Things Bubba left out

This Is my mom birthday for starters (silly bubba forgot his own mothers birthday).




That is all he forgot that really surprises me he usually forget a lot more




-k

Christmas Chaos

As we woke up this morning, we discovered Kaylee was not feeling well. So, in the face of tradition, JT came with me to the restaurant this morning and will help me with the blog post. This is the first time JT has posted in a very, VERY long time! It seems Kaylee has a headache and a sore throat so we will hope it is not anything severe.

Last Friday (before the holiday), we went to another state to see family for the holiday. Dad got some gift cards which I know he will put to good use. Mom got a new griddle which was a good thing as she had had the last one for 17 years and it was worn out! I (JT) got an awesome scarf my very own G. Jo made for me that you will rarely see me without now. I love it. Kaylee got a bunch of new clothes which fits her 11-year-old personality.

While in the other state, we got to see both sets of grandparents, two great-grandparents, and most of my aunts and uncles. Dad sure loved playing with the babies but it was nice to give them up when it was time for bed. It was a good trip for all. We had to leave a little bit earlier than expected as the weather was predicted to be bad in the travel route. As it turns out, we ran into some rain but nothing significant. We did stop at IHOP on the way home the day of the holiday. They could not keep the power on to save their lives! It was a very interesting dining experience.

Dad worked the last three days this week (the rest of us did not have to work or go to school. Ha ha). We have family coming in today to celebrate Mom's birthday with us (they are coming for another reason too but this sounds good and might make my mom feel better!). My mom will be ... I know better than to put that on here!

Dad and I are going to another place to worship today. My dad will be speaking. My good friend's dad preaches there regularly so I know the place well as I have gone with them in the past. This is the sixth out of the last nine Sundays Dad has been away so we are ready for him to be back home. I think he is ready even more than we are (YEP! -j).

That's all folks!

Here is JT in his new scarf.

-j&jt

Weekly Post (Well, Almost Weekly)

Today is a special day for us. Shawna and have now been married 17 years. My joke (kind of a joke anyway) is that 15 of them have been happy. The two unhappy years did not come all at once but I figure the unhappy times have added up to about two years. It has been a journey, to be sure but we are still looking forward to a lot more.

Okay, here is what is going in Kaylee's world from Kaylee's mouth...

This past week on Friday, we had the graduation exercises at the college where my mother works. There were several friends of mine who were graduating so my dad took me to the ceremony. On Saturday, we just relaxed at the house except for dinner when Mom and Dad went out for their anniversary. On Monday through Friday, my brother and I went to school and my parents went to work. On Friday, I had to take four mid-term exams because I will be going to to doctor tomorrow and had to make them up before then. Everything is fine, I just have to get a couple of spots on my toe looked at before they get real bad.

Also, on Friday, I went on a field trip with the rest of the sixth grade. My brother and the seventh and eighth grade did not get to go. We had a real fun time. We went to this place where people got to climb rock walls, play pool, ride rides, and I got to rub it in my brother's face which was really fun for me.

On Tuesday, the band had a concert at the school. I will have my Dad upload pictures later. We played four songs and did really well considering that I have only been playing since August.

Today, we get to go to worship and between the services, I get to go to a birthday party for one of my friends. I am really looking forward to it.

j&k

Strength Challenge

When the family made a trip to another state for the birthday parties of my father and sister, we ate lunch one day at Lambert's Cafe. There was a strength testing machine. My brothers, son, and I had to give it a try. So we gathered up enough money and went to town.

I went first. Here is how it works: There is a mechanical bull's head with horns which, after inserting the money into the maching, the player is to try to push the horns together to see how the machine rates his strength. Here I am working at it.

And here is the machine's rating of my performance.

Being a late thirty-something, being rated good enough to be a quarterback really made me happy. That is a status with which I can live.

JT went next. We did not get a shot of him working at it but here are his results. As he is 13, this may have done a little something for his over inflated ego but he was back to his normal self in about an hour.

Chris went next. Here he is working at it.

And, his score was the best of all of us. He is athletic and, my sister says, he has the metabolic rate of a humming bird. So, it stands to reason he would do the best.

Russ went last.

Oh, I love Russ so. However, he is too laid back to do well and I gloated I did better than he did. Of the adults, he is the youngest and placed last.

It was a lot of fun and I will have something to gloat about for a while now. Russ knows I will not let this one die!

-j

Almost Christmas

This past week has been very, very busy in the Family of N. The last part of the week was especially busy. On Wednesday, we went to Bible study after eating dinner at the local Mexican restaurant - oh, how the family loves Mexican food!

On Thursday evening, I was in a parade. It was with the band. I play the flute and we played Jingle Bells over and over and over again. My dad will post some pictures of me in the parade later. (Yea, Kaylee was the fourth group in the parade but those of us watching we're stuck to watch the whole thing!). After the parade was over, we got to go back to the band room for some hot chocolate. It ended up being a late evening.

On Friday evening, Mom and Dad got to go to a big dinner and show associated with her work. Bubba got to go to a friend's house. So, I was stuck at home alone! I wanted to have a friend over but that was not going to work out so I watched TV all evening and was lazy. I enjoyed and Dad and Mom said the presentation was good.

On Saturday, I went to a holiday party a group of us from church put on for the little kids. I helped the kids make reindeer food (bird food) for the kids to leave out on Christmas Eve for Santa's reindeer. My Dad walked 20 miles because he is crazy!! Bubba went to a birthday party for a friend of his, and Mom worked at the house and ran the kids around town (she got the raw end of that deal!). Last evening, dad and I went Christmas shopping for my Mom. I got her a ... Wait! She's probably going to read this! We also went to my favorite restaurant - Olive Garden. I got the Chicken Parmesan like I always do. It was so good! Then, we went to Starbuck's for a treat. It is nice to have all the shopping done.

Here I am getting the post done!

-j&k

More Pictures

Two weekends ago, we went to another state for the birthday parties of Grampy and Aunt Chelle (yes, they share a birthday. Grampy turned 60 and Aunt Chelle turned....I am not going to say. Here are some picutres and comments.

Grampy had an illusionist over for the kids. You can see him preparing to perform in the background. Meanwhile, KayKay is showing out in her usual style.

 

After the performance, the family went to Lambert's Cafe and had a role or two thrown at us. We sat at two different tables. Here is one.

And here is the other...

 

Here is a picture of me with my nephew, brother Brennie. He likes to eat and when he is eating, he will not stop, not even for a picture.



After the meal, we took some family pictures. Here are my wonderful parents.

Here is our wonderful family of four. Look at how the kids have grown.

