Choices Will be Made

By not choosing one or the other, you've made a choice. If you don't choose right away the choice will pass you by.

What's the best choice here? Both are ice cream, both are delicious, both are whatever you prefer. But you are faced with two choices, Neapolitan or rainbow sherbet. You must choose one of those, or a mixture of those.

Or is that so? If you don't choose either, you've made another choice. The delay in choosing is a choice itself. Considering ice cream, if you don't choose quickly, the choice ends up melted all over the place. So, make the choice and enjoy the decision.

What about dresses? Consider which one would be appropriate for the occasion and get dressed. You can't not wear something, so you must make a choice. You can't stand there all day undressed, nor can you go anywhere like that. (Unless you live in a nudist colony, which there is an option about ten miles from here.)

What about the choice to witness to your neighbor or someone you run in to at the store? Do you speak words of Christ to a lost person or do you wait again and let the opportunity to melt away?

I am so guilty of avoiding decisions that need to be made. I don't like to choose because I don't want to be responsible for any bad decision that may come about. Also, I don't want to offend anyone or stir up controversy.

But the decision to witness has to be made, and it has to be made quickly. Actually, the decision should be made before the opportunity arises. As Christians, we have to be ready at all times to answer questions about the hope within us or speak Jesus' name to a lost world.

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.  I Peter 3:15 (emphasis mine)

Am I ready to make a defense for the gospel? Am I ready to answer anyone who would ask the reason for the hope which is within me?  Will I choose to share with those I'll see tomorrow when I go to the grocery store?

Something To Be Thankful For

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 

3 John 1:4

This past Wednesday our church had one of the most meaningful services that we have every year. It was our Thanksgiving service. Yes, we ate our fill of turkey, dressing, and pie, but what was most meaningful was the testimonies. We started the tradition when our church was small, only a few families, of each person having the opportunity to voice thanks to God in front of the whole group. There were so many beautiful testimonies of God's grace in so many was to the people personally, their families and our church. My heart was filled with love for the body of Christ as I heard them share.  I knew the time was coming for me to voice my thankfulness and I couldn't think of what I wanted to say.   I have so many things to be thankful for - 

• Godly husband
• Salvation
• Great friends
• Church in unity
• Family

But my mind kept going to this verse in 3 John. I am so very grateful to God that He has brought our children out of the darkness of sin and into a saving knowledge of who He is and what He has done for them. They aren't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but they walk in their faith. They walk according to the truth of Scripture and try really hard to serve their gracious Savior. 

And that is what I wanted to say that am most thankful for. (I am praying diligently that He will save my sweet two year sinner, Abigail at a very young age!)

Evangelism

Often when I see a street preacher or sign holder I think, "Fanatic." But, honestly, I don't know those people or their hearts.

Whether a person shouts out and says, "Woe you hypocrites" or quietly meets in the garden to instruct. Our hearts must be about witnessing to the lost. We have to care for souls. So if you see a person holding a sign that says "Jesus is the only way" or someone carrying a cross, don't automatically think, "Nut case." Pray for them. It isn't easy to stand out and be bold for Christ. If you see someone whispering in the corner with a lost person, don't automatically think that they're up to no good. Pray for them. They could be sharing the Gospel for the first time.

There are many examples of witnessing in Scripture: Paul standing in the coliseum proclaiming Christ, Timothy being instructed by his mother and grandmother, Jesus preaching to the crowds, the believing wife who might win her husband over without a word. Read the story of Ananias, he was afraid to do what God asked him to do but he went anyway.(Acts 9:10-19) We don't have to engage in all of these methods for sharing the Gospel but we do have to be sharing.

If my theology doesn't lead me to witness for Christ then my theology is weak. I wish I knew where this quote came from but it is powerfully convicting. 

As I pray, I must be praying for a heart for the lost and for my theology to drive the method I use to evangelize.

