Note Those Who So Walk

“Note Those Who So Walk”

This concept of various character and group studies has its foundation in scripture. In fact, the word ‘note’ is found four times in the New King James New Testament (the King James Version uses the words ‘salute’ and ‘mark’ in some of these passages).

The first time we see the word is in Romans 16:7. There Paul says, “Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.” Romans 16 as a chapter, is an interesting one in that Paul lists several people by name. For many of them, this is the only time they are mentioned in all of scripture. Andronicus and Junia are in this category. What is said about them in Romans 16:7 is all that inspiration says about them. They may seem insignificant compared to Paul, Peter, or Luke but the Holy Spirit saw fit to include them in this passage and there are some things that we can learn from these two people.

It is important to call people out by name. In this case, it is important to acknowledge people for the good that they have done. Paul also did this for three men in 1Corinthians 16:14-18. We also learn from Paul that some people need to be named because of the negative things they have done. Andronicus and Junia were of note “among the apostles.” Paul wanted them greeted and acknowledged.

Paul also used the word ‘note’ in Philippians 3:17 where he said, “Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.” This was not the only time Paul said to look to him for an example of how to live. In 1Corinthians 11:1, he said, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” In the first part of Galatians 4:12, Paul stated, “Brethren, I urge you to become like me….” Here is Philippians 3:17, Paul said that we could follow after his example and to note (notice, acknowledge, make yourself aware of) those who live or conduct themselves as Paul does. In the same context, he points out that many walk as “enemies of the cross of Christ” (see verse 18). In contrast to that, the citizenship of the Christian is in Heaven and thus, there is a certain way that he or she ought to live or conduct themselves while here on the earth. In Philippians 1:27, Paul says, “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel….” May we all strive to live as Paul lived — according to the gospel.

The two other passages where the word ‘note’ is used are both in a negative sense. One of them is back in Romans 16. Verse 17 says, “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.” In contrast to noting those, such as Andronicus and Junia, who are doing positive things, this time Paul says we are to notice those who are doing negative things. In order to stand on guard against the enemies of the cross, we must notice what they are doing. Paul tells us how to respond to them: “...and avoid them.” There comes a time when fellowship must be severed. In another place, Paul said, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them” (Ephesians 5:11). This is further seen in the last passage in which the word ‘note’ is used.

The final passage in which the word ‘note’ is used is 2Thessalonians 3:14. There the apostle says, “And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.” What did Paul mean when he said “avoid them” in Romans 16:17? If there was any confusion, 2Thessalonians 3:14 helps clear it up. The text says “do not keep company with him….” Paul even tells us why we are not to keep company with the person who does not live after the gospel of Christ. Specifically, “that he might be ashamed.” It is true that we live in a culture where is seems that the recurring theme is we should not feel shame for anything. This was certainly not the Holy Spirit’s persuasion and it ought not to be our persuasion either. There are times when shame is a good thing and will motivate people to do what is right. As we can easily see, the idea of noting various people or groups of people have its foundation is scripture. We need to acknowledge those who are doing right and pattern our lives after them. We need to avoid those who are doing wrong.

-J

A New Update on our Life

You probably don't know this but Shawna went back to work. Even know its a lot of work, she still loves it because there are nice people there to help her in any way they can.

You probably don't know this but my brother was invited to a sleep over. Now, it wasn't a real one becuse it was only him and his friend but it was still fun, I guess.

Well, our congregation had a gospel meeting. It was good and people responded.

-K

Focus on the Family

The Family that ________ Together ________Together

No one wants their families to fail. Everyone wants the best possible family they can have. Fathers do not generally have sons and then wish to be apart from them. People do not get married hoping it will end in divorce. The bottom line is that people want their families to work and not only to work but to work well. More than that, God wants families to work. It was God who established the home in the creation days. It was God who inspired writers like Moses, Paul, and the writers of the book of Proverbs to give great amounts of information about how to make families work. It is God who desires that there be structure in the home — structure which will make the home work in a good way. If one were to remove all the passages of scripture which provide information on how to have a successful family, there would not be much of a Bible left! Notice three points that do not specifically come from the Bible but are certainly biblically based.

