As I reflected on the beautiful world of white outside my window--following last night's snow storm--and listened to the sorrowful news on tv about the funerals of some of the children massacred in Connecticut last week--I wrote the following poem:

Reflections After a Storm

When snowflakes fall, our world is white with wonder;
As all that's dark is hidden underneath...
Just as the light of God's great love and splendor;
Will hide the evil lurking in the heart of man.
And as the snow gives beauty where there is none,
Let God's mercy shine above this present horror;
When sin-sick actions bring pain and sorrow--
To every corner of our World today.
Let JOY erupt in every heart and nation;
As comfort flows from He who gave His all;
A light, a hope, of life eternal, everlasting...
The precious Christ-child born in Bethlehem.
Today, a Saviour, triumphant over death
He welcomes those--in agony we grieve;
He'll hold them close 'til we too enter Glory;
The evil past, as we're all gathered home.

"Wash me as I shall be whiter than snow..."  Psalms 51:7

I believe this is blog # 30 in this series of tracing God's familial theme throughout His Word.

Nehemiah 4:14-15 and on...  "And I looked and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people.  'Be not ye afraid of them:  remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.  And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to wall, every one unto his work."

The enemy is determined to rob, kill and destroy all that is good--that includes your family.  But, when we are alert to the tricks and wiles of the devil...like in Nehemiah's day....his plans will come to nothing.  Remember the Lord, Nehemiah said and FIGHT for your family members, for your household.

Satan has no new tactics.  Throughout history he has used the same deceit and temptations to destroy.  Being aware and conscious of his ways we can out maneuver him as we fight, on our knees for our children, spouses, any members of our family.

Later in this chapter we read that as they worked they had a weapon in one hand as they worked with the other.  Laying a good foundation as parents we work each day by example and testimony, teaching and training our family, according to the Word of God.  Our weapons are not carnal.  Our weapon is the Word of God.  In Ephesians, the sixth chapter, Paul tells us how to prepare, what armour to put on. 

We are in a battle, for the very souls of our loved ones.  We must fight with the tools God has equipped us with.  His Word, Prayer, our testimony--these are essential for the victory to be won.  It will happen as we take seriously the enemies purpose and tactical moves.

The exciting part is that the "Captain of the Host of Israel", Jesus Christ, Himself is at the forefront of the battle.  He will fight for us as we seek Him, trust Him, and follow His battle cry.

I've repeated before in my blogs that I would "storm the very gates of Hell" on behalf of my children and grandchildren.  But I don't have to.  Jesus has won the battle for me--I just need to go to my "Commander-in-Chief" and lay them on the altar.  He will fight for us.  He will be victorious.  But we MUST take Him at His Word, believe that He will do what He has promised if we do our part.

All we have to do is trust, like the old hymn says:  "Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him, how I've proved Him o'er and o'er.  Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus, O for grace to trust Him more."

I encourage you to stay on your knees fighting for your family members.  Nehemiah 4:20  "...our God shall fight for us."

Our little ones

Ezra 8:21 & 23  "Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God to seek of Him a right way for us and for our little ones, and for all our substance...So we fasted and besought our God for this:  and He was intreated of us."

Israel always knew where to go when they needed help.  Despite their rebellion and evil ways, God was their refuge, their present help in the time of trouble.  Like "spoiled brats", they ran to Him, knowing that His love and mercy would prevail when they called on Him.  Sometimes, fasting with prayer was necessary.  Their love for their children, "little ones" overpowered their foolish and selfish natures.

Today I have my sweet great grandbaby, Riley May beside me while I'm blogging.  She is 3 months old and definitely falls under the classification of one of my "little ones".  When I look into her questioning, innocent eyes it causes me to pause and consider the "right way" God has for her.  I wonder who and what will influence her as she grows.  Studies reveal that her character will be formed before she reaches the age of six.  What a grave responsibility her parents, grandparents, and others have as she develops.

What can I do?  I'm just a great-grandparent, I don't see her every day, I don't have the final say regarding what she eats, where she spends her time and who she spends it with.  What television shows and movies will she be subjected to; what books will be read to her; will she spend time in the house of the Lord; will she be taught to pray; will her talents and abilities be nurtured to full potential?

I have no control over these influences or answers to these questions that cause me concern.  These same concerns extend to my other grandchildren--all  different ages and at different stages of life.  One in kindergarten, some in grade school, some in high school, and others in college, one now a parent himself.  In most ways, my influence, especially on the older ones is even more limited than my input into baby Riley's development.  Many attend Christian School because their parents see the mandate in God's Word to instruct them continually in the ways of God.  That gives me some relief, but still the pull of the world and its ungodly ways pound persistently at the moral fiber of their hearts and minds.  Their Meme can't be with them all the time.

But, how wonderful to know that, just as Israel could in the days of Ezra, I can daily, hourly and minute by minute when necessary, go to God the Father, accessing His very throne room, because of the blood of His Son, Jesus.  There I can ask Him to guide, protect and keep in the hollow of His hand my children, my grandchildren, my "little ones" as I seek God's "right way" for them!

Mom, Dad, Aunts, Uncles, Grandmas and Grandpas; your responsibility is great....bombard Heaven on behalf of your "little ones".  You can't let up, not for one day. 

