BEHOLD, I STAND AT THE DOOR, AND KNOCK: IF ANY MAN HEAR MY VOICE, AND OPEN THE DOOR, I WILL COME IN TO HIM, AND WILL SUP WITH HIM, AND HE WITH ME.

I realize that many things I might say here might not be agreed with by some. However, that’s the responsibility of God’s Spirit to teach beyond what I might say, to reveal truth to those that truly seek it.

( I believe ) that the beginning of the next chapter ( chapter four ) is where the rapture takes place. Jesus Christ himself is charging his Church in these verses that preceed his return. He actually goes through the complete Church age, from the beginning in ( Acts 2 ) right up to the point of his return. He mentions seven Churches here. If we desire to; we can find a discription of the Church we attend in one of these seven Churches.

We often here this verse used in salvation messages. Saying that Jesus is knocking on the heart’s door and only that individual can open unto him that he might come in. While this verse can be used in that way; in reality. he’s speaking to the Church. If you read through the seven Churches you will notice he often says ( he has somewhat against them ).

In the last Church, just before he makes the statement we are discussing, ( Laodicea ) He says they are neither cold nor hot. He says: ( I would thou wert cold or hot ). meaning ( I wish you were something ) but you are nothing. This needs to be seen in a spiritual sense. I can see how this represents the Church in our time.

Now, look at what he says about these people. ( verse 17 ) Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing. That’s how the ( worldly Church ) sees itseff today, in the time we live in. They, the members think they are doing fine but, never even consider how God the Father might see them.

Speaking of this; let’s look at another verse found in ( Revelation 22:18-19 ) For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: ( 19 ) And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Exactly what does all this mean? With this question in mind; let’s now go back to ( Revelation 3 ) and finish ( verse 18 ). This is how God sees the average Church today. ( and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

If I say to you ( only you can decide what kind of Church you attend ) then, does that not in itself create a problem?

If we go back to the verses in ( Revelation 22 ). Let’s analyze what we see. Let’s start with scripture. I understand that somewhere around the 1880’s men decided to remove some books from the Bible. Even back that far men began to try and write new versions of the Bible. At that time it was not well received but, it slowly caught hold and now many use differet translations of scripture.

Personally, while I tend to stick with the ( King James Bible ) I actually don’t see that as the real root of the problem. The real problem is in our lack of willingness to ( teach and preach ) the word of scripture; no matter how it’s worded. We can argue all day about the translating of scripture but, if a man is not willing to teach and preach what the Holy Spirit tell him to say then the rest is a mute point.

In reality, Jesus Christ is what makes any Church powerful, beautiful and rich in God the Father’s eyes. When we shut him outside our Churches and refuse to let him in then that’s when we become wretcthed,miserable, poor, blind and naked.

It takes a pastor or teacher that is willing to help you see just how wretched,miserable, poor, blind and naked you are. The average pastor, teacher needs to, on a given Sunday, walk to the door of the room or building and make this statement. ( When he opens the door ) He needs to say ( Come on in Jesus ) starting today wea are going to let you preach and teach.

You might say, can’t I just read the Bible without the help of a preacher or teacher? Again, we can make that argument however, look at these verses: ( Romans 10:13-15 ) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. ( 14 ) How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shal they hear without a preacher? ( 15 ) And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things.

I often say that God, by his spirit is the father of salvatio. The Church is the mother. We need preachers to inject that power into the Church building. That is the way that God designed his will to be seen in this world. The stirring of God’s spirit within a building and, then the power of preaching his word with that same spirit is what draws conviction unto salvation and, conviction unto transformation of the believer, causing them to be more like Christ after each message.

The power of God is, in the word of God which is; Jesus Christ. He is here in the form of the Holy Spirit and, that Spirit moves when men preach with power unto salvation. We live in a time when we only allow Jesus to show up ( in name only ). We don’t mind having his name mentioned in our Churches as long as there is no power that comes with that name.

The power right outside of every Church has the power to bring real salvation. It has the power to transform those that are within into a vessel ( fit for the master’s use ). A vessel that, once it leaves that building will shed the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ to every person that comes in contact with that single believer.

If you are a person that has to admit that your whole ( Christian identity ) starts and stops at the door of a Church building then; I’d check to make sure my salvation is real. Consider this; a lot of people that say they are christians don’t even memtion the name of Christ inside the Church so, you know he’s not talked about outside that building.

HE STANDS AT THE DOOR AND KNOCKS ( WILL YOU LET HIM IN ) ?

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

THE ACTUAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS

I can see from a spiritual mindset that the basic things we need to learn about the responsibilities of life in general are never taught. I realize that this in itself can vary from family to family or, from parent to parent. However, with that being said. What do we see in our world today? We see a failure of the simpliest things being taught in truth. If I ask you; are we as a worldly community in better shape now that we were a hundred years ago, what would your answer be? If you can see the decline in our morals and, our spiritual values then , we can’t blame that on our children can we?

I would also add within this mindset; the decline of spiritual teaching in our local Churches. However, it’s understood that Churches are made up of men and women ( parents ). This might be a good place to begin. The failure of fathers being able to take the leadership role in his own household is primary in everything. It brings about the enablity of our Churches to function in the spiritual light that they should be able to. For instance; let’s say a child is being unruly in Church. Therefore, the father simply takes the child up and takes it out of service to spank that child in a disciplinary manner. Is the mother going to take sides with the father or the child? If you see that the mother is dictating the rules in the home then it will be the same in our Churches, all the way to the pulpit.

God lays out a chain of command. If that chain is broken then the whole concept of spiritual life and, the possibility of teaching our children to be responsible adults goes out of the window. That being, in our homes and, in our Churches. Therefore, we wonder what has happened in our world. ( WE LOST THE CHAIN OF COMMAND ).

With this being stated, until we realize what our roles are in the family and, in our Churches it will continue to go down hill. Do you remember the days when a mother might say to her son: ( wait until your father gets home ) and, it actually meant something? What did it mean? It meant that mother was submissive to her husband and she expected her children to be submissive to her. This means that she and her husband were one in the same, no difference.

