God's Pure Love for You

Is your family too busy for family Bible time? Feel like there are too many good shows on TV to take time to read the “Good Book”?

Consider some vital reasons to take the Bible down off the shelf, give it a good dusting, and open its pages. As part of  ”grandma’s corner” now, I can speak with some wisdom of hindsight, which always seems to be 20-20. We still have two of four children at home, though, so this can very much apply to me as well!

1. If you’re a Christian blessed with children, it’s your responsibility to teach them in God’s word. We’ll look at Deuteronomy 11:19.

2. What should influence your children more – secular television & music, the internet, peers, or God’s word?

3. Abuse of the internet can be detrimental to teaching God’s word to our families. It’s also a place of easy access to pornography and the beginning of sexual addictions and broken lives, all because we haven’t taught our children to guard their hearts against Satan’s attack. Oh, my dear readers, we parents need to step in and grab the reigns once again by establishing a consistent routine of family devotions to avoid these pitfalls!

4. If you don’t read/study the Bible with your children, you will increase the odds of them growing up not have trusting faith in the Lord Jesus.
Romans 10:14 (NIV) says, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”

I realize that children don’t want to be “preached at” by their parents, but I believe they will listen to Scripture being read to them if you start this practice at an early age. You will, in effect, become your child’s first “preacher” of the word of Life, an immense privilege and responsibility! Oh, Mom and Dad, you need to “get on the same page” at pursuing this very important task. Don’t pass the buck, as it were, to your spouse. Both parents need to be active participants in this exciting venture with the family! Your marriage will find the way to blessing as a result! Men and women following Jesus in this way will never regret it.

5. God tells us in Deuteronomy 11:19 (NIV), when to teach His words : “Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

I believe we Christian parents will be required to give an account to God about whether or not we obeyed this command of His and taught our children His word.

6. Big reason for a family Bible time: It will be a great substitute for liberal mass media that has invaded our homes. Spending hour upon endless hour with our eyes and ears glued to the TV was never God’s plan for His people, the church, especially in these last days! Do we want to be in the middle of another episode of blood & gore on TV, when Jesus comes for His church in the Rapture, or do we want to be doing things like reading His word, praying, witnessing to the lost, and helping those in need? So choose the path to let your light shine!

7. Jesus said in Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV). “… ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”

We must allow these words of Jesus to immediately spur us on to carving out time for personal and family Bible study, prayer, and witnessing! God calls us to take up the Sword of the Spirit (the word of God) in Ephesians 6:17. I believe we can through Bible study with our children, teaching them about who God is from its pages. This plan is about something so much better than some strict and stern other method enforcing our rules. Instead, family Bible study can be about teaching our children about the real meaning of life – having a redeeming relationship with the one true God who loves them. It’s about teaching them how to love and worship the LORD God – the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – who made us and willingly gave His life for us on the cross, and now gives us a resurrection, even Promised Land, type of living that can free us from the penalty and power of sin, so that we and our children (whoever trusts in Christ) may live the life of freedom and holiness in Christ, by His life and presence!

Let’s ask ourselves: Can this life of submitting to the Kingship of Christ be learned by sitting on the couch night after night, taking in secular TV, with all of its foul language, blood and violence, sex, and immorality? I think not! From what I’ve seen, most of TV and family don’t mix. Let’s shut those TVs off! (I do love to watch Christian TV channels while I do my exercise routine, but we must not succumb to surfing the other channels.) There are a few good specials on sometimes, but as a whole, TV is a time-waster. If we are tormented by this, let’s take a bold stand and cart the television(s) out to the roadside for trash pickup! Then, we’ll be more open, as part of the body of Christ, to seek God with all our hearts…and teach our children to do the same!

In a July 29, 2011 post  ”Jesus Feeds 5000; Will You Be Broken?”, I share how Jesus fed the multitude with bread. As parents and/or grandparents, we have the blessed opportunity to feed our children/grandchildren with the “Bread of Life”. Let’s not deprive them!

Psalm 8:2 says it well: “Out of the mouths of babes and unweaned infants You have established strength because of Your foes, that You might silence the enemy and the avenger (Amplified Bible).”

“You have taught children and infants to tell of your strength; silencing your enemies and all who oppose you (New Living Translation).”

The Message, a contemporary, paraphrased Bible by Eugene H. Peterson, says in this same verse, “Nursing infants gurgle choruses about you; toddlers shout the songs that drown out enemy talk, and silence atheist babble.”

We need to keep our ears open. for children are worth listening to. We just might learn something from them, as they can have some very wise, often very funny words to say! Here are a few of those profound, even inspirational, original quotes worthy of Grandma’s Brag Book, from the sweet kids in my life.