Of my two younger sisters, here is the oldest and her family.

And here is the youngest and her family.

Here are the birthday people. My father and sister share a birthday. He turned 60. She turned .... oh, uh, well, I better not say...

On Sunday, we all got ready to go to worship and noticed brother Brennie and I both had argyle sweaters so we had to snap a photo...

Several of the ladies were wearing purple:

It was a fun time and a great trip. Good memories...

-j

Promised Pictures

We promised some pictures from some recent events so here is our Dad-Daughter Days to another city.

 

Here we are getting ready to leave the house. Kaylee straightened her hair for this!

 

Once we got there, we had to have a steak dinner.

 Here we are outstide the theater getting ready to see Straight No Chaser.

 Kaylee got a shirt.

 Here is the group performing. They were awesome.

 Another one of Stright No Chaser singing a Christmas song.

 Here we are at Cracker Barrel which is a tradition of our's. Kaylee traditionally gets chocolate cake for desert.

 

It was a lot of fun.

 

-j&k

We Told You We Would Be Busy

And BUSY we have been!

The next weekend after going to another stats to see a concert, we went back to the same state to celebrate Grampy's and Aunt Chelle's birthdays. It was a really fun, fast, and furious trip. Grampy has an illusionist come to the house and perform which was a lot of fun. Then, the family went to Lambert's Cafe and had some food thrown at us! We cruised over to the other set of grandparents Sunday for worship and then headed home. We brought home a lot of stuff because my Dad's grandparents recently moved into an assisted-living facility and had to clean out the house they have lives in for over 50 years! Granny gave us an awesome clock, dishes, decorations, and a whole lot of other things we got to bring home.

Then, the next weekend (last weekend) was the holiday so we returned to the same state to celebrate with my maternal grandparents and family. I played with my five-year-old cousin a lot. Bubba played with our other cousin on the farm. Dad, Bubba, and older cousin went and saw the new James Bond movie. Mom cooked a lot because Grandma recently had surgery on her shoulder which is healing nicely (thanks for the prayers!). Dad walked a lot. Overall, it was a great weekend. When it was over, we were ready to be home.

When we got home, it was back to life as normal which is not real normal for us! I am getting ready to participate in a parade. Bubba officially got his blue belt in Tae Kwon Dow. Mom is rushing around getting ready for the end of the semester. Dad is busy doing what I don't know! He says he works but I don't really know what he does! Also, I don't really think he works as much as he goofs around.

This past week, some friends from where we uses to live came to see us. We went out for dinner and then spent a while talking at the house. It was an enjoyable evening and good to see them. I got to play with their two-year-old grandson which was fun because I like babies!

Yesterday, we decked the halls. Dad and Bubba worked outside which they will finish later today. Mom and I worked inside which we will also finish later today. It seems Christmas lights do no not last as long as they used to! Pictures of that to come.

Also to come, other pictures, the parade, parties, and, of course, more holidays!

-j&k

A Late Post Because of an Awesome Weekend

It has been a busy week. You may remember how we posted this month would be busy. It. Has. Been. Very. BUSY!

Last week was pretty normal. Mom was doing a big project with her job but still managed to come home for dinner every night. JT was involved with two youth groups, as usual. I have been practicing my flute with the help of a tutor. Dad? Well, I am not sure what my Dad does!

We will put some pictures up later but the weekend was awesome! On Saturday morning, my Dad and I went to a city about five hours away to see Straight No Chaser. The concert was amazing and we had a great time! We spent the night Saturday and worshiped where one of Dad's friends preaches on Sunday morning. A lot of the members of the congregation knew who Straight No Chaser is and were excited we got to see them and were there. After services, we ate lunch at Cracker Barrel and had Chocolate cake, something we traditionally do on Dad-Daughter outings.

In the next two weekends, we will be making two trips to another state. One will be for birthdays in the family. The other will be for the holiday. So, we will have more to post about.

Until next time...

-j&k

Something Worth Considering...

-j

You Have to Laugh...Or You Will Cry

A recent phone conversation:

Shawna: Baby, the internet is not working, I called the company and they are sending us a new modem.

Jeremy: How long were you one the phone?

Shawna: Oh, 45 minutes to an hour.

Jeremy: I am sorry, but if you will turn the modem on, I think the internet will work fine. I turned it off last night when I suspected JT of surfing when he was not suposed to be.

I will enjoy my time in the dog house!!!

 

-j

Walking with the Master

Break Down the Barriers

Jeremy Northrop

 
The Bible speaks extensively of certain people with whom Christians cannot associate themselves or be in fellowship (Ephesians 5:11; Romans 16:17; 2Thessalonians 3:14). The Bible also shows the path of reconciliation or the way that barriers which divide can be broken down. The way in which biblical fellowship can be exercised is in Christ. Paul said, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:27-28). The key to reconciliation is Christ. This is seen in the first statement — “For as many of you were baptized in Christ have put on Christ.” Then Paul mentions specifically three of the barriers which are broken down in Christ.

First, the national or racial barrier is broken down. In Christ, “There is neither Jew nor Greek.” In Christ, there is no racial division but rather spiritual unity. In Acts 10:9-16, this is illustrated very well when the Lord appears to Peter in a vision and explains that there are no longer limitations on animals which man can eat. He also explains how Gentiles can receive the gospel (Acts 10:17-23). This is also seen in John 4 when Jesus goes through Samaria (something not commonly done then — John 4:4) and conversed with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well.  There were some who were advocating the idea that Christians of Jewish decent were better than Christians of Gentile decent. Paul was dealing with the foolishness of such a doctrine in the book of Galatians. This, of course, builds up to his statement already considered in Galatians 3:27-28. Christ has torn down any racial barriers by dying on the cross for all.

Next, Galatians 3:27-28 tears down a status barrier. While today, it may be hard for some to imagine the idea of slavery, such was very commonplace in New Testament times. Interestingly, the Bible was not primarily intended to abolish slavery. In fact, the Bible points out good reasons for slavery such as punishment for crimes (Exodus 21). Some have reasonably argued that while the Bible never set out to abolish slavery, the abolition of slavery came as a natural result of Christianity. Paul encourages both slaves and masters who are Christians to treat each other equitably (Ephesians 6:5-9). Paul encouraged Philemon, a runaway slave, to return to his master showing fruits of repentance after he had been converted (Philemon 8-16). While in life, many may have different roles, in Christ all are one. In Christ, the barrier of status is broken down.