Answered Prayer for Grandparents... Blog #28

Ezra 3:11-13  "And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord, because He is good, for His mercy endures for ever toward Israel.  And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.  But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers who were ancient men, that had seen the first house when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice and many shouted aloud for joy.  So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people, for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off."

Chronicles give more geneology information which continues some in Ezra.  Again, this confirms God's compelling interest in family history.  Then in the 2nd chapter, toward the end as rebuilding begins and the foundation of the temple is laid--shouts of praise begin to sound.

The priests don their priestly garmens and trumpets are sounded as the shouts of praise begin to resound.  Joy and praise is abundant.  The beautiful temple Solomon had built was destroyed--but out of the rumble...repairs are begun.  The masons are put to work--progress is made as the foundation, (the most important part of any building) is laid. 

We can only assume that discouragement and sorrow has been prevalent throughout the years as Jerusalem and especially the temple lay in ruins.  Now, with a surge of energy and hope rebuilding begins.  The result is praise and shouts of joy. 

I see one of the most amazing and thrilling parts of this chapter the fact that there remained elderly people and priests who had actually seen the splendor and glory of Solomon's original temple.  Throughout the years as they clung to their trust in God to restore what had been stolen by the enemy...they lived to see the beginnings of restoration and rebuilding. 

The shouts of joy and praise mingled with tears of wonder and nostalgia to the point that it was impossible to differentiate between the weeping and the shouting.

What a beautiful picture is portrayed here as the older Israelites see with their eyes prayers answered.  God was faithful to Israel, despite their continued failings.  God did not forget them or their prayers.  He heard and restoration was beginning.

I recently read a beautiful blog byt Alycia Holston, "The Deadwood Forest" on crossrivermedia.com's blog.  She refers to the devastation of the burned out forrests in Yellowstone National Park.  I quote her:  "As a Christian, there are seasons in life when trials rage like a wildfire.  It burns and the smoke is so thick--it seems like we will never see the light of day."  She brings out that after the smoke clears--new life begins to sprout forth.

Keeping our eyes upon Christ, despite the enemy's attacks--which are often brutal and devastating, we will be able to rise above the fray and begin to see what God can do with the "ashes and rubble" left. 

God is so good and gracious.  I'm so glad those old grandparents and great grandparents were among those rejoicing over the laying of the new foundation of the temple.  I'm looking forward to restoration of everything the devil has attempted to destroy in our lives,our children's lives, our churches, and our nation. 

I can't wait to join in the chorus of Praise and shouts of joy!!!!!

GOD IS A GOD OF ORDER

God is a God of order.  He set the family in order when He made a help-meet for Adam.  He further set procreation in order with the reproduction system he placed in the male and female.  His emphasis on family is evidenced throughout His Word.

In Chronicles, chapters 23 through 27 David gathers the Princes of Israel together and organizes the Levites, dividing them according to their various duties and responsibilities.   These were the priesthood, with the office of keeping the sanctuary, offering sacrifices, and doing the work there according to the law of Moses.   The musicians--the sons of Asaph who prophesied and played musical instruments were organized--under the direction of their father.

Then there was the gatekeepers.  They were assigned to gates and to minister in the house of the Lord.  Next were the treasurers who were responsible to oversee the dedicated things.  This included spoils won in battle.  Sheiomath and his family were in charge of these things.

Chenaniah and his sons (I Chron. 26:29) took care of the business outside of the Temple.  They were men of valour and they took care of every matter pertaining to God, and affairs of the king.

There were then twelve captains of Israel.  Each had a specific month that they served the king in whatever manner they were required.

In addition to this there were rulers over the twelve tribes, (Princes).  David also had royal officers that were over his treasures.  Some of these were over the work of the fields, the vineyards, olive trees, the herds, camels and donkeys, sheep, and all things that were the kings.

The king had something like our president's cabinet.  They were his counselors.  One was his uncle, Jonathan who was very wise and also a scribe.  The others were:  Jehiel, Ahithophel, Hushal, Jehoiada, Abiathar, Joab (the general of the king's army), and also the king's sons.

My point in studying this is that there was an order to keeping the kingdom working smoothly and a large part of this was those who served in the House of the Lord.  The "occupations" as meted out were family oriented.  The office held by the fathers was passed down to the sons.  It was totally familial.  To do the work was not only taught by previous generations, but it seems it was inherent--built into their genes.  The sons of Asaph were musical.  The men of valour sired sons of courage and strength, and so on.

What are we passing on to our future generations?  Are we striving to follow God's "order" for our lives and for future generations by example as well as through inherent traits?

Day 26: A Father's Godly Direction to His son.

Day 26:  David talks to Solomon. I Chronicles 22:11-13  "Now, my son, the Lord be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the Lord thy God, as He hath said of thee.  Only the Lord give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the Lord thy God.  Then shalt thou propsper if thou takest heed to fulfill the statutes and judgments which the Lord charged Moses with concerning Israel:  Be strong, and of good courage, dread not, nor be dismayed."

Solomon is lauded as the wisest man who ever lived, (besides the Lord Jesus Christ), and he always gets the credit for asking for wisdom.  God is pleased when he asks for wisdom rather than riches and fame.  But here we see the seed was planted in Solomon by his father, King David who specifically mentions wisdom and understanding.  His prayer for his son was that God would grant him those things, before Solomon asked. 

