“And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Build thee an house in Jerusalem, and dwell there, and go not forth thence any whither. For it shall be, that on the day thou goest out, and passest over the brook Kidron, thou shalt know for certain that thou shalt surely die: thy blood shall be upon thine own head.” (1Kings 2:36-37 KJV)
The mercy shown to Shimei, first by David who was spitefully cursed by Shimei, and then by Solomon whom David warned about Shimei, was ignored and forgotten by this man who seemingly escaped death twice. Rather than executing him as David suggested to Solomon, the king allows him to build a house and live in Jerusalem with only one stipulation, he is never to leave Jerusalem or cross the Kidron valley. Seems like a good deal to me. No prison sentence. No execution. You can live with your family. Just stay in your place and live in peace.
But the Bible tells us he thought more of the loss of two servants than he did his life and agreement with the king. He left his place, went to Gath, and returned with servants in hand only to find the displeasure and wrath of Solomon. Obviously, he should have stayed in his place and given up the loss of two servants, but too many times our pride does our thinking for us. It is shallow and selfish thinking.
Just like Shimei, we are shown mercy, start living "high on the hog," and either neglect or forget the mercies that are given to us. We start believing the substance we acquire to be the blessing of God and forget the obligation we have to His mercy.
Later, Solomon would write: “He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him. Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby.” (Ecclesiastes 10:8-9 KJV)
Such is the way of a fool out of his place.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Saturday, January 5, 2008
YE DID RUN WELL
“Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?” (Galatians 5:7 KJV)
Some folks are so blessed as to begin life well. What I mean is, they have the advantages of growing up in a Christian home, attending a solid Bible believing church, and receiving an education void of humanism. They may not be "rich" with the things and privileges of this world, but they have been given a higher value. I certainly have benefitted from the afore mentioned privileges. My first visit to church was when I was one week old. Even though I missed out on going to Christian school, I had teachers who were truly Christian, read the Bible in class and prayed openly in public school.
The Apostle states "Ye did run well..." But then asks "...who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?" In modern vernacular "What happened to you?" With such advantage and privilege from God, one would think that surely this individual would excel for God, stand firm on the old truths of the Bible and live holy lives to honor God. But we find that there has been an interruption in the holy progression. These spiritual "silver spoons" end up as social derelicts, crippled from serving Christ, and self-centered embittered rebels. I do not mean to imply that they all are so, but far too many meet the description.
What happened? Well, it didn't come from God. The leaven of the world got in someway and polluted the mind and heart. Rather than returning to the "King's highway" they seek the solace of the worldly shadows where they can hide from the truth they were once taught as a child and embellish themselves with the modern "feel good" religion. Misery loves company, so they influence others to follow in their ways which enhances their pride.
God has been too good to us for us to treat Him in such a manner. “Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?” (Galatians 5:7 KJV)
Some folks are so blessed as to begin life well. What I mean is, they have the advantages of growing up in a Christian home, attending a solid Bible believing church, and receiving an education void of humanism. They may not be "rich" with the things and privileges of this world, but they have been given a higher value. I certainly have benefitted from the afore mentioned privileges. My first visit to church was when I was one week old. Even though I missed out on going to Christian school, I had teachers who were truly Christian, read the Bible in class and prayed openly in public school.
The Apostle states "Ye did run well..." But then asks "...who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?" In modern vernacular "What happened to you?" With such advantage and privilege from God, one would think that surely this individual would excel for God, stand firm on the old truths of the Bible and live holy lives to honor God. But we find that there has been an interruption in the holy progression. These spiritual "silver spoons" end up as social derelicts, crippled from serving Christ, and self-centered embittered rebels. I do not mean to imply that they all are so, but far too many meet the description.
What happened? Well, it didn't come from God. The leaven of the world got in someway and polluted the mind and heart. Rather than returning to the "King's highway" they seek the solace of the worldly shadows where they can hide from the truth they were once taught as a child and embellish themselves with the modern "feel good" religion. Misery loves company, so they influence others to follow in their ways which enhances their pride.
God has been too good to us for us to treat Him in such a manner. “Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?” (Galatians 5:7 KJV)
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
What The New Year Holds
“For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” (Malachi 3:6 KJV)
Change is a part of man's character. We have a real hard time being consistent and steady about things in life. We can be sure that:
1. There will be changes in technology. The hot items in electronics today will be archaic and old fashioned in just a little while.