Let me show you something we never stop to cansider. Just in your mind as you read this question, you answer it to the best of your knowledge. ( How old is a boy or, a girl before God calls them a man and woman? Do you have you answer? Well, let’s let the word of God answer it for us. ( 1 Corinthians 7:36-37 ) But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, ( IF SHE PASS THE FLOWER OF HER AGE ), and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry. ( 37 ) Nevertheless, he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.

I point these verses out to show you how old a young woman and man can be when they choose to marry. The flower of her age is when she becomes able to have children. Would you agree that is around the age of twelve or thirteen? The next verse we looked at here tells us that, it doesn’t mean that they will marry at that age but they can. If wisdom has been taugth by their parents, it’s very unlikely they will. It just shows us just how short of time parents have to bring their children to a mature mindset.

So; what are we saying here? We are saying that by the age of twelve or thirteen a young man needs to be mature enpugh to know how to be a gentleman, how to treat his ( virgin ) or girlfriend. It’s the very same way with a young woman. Consider: a baby is born a girl, no choice of her own, as she grows; one day she become a woman, no choice of her own. However, whether she is a lady or not is completely up to her. A boy is the exact same way. It’s completely up to him whether he’s a gentleman or not.

The problem within this as I see it is this. It’s a natural thing not to be a lady or gentleman. That; because of the lust of the flesh. We must be taught by our parents how to be what we are supposed to be. When our parents don’t take on the physical and spiritual responsibilities as they should then the children are the actual losers and, also every generation beyond them.

A parent must understand that the child, the baby they hold in their lap is completely dependant on them. That is physically and spiritually. I realize that we, as parents cannot force anything on our Children however, who we are and, the actions we take mean a lot toward what they do. And, truly we have a very short window to do all we need to do and teach. Do you realize that a new born baby doesn’t understand neither love or hate? I can see how a baby can grow to have confidence in his mother and possibly, even his father before they are born but, once they are born they have to be taught that those attributes are real. They have to find stability in all that you say. If you, as a parent, say that you love your child but, your action don’t show that love then, what are they taught?

true parental love

Am I even intelligent enough to difine all this might have within its boundries or, does it even have boundaries? Either way, can’t you see the need for a parent to at least consider what they need to understand even before their child is born? I will say this; I believe that ( true parental love ) will not be understood by a child until they are at a more mature age. Some of it won’t be seen until they are parents themselves.

A friend of mine told me once that for a battery to operate properly; it needed an equal amount of both, pessitive and negative. This concept can also be seen in scripture. When we show too much of what we call love, we spoil our children. When we use too much discipline, we drive our children away from what we could teach them. My grandpa put it this way. ( If I see you doing something that you shouldn’t ) but it’s not going to harm you; unless you know I see you, I won’t say a word. But, ( if you know I see you then, I’ll correct you ).

His point was that children often learn by trial and error. We must let then be children and not always hoovering over them. However, at the same time we must maintain a certain level of parental control. Can you see how ( loving discipline can be just as powerful as a firm hand? What if ( God the Father ) used a firm hand on you every time you were disobedient. He sees it everytime! ( True parental love ) is the most powerful deterant that it will ever be. I know my children might tell you I wasn’t the most perfect parent but; they have shared with me that often times when they were out, away from me. When they had an opportunity to do certain things; the thought would come to their mind, ( what would daddy think ). Therefore, that love constrained them.

THe Bible says this: ( 1 John 4:19 ) WE LOVE HIM, BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US. In that verse, where did the love begin? God the Father is the perfect parent. I’m going to teach a little scripture here. In ( Acts 5:5 ) And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: ( AND GREAT FEAR CAME ON ALL OF THEM THAT HEARD THESE THINGS ). We see the word ( fear ) used here. However, if we go back to ( 1 John 4:18 ) it says this: There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Therefore, let’s build: ( true parental love ) here. In ( Acts 2 ) we see the birth of the Church. What we are witnessing is God’s children, just born and, God’s hand of discipline on them. You might look at the death of Ananias and Sapphira as ( harsh punishment ) but, God the Father sees it as necessay to make a strong point here while his children are small, so to speak. This act brought about ( fear ) in those that believed. Using a metaphor; when my children just began to pull themselves up at the coffee table. They would see things on the coffee table that they were curious about. They would take their little hands and reach for that item. At that, I would say ( no, that’s not yours ). In the beginning they would simply leave it alone. However, as days went by, and I continued to say ( no ) tey begin to change. When I would say ( no ) they would look at me and, continue to reach for the item. When That happened, I slapped their little hands. They thought that was harsh but they learned ( fear ) of what was coming if they ( touched ) the things that were not theirs. They learned when I said no, if they did’t stop, pain was coming.

My children were close in age. Therefore the younger learned from seeing the older being punished. That’s what we see in ( Acts 5 ). Once that mindset is established then maturity begins. As my children grew; that fear of punishment went away and, it was replaced with a loving desire to be pleasing to their loving father.

The Church is supposingly the very same way. What we see in our Churches today and, in many home is a picture of ( no respect ) for God the Father or, ( no respect ) for parents in the home. Now, again; still teaching. We don’t see, in scripture where God killed any other person for disciplinary reasons but, look at tis verse: ( 1 Corinthians 5:6 ) To deliver such an one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

God still pays attention to what happens however, one day rhe Church grew up. I can show you when. ( 1 Corinthians 13:10 ) But when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away. ( That which is perfect is ) ( the word of God ). When God completed the Bible, some things Changed.

Our Children grow up as well. It come a a day when you don’t punish them any more. If your Children have reached the age of twelve or thirteen and, you still need to punish them physically, something is wrong. Let’s look at one more verse: ( Ephesians 4:30 ) And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. It comes a day within the life ( of the Church ) that God is very grieved with what he sees, it’s the same way with a godly father but, if the Church won’t listen to instruction or, a child then, there will be a price to pay. That is what is so grieving in the heart of ( a loving father or mother ).

In closing, I don’t know whether I taught this well or not. I’ll have to leave it to the Holy Spirit within the reader to do the real teaching. After all, it’s up to you as an individual to come to an understanding of what ( true parental love ) is and, how it plays out in your personal life.