Finally, in Christ, gender or sex is broken down — “...there is neither male nor female….” Perhaps of all the barriers mentioned in Galatians 3:27-28, this is currently the most controversial. Many tend to think since God made male and female one in Christ Jesus, there is no difference of roles between them. Passages like 1Corinthians 14:34-35 and 2Timothy 2:8-15 tell of the differences in roles which God intends for men and women. The church has different members each with different roles which together will accomplish the mission of the church (Romans 12:4-5). Accomplishing the purpose of the church, the members are all one in Christ. Men have a role in the church and women have a role in the church. When everyone does their part, the work of the church is being accomplished and the individual members are one in Christ.

The Bible also speaks of different women who were involved in the work of the church in the New Testament. Chloe was mentioned in 1Corinthians 1. In Romans 16:1, Phoebe was commended by Paul. Aquilla’s wife, Pricilla worked with him in teaching Apollos the way of the Lord more accurately (Acts 18:26). There is a work for women and the gender/sex barrier has been broken down in Christ.

Through Christ, so many other barriers can be broken down in addition to the ones mentioned in Galatians 3:27-28. Christ also abolishes cultural, language, geographical, and age barriers. In fact, in Christ there are no barriers or prejudice of any kind. Christ brings unity, not division. The unity is found in obeying His will, not man’s will. The unity is found in being baptized into Him, not someone else. The unity is found in living for God, not anyone else. The unity Christians seek is that all be one with God which will bring about unity with one another. This action will Break Down the Barriers.

-j

Another Week...Another Post

It had been another good week in the family of N. We are richly blessed by the Father of Lights!

This week was Halloween and JT went as the Fonz and I (Kaylee) went as herself which is better than going in a costume (my dad said it was scary and I said "shut up, dad").

Kaylee and Jeremy have been working on scanning old pictures into a digital format. We still have a lot to do but the project is moving along nicely. During the project, everyone gets to ponder about days gone by. We are getting to the point where we have a significant past to think about and ponder.

Everyone is off medicine and seems to be doing well. Jeremy will work this week and things will start to slow down as the entire staff is due to be back at work. Shawna will be getting busy as the big reaccreditation visit is next weekend! Hopefully, things will start to slow down after that! Nope! Then the holidays will be upon us.

Kaylee was sick one day this week and missed a writing test, which she wasn't too sad about. Then another day JT and Kaylee both took their lunches and had sandwiches. However, mom mixed up the sandwiches and ended up "poisoning" Kaylee because she gave her the sandwich with jelly, which she is allergic to. So, short school week.

This weekend, the congregation had a family retreat of which we attended a little bit of it. JT got to go the whole time but the rest of us, due to busy schedules, had to go in bits and pieces. We still feel uplifted and it has been a good weekend.

-js&k

Halloweeen 2012

Today is Halloween. Last evening, the kids went and helped work a Trunk-or-Treat with the congregation. JT has been into watching the old sit com Happy Days. Based on that, he wanted to dress up like the Fonz. He told me he would have combed is hair different but did not want to show zits on his forehead! I laughed. Here he is all dressed up. It is scary to know he borrowed my leather jacket and it almost fits him well.

 

I almost cried when Kaylee said she did not want to dress up, but just wanted to go help with the kid games they had set up. She relates well to little kids and did a good job. I told her I wanted to take her picture anyway and she gave me her scary face. Here it is.

This year is diffeent from past years in that the kids were old enough to help put on the Trunk-or-Treat instead of going through and collecting candy. The youth group created a haunted hallway and JT worked in it. Kaylee helped with the little kid station with games and such. Shawna and I dropped the kids off and went on a date! I guess they are growing up!

-j

Walking with the Master

[The following article was written for a previous Presidential Election, but is relevant to the upcoming election as well. It was taken from The Chapman Challenger, October 27, 2008. It has been published on this blog before but is certainly fitting at this time.]

Do Christians Really Have a Choice in Casting Their Vote?
Todd Clippard

On November 4, the citizens of our great nation will elect a president, U.S. senators, congressmen, and other officials. Tragically, some professed Christians try to separate their “politics” from their responsibility to do what is morally right. I find it unconscionable how many “Christians” openly align themselves with candidates who support homosexuality, abortion, and other positions opposed to Bible doctrine. Despite claims that these are “political issues,” they were moral issues first. When politicians turn moral issues into political issues, the faithful Christian must support that which is biblically right. Christians have the responsibility to support candidates whose views are most closely in accord with God’s word.
Christians are to be good stewards (1Corinthians 4:2). To whom much is entrusted, much will be required (Luke 12:48). How then can a Christian support a candidate who openly supports an ideology destructive to righteousness and holiness? Sadly, I am convinced that no matter the amount of warning or scriptural pleas, many Christians will vote for candidates who will use their office to promote a godless agenda.
God ordained civil government (Romans 13:1-7). Christians are to obey the laws of the land and conduct themselves in an orderly and godly fashion (1Peter 2:13-17). We are expected to pay taxes and to pray for the leaders of the land (Matthew 22:17-21; 1Timothy 2:1-3). But no citizen is forced to vote; it is a right and privilege. However, our rights as U.S. citizens are superseded by our moral stances as compared to the law of Christ (Philippians 1:20; Hebrews 11:16). Support should be given to men and women of high integrity and moral fiber who will make decisions to help steer our country back toward God’s word. Too often, Christians vote based upon their family history or supporting a particular party or the perceived economic advantages of supporting a particular party. Such reasoning is faulty and shallow for one who claims to be a child of God.
When the subject of voting and morality arises, some turn defensive and say, “How I vote is nobody’s business but my own!” (In the 13 years I’ve been preaching, every person who chastised me for “preaching politics” supported candidates who promoted abortion, homosexuality, the lottery, etcetera). However, when one enters the voting booth, the only parties truly involved are not the voter and his political party, but the voter and God. We will stand before God one day and give an account for our actions (2Corinthians 5:10); this includes how we vote. Christians who vote for candidates who promote ungodliness are part of the problem and not part of the solution of getting our country back on the right track. How can one pray for the good of our country when he supports candidates whose agenda undermines the very foundation of our nation?
In this year’s national elections, two issues at the forefront of the political debate are homosexuality and abortion. One presidential candidate opposes abortion and expanded rights for homosexuals, the other supports all forms of abortion and favors homosexual marriage. In light of this, do Christians really have a choice in how to vote? May we elect our leaders in such a way as to invoke God’s blessing. “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).

-j

It's Going to be Busy in the House...

With the holidays coming up, it is not uncommon for things to get busy. We will have a lot to blog about in the next few days! In this post, we will talk about what has been happening and what is planned on the horizon. In the words of Flo Rida, "Here. We. Go."