2. There will be medical changes. Things that were once impossible are now routine, and what used to take weeks or months to heal is now considered "outpatient."
3. There will be moral changes. Some in my congregation were shocked not long ago when I stated that if America was going to give legal status to sodomites and allow gay marriages, it would not be long until bestiality would follow. Sure enough, one of my men reported that a woman was seeking permission from a court to marry her dog (oh, yuk!).
4. Fashion always changes. What is popular today will be out of mode before the end of 2008.
5. Religion changes almost as much as fashion. False religion and perversion of truth surface all the time, mostly because preachers today are tossed about with every wind of doctrine that comes along and they are too double-minded.
6. And of course, there will be political changes. This year a new president will be elected in the U.S. Most all the candidates are calling for "change" within their respective parties.
Praise God! Jesus Christ never changes!
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
(James 1:17 KJV)
We can always count on His dependability.
“God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?”
(Numbers 23:19 KJV)
Happy New Year to all. May God prosper you well this new year because I may need to borrow some money. :-)
Change is a part of man's character. We have a real hard time being consistent and steady about things in life. We can be sure that:
1. There will be changes in technology. The hot items in electronics today will be archaic and old fashioned in just a little while.
2. There will be medical changes. Things that were once impossible are now routine, and what used to take weeks or months to heal is now considered "outpatient."
3. There will be moral changes. Some in my congregation were shocked not long ago when I stated that if America was going to give legal status to sodomites and allow gay marriages, it would not be long until bestiality would follow. Sure enough, one of my men reported that a woman was seeking permission from a court to marry her dog (oh, yuk!).
4. Fashion always changes. What is popular today will be out of mode before the end of 2008.
5. Religion changes almost as much as fashion. False religion and perversion of truth surface all the time, mostly because preachers today are tossed about with every wind of doctrine that comes along and they are too double-minded.
6. And of course, there will be political changes. This year a new president will be elected in the U.S. Most all the candidates are calling for "change" within their respective parties.
Praise God! Jesus Christ never changes!
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
(James 1:17 KJV)
We can always count on His dependability.
“God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?”
(Numbers 23:19 KJV)
Happy New Year to all. May God prosper you well this new year because I may need to borrow some money. :-)
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Spiritual DNA
My wife usually limits her TV viewing to home decorating shows and travel shows. But there is one "mystery" program she enjoys and that is CSI (Crime Scene Investigators). If you have ever watched the program you know that one of the most incriminating pieces of evidence the characters use against the perpetrators is DNA (de-ox-y-ri-bo-nucle-ic acid). All living things are dependent upon it. DNA is the fundamental building block of all living things. It passes genetic information from one generation to the next by replicating itself exactly every time a cell divides.
The reason it is so incriminating and almost universally accepted in courts of law as evidence is the DNA molecule is among the most conservative structures on earth in resisting any form of change in the replication of itself. DNA code controls every cell of every living organism and thus controls the nature of all living things on earth. DNA exercises its control in two ways:
1. It controls genetics, ensuring all living things reproduce after their kind.
2. It determines the kinds of proteins produced by each cell, thus determining the form and function of every cell of every organism on earth.
In 2 Peter 1:4 we read, "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." (The emphasis is mine).
As believers we become partakers of the divine nature or the spiritual DNA. Through regeneration God has imparted to us His own nature which identifies us with Him. Jesus made this possible via His virgin birth, sinless life and vicarious atonement on the cross. When we are united with Christ, we carry with us the literal nature of God. Our lives are hid in Christ and we are complete in Him.
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:5-7)
Spiritual DNA is proof solid that we belong to Christ and are heirs with Him.
Beloved, are you saved? Have you received Christ as your Redeemer and made God your heavenly Father?
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13)
The reason it is so incriminating and almost universally accepted in courts of law as evidence is the DNA molecule is among the most conservative structures on earth in resisting any form of change in the replication of itself. DNA code controls every cell of every living organism and thus controls the nature of all living things on earth. DNA exercises its control in two ways:
1. It controls genetics, ensuring all living things reproduce after their kind.
2. It determines the kinds of proteins produced by each cell, thus determining the form and function of every cell of every organism on earth.
