TIme For Real Food, Hebrews 5:12

Time For Real Food

Hebrews 5:12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! anyone who lives on milk, still being an infant, is not acquainted with the teachings about righteousness.

We are instructed in the Bible to pursue righteousness, fleeing evil and pursuing right living. In the Old Testament, there are many practical applications in knowing the difference between right and wrong, especially my favorite section, Proverbs.

When you hear that "all you need is love," that phrase popularized in the 60's, "it's not about doing for the Lord," remember what this verse says. Although, love is a major theme in the scriptures, the feet of love is righteousness, the things we do for others. This verse says those who do not understand the need for righteous acts in a Christian's life still feeding on the elementary teachings of the spiritual life and need to be shown how to live out their salvation.

A and K, learn the basic principles of Christian living, then move on with your spiritual life, in order to take the steps of a mature follower of Christ, who is walking in righteousness.

~Dad

Stepping in the light, banjo style

Step Into The Water, Southern Gospel style, Shake that Bible at them ( inside joke, K. You'll have to ask)

Tempted? Help Is Available, Hebrews 2:18

Tempted? Help Is Available

Hebrews 2:18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

I have been reading Hebrews lately. Showing how worthy and special Jesus is. He is not just a prophet or some heavenly being. He is God, in whom we can rely upon. He know how we feel. He experienced what we experience... in all ways tempted as we. 

Ladies... you can go to Jesus when you are tempted to follow the world. He will sympathize and help you overcome. After all, he overcame the world. Trust him, he is there for you.

~Dad

On this Father's Day 2018... Know that I love you, and that I want God's best for you. Live for him and I will always be grateful to God you are mine! And if you ever struggle, know that, like Jesus,  I am here to help. I love you, girls!

Summer Posts Begin: Don't Get Mad, Romans 12:18

Summer Posts Begin: Don't get Mad

Romans 12:18  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone

So the summer is upon us... day shift starts for me this week. I plan on reducing my posts to one per week, most likely on Sundays. But don't get mad, be peaceable. It is for you to work at getting along even, no, especially if the other person is incorrigible (a word I picked up in church today while talking with a couple young men).

Have a good summer, daughters. I pray each of you have your own personal Bible study everyday. To do so is crucial as you journey at this point of your life. I exhort you to most of all Love the Lord your God with all your heart, then Love those around you, and finally Flee the pleasures of this world. In doing these three, you will grow more than you have thought possible. I care about you both....

~Dad

Not Despised, Titus 2:15

Not Despised

Titus 2:15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

The wrong way to look at the end of this chapter would be to think we should beat anyone who despises you for what you are trying to teach them. No, Jesus said to turn the other cheek (Mat 5:39).

Look at the last phrase this way... teach in such a way they will not have anything bad to say against you. In fact, you must also live in such a way that they see you living out what you teach. It is not do as I say not as I do style of teaching. Daughters, you must be above reproach. This you can do!

~Dad

Encourage, Rebuke, Titus 2:15

Encourage, Rebuke

Titus 2:15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

Hey girls, today, teaching is all about making the student feel good. But, learning not only occurs during encouragement but also during times of rebuke. Both are necessary. Certainly encouragement is more pleasant, but be willing to take a stern correction. Straighten up, and do what is right.

~Dad

Why Saved: Part 5: Wrap-Up, Titus 2:14

Why Saved: Part 5: Wrap-Up

Titus 2:14 who gave himself up for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

In this wrap-up, we will discuss what Paul tells us are the reason why Christ died for us. This is crucial for our walk with him, for we have not been saved so we can go to heaven or escape hell. That is the reason given many times when people try to get others saved... If you just repent, you can escape the flames of hell... certainly you want to go to heaven when you die, so confess Jesus is Lord and you'll get in. Here is what Paul tell Titus of why God sent his son to die for us:

• To save us from all sin
• To purify us from all sin
• To make us his very own
• To make us eager to do what is good

A and K, to recognize you are a sinner and on your way to hell is eye opening. To feel sorry for your sins is a spiritual awakening. To know Jesus is God's son and that his death is payment for your sins is a crucial in becoming a Christian. And to know that heaven awaits the those who die in Christ brings hope. But all these truths are not why Christ died for you!

Christ died to make you into a different person. If you are willing, he will save you from what you once were and help purify you so you are eager to follow and do the will of his Father. Your love for him will be seen in how you obey what he has said to do in the Old and confirmed by New Testaments. This life is preparing you for the next where he will take you as his bride to be his very own. Do not be like so many who tire of waiting for him, for they get side tracked by the pleasures of thhis world and miss the open door when he comes.

Never loose sight of why Christ had to come, daughters. The Jews had a way to pay for sins through  faith in God designed sacrifices. But they continued to sin. Christ came to deliver you from sinning. He wants to make you ready for the special place he is preparing for you. Be eager to allow him to purify your life, fleeing all that hinders your walk with him!

~Dad

Why Saved: Part 4: To Do Good, Tutus 2:14

Why Saved: Part 4: To Do Good

Titus 2:14 who gave himself up for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

In this verse, Paul tell Titus the reasons why Christ died for us. We'll look at them separately.