First, the family that prays together stays together. This is an old cliché that might be seen as in inscription beneath a picture of praying hands or something of that nature. The fact that it is old and that it is a cliché does not make it any less true. The Bible commands that one be a praying person (1Thessalonians 5:17). The example of Jesus Christ shows that His followers need to be praying people. Paul would constantly mention how he was praying for different ones he knew and would likewise ask these people to pray for him. It is true that in the United States culture the idea of praying as a family has been thrown to the wayside. Things like extra-curricular activities, watching television, and going out to be with other people have all inhibited the praying family. These things have likewise aided in ripping families apart. Children are not enjoying bedtime stories and prayers as much as they once were in this nation and one can easily see the negative results of such actions. Time must be put aside intentionally for families to pray together, not just at mealtimes but regular family meetings for prayers need to be utilized. The instructions God gave to parents in the Old Testament show that He wanted families to spend time together and for children to learn from their parents the ways of serving God well (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). The first century church would spend time fasting and praying (Acts 13:3). Peter was an elder in the church and therefore had believing children. Do you think Peter spent time in prayer with his children? No doubt, he did. If more couples spent time in prayer instead of trying to get out of a relationship, they might have a better chance of succeeding. If more parents prayed with their children, then it would be more likely that their children do not grow up to hate their parents. The family that prays together stays together.

Second, the family that works together grows together. There is a point that is often overlooked when people discuss functional families. They do not just happen. People make them happen. One person once said that destiny is not a matter of chance but rather a matter of choice. While chance and happenstance to have an affect on a person’s future, a large part of a person’s future revolves around what they choose and the consequences of their choices. If one wants his or her family to work, then he or she has to make it happen to some degree. Parents need to instill in their children the importance of family and the individual roles in the family (Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4). Amos asked a rhetorical question in Amos 3:3, “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” Two people can be agreed on a lot of things but if one has a mind to go north and the other a mind to go south, they cannot walk together. Likewise a family can be a family just in name only. If they truly want to grow close to one another, then the individuals in the family must have some common goals. They must then work toward those common goals and then together, they will receive the benefit of accomplishing those goals. The family that works together grows together.

Third, the family that worships together benefits together. It is sad that around holidays like Christmas some Christians do not attend the worship of the church and then use their families as an excuse. One person said that Christmas is a time when saints become sinners and sinners become saints. Some of the more progressive congregations will cancel services altogether around holiday time in the effort to allow families to spend time together. This logic has not been well thought out. What better way for a family to spend time together then to go and worship God together? What better use of time is there then worshipping God? What would Jesus do in such situations? One might criticize and say that not all families are made up of Christians. This is, no doubt true. However, what better example could Christians show to their family members who non-Christians then to go to worship. God demands first place in the lives of His followers and a holiday or family event does not change that demand. Jesus said, “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:37). The family that worships together benefits together.

As one notices these three points that will help families to work and be successful, he or she notices a commonality among them all — togetherness. Even secular research shows that one of the qualities of a successful family is that they spend time together. This makes logical sense. A father is not going to be close to a son that he does not spend time with. A wife is not going to be close to a husband that she does not spend time with. If people want their own families to work, then they are going to have to spend time with their families. The adage it’s not the quantity of time people spend together but the quality of time is simply not true. A person cannot go to another family member right now and say he or she has five minutes and then make them five minutes of quality. Hopefully, when people spend massive amounts of time together, they will end up having some genuine quality time. If the family is going to work and be successful, then the family is going to have to be together.

-J

Statements I Never Thought I'd Say to My Son...

Please find some underwear ... and wear them!

Go get yourself a hair-straightener so you do not have to borrow your mother's!

