Biblical Family Ministries

Family Issues 

Last time we asked how you might do if you were asked to grade your family life. We posed this question; would you get a passing grade? The criteria for grading would be critical. It is not about us compared to others. It is about what God says in His Word. We are not necessarily looking for specifics, but we are looking for principles on home life and relationships. Families are under a lot of pressure to fit in with the world, and often it is the “world” of Christians. Christians must take time to find out what the Bible says, and conform their family values and practices to those teachings. I have been asked to speak on finances from time to time, but I assure you, I am no expert. I do know this; if you spend more than you take in, you are headed for trouble. I am not opposed to credit cards. They provide convenience, and help in record keeping. There are many tragic situations however, where Christians have become economic slaves to their own standard of living. There are some things we simply cannot afford, but can purchase on credit and soon find out that we “are servant(s) to the lender” Proverbs 22:7. I can think of a time when a church family sought help, because they could not afford the interest on their card, let alone pay down the principle. I think of another couple who was referred for help, who made a very good salary, even by today’s standards, but were facing the loss of insurance policies and the cutting off of utility service. How do these things come to pass? We all suffer from the lust of the eyes and are reminded in Proverbs 27:20 that “the eyes of man are never satisfied”. I recognize that all financial challenges do not arise from irresponsibility. Twice in our lifetime we lost everything. Once was due to a house fire. The second time was our foolishness in investing all we had into a property for ministry and losing it because the purchase conditions were not solidified. Gratefully, we had no debt, but we had nothing else either. So, finances can be tough. We begin by realizing all we have has been graciously provided by the Lord. In acknowledgement of that truth we all should commit to giving one tenth of our income back to the Lord. The best avenue for doing that is through the offering plate at your local church. That “bill” is the first one we should pay. Then a little savings, house, food, insurance, etc. Finally entertainment. Too many say they cannot afford to tithe. Then we know things are backward and it would be hard to give ourselves a passing grade. Here is a challenge. Find Bible verses on finances. Are you in financial bondage?     

Trends &Troubles 

In our last article we began to discuss spiritual conflict. Spiritual conflict is not fought on the surface of our life. It is an internal battle. What creates the battle may be on the surface. People hurt us, fail us and perhaps even betray us. Other things go wrong; the car breaks down, the roof leaks, finances decline or whatever. These things are a bother to say the least, but what do they do to us on the inside? The list could go on and on. Last time we focused on the importance of truth. It is the first piece of protection God gives us in His armor, as listed in Ephesians 6. God likens truth to the belt (girdle), which protected the Roman soldier from injury to his abdomen and loins. To be hurt in these areas would affect his ability to stand strong for battle. So where does truth fit into our conflicts? In dealing with people, especially if there is contention of any kind, we need to know the truth and speak it. Even if we cannot win the outward issue, we find inner strength and comfort by knowing the truth. Of course, if we are not dealing in truth, we will experience conviction, until we get things right. But, I am sure I am not giving you revelation when I tell you we cannot control what others may say or do, but the real enemy, Satan, will not be able to take us down when we are standing on the truth. Truth gives freedom. When it comes to circumstances truth is important also. If I am suffering the consequences of my own sin or foolishness, I can get right with God through facing the truth and confessing my sin. If tough circumstances come my way, but I truly know they are not due to my failures, I can better see them as a test of my faith, being permitted by the Lord. Then I can focus on learning the lesson God has for me, rather than needing to face my sin. The next area of protection God gives me for spiritual conflict is described in Ephesians 6 as the breastplate of righteousness. The breastplate protected the heart, lungs and other vital organs for the soldier. For us righteousness is critical to a successful walk with Christ. Thankfully, in Christ, we have a righteous standing before God. We are saved, only because of the righteousness of Christ. In life’s battles however, we need to live righteously. Pressure drives many people to think wrongly, do the wrong thing or compromise in some way. You can be sure the Devil wants to keep us from doing right. Don’t let him win. We put on the breastplate of righteousness by searching for what is right. What is the right thing to do or say? Should I do anything? Should I say anything? To whom should I speak, if I am going to say something? This is a great element of spiritual conflict. It can be easy to respond emotionally to the pressures of life, but regret it later. It is no wonder James told us to be slow to speak. More next time.

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Prescription

For The Family  

In our last article we affirmed that few situations bring more heartache than seeing young people reject the things of God, when they have been raised in a Christian home. I encourage parents to get into the Word of God and find everything they can regarding the rearing and training of Children. I fear that only a few actually do that, and most who do are trying to solve problems rather than prevent them. Families are under continual pressure. The sources of trouble are many in number. Of course, every child (and adult) is a sinner with his or her own battles of mind, will, emotions and conscience, but those elements of their being must be influenced with godliness and protected from wickedness. A question that must be addressed is whether parenting can make the necessary difference to guide the child toward righteousness.  We referred to the host of negative influences bombarding young people today, in our last article. Most of them have come on the scene over the last couple of generations. And most of them offer more evil and immorality than ever readily available in times past. It is a day when children need more attention and oversight than ever before, but observation and experience says they are getting less. It is no wonder that too many young people are walking away from the Lord. We ask again however, in this wicked day, can parenting make the difference between a young person living for the Lord or choosing the pathway of sin and worldliness. Some will answer no to that question. I have had people refer to David’s children and their rebellion. However, look at David’s life and it is easy to see that he was a great king, but an extremely weak father. We marvel that Samuel made his sons judges, but they did not walk with the Lord. We wonder why. We see Eli, who had great impact on Samuel, but lost his own sons. There is no doubt about that tragedy. God held Eli accountable for the sin and rebellion of his boys. Psalm 78: 5-8 should give us much to think about. Read it carefully and thoughtfully. “For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers that they should make known to their children: that the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: that they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: that they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: and might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not steadfast with God.” Parenting is critical in determining how a young person will view God and whether or not he will serve God. More to come.      

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God is looking for men…                

Is He looking for you?

In Joshua 1:10-11, we read, Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it. Joshua knew God had given the land to the people of Israel. He also knew he had to go and get it. There was no uncertainty in Joshua’s knowledge of the will of God. He knew what God wanted him to do. He determined to do it. God had told him there would be adversaries, but that God would never fail him. Every man must seek to know the will of God. Discerning God’s will is not always easy, but once a man knows it, he must go do it.  Are you willing to be that man?

From Under the Umbrella

By Patricia E. Griffith 

I am so excited to be planning our next trip to Israel! The Holy Land! The land given to God’s chosen people. The land that has been fought over by the world. Without knowing the Lord Jesus Christ and knowing God’s Holy Word, the Bible, this world has no idea why this small portion of land, with its people, is so hated. The Bible clearly lays out God’s plan for this special place. It has been such a blessing for us to take groups to Israel. We love the land and the people. It is so exciting to walk where Jesus walked; to see the sights the Bible describes.  One of the very special sights to visit is Gordon’s Calvary, right next to a beautiful garden that would certainly be credible as the one owned by Joseph of Arimathea, where our Lord was buried in the tomb. Then there is the Mount of Olives. Standing there, looking across the Kidron Valley towards the Eastern Gate, is breathtaking. The Garden of Gethsemane, the house of Caiaphas the High Priest, where Jesus was condemned to death by the Sanhedrin and imprisoned overnight. All this and so much more makes this trip so very, very special. As you might expect, I am looking forward to March 24, 2020, when we take off for Tel Aviv! Why don’t you come with us?