Would we had died ...

Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness! (Numbers 14:2b)

God had rescued His people. They were surrounded by death in Egypt, as their sons were killed at birth. The Children of Israel watched the plagues fall upon Egypt until, finally, Pharaoh was compelled to release them -- after the death of many Egyptian sons. Even then he changed his mind and chased them into his own disbelieving death.

And here they are, just over a year later, standing at the edge of God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. This was to be their home. All twelve spies agreed that this promised land flowed with milk and honey. They brought back proof of harvest. They stood at the edge of fulfilled promise – and feared.

They feared what it would take to follow God’s will. They lacked the faith to walk across the river and find that God’s promise held good. They forgot the strength of their original salvation. How soon they forgot – but has it taken us any longer?

They wish for death. Be careful, very careful, what you wish for. This generation that wished for death in the wilderness was granted that wish.

And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them? (Numbers 14:11)

Moses was given an option:

I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier than they. (Numbers 14:12)

The promise God made to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob could be accomplished through Moses. Moses declined. He understood that God’s reputation was at stake. If Moses accepted being lifted to the level offered, it would impact the belief of nations yet to come. What an awesome understanding that God’s will is for His glory, not for any individual’s.

The people had seen all that God could do. Yet they feared that He could not continue to do so. Thus, they died as they wished.

Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice; Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it: (Numbers 14:22-23)

Even as sinners saved by God’s grace through Jesus Christ, the choice is ours. Follow God’s will into His promise for our life, or die fearfully in the wilderness. How would we look upon that generation had they left us a legacy of faith rather than fear?

Which will you live? Faith or fear? Is there another alternative? Of what value to God or to you? Where lies the glory for Him?

Daniel

1801 in Connecticut, Daniel Dickinson was born to Joseph and Elizabeth (Brooks) Dickinson. 22 March 1828 in Haddam, Middlesex county Connecticut he married Sarah Lewis, who died in 1841 leaving him to raise at least two children. Two years later in Huron county, Ohio, on 14 July 1843, Daniel married again, to Sybil Searl. I last find them in the 1880 census in Monclova, Lucas county, Ohio, Daniel and Sybil living with their son James and his wife, Emma.

Daniel is my husband’s third great-grandfather, a sixth great-grandfather for our new Saraiah.

Filling in these slots on the pedigree charts is a pleasurable research for me. Each time I find someone, I find another piece of history, for I must learn what caused a family to leave their home in Connecticut and move to Ohio. Then, I must continue back to find why a family would leave Europe for America.

The Bible mentions genealogies six times in the Old Testament – citing genealogies for specific men. Paul in the New Testament, however, cautions against making them too important:

Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. (1 Timothy 1:4)

But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. (Titus 3:9)

There are plenty of books written on how to track one’s ancestors. In one of them, “The Source: A Guidebook of American Genealogy” published in the 1990’s by Ancestry, Inc., page 200 includes a sample reference – for one of my husband’s ancestors. The original spellings are retained:

Mary Bayly Enters a Compl[ain]t against her husband Nathan baly by Mr. Antill her Atturney by petition.

[next is crossed out] the Court hears the Complt and orders that Nathan Baly shall be sent for by a special warr[an]tt & that he appear on ye 17th Instant to Answer ye above said Complt directed to ye Sherrif or his Deputy And if he doth not appeare at the time appointed at westchester Court the matter is deferred for further Examination unto Justice pell & Justice Theale. (19)

19. "Records of the Court of Sessions of Westchester County (New York)," Westchester Historical Society Publications 1 (1924): 33, 44 ff.

This all happened before 1700. You would think after three hundred years there wouldn’t be any record of such a minor legal item. Yet Nathan’s mother’s trial transcript still exists, too, from 1649. "Ancient Town Records Vol. I; New Haven Town Records 1649-1662". So, we also know why that good wife Bayley was convicted as a witch.

Why then do we doubt that from one century to the next biblical records remain open to mankind? What we call the Dead Sea Scrolls brought confirmation that across two thousand years, they had done so. Confirmed the writings at the time where God said:

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11)

Jesus’ commitment regarding the word is just as firm:

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. (Matthew 24:35)

Let us promise Him, as did David: With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalms 119:10-11)

Rain

Can we talk about? We’d better, for that appears to be the only time we’re going to hear the word. Oh, for the sound of a shower against the window. To smell the swift breath of ozone before a thunderstorm. To see the splash of huge droplets sink into the tilled fields. What a blessing a shower would really be!