Things have been going well overall in the family of N. JT ended up with a staff infection on his leg which required a visit to the doctor who eventually lanced it. He is on medication which the doctor put me on as well simply because I have been a little sick and have had a splenectomy. It seems we have been passing around a little sickness as Shawna has it now but I think all will be well soon. There are more blessings in life so we don't let the sickness bring us down. JT was able to go with the youth group on some kind of terror adventure last night in honor of Halloween so he is doing fine.

Shawna has been busy at work enjoying her job but still enjoying the commute even more! She is getting ready for some reaccreditation at the school so she has been thoroughly busy lately. She still works hard and keeps the house up and dinner on the table. She has been having a cough lately but seems to be getting over it now. We hope so!! She is still working hard on her paper and it is moving along (maybe not as fast as she would like for it to move).

Kaylee has been learning to play the flute and getting pretty good at it. She has been healthy lately for which we are thankful. She still has a lot of personality and is our little social bug. She has been working hard lately to take care of her parents when they have been sick and has an ability to relate to little babies. She is always thoughtful of others and wants to pray for so many people at bedtime. She had a good report card this last time and has been working hard in school.

I too have been working on the big paper and it is moving along decently well. Work has been real busy as another worker in the office has been out and the rest of us have been working hard to make up the work in his place. He is dealing with his mother who is near the end of this life so we are mindful of his situation. I also have been working on a project at home which Kaylee and I started. We are scanning a lot of our old photos into the computer to have them in a digital format. So far, I have a couple of mission trips from the mid-nineties and our dating days as well as our wedding completed. It is going to be a long project but I think it will be worth it in the end. Kaylee is enjoying working on it with me. I think she is enjoying my stories associated with the pictures as well as seeing her parents look so young!

Next weekend, Shawna and I both have to work some and we have a retreat at a nearby facility with the congregation we attend. The weekend after, Kaylee and I are off to St. Louis to see Straight No Chaser in concert. The weekend after, the family is off to another state for my father's 60th birthday. My sister will be turning (...insert number here...) the same day but I don't think that will be the emphasis that weekend! Then, the weekend after that we will be returning to the same state to Shawna's folks for the holiday. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year! I have so much for which to be thankful. All of this will make for a busy November and then Christmas and the New Year will be upon us. Whew! "Here. We. Go." And it looks like we will have a lot to blog about.

-j

Walking with the Master

“I Want to Help, But How Can I?”

In John 15:19, Jesus taught an interesting principle: His followers are not of the world but rather called out of the world. Evangelism is the process whereby Christians today call the lost out of the world to an upward call (see Philippians 3:14). Obviously, those who are being converted have a past, a not-so-great-looking past, a past that is marred by sin. Part of the conversion process is to repent of these past sins and strive to live a life that is sin free.
The very need for salvation is because all have sinned (Romans 3:23). Try as they may, Christians are going to stumble and fall from time to time. Speaking to Christians, John wrote it this way:

If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1John 1:6-9).

It, of course, stands to reason that those who are young in the faith and need the milk of the word will fall more often than those mature in the faith. In the process of one being converted, it may be revealed that they have done criminal actions, are addicted to pornography, do not uphold their household responsibilities, are depressed, or a whole host of other things which the devil uses to tempt mankind. It might be difficult for Christians to know what to do when such is revealed among people they are studying with, whether they are potential converts, new converts, or even long-time Christians who have struggled with such things. Some may say statements like: “I want to help but how can I help?” or “I want to help but do not know what to do.” There are many things the child of God can do and should do to help those who are struggling.

First, the Christian must do something. In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus spoke of the day in which He will separate the sheep from the goats. He spoke of the sheep helping Him in time of need and of the goats ignoring His need. The goats responded by asking when they knew He was in need. In verse 45, Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.” The point is that when Christians do not help others in times of need or distress, it is the same as not helping Jesus Himself. It is true that some will have problems beyond some Christians’ experience or expertise. There are times when the child of God may not know what to do. It is equally true that ignorance does not excuse the child of God from doing anything. What can a person do?

Next, he can pray for them. The words of Paul ring clear: “…pray without ceasing” (1Thessalonians 5:17). More than that, a casual look through the life and letters of Paul in the New Testament confirms that he was a praying man. Prayer should be the first response of the Christian in any situation. If a child of God cannot help in any other way, he or she can help by praying with a young married couple who is struggling, young parents who have a baby with Down’s syndrome, or a teenager involved in gangs. Prayer is a first response backed by action or belief that God will answer the prayer.

Then, the Christian must accept them. The natural human response to something that is different is rejection. It is easy to imagine certain rejection statements like “I don’t want to be around that person because he used to be an alcoholic” or “did you know that John Doe cheated on his wife?” Be it clear, the Christian cannot accept the sin. God cannot even look upon sin (Habakkuk 1:13). Christians have a responsibility to deal with the person who knows their sin and refuses to change (1Corinthians 15:33; Ephesians 5:11). Yet, in the end, every person on the planet can relate to sin because all have sinned (Romans 3:23). The great news is the gospel has the power to reform people, to take them out of sin (1Corinthians 6:9-11). Ostracizing a penitent person involved in or tempted by sin is hypocritical (see Matthew 7:2-5). Further, it is man’s projection of his own thoughts regarding the severity of sin — saying one sin is worse than another — when truthfully all sin will condemn (Romans 6:23).

Also, the Christian can help them. Galatians 6:1 says, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” The process of evangelism is simply calling one out of the world of darkness. Christians need to help people see accountability and take responsibility for their actions. There are ways to help others to “walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). The faithful can help the erring and the lost to make the move from foolishness to understanding or from dissipation to being filled with the spirit (Ephesians 5:15-21). This passage teaches it is not enough to stop doing wrong but that one must start doing right. In fact, the path from doing wrong is to do right (see Ephesians 4:28). The faithful can help the addict to find meaningful replacement for his actions. The faithful can help the grief-stricken to find purpose in life. The faithful can help the busybody to be busy in the work of the Lord (1Corinthians 15:58).

Finally, the Christian might have to find help for them. Not everyone is a counselor. Not everyone is a psychiatrist. And there will be situations which Christians encounter which are beyond their ability. The solution in such cases is to find the services which are available. The Christian can be aware of programs in the area. The Christian needs to find people who can help them through anxiety, violence, relational struggles, or whatever other challenges may be facing them. One person cannot do it all. Cooperation of the whole church is necessary. Maybe the faithful needs to refer the struggling couple to a godly marriage seminar or help them find a good counselor. Paul spoke of such cooperation in converting the lost: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase” (1Corinthians 3:6). The church needs to work together to help her members grow (Ephesians 2:19-22).

