The only way to raise children to be Christians is to be one first. Are you a mother or are you a Christian mother? II Corinthians 5:17 tells us: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.” Are you trying to train your children to have Christian morals and standards, when you still haven’t applied Christian morals and standards to every area of your live? Paul tells us in II Corinthians 6:2 “behold now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
Have you ever read a self help book? How to be a better this or that? When I read a book like that, I look for ideas that I could apply to my situation, to improve things or reach my goal. But we have to be careful not to look at the Bible as a self-help book. The Bible is not a bunch of suggestions, that if we apply them to our lives we might get a certain outcome. The Bible is the instructions. If we follow its instructions, we will be Christians and when or if we become a mother, we will be a Christian mother. Paul tells us in II Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
As women, we tend to pick on men when they get lost and refuse to ask for directions. But are we any different? When was the last time that you had a specific problem or circumstances with you child and you went to the Bible just to look for the answer. I’m guilty of asking God for direction and failing to really search “the instruction book” for my own answer. The Bible gives several examples of Christian Mothers for us to learn from and apply their wisdom to our circumstances.
As a mother, I want so much more for my children than I had growing up. I’m sure I’m not the only mother out there like this. However; I was fortunate to have a lot growing up. Not a lot of possessions, but instruction. I was born on the mission field, attended Christian school for all my education until college, and went to church three times a week. Yet, I still dove into sin for several years during my teen and young adult years. I turned my back on God and lived only for myself. My success as a mother will only be measured by my children’s relationship with Christ. It is not enough for me to be a great mother, but rather a successful Christian mother. How about you? How will you measure your success?
Monday, April 7, 2008
Friday, October 19, 2007
Pastor Bender's sermon from October 14, 2007 PM service
Here is the text from the sermon that Pastor preached on Sunday night. I encourage you to read it, but not only to read it, but apply the truth to your life.
Christ Causes Us To Triumph
Text: II Corinthians 2.14 “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ,”
Definition of Triumph(Webster’s): A complete and thoroughly decisive victory; to exult in victory, to get the better of after a hard struggle.
Introduction:
So many of us struggle to find real victory in our lives. We put forth our best effort, we pray many prayers and we actively fight temptation. Yet it seems that after all our hard work, we still do not achieve the level of victory that causes us to triumph. The kind of victory that causes us to shout for joy, the kind of victory that causes us to shout for joy, the kind of victory that we continue to rejoice in weeks later, the kind of victory that puts failure permanently finally in the past and leaves it there!
No, for many of us a triumphant victory is an elusive thing, always hovering just beyond our reach, tantalizing us with the nearness and mocking us for our failure. Every Christian since the Dawn of the Church Age has yearned for this triumph. Some have achieved final success while others went to their grave in faith yet not receiving the answer they so desperately longed for.
We all have these challenges. A besetting sin, perhaps, spoken of by the Apostle in Hebrews 12:1. You know, the sin that will creep up on you every time you let your guard down. The one sin that you commit when you are spiritually weak or sick, that old sin that has plagued you for so long. Perhaps your challenge is to your faith. Maybe you’re a worrier, a doubter. You know that your all-powerful God can handle it but you can’t let it alone, you keep on wrestling with it.
Perhaps your challenge is for spiritual growth. You know that God is calling you to a higher standard of living but you are not surrendered enough to His will to take that step. As a result, you go back and forth and up and down in your spirit. One day you love God and the church and the next day you can’t stand the thought of it. Why? Because its time to grow up and the spirit of a man or woman likes to be coddles and pampered and it goes against the grain to do what God tells you to do.
So, how do we achieve a state of triumphant victory? How do we maintain the state of triumphant victory? And, is a state of triumphant victory even possible in this present world? The answer is yes, it is possible, it can be achieved and it can be maintained. The answer is found in I Corinthians 15:57 “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Therefore, our victory comes through Jesus. It is only achievable in and through Him.
I. How do we achieve a state of triumphant victory?
By trusting in and depending on Jesus. You see, church, by ourselves we are nothing, we can do nothing. By ourselves, we are doomed to shipwreck and failure. Jesus says in John 15:5 “for without me ye can do nothing.” This is the description of a person living outside the power of the Lord Jesus Christ. They literally are a failure in all things that matter. They may have wealth, they may have earthly fame, they may have many friends and from the outside may appear immensely successful, but without Christ, their homes are a wreck, their success is bittersweet and their souls and the souls of their families are headed for Hell. This is not success! And yet we in the church are so quick to look to these people and elevate them onto a pedestal to our children as heroes! Friends, our heroes need to be men and women of much faith, not mean and women of much finance! Triumphant victory only comes through Christ. He, and He alone gives us the victory. Victory over sin, self, and Satan. Victory over despair, disease, and Death itself. Victory over our past, victory in our present and confidence for victory in our future. If you want something to exult in, to rejoice over, and to shout about, give Him Praise, Glory and Honor! Hallelujah!