Instead, I hear the whipping rush of another dry wind. I see the burn ban signs down each road. I watch in dread for clouds of smoke as before. Empty skies hold no promise of moisture. Not even the falseness of virga – the unfulfilled promise of raindrops, evaporating before saturating our dry and thirsty land, where no water is; (Psalms 63:1b)

We seek Ezekiel’s written promise: and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing. (Ezekiel 34:26b)

For a great deal of our United States has become a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; (Psalms 63:1b)

Drought stretches through California into Texas across to Georgia and up the Carolinas. The map shows ranges from yellow D0 – Abnormally Dry, to the severe red at level D4 – Exceptional. And that’s not good. That affects our groceries.

The predictions don’t look any better – check this map. Careful, they change the colors. Be certain to check the legends.

In the Old Testament drought often spoke of God’s displeasure with His people. For Elijah the rain would come only at his spoken word:

And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word. (1 Kings 17:1)

After three years he stood before Ahab and told him why:

And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim. (1 Kings 18:18)

Perhaps we’ll do as Zechariah suggested: Ask ye of the LORD rain (Zechariah 10:1a)

For we need not only spring showers but the fruit the blossoms promise.

Time For

It has been a few days without “normal” in our lives. That trip to Houston for my brother-in-law’s memorial service, my daughter’s quick flight to welcome her first grandchild – such a juxtaposition of the seasons in our lives as written by Solomon:

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2a)

It stands to reason that I might see our new Saraiah grow up, if our Lord delays His coming and my health remains as my Dad’s. But most likely I shall not see her children upon this earth.

Do not allow that to cause any sadness. It is the natural progression of God’s plan. Except for Enoch and Elijah, that has been the lot of all mankind, even Jesus Christ. As we read the scriptures, And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him. (Genesis 5:24) Perhaps it does mean Enoch simply continued a walk with God one day and did not face death. While there was a fiery chariot, look to the whirlwind for Elijah: And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. (2 Kings 2:11)

I expect nothing along those lines. Nor is it of importance to me. It is simply a doorway.

I am grateful to have seen all of my grandchildren. My own grandmother did not have that luxury. Her youngest son was only sixteen when she died. It was her sister-in-law who spoke of her coming forward for membership in her local church. She made her public profession of faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, stating clearly and firmly that it was her decision, not pressure from any person.

So did my mother. So have I. So have my children. So have some of my grandchildren. Would that all of them come to know Christ as we do!

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. (3 John 1:4)

Tonight, as part of my ‘normal’ routine, cookies and punch will be served to about eighty children. Just as John speaks of “my children”, so do I – I pray that these, too, might know the truth even as my grandchildren.

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

Saraiah Noelle arrived ...

Tuesday morning, February 24, 2009 at 8:31 a.m. PST, Las Vegas, Clark county, Nevada. Six pounds, fourteen ounces, nineteen inches long. Saraiah, Mom, both grandmothers and a grandfather are doing just fine!!! All the info already in PAF.

STOP THE PRESSES - NANA IS ON HER WAY TO VEGAS

OK, this is it. Granddaughter is in labor, her Mom headed for the airport. I will post updates to this message -- and I'm sending the address to friends and family so you'll know where to check.

If you are on Facebook, too, I'll post Status messages there, too. That way I can keep everyone updated quickly!!

Please pray for the parents and the travelers!!

The Man at the Well

"My love and deep gratitude to my son, Tom Fox, who by his example led me to a clear commitment of my life to Jesus Christ. ... Thanks most of all to Jesus Christ, who made my life to shine by sending His Holy Spirit into my heart" from her book "In the Hands of the Potter."

This son who led his mother, by example, to our Lord knew there were many obstacles to overcome. Born Lucille Wood Smith, her name was changed to Frances Octavia Smith while she was still a baby. She changed it again when she married at fourteen and gave birth to Tom before her divorce and remarriage at seventeen. Just a few years later she changed it again after another divorce and remarriage, followed by a divorce. In Memphis she changed her name twice for her career.

Once more she remarried, a widower. This time they remained married, beginning a life with her son, his son and his two daughters. They would raise nine babies. Three they would lose before they were grown -- their birth daughter, Robin; their adopted daughter, Debbie; their adopted son, John David.

It was Robin's story, "Angel Unawares", her first book that I read, and cried over, that opened her life to my eyes and opened my eyes to her faith. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (Hebrews 13:2 KJV)

Her book that most exemplifies a Christian life is "The Woman at the Well." Led by her own son, she came to that well of living water and told others Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? (John 4:29 KJV)

God knows all we have done, and He loves us. We love him, because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19 KJV)

He told us how much He loves us. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)

I wonder how many younger than Boomers, or maybe Generation X, recognize her name -- Dale Evans Rogers? How many have read her books of Christian family and love. If you haven’t, come to know her through her works. And, through her works, come meet the Man at the well

The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. (John 4:25-26 KJV)

Samaritan

And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: (Luke 17:12)

They could not approach Him. They were diseased and literally rotting away a piece at a time. There were laws creating walls around them, casting them out of society, without hope. Once, millennia ago, Miriam had been cursed then cured; centuries later Naaman was washed clean in Jordan. But these miracles were few and far between.