Mary's Views on Salvation

The assignment was to write in her own words: who God is, what He has done for us, who I am, and what He requires of me. This is what Mary wrote:

God is the Almighty ruler of all of His creation. He created us, our world, and everything in it. God is three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, each of which forms one Holy union. 


God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to our earth to live a completely perfect life, and endure all the effects of my sin.  Jesus never once sinned, yet He was punished for all of His children's sins. He was put through severe physical pain, being crucified on the cross, but the worst pain of all was when His Father forsook Him, and and poured out every drop of His wrath for our sins on His Son's pure and righteous shoulders.


I am a wretched sinner, who is desperately in need of Jesus' saving grace. I only deserve to be struck dead and be sent to an eternity in hell, but by God's great mercy and grace I can be forgiven for all of my many sins and can live with the Lord in heaven forever in perfect happiness and glory.


Deuteronomy 10:12-13 says, "And now Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord amour God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good?" That is exactly what the Lord requires of us.

When Lydia opened these conversations about baptism I had her and Mary do writing assignments that reflected our discussions. They were to write out who God is, what He has done for us, who we are, and what He requires of us. Lydia's is following in her own spelling and punctuation (I wish I could copy her sweet handwriting too):

1. The Creator of the universe the one who im reqierd to love and prais 

2. He sent his only son to die on the cross for me. He created me in his own imge. He took care of me Loved me

3. A sinner in need of Jeasus. Who has rebelld agisant the one who cratad me and loved me beafore I was born. 

4. To love him with all my heart soul and mind to care for people in need live out a christian life. 

"Have mercy on me a sinner." Luke 18:13

Mary's is coming up...

Salvation

When you pray for someones salvation, what do you expect? I expect my children to be saved, I have complete faith that God will bring all of them to Himself and have prayed for that since they were born. So why am I surprised when God brings in others that I have prayed for? A dear family that has been a part of our church for years has touched my heart many times. They have faced as many trials as a family should ever have to face, yet they are faithful in attendance and seem joyful to be there. Their 16 year old twin son and daughter professed Christ and were baptized recently. It was hard not to tear up at their testimony of how God brought them to Himself using the faithful witness of godly Christians in their lives. As they stood waiting their turn to go into the waters, they almost bounced with joy. Praise God that He is faithful to answer our prayers and redeem His own!