1. When I was changing my daughter’s diaper many, many years ago (about 25, actually), I remember her singing, “Jesus, You are my King!” What an amazing child, and what a precious moment from God!

2. When I sat down for lunch many years ago, my little daughter, who was always snacking, asked about my food. I said that it was lunch-time, to which she replied, wide-eyed, “Where’s my lunch-time?”

3. After pulling into the parking lot of what used to be the department store “Big Wheel”, this same small daughter said, “Wheel of Fortune!”

4. My almost 2 1/2 year-old grand-daughter, Sophia, said on the phone from West Virginia last week, “Hi, my grandma!” and “Hi, my grandpa!” to me and my husband.

5. When serving as a leader in kids’ Awana at church years ago, I heard one child say something like this while playing in the gymnasium, “My mom says they are growing pains. But they might not be, because these only last 5 minutes.”

6. When I was working in a salvage store, one mom asked if we had layaway, to which I said, “No.” The little child with her asked, “Is it all gone?”

7. My daughter has a funny way of sneezing. She sneezes in all seriousness, “A-choo-ee-boo!” Then her friends at school say, “Do it again!”

8. When my other little girl was just barely over toddler age, she used to call me “Momma-Jo.”

9. Our grand-daughter receives a couple of chocolate chips as a reward when she uses the potty, so now she asks for “potty candy,” to the amusement of her mom and dad.

10. This same grand-daughter, Sophia, has picked up from my daughter on answering “Sure” instead of yes. I just noticed that my husband also says the same thing! No surprise; our daughter always was “Daddy’s girl”. Sophia also adores her grandpa!

11. Sophia, the child of my math-major daughter, has her own version of counting, which is something like “4,6,9,6…” Give her time; she’s only approaching 2 1/2 years old. ♥

12. Sophia also calls snow,”snowman” whenever she sees it outside.

13. When our two sons were teenager, my husband learned new jargon when they played paintball with their buddies, such as “newbie”, “nube”, and “You got poned.” I’m sure they remember some good father-son times from back then!

14. My niece used to love to eat her grandma’s homemade dill pickles and called them, “appickles!”

15. When our nephew was very little and visiting his grandparents, one time he shouted, “I’m not your boss!”

16. When our grand-daughter, Sophia, could say pretty much only “Momma” and “Dadda,” I was visiting her in a faraway state. I rocked her to sleep and said, “Night, night.” The street-light was shining through her dark curtains, as her wind-up music stopped playing, followed by a moment of silence. Then she said on her own, “Night, night.” I will never forget that precious moment, a gift from God to a grandma’s heart! Read the full story in my post: “Grandma’s Corner” from October 4, 2011.

Actual ultrasound of my twin grandchildren-on-the-way!

I believe the following will be unique blessings for a couple that has twins and that twins themselves may enjoy:

1. The delightful duo will be set up to learn to share and love, possibly even from before birth!
2. They will always have someone to play with.

3.They will never be alone.

4. They will have a built-in opportunity to start learning math at a very early age: 1+1=2.
5. Their bond will teach them the importance of family!
6. They may smile whenever they pass a “Twin’s Pizza” restaurant.

7. They will have someone to tell secrets to.

8. They will always have someone to talk to.
9. They can start school together, not feeling alone when they must face new experiences.
10. They can always have someone their own age who understands what they are going through.

11. They will be able to make use of the special sales: “Buy 1, get one free” or “Buy 1, get one 1/2 off”!
12. They may best understand the saying, “Birds of a feather flock together.”
13. They may better be able to understand God as a Trinity.
14. They will have the opportunity to learn what unity is from birth.

15. They will be snuggle-buddies in the crib!

16. They will know what it is to be needed and appreciated!
17. They will have someone to share their sorrows and joys with,  someone who will listen.
18. They will be there to lift each other up when the other is down.
19. They can share the same toys.
20. They might even start a thriving business together!

21. Author and Illustrator; Co-authors?

21. They might actually enjoy sharing a room.
22. A possible lower chance of sibling rivalry?
23. They will be like two peas in a pod.
24. They will always have a buddy!

25. They might sing harmonious duets together… and sing in a choir or play in school band together!

26. They might not suffer from separation anxiety when Mommy or Daddy drops them off in the church nursery, or when starting school.

27. Tennis partners!
28. They will always be prayed for together!
29. Two tax deductions at once for Mom & Dad!

30. They may develop a special language between each other, as identical twins often do, even before they can actually talk.

31. They will have God’s plan built in for emotional wellness and a sense of belonging!

32. They will be a terrific twosome, precious pair, and a sweet set!!

So, parents, get ready, especially my son, Ethan, and daughter-in-law, Megan! You are in for one of the greatest experiences of your lives! Dedicate your little ones to the LORD even before they are born. You will not regret it!