Until now. Here was a healer whose powers were known far and wide. The lepers came as did so many others, seeking something personal, not so much the Son of God.

And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. (Luke 17:13)

It is not written that they asked for healing. It is not written that they confessed their sins. It is only written that they recognized Him as Master, and requested His mercy. Whether for forgiveness or compassion, they called for His mercy. And, it was granted, along with healing:

And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. (Luke 17:14)

They left, to comply with the implicit command, and were healed.

One – count them so easily – One returned.

And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: (Luke 17:15-16a)

The healed man didn’t throw himself at Jesus feet and declare he would follow Christ forever. He gave thanks and glory where it was deserved – glory to God for His unspeakable gift. But there’s a bit more to the story.

and he was a Samaritan. (Luke 17:16b)

Now where did we hear that before? How about a few chapters before when Jesus answered the question: And who is my neighbour? (Luke 10:29b)

What does one do when “Thanks!” is not forthcoming? When all the work is done, and only ten percent of those (helped, healed, fed, clothed, loved, insert the verb of our choice) return and say “Thanks!”

The example Jesus gave us was to just keep on giving, past His own death. Let us proceed to do so.

Burdened

There are contradictions in the Bible -- if you just look at separate verses. In Galations 6:2, we're told to bear another's burdens:

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)

You know, that falls under the second greatest commandment: And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (Matthew 22:39)

Three verses down we are told to bear our own burdens:

For every man shall bear his own burden. (Galatians 6:5)

They really aren't contradictory, nor in conflict when taken with the remainder of the chapter, much less the book. We are responsible for ourselves, our own actions. But when we see the needs of others, we attend to those needs because we love our neighbor as ourselves.

Sometimes we do not love ourselves. That causes a great deal of difficulty in obeying that beautiful second commandment. God loves us, each and every one. Through Him we are acceptable to Him. Acceptance of that fact is necessary for us to truly love our neighbor as God loves them.

There are so many times we need assistance with our burdens. And there's always One who has called upon us for help:

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

Can you accept Christ's burden of caring for others?

From Today's Memorial Service

I had not heard this hymn before, but loved the words and the music. I didn't find the music on the web, but did find the lyrics. May you enjoy reading them as we did singing -- and may they bring comfort where needed, for the Comforter is available:

Hymn of Promise

Composer: Natalie Sleeth
Author: Natalie Sleeth
Publisher: Hope Publishing Company
Voicing: Two Parts
Pages: 6
Publish Date: 1986

Lyrics

In the bulb there is a flower;
In the seed, an apple tree;
In cocoons, a hidden promise:
Butterflies will soon be free!

In the cold and snow of winter,
There's a spring that waits to be,
Unrevealed until its season,
Something God alone can see.

There's a song in every silence,
Seeking word and melody;
There's a dawn in every darkness,
bringing hope to you and me.

From the past will come the future;
What it holds, a mystery,
Unrevealed until its season,
Something God alone can see.

In our end is our begining;
In our time, infinity.
In our doubt, there is believing;
In our life, eternity.

In our death, a resurrection;
At the last, a victory
Unrevealed until its season,
Something God alone can see.

On My Way Home

I Just Stopped By On My Way Home

My life has been blessed in so many ways

with family and friends day after day

but I can't stay here, soon I’ll be gone

I just stopped by, on my way home

chorus

I just stopped by on my way home

I just stopped by on my way home

I'm just passing through

I'm Just Passing through

I can't stay here long

I can't stay very long

for I must go meet my Jesus

around God's throne

I just stopped by on my way home

My heart is set on that heavenly shore

My mind is stayed on Jesus My Lord

Well, it seems I can hear the heavenly song

I just stopped by on my way home.

Our Youth Choir sings this – Taylor does the solo at the beginning. It’s much slower and almost plaintive. You can hear the homesickness. Then the entire choir comes in and it becomes a fast-paced, joyful journey home.

I thought of it this morning as I realized I’m already looking forward to getting back to my home here. I'm not taking my PC and may not have access for the next few days. We leave in about an hour, and I’m ready to begin the return trip.

I’m also ready to go home to be with my Lord. He has prepared a place for me.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (John 14:2)

Just as today, I will go where I must be, do what I must do, follow my Lord’s will in my life. When He’s ready, He’ll see that I get home. It will be great to get home -- here, and there.

Holy Day

Christians will soon celebrate their most holy day. Greater than the gift of God’s son as the birth of a child. Greater than the death of God’s son on the cross at Calvary.

We will celebrate life.

Come Easter Sunday morning, we will lift our voices in praise, circling the globe with the most wonderful words, “He is risen. He is risen, indeed!”