David further gives direction that if Solomon will follow the laws of God as they were delivered to Israel by Moses, that he will prosper.  Solomon wasn't just born with everything he needed to reign as one of the greatest kings of Israel.  He was schooled in the ways of God and prayed for by his father, David.

David then gives a charge to the princes in verses 17- 19 of this same chapter.  I want to focus on verse 19:  "Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God, arise therefore, and build the sanctuary of the Lord God to bring the ark of the covenant..."

David, "the man after God's own heart", gives the best advice he has to give--because it was what he lived--even though he had failings--his own heart was "set to seek the Lord God". 

A father's responsibility is to live a life of godly example, and to teach his children to do the same.  What an impact dad can have on his children.

David was a man of war, but he had a tender and contrite heart before God and he knew how to be a godly father.  Of course, he had his failures with Absalom and Amnon.  Lessons to us to be steadfast with all of our children, and not to get sidetracked in teaching and praying for each one.

Sorry, can't leave the bad out and just put the good--but remember dads, and moms--to have a heart after God and to instill that within your children--will reap eternal benefits for them even more than for you. 

Day 25: Geneologies

Day 25:  In Chronicles we again see God's focus on families as he traces the geneologies of the children of Israel.  Then in the 12th chapter of I Chronicles, He points out something that may seem unimportant.  However, here he refers to a physical trait of some of the progeny of  Benjamin.  They were ambidextrous and mighty men--skilled archers.

The attention to detail in the Word of God speaks of the fact that He takes every part of our lives--talents, abilities, as well as faith and obedience and makes record of it.  In the Psalms we're told that even before we are formed in secret, our parts are written down.  He has a book for each of each where our special and unique personalities, intelligence, and gifts are noted.

I believe He has a very thorough bookkeeping system  of debits and credits--showing what we do with the blessings and gifts we are given.  The story of the distributed talents in the New Testament back me up on this.

It is amazing how certain talents are passed through our DNA from one generation to another.  This is part of the intricate plan of God for the human race..  These mighty men of Ziklag in the 12th chapter, referenced above, obviously inherited their ability--perhaps from Jonathan, David's friend who was the son of Saul, a Benjamite.  Jonathan was an expert marksman.  It was how he got messages to David when his father wanted to kill his friend.

Just a physical attributes are passed from one generation to another, living for God, serving Him, having a heart after him--will be passed down.

My grandfather had an amazing musical talent.  He, without lessons, could play any instrument.  That musical ability is evidenced in so many of the children and grandchildren.  It is uncanny how the interest in music and the talent to perform is inherent--even in the fifth generation.

Likewise, we find ministers and missionaries sprouting up in every generation since my grandfather's conversion.  Those that embrace this godly heritage have continued to spread the Gospel.  Those that have rejected it have unfortunately slipped into alcohol addiction.  The good news is--grandmother's prayers have followed them, and the end is not yet, Praise the Lord!  

Day 24: Reiteration of Davidic Covenant

I Kings 9:3-5  "And the Lord said...'I have heard thy prayer...and if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and will keep my statutes and my judgments:  then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel.'"

The next verses go on to tell what will occur if Solomon does not follow after God, as his father, David did.  There are stipulations to the promise every time.

God does not play favorites.  Those who have a heart after him, follow him, and keep His commandments--their posterity will be effected and will have the blessings of God if they follow the way they have been taught.  It's a generational law that God put into place from the very beginning.

Succeeding kings did evil or right and their plumb line or standard was the king who had a heart after God--David.  That is how they were measured.

DAY 23: Great Grandma

DAY 23:  Yesterday I blogged about the great King, David.  The man after God's own heart.  Let's recall that his great grandma was Ruth, the Moabitess--daughter-in-law of Naomi, eventual wife of Boaz.

Most of the time when sermons are given or stories written around the life of Ruth, emphasis is devoted to the fact that she earned a place in the direct line into which Christ was born.  That is a wonderful result of her faith and obedience.  But, of course, she didn't realize that she was being placed into that line.  She was simply a woman of character, devoted to her mother-in-law and with faith in God.  That was why she made the decisions she made.  Those decisions resulted in a blessed life for her and Naomi.

I want to think a little more about David and his "heart after God".  What caused him to yearn after and to seek God, despite his own failings?  I believe he was a fourth generation young man with a Godly heritage.

His great grandma's courage and unfailing devotion to leave the culture she had always known, venturing out to the unknown as she followed Naomi back to Bethlehem, (reminiscent of Abraham looking for a city whose maker is God), WOW--that had to impact her child, Obed--and then his child, Jesse--and his child, David.  David wrote in the Psalm 145:4  "One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts."

I believe the young boy, David relished the stories his father told him about his great grandmother's trek to Bethlehem to serve God.  Hearing of how she was blessed because of her desire after God--he no doubt cherished his godly heritage.  I don't believe it is a stretch to assume his faith was built because of the stories passed down to him.  He then was able to grasp hold of the same unfailing faith of his great grandmother.

Lord, let me have faith that will reach beyond the generations--planting a hunger for God in my children, grandchildren, great grandchildren--and to the generations yet to come.  Let my heart be after God to the extent that they will yearn after Him as well!