-J

Focus on the Family

Qualities of a Successful Home

It is much easier it seems to criticize than to complement. It seems much easier to point out what is wrong than to acknowledge what is right. Such is definitely the case in the secular research that has been done on the home. Most of the efforts to research and analyze the home have been attempts to find out what is wrong with the particular home. Yet, the adage is still true: One does not have to know everything that is wrong, he or she simply has to know what is right. Everyone wants a successful home. Parents want better things for their children. Members of the home want happiness and healthiness.

Over the years there have been some studies on successful home. In fact, there has been one rather large study by two university professors and several of their graduate students that shows some interesting findings. The research includes studying successful families all over the United States as well as some other countries. Over 21,000 families have been considered and the research is still being done. The conclusion is that successful families generally exhibit six traits and if families today can integrate these qualities into their homes, then perhaps they can be better, stronger, healthier, and happier. This is, of course, what every family is looking for and wanting. Interestingly and not coincidentally, these are biblical traits — God has already indicated this is the way families are to be. Genuine secular research only proves and supports what God has already revealed.

First, successful families constantly express appreciation. It provides a sense of belonging and is one of the individual’s deepest needs. It has long been proven that it takes a large number of compliments to offset just one insult. Appreciation encourages and inspires the person to continue to do better and gives him or her a sense of willingness to continue to do what he or she is doing. Paul said it this way: “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing” (1Thessalonians 5:11). Paul also made it clear that it is a sin to be unthankful (2Timothy 3:1-5).

Next, successful families are seen spending time together. This point seems obvious but is often neglected. Dad is always busy trying to earn a living and support the home. Mom is running the kids here, there, and everywhere. The children are constantly wanting to go to someone else’s house and be with some of their friends. One day, the family finds they do not know each other and have not spent much time together because life was just so busy. Some retaliate and say that it is not the quantity of time that is spent together but the quality of time. One will not have quality time until a large quantity of time is utilized. Successful families make things happen and spend time together. Mark 6:31 says, “And He said to them, ‘Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.’ For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.” Jesus calls his disciples (His family) apart to spend some time alone. He realized that in order for the relationship to grow time had to be spent together. Right in the middle of feeding the 5000 and walking on the water, Jesus made sure to spend time with those to whom He was close. Today, if families are going to grow closer together and be more successful, then they are going to have to spend time together.

Then, families that are successful have good communication patterns. They do not just spend time talking. They are genuinely interested in the affairs of one another. They work out disagreements in positive way. They learn to grow from the conflict they have together. Again Paul said, “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32).

Also, successful families have a strong religious orientation. Again, this was not a study done by a religious group but the study revealed that strong families are religious. This is usually the place that people will find a sense of meaning and purpose in life. This is also the origin of family values and a good family atmosphere. Families which have no moral standard have no reason to treat one another kindly or to be compassionate to the other members of the family. They see no need to try and stay together and do not see the blessings that can come by remaining committed to making the family work. God demanded such in Deuteronomy 6:4-9, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”

Still another quality seen in successful families is commitment. They have a genuine desire to make the family work and put forth effort to that end. This is what helps successful families to be responsible and stable. They work at it. They understand that happiness and healthiness do no just happen. They look at the family as one. When one member is hurt, they all hurt. When one feels joy, they all feel joy. They have a real sense of commitment. When God begins a family, He wants a level of commitment that looks at the couple as one flesh. “So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matthew 19:6).

Finally, successful families deal with crises in a positive way. They understand hard times will come. They know there will be difficulties. They simply deal with them in a way that will pull the family together and not rip it apart. They can see the rewards of going through the trials. They adapt and respond in a constructive way that will produce positive results. “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (James 1:2-3).

May every family strive to be a successful family.

-J

Light-Up deer

Check out this wicked creation of my imagination! We had some light up deer in our yard so my father and I decapitated it, and hung the head up in my room.

