosevelt

Use of Time

The light is green and the cars begin to move. You're starting a brand new week today. Never in the history of time has this week come by. How will it turn out for you?

Make the best of it. You have a total of 168 fresh and unused hours. Only approximately one fifth will be in the classroom. Much of your success in the 1/5 of time will depend upon what you do during the 4/5. Use your time wisely.

Have a good day!
Love,
Dad


"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." (Eph 5:15-16)

"...redeeming the time (Eph 5:16), literally, buying the opportunity. It is a metaphor taken from merchants and traders who diligently observe and improve the seasons for merchandise and trade. It is a great part of Christian wisdom to redeem the time. Good Christians must be good husbands of their time, and take care to improve it to the best of purposes, by watching against temptations, by doing good while it is in the power of their hands, and by filling it up with proper employment - one special preservative from sin. They should make the best use they can of the present seasons of grace. Our time is a talent given us by God for some good end, and it is misspent and lost when it is not employed according to his design. If we have lost our time heretofore, we must endeavour to redeem it by doubling our diligence in doing our duty for the future. The reason given is because the days are evil, either by reason of the wickedness of those who dwell in them, or rather “as they are troublesome and dangerous times to you who live in them.”
commentary by Matthew Henry (1662-1714)

Try Something

Try to learn something new.

"And let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful." (Tit 3:14)

~~~

Try to teach something valuable.

"And the Lord's servant must not strive, but be gentle towards all, apt to teach, forbearing," (2Ti 2:24)

~~~

Try to say something friendly.

"She openeth her mouth with wisdom; And the law of kindness is on her tongue." (Pro 31:26)

~~~

Try to do something wise.

"Every wise woman buildeth her house; But the foolish plucketh it down with her own hands." (Pro 14:1)

~~~

Have a good day!
Love,
Dad

When the Wicked Rule

I have been struggling lately (mostly from a lack of faith) over the state of our world. I no longer ask if our religious freedoms will be trampled but when will they be taken from us? What is the point of giving my children an outstanding Christian education if they will be forbidden to use it? (I've figured out that discernment, at least, is a very important trait to have in this day.) I came across this article from my former pastor and it helped a bit. It doesn't tell me anything new, but just reinforces what I already know. (Sorry for hijacking the "letters" today, Dad, but I thought that this might be helpful to others as well as myself.)

When the Wicked Rule

Proverbs 29:2

I recently read John Gill’s exposition of Proverbs 29: 2. When I got to the second part of the proverb, though Gill’s exposition was written 250 years ago, I thought, “This could have been an editorial in today’s paper.”

When the Righteous Rule

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.” — Few have been the days in the history of the world when righteous men were in authority anywhere. Very few have held authority in the history of the world like David and Josiah. Few have been the kings, prime ministers, legislators or judges in any nation who truly feared God and led the people by example and by precept in his ways. When such men are “in power and dominion,” Gill wrote, “are set in high places, and have the exercise of civil government and the execution of the laws in their hands; for the protection of good men in their civil and religious privileges, and for the punishment of evil men; for the encouraging of all that is good, and for the discouraging of everything that is bad,” the people ruled by righteous men rejoice and have reason to continually give thanks to God for them.

When the righteous rule “the people rejoice.” The rule of righteous men spreads joy in any land. Contrary to the opinions of wicked men, it is not the righteous who are hard, over-bearing and oppressive, but the wicked. When the righteous are in authority; the whole nation benefits, the public good is advanced. Living under the government of men who seek the good of the nation, not the increase of their own wealth and power, the whole nation enjoys the advantage of it. So it was when Solomon reigned over Judah and Israel (1 Kings 4:20-21).

When the Wicked Rule

“But when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” — As far as I know, there is not a nation in the world today where the wicked do not rule. Idolatry (will-worship, the idolizing of man) is rampant everywhere. When men idolize themselves, divine judgment is sure to follow (Romans 1), reflected in the rule of the wicked in every realm of society. Politicians, educators and religious leaders, united in the promotion of wickedness, calling evil good and good evil, do everything possible to overthrow the worship of God; and fornication, adultery, homosexuality, the murder of inconvenient children and moral perversity of every kind increase and are promoted.

