A Hearty Recommendation

Beloved Readers,

My oldest son, Andrew, has just published a book on prayer. Andrew is a true biblical scholar, as the Bible defines the word (1 Chron. 25:8 cp. Mal. 2:12). He believes, as one of the philosophers of old has said, "Every man knows something I do not; therefore every man is my teacher." He has proven this to be so by seeking out the best and deepest writers, both ancient and contemporary. He has literally read thousands of books.

But he has much better credentials than the above to qualify him as a writer on prayer. At the age of four he prayed the sinner's prayer, and now in his mid-fifties, he has prayed as a godly saint all these many years. Whatever else he is known for in the Christian world, as his father, I will always remember him as a man of prayer. I assure each of you who acquires the book that the man you are reading after is a man who practices what he preaches.

The old adage, "Dynamite comes in small packages" is true of this little book, in every sense of the word. It has four chapters and it can be read at one sitting, but the spiritual person will mull each chapter over many times, so that it may be fully, digested as it was written to be. Its truth is something you will carry in your heart and mind both day and night. Andrew, by the Holy Spirit's help, has condensed the main essential teaching on prayer on to fifty-five pages.

Having a ministry that spans over sixty-years I can truthfully say I have never read a book on the subject that moved my heart more to ask and expect, BIG THINGS FROM A GREAT GOD! His handling of the sovereignty of God, His predestined plan, and prayer, is nothing short of biblical brilliance. At the closing of this email you will get the particulars on the book, the cost, the publisher, etc. I promise you will read and reread it many times. With a lasting effect!

An Old Disciple,

Jer. 33:3

The paperback is $7.50 and you can order it here:

https://www.amazon.com/Prayer-Changes-Things-Curing-Timid/dp/1984995057

The digital copy is $5.00 and you can order it here:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07BJG882R/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Glorifying God

The Westminster Shorter Catechism says, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.” I’m aware some of my Baptist Brethren are against any form of catechism. But their hero, Charles H. Spurgeon, whom many love to flaunt as “The Prince of Preachers,” did not hold to their viewpoint. Speaking to his assembly, he said, “I am persuaded that the use of a good Catechism in all our families will be a great safeguard against the increasing errors of the times, and therefore I have compiled this little manual from the Westminster Assembly’s and Baptist Catechisms, for use in my own church and congregation.”

Now whether one agrees with the Catechism or not, I’m sure all will concede, this first statement is as classic and scriptural as you can get! I once heard an old preacher say, “To glorify God means to make Him look good.” This should be the goal of every created life, to lift up God in this world, even in what some would think mundane things like eating and drinking. As Thomas Watson, the Puritan wrote, “It’s the yearly rent we pay to the crown of heaven.” He goes on to say, “We glorify God, when we are God admires.” Every kind of beast glorifies God, “The beast of the field shall honour me” Only the human animal doesn't!

Let each of us follow darling David’s example, “I will praise thee, O Lord my God, and I will glorify thy name.”  

Taking Back What the Devil Stole

There is no place in God’s army for cowards. The Psalmist tells us, “The children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle.” And what did the Lord think of such cowering cowardice? We are told God, “...chose not the tribe of Ephraim,” but rather, “he chose David,” the courageous shepherd boy (Psl. 78:9,67,70).

If I were an artist, and had to depict the Church today, I’d draw a picture of children playing on a battlefield. We no longer want to fight; we want to have fun. In the political world, they speak of “detente”. This is a French word meaning, “slacking the bow strings.” Christians are no longer aggressive warriors, but, instead, have settled down to a life of passivity. We have made a treaty with the devil of co-existence, and peace through compromise.

Satan knows he has but a short time. He is making a last ditch effort to defeat the purpose of God. Jesus promised, “...the gates of hell shall not prevail against [His Church].” Gates do not move. We are to storm the devil’s domain. David ran to meet his giant. The devil is to flee from us, not the opposite.