Focus on the Family

A Christian’s Responsibility to Aging Parents

The increasing need for geriatric care is without dispute. Assisted-living homes and extended-care facilities are overflowing in this country. New ones are being built every day. People are generally living longer and thus, growing older. Therefore, the need for such complexes to be built is somewhat obvious. Perhaps one thing increasing faster than the need for nursing homes is the vast amount of opinions toward them. There are some who will say that an extended-care facility is necessary and there are others who would argue they are only a ploy to get ‘old, useless people’ out of the way. Christians need to look to God’s Word — the Bible — and learn what God would have them to do in this area of life as well as any other.

Children do have a biblical responsibility to their parents. One of the Ten Commandments is to “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12). Paul tells children to “…obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1). Jesus set a good example before men making sure His mother would be cared for after His death. John 19:26-27 says, “When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold your son!’ Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother!’ And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.”

In 1Timothy 5, Paul is telling Timothy of the responsibility of the church toward the aging widows. He begins the chapter by making it very clear that there is a place in the church for them and they should not simply be ignored. He says, “Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger as sisters, with all purity” (1Timothy 5:1-2). The setting of 1Timothy 5 concerns whether the church can use money out of the church funds to help the older widows who are too old to work and — because they are widows — obviously do not have a husband to provide for them.

Further, the text which needs to be examined in light of Christians dealing with their aging parents is verse 4: “But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God.” The primary responsibility of caring for the aging members of the church falls on their physical family members. There are those widows who do not have children who can take care of them. Perhaps they never had children or their children have already passed on. Further, there are those widows in the church who do not have faithful or believing children. Thus, their children do not see any type of responsibility on their part to care for their parents. In such a case, the church has the obligation to help the widows. But primarily, this responsibility falls on the children and grandchildren of the widows.

Verse 8 continues to shed light on the matter: “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” It is unfortunate this verse is often quoted in reference to a man with regard to his wife and children. The context of the passage is dealing with a Christian’s responsibility to his aging parents and specifically, in this case, widows. Certainly, it is true a man has a responsibility as the head of the home to make sure provisions are properly made for his wife and children. No doubt the man who does not take this responsibility seriously will be held accountable for it on the Day of Judgment (Ecclesiastes 12:14). Still, the context of 1Timothy 5 is older widows. The first people to care for them should be their children and grandchildren. The Christian who does not provide for them is “…worse than an unbeliever.”

Then, the reason the children and grandchildren are to provide for their parents is found in verse 16: “If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.” While it is certainly biblical for the church to provide and care for her members, it is not the ideal situation. Thus, it is only biblical after certain qualifications have been met. She must be a widow who is left alone (no children or grandchildren to care for her) and faithful to the cause of Christ (verse 5). In verses 9-10, Paul gets very specific in regards to who the church can help and to whom the church is to refuse help. “Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man, well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.” Implicitly, this teaches age to be no excuse for forfeiting one’s responsibility in church work. Older people will be held accountable for the work they do or do not do. Paul further emphasizes this standard by saying the church is to refuse to help younger widows (rather, they are to marry) or widows who are not faithful to the work. If the church were to help the younger widows, they might become evil (verses 11-13). Thus, the church should have no part in helping them. Paul knew of situations where it was not beneficial (verse 15).

-J

A New Update

The first bit of exciting news is that we all (the whole family) went to get our eyes checked out recently and Kaylee had to have new glasses. She got two pairs. Here are pictures of them. Pink and purple! She is all girl, for sure. Aren't they pretty?

Next, Shawna is enjoying the house to herself. Jeremy did not get much time off for the holidays and the kids started back to school this week. She does not start back officially until the 17th!. She is loving her new job and especially loving the two-minute drive!

JT is certianly getting older. Yesterday, he asked if I would take him and one of his friends to the movies. I did. We sat on the top (back row) and had a great time. Kaylee was not happy (that's right, I was not -kk) as she had to stay home with mother.