Where is your triumph tonight? I pray that God will once again pour out His Spirit among us and give us the victory! Are you not tired of the same old line of reasoning, do not even your own excuses wear thin after awhile, are you weary of this world’s non-satisfying water? Do you long for the living water of a present, up to date, vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ?
The truth is, we have been too busy to take a drink. I’m reminded of that verse in Isaiah 12:3, “Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.” Praise the Lord! You and I need to stop the hurried pace of our life and drink long and deep from the wells of salvation. Brother, Sister, it really satisfy’s! When you taste and see how good the Lord is, it will make you wonder why you ever drank from any other well!
Do you want triumphant victory in this service? It is just as simple as drawing near to God. He has promised in James 4:8 “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you, cleanse your hands ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” That first part is a universal truth. If we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us. The second part is an invitation to the lost and the backsliders to cleanse their hands of all sins committed. This is what we call and what the Bible calls, Salvation. The third part of this verse is for saved people who want real, triumphant victory in their lives. They are double minded, they waver between two options, and they need to have their hearts purified. This is what we call sanctification, when God the Holy Spirit purify’s the heart by faith as spoken of in Acts 15:8-9.
So we see that the only victory we can triumph over, is that victory that comes through and from Christ and not ourselves. Whatever it is you are struggling with, God wants to deliver you tonight in this service! The question is, are you willing to surrender to His will and do the work that needs to be done in your life?
II. How do we maintain the state of triumphant victory?
Again, we must turn to the scriptures for our help. In Jude 24 we read that we are to give glory and majesty, dominion and power both now and forever to Him who is able to keep us from falling and to present us faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.
All of this is stated in scripture to remind us that Jesus can keep us! He is able. But there is a sticking point. He is able if we will let Him. It is true that nothing can separate us from God’s love. However, God’s love is extended to all the world, even sinners. But the Bible tells us in Isaiah 59:2 “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that he will not hear.” Sin can and sin does bring separation between God and man. The only way we can maintain victory is to let God work in our lives and get out of the sin business!
Many people struggle with this issue. They want to keep God and His presence alive in their hearts. They want to maintain that wonderful feeling of God’s nearness. It feels good to be close to God not separated from Him. Why? Because in Psalms 16:11 it states that “In thy Presence is fullness of joy;” It does feel wonderful when God is present and at work in our lives.
Now, here’s the difficulty. At some point in your Christian walk, God is going to ask you to do something that you don’t want to do. It’s going to definitely rub you the wrong way! What are you going to do about it?
Well you could do what a lot of people do and put it off ‘till later. However, I wish to remind you that delayed obedience is disobedience! Maybe you say, “I’m not convicted over this yet.” By the way this is another means of saying I don’t feel bad about it. Friend, it doesn’t matter whether or not you feel conviction bearing down on you. If you understand God’s Word and He says you should be doing x, y, or z then you had better just set your teeth and do it. You may never feel a lightening bolt of conviction or the thunder of His voice, God is already speaking. He’s speaking through your Pastor, through your teachers and in the stillness of your own thought life.
Perhaps you are one of these people who say, “Well, Pastor, that’s just your opinion. I don’t see it that way!” Let me tell you that there are many people who use this line of excuse in order to undermine what God has plainly stated in the Bible. You see my opinion on things does matter because I’m the shepherd of this flock of God’s sheep. My scriptural appointment and command is to watch over your soul and to help you grow in grace. How can I watch over you and help you grow if you undermine my God given calling to point you in the right direction. We all come to the Lord with many wrong ideas, thoughts and ways of living. It is the job of pastors and teachers to show you where you are wrong and help you correct it. I can’t do that if you call everything you disagree with, and opinion. I’ll do my best never to preach opinion but to speak plainly from God’s Will in preaching, and I will do my part to be faithful and true to scripture.
You will maintain your victorious, triumphant state by listening to God’s Word, obeying God’s Word and by honoring the God-given authority over you. Ultimately, you will maintain by keeping your faith in Christ and trusting Him to keep you from falling.
III. Is it possible to have triumphant victory in this world?
The answer is a resounding, “Yes!” Jesus tells us in John 16:33 “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” This is true in our day even as it was true in Jesus’ day. By His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus made it possible for us to achieve real, lasting victory in this world. When Jesus told the woman caught in the act of adultery to “Go and sin no more” He wasn’t just speaking words. No, you see what He commands us to perform, He also will empower us to perform! We must learn to lean on Jesus for our triumphant victory.
If we haven’t learned it yet we need to learn it now. We are not a reliable source of strength. As the songwriter so aptly penned, “The arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own.” To have real victory and to triumph in it means to fight our battles with Jesus at our side. Then the victory will be His and not ours. Then we can praise Him for His saving, sanctifying and keeping power.