Let us put on the whole armor of God, take our position on the high ground, and, as children of light, attack the kingdom of darkness. May we bring back our churches, children, and ministries that have been taken captive by Apollyon. As we enter his dark domain, through intercessory prayer for deliverance of our loved ones, may we say with the little shepherd boy of old, “I come to you in the name of the Lord.”

The gospel song says, “I went into the enemies camp and took back what he stole from me.

How Shall We Then Live?

How Shall We Then Live? This is one of the titles in Francis A. Schaeffer’s five volume set on a Christian worldview. He masterly approaches the subject, for the most part, in a scholarly and intellectual way. But, since I am well aware of my own limitations in these areas, I will come at it from the practical side. I am sure each person has his or her own philosophical answer to this question; so, if you will please allow me, I’ll add mine to yours.

Here then is how I would like to consistently live my life in this present world, though, at this time, I must confess, it is done only in a spasmodic way. If I could have my desire, it would be to live each day as if it were the first day of my Christian life, with the addition of maturity, while at the same time, like it was the last day of my life on this earth, with the absence of morbidity.

How exciting it would be to start each day with the joy we had in our new-found faith—no past, no guilt. Our future as bright as the promises of God. Everything fresh and new, with an awareness of a celestial scent, the aroma of which captivates our very being. And, in addition to this, to realize within twenty-four hours, we will be going to our permanent and eternal home, where we will see and be with our beloved Elder Brother through the endless ages. What a day that would be!

God Was in Christ Reconciling...

I realize I have written much on the following subject, but as Peter said to his readers, “Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.”

Every modernistic theologian, as well as the secular world, along with cults and isms, makes much ado about the historic Christ, as found in the gospels. When attempting to prove their point they’re noticeably consistent in avoiding the Pauline epistles, which puts the emphasis on the heavenly Christ. True, you cannot have one without the other, for each necessitates the other.  But just as true is progressive revelation. The new is enfolded in the old, but the old is unfolded in the new.

Now we can understand Paul’s statement, “though we have known Christ after the flesh (historically), yet now henceforth know we [Him] no more.” It is no longer the historic Christ, as important as this might be, but the heavenly Christ we are to give our attention to. As long as Christians worship a babe, they themselves will remain one. The days of His flesh are ended (Heb.5:7). Or as my pastor friend in Canada brought to my attention, we must get past the veil of His flesh, if we are to find and know God.

It is in Paul’s writings alone we learn the truths pertinent to how we, in this church age, are to live. Paul’s revelation is what Jesus wanted to say while here on earth but couldn’t. He told His disciples they were not ready, “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.”

Therefore, let me challenge each saint, not to be remiss in reading Paul’s letters. Read and re-read them often. They were written particularly with you in mind!  

All the Bible is for us, but not all of it is to us, or about us.

HAVE YOU BEEN MOVED?

“In old time...holy men of God...were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

(2 Pet. 1:21)

When was the last time you were moved? I’m not speaking of some sad soap opera you may have seen, a tear-jerking movie; nor am I referring to some heartbreaking illustration used in a sermon, as legitimate as that is. My reference is to the Holy Ghost of God; when is the last time you were consciously move by Him in fulfilling God’s will?

Carnal mysticism is not what we are discussing here, that is, attempting to pass over as spiritual something that, in reality, is no more than your personal feelings and emotion. I’m speaking of the Spirit of God moving in accordance with the Word of God, like in Genesis 1:2-3. When the Spirit spoke to Paul in Acts 16, his testimony was, “I was not disobedient.”

May it be said of each of us as it is recorded of Samson, “The Spirit of the Lord began to move him at times.” The Bible seems to teach that the Spirit of God is the most sensitive person of the Godhead. Jesus tells us in the gospels that all manner of sin and blasphemy against Him shall be forgiven, but not when it is against the Holy Ghost! Therefore, when He moves us, let’s get a move on!