As it turns out, the “I just don’t know what to do” response many make is just an excuse. There is plenty the child of God can do to help the possible convert, new convert, or struggling Christian in their times of need. Christians today need to follow the example of Jesus and help call them out of the world. Christians need to be motivated to rise to the challenge to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). The children of God need to do all they can to “rescue the perishing, care for the dying.”

-j

Another Week ... Another Update

This past week, my brother and I have been on fall break. So, I got to spend pretty much every minute with my brother. We can pretty much tell how that went! We like to fight but had a pretty good week of not fighting.

Also, this week, my parents had to go to work. Almost every day, my Dad came home early sick. He took one day off completely. He says he might be a little bit better now but he still sure likes to cough! Ever since Mom went back to work she has been working non-stop! STUPID STATE REPORT!!! It will be done soon, so she says...but probably not soon to me.

-j&k

Prayer Request

This past week, my grandmother had surgery on her shoulder. So, over the weekend, the family went up to see her as my Dad and brother went to see Bill Cosby. My mother and I stayed home with my grandmother and took care of her. She is doing well but can barely do anything. So, please keep her in your prayers. Here is a picture of us at a past family Christmas.

Love you, Mamaw!

-k

Walking with the Master

In the past, I have published several of my articles here and want to resume the practice. From now on, the articles will be published under the heading of "Walking with the Master."

“Give Me a New Religion!”

 Not too long ago, a brother and I were studying the Bible with someone. We shared with him things about salvation, worship, righteous living, and other biblical topics. Toward the end of the study, the gentlemen expressed concerns about some conclusions we had shared with him from certain Bible passages. He made statements like, “We don’t live in the same culture as when the Bible was written” and “I don’t think we need to interpret the Bible so literally.” While it would be nice if this man were alone in his thoughts, these kinds of statements about the Bible are growing in popularity every day. The fact is, interpreting and understanding the Bible is not left to the subjective nature of man (Jeremiah 10:23). Many today are attempting to change things in the name of new times and progress. Yet, when considering what the Bible says, it is still right to seek the “old paths” (Jeremiah 6:16).

Some today are advocating a change in the way the church worships or assembles. In 1Corinthians 12-14, Paul discusses the use of spiritual gifts. Specifically, he discusses how to use them in the assembly or when the church was meeting together. The Corinthian congregation was not using the spiritual gifts for the mutual edification of all (1Corinthians 14:26). The Corinthians were exalting one spiritual gift above another (1Corinthians 12:12-31). Some were elevating themselves above others and looking at what looked good to themselves and not what God desired. To correct this problem, Paul showed them how a body must work together, each member doing its part, for the benefit of all. The way in which this is to be accomplished is to acknowledge that the assembly is not about what man wants but rather about what God wants. 1Corinthians 14:37 says it clearly: “If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.”

The original attitude of the Corinthians regarding the assembly has been taken to an extreme in current culture. Many today are asking, “What can I get out of worship?” They are advocating changes in the way worship is conducted. They are ignoring what the Bible says regarding worship (John 4:24) and trying to find self pleasing worship styles.

A casual look at 2Corinthians shows a congregation which could handle rebuke (2Corinthians 7:2-12).  Paul gave them some instructions regarding this and other problems in 1Corinthians. He then acknowledged their repentance in 2Corinthians. Unfortunately, some today want to change things with little or no regard for what the Bible says. They will not accept rebuke. This is evidenced by some other statements they might make: “I know what the Bible says but…” or “I am not sure this is scriptural but I want to do it anyway.”

Another area where people want to change religion is the area of salvation. The book of conversions, Acts, is clear about what a person needs to do in order to be saved. Acts 8:26-40 either directly states or implies all the steps of the gospel plan of salvation. The eunuch heard the word of God as Philip declared it to him. He believed as shown in his readiness to obey it. He repented of his sins is seen in how he was ready to abandon Judaism and follow after Christ. It is directly stated that he confessed Jesus and was baptized. It is even implied that he lived faithfully because “he went on his way rejoicing.” Some in the Bible did not follow after Christ the way Christ instructed them to do so and condemnation awaited them (Matthew 25:31-46).

Just as there were people in the time of Jesus who thought they were saved and were not, there are people today who are thinking the same thing. Many want to focus on believing God without obeying God. Some want to deemphasize baptism and emphasize feelings of the heart. They are focused on what they want and how they feel and not on what God said. James 1:22 says, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Christians are to be doers. Christians are to be doers of the word, not of what they want to do.

A final area where people want a new religion is the matter of God’s instructions. 2Samuel 6:1-5 shows how David had some disregard for the instructions of God. He helped to build a new cart which would help to transport the ark of God. God, through Moses had already revealed how the ark was to be transported (Exodus 25:12-14). David did not obey God and Uzzah lost his life for it (2Samuel 6:7). It is interesting that God had given the command as to how the ark was to be moved many years before David moved it. The passing of time did not change the way in which the commands were to be followed. David disobeyed and God was not pleased with it.

Likewise, there are many today who are showing little or no regard for the instructions God has given. He has revealed to man how to worship. He has revealed to man how to live righteously. He has revealed to man what the work of the church needs to be. Indeed, He has given mankind “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2Peter 1:3). Yet, some today want to worship with the mechanical instrument of music when God authorized only vocal singing. Some are advocating a new morality in which it is acceptable to lie, cheat, and commit other immoral acts which God has not authorized. Some choose to use the church as an entertainment venue and are doing such with no scriptural authority. In essence, what these people are doing is spiritually building “a new cart” for which they have no authority to build.

The newness of anything has an appeal for the simple fact that it is new. Sometimes, people disregard old clothes, dishes, or other items that which may work perfectly well. The items are thrown out simply because they are old. The newness of something has the appeal. When it comes to spiritual matters, however, the goal does not need to be to focus on what is new but rather on what is right. God’s methods for worship, salvation, and other instructions may be old, but they are still right.

 

“Stand in the ways and see,
 And ask for the old paths, where the good way is,
 And walk in it” (Jeremiah 6:16).

 

-j

Estrogen-free Trip

Every so often, JT and I try to take a guys' trip. Sometimes, we go alone. Sometimes, we go camping with others. This time, two fathers and two sons went to see Bill Cosby.

 

To start, we stopped by the Bass Pro Shop and the boys did not think I would climb into this tent and let them take my picture! I was proud I could fit!

 

 

Stanley was our chauffeur. He does not like his picture being taken but this is also a normal look for him. He is laid back, not quite as high-strung as me!