We will continue: The next segment ( IGNORANCE IS BLISS )

MY DESIRE

As a father and also a grandfather I have watched my children and, most of my grandchildren grow to physical maturity. My oldest gransdaughter is now ( twenty-one ) years old. I often emailed my grandchildren and explained to them that I can now teach them things that I could not teach my children or, their parents. Age, in itself is educational. I remember watching my daughters as they grew. I knew that their life would unfold right before my eyes and, they didn’t have any idea what was in front of them. We’ll look at that more in the next segments.

As a man that has spent the : now, majority of his life seeking to understand God’s word, it’s my desire to teach our younger generation, as they go foward some spiritual wisdom they need or, atleast it would be to their life long benefit to know and understand some things that they might not even consider now.

Just in the very beginning, let’s watch every life unfold in scripture. ( 1 John 2:16 ) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but of the world.

Every person goes through each of these stages in their life. Basically, we never completely get over any of them. However, when people reach my age ( 70 ) and, even before we begin to wonder, what have I done with my life? That is the pride of life. We begin our lives lusting in our flesh. As we grow, we begin to see things we desire. If you will notice, your grandparents, if you ask them what they desire for their birthday. In most cases it’s not anything they want. While, when we are young we desire all kinds of things.

The struggle, people like me might have would be getting younger people to hear and understand that their life is going to unfold. When we are young we have a tendency to think we will always be. If we are not careful and, if we are not taught wisdom then we will fail in our life’s journey.

Is it possible for me to help you see that; this life and, all that you can see with your eyes is, at its best, temporal? Even, everything about you is temporal. Change is coming.

( I believe ) that most parents spend so much time seeking to prepare their children for this world that we spend little time perparing them for eternity. And, that being to place we all will spend the most time. As a matter of fact: the time we have on this earth is simply a preperation place to prepare for eternity. If we use the letters in the word ( Bible ) as an acronym, what would it mean?

B- basic

I- instructions

B- before

L- leaving

E- earth

My burden, my heart is heavy. And that, even for my children and grandchildren. With that being said I realize that it’s not I that has the ability to change any person. Therefore, my desire must be for those, other than my family as well. Within that; I trust God’s Holy Spirit to do the work in hearts that I cannot.

My prayer is that God ‘s Spirit can use the things I write for his glory and, to open the eyse of the young people of this world. With this being stated and prayfully moving foward, we’ll begin with ( THE ACTUAL RESPONSIBILITY OF PARENTS ).

Acts 17:27

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:

Matthew 13:45-46

AGAIN,THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS LIKE UNTO A MERCHANT MAN, SEEKING GOODLY PEARLS: ( 46 ) WHO, WHEN HE HAD FOUND ONE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE, WENT OUT AND SOLD ALL THAT HE HAD, AND BOUGHT IT.

As we read the verse ( Acts 17:27 ) we see that the Apostle Paul is speaking to a group of people that are worshipping an unknown God. He making the point that, if they seek after him, possibly they will find him because, no matter where you are, he is not very far off. In the next verses ( Matthew 13: 45-46 ) the picture we see is one of known value. Once you find what you are looking for it’s worth you selling everything else you have and buying that one ( pearl of great price ).

We live in a world; that from the very beginning of time man, being inspired by Satan himself has sought to hide the very understanding of the one and true God from every person in every conceivable way. Yet, depending on your own desire, you can still find him and know him on a very personal level today if you have a passion to do so.

In ( Acts 17: 26 ) we see this. ( THE BOUNDS OF THEIR HABITATION ). What is he saying here? As we look at this, common sense tells us that ( this earth ) is our habitat. He set the bounds of our habitat. It also says that he made all men of one blood. That means that there is no difference in any of us that dwell on this earth.

As we consider this; what would be the one thing that would seperate mandkind from this earth but, cause us to stiil live here as the place of our habitat? Within the answer to this question is the answer of what principality you actually follow.

The verse we see in ( Acts 17:27 ), in my mind shows us just how dark this world we live in is, if we simply take the verse and leave it in context. It’s almost like saying you are searching for a small object in complete darkness. You are taking your hand and feeling around for something that is very close to you but, not easy to feel or find.

In reality, God is not that hard to find. However, the darkness created by this world and, the men that live here covers the light that he puts forth. This, my friend is by design whether we like to admit it or not. Look at two verses of scripture we see in ( Ephesians ). The first is found in ( 6:12 ) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Helen Keller, a lady that was both death and blind. was once asked the question. What could possibly be worse that being blind and death? to that question, she replied: Having twenty-twenty vision and not being able to see.

In the verse we just read; that is what this world and, all that is in this world seeks to acccomplish. Its sole desire is to keep you in complete spiritual darkness although you are very capable of gaining all the knowledge that God’s Spirit has to offer. Let me present you a question. If you took all the money, all the prestiage and honor out of every Church building, college, university and simply left it up to God having all the glory for it all. How long would any of those that teach or pastor those plases still be in existance?

The real problem with most things of this world is that they are far too attached to this world by ( spiritual wickedness ) ( power ) ( rulers of darkness ) ( flesh and blood ). When it comes right down to the bear facts, what is it in this world that you truly need? Do you need a building to worship God? Do you need a school to be taught by him? Do you need money that he might be satisfied?

Are we deceived by the principalities of this world into thinking that God is pleased with what we are doing and, all of our struggles to do certain things that they teach us to do; are actually designed to keep them in the positions they are in?

We, every one of us, live in this world. We are here and, God made this our habitat but, this does not have to be our home and, we do not have to abide by the principalities of this world. There is something else that is a ( hidden mystery ) also here. We must or, we can find it if we ( haply seek after it )( feel for it ). It’s hidden among all the commitees, special ministeries, activities and social things that we try our best to be a part of. All the things of this world are like straws in a hay stack and, we, as individuals are seeking for the needle in the midst of it all. Believe it or not; in most cases even the principality of the Church is designed to blind you from the truth of scripture. Can I prove that? Well, you prove it to yourself.

You must understand that it’s you, as an individual that must stand before God. You say you got saved, you got baptized, you joined Church. Do you know you are going to heaven when you did? How did you answer that question? How If you answered ( I hope so ) then how long have you been taught by the pastor of your Church, your Sunday School teacher? Yet. still you have no answer that that one simple question. Why not? Because it is a principality of this world and, you are a part of it.