Decision Making

Making decisions for your children is often very difficult. When the girls were very young, it was easy to say yes or no to most anything. Even when the choices were all good, a parent can just make the call. As children grow, the decisions get bigger and have greater implications for their futures. It isn't quite as easy as saying, "I don't think that's a good idea so you shouldn't do that. I'm the parent and you obey me." We really value the girls' opinions and take that in to consideration. That being said - we are now trying to decide what Rachel will be doing next year because she has some great options. Following is a letter Rachel received from a man in our church who knew that we had set the deadline for today. I found it a helpful reminder for us all in determining God's will for our lives.
Rachel,First, let me thank you for the laughter you brought into our lives yesterday. If “a merry heart doeth good like a medicine,” then we had a liberal dose of that tonic. We appreciate your and your family’s care and friendship for us. So, again, thanks for the laugh!My primary purpose in writing to you is to offer a few thoughts regarding your upcoming decision about college. It seems to be weighing heavily on you, and I was especially burdened for you as I was praying this morning. I hope that you won’t consider my advice to be too forward or out of place. Having made many wrong decisions through the years that resulted in greater difficulties for me and my family, perhaps my advice can help you avoid some of the pitfalls that I've experienced.We have a special concern for you because you were so instrumental in leading Philip to the Lord. In a very real sense, we and he owe you his life in the same way that Philemon (Philemon v. 19) owed Paul his life (as he was likely the one who led him to Christ). So we take a particular interest in those things that affect you because of the special bond in Christ that you have with our family.One note before I continue...if anything I suggest below is in any way contradictory to the instructions and advice your parents have given you, then you know what to do immediately with my words – ignore them, discard them, don’t give them another thought. Your dad and mom have the best insight into your heart and circumstances, and have greater wisdom than I will ever possess, and I would never presume to offer any advice that would contradict theirs.With that said, let me offer some scattered thoughts as you are on the eve of your decision.It is no easy thing as we come to adulthood and face choices between (or among) paths that appear to be equally valid. It is easy to distinguish between right and wrong (though not always so easy to do the right and refuse the wrong!), but much more difficult, at least to my own heart and mind, to make choices between two things that seem to be equally reasonable and “right.” As you said Monday evening, and I know most people would echo the sentiment, “someone just tell me what to do!” We all secretly wish that we could have something like Paul’s vision of the man from Macedonia (Acts 16:9) to tell us exactly where to go and what to do for every big decision in our life.Remember, though, first and foremost, the Lord makes His will for us known clearly in His word. We need not debate or be doubtful in our minds as to what His will is. It is not some mysterious, dark, “floating cloud” of confusion that we have to get into some great straits of mind to understand. His word clearly reveals what we are to do and how we are to do it. True enough, it does not tell us to go to this specific school or place or job, or that one, but it does give us principles by which we can evaluate our options and determine what is right. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path,” (Psalm 119:105). It is both a lamp to show us where to place our next step safely and a light to illuminate our ultimate destination.In addition, as His child, you have the Holy Spirit to guide you in His word and in your walk. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths,” Prov. 3:5-6. We have God Himself dwelling in us in the person of His Spirit to lead us. He leads us into the word He Himself inspired to find direction, and He leads us by His word to walk in that direction He gives us. Every time in the past when I placed my trust in my own understanding, or sought to justify a particular course of action as the only choice I had at that time, I have led myself and my family away from the Lord and into great difficulty.If there “appears” to be only one option available, but that option violates Biblical principles or even has doubtful aspects which could lead to spiritual danger, then we are (to my mind) clearly instructed by His word to wait on the Lord to open up the right way – Psalm 37:7 “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” I learned this lesson the hard way several years ago when I entered into a business partnership with a lost man, despite Scripture’s clear warning not to do so (II Cor. 6:14), to my and my family’s great sorrow, because I thought at the time that was my only option so “it must be the Lord’s will.” No matter what our present circumstances, we are never justified in making a decision that has the consequence of violating God’s revealed will in His word.If we have a choice, though, between things that seem to be, on the surface, legitimate and worthy, then, to my mind, we have an obligation to thoroughly evaluate all the implications of those choices to see if there is anything in either of them that could lead to spiritual danger or even spiritual apathy. (The five foolish virgins of Matthew 25 were not condemned because they did anything overtly sinful but simply because they failed to make proper preparation.) As we’ve matured, we have learned through experience to ask questions such as, “Will one option or another cause us to be less faithful to the church?” “Will it cause us to have to physically move to a place where the faithful preaching of God’s word cannot be found?” (I chose not to take a job once because it would require that I travel every week and keep me away from my family and church far too often.) “Could one or the other cause me to have to compromise a doctrine or conviction that I hold in order to maintain myself in that choice?” “Does one choice above the other make it more possible that I will become lax or lazy in my spiritual disciplines?” “Can I discern a tendency in either choice that would make me less of a witness for the Lord?” There are probably numerous other questions that could be asked, but these hopefully would “prime the pump” of our thoughts. We are directed by Scripture to “count the cost” (Luke 14:27-33). I realize that this passage applies most directly to our salvation, but I think we have warrant to apply the principle to the decisions we make that affect our Christian walkCertainly we are all in danger of stumbling no matter what our situation or circumstance. We must always be careful to guard our hearts, however, we may be able, upon careful examination, to discern greater tendencies toward these things in one choice over another that would make it more apparent which is the better direction to go.The most important question to ask, I think, is “which choice in this decision, gives me the greatest opportunity to be salt and light where I am or will be?” Is that not our primary command from the Lord, to go and proclaim the gospel, to make disciples? This is our prime directive as Christians. (I realize I’m “preaching to the choir;” you know this better than I do!) We are to use every circumstance, seek every opportunity, and evaluate every life decision as a chance to display and proclaim the Savior, and if one option more than another gives us a greater ability to do so (assuming it does not violate any of the things discussed above) then it would seem to me that, barring any definite closing of a door by the Lord, that would be the better choice. As with anything, I don't think you can make this an unchangeable rule, but in general I think it is a safe guide for our choices.Well, I think I should conclude with that. I hope I have not wearied you, nor added confusion to an already difficult decision. It is truly my desire to be of some help, however small, to you in this. Perhaps the best thing we can do is pray that He who knows the end from the beginning will give you light and a lamp. We will most certainly continue to do just that. “The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace,” Numbers 6:24-26. May He always bless you and glorify Himself through you. Pray for us as we pray for you.Bro. John