Here we are at the show waiting. We had decent balcony seats.

You will have to trust me this is Bill Cosby. I did not have my camera and my phone would not zoom in but we were there and had a great time.

After the show, we went and enjoyed a dinner at Red Lobster. I ate too much and have to work it off now!!

Great times. Great trip. Great family. Great memory. JT would want you to notice he dressed up in his tuxeedo for the event!

 

-j

Another week in the house

We will start with my week. Well, I went to school and glad it's over for the weekend. This weekend, we all went to the eye-doctor. I found out I don't have to wear glasses for a whole month. Ya!!!!!!!!! My flute learning is going well. I could not make a good sound a month ago but now am starting to do better. A lot of practice has helped.

Bubba is caught up in school after taking a week off. He got a good report from the eye-doctor and continues to have good eyes. He and some of his friends are starting a young preachers' club. He really enjoys giving devotional talks and leading in worship. He eats everything in sight and got a new bed this past week which really changed the look of his room. He continues to do well in tae kwon do. He really is a good big brother and I am starting to learn how to tell him that.

Mom just completed another phase of a huge project she is working on with her co-workers at work. The project itself will not be completed until November but it is moving along. There was no change in her eyes but the eye-doctor (a good friend of Mom and Dads') sure likes to talk to Mom! Mom got her eyes dilated and had to have Bubba help her tell the difference between a salt packet and pepper packet from a restaurant! Her question to Bubba was, "JT, does this say, 'salt?'" Everyone laughed really hard. Mom will get even next year when the rest of us have to get our eyes dilated! Mom and the doctor talk a lot but really don't talk much about eyes, if you get my drift! She really is a great Mom who took me to one of my favorite restaurants (Olive Garden) yesterday! We had a great time.

Dad got a great report from the eye doctor who lessened the strength of his prescription, said the blood-pressure in his eyes is better, diagnosed his eyes in better condition, and said a lot of it is probably due to him losing weight. Dad was really happy about that! Dad has been taking care of us while Mom has been working late every night. We are all ready for Mom to come back! Especially me!! Dad took JT to his favorite restaurant yesterday (Genghis Grill) and they both were crazy happy! (or maybe just crazy!).

-k

A Young Man

Last Thursday, JT had a youth group function. I took him to the church buidling, dropped him off, and told him to text his mother and me when he was ready for us to come get him. He agreed. This is a usual arrangment these days. So time passed and Shawna and I were starting to get somewhat concerned we had not yet received a text. Shawna called JT and this is how it went:

Shawna: Hey Son, are you ready for some to come get you?

JT: Oh, don't worry about it. Alex said he would give me a ride home and we are at the gas station getting gas. Alex will bring me home as soon as we are done here.

Shawna: Okay. See you in a little bit...

And then Shawna relayed the conversation to me and we sat in silence. DEAD. SILENCE.

When did our son get old enough to have friends who drive?...?

Time marches on...

-j

More News

The general routine on Sundays is for Kaylee and I to get ready early and eat breakfast out. While at the restaurant, Kay will usually post on the blog, or at least that has been the pattern the last few weeks. However, she is sick today so I told her I would post for her. So, here is an update on what has been going on with us.

I have been enjoying a break from school but have to get back to work tomorrow as school will be back in session a week from tomorrow and I want to have some things ready to turn in when it takes off. I have been busy at work as another counselor has been out but should be back tomorrow. Things are really well right now and we are blessed.

Shawna has been busy with a big project at work but is enjoying her job very much. She is also on break from her studies but not for much longer. She is content as always.

JT is 13 years old and developing a life of his own. He was busy with a friend this weekend and we did not see him much. His big news usually revolves around Yu-Gi-Oh cards and eBay!

Kaylee has a sore throat and a fever this morning. She has been doing well in school and learning to play the flute which has been big news for us.

The town in which we reside just completed the county fair in which we went and the kids are old enough to go hang out with their friends and come to us when they need money! Ha! I guess we are in full middle age!

On other news, we are settling on plans to make a trip to the Grand Canyon in March. More to come about that later!

God bless all.

-j

Joy

Some days we must choose joy. Today is some day.

-j

Midwest Lectures

This past week, JT and I attended the Midwest lectures and were uplifted. You can enjoy viewing the videos (or downloading the audio files).

http://oabs.org/archives/lectures/mwl2012.htm

-j

Another Week

This has been a busy week. My brother and my Dad flew out of town for the week and got back early yesterday morning. While they were gone, my mom and I got to spend a lot of time together. My brother got to go on this annual trip with Dad for the first time this year and said he had a great time. He plans to be going back with Dad next year.

As soon as they got back to the house (after midnight on Friday), brother immediately went to a birthday party sleep-over at a friend's house. He got back to the house yesterday afternoon and went straight to bed. Mom had to work yesterday (Dad did too but just for a little bit) so Dad and I went out, just the two of us. It was a lot of fun and I got to see some of my friends at the restaurant.

Mom still had to go to work this past week and has been very busy with some projects. She is in full swing with the school year. She still really loves her job even with all the stress.

On Friday, I was walking into the school building and fell down. My mom took me to the doctor who said it was severely bruised. I got to rest most of the day Friday and yesterday and am feeling better now. My leg still does hurt sometimes but I will be going to worship today.

In our usual routine, Dad and I are out eating breakfast this Sunday morning. And, as is starting to be the routine, we are posting on the blog!

Tomorrow, we will start a new work week and hope to be somewhat back to normal. We will see...

-j&k

We're Back.....

I am sorry I have been gone so long but it has been busy. I will try to do better blogging in the future.

For me, I have started the sixth grade it has been going good. I started band this year and am playing the flute but I have not been feeling good about it! My parent tell me it will be okay. I hope they are right. I just got my first progress report and my parents were very happy with my grades (well, I need to work on my math but I will get it done!).

My brother is also doing well in the eighth grade. He just started back to tae kwon do for the school year and is working on advancing to the blue belt by Christmas. This weekend, two youth groups had a joint retreat in another state so he left town on Friday and will be back today. It is nice to know he can hang out with both youth groups at the same time. Also, as you may know, my brother just turned thirteen. He really is turning into a fine person but I would never tell him that!!

Now my mom has just started working for the school year. Now I do not know much about how it is going because she does not talk about it as much as my dad does his job. I think she is doing fine. She has a lot of good students. We got to have a groups of college freshman to the house one evening as part of their orientation process. It was a lot of fun. She is selling a lot of clothes us kids have outgrown and seems to be really content with life. She is a really great mom and I love her very much.