Now, let’s look at another verse: ( Ephesians 3:10 ) To the entent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the Church the manifold wisdom of God,

I wanted to show you that verse but, let’s read the one just before that one. ( Ephesians 3:9 )And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

Therefore, we see another principality, not of the world. This principality and the powers are in ( heavenly places ). ( Might be known ) ( by the Church ). Before we get into the depth of this, let’s notice one other phrase: ( all men see what if the fellowship of the mystery ). This verse and, what is being said here is ( the needle in the haystack ).

So, let’s look at a few things just randomly. Let’s begin with ( by the Church ). In ( Ephesians 3:10 ) is says ( known by the Church ). This concept, the Church was not even considered in the OldTestament. Jesus Christ mentioned this in ( Matthew 16:18 ) And I say unto thee, That thou art Peter , and upon this rock I will build my Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. ( The Church ) was ( hid in God ). When I say that it wasn’t seen in the Old Testament, that is not completely true. Jesus Christ and the twelve apostles lived in the last days of the Old testament. The concept of the Church was being laid out, the foundation was being laid in the last days of the Old Testament. We can even argue that it can be seen all through the Old Testament with our spiritual eyes but, not by the world.

Just as Jesus Christ was not goverened by the ( principalities ) of this world, neither is the Church. The principalities and powers that govern the Church comes from above. The problem is, if you consider it a problem, that the only way you can hear or understand the principlities and powers that govern the Church is to be born into the Church.

The Church is an invisible body that houses every person that has ever been born again, since its conception in ( Acts 2 ). With that statement; I’d like to add this. There were people that believed in the Old Testament right up untild the day of the conception of the Church and, once that body; ( the Church ) is complete and, it is rapture out of this world, there with be other people that believe in the tribulation period. However, ( I believe ) that those people saved outside of that period of time will possibly have a different relationship with Jesus Christ than the people saved inside that period of time.

I can also see how ( the Church ) being ( hid in God ) could have all people that believe as part of the body of Christ. The main point is that it is completely seperate from any part of this world and, that means, the time before Christ and, the time after Christ.

Athough Jesus Christ died and rose again for the sins of this world. The world has to be born into the ( body of Christ ) which is ( the Church ) in order to get to heaven. I always try and point out that the place we, as believers will live is a ( prepared place ) for a ( prepared people ). The place we will reside is described in ( Revelation 21 ). This world is not our home. We are governed by ( principalities and powers ) beyond this world.

We often confuse to responsibilities we have. Look at these verses: ( Romans 13:1- 5 ) Let every soul be subject unto higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. ( 2 ) Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. ( 3 ) For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: ( 4 ) For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. ( 5 ) Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

I feel that we miss this concept of being born into God’s family; ( the Church ). Let me see if I can explain the two or, the difference therein. A member of this world rides down a road and, that person thinks they see ( the Church ). What they see is a building with the name ( Church ) in front of it. I’ve heard many people make this statement; If one of the members of that Church is going to heaven then, I shouldn’t have a problem and, I lot of other people are also going as well. The person they are referring to might be a member of that local assemby but that doesn’t mean they are a member of the Church, that body that you have to be born unto.

I realize that today, there are many laws that govern us that we don’t see in scripture. However, those laws are based on the laws we see in scripture. The verses we read in ( Romans ) are telling us that we are subject to those laws. It says that the men and women that are in charge of the enforcement of those laws are ( ordained by God ). It says that they are there for good and not for evil. In other words, the principalities of the world are supposed to be ( ordained of God ). Those principalities should never force any believer to do things that would be contrary to God’s word. If they do then our loyality is first and formost to Jesus Christ, enforcing the ( powers and principalities ) that come from above.

There are two at least two ways to be ( subject ) to the laws of men. ( 1 ) to abide by that law. ( 2 ) If we break that law, pay the price thereof. If man make a law that I cannot obey because of the peinciples I follow then I will gladly ( pay the price thereof ). By God’s grace, even unto death.

This is actually my whole purpose in writing this. Many people think and, are even taught that as long as they keep the law, that makes then right with God. The problem with that statement is that we are not governed by the principalities of this world.

Let’s study this verse and try to understand our roles as believers, member of the universal Church. ( 1 Corinthians 6:12 ) All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

I was born as a citizen of this world. One day; I was born again. On that day, at that moment, although I still live in this world, I became a member of another place. I was born into a body that one day will be removed from this world and, we will live in a new place or city. Since I am born again, I am not bound by the laws of this world. ( all things are lawful unto me ). However, the question I must ask myself is: what do I desire to accomplish while I live on this earth or, in this world? As I consider that question, my answer is, I desire to do God’s will, I desire to take as many people of this world with me as possible, ( placing them within the universal Church ). With this purpose in mind, realizing that God, by the power of his Spirit within me has to do a work; through me, in the hearts of other people then, ( all things are not expedient unto me.

Simply put, I can’t be like this world and still do God’s will. The law of God, to this world says: ( thou shalt not steal ). Do you think I don’t steal because ( the law ) tells me not to steal? That law has no control over me. Whether a law, made by this world is good or bad, it has no control over me. I am now governed by th ( law of Christ ) a completely different principality.

Do you realize that ( love ) is the greatest constraining force that there has ever been? From the most vilest sinner, to the most perfect saint, if I love you, tell me; what will I do to hurt you? The Bible says this: ( Romans 5:5 ) And hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

That place that the world cannot see. We call it the ( universal Church ) Every person that is born into that body had the ( love of God ) shed abroad in their hearts. I must ( expedite ) the love of God that’s in my heart out through my flesh. Why? Because if I don’t you cannot see that love. If you see me doing hurtful things to people such as lying to them, stealing from them, killing them, being jealous of them, coveting what they have then, do you see the love of God in that.

So, now let’s take it a step farther. I told you a while back that I’d heard people say that if certain members of a Church went to heaven that they wouldn’t have a problem, you remember that? Well, let’s look at it another way. There are probably people in that same Church that live almost perfect lives and, there is nothing wrong with that. However, if I am a lost person, lost without Christ, what does their right living do for me?

The fact that I live a good life or, you live a good life will never save one person. to use a metaphor, I have a very warm house and, it’s thirty below zero outside. I see you outside and even show you my warm house but, I never invite you in. What good is all I have to you if I don’t share it.