In 2 Peter 1:4 we read, "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." (The emphasis is mine).
As believers we become partakers of the divine nature or the spiritual DNA. Through regeneration God has imparted to us His own nature which identifies us with Him. Jesus made this possible via His virgin birth, sinless life and vicarious atonement on the cross. When we are united with Christ, we carry with us the literal nature of God. Our lives are hid in Christ and we are complete in Him.
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:5-7)
Spiritual DNA is proof solid that we belong to Christ and are heirs with Him.
Beloved, are you saved? Have you received Christ as your Redeemer and made God your heavenly Father?
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13)
Monday, December 24, 2007
JOY TO THE WORLD
We have laughed for years over the bus kid who came to our church one Sunday during the Christmas season and sang "Jeremiah was a bull frog...Joy to the World!" He was so sincere, but he had no clue as to what he was singing.
Sir Isaac Watts wrote the beloved hymn that we sing at Christmas time, "Joy to the World." It is one of the most revered and used carols of Christmas even though it was never intended to be such. In fact, the lyrics speak of the Second Coming of Christ not the first advent. We still love it and include it into our Christmas celebration.
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From our family to yours, we wish you love, joy and peace. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Sir Isaac Watts wrote the beloved hymn that we sing at Christmas time, "Joy to the World." It is one of the most revered and used carols of Christmas even though it was never intended to be such. In fact, the lyrics speak of the Second Coming of Christ not the first advent. We still love it and include it into our Christmas celebration.
From our family to yours, we wish you love, joy and peace. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
On December 15, 2007, Elisabeth Katherina Smith went home to be with the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Psa 23) A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. {2} He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. {3} He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. {4} Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. {5} Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. {6} Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Elisabeth Smith was a believer:
* She believed the Bible is the Word of God
* She believed that she was a sinner in need of a Saviour.
* She believed that Jesus Christ died for her sins, was buried and on the third day rose again, victorious of death, hell and the grave.
* She believed that Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven, and at a specific moment in time, she put her trust in Christ to save her.
How do I know this?
* She never kept it a secret what she believed.
* She did more than talk about it, she lived it.
> She was disgusted by the wickedness of the world.
> She didn’t just go to church, she enjoyed church
> There was never a time she did not say to me, “Good Preachin’”
It was my privilege to be her pastor. It was a joy to know her as a sister in Christ.
(Psa 23) A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. {2} He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. {3} He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. {4} Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. {5} Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. {6} Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Elisabeth Smith was a believer:
* She believed the Bible is the Word of God
* She believed that she was a sinner in need of a Saviour.
* She believed that Jesus Christ died for her sins, was buried and on the third day rose again, victorious of death, hell and the grave.
* She believed that Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven, and at a specific moment in time, she put her trust in Christ to save her.
How do I know this?
* She never kept it a secret what she believed.
* She did more than talk about it, she lived it.
> She was disgusted by the wickedness of the world.
> She didn’t just go to church, she enjoyed church
> There was never a time she did not say to me, “Good Preachin’”
It was my privilege to be her pastor. It was a joy to know her as a sister in Christ.
Friday, December 14, 2007
“And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.”
(Acts 17:26-31 KJV)
I have returned from Germany, Hungary and Romania. What an experience! We were so privileged to preach four times on the trip and see one couple surrender to go as missionaries to Turkey from the Biserica Baptista Independenta Church in Satu Mare, Romania (Pastor Stephan Berci), a couple added to the Freie Baptisten Gemeinde in Oberpfraundorf, German (Pastor Keith Klaus), and a man entertaining the military troups in Regensburg, Germany, Mark Acasio (who is the official mascot for the Oakland Raiders "Gorilla Rilla") come to Jesus Christ. God is so wonderful. We are so blessed to be able to service a God like Him.
But with all the blessings and excitement of travel and ministering in foreign lands, I am so glad to be back home with both my family and my church. There is no place like home.
Preaching at the Freie Baptisten Gemeinde
"Gorilla Rilla" Mark Acasio
Mascot for the Oakland Raiders
(Acts 17:26-31 KJV)
I have returned from Germany, Hungary and Romania. What an experience! We were so privileged to preach four times on the trip and see one couple surrender to go as missionaries to Turkey from the Biserica Baptista Independenta Church in Satu Mare, Romania (Pastor Stephan Berci), a couple added to the Freie Baptisten Gemeinde in Oberpfraundorf, German (Pastor Keith Klaus), and a man entertaining the military troups in Regensburg, Germany, Mark Acasio (who is the official mascot for the Oakland Raiders "Gorilla Rilla") come to Jesus Christ. God is so wonderful. We are so blessed to be able to service a God like Him.