Matthew first tells us: And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. (Matthew 28:7)

He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, (Luke 24:6a)

And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; (Mark 16:6a)

When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. (John 2:22)

This is the difference between Jesus, the Messiah, and those who claimed His title. He is risen. This is why Christians meet together to worship on the first day of the week instead of the seventh. This is why Jesus was born and why He died. This is what He prophesied: I have told you; how he spake unto you; he had said this

This was why the Holy Spirit inspired the writers of the Bible. I love how John explains why he wrote:

But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. (John 20:31)

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5:13)

Mark tells us that hearing was not always believing, even among those who followed Him: And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. (Mark 16:11)

Tell someone today about Jesus. Find the words to express the faith held in His ability to show the truth of God before mankind. Enrich lives.

We Love Him

Christians are often found to be praising their savior. Many of our hymns are written about our love for Him. Below are a couple of my favorites and the verses that speak so very loudly of the love of Christ.

We love him, because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19)

For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,

but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Oh, How I Love Jesus

Text: Frederick Whitfield

Music: American Melody

There is a Name I love to hear,

I love to sing its worth;

It sounds like music in my ear,

The sweetest Name on earth.

Refrain:

Oh, how I love Jesus,

Oh, how I love Jesus,

Oh, how I love Jesus,

Because He first loved me!

My Jesus, I Love Thee

Text: William R. Featherstone

Music: Adoniram J. Gordon

My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine;

for thee all the follies of sin I resign.

My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art thou;

if ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

I love thee because thou hast first loved me,

and purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree;

I love thee for wearing the thorns on thy brow;

if ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

In mansions of glory and endless delight;

I'll ever adore thee in heaven so bright;

I'll sing with the glittering crown on my brow;

if ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself,

and God, even our Father,

which hath loved us,

and hath given us everlasting consolation

and good hope through grace, (2 Thessalonians 2:16)

Balaam

I remember as a child hearing of Balaam and his talking donkey (I know, the KJV says ass, but – again as a child – we found using that word sufficiently funny that it distracted somewhat from the story.)

We thought more about Dr. Dolittle or Dr. Seuss and wondered which of our favorite animals would talk to us and what they might say … what, we’re off the track again? Balaam’s story has the ability to become distracted easily.

Well, our pastor preached on this very subject Sunday night – and we had that short moment of laughter as we wondered what our animals might say, but he returned us to the correct subject each time we allowed ourselves to be distracted. We covered Balaam’s story from Numbers to Revelation.

Did you know that Balaam covered so much territory? Numbers hold the story, and it covers several chapters. But you must read of him in Deuteronomy, Joshua, Nehemiah, Micah, 2 Peter, Jude and Revelation before you get to the last reference.

And it took almost all of those 59 verses to get a perspective on a man who had a great reputation: …I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed. (Numbers 22:6b)

Yep, Balak had a job that needed done: Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: (Numbers 22:6a); so Balak sent for a man that he knew could get the job done. God had told Balaam how to handle that job:

And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed. (Numbers 22:12)

Used to being treated as the king he was, Balak tried again. Balaam asked God again, and the answer remained:

And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do. (Numbers 22:20)

To me, Balaam missed one step of the instructions in Numbers 22:20 – he did not wait for the men to call him, he just rose up in the morning and went. God gave him an inch, and he took a mile.

His only protection was his transportation’s ability to see God’s angel. Being a good protector of its owner, it turned aside, taking blows for that effort. Finally Balaam pays attention and sees the problem.

Sounds a bit like us in some of our decisions? Well, it gets worse. Balaam gives God every opportunity to allow him to earn Balak’s wages and honor. How do we know he wanted those? He kept pushing for God to allow him to curse Israelites. Consistent in His plan, God said “No.”

For all of this time, Balaam did not leave Balak. The result of this sticking around was written:

And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword. (Numbers 31:8)

The lesson? We can know what God has told us, but not complete what He has told us to do. We take the chance on becoming an example used through the ages of one who failed God by building stumblingblocks instead of showing His way.

Keeping a Prayer List

Who is on your prayer list?

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13 KJV)

Who are the “us”?

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (Matthew 5:44 KJV)

Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. (Luke 6:28 KJV)

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26 KJV)

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: (2 Thessalonians 3:1 KJV)

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. (Hebrews 13:17-18 KJV)

At the top of my list are unsaved family members. Major health issues are usually next. Healing is in His hands and James tells us in 5:16 “…pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

That’s a lot of praying, and we have some good examples: Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: (1 Samuel 12:23 KJV)

That theme of unceasing prayer is carried through the Bible: Brethren, pray for us.

(1 Thessalonians 5:25 KJV) Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 KJV)

Who knows, you may be on someone else’s prayer list. Almost certainly!