I don’t have to keep the law to be born again, even if I fall short of that law I am still born again. I keep the law by choice. I do that to put forth a picture of Christ and, to open a door that I might share the Love of God that is shed abroad in my heart. I desire that you receive him into your heart as well.

Since being born again, that is the principle I live by and, it’s not of this world. The world cannot see it unless we as born again believers reveal it through our flesh and, speak the love of Christ through our lips. God desires for each of us to speak his name to the people of this world, to be witnesses to the lost of this world.

The last thing Jesus Christ said before he was taken up was this: ( Matthew 28:19-20 ) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: ( 20 ) Teaching them to abserve all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and, Lo, I will be with you alway, even unto the end of the earth. Amen.

Do you see there wher he says ( whatsoever I have commanded you )/ What did he cammand us? Jesus Christ is the head of the universal Church. That does not mean he is the head of the average local Church does it? I’m going to show you something that most members of the average Church cannot show you. We send missionaries all around this word believing we are ( going into all the world ) however we won’t even witness to our own next door nieghbor, maybe not even our children.

The statement ( whatsoever I have commanded you). What is he saying? Look at this ( John 15:10 ) If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

In this verse, who is it that kept the Father’s commandments? Jesus Christ kept the Father’s commandments, every one of us failed at that task. He saying here, I want you to ( keep my commandments ). What are his commandments? Look at what he is saying in this verse. He says the ( love of the Father ( abides in him ) because he kept his commandments, meaning, it was always there. He also says that, ( if we keep his commandments ) his love abides in us, Meaning, it will always be there. Just as God’s love was always seen in Christ, the love of Christ shouls always be seen in each born again believer. ( IT ABIDES )

We see his commandment in the next verse: ( John 15: 12 ) This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Now look at ( verse 13 ) Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Do you see another commandment there? However, it’s not a commandment is it? Jesus Christ laid his life down for you? Will you willingly forget yourself, your desires and, become a witness to your friends, children, nieghbors? How can I say I love my nieghbor, my friends, my children but never tell them about Jeus Christ and, their need to have ( the love of God shed abroad in their hearts )?

There are two principalities. One is of this world, the other is from above. Which one of them directs you daily walk? Do you know why pastors of Churches don’t teach this, preach it with power? Why do members of Churches show envy, jealousy, gossip? Why are they so critical of people they see as sinners? Why do they set themselves above other members? Why? Because they are governed by the wrong principles.

Look at this picture. ( John 8:11 ) She said, no man Lord, And Jesus said unto her, neither do I condenm thee: go, and sin no more.

If you read this account you will see that there was a woman taken in the very act of adultery. The men were about to stone her to death. Now, let’s be honest; is it possible one of those men was guilty of the same act? It says that Jesus stooped down and began to write on the ground. It doesn’t say what he was writing however, consider this. Let’s say Jesus was writing the ten commandments. As he wrote; each man there seen the sin he was guilty of and, one by one walked off. Every man, which was her accusers left because they all were sinners.

Are you telling me that since you joined a Church, you are not a sinner? As Church members, we try to do things by the law; Whose law? The law of the world or, the law of Christ? Let’s take a Church that has fifty women as members not counting the men and children. Let’s say that one of those women is taken in adultery. Why wouldn’t the rest of the women gather around that one women, look at the men and say, whose accusing this woman? We love her. Why wouldn’t they stand with her and let her know so? Also add; you ( go and sin no more ). If it’s any place in this world that a sinner should be able to go and, see the ( love of God shed abroad in the hearts of men ) shouldn’t it be at a local Church? Souldn’t even Church members be understood as being capable of falling short as well?

I’m not saying that sin should be an exceptable part of any life but that we, as believers should understand what law we are supposed to recognize as being obedient to.

Why wouldn’t the pastor alone, being a type of Jesus Christ, stand before his Church and do the same thing Christ did? What? Are not all the people in his Church sinners? Pride becomes a problem because we are more concerned about how other people see us than we are about the soul of one person.

The principle of Jesus Christ. What is it and, how does it work? We see that here and, it is in complete conflict with the principles of this world. The one man, out of every man there that could have actually brought condemnation upon this woman, didn’t. He showed her grace and mercy. Do you realize that the law does not have the ability to punish or, to show mercy or grace? The only reason for any law is to show us what wrong or sin is.

( Galatians 3:24 ) Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. Let’s look at this from the woman’s perspective or, any sinner that sees themselves as such. The woman has sinned, she is guilty ( caught in the very act ). She is standing face to face with the reality of the punishment for that sin. However, there stands Jesus, he stood there and preached a message to all sinners. Now, let’s consider something here. What if each of those men; when they were faced with the conviction of their own sin, would have kneeled down instead of walking off? Can you see how Jesus could have said to every one of them; neither do I condemn you, go, and sin no more?

There’s a difference in ( having your sin revealed to you ) and ( being caught in your sin ). There’s also a difference in understaning to punishment and thinking you can get by. Jesus Christ and his principles causes you to see yourself, realize that you have no other way out and, therefore, we turn to his grace and mercy. Let me give you a for instance. Let’s say that the woman that was caught in the very act of adultery here was standing there looking at the very man she was with. If or, since she was caught in the very act, those men had to know who the man was as well, would you agree? However, shall we say, being good ( Church members ), those men protected their own. In many case ( the Church ) is the way out, they protect their own or, those they like. Many people assume that just because they are members in good standing of a Church, some way they will sneak by. They hide their sin and are never born again, they are just members of a Church. Therefore, although this woman was taken in the very act of Adultery, she could see her demise, wasn’t the the blessed one?

I want to stop and take the time to teach something here. It’s so much to teach concerning the difference in these two principles but, I’d at least like to show you this. It will also help you as you study your Bible. Do you realize this story about the woman taken in adultery is only found in the book of John? There is a reason this is a fact.