But with all the blessings and excitement of travel and ministering in foreign lands, I am so glad to be back home with both my family and my church. There is no place like home.
Preaching at the Freie Baptisten Gemeinde
"Gorilla Rilla" Mark Acasio
Mascot for the Oakland Raiders
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
MISSIONS IN EASTERN EUROPE
Today I am writing from Regensburg, Germany. Brother John O'Malley and I are staying with the Klaus family, missionaries both to the U.S. service men and the national German people. God has given them a tremendous work here. I am so impressed with the workings of the Lord amoung these people.
Tomorrow we leave early to fly to Hungary and then take a train ride (six hours) into Romania. We will be interviewing missionary candidates among the students in the missions school there. One candidate in particular is Ramona. She is planning to go to Lebannon and work with Moslem women. I am excite to speak to the students in the school and preach in their chapel service.
We serve a BIG God Who can reach across oceans and cultures to redeem souls. Praise God.
Tomorrow we leave early to fly to Hungary and then take a train ride (six hours) into Romania. We will be interviewing missionary candidates among the students in the missions school there. One candidate in particular is Ramona. She is planning to go to Lebannon and work with Moslem women. I am excite to speak to the students in the school and preach in their chapel service.
We serve a BIG God Who can reach across oceans and cultures to redeem souls. Praise God.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
GETTING READY FOR THE TRIP
“Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
(Titus 2:12-14 KJV)
Well, we are finishing up another week. As some of you are aware, I have had to take a temporary job to help with the added expenses of keeping my grandkids in Christian school and preparing for Christmas. The job will end this weekend until the next need arrives, but God is good to allow me the opportunity to work and add to the salary He provides through the church. We are very grateful for His wonderful provision. I am getting older and "tired-er" but still able.
Now I will spend the next few days preparing for the Romanian missions trip. It is my privilege to go along with World Wide New Testament Baptist Missions vice president, John O'Malley, to interview a Romanian national missions candidate. I will have opportunity to teach in the missions school and speak in their chapel. On the way home we will stop off in Germany where I will be preaching to the German nationals in their church service and the U.S. military men and women in their service. As you might imagine, I am quite excited about it.
All of this got me thinking as I was reading the Scriptures this morning about how excited we should be every day that the Lord could appear and we would be transported to Him and transformed in His likeness. As I prepare for this earthly ministry trip, I should prepare each moment for the heavenly voyage. I am excited about it!
(Titus 2:12-14 KJV)
Well, we are finishing up another week. As some of you are aware, I have had to take a temporary job to help with the added expenses of keeping my grandkids in Christian school and preparing for Christmas. The job will end this weekend until the next need arrives, but God is good to allow me the opportunity to work and add to the salary He provides through the church. We are very grateful for His wonderful provision. I am getting older and "tired-er" but still able.
Now I will spend the next few days preparing for the Romanian missions trip. It is my privilege to go along with World Wide New Testament Baptist Missions vice president, John O'Malley, to interview a Romanian national missions candidate. I will have opportunity to teach in the missions school and speak in their chapel. On the way home we will stop off in Germany where I will be preaching to the German nationals in their church service and the U.S. military men and women in their service. As you might imagine, I am quite excited about it.
All of this got me thinking as I was reading the Scriptures this morning about how excited we should be every day that the Lord could appear and we would be transported to Him and transformed in His likeness. As I prepare for this earthly ministry trip, I should prepare each moment for the heavenly voyage. I am excited about it!
Sunday, November 25, 2007
ONE TO ANOTHER
“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.”
(Ephesians 5:21-28 KJV)
It seems most difficult to get folks to see the relationship between husband and wife is a picture or reflection of the relationship of Christ and His Bride. One lady even told me, "He (her husband) is not Jesus and when he becomes Jesus I will submit to him." I am afraid she missed the whole meaning of the Scripture. We are commanded to submit ourselves "one to another" and this is not an option or contingent upon the actions or responses of other. Husbands are to love their wives whether they submit to them or not. Wives are to submit to the authority of the husband whether the husband loves them as he should or not.