In Conclusion: Let us give thanks to God who causes us to triumph in Christ! This wonderful glow of the glory and presence of God comes to those who are fully surrendered to do all of God’s will.
Where are you tonight? Do you have real victory? Do you shout in triumph over the Devil? Are your sins in the past, forgiven? Have you forsaken the old ways to walk with Christ in a new life?
You no longer have to see others living triumphantly and victoriously while you slump in defeat. God will give you the victory through Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord!
Christ Causes Us To Triumph
Text: II Corinthians 2.14 “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ,”
Definition of Triumph(Webster’s): A complete and thoroughly decisive victory; to exult in victory, to get the better of after a hard struggle.
Introduction:
So many of us struggle to find real victory in our lives. We put forth our best effort, we pray many prayers and we actively fight temptation. Yet it seems that after all our hard work, we still do not achieve the level of victory that causes us to triumph. The kind of victory that causes us to shout for joy, the kind of victory that causes us to shout for joy, the kind of victory that we continue to rejoice in weeks later, the kind of victory that puts failure permanently finally in the past and leaves it there!
No, for many of us a triumphant victory is an elusive thing, always hovering just beyond our reach, tantalizing us with the nearness and mocking us for our failure. Every Christian since the Dawn of the Church Age has yearned for this triumph. Some have achieved final success while others went to their grave in faith yet not receiving the answer they so desperately longed for.
We all have these challenges. A besetting sin, perhaps, spoken of by the Apostle in Hebrews 12:1. You know, the sin that will creep up on you every time you let your guard down. The one sin that you commit when you are spiritually weak or sick, that old sin that has plagued you for so long. Perhaps your challenge is to your faith. Maybe you’re a worrier, a doubter. You know that your all-powerful God can handle it but you can’t let it alone, you keep on wrestling with it.
Perhaps your challenge is for spiritual growth. You know that God is calling you to a higher standard of living but you are not surrendered enough to His will to take that step. As a result, you go back and forth and up and down in your spirit. One day you love God and the church and the next day you can’t stand the thought of it. Why? Because its time to grow up and the spirit of a man or woman likes to be coddles and pampered and it goes against the grain to do what God tells you to do.
So, how do we achieve a state of triumphant victory? How do we maintain the state of triumphant victory? And, is a state of triumphant victory even possible in this present world? The answer is yes, it is possible, it can be achieved and it can be maintained. The answer is found in I Corinthians 15:57 “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Therefore, our victory comes through Jesus. It is only achievable in and through Him.
I. How do we achieve a state of triumphant victory?
By trusting in and depending on Jesus. You see, church, by ourselves we are nothing, we can do nothing. By ourselves, we are doomed to shipwreck and failure. Jesus says in John 15:5 “for without me ye can do nothing.” This is the description of a person living outside the power of the Lord Jesus Christ. They literally are a failure in all things that matter. They may have wealth, they may have earthly fame, they may have many friends and from the outside may appear immensely successful, but without Christ, their homes are a wreck, their success is bittersweet and their souls and the souls of their families are headed for Hell. This is not success! And yet we in the church are so quick to look to these people and elevate them onto a pedestal to our children as heroes! Friends, our heroes need to be men and women of much faith, not mean and women of much finance! Triumphant victory only comes through Christ. He, and He alone gives us the victory. Victory over sin, self, and Satan. Victory over despair, disease, and Death itself. Victory over our past, victory in our present and confidence for victory in our future. If you want something to exult in, to rejoice over, and to shout about, give Him Praise, Glory and Honor! Hallelujah!
Where is your triumph tonight? I pray that God will once again pour out His Spirit among us and give us the victory! Are you not tired of the same old line of reasoning, do not even your own excuses wear thin after awhile, are you weary of this world’s non-satisfying water? Do you long for the living water of a present, up to date, vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ?
The truth is, we have been too busy to take a drink. I’m reminded of that verse in Isaiah 12:3, “Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.” Praise the Lord! You and I need to stop the hurried pace of our life and drink long and deep from the wells of salvation. Brother, Sister, it really satisfy’s! When you taste and see how good the Lord is, it will make you wonder why you ever drank from any other well!
Do you want triumphant victory in this service? It is just as simple as drawing near to God. He has promised in James 4:8 “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you, cleanse your hands ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” That first part is a universal truth. If we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us. The second part is an invitation to the lost and the backsliders to cleanse their hands of all sins committed. This is what we call and what the Bible calls, Salvation. The third part of this verse is for saved people who want real, triumphant victory in their lives. They are double minded, they waver between two options, and they need to have their hearts purified. This is what we call sanctification, when God the Holy Spirit purify’s the heart by faith as spoken of in Acts 15:8-9.
So we see that the only victory we can triumph over, is that victory that comes through and from Christ and not ourselves. Whatever it is you are struggling with, God wants to deliver you tonight in this service! The question is, are you willing to surrender to His will and do the work that needs to be done in your life?