The four gospels; the four books in scripture where Jesus Christ actually is the spokesman to man.In the Old Testament; God the Father spoke to man, in the Gospel; God the Son spoke to man and, in the rest of scripture; God the Spirit speaks to man. Jesus, in the Gospels is revealed to man differently in all four Gospels. Although, basically all four are tied together, they are all somewhat different. For instance: ( Matthew ) reveals Jesus Christ as ( the King of the Jews ). We can see his genealogy in Matthew revealed all the way back to King David. In ( Mark ) Jesus Christ is revealed as ( a servant to man ). In Mark we see no genealogy because where a servant comes from is not important. In ( Luke ) Jesus Christ is revealed as ( the Son of Man ). In Luke we see his genealogy all the way back to Adam. In ( John ) we see Jesus Christ revealed as the ( Son of God ). we see no genealogy because God has always been.

Now, I want you to see something about Jesus Christ in: ( Matthew 15: 22-28 ) And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is greivously vexed with a devil. ( 23 ) But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away: for she crieth after us. ( 24 ) But he answered and said, I am not come but unto the lost sheep of Israel. ( 25 ) Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. ( 26 ) But he answered and said, it is not meet to take the children’s bread, and cast it to dogs. ( 27 ) And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from the masters’ table ( 28 ) Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith; be it unto thee even as thy wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

Before we move on, let’s look at one more thing. ( Mark 7:27 ) But let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.

Mark is the only other place where this is seen. If you will notice in ( Matthew ) Jesus said only; that it was not meet to casts the children’s bread to the dog. However, in ( Mark ) he said: let the Children be fed first. Do you see the difference? As King, he is only concerned about his kingdom but, as the servant, he was willing but, we must feel the children first. Jesus Christ came to the Jew first. They had the first opporunity to receive him as their king. In ( John ) he is the Son, that came to die for the sins of this world.

In ( Matthew ) he was seen as not reaching out to anyone but the Jews but, in ( John ) he is seen as forgiving to the uttermost, to every person. Even the woman at the well in ( John 4 ). She had been married five times and, the man she was with, she wasn’t married to. However, salvation came to her that day.

I want you to see something else here. ( the crumbs that fell from the Masters’ table ). Under the law, which was actually written to the Hebrew people. It was not written to the Gentiles. We were seen as ( dogs ) unworthy of even being seen as a part of them. They; the Jews looked at us that way. Did you see in ( Matthew ) that the disciples told Jesus to send her away, she was a bother to them?

Friends, ( the crumbs the fell from the Masters’ table ) is the ( Word of God ) you hold in your hand. We are blessed with an abundants of food, rich in spiritual knowledge, if we choose to partake of it. The Word of God is not all that God knows but, it’s all we need to know about him until: ( we are known as he is known ) ( 1 John 3:1-2 ) Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. ( 2 ) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

( 1 Corinthians 13: 11-13 ) When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. ( 12 ) For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as I am known. ( 13 ) And know abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

The verse just before these says ( 10 ) But when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away.

If we look at both of these scripture we see that; at some point in time, God allowed the word of God to be complete. We now have it, hold it and read it. It’s untold what any one person can gain the knowledge of if that person simply sells out to the Holy Spirit and studies God’s word, and that while we live in the flesh. However,one day we see in ( 1 John ) we will be with him and, we shall see him as he is. What a blessing!

What peinciples do you follow? Are you still sold under the ( Principalities of this world )? Or, have you sought ( The Principalities from above ) to govern you life, while you live here?

As a born again believer, I will never be judged by God for how I handled the ( principalities of the world ). Jesus Christ did that, for me on the cross of Calvary. However, I will be Judged, as a believer by how I surrendered to the ( principalities from above ).

SO MUCH TO TEACH; SO SHORT OF TIME.

MAY GOD ADD HIS BLESSINGS TO THE READING OF HIS WORD

I must decrease but, he must increase within me.

Marahall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

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I read something the other day that truly caused me to stop and seek guidance from the Spirit of God that lives within me. It all started as I was seeking to write something about this verse: ( 2 Corinthians 2:11 ) Lest Satan should get an advantage over us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

As I began to look and ponder that thought I wondered about how God’s word has changed over the years and, just how often. For years I’ve known that there were books that use to be in scripture had been taken out of the Bible that I use. I actually use the ( King James Version ) of the Bible. I don’t know but, I assume that the same books are left out of other versions as well.

Did you know that those fourteen books that have now been deleted were still in our English version of the Bible until around the 1880’s? That is a fact that I didn’t know, I got to thinking; who, in the 1880’s was wise and spiritual enough to make that decision? We could take that a step farther and ask another question. Who was it that decided in the beginning; what was and was not God’s word? We see this verse in scripture: ( 2 Peter 1:21 ) For prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

According to that verse: ( holy men of God ) were ( moved by the Holy Ghost ). If we take that verse for what it says; just how many men had that specific gift? If we count the books in the Bible, including to fourteen that are now gone and, figure out just how many different men it was that wrote those books, would that be all of the ( Holy men of God )? Can we assume that no one else wrote anything worth putting in God’s word?

One more thing; since there were men in the 1880’s that were spiritual enough to make the decision to remove books from God’s word; was there then and, could it be now, men that could add books to the Bible? I wondered why that has never been attempted? or, has it? As we look at the verse I began with: ( Lest Satan should get an advantage over us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. When the Apostle Paul penned down that verse; he was speaking to people that had the Spirit of God living within them or, at least he was speaking with that power within him. Another way to look at it would be to say, ( if the Spirit of God is ( living within you ) then you can see what he is saying and, you, because of that Spirit ( are not ignorant ) of his devices.

I make the statement I’m about to make with all due respect and, I am not a judge by any means. However, we must realize that the majority of the people of this world are lost without God. They do not believe or, trust in Jesus Christ and, know nothing about the Spirit of God. This includes the average member of the average Church, even the leaders of those Churches. When we began to believe we can trust men or, our own flesh then; Satan can take advantage of us. Are we so naive to we believe that ( Just Because ) a person stands behind a pulpit or, teaches in a university, he or she is filled with God’s Spirit or, has your best interest in mind?

Satan has attempted to change the truth of God’s word every since the very beginning. He sought to change it in ( Genesis 3:1 ) HATH GOD SAID. Then in ( Acts 4:18 ) And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor to teach in the name of Jesus. This is right after the Church was born. If any person is born again then, the Holy Ghost within them will help them ( not to be ignorant ) of the devices of Satan.