Symbolism Without Substance

There is something I have observed in churches over these many years. Whenever a church becomes lifeless and lethargic, there is a strong attraction toward symbolism, something or someone to replace the missing substance, in this case, Christ!

Characteristically, you’ll find the words, “Let us make us…” dominate the vocabulary of those void of the essential ONE. Whether it is the Tower of Babel, a golden calf, or a king, they are frantic to find a substitute for their lost substance.

God’s people are expert at creating or calling someone in from the wings as an alternate for the “STAR.” But no stand-in can ever match the part HE plays on the stage of life. All and every proxy is no more than, “sounding brass, or a tinkling symbol.”

It is a destructive addition to add anything to Christ.

Richard Sibbes

Jesus' Last Hours

“The Master saith, My time is at hand.”

(Matt. 26:18)

Although Our Lord spoke of His rejection, sufferings, and death on various occasions, still His disciples did not grasp the full depth of this upcoming event. Only Mary did, showing it to be so, by the anointing of His body for the burying.

The last hours of our Saviour’s life on earth are very instructive for those who are spiritually-minded. For over three years He had spoken of this day that now, says He, has arrived. This truth awards us with faith to face the future, no matter what it has in store for us, if we permit it.

Christ did not sit around and feel sorry for himself, as Saul of old, but was busy being a blessing to the end. He had supper with His friends, the disciples; taught them a lesson on humility, by washing their feet; led them in a song; prayed for them in His high priestly prayer; and instructed them concerning their union with Him in the story of the vine and branches. He then left them with the sight of Him accepting God’s will for His life by His Gethsemane experience. Then, His final example: how to die in the Will of God.

Jesus never resented others not sharing in His suffering, and particular predicament. He did not begrudge them their physical health or material blessings.  There was no, “Why me?” but rather, “Why not me?” He had “Set His face like a flint.” You did not hear, “What shall this man do?” But rather, “I delight to do thy will, O my God.” Jesus lived life to its fullest, right up to the end. Let’s do the same.

“He who planned my coming into the world, has planned my leaving it.”

(rds)

Acquainted With God

“Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.” When the Word of God (A.V.1611) speaks of being acquainted with someone or something, it does not mean what we generally take it to mean today. Rather than a slight familiarity, it can mean a deep knowledge of the subject. For example, Jesus was “acquainted with grief.”

Much, in some circles, is made of the Word of God, but little of the God of the Word. The purpose of the former is to reveal to us the latter. To stop short with the first is to remain in the Outer Court of the Tabernacle, so to speak, without ever entering the Holy of Holies where God abides. The Laver (type of the Word of God), which was without the Veil, was a preparatory means in one’s approach to God within the Veil.

Many pride themselves and flaunt the fact that they know the Word of God. But after spending only a few minutes in their presence, it is obvious they know little or nothing of The Book’s author! Satan can quote scripture, the Pharisee’s had a working knowledge of it, and the Scribe’s were considered interpreters of the scriptures; yet none of these had a deep and meaningful relationship with God.

“John Owen and John Calvin knew more theology than John Bunyan or Billy Bray, but who would deny that the latter pair knew their God every bit as well as the former?”

(J.I. Packer)

Fruitless Fantasies

“But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I  thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper. Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.”

(2Kgs. 5:11-12)

In the above story we see things didn’t go the way Naaman thought they would. Those of us who have some years chalked up to us can testify they usually do not. Reality rarely matches the ideal.  Therefore, we need to learn as the old adage used by the boxing professionals goes, to “roll with the punches.” If we do not, like Naaman, we may end up in a stew.

I remember, when just a boy, how the girls would see a large flock of innumerable birds flying overhead and would point and say, “There goes my wedding.” But most, if not all, never saw the fruit of their youthful imagery. And so it was with us boys, though in a different vein. For some, reality set in early in life; with others, it came later. But sooner or later, all had their idealistic bubbles burst.