II. How do we maintain the state of triumphant victory?
Again, we must turn to the scriptures for our help. In Jude 24 we read that we are to give glory and majesty, dominion and power both now and forever to Him who is able to keep us from falling and to present us faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.
All of this is stated in scripture to remind us that Jesus can keep us! He is able. But there is a sticking point. He is able if we will let Him. It is true that nothing can separate us from God’s love. However, God’s love is extended to all the world, even sinners. But the Bible tells us in Isaiah 59:2 “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that he will not hear.” Sin can and sin does bring separation between God and man. The only way we can maintain victory is to let God work in our lives and get out of the sin business!
Many people struggle with this issue. They want to keep God and His presence alive in their hearts. They want to maintain that wonderful feeling of God’s nearness. It feels good to be close to God not separated from Him. Why? Because in Psalms 16:11 it states that “In thy Presence is fullness of joy;” It does feel wonderful when God is present and at work in our lives.
Now, here’s the difficulty. At some point in your Christian walk, God is going to ask you to do something that you don’t want to do. It’s going to definitely rub you the wrong way! What are you going to do about it?
Well you could do what a lot of people do and put it off ‘till later. However, I wish to remind you that delayed obedience is disobedience! Maybe you say, “I’m not convicted over this yet.” By the way this is another means of saying I don’t feel bad about it. Friend, it doesn’t matter whether or not you feel conviction bearing down on you. If you understand God’s Word and He says you should be doing x, y, or z then you had better just set your teeth and do it. You may never feel a lightening bolt of conviction or the thunder of His voice, God is already speaking. He’s speaking through your Pastor, through your teachers and in the stillness of your own thought life.
Perhaps you are one of these people who say, “Well, Pastor, that’s just your opinion. I don’t see it that way!” Let me tell you that there are many people who use this line of excuse in order to undermine what God has plainly stated in the Bible. You see my opinion on things does matter because I’m the shepherd of this flock of God’s sheep. My scriptural appointment and command is to watch over your soul and to help you grow in grace. How can I watch over you and help you grow if you undermine my God given calling to point you in the right direction. We all come to the Lord with many wrong ideas, thoughts and ways of living. It is the job of pastors and teachers to show you where you are wrong and help you correct it. I can’t do that if you call everything you disagree with, and opinion. I’ll do my best never to preach opinion but to speak plainly from God’s Will in preaching, and I will do my part to be faithful and true to scripture.
You will maintain your victorious, triumphant state by listening to God’s Word, obeying God’s Word and by honoring the God-given authority over you. Ultimately, you will maintain by keeping your faith in Christ and trusting Him to keep you from falling.
III. Is it possible to have triumphant victory in this world?
The answer is a resounding, “Yes!” Jesus tells us in John 16:33 “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” This is true in our day even as it was true in Jesus’ day. By His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus made it possible for us to achieve real, lasting victory in this world. When Jesus told the woman caught in the act of adultery to “Go and sin no more” He wasn’t just speaking words. No, you see what He commands us to perform, He also will empower us to perform! We must learn to lean on Jesus for our triumphant victory.
If we haven’t learned it yet we need to learn it now. We are not a reliable source of strength. As the songwriter so aptly penned, “The arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own.” To have real victory and to triumph in it means to fight our battles with Jesus at our side. Then the victory will be His and not ours. Then we can praise Him for His saving, sanctifying and keeping power.
In Conclusion: Let us give thanks to God who causes us to triumph in Christ! This wonderful glow of the glory and presence of God comes to those who are fully surrendered to do all of God’s will.
Where are you tonight? Do you have real victory? Do you shout in triumph over the Devil? Are your sins in the past, forgiven? Have you forsaken the old ways to walk with Christ in a new life?
You no longer have to see others living triumphantly and victoriously while you slump in defeat. God will give you the victory through Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord!
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
The Principle behind the Rule: Issue 1 Hair
The first issue or "rule" I will address is the issue of long hair. Let me start by saying all of the issues I will address are not necessarily rules. Some are convictions, some are preferences, and some will fall under "rules". For the sake of the blog, I will refer to them as "rules" but will leave it up to you, the reader, to determine how they will be categorized in your life. The Bible says to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. I am just using this as a format to address the questions I get most often when someone new attends Afton who was not raised in the "holiness circle". "Why do you have long hair?" "How long is long?" "Do I have to have long hair? The Bible says in I Corinthians 11:15, "But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering."
What is glory? Webster's defines Glory as:
Function: noun
1 a: praise, honor, or distinction extended by common consent
b: worshipful praise, honor, and thanksgiving
2 a: something that secures praise or renown
b: a distinguished quality or asset
3 a (1): great beauty and splendor
(2): something marked by beauty or resplendence
b: the splendor and beatific happiness of heaven;
4 a: a state of great gratification or exaltation(when she's acting she's in her glory)
b: a height of prosperity of achievement
To get the full context of what verse 15 is saying, you need to read the whole chapter up to that point of I Corinthians 15. Paul is speaking to the church in Corinth.
1. Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
2. Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
3. But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
4. Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.
5. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
6. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
7. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
8. For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.
9. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.
10. For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.
11. Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.
12. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of god.
13. Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?
14. Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
15. But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
What is glory? Webster's defines Glory as:
Function: noun
1 a: praise, honor, or distinction extended by common consent
b: worshipful praise, honor, and thanksgiving
2 a: something that secures praise or renown
b: a distinguished quality or asset
3 a (1): great beauty and splendor
(2): something marked by beauty or resplendence
b: the splendor and beatific happiness of heaven;
4 a: a state of great gratification or exaltation(when she's acting she's in her glory)
b: a height of prosperity of achievement
To get the full context of what verse 15 is saying, you need to read the whole chapter up to that point of I Corinthians 15. Paul is speaking to the church in Corinth.
1. Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
2. Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
3. But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
4. Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.
5. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
6. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
7. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
8. For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.
9. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.
10. For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.
11. Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.
12. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of god.
13. Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?
14. Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
15. But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
It does not say anywhere in the Bible that it is a sin for a woman to have short hair. What it specifically says is that it is a glory for a woman to have long hair. So many times in the Bible we see that God compairs our relationship to Him to a relationship between a husband and wife. There are alot of things that I do just because it pleases Kevin or makes him happy. Not because he requires it of me but simply because I love him with all my heart and I am happiest when he is happy. The same thing can be said about my relationship with Christ. He thinks it is a glory to me if I have long hair. Look back up at the definition of glory. Specifically to the portion that states "something that secures praise, a distinguished quality or asset, great beauty and spender, and a state of great gratification or exaltation." Wow, those are the things that Jesus thinks about me because my hair is long. Why wouldn't I want the One that I love more than anything to give me a complement like that! What a compliment Jesus gives me just because my hair is long.
The Bible does state in verse 5 and 6 that a woman should have her head covered if she is going to pray or prophesy. This is why some religions feel it is necessary to wear a pray cap (a white head covering). I personally do not feel that is necessary since I have long hair.
So hopefully this will answer some of the questions behind why I have long hair and what the Bible says about it. Feel free to post comments or questions if you would like to have some additional information. I meant for this to just be an explanation or "the principle" as to why I have long hair and why the church preaches that a woman should have long hair.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Sunday School Update from 10/14/07
I had every intention of posting this blog much earlier in the morning but work responsibilities kept me from accomplishing that goal. I will do my best to post daily at least during the week. For those of you who attended Sunday School Sunday morning, thank you. I really appreciate your commitment to Christ and to the church. Don't forget your homework.
As I posted a few days ago, I rarely listen to music while in the car but last week just seemed different. So many songs just really seemed to bless me and fit just were I am living. I brought the CD to class and played a song by Mark Schultz, "Give us clean hands". I couldn't help but think about the words of the song and how they are based on Psalm 24. [3] Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? [4] He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
I wish I could figure out how to attach the song for you to hear, but at least here are the words to read:
We bow our Hearts
We bend our knees
Oh Spirit come make us humble
We turn our eyes from evil things
Oh Lord we cast down our idols
So give us clean hands
Give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Give us clean hands
Give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
And God let us be
A generation that seeks
That seeks your face
Oh God of Jacob
And God let us be
A generation that seeks
That seeks your face
Oh God of Jacob
We bow our Hearts
We bend our knees
Oh Spirit come make us humble
We turn our eyes from evil things
Oh Lord we cast out our idols
So give us clean hands
Give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Give us clean hands
Give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
And God let us be
A generation that seeks
That seeks your face
Oh God of Jacob
And God let us be
A generation that seeks
That seeks your face
Oh God of Jacob
So give us clean hands
Give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Give us clean hands
Give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
And God let us be
A generation that seeks
That seeks your face
Oh God of Jacob
And God let us be
A generation that seeks
That seeks your face
Oh God of Jacob
Oh God of Jacob
We bow our hearts to you
As I thought about the words of this song, I was reminded by the fact that it requires action on our part: To bow our heart, to bend our knee, to turn our eyes from evil things. However: clean hands and a pure heart can only come from God. Do we truly turn our eyes from evil things? I didn't really expound on this at all in class because I have discussed it at other times. I think of all the things I used to watch on T.V. and I am shocked at what I allowed to take place in my home. If you are a smoker or a drinker, that is obviously your choice, however; I would not have allowed you to come into my home and smoke or drink in my living room, yet, I allowed people I have never met in my life do exactly that on a nightly basis. And how much worse than these examples have we allowed to enter our home and influence our thinking. Don't tune me out just yet. What you watch on your T.V. is your decision, but do you take the time to even consider what is really taking place in the shows you choose to watch? I really had become callous to the things I was watching and never even considered the level of sin I was allowing myself to be entertained with.