Day 22: The Kings

Day 22:  When God granted Israel's request for a King, again the throne generally passed on to the son and the Kingdom was kept in the family.  This would have been the case for Saul had he not been disobedient and then sought counsel of a witch.  The choices he made had a grave effect on his children.  The Kingdom was taken from Saul and Samuel anointed David.

David who was called:  "A man after God's own heart"--even though he sinned, was repentant and sought forgiveness.  Psalm 51 shows his earnest desire to be restored to a right relationship with God.  Verses 10 & 11:  "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.  Cast me not away from thy presence:  and take not thy Holy Spirit from me."

David acknowledged his sin and recognized that he needed regeneration.  He could not bear to be away from the presence of God.  He longed for His Holy Spirit and a communion with Him.  His "heart after God" was that desire to fellowship with His maker, to live in His favor and have His help.  He felt lost and could not exist without a restoration of the relationship he once had with God.

David was then promised that His Kingdom would be forever and he would continually have someone on the throne of Israel.  Christ is the final fulfillment of this promise.

As the kings of Israel are recorded in I and II Kings and I and II Chronicles, David is set as the standard of "righteousness".  The statement is given over and over again, "they did evil and did not do right as their father, David"; or "they did right, as their father David".

The sins of David, when he repented did not keep God from blessing his reign and the continued reign of his sons and future generations--because David's heart was AFTER God.

Our hunger for God and desire to serve Him produces lasting results.  It was the case for David and the righteous kings of Israel.  The opposite was true for those who did evil and worshipped idols.  We can learn a great deal studying these rulers and how they did or did not serve God.

Our testimony and example will have a lasting result to future generations, just as it did for Saul, David, Ahab, etc.  I want my life to leave a legacy of having a "heart after God".

Day 21: Collage

DAY 21:  Today I'm reviewing some of my thoughts about God's familial pattern throughout Scripture and doing a little backward reflection from Ruth.  I may do this for a couple of days--don't want to miss any of the wonderful promises for families and successive generations.

With Naomi, the in-laws were included--just as they were in Noah's day.  The question might be asked:  "Who is your household?"  How big is your faith?  Abraham's promises and faith extended to the gentiles.  Naomi's extended to Ruth, and Boaz's to his kinsman's widow.  Rahab's was to all the relatives she could pack into the house.  

If you do not claim them as a right of redemption, who will?  Who will pray?  Who will claim ALL of the household?  "You will be saved, and your house."  Acts 16:31

There is a pattern throughout God's Word and God clumps you and your household together.  You and your family, you and yours, you and those you consider to be a part of your family.  Those you claim as your own.  Accepting the promise, believing the promise--is our job.  The promises are there, (over and over again),  but receiving it as our own is ours.

You see, Esau had a birthright--a right of redemption--he was to be the heir.  But he despised that birthright and it went to the one who longed for it--yearned for it so much that he was willing to be deceitful to obtain it.

You don't have to claim this--other things may be more important to you.  Seeking fame and fortune and passing them on to your offspring may be your primary goal.  But there is a blessing that flows from Heaven itself and it comes to us through the precious and authoritative Word of the Living God.

The right of inheritance....the right of redemption is for us and our children and future generations. When God made a promise he extended it to posterity.

Joshua 14:9  "Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance and thy children's forever because thou hast wholly followed the Lord thy God."

Israel still clings to that promise--and it's just for land.  Think of the priceless treasure our Godly heritage is that can belong not only to us, to to our entire household.  You decide who that includes, and then stand strong in God's Word!

Day 20: July 7, my birthday

Day 20:  Well, today is my birthday, and so I'll just blog about my life and how bless I have been for these sixty-seven years.  WOW, can't believe I'm that old.  I have been greatly blessed by a wonderful Godly heritage.  I was taught by my parents how to serve God and how important it is to give my life wholly to Him.

I saw their devotion to Christ and it caused me to love Him and desire to please Him.  I have not always done so, however.  But, God in His mercy had a plan for my life and didn't throw me away when I strayed.  He yearned after me and drew me back to fulfill His plan for my life.

He gave me a wonderful husband, Roger Spiegel who is a prince among men.  I have grown to love and appreciate him throughout the 44+ years we have been married more than when I became his bride.  He is wise, loving, forgiving, and has been a faithful husband and supporter of my ministry. He works side-by-side with me at the school and church and I could do not of the things I do without his love and support.

God has blessed us with three children:  Crystal, Elizabeth, and Bradley.  It amazes when I see the fine people they have become.  They are good mothers and a father to their children.  They have chosen and blessed us with two sons-in-law and a daughter-in-law that add so much to our lives.

The fourteen grandchildren we have makes growing older acceptable and more.  They give us joy and happiness that we never imagine possible.  Rachel, our fashionista--what a character--full of talent and love.  God has someone very special for her, I know--praying she'll, in wisdom, wait for the right one.  I wish the same for all of them.

Jessie May starts college this year.  Her beauty and grace are compelling, and again, I'm amazed at the talent God has bestowed on these kids.  I love them so much and pray for them every day.  Bo, (Bradley), another immense talent and such a good heart.

Then there's Triston and Gabby.  Sometimes we call them inchme and pinchme; they are dolls and we are blessed to have them added to our little tribe.  We don't get to see Caleb & Bree & Riley much; and hardly ever Kelsie and Brittney--but I love them and pray for them every day.