Remember Hannah and Elkanah, the couple in 1 Samuel 1:1-20. Hannah was barren, but asked the Lord for a son. She dedicated him to the Lord’s service even before he was conceived. God answered, and Samuel was born, becoming a great prophet!
I pray that these twins you are bearing will grow to love the Lord and be used by Him in a mighty way… as you  (and as “Grandma” & “Grandpa”) pray!

The title’s a take on the lyrics, “This world is not my home; I’m just a-passing through.” I confess; I’m a neat-nick who loves to keep her house clean and organized. I can identify with television’s  ”Monk”. He takes neatness to the extreme with his hilarious obsessive/compulsive disorder, but my own tendency toward cleanliness makes me laugh even harder when I see his neurotic personality comically played out. God is leading me to not be so earthly-minded, though.

Some of you might wish you had this obsession, to be an efficient housekeeper, or to at least invite me over someday. Believe me, it can be a blessing or curse, depending on who or what gets ignored along the way. I must sacrifice my neatness-obsession in order to be more functional in other areas of my life and learn to have more fun with my spouse and family when they need me!

The house I live in shouldn’t be something I worship, but sadly, giving most of my time, energy, and thought to a clean house is a form of worship, not of God, but of my material possessions, which puts me in control. If you’re like me, and you mentally go through your daily to-do list at any dull moment, you also have this condition. It can be funny at times, but those whom you live with can find it less than funny.

I want to love the people in my life more…from my very core, and love them more than a clean house!

When I think about special people in my life whom I want to share Christ with, I become convicted about how I must spend more of my time reaching them, and also how I am called to write about the Lord Jesus so you can be encouraged in Him!
Cleaning the house one more time, crossing off those daily chores, and having a perfect house are not what are going to count at the end of my life! The souls that are in heaven because I have allowed God to witness and love through me are what will matter in the endless day of eternity, where I’ll have a mansion prepared for me !

I choose to obey Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Every Christian is a city set on a hill and a light to be put on a lampstand! Let’s take that to heart!

Having a clean house can be a good testimony, but everything must be in balance. My main focus as a Christian must be to let Christ, my Light, shine through me. This is pretty impossible if I’m constantly tied up with housework. God is  calling me to share His Good News through writing. God does like clean things too, i.e., clean hearts. They are truly important! The human heart can only be “cleaned up” by trusting in the soul-cleansing blood of Jesus Christ shed of the cross. I’m asking God to continue to motivate me to let my light shine, so that more people will glorify God and put their trust in Him. I invite you also to commit to letting His light shine through you! Let’s let Jesus shine!

“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” – John 8:36, KJV. I was reminded of this when I was cleaning my cluttered closets out days ago. The verse took on a new, practical application for me.

The Holy Spirit had been leading me to get rid of my excess clothes that I don’t wear anymore. I knew that there are many people in greater need of them than I am. Why hang onto them? As I sorted through them, God taught me something, which He does if we take time to obey! I humbly share this story in hopes that it will help you.

I saw that by listening to the Lord, He was setting me free…of clutter! He was also setting me free to bless someone else, the needy, with my excess. I began to think: The Son will set me free as I clean out my closets, my shelves, barns, wherever I have things collecting that are gathering dust and becoming a burden to me. Why hang onto them? God will provide for all my needs as I trust Him. Why not share the wealth? I could sell them, but I think God will bless more people, including me, if I just give them away. Luke 6:38, NKJV says, “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you”

We in America may think we don’t have much, but compared to many in the world, who are starving, almost naked, and living in unsanitary conditions, eating contaminated food, we are RICH! Most of us reading this post have more than the beggar on the street in our own country.

If we put aside our worry, insecurity, and lack of faith, God will bless us with the gift of giving! What a joy to share His love with the needy by just cleaning out our closets and giving the unneeded stuff away! After all, you can’t take it with you. Of far more importance than that, God’s word says in many places to care for the needy. James 1:27 says, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress…” Proverbs 19:17: “He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will reward him for what he has done.”

Doing this will prevent your house from becoming a big jumble of junk that your children will have to clean out after you leave this world. If there are things that you want to pass onto them, of course, specify that in a will or an estate plan. Even give those things away while you’re still here! (Now I’m talking to me!)

If you keep a clean house this way, your children will see your legacy of trust in God as your Provider…since you have generosity and an open hand with your possessions by sharing God’s love with the poor in a tangible way.

But wait, it doesn’t end there. Christ can also set you free from old habits and sins that are hanging around or hidden away in your heart’s closet! Let Him into your life as your Savior and Lord, and He will free you from clutter indeed! Above and  beyond the example of the clothes in your closet, He will fill you and transform what you have left, making you intentional in how you use the good you have only in Him!