Therefore the people mourn, groan and sigh, as Gill wrote, “under their tyranny and oppression, and because of the sad state of things; the number of good men is lessened, being cut off, or obliged to flee; wicked men and wickedness are encouraged and promoted; heavy taxes are laid upon them, and exorbitant demands made and cruelty, injustice, and arbitrary power exercised; and no man’s person and property are safe.”

God’s Doing

Whether the righteous rule or the wicked, it is God’s doing. He puts men (and even women) in authority as he will for two purposes: (1.) To punish the wicked who despise his rule and (2.) to save his elect. Let us never imagine for a moment that the wicked rule because God has lost control of things. It is still true today, — “The king‘s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will” (Proverbs 21:1).

Rather than complaining to our neighbors and to one another about the wicked the Lord has placed in authority in this day of judgment, let us pray for those very rulers, “for all who are in authority,” mourning, groaning, sighing to God as Israel did in Egypt because of the oppression of that Pharaoh “who knew not Joseph.” God will take care of Pharaoh and Egypt, disposing of them and their influence at his time, when they have fulfilled his purpose; and he will do it in such a way that they and we shall know that he did it.

You can be sure of this, too: The Lord our God, our ever-faithful, covenant keeping Jehovah, will take care of his Israel. He will save his people. He is gathering and will gather his chosen out of every corner of this Egypt, precisely at the time promised in the covenant to our great Joseph before the world began. Just as Israel came out of Egypt with a high hand, spoiling the Egyptians, carrying all the silver and gold of Egypt out with them, so Babylon and Egypt shall be spoiled in the ultimate salvation of God’s elect. That is to say, everything worth having, everything valuable and useful shall soon be taken away from the wicked and all the riches, and glory, and honor of all the kingdoms of this world shall be brought into the New Jerusalem, the City of God, the Church of Christ, for the glory of God (Revelation 21:24).

Don Fortner

Be Diligent

I know that I get a lot of grief from you for my driving "too slow." Speed limits are set for our safety.

Just remember that laziness travels so slowly that poverty soon overtakes him.

Be diligent and continue to go forward.

Have a good day!
Love,
Dad


"Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the archives, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon. And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of Media, a roll, and therein was thus written for a record: In the first year of Cyrus the king, Cyrus the king made a decree: Concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, let the house be builded, the place where they offer sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof threescore cubits; with three courses of great stones, and a course of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king's house. And also let the gold and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to its place; and thou shalt put them in the house of God. Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are beyond the River, be ye far from thence: let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in its place. Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the River, expenses be given with all diligence unto these men, that they be not hindered. And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for burnt-offerings to the God of heaven; also wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the word of the priests that are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail; that they may offer sacrifices of sweet savor unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons. Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let a beam be pulled out from his house, and let him be lifted up and fastened thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this: and the God that hath caused his name to dwell there overthrow all kings and peoples that shall put forth their hand to alter the same, to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with all diligence. Then Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and their companions, because that Darius the king had sent, did accordingly with all diligence. And the elders of the Jews builded and prospered, through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the decree of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king. And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy. And they offered at the dedication of this house of God a hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin-offering for all Israel, twelve he-goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel. And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses. And the children of the captivity kept the passover upon the fourteenth day of the first month. For the priests and the Levites had purified themselves together; all of them were pure: and they killed the passover for all the children of the captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves. And the children of Israel that were come again out of the captivity, and all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the nations of the land, to seek Jehovah, the God of Israel, did eat, and kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for Jehovah had made them joyful, and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel." (Ezr 6:1-22)

It is comforting to know at a time such as it is that Jehovah is in control. He uses evil for good. May we be diligent in proclaiming His name for the furtherance of His kingdom!

Satisfaction

Roadsigns inform us that we're traveling along the correct road. Corrections can be made, if wrong; and satisfaction is felt if traveling in the right direction.

There are some roadsigns of life that will give us satisfaction:

* Do your work to the best of your ability.
* Be responsible for yourself.
* Take pride in your accomplishments.
* Try hard.
* Love your friends, family and even strangers.
* Always be honest.