The three Gris kids, Marissa, Michaela, and Lil' "O".  How did we deserve such gorgeous girls, with such tender hearts --and Lil' "O" he is so smart--there's nothing that young man will not be able to do.  Look out world--and look out young men that go after my Gris Senoritas--you'll have to get through their Daddy.

Hannah Grace, statuesque and beautiful--we're going to have to build a fort to keep the guys away from our granddaughters.  They are all so gorgeous.  Hannah, so shy, but multi-talented too & Miles Ezekiel--quite an energetic and forceful young man.  He's going to make a mark on the world.  Now, Elle Pearl--everyone better watch out for her.  She's a step ahead of us all the time.  And, she definitely is Meme's girl!  But they are all my precious blessings.

Here I am doing what I never dreamed I'd be doing:  Pastoring, teaching, writing books, working hard to spoil my grandkids.

Thank you Jesus for working your plan in my life.  Thank you for praying parents, praying grandparents.  Help me to be all that you want me to be.

My prayer:  Psalm 71:18  "Now also when I am old and gray-headed, O God, forsake me not until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy poer to every one that is to come."

DAY 19: RUTH THE MOABITESS

The story of Ruth, written about, preached on, portrayed in many venues--still blesses me each time I read the account in Scripture.  One of the reasons I love this story is because it again reveals the heart of God toward ALL people of ALL races.

His covenant and promises to Abraham were with the purpose to bless ALL nations of the world, to give deliverance and salvation to all people.  He is not willing that any should perish.  ALL have the privilege and opportunity to serve Him and become part of His family.

Israel was simply the conduit, the avenue God used to reconcile us to himself.  When Ruth spoke the words:  "Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee:  for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge; thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God."  She was choosing to become a part of God's covenant with Abraham.

Through acceptance of Christ's provision on the cross, we choose to become a part of that same covenant--with yet the glorious added provision of the blood of Jesus cleansing us from sin and restoring us to communion with God the Father.

To me, that is the beauty of this story--the heart of God to include Ruth, or anyone who chooses to have believe on and have faith in Him.  It doesn't matter if they are a submissive daughter-in-law like Ruth, or a harlot like Rahab--they become part of the family of God when they surrender to Him!

Then, there is the beauty of the devotion of Ruth to Naomi and her obedience to her as the story unfolds.  She rises from the poverty of Naomi's house to become the wife of the wealthy Boaz.  More importantly, she--as the great grandmother of King David-- becomes part of the line into which Jesus is born.


Again, with the record of the generations from Ruth and Boaz--we clearly see God's familial theme as the line is traced to the birth of Christ.  Ruth's choice had generational consequences for good.  Our choices will determine how our children, grandchildren, and succeeding generations will respond to serving or rejecting God's mercy and grace.


What a story!  What a stellar character of choosing right, was Ruth!  What a God we serve who extends His mercy and grace to any and all who accept it.  

day 18: The Judges

The period of the Judges is a time when God continued to bring deliverance to Israel when they repented of their evil and called up His name.  Were he not a God of mercy and grace, Israel would have had no hope.  He is also a God that keeps his Word and he had promised Abraham that his posterity would not only be preserved, but they would become a great people that would bless the nations of the earth.

At the end of the time of the judges, there was no ruler:  Judges 21:25  "In those days there was no king in Israel.  Every man did that which was right in his own eyes."

Sounds sort of like things are today.  So thankful though that God continued to have a remnant then and now as well.

Can't wait to write about Ruth tomorrow.  What a wonderful story!

DAY 17:  This is a day full of history.  The signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776--an historic event!

Our families in America have been blessed because of the brave men who risked everything to see the United States come into being as a free nation.  The sacrifices since that day--to keep us free to worship and pursue happiness--has been great.  Wars have been fought and thousands of lives have been given for that cause.  We should be thankful and recognize the cost of our freedom.

This nation was founded on Judeo/Christian ideas and principles.  In the name of freedom, we have veered far from those.  America has "come a long way baby".  Yet, in our journey we have lost a great deal.  Rather than revering God, He is mocked.  Rather than embracing life and the pursuit of happiness, it is devalued.  Rather than honoring the sanctity of marriage, it is shrugged off as unimportant.  Rather than being thankful, we are greedy.

We are free to spit at, curse at, and degrade the cross of Christ; but are not free to have an outcry against immorality and ungodliness.  We have turned a corner that would alarm our founding fathers--even those who did not profess a belief in our creator.

But, there is hope for America!  It is a nation ordained by God to spread the Gospel around the world.  It has sent missionaries to the far reaching corners of the globe.  We serve a merciful God who longs to embrace this nation and cause it to prosper.  There is a remedy:

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways:  then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."  II Chronicles 7:14

GOD BLESS AMERICA, LAND THAT I LOVE, STAND BESIDE HER AND GUIDE THROUGH THE NIGHT WITH THE LIGHT FROM ABOVE.  FROM THE MOUNTAINS, TO THE PRAIRIES, TO THE OCEAN, WHITE WITH FOAM; GOD BLESS AMERICA, MY HOME, SWEET HOME!