Now, I want to share some things with you, just as a layman, someone that is not educated by men, other than I can read and write. Most people that use another version of scripture other than ( King James ) will agree with me that ( King James ) is an inspired version. The Spirit of God can reveal things to us from this version just as he can other versions. Notice that scripture says that ( Holy men of God ). It was not said that these men wre ( educated men ) but rather that they were ( Holy men ). Why do I say that? In most cases today, if simple people sought to change something in scripture they’d be laughed at as not knowing anything. In most cases, those are not the people that desire to change scripture, they take it as it is. However, it’s ( educated people ) that see a need to change things and, that not ( Holy men of God ). Do you think that in the ( 1880’s ) a group of farmers got together and decided that some books needed to be deleted from our Bible? Not likely! If you go back to the original twelve Apostles and see what they were doing when Jesus called each of them, do you think they would even be considered as spiritual leaders in our religious world today? I think not!

Just as a lay person. Someone that you have no reason to believe anything I say, this is what ( I believe ). Since the beginning, its always been the responsibility of man to put forth the truth about God and how he works, who he is. That has never changed. With that being said, it has always been those that sought to change that truth and, it always will be as long as this world is as it is. God always used men to speak his word, as well as pen it down. In almost, and we might even say ( every case ) the majority of people did not heed to what was being taught at any time in history. God the Father came down in the body of Jesus Christ, even at that, most did not believe that Jesus Christ was God in flesh. Today, God the Spirit lives within the people that believe on Christ. That Spirit within each believer reveals truth to those that believe.

The Bible I hold in my hand has 66 books within its covers. Will I live long enought to understand all that is in that book? Let’s say that the people that wrote my Bible would have chose to leave out ( Psalm 24 ). Would I have known that or missed it? If they added a whole chapter, another psalm to it, would I have know it?

The point I’m making is that the book I hold in my hand and, I call God’s word is inspired by the Holy Ghost of God. God can use it to transforn the heart of man. Either something is inspired by the Holy Spirit or, it is not. Let’s say you found a writing that was written two thousand years ago. However, it’s not found in scripture but, as you read it: God’s Spirit speaks to your heart, it teaches you something you didn’t know. Does that mean it now needs to be part of God’s word? I read things in scripture often that is not inspiring, at that time to me, does that mean it needs to be taken out?

Look at it another way. Before Jesus Christ was, before the New Testament was written, people believed that Jesus Christ would come and be the Savior of the world. That fact was revealed to them by the Holy Ghost. The Bible says in ( John 21:25 ) And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

The Bible is not all that God knows. It is however, all we need to know to meet him by the power of the Holy Ghost and, to know him on a personal level. I would say that the ( Holy Men of God ) that penned down the word of God were not perfect men but, they had a perfect desire to share the truth of God and, reveal him to men.

I want to show something here. There is a book, one of the fourteen that was taken out of scripture in the 1880’s. It’s the book of Macabees. Let’s say you went to a church and a man, filled with the Holy Spirit of God preached a message from that book and, a few people in that service asked Jesus Christ to be their Savior. Would those people be saved? Could we not say that about anything that is inspired by God? We often get very caught up in the ( opinions of men ) and forget about the true power of the Spirit of God.

I’ll share a true story with you. This actually happened to me and a friend of mine one night out on visitation. The two of us went to visit a young couple by the request of the young man’s mother. She was a member of the same Church that we were members of. When we went into the house; I carried my Bible like every other time I went out on visitation. As we sit and talked about out families, occupations and, began to speak about religion, the young man stopped me and asked; what make you think I should believe anything in the book you carry? Why would it be any different than any other book? It’s just words.

This caught me off guard and, I didn’t know how to respond to that. Here I am, my whole life revolves around the word of God but, that doesn’t mean that every person sees things like I see them does it? As I sit their,looking at him, I whispered a prayer and asked the Lord to help me. The Lord quickly answered my prayer. I replied; O.K., and pitched my Bible over on the coffee table in front of me. I said, you doubt that the Bible has anything to do with God or, that it has any special powers, am I correct? He replied; yes, I don’t see anything special about that book.

At that point, I asked him if he, and his wife would allow me to simply tell them a story? He said that would be fine. Basically, I simply began to share a story obout how God the Father, God the Son and, God the Holy Spirit was in heaven at one time and, God the Father spoke and said he was going to destroy all of mankind because all men were ungodly and unworthy of his love. At that, God the Son; being Jesus Christ spoke and said that he didn’t want that to happen. He told the Father, you tell me what I must do that you will except mankind and, I will willingly do that because of my love for them.

I went on to share how God the Father said he must be perfect, never sin and allow himself to be crucified on tha Cross. You, my Son must meet my highest exspectations, you must satisfy my will, if so I’ll raise you from the dead and, by your life and shed blood, all men shall be justified by simply believing in your finished work on that Cross.

I share with that couple that all men were sinners, no exception, that includes me as I sit here and speak to you. Both of you are sinners, just like I am and in need of the grace that God the Father offers you by the blood that Christ Jesus shed on his Cross.

I asked both, that man and his wife. Do you see yourself as a sinner? They both replied; yes. The next thing is what is so special to me. I said to them; do you remember when I first came in, we talked about you family and mine, where we both worked and then began to speak about if you went to Church? They both replied, yes. I said; then I shared this story with you about how God works. Now, I want to ased you a question. All I asked you to do is be honest with me, can you do that? They replied , yes. I said, do you feel something inside of you, a feeling that you didn’t have when we were talking about our families and Jobs, is there something different? They both replied almost instantly, yes, it’s something different within my heart, I feel and know what you are saying.

At that answer, I reached and picked my Bible back up and said. What you feel within you is the third member of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit. God sent him to draw conviction on sinners when truth was revealed to them and, all I did was put this book I hold in my hand in a story form.

That night, both that young man and his wife asked Jesus Christ to come into their hearts and save them. Some years later, I seen him at work one day, he remembered me but, I had to be reminded, by him who he was. What he said was this, you are the man that told me about Jesus that night at my house. Then I remebered.

Why do I share that story. I share it to make the point that it takes more than just scripture to bring about salvation of any person. That is, whether the Bible has 1000 books or only one. It must be powered by God’s Spirit one way or the other. ( I believe ) a person can read only one verse and, salvation by the convicting power of the Holy Ghost can come to that person. On the other hand there are people that study the Bible their whole life but, refuse to believe and, die lost without Jesus Christ.