I wasn't even planning to include all that in my post. You just received all that for free. If you missed Pastor Bender's message Sunday night, I really think you missed something. He preached from a manuscript. In all the years I have attended Afton, I do not recall him preaching in this fashion. I thought it was excellent. His message was well written and well delivered. I asked Pastor Bender if I could have a copy of the manuscript to post on this blog so hopefully by Thursday I will have that uploaded. I know there are several of you, who are kind enough to read this blog, who do not attend Afton so you will have the opportunity to read his sermon.
I really will start to address the issues of holiness that I discussed in "The principal behind the rule" but it will require a little more study on my part to prepare so I will be adding that soon.
As I posted a few days ago, I rarely listen to music while in the car but last week just seemed different. So many songs just really seemed to bless me and fit just were I am living. I brought the CD to class and played a song by Mark Schultz, "Give us clean hands". I couldn't help but think about the words of the song and how they are based on Psalm 24. [3] Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? [4] He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
I wish I could figure out how to attach the song for you to hear, but at least here are the words to read:
We bow our Hearts
We bend our knees
Oh Spirit come make us humble
We turn our eyes from evil things
Oh Lord we cast down our idols
So give us clean hands
Give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Give us clean hands
Give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
And God let us be
A generation that seeks
That seeks your face
Oh God of Jacob
And God let us be
A generation that seeks
That seeks your face
Oh God of Jacob
We bow our Hearts
We bend our knees
Oh Spirit come make us humble
We turn our eyes from evil things
Oh Lord we cast out our idols
So give us clean hands
Give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Give us clean hands
Give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
And God let us be
A generation that seeks
That seeks your face
Oh God of Jacob
And God let us be
A generation that seeks
That seeks your face
Oh God of Jacob
So give us clean hands
Give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Give us clean hands
Give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
And God let us be
A generation that seeks
That seeks your face
Oh God of Jacob
And God let us be
A generation that seeks
That seeks your face
Oh God of Jacob
Oh God of Jacob
We bow our hearts to you
As I thought about the words of this song, I was reminded by the fact that it requires action on our part: To bow our heart, to bend our knee, to turn our eyes from evil things. However: clean hands and a pure heart can only come from God. Do we truly turn our eyes from evil things? I didn't really expound on this at all in class because I have discussed it at other times. I think of all the things I used to watch on T.V. and I am shocked at what I allowed to take place in my home. If you are a smoker or a drinker, that is obviously your choice, however; I would not have allowed you to come into my home and smoke or drink in my living room, yet, I allowed people I have never met in my life do exactly that on a nightly basis. And how much worse than these examples have we allowed to enter our home and influence our thinking. Don't tune me out just yet. What you watch on your T.V. is your decision, but do you take the time to even consider what is really taking place in the shows you choose to watch? I really had become callous to the things I was watching and never even considered the level of sin I was allowing myself to be entertained with.
I wasn't even planning to include all that in my post. You just received all that for free. If you missed Pastor Bender's message Sunday night, I really think you missed something. He preached from a manuscript. In all the years I have attended Afton, I do not recall him preaching in this fashion. I thought it was excellent. His message was well written and well delivered. I asked Pastor Bender if I could have a copy of the manuscript to post on this blog so hopefully by Thursday I will have that uploaded. I know there are several of you, who are kind enough to read this blog, who do not attend Afton so you will have the opportunity to read his sermon.
I really will start to address the issues of holiness that I discussed in "The principal behind the rule" but it will require a little more study on my part to prepare so I will be adding that soon.
Friday, October 12, 2007
A new chapter in my life
I know I said in my last blog that I would be addressing topics of holiness for women, but today I am just going to write about me. Today is the last day in a chapter of my life. Monday will start a new chapter. Today I took Gray to Kayleen's (my babysitter) for the last time. She gave her 3 weeks notice, 3 weeks ago. She has been my babysitter since Emma was 6 weeks old. I couldn't imagine the kids going anywhere else while I am at work. I had a hard time moving Emma to the pre-school in August. The funny thing about it was that I was the one responsible for getting the day care up and running at Afton. I helped to create a place for Emma to go to instead of Kayleen's. But when the time came for her to attend the pre-school, it broke my heart. I know Emma loves Kayleen and I know Kayleen has always treated her as one of her own children. As a mother, I could never repay Kayleen for what a wonderful job she has done with my children. They have spent more waking hours in her home than in my own. I hope somehow I have shown a Christian testimony to Kayleen over the last 3 1/2 years that will draw her to Christ. She has done so much for my family in the last 3 1/2 years.