If we are to overcome the anxieties and frustrations of a pre-planned life, on our part it is necessary, before God, to recognize and surrender to His predestined plan for us. It is to be found in the Word of God and on our knees in prayer. It is a day by day thing, trusting Him to lead moment by moment. Refuse to conjure up any thought about how your life will be lived.

We are to live by faith, not fantasies!

Don't Give Up

“And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.”

It dawned on me recently that the only thing Jesus ever gave up was the “ghost” (the spirit of a dead man), at His death. If there was ever an individual that had an excuse to give up, it was He. And we are not speaking of isolated occasions, but numerous ones. In spite of all the trials, misunderstandings, and sufferings of life, He never quit on God. Isaiah tells us of Him, prophetically, “He shall not be discouraged.”  To one who is familiar with the gospel account of His earthly life, this is indeed a startling statement, is it not?

It is recorded of Him, “He shall not fail nor be discouraged,” and “I delight to do thy will, O my God.” This included the Cross and all that was associated with it. A great number around Him were giving up, even those close to Him, but that didn’t dissuade Him, “He set His face like a flint.” He had burned all His bridges; there was no going back! Hebrews hints at what His secret of endurance was — He kept His eyes on the joy that was set before Him. The writer of this blessed book then tells us we are to, “Consider Him that endured.”

“Dust, rusty nails, and blood notwithstanding, the ground at the foot of the Cross is the only vantage point from which to view life clearly. To see things there is to see them truly.”

(Rebecca Manley Pippert)

The Last Leaf

“...as the leaf falleth off from the vine...we all do fade as a leaf...as a leaf...the wind, [has] taken us away.”

(Isa. 34:4 ;64:6)

I read something recently that brought to my mind an incident that took place in my second pastorate. One fall day I was lying on a couch resting for our Wednesday evening service. As I stared out the window I noticed on the giant oak tree in our front yard a lone leaf left on the tree. I remember distinctly saying to myself, “Someday that will be me.”

Well, that day has come, I am now alone, all my immediate family, on my side, have fallen into the ground and died. Mother, father, sister, and others, all gone. I only am left, awaiting that one last strong wind to do its job. I know not the time or day that gust of wind will come, but I do know I am ready. That is, as ready as an old redeemed sinner can be. As David of old, I find myself listening for the “sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees” (2 Sam. 5:24).

My question to our readers today is, “Are you ready for that last blast of wind in your life?” It may be sooner than you expect. The clouds may be forming just over the horizon.  Many are too busy living to take time to think about their unenviable departure. As the much quoted saying goes, “You’re not ready to live until you’re ready to die.” Remember, as the old Puritan said, “This world is only a Inn, a place to stop over on our way Home.”

“Will you be homesick in Heaven?”

(rds)

Laying Hold of God

  Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended.

The word “apprehend” has a twofold definition, one of which is “arrest, capture, seize.” Christ had laid hold of Paul. Now the Apostle wants it to be mutual. Formalists are self-satisfied and complacent. Their religion consists of some external rite or subscribing to a written creed. Paul’s goal was Christ and Christ alone. Though he admittedly had not, and would not, fully apprehend Christ in this life, he nonetheless kept reaching for Him.

We should never be satisfied with our spiritual attainments; we ought to have a sanctified dissatisfaction. There should always be an ongoing progress. Paul disclaimed any kind of moral or spiritual perfection; but he continued striving.

People tell us we need to get a grip on ourselves, but actually we need to get a grip on God! If we are Christians, God has hold of us. But when we lay hold of Him, like Jacob of old, we become a prince with God.

“I will not let thee go, except thou bless me,” said God’s problem child, who became a prince with God.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Songs and Prayer in the Night

“...in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.”

(Psa. 42:8)

Darling David, who had his share of troubles in life, tells us that he sang and prayed during these dreaded times. His soul was cast down, he was weeping, the waves of worry had covered him, the chants of the enemy were continually, “Where is thy God?” Yet in spite of all the darkness he had “hope in God.” Thus, during the blackness of the night he sang and prayed to his God!