Day 16--Some fulfillment of promises to families:

In Joshua 6:23-25 we see that the promise made to Rahab is kept by Joshua when Jericho is destroyed.  It was her faith in the God of Israel that saved her family.

"And the young men that were spies went in, and brought out Rahab and her father, and her mother, and her brethren, and all that she had and they brought out all her kindred, and left them without the camp of Israel...And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father's household, and all that she had and she dwelt in Israel even unto this day; because she hid the messengers, which Joshua sent to spy out Jericho."

It pays to believe and trust in God!

Later throughout the book of Joshua the land is divided with boundaries for the twelve tribes of Israel.

Joshua 21:43-45  "And the Lord gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers, and they possessed it, and dwelt therein.  And the Lord gave them rest round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the Lord delivered all their enemies into their hand.  There failed not ought of any good thing which the Lord had spoken unto the house of Israel:  all came to pass."

Again, the promises God makes are to be counted on.  He cannot lie.  When He says something He fulfills it to the letter.   I love that last phrase:  "all came to pass."  If God said it:  you can bank on it.  The heart of God is toward those that love and serve Him and their families!  Our responsibility is to trust Him and obey Him.  Then we can stand on the promises that are given throughout Scripture for our children, and succeeding generations.

Day 15: Today's blog is personal--"The Jersey Connection"

It's late and I wasn't going to blog tonight, but thought I'd give a very personal thought about sowing and reaping.  Went to the evening service at Pleasant Hill Youth Camp tonight and was blessed by the ministry of a group from Whippany, New Jersey.  The young people have been so blessed out there this evening, getting into praise and worship--seeking God for His will for their lives.  We took 20 of them out there this week on our bus.  Our grandson, Bradley, (Bo) Riley was filled with the Spirit last night and several of them were seeking--not sure how many received.  Others received a call to ministry and powerful words regarding surrendering their all to Christ.

At the end of the service, the speaker, Joe brought out how seed has been sown in their lives and now they are sowing seed in the lives of these young people, here in Missouri.

It blessed me to think how the Garlocks--my parents--David and Ora, gave eight years of ministry in the State of New Jersey.  In fact most of my formative years were spent there.  A lot of sweat, and tears went into those years.  Then, because of their connections there--when Jonathan and Marcia, (my brother and sister-in-law) began to travel full time--they also devoted years of evangelistic ministry in that state.  A lot of sowing for the Kingdom of God.

And, I rejoice in the reaping this week by six of my grandchildren who were ministered to by a group from New Jersey at camp.  My, how they've been blessed as they've been led in worship and prayed with in the altars as the presence of the Lord filled that church night after night.

It's just a little personal moment for me, thinking of my parents work for God in New Jersey--still coming back in waves of blessing from that distant state, to their great-grandchildren.  Call me crazy, silly, whatever you like--I love the great workings of God and His intricate plan.

Guess I'll call this the "Jersey connection". Thank you Lord for bringing this anointed group from Jersey to minister at Pleasant Hill.  The "link"...direct or indirect, is from God!  Don't you just love it when a plan comes together????  His plan that is.

DAY FOURTEEN:  In the fourth chapter of Joshua, God miraculously parts the Jordan River so the children of Israel can cross over into Canaan.  Joshua has taken the role of leadership since the death of Moses and the people are following him and listening to him.

Here God gives Joshua direction for the people to pass on to their future generations witness of God's power.  Leading them into the land of promise is a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham. However, what I see here is the great responsibility of  this generation that crosses Jordan to tell their children and future generations of this experience.

Joshua 4:5-7  "And Joshua said unto them, 'Pass over before the ark of the Lord your God unto the midst of Jordan, and take you up every man of you a stone upon his shoulder, according unto the number of the tribes of the children of Israel.  That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, 'What mean ye by these stones?'  Then ye shall answer them, That the water of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off:  and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.'"

When we experience the miraculous from the hand of our God...we have the responsibility to share it with our children--with the next generation, and those who are yet to come.   Our salvation, our changed life--becoming a new creature in Christ Jesus--if God never did another thing for us, we should share with a joy and excitement that draws others to seek the Lord.

Our children, our family--know us best.  They will know what rings true and real as they see us in action.  Yes, the pressure is on Mom, Dad, grandparent, brother, sister, cousin, aunt, uncle...   As you tell the stories of God's redeeming grace and mercy and the miraculous; the veracity of your testimony will not be in the telling, but in your living.

Israel was told to save stones from the Jordan as a memorial of the crossing of the river.  Undoubtedly wide-eyed children listened to the account of the parting of the waters as the priests feet touched the water.

Verses 4:22-24  "Then ye shall let your children know, saying, 'Israel came over this Jordan on dry land.  For the Lord your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which He dried up from before us, until we were gone over.  That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty that ye might fear the Lord your God for ever."

Their testimony and memorial was for their children; but it went much further--it was so all the people of the earth would know the hand of the Lord was mighty!  The record in God's Word is now available to us to pass on to future generations.  Our posterity will be effected by this Word, as we do not fail our responsibility to not only teach it--but live it.

For several years now when in prayer I have quoted and prayed Psalm 71:17 & 18  "O God, thou hast taught me from my youth and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.  Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come."