My dad is still working the same job he has been since we moved to our current town. It seems to be going good for him because he talks about it all the time. He has a really good boss and enjoys working. He has been working on a big paper and it has been moving along, he says. He has been filling on a lot of places preaching and teaching. He is a really great dad, I guess.

Last weekend, the family went to Branson, Missouri with the grandparents. When we got there, it was 11:30 pm on Friday. We stayed up for a little bit, put stuff away, and went to bed because we were tired. Well, some of us were, anyway. Saturday, we went to Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Show. It was awesome! Sunday, we worshiped and relaxed. Monday, we came home. All in all, it was a great trip.

One more thing: here is my dad and me.

-K

Refelction

I am not sure what to think about all of this - As of today, my oldest is in the eighth grade (last year of junior high) and my youngest is in the sixth grade (on her way to the junior high school). Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed the journey and am thankful for the young people they have become. It was a just a time a noteworthy reflection.

Kaylee scored very high on her reading test and won a medal at school today. She is an inspiration.

JT is leading in worship, willing to serve, and (almost) all teenage boy!

JT and I will be leaving town tomorrow. We are going on a backpacking trip to another state. While we are gone, we hope to spend time looking for the spirit of mercy. I pray we can both be more forgiving people at the end of the journey.

"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Matthew 6:14-15).

-J

Note Those Who So Walk

Balaam - Hearing God

Numbers 22:21-40

There is something appealing to people about supernatural things occurring. Children are often enamored with the tales of super heroes and cartoons that can do things reality simply does not allow. Truth be told, many adults like to hear these stories as well. So many of the Old Testament accounts have supernatural things happening. The New Testament has them as well. These events arouse curiosity in everyone.

One such account is the story of the talking donkey. It is not every day, or any day, for that matter that animals speak language, communicate, and converse with their owners. Unlike the stories of cartoons and super heroes, these accounts are real. A donkey really did speak to Balaam. There is no doubt this would grab attention.

Balak, the king of the Moabites wanted the blessing of Balaam in order to conquer the people of Egypt. He knew of the Israelites conquering the Amonites and knew that those who were blessed by Balaam were blessed and those who were cursed were cursed (Numbers 22:6). He sent messengers asking Balaam to curse the enemy. God told Balaam to stay out and he obeyed. Balak sent more messengers and asked again. God told him if they asked yet again, he could go with them and consult Balak. Balaam went even though this provision was not met and the Lord’s anger was aroused.

The Lord then sent an angel to get in the way of Balaam on his donkey and there were three separate incidents when the donkey stopped. Balaam was so focused on what he wanted instead of what the Lord wanted that he was not able to realize these halts were happening at the hand of God. Finally, the donkey, at the hand of God’s work, spoke out to Balaam. Interestingly, it seems Balaam was not surprised at the donkey’s words but still focused on what he wanted to accomplish. He finally realized (the angel was made visible to him) that these things were the work of God and humbled himself in the sight of God. There are some great lessons to learn from this account.

Balaam’s Actions

It took an interesting sequence of events to convince Balaam that he was focused on the wrong thing — himself. He did what so many people today do when they get frustrated. He took his frustration out on an obedient donkey! Instead of focusing on the source of the frustration — his disobedience — he stayed focused on what he wanted to do and was willing to do whatever it took to get the job done. Notice verse 25: A crushed foot did not convince Balaam that he needed to change his ways.

God sent some indirect signals which still did not convince Balaam that he was acting out of his own volition. An angel tried to stop the donkey in the path. Balaam’s own foot got crushed. They came to a place in the path where the donkey could not get through and the donkey sat down while Balaam was on it. Balaam had plenty of opportunities to change his mind about the matter. Today, through providential means, God may very well be sending message after message trying to convince His people of one thing or another. Yet often times, like Balaam, His children are so focused on what they want to do they miss the point.

The Donkey’s Words

It is an age old fact that God works in mysterious ways. Overpowering a donkey to be able to speak and converse with a human being is most definitely a mysterious way. He accomplished His will through the donkey and finally got through to Balaam. This, of course, supports what the writer of Hebrews said in Hebrews 1:1. God has communicated in various ways in times past. He communicated his will through a donkey on this occasion.

Many wonder if God can use them in His divine plan. If He can use a donkey, surely he can use rational human beings! He can even use irrational human beings to accomplish his purpose. He used Pharaoh and Rahab in his will at one time (Exodus 10:1; James 2:25). Certainly, he can use His people and even those who are not His people to accomplish and work His will today.

The Angels Commission

Finally, God communicates with Balaam through the angel that stopped the donkey on three different occasions. The angel informed Balaam that he was the one who stopped him and that God was trying to communicate a message to Balaam. He even explains that he could have simply killed Balaam but he did not.

The angel continues by telling Balaam to go to Balak but quickly reminds Balaam that he is only to work and do what God tells him to do. There is, of course, a great lesson for Christians today. They are to only “speak as the oracles of God” (1Peter 4:11). Preachers are commissioned through Paul’s words to Timothy to “preach the word” (2Timothy 4:2). Christians need to take this message to heart and work God’s plan not their own. Peter said it this way: “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

Conclusions

God had a plan for Balaam and He certainly has plans for His children today. Yet, a vital lesson to be learned is that every person has a choice. Balaam initially chose not to follow God’s plan. While God worked through miraculous means on this occasion, the Christian can be comforted to know that through His providence, He is still working today His purpose to perform. Also, like Balaam, people today need to change their actions when they learn new information. When Balaam learned it was God all along, he moved to replace his own will with God’s will. Today, God’s followers need to do the same thing. If God can work through a dumb donkey, He can work through His children.

-J

Note Those Who So Walk

Ezekiel - Dry Bones

The idea of someone being raised from the dead is often times intriguing. Perhaps, because of the finality of death, many people are enamored with the idea of someone coming back from the dead. There are several accounts in the Bible of people who were raised from the dead. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead in John 11:38-44. Jesus raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead in Luke 8:49-56. In Matthew 10:8, Jesus commanded the 12 apostles to go and preach to the lost of Israel and while they were going, he commanded them, among other things, to raise the dead. Of course, all of these happened through the use of miracles. 1Corinthians 13 teaches the age of miracles has ceased and no one is going to be raised from the dead today (see Ecclesiastes 9:6). Ezekiel 37:1-14 records another account of the dead being brought to life. A valley was “full of bones” and the bones were brought to life. Aside from the intriguing nature of the record, the sequence of events has several important lessons to be learned.