Have a good day!
Love,
Dad

One Way

The other night as I was running, I was going south on 3rd Street. A truck pulled to the stop sign at 3rd & Green. He blocked my path so I went behind him. I noticed that he turned left (wrong way) into the north bound traffic. Cars had to stop and horns started blowing. I yelled at the driver to inform him of his wrong direction. He finally stopped about a block later and turned around. His mistake was that he failed to follow directional signs.

You be careful of your direction!

"In the way of righteousness is life..." (Prov 12:28)

Have a good day!
Love,
Dad


"One that is in the true way of righteousness is one that is instilled by the righteousness of Christ, which justification is the justification of life: such an one is made alive, and reckons himself alive in a law sense; and enjoys true spiritual peace and comfort, arising from the love and favour of God, and acceptance with him, in which he sees his interest, and in which is life; and this righteousness, by which he is justified before God, entitles him to eternal life; to which the path of holiness, he is directed and enabled to walk in, leads; though it is a narrow way, and a strait gate (Matt 7:14). Christ, and righteousness and holiness in and by him, are the way, the truth, and the life, or the true way to eternal life; and all in this way now live spiritually, and shall live eternally (John 14:6)." (commentary by John Gill, 1697-1771)

Be Strong and Very Courageous

This should be a great year for you. You will be learning things that you never knew before and sharing your knowledge with others. This year is the start of a whole new part of your life; a brand new adventure full of excitement and challenges, new friends and new things to do.

I don't have a bunch of advice, except to say, "Do what you know is right, even if it's a hard thing sometimes."

Have a good day!
Love,
Dad


"Only be strong and very courageous, to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest have good success whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate thereon day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not affrighted, neither be thou dismayed: for Jehovah thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." (Josh 1:7-9)

"Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints, and on my behalf, that utterance may be given unto me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. " (Eph 6:10-20)


No where in the Bible does it say that we are to do what is hard, to go against the evils in the world, alone. In fact, Ephesians 6 says to "take up the whole armor of God." To arm yourself with the "breastplate of righteousness...shield of faith...helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit," and to do all this through prayer and supplication. Furthermore, we are not expected to know the truth without the work of the Holy Spirit. So, where do we get the breastplate and the shield, the helmet and the sword? The Word, of course. You will find the truth and the full armor to "do what you know is right, even if it's a hard thing sometimes" from Genesis 1:1 to Revelations 22:21. Not only this sweetness will you have, but you will be strengthened in this fight, for "Jehovah thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." So, "be strong and of good courage" today as you put on the full armor of God.

Wrong Way

I want to encourage you to apply yourself as you journey through each day of school. Make sure that you're going on the right path.

"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." Prov 14:12

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Prov 3:5-6

Have a good day!
Love,
Dad

The Name Above All Names

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
(Phi 2:9-11)


Each of us is identified by the name given to us by our parents. Whenever our name is mentioned or read, those who know us draw some type of conclusion. Good or bad? Selfish or generous? Diligent or lazy? Dependable or unreliable?

How do people react and think of you when your name is mentioned? Protect yourself and develop a good name.

"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches." Proverbs 22:1

Each of us has spent our lifetime developing either a good or bad name. Any one event or situation which takes place in our lives could make or destroy our name. Travel with great care and caution!

Always protect who you are. Be proud of yourself and don't destroy in a short time what has taken a lifetime to build.

Have a good day!
Love,
Dad


Do people think on the name of Christ when they hear or see your name? Praise His Name at all times and in all situations to the Glory of God!

What name gives you comfort? Call on His name.


How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
In a believer's ear!
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,
And drives away His fear,
And drives away His fear.

It makes the wounded spirit whole,
And calms the troubled breast;
'Tis manna to the hungry soul,
And to the weary, rest,
And to the weary, rest.

Dear name - the rock on which I build,
My shield and hiding place;
My never failing treasure, filled
With boundless stores of grace,
With boundless stores of grace!

Jesus, my shepherd, brother, friend,
My prophet, priest, and King.
My Lord, my life, my way, my end,
Accept the Praise I bring,
Accept the praise I bring.

(John Newton, 1725-1807)


Steve Camp (click on camponthis blog to the right) has done a nice job of listing many of the names of the Name above all names. Check out his blog from Feb.24.