If and, when salvation does come then, we must be willing to study to know God as revealed by his Spirit. We cannot only trust men to teach us, we must learn to listen to God’s Spirit, the Spirit within us. If you choose to study something other than what we call the Bible then, Just be sure you are led by the Spirit of God as you study.

In closing, God the Father spoke to Moses one day and said: ( WHAT IS THAT IN THINE HAND )?( Exodus 4:2 ) And the Lord said unto him, what is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod. We simply need to learn to use what we have for God’s glory. That’s what the Lord was saying to Moses. I can’t use what I don’t have.

I’m very content with the ( King James Bible ) I hold in my hand. As long as this world stands as we know it; man will alway attempt to weaken the word and, power of God. He, man , will do all he can to stop God’s will from being done. That is a known fact. I’ve said this from the beginning of my journey with Christ. Just as the Holy Spirit of God needs a body to work through by design, so does Satan. He also needs a body to work through. It’s my choice to the best of my ability to seek all the knowledge I can from God the Father and, to allow him to use my body for his will.

If men want to add words, books or chapters to God’s word or, if they choose to take some away, that’s their choice. I’ll stick with what I have and will gladly stand before God with the book in my hand. After almost fifty years of studying that one book; I still don’t know all it is to know about it. Therefore, if man chooses to add more to it, I don’t have time to study it all anyway.

If you, as an individual will allow God’s Spirit to teach you; there is a well of knowledge in any one book that is inspired by God’s Spirit. God; has no top, bottom or sides. We as humans can not learn all he is and, what he knows. To God be the Glory.

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

As I look back over the course of almost seventy sears, I wonder, what have I taught my children? I realize that the first twenty years, I was being taught. I’ll have to admit that my dad, in a lot of ways wasn’t the best teacher. or leader. However, even in those years he taught me some lessons that I have used in the process of teaching my children. It’s easy to make a statement like that but, did I do, even as good of a job teaching my children as he did with me?

It’s one plus that I might add to this as I seek to teach through it all. I’ll use a verse of scripture to begin this. ( 2 Timothy 1:5 ) When I call to rememberance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

I realize this verse is using the mother as an example but, it makes the point that I desire to make. No matter what my dad might have been in his early years; he became a spiritual leader to all his grandchildren that, including my children. my children could gleen knowledge from him even as I tried to instruct them. The education went beyond my ability and, could be seen in him. That is exactly the way it is suppose to work. Every generation doing all it can to bring about the glory of God in the next. Every generation teaching and exalting Jesus Christ, the father being the leader of the household.

One of the first things I remember was my dad teaching me to ( plow a straight row ). Although I was driving a tractor, he was taught on a mule. He said they taught him, when he started a row to pick something on the other end of the field between the mule’s ears and keep it there. That would make the row straight. Although I used a tractor; I would take the radiator cap as a guide and keep it on my target. Therefore, the row would be straight.

Can you see how, even that is a life’s lesson? As a father, how do you want your row to look when you get to the end? By example, what are you teaching your children or grandchildren? Father’s, let’s be honest. In every life or, rows we plow there will always be rocks and stumps that cause us to dot off course but, we don’t have to allow ourselves to be defeated by those objects do we? Can’t out children, grandchildren learn from that as well if we use it as a lesson?

Today, as an older man. I keep my eye on the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus. Although my children are grown and, my grandchildren are there as well; my desire is for them to see a desire in me to give my all to Christ, leaving that example for them to follow.

My dad taught me the value of hard work, of honesty. The necessity of respect for others, especially his wife, the woman I called mom. My dad died in 2015. He was 93 years old. In all the years of my life around him, I never heard him say a curse word. Basically, although I know he wasn’t perfect, he always showed respect for my mom and, expected me to do the same. I’ll have to admit, somethimes I fell short at that as well. I’d say that all his grandchildren would agree with what I said about him as well. He set his eyes on the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus and also, set that example for his children and grandchildren to see.

I don’t say these things to do anything other than to say; my dad put a point between a mule’s ears and sought to plow a straight row. The real question is what am I teaching all those that God has given me to instruct? What is my focus and, what will I leave my children and grandchildren?

From my perspective, a father, any man that father’s a child has a tremendous responsibility. That responsibility begans long before the child is even born and, never ends until his life is over. I remember standing by my dad’s bed when he died. I took his hand and said, you go on dad, and rest. I got it from here. Someone took a picture of me sitting at the graveside just before my dad was buried. My wife tells me she sees determination in my face. The detemination to carry on my responsibility to my family. To carry the mantle and finish my course.

I’ll have to admit. I’m not a perfect husband, father, brother or, perfect in any way but, it’s not because of a lack of passion and will. My heart felt desire is, as a father that one day someone will pick up the mantle I carry for Jesus Christ and carry it on, to have the will to find a spot, a point of righteousness and to seek to plow a straight row until the end of their lives.

My last question is; as a father, what kind of lessons are you teaching your children? If I asked your daughter, your son, your grand children what they see in you, what would their answer be? Would it matter to you? We all have a race to run, a fight to fight, an appointment with death, no exceptions. My desire, no matter how short I might have fallen is for my family, my children, my grandchildren to see Christ in my life. My desire is to leave a legacy of the Holy Spirit when I’m gone.

To me, it’s not my place to demand anything of anyone. It’s my place to set a standard of myself that my children might see something in me and, desire to walk like I do and, that because of Christ. I completely understand that I cannot change anyone. My responsibility is to lead by example and, that of Christ. It’s the responsibility of the Holy Spirit to bring about change in the live of those that see my life.

My wife shared a story with me once that went something like this. A Sunday School teacher once ask a little boy if he knew Jesus Christ as his Savior? The little boy replied; yes. The teacher then replied; son you actions are speaking so loud, I can’t hear a word you are saying.

What are my actions saying to my children? What do your actions show your children? One day I’ll stand before Jesus Christ and give an account for my life. My children have their own life to live and, will give an account of how they live that life. Lord, help my life not be the reason for failure in my children and those that I say I love.

Help the things I teach be sent from the very heart of our Lord, Jesus Christ.