I feel compelled to pass on those wonders of the miracle working power of God to this generation and even those who are yet to come.  God has allowed me to do this through teaching at the Christian School, and now He has opened a door for me to have my book, "Generations" published.  I'm awed by the way He is answering my prayers--it is a book I wrote for my posterity--never dreaming it would be published.  In fact I did not pursue that, the door opened without me knocking.  To God be the Glory!    Anxious to see what other doors God is going to open!

Day 13, (sort of): The Story of Rahab

Joshua, the 2nd chapter.  Love this story reflecting God's grace and mercy extended to the family of a person who chooses to believe and trust in Him.

In reviewing Rahab's story, I'd like to point out a couple of things:

1.  Rahab was not of the house of Israel--yet her belief in the God of Israel saved her and her household.

2.  There is always a provision to God's salvation.  The first step for Rahab was trusting in God.

3.  Then the scarlet cord was to hung from the window--alerting the army of Israel that this was a protected house.  Rahab asked for a true token as insurance that her house and family would be safe from harm.  This scarlet cord was a type of and pointed to the blood of Jesus Christ--shed for our salvation, when applied, giving us freedom from spiritual death--and access to eternal life.

4.  In order to be saved the family had to be inside the house.  If they were outside--their blood was on their own hands.

Joshua 2:9-13  "And she, (Rahab), said unto the men, 'I know that the LOrd hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.  For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites...for the Lord your God, He is God in Heaven above and in earth beneath...and I pray you...that you will save alive my father and my mother, and all my brethren and my sisters. and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.'"

This shows without a doubt her belief in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  Because of her absolute faith that He alone was God, she put herself the perfect place to receive salvation--not just for herself, but for her entire household.  It didn't matter that she was not of the house of Israel.  I love this story--it emphasizes the fact that God is not a "respector of persons".  His mercy is extended to those who put their trust in him.

Then, the fact that she had the wisdom to petition on behalf of her family gives evidence of the provision for our loved ones--when we intercede for them.  Rahab feared God and it moved her to help the Israelite spies.  She then took things further by asking that her family be saved from destruction and death.  So, we find what I like to call "God's special provision for families" put into operation for Rahab.

Verses 17-21  "And the mean said unto her...'Behold when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window...and bring thy father, mother, ...and all thy father's household home unto thee...and she bound the scarlet line in the window."

There was then and still is a provision to the promise.  First Rahab demonstrated with her actions toward the spies that she believe in God.  Then she was obedient to their directions to hang the scarlet cord in the window.  She had to do that or her household would not be saved.  It was an outward testimony, if you will, to the fact that she was labeling herself as a believer.  Then she had to witness to her family of her belief in the God of Israel in order to gather them in where they would be safe.

We are not told if they all agreed and came into Rahab's house, under the protection of the scarlet cord.  But we do know that she was given the opportunity to bring her entire family there.

When we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, accept His redemption because of His shed blood on the cross of Calvary, we can by our testimony, example, and intercessory prayer--see them saved.  Provision was made for Rahab and her household--the provision is ours!

Yes, I love the story of Rahab.  It reinforces my theme of God's heart toward families.  It also makes it clear that God will extend His salvation to anyone who believes in and obeys His Word.  It doesn't matter if they are male or female, rich or poor, bond or free.  Their race or their nationality makes no difference.  He is a just God, and wants our entire family to be saved and to spend eternity with Him!

DAY TWELVE: IT WORKS BOTH WAYS

DAY 12:  The book of Dueteronomy contains reference to God's laws--His commands.  It reminds us of the covenant God made with Israel in the wilderness which includes not only promise of blessings--but also of curses that accompany disobedience and rebellion.

1:8  "Behold, the land I have set before you, go in and possess the land which the Lord sware unto your fathers--Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give unto them and to their seed after them."

Verses 27 and 35  "And ye murmured in your tents...(35) Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers."

God's promises are sure, He means business when He gives a promise, but He also keeps true to withholding blessings and promise from those who do not believe and rebel against Him.

Because of God's mercy, every opportunity is given to allow us to benefit from His promises and the blessings that come to those who follow His Word.

Deut. 4:9  "Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life:  but teach them thy sons, and thy sons sons."

Again, our responsibility is to pass on the whole Word to succeeding generations.

The entire 6th chapter gives direction regarding teaching our children the laws and commands of God.  We are to speak of them when we tuck them in at night, when they get up in the morning, when we sit down to eat, when we take them places--everywhere we go and in everything we do.  Teaching the ways of God to our children is to be an all-consuming thing--our main focus.  It will reap results--as we live a life of obedience and service to Christ.

As we follow God's plan for raising children--found here in the 6th chapter of Deuteronomy--we can then claim the multiple promises for our children--those promises that we will continue to quote and comment on through this daily study.

We don't like to dwell on the other side of the promises...Chapter 27:26  "Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them..."

But lets close this blog on a positive note:  Chapter 29:29 "The secret thing belong unto the Lord our God; but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law."

WOW!  Those things revealed to us are ours, and our children, (forever).  All we have to do is read and do God's commands, and teach them to our children.  Thank you Heavenly Father for making a way for us and our posterity!

DAY ELEVEN:  In the book of Leviticus the law is given and it is very detailed.  God is always precise in what He says.  What sticks out to me in the giving of the law is that God reminds Israel that His statutes are perpetual and for generations to come.  (Lev. 3:17 and Lev. 23:14).