Something I Learned from Mama

You should always go to weddings and funerals. I am always glad I did. This week was no exception.
A dear lady of 93 years old died "unexpectedly" and her funeral was held on Tuesday. Mrs. Ostine had twelve children, 35 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren. The church was packed as a testimony to how her children rose up and called her blessed. One of her grandsons (who is also a pastor) read from her journal and the words "God is so good to us" kept ringing out loud and clear. As he read accounts of the deaths of her parents, husband and a daughter she would finish her entry with "God is so good." When he read of her house burning on a Saturday evening and having enough clothes to go to church on Sunday (the very next day!) she finished with "God is so good." Mrs. Ostine wanted to leave a legacy of faith to her children. She did not fail. Those children have no excuse of not knowing who God is and what He requires of us. The gospel of Christ was preached in their mother's daily walk with Christ as well as at the funeral.
The picture above is of Sarah with Mrs. Ostine last Easter. Mrs. Ostine, who had a wonderful mind and kept reading until her death, was diligent to remember my own children along with her own large family.

Still in Honduras

It has been a pleasure getting to know the missionary community here. They have all welcomed me into their close knit group. I love sitting by and listening to them talk--I'm learning a lot just from their godly examples and conversations. The fellowship has been a blessing.

Are You Satisfied With Christ?

This weekend we listened to John Piper speak on the life of George Mueller. I was struck again by the life of this spiritual giant. I've read of Mueller's faithful prayers and his legacy of Scripture reading. Mueller didn't receive a salary for years yet God provided millions of dollars for his use to feed and clothe thousands of orphans and support mission organizations. While Mueller's first wife lay very sick and dying and he prayed for her healing, he knew that his most important call was to be satisfied with Christ. If she died then he was confident that that was what would be most pleasing to God. Mueller was completely resting in Christ and his will for his life. He was most satisfied with Christ.
As I look at my life, I wonder how "satisfied" I am with Christ. He has blessed me so abundantly, yet do I always rest in Him and His provisions? As the rain falls and the sun shines can you say,"I'm satisfied with Christ because He knows best?"
These thought provoking biographies by John Piper are available online at http://www.monergism.com/directory/link_category/Biography/.

Testimonies

Recently, our church celebrated the baptism service of a dear lady in our church. Her baptism has spurred a lot of conversation in our church family especially among the children. She wrote out her testimony and it was sent out on Ray's email list. Her testimony has had a huge impact and we have received so many comments on how it spoke to people. One of our daughters has asked a lot questions concerning testimonies and we used that as a beginning of a great Bible study in our own family worship time.
We studied Paul's testimony in several different passages and what it means to actually have a testimony. We looked at our friend's testimony and found that it has all that a person needs to make clear of his faith in Christ. She didn't give a lot of sordid details about her past but made clear her need of a savior. She told how she realized her need and what God has done since then. Reviewing and writing out your own testimony is a great exercise of faith. It will be encouraging to you and those that you would share it with. It should include but not be limited to: your need before Christ, how you came to faith in Christ, and what He has done since your salvation.
The focus of a testimony is not you but God and His greatness. No matter our past and what "big" sins we've committed, we were all just as lost as the "biggest" sinner we know. We all had the same need for a savior and His salvation is still amazing.