In the Bible we see this in the lives of others God saw fit to try and prove. In Acts chapter sixteen Paul and Silas, in a prison cell, with their feet in stocks, backs bleeding from the whip, sang and prayed to their God at the midnight hour. After this, there was an earth-shaking experience in their lives.

And what of the One who was greater than David? When Judas betrayed Him we are told, “it was night,” (Jn.13:30). During this time, which St. John of the Cross calls, “The Dark Night of the Soul, “our Lord sang a hymn (Matt. 26:30-31), then went to Gethsemane to pray, (Matt. 26:36).

By singing to the Lord we get His ear; by praying to the Lord we get His heart.

(rds)

Born Into Troubles

The book of Job records, “Man is born unto trouble.” No one is exempt from these troubling troubles. Even the “man after God’s own heart,” testified, “My soul is full of troubles.”

Job was bragged on by God to Satan when He said of the old patriarch, “There is none like him in the earth.”  But in spite of this, this good and godly man tells us, “Yet trouble came.”

The apostle Paul was “troubled on every side,” as he put it. Yet, he admonishes the Thessalonian believers (and us), “To you who are troubled rest with us.” Every saint should be able to sing from their heart, “I have found a resting place.” That place first being used by John the Beloved, “leaning on Jesus bosom.”

Again, going to the book of Job, we find a question each troubled soul is brought face to face with. A question that requires an honest answer, “Are the consolations of God [too] small with thee?” What be your answer, child of the Living God?

"I have great relief in talking of my blessings rather than my troubles."

(rds)

Condemned For Continuing

“And Jesus said unto her, neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” Carnal Christians love to quote the first part of this text to justify their lax lifestyle. It’s amazing how sinning saints can become so Bible oriented when attempting to vindicate themselves. When the devil quoted scripture to Jesus on the mount he left out an important portion. So it is not difficult to see where these types of people get such an idea.

Paul had to deal with this kind of heresy in his day also. There were those who wanted to be saved by grace, but continue in sin. The apostle’s reply to such was, “God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” Certainly, as long as we have the old Adamic nature we will not be free form sin, but neither are we free to sin. Like the old time preacher used to say, “A sheep may fall into a mud hole, but it’s not his nature to stay there; on the other hand, the old sow will wallow in it.”

After forgiving the immoral woman Jesus told her that in the future her previous life style was to cease. It’s a serious thing to continue in sin once forgiven. Remember Jesus words to the man at the pool of Bethesda, “Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.”

“No man is condemned for anything he has done: he is condemned for continuing to do wrong. He is condemned for not coming out of the darkness, for not coming to the light.” (George MacDonald)

Comfortable Clothing

“He hath clothed me…He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness.” There is no doubt the songwriter had this text in mind when he penned, “Dressed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne.” I can understand the lost religionist, as the Jews of Paul’s day, “…going about to establish their own righteousness”; but for saints “complete in Him,” it’s hard to understand.

Why anyone would go back to an old discarded pile of “filthy rags” to adorn themselves, when they are clothed in His spotless robe, I’ll never know. I can only guess that it is the old self-righteous, Adamic nature still attempting to cover itself with shrinking “fig leaves.” I find such people live under constant condemnation in just about everything they do, not realizing they’re “accepted in the Beloved.”

Righteousness is not naturally ingrained, it is divinely imputed! The more cracks in the earthen vessel the more it shines forth. God is not fooled by our external showmanship. We may impress blinded believers but never an all-knowing God. To acclaim one’s own righteousness is a slap in the face of Jesus Christ. For the Bible plainly tells us, “But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us…righteousness.”

As people grow older they no longer concern themselves with impressive attire, but rather, with comfortable clothing. I am very comfortable and relaxed clothed in His Righteousness!