We are blessed and life is good.

-J&K

Focus on the Family

My Family and God’s Salvation

We live in an age of communication. We live in an age of internet, email, fax machines, television, and radio. All of these are mediums where by one can exchange information and communicate with another person or group of people. Talk radio and talk television are more popular than they have ever been. In general, these things are one person giving another person advice or information. We live in a communication age. We are a communicating people.

Closely akin to but still separate from this is the fact that we live in an age of relationships. In general, people want other people in their lives that can help give them meaning and assurance. We want friends and relatives with whom we can talk, share, and confide. The goal for businesses today and for many organizations is to be relational. The underlying theory is that if we can be relational, then the usual events and activities of the business or organization will be smoother, better, and more effective.

Now, here is the fly in the ointment. Communication is a very, very difficult process. It is hard for me as one individual to take my thoughts and feeling about a particular subject and convey them to you. We use words, expressions, and even subtle meanings but it is still very difficult for me to communicate exactly what I think to you. In conjunction with this, relationships are difficult to build and build well. The scholars say that relationships are dynamic or constantly changing. What might help a relationship one day could hurt the same relationship the next day. They are hard to maintain and difficult to build.

God knows this. It is little wonder that he provided so much about communication and relationships in His word, the Bible. If one were to take out all of the passages that deal with communication or building and maintaining relationships, there would not be much of a Bible left. The fact that communication and relationships are difficult is why there are such injunctions as “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12). This is why the Bible gives commands to husbands, wives, parents, and children (Ephesians 5-6). This is why the Bible has such wonderful information that will improve communication and relationships in a great way.

The fact is that all of us are biased and prejudice with our own families. The adage is true: “I may complain about my family to you but don’t you ever insult them to me.” Every grandparent thinks they have the best grandkids. Most husbands would say he has the best wife in the world. Young boys want to and do grow up to be just like their fathers. And sadly, most people make excuses for their family.

“It’s hard for my son to go to church because he has so to do much with school and other activities.”

“I know Dad smokes but it was acceptable when he was younger.”

“He may not be a Christian but he is a good, moral person.”

“Well, he has to provide for his family.”

“It may not be the best situation, but it’s only temporary.”

These statements and others are extremely detrimental to a person’s salvation and spiritual growth. God wants first place in every Christian’s life (Luke 14:26). God puts a great responsibility on those who have families (1Timothy 5:8; Titus 2:3-5). Sadly, the spiritual responsibilities that we have to our families are often overlooked. The man is to be a spiritual provider to those of his home. Adam went wrong in the garden because he allowed Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:1-15). Lois and Eunice are not noted for giving Timothy a great education or supporting his extra-curricular activities but rather for giving him faith (2Timothy 1:5). Job was not willing to join his wife in her sinful attitude toward God nor did he make excuses for her but rather remained committed to God no matter the cost and even rebuked his wife (Job 2:9-10).

Now, consider the cost of ignoring a family member’s spiritual situation. Not only does it cost that person their soul. It is also an action that will have to be considered on judgment day. If I were to make excuses for my son thus ignoring his spiritual condition, I will stand for such actions before God (Ecclesiastes 12:14). It seems inconsistent to spend a great deal of time with people on Earth in such a way that you know you will not be spending eternity with them. Why would a person want to marry another when he or she knows that they will not be in eternity together? Why would parents want to encourage their kids to do well in sports at the cost of not doing well with God? Making excuses for someone only aids them in their sinful practices.

Do you genuinely help your family with the important things in life?

-J

Worldwind Winding Down

It has been crazy. We left for family on Friday before Christmas and returned Monday so I could go to work. This past Saturday, some friends from another state came to visit us to celebrate Shawna's birthday and ring in the new year.

Family came down for a visit. And we have been busy. But tomorrow is a new day. The kids go back to school. I return to work after a three-day weekend, and Shawna will have the house to herself for a few days. We hope all is well with you all.

-J