Some few years ago, I had been preaching on the subjects of stewardship, tithing and support of missions. During the series of messages one of our ladies approached me with a burden she had to give to missions each week. She and her husband had separate jobs and incomes. I told her that before she made a pledge to give to faith promise missions she should discuss it with her husband and get his permission. She was married to a lost man who had at that time and still today has no interest in spiritual things or the salvation of others. Her response to my statement was, "Oh, he won't care." I told her, regardless of his lack of concern, she should still get his approval. She was then concerned that he would disapprove. "Well," I said, "if he does not care as you say, and this is a true burden from God, then he will approve and you will have obeyed the Scripture." So she took the matter to him and he told her it would be fine. Now she can say with a completely clear conscience she has obeyed God in those matters.
I know a preacher, of all people, who took his wife and children on the road of evangelism. He allowed a pastor friend to speak critically about his wife to him. The evangelist's reaction was to scold his wife for not being submissive. It was not long until the devil was able to put a pry-bar between them and tear up a home and destroy a ministry. What should he have done? Stand up for his wife. But he was more concerned about being embarrassed in front of his friend, or losing a meeting in a church than showing true love to the wife of his youth and the mother of his children. By the way, last I heard, that pastor is no longer pastoring.
There is a Christian lady who takes a lot of pride in her house. She has put a lot of work into getting just the right decor and furniture to make the house a show place as far as is within their means. But she has made her house just for her. The husband has obviously been excluded from the house. There is hardly any trace of his presence. So, he has made his home in the garage or yard or barn. She has forgotten that he is suppose to live in the house with her and he has forgotten that he needs to spend time with her.
No man is Christ, but we are to endeavor to be like Him. No woman is the church, but she is to submit with the attitude of the church submitted to Christ. God's word really works and when it is applied to our lives we find a joy that comes no other way.
(Ephesians 5:21-28 KJV)
It seems most difficult to get folks to see the relationship between husband and wife is a picture or reflection of the relationship of Christ and His Bride. One lady even told me, "He (her husband) is not Jesus and when he becomes Jesus I will submit to him." I am afraid she missed the whole meaning of the Scripture. We are commanded to submit ourselves "one to another" and this is not an option or contingent upon the actions or responses of other. Husbands are to love their wives whether they submit to them or not. Wives are to submit to the authority of the husband whether the husband loves them as he should or not.
Some few years ago, I had been preaching on the subjects of stewardship, tithing and support of missions. During the series of messages one of our ladies approached me with a burden she had to give to missions each week. She and her husband had separate jobs and incomes. I told her that before she made a pledge to give to faith promise missions she should discuss it with her husband and get his permission. She was married to a lost man who had at that time and still today has no interest in spiritual things or the salvation of others. Her response to my statement was, "Oh, he won't care." I told her, regardless of his lack of concern, she should still get his approval. She was then concerned that he would disapprove. "Well," I said, "if he does not care as you say, and this is a true burden from God, then he will approve and you will have obeyed the Scripture." So she took the matter to him and he told her it would be fine. Now she can say with a completely clear conscience she has obeyed God in those matters.
I know a preacher, of all people, who took his wife and children on the road of evangelism. He allowed a pastor friend to speak critically about his wife to him. The evangelist's reaction was to scold his wife for not being submissive. It was not long until the devil was able to put a pry-bar between them and tear up a home and destroy a ministry. What should he have done? Stand up for his wife. But he was more concerned about being embarrassed in front of his friend, or losing a meeting in a church than showing true love to the wife of his youth and the mother of his children. By the way, last I heard, that pastor is no longer pastoring.
There is a Christian lady who takes a lot of pride in her house. She has put a lot of work into getting just the right decor and furniture to make the house a show place as far as is within their means. But she has made her house just for her. The husband has obviously been excluded from the house. There is hardly any trace of his presence. So, he has made his home in the garage or yard or barn. She has forgotten that he is suppose to live in the house with her and he has forgotten that he needs to spend time with her.
No man is Christ, but we are to endeavor to be like Him. No woman is the church, but she is to submit with the attitude of the church submitted to Christ. God's word really works and when it is applied to our lives we find a joy that comes no other way.
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