One such lesson concerns the faith and obedience of Ezekiel. After Ezekiel noticed the valley “full of bones” and recording “there were very many” and “they were very dry,” the Lord asked him if the bones could live again. His reply was an expression of faith—“O Lord God, You know” (verse 3). The implication of the statement is also intriguing. Ezekiel knew that without God, there was no way the bones could live. Further, he did not know if God was going to allow the bones to be resurrected. Thus, he did not know if the bones could live. Only God knew because only God could make it happen. Today, there are many who may claim to know the future and other information which they do not know. In truth, only God knows. Christians need to follow the example of Ezekiel and realize that only God knows.

Ezekiel’s faith is also seen in his obedience to God’s commands. This obedience is seen even though the Lord asked him to do some very unusual things. How much value is there in talking to dead bones? Even more, these bones were dry indicating the people had been dead for a very long time. God told Ezekiel to prophesy to these bones two times in the record (verses 4, 9, and 11). Each time, Ezekiel obeyed the Lord and did as he was commanded. Both times, Ezekiel says it this way — “So I prophesied as He commanded me…” (verses 7 and 10). Ezekiel obeyed God.

Today, many do not want to obey God even when the commands make sense. God says to attend the worship service of the saints to be encouraged (Hebrews 10:25). God says to pray so that man can have a relationship with Him (1Thessalonians 5:17). God says to be kind to others for in serving other men, Christians are serving God (Matthew 25:31-46). Are these commands obeyed? These commands make sense. Yet, many will not do them. Ezekiel’s faith is seen in the fact that he obeyed God even when the commands did not make sense. The first reason any Christian is to do what God has commanded is simply because God has commanded it.

One of the blessings of this record is that God explains the purpose of the miracle. In verses 12-14, Ezekiel records:

"Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God: ‘Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves. I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken it and performed it,’ says the Lord.’”

First, the sequence of events was prophetic concerning the children of Israel. God said, “I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves….” Second, the sequence of events was to show the power of God. When God does these things the people will have proof. They will know that He is God.

In the New Testament, one finds this is the very reason miracles were done — to confirm Christ was God’s Son or God in the flesh. John 20:30-31 says: “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” The New Testament miracles are recorded that people today might have proof or believe Jesus is the Son of God. One of the reasons Ezekiel was empowered to raise the dry bones to life was that people may know God is God.

There will be one more miracle seen by men in the second coming of Christ. He will come again in the clouds (1Thessalonians 4:17). The dead will be raised (1Thessalonians 4:16). The earth will be consumed (2Peter 3:10). While this day will indeed declare, once and for all, that Jesus is the Son of God, it will be too late to believe and obey Him then. At that point, He will judge those who are alive and those who have died (2Timothy 4:1). Thus, it is ever so important that people obey Him now while there is still time: “Behold, now is the day of salvation” (2Corinthains 6:2).

-J

Note Those Who So Walk

Diotrephes — Loving the Preeminence

Of the four times the word ‘note’ is used in the New Testament of the New King James version, two times it is used in the negative sense (Romans 16:17; 2Thessalonians 3:14). As Christians today note or mark different ones, they are to note both those who are doing well and those who are not behaving as they ought to behave. 3John 9-11 records some information about a man by the name of Diotrephes. What is recorded is not favorable toward him at all. The text says:

I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church. Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.

This passage teaches several things about the danger of the attitude which Diotrephes displayed. There are even several things which begin with the letter ‘D’ (four of the five major points are the work of brother Cliff Goodwin while the fifth is added by the author).

First, one might consider the desire of Diotrepehes. He was one who loved “to have the preeminence.” He desired first place. He wanted to be ‘number one,’ so to speak. He would promote himself because he wanted people to notice him. This kind of desire only did harm to the church. Notice, John initially wanted, even tried, to write to the church. Yet, the church never knew it because Diotrephes loved to have first place. Diotrephes loved to be above everyone else, or so he thought.

Today, there are those who do not want to humble themselves before God but want to be in first place. This sinful attitude is not only destructive to them but it is destructive to the whole church. John eventually had to write a letter to Gaius so the information could get to the church. In the letter to Gaius, he notes the evil work of Diotrephes.

In fact, the desire of Diotrephes was so great that one can easily see his defiance. Again, John wrote to the church but Diotrephes would not receive the letter. He was deceptive, withholding something from the church which belonged to the church. Verse 10 says Diotrephes was ‘prating’ against John and others. The idea of prating is to speak non-sense. This idea is seen in the verse because he was using ‘malicious words.’ He went as far as to speak things which were not true because he wanted so badly to have the preeminence. He went on to kick people out of the church not receiving the brethren.

Again today, there are those who are not interested in exalting Christ or glorifying God. They want only to exalt themselves. These people may even go as far as to speak untrue things about others because they do not wish for anyone else to get due credit. Interestingly, there is only one who can determine one’s status in the church — God. He informed man what they must do in order to be in the church.

Then, one might notice the denunciation of Diortrephes. His own quest for power accomplished the exact opposite of what he was seeking to accomplish! In his quest for preeminence, he was lowered to a place of no preeminence at all. This is the end of people who seek to exalt themselves and not God. In the end, people who desire self-proclamation are only hurting themselves. If Christians today desire to be high or exalted, they must become low. James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” Peter said it this way: “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time….” (1Peter 5:6).

His desire and defiance which led to his denunciation shows his quest for domination. The attitude of putting self above all else leads to nothing less than a disrespect for God-given authority. The person who desires first place does not care about the authority given to elders in the church. The person who defies the church does not care about the authority of God. They only try to push their own authority on everyone else. Of course, in truth, they have no authority at all. It is interesting to notice the extent to which Diotrpehes went to propagate himself. He was doing things which he had no authority to do — speaking evil of others, not receiving the brethren, forbidding others to receive the brethren, and kicking people out of the church. Diotrephes had no authority to do such thing but simply wanted domination over the brethren.

Finally, it is interesting to see the final demise of Diotrephes. He tried to control the church but the Holy Spirit got John’s letter to the church implicitly through Gaius. In the end, what was said and recorded in the Bible about Diotrephes is really rather sad. He is infamous for being a person who only exalted himself. The Holy Spirit records him as a person who was evil and of a malicious mind. Nothing good of him is said in the text. This is the final end of anyone who wishes only to exalt themselves. They only end up hurting themselves.

Again, people today try to exalt themselves but would do well to learn from the end of Diotrephes. They end up only hurting themselves. They could end up losing their own souls. They are not concerned with what is really important.

John ends the section by exhorting the reader: “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.” The connection is clear. If Christians follow in the way of Diotrephes, then they are doing what is evil. The exhortation is to imitate what is good because what is good is what is of God.

-J