In this column we have been considering the vows that couples take when they get married. I wonder how many people face the reality of those life-time commitments. For better or for worse; for richer or for poorer are the two basic promises we have looked at so far. Typically the next area of commitment is, in sickness and in health. As we have traveled we have met many people who have been greatly tested as their spouse has gotten ill, endured a stroke or heart attack, or suffered serious injury in an automobile accident. I have been most impressed by a number of faithful men who have been called on to take care of their wives. In three cases that come to mind the wives were wheel chair bound. As we might expect, when they were first married the women were young, full of life and able to walk by their husbands through the challenging experiences of life. One of these ladies suffered a debilitating stroke. Another had kidney disease, a brain aneurism, as well as a stroke. The third contracted a crippling disease, affecting all of her extremities. Not one of the men had anticipated the circumstances that would totally consume his wife’s life and his own life. I was deeply stirred by each man’s commitment and devotion to his wife as a person, as his mate, and as someone who was totally dependent on his love and care.

Most couples are young when they marry and think little about what the future may hold. We all soon learn that sickness, disease and injury are no respecter of persons. In virtually a moment of time health and vitality can be stolen, leaving the victim at the mercy of their spouse and family. More common today is the “plague” of Alzheimer’s disease that destroys one’s cognitive skills. A mate who once shared in all of life’s activities is now unable to function mentally. Difficulty in remembering leads to the inability to carry on normal activities of conversation, household duties and driving. The victim may become harsh and even combative. They may maintain physical strength but end up with terrible mental and emotional confusion. Eventually, total unawareness and recognition of dearest loved ones may ensue. Indeed you may be in the very kind of situation we are describing.

I suppose no one is fully prepared for these testing experiences. Contrary to the heart’s desire, it is not unusual for healthy partners to yield their loved ones to the care of a nursing home or retirement center. Sometimes it results in breaking the tender hearted promise that we would never let it happen. In such cases, please know that love and loyalty to your loved one is not ultimately measured by whether you can keep them in your home. More next time.

   I want to continue our thoughts on prayer and specifically the significance of Romans 8:28. As we mentioned last time, it is a wonderful message of truth and encouragement and is often quoted by believers in various situations.   Let’s remember however, it is given immediately after Paul’s teaching about the intercessory work of the Holy Spirit in our prayer life. Paul said the Holy Spirit makes intercession for us according to the will of God. He does that because verse 26 tells us we do not know what to pray for. Thankfully He steps in on our behalf. Among other things, that means the answer I get to my prayer may not be what I think it should be. It is with that truth before me that Paul gives Romans 8:28. I mentioned last time that I have a line drawn in my Bible from verse 26, we know not, to verse 28, we know. I may have a burden, but I do not know specifically how I should bring it to the Lord in prayer. The Holy Spirit does it for me and he does it perfectly. I can rest there. I know God will work, and I know He cares about me and my needs. Thus Paul said, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. Can you rest in that truth? Can you rejoice in that truth? Can you find peace in that truth? We are reminded by Isaiah’s message to Israel that God’s ways are higher than our ways and God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9). We cannot always understand what God is doing in our lives or in the lives of those around us, but we know, as Abraham affirmed with his rhetorical inquiry, Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? (Genesis 18:25). More next time.  

We have received a number of inquiries lately, asking that we address the issue of young people who have grown up in Christian homes, but, for what ever reason, have gone astray. Such situations are as difficult as any we can imagine. The heartbreak that comes from seeing a child reject the Lord and choose the world is no easy burden to bear. We will endeavor to address the matter forthrightly and compassionately.             

I want to start by quoting a basic text on child rearing to lay a foundation for our discussion on the matter. It is a familiar text to every parent. Proverbs 22:6 says, Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it. A great part of successful parenting comes from accomplishing the task of training. It is not just the challenge to teach our children; it is the challenge to train them. It is not just to endeavor to train them; it is, by the grace of God, to prevail over all the obstacles that get in the way. Those obstacles will include our own flaws and failures, our child’s willfulness and proneness to sin, as well as the multiplicity of negative influences in his life that will vie for his mind and heart.

What does it mean to train? Matthew Henry’s commentary, in addressing Proverbs 22:6 says, Catechise them; initiate them, keep them under discipline. Train them as soldiers, who are taught to handle their arms, keep rank and observe the word of command. Let me conclude for now by asking the reader to think on this. If a soldier had finished his course of training, but could not handle his arms, keep rank and observe his commands, was he, in fact, trained?                  

We have been blessed with some very special sermons when we have been home lately. They have made me stop and think about what we are here to do. After we accept the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, we aren’t left to ourselves to do whatever we want. We have been born into the family of God and are expected to live for Him. How foreign is that today? II Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” What is it going to take for Christians to begin to start looking and acting like Christians? Can you tell as you look at the women and young girls, as well as the men and young men in your church, that they have “become new”? It just grieves me to see such a lack of concern in the lives of so many Christians to be different than the world! Why do we try to look and act like the world when we represent the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? If we were busy telling others of the forgiveness, peace, hope and joy there is in accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior, maybe we wouldn’t be so concerned to act and dress like the world. We are just passing through this life on our way to eternity. How many friends, family or strangers we meet are we going to take with us? What is our purpose for living? When are we going to be busy about our Father’s business?

I have been burdened for a long time about prayer. It is the greatest privilege afforded the child of God. We can step into the presence of our Creator and personally open our hearts to Him. But prayer is abused, misused and ignored by many. In the book we address such things as: Understanding the Father/Child Relationship, Praying in the Name of the Son, The Intercessory work of the Holy Spirit, What it means to pray boldly, What about Fasting?, and much more. It will be over 200 pages in length. We anticipate it being ready for distribution within the next month or so, and at this point, plan a paper back edition as well as a leather gift edition. The publishers suggested retail prices will be $14.99 and $19.99 respectively.  We would like to offer a pre-publication suggested donation of $10.00 and $15.00 respectively. Your order will help us with publication costs and hopefully be a blessing to you. You can order on our website resource page or by direct e-mail to us.

We are happy to report that our new website is up and functioning. We had a few glitches to overcome, but now it is operating well.

It is a video presentation which explains the gospel and accompanying Bible truths to all who watch. Many are directing others to the site. You can help by telling others or by handing out our business sized cards introducing the site. You can get the cards free of charge by contacting us. We are averaging about 5 hits per day on the site. Pray with us that many unbelievers will watch and consider their need of the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior. In this day of religious confusion and turmoil, people need to hear the pure and simple message of Christianity.

In our last FOF we suggested one small way to stand for God’s truth would be to order 10 or more copies of our booklet on Culture Collapse and hand them out. One man is trying to initiate a project to get one into the hands of all 535 members of the U.S. Congress. He would then like to see the project expand to State Legislatures across the country. Would you pray?

March 16-26 – BFM Israel Tour

April 17-18 – BFM Ladies Conference

April 25- May 15 – State of Washington-

                               Chewelah

                               Pasco

                               Bremerton

June 7 – Anthony Baptist, Jersey Shore, PA

June 22 – 27 – BFM Family Camp