When Kevin hurt his back and was in the hospital for 10 days, Kayleen kept Emma all kinds of extra hours and even brought Emma up to the hospital to visit Kevin. When I didn't know how I was going to pay her for watching Emma when Kevin was off work for 8 months, she told me to just keep bringing her and we would figure it all out later. When Emma was 18 months old, she had me talk to the doctor because she thought something might be wrong with Emma. Emma would take really long naps and just not seem to have the energy that other kids her age had. Well a couple of months later we found out that Emma had several holes in her heart. The doctor's say it shouldn't make her more tired, but it has always affected her that way. Anyways, I hope someday I will be able to repay Kayleen and her family for all the wonderful things they have done for me and my family.
Well today when I dropped Gray off I tried to express to Kayleen how much I have appreciated her but all I could do was cry and say thanks as I left. I actually have to thank her. If she would have never given her 3 weeks notice, I would have never had to crunch the numbers and discover that if I took a 50% pay cut but had free daycare, there wouldn't be that great of a difference in what I made. So if God will bless us with more children in the daycare by December, I will quit my job and work at the daycare and be with Gray and Emma all day. I have someone keeping Gray at the church for the next 7 weeks until he turns 18 months and then I hope to be the one to teach his class. I have always wanted to be with my children and work with the church. If things continue to work out as they have, that should happen sooner than later. My goal was to work for the church in about two years but since I couldn't imagine leaving Gray with anyone other than Kayleen, I hope to start by December.
I don't know if Kayleen will ever read this post, but if you do, Thank you for loving my children. I know you once had roots in the church. I don't know too much about your experience with God but I know He loves you and he can solve all the problems that you are facing right now if you will turn to Him. He has been the glue that has held me and Kevin together in difficult times and I know He can do the same for you. The Bible reminds us to cast all our cares upon Him for He careth for you.
Thank you.
When Kevin hurt his back and was in the hospital for 10 days, Kayleen kept Emma all kinds of extra hours and even brought Emma up to the hospital to visit Kevin. When I didn't know how I was going to pay her for watching Emma when Kevin was off work for 8 months, she told me to just keep bringing her and we would figure it all out later. When Emma was 18 months old, she had me talk to the doctor because she thought something might be wrong with Emma. Emma would take really long naps and just not seem to have the energy that other kids her age had. Well a couple of months later we found out that Emma had several holes in her heart. The doctor's say it shouldn't make her more tired, but it has always affected her that way. Anyways, I hope someday I will be able to repay Kayleen and her family for all the wonderful things they have done for me and my family.
Well today when I dropped Gray off I tried to express to Kayleen how much I have appreciated her but all I could do was cry and say thanks as I left. I actually have to thank her. If she would have never given her 3 weeks notice, I would have never had to crunch the numbers and discover that if I took a 50% pay cut but had free daycare, there wouldn't be that great of a difference in what I made. So if God will bless us with more children in the daycare by December, I will quit my job and work at the daycare and be with Gray and Emma all day. I have someone keeping Gray at the church for the next 7 weeks until he turns 18 months and then I hope to be the one to teach his class. I have always wanted to be with my children and work with the church. If things continue to work out as they have, that should happen sooner than later. My goal was to work for the church in about two years but since I couldn't imagine leaving Gray with anyone other than Kayleen, I hope to start by December.
I don't know if Kayleen will ever read this post, but if you do, Thank you for loving my children. I know you once had roots in the church. I don't know too much about your experience with God but I know He loves you and he can solve all the problems that you are facing right now if you will turn to Him. He has been the glue that has held me and Kevin together in difficult times and I know He can do the same for you. The Bible reminds us to cast all our cares upon Him for He careth for you.
Thank you.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
The principle behind the rule
One of the things that I noticed about Afton when I first starting attending, is all the rules. Not because they were preached or pushed down my throat every service, but just because people looked different to me. I was raised Baptist. My Dad was a Baptist missionary and I was born on the mission field in Alaska. I was raised with conservative standards of dress. (For those of you not familiar with this term, it just simple means I didn't wear pants.) However; I did not understand several of the other "rules" I observed: no make-up, no jewelery, long hair, etc. One of the things I would really like to use this forum for is to explain the principle behind "the rules" that the Holiness women subscribe to. I was recently talking with Mark, another Sunday School teacher at Afton regarding this very thought. He gave me a great example that I would like to share with you.
If there was a leak in a pipe and someone put a clamp on that leak and asked you to hold the clamp, you wouldn't have any problem doing that. But what if they left you holding the clamp and didn't come back. How long would you hold the clamp? If it were me, I would really get tired of holding the clamp and would let go. What if the person who had you hold the clamp explained to you that if you let go of the clamp, the water line would explode and several people would be killed, how long would you hold the clamp? If they had explained the reason I needed to hold the clamp on and that the consequence's of letting go of the clamp is that people would die, I would hold on until I physically could no longer hold on. It is the same way with standards. If you just try to follow "the rules", you can for awhile, but if you don't understand the principle behind the rule, it won't be long until you give up. I want to explain the principles behind "the rules" that are taught here at Afton.