Christ died because

• He wants to save us from all sin
• He wants to purify us from all sin
• He wants to make us his very own
• He wants you eager to do what is good

Christ didn't die so you could continue to live like the rest of the world. They drink and dance and party late into the night. They joke about doing evil. Things that God says are wrong are desirable to them. They hold grudges, take what belong to others, and tear people down. They act one way when they are in certain circles then are completely different around their friends. You wouldn't even know they are the same people. No, that isn't why Christ was willing to die.

Young ladies, You can live differently than those around you. That is why Jesus saved you. And, notice what the verse says: doing good is not a drudgery. It is a joy to serve God. Go and serve him with an eager heart doing what he wants. Do good!

~Dad

Why Saved: Part 3: To Be His, Tutus 2:14

Why Saved: Part 3: To Be His

Titus 2:14 who gave himself up for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

In this verse, Paul tell Titus the reasons why Christ died for us. We'll look at them separately.

Christ died because

• He wants to save us from all sin
• He wants to purify us from all sin
• He wants to make us his very own

Some people like to say that every person on earth is a child of God. We are created by God and that make us his children. In some sense this is true. I don't know of any verse that says that. If that is true true, most are wayward and illegitimate, not true children of God.

K, we adopted you into our family at your request, and I am happy to call you my daughter. I hope you are pleased to have me as your dad. Certainly, I could have been a better father. There is a father who is so much better than I. Both of you have been adopted into his family. I still claim you, yet I have given you over to him. You have become his child, a child of the King. It is what he wanted. He has taken you as his very own. You are joint heirs with Christ, his son. He desires to keep you as his very own, and because you are saved, you are his!

~Dad

Why Saved: Part 2: To Be Purified, Tutus 2:14

Why Saved: Part 2: To Be Purified

Titus 2:14 who gave himself up for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

In this verse, Paul tell Titus the reasons why Christ died for us. We'll look at them separately.

Christ died because

• He wants to save us from all sin
• He wants to purify us from all sin

Although this verse does not say that he wants to purify us from all sin, the word pure encompasses that thought because of its definition. To be pure is to be without blemish, spotless, without moral guilt, having nothing that contaminates, to be true. In Philippians, Paul tells us to become blameless and pure children of God.

K and A, you have been saved so your life will be different, different than it was and different from those around you. That includes people in the church, if they are not living according to the principles and teachings of the Bible. I know this is a process like the refining of gold, but that "never will get there until we get to heaven , process" is used as an excuse in almost every church circle you've been part of. Do not be like them! Instead, strive for perfection, for your Father in heaven is perfect. (I'm not - yet)

~Dad

Why Saved: Part 1: To Be Redeemed, Tutus 2:14

Why Saved: Part 1: To Be Redeemed

Titus 2:14 who gave himself up for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

In this verse, Paul tell Titus the reasons why Christ died for us. We'll look at them separately.

Christ died because

• He wants to save us from all sin

Notice the word all here. Jesus didn't just die so we would continue in sin, No, he redeemed us from all wickedness not just some of them.

A & K, God wants you to do right. With a sinful nature you naturally do wrong. No payment to rid you of that nature is possible, except one. Jesus gave himself for you that you might be free from all wickedness. Now each of you must choose. Will you accept his payment and live as a new creation, free from all that is wicked?

~Dad

He will Return, Titus 2:13

He Will Return

Titus 2:13 while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ

Wow! so much in a short verse...

• We are waiting for God, Our Savior - Jesus Christ
• We strive to be holy people while we wait
• It will be a glorious day!
• It is our hope
• not that it might come, but rather that that day is our only hope in conquering the wickedness and sin that never goes away today

K & A, you can count on Jesus to return! Someday all your efforts to flee the world and its pressure to allure you will be rewarded. Continue to fight the good fight!

~Dad

Grace Is A Teacher: Part 3: Field Of God's Grace, TItus 2:12

Grace Is A Teacher: Part 3: Field Of God's Grace

Titus 2:12 It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age,

It is not good enough to know that God gives grace. It is not good enough that it can be yours for free. God's grace is abundant, and there is plenty to go around, but we must bask in its fullness.

Years back, I heard my Uncle Hess relay a thought about grace that his Grandfather Abraham Hess spoke about... he said that grace for us is like that cow. All around her is wonderful, lush, green clover, but she's stuck nibbling at the poor grasses by the fence...

A & K, God's grace will not do you any good if you do not go where it is, roll around in it, or go romp and kick up your heels in joy through it. If you are stuck by the fences that separate you from the world, trying to nibble at the grasses below it, you will remain a weak and ineffective Christian. Very likely you will get bit as stretch out your tongue wrapping around what you think is good.

Daughters, the Spirit of God brings self-control. It, along with may other godly virtues, is a fruit of the Spirit. The freedoms and liberties found in Christ allow you to freely partake of the blessings found in the "field" of God's Grace. There you will be taught to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age.

~Dad