Here is where I would like your comments. Post to me what things you would like to see addressed first. For instance, what the bible says about long hair, jewelery, make-up, dress, etc. I will address each of those topics and feel free to post me additional topics that you want me to address.
If there was a leak in a pipe and someone put a clamp on that leak and asked you to hold the clamp, you wouldn't have any problem doing that. But what if they left you holding the clamp and didn't come back. How long would you hold the clamp? If it were me, I would really get tired of holding the clamp and would let go. What if the person who had you hold the clamp explained to you that if you let go of the clamp, the water line would explode and several people would be killed, how long would you hold the clamp? If they had explained the reason I needed to hold the clamp on and that the consequence's of letting go of the clamp is that people would die, I would hold on until I physically could no longer hold on. It is the same way with standards. If you just try to follow "the rules", you can for awhile, but if you don't understand the principle behind the rule, it won't be long until you give up. I want to explain the principles behind "the rules" that are taught here at Afton.
Here is where I would like your comments. Post to me what things you would like to see addressed first. For instance, what the bible says about long hair, jewelery, make-up, dress, etc. I will address each of those topics and feel free to post me additional topics that you want me to address.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
What a great day to serve the Lord
We should wake up with this thought every day but some days I just wake up and start my day and this thought is not present. But today was not one of those days. Today I woke up ready to serve the Lord. I had a song in my mind and on my heart. I rarely listen to the radio on the way to work or to drop the kids off in the morning. But today, I just felt like singing. So I turned on my CD player and listened to the song that says, "Here I am to worship, here I am to bow down, here I am to say that your my God." I really should know who sings this and the real name but I've never been good at knowing who sings what or names. As I write this, I am reminded of the Psalm that I grew up singing, "This is the day that the Lord hath made, I will rejoice and be glad in it."
What makes the difference in our attitude when we wake up? I don't really know. If it was up to me, I would be in this mood everyday. I think for me a good nights sleep definitely affects how I wake up the next day. I also think I woke up in a great mood because I am so excited to get this blog up and going, my mind has been running a dozen different directions to add more things that will be helpful in serving the Lord. This is really what my dream is, what my goal is. I have wanted to do more for the Lord and specifically for the women of Afton, but it is hard to do much with two wonderful children attached to me from the minute I pick them up at night until they go to bed. What is more concerning is when they are not at attached to me, because it usually means they are into something. Especially Gray who has a wonderful attraction to the toilet. He now knows how to flush it. I always wonder what he might have thrown into it before he flushes it. So far, nothing large enough to clog it. Anyways, I said all that to explain that I really feel this will be a great way to provide information to help you on your walk.
If you are from my class, I have been spending a lot of time encouraging you to strive for holiness. To live closer to the Lord. I want to provide text from the Bible and examples of how to seek sanctification. I will do my best to provide the information for you to study and that will help you to understand. It will be up to you what you do with it. I hope you will check this blog often and it will help you. But whether anyone looks at it or not, I am committed to adding things from His word that will help you to be a better Christian if you will follow it. Some will obviously be my opinion. But I will do my best to support my opinion with scripture. The bible says in Titus 2:3-5 "The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;[4] That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,[5] To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." I definitely don't see myself as an aged woman but I think that refers to mature. I want to lead by example. I hope you will take this journey with me.
What makes the difference in our attitude when we wake up? I don't really know. If it was up to me, I would be in this mood everyday. I think for me a good nights sleep definitely affects how I wake up the next day. I also think I woke up in a great mood because I am so excited to get this blog up and going, my mind has been running a dozen different directions to add more things that will be helpful in serving the Lord. This is really what my dream is, what my goal is. I have wanted to do more for the Lord and specifically for the women of Afton, but it is hard to do much with two wonderful children attached to me from the minute I pick them up at night until they go to bed. What is more concerning is when they are not at attached to me, because it usually means they are into something. Especially Gray who has a wonderful attraction to the toilet. He now knows how to flush it. I always wonder what he might have thrown into it before he flushes it. So far, nothing large enough to clog it. Anyways, I said all that to explain that I really feel this will be a great way to provide information to help you on your walk.
If you are from my class, I have been spending a lot of time encouraging you to strive for holiness. To live closer to the Lord. I want to provide text from the Bible and examples of how to seek sanctification. I will do my best to provide the information for you to study and that will help you to understand. It will be up to you what you do with it. I hope you will check this blog often and it will help you. But whether anyone looks at it or not, I am committed to adding things from His word that will help you to be a better Christian if you will follow it. Some will obviously be my opinion. But I will do my best to support my opinion with scripture. The bible says in Titus 2:3-5 "The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;[4] That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,[5] To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." I definitely don't see myself as an aged woman but I think that refers to mature. I want to lead by example. I hope you will take this journey with me.
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