The second passage I reference deals with bringing the firstfruits and that this should be a statute forever throughout generations.

The family and succeeding generations are taken into consideration in all of God's commands and promises.  Obedience to His commands, He makes clear, brings the blessings of the promises.  Disobedience brings the opposite and effects succeeding generations.

When we get to the book of Numbers we find again God's familial theme.  He has Moses give directions as to how they should pitch their tents and "make camp".  The standards  of the different tribes were to take specific  locations and were to stick by their standard, "everyone after their families, according to the house of their fathers."  Numbers 2:34(b).  This reminds us that God has an order.    Family is a very important part of His order.  The tribes were arranged with a relationship to the Tabernacle--where God dwelt in the midst of His people.

As Israel is numbered, we see how God took a small family and made of it a Great Nation--just as He promised--and His promises continue to be fulfilled through each one who calls upon the name of the Lord.

The inheritance of each family was done, again in an orderly fashion.  God's instructions divided the promised land among the tribes.  No one was left out, but all received their inheritance.  The 36th chapter of Numbers tells how that when special circumstances arose--a fair solution was reached so that no one was left out.

Leviticus and Numbers may not be the easiest books of the Bible to read.  There's a lot of intricate detail in the law and tedious listings as the tribes are numbered.  How important was all this to God?  Well, the fact that this is all included in the Word of God helps to emphasize the importance of the detail regarding each tribe, (family), and how they fit into His vast plan.

Just think--record is continually made in Heaven regarding you and I, our families, our prayers and tears are even bottled up and preserved.  Just how important are you and your family to God????? Well, I'd say important enough to send His only Son to make a way for us to spend eternity with Him.

DAY TEN:  PASSOVER

Passover is a perfect illustration of God's familial mercy and grace.


Exodus 12:3  "Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, in the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house."


The obedience to this directive would bring protection for the entire household.  They were further instructed to invite others in to share the passover meal and to remain in the house and enjoy the protective covering of the blood applied to the doorposts.   What a picture of the head of the household making the choice to have faith in the promise of God to preserve the life of those who would abide under their roof.


Of course the passover lamb is symbolic of the supreme sacrificial lamb, Jesus Christ.  His blood, applied to door of our heart and mind brings salvation from spiritual death and destruction.  Just as the entire household where the lamb's blood was applied--was spared when the death angel passed by...we can insure our household will be saved.  


When we clearly and by example of our testimony show that the blood of Calvary is our salvation--when we obey God's Word and follow His commandments--our children and grandchildren will be saved. 

Of course, as I've stated before.  We cannot be saved for them.  But our "house"--our earthly tabernacle, will set the stage for our loved ones embrace the cross of Calvary!  Our obedience, our faith, as we love and serve the Lord will allow us to stand on the familial promises throughout Scripture.


Redemption came to Israel through keeping the Passover as instructed.  Applying the blood was the key.  Our redemption is only through the blood of Jesus.  Oh, the blood of the Lamb!  It is for me, it is for my household, it is for those I witness to and invite to join me.


Back in Egypt it was a horrible night when the death angel passed through.  Their was weeping and sorrow in every house where the blood had not been applied.  Yet the provision was for anyone who obeyed God's command.


We have an overwhelming responsibility--just as the children of Israel did that fateful night.  I can't imagine anyone ignoring the directive from Moses to take the spotless lamb and apply the blood.  Then the family gathered inside, safe--eating the passover meal.  Likewise, why would we neglect to pray for our families, claiming them.  


It was God's plan back in Egypt to save an entire household together.  God hasn't changed.  It is still His desire to see our sons, daughters, husbands, wives, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and neighbors saved.  It's serious business.  That's why I'm following God's familial theme throughout Scripture.  I don't want any of my loved ones missing when we gather around the table at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.


Jesus paid the price!  He is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.  He is sufficient for the redemption of our households.  Glory to God and the Lamb Forever!!!

Day Nine: Joseph

Moving on to the life of Joseph--we find him sold into Egypt as a slave--by his brothers.  Once there he suffered false accusation, was thrown into prison, promised a possible reprieve and then forgotten.  Finally--at just the right time; God's time--he was released and became the highest official, (next to Pharaoh), in the land of Egypt.

Chapter 45 of Genesis is the story of his brothers coming to Egypt for food because of a famine.  They find themselves in the presence of their brother, but do not recognize him.  The first 9 verses of this chapter is Joseph's "reveal" to them.

"Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him, and he cried, 'cause every man to go out from me.'  And there stood no man with him while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren.  And Joseph said:  'Now therefore, be not grieved nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither, for God did send me before you to preserve life.  For these two years hath the famine been in the land, and yet there are five years in the which there shall neither be earring nor harvest.  And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.'"

Here is God's mighty hand, preserving the seed of Abraham and fulfilling His promises to him.  It may not have been done in the way Jacob or even Joseph would have chosen, or imagined...but it was done God's way and the best way.

What a powerful faith in God Joseph had.  Enduring betrayal by his flesh and blood brothers, then resisting the temptation of Potipher's wife--only to be falsely accused and thrown into prison.  So, again, there is the powerful illustration of how one man's faith, (Joseph), can bring salvation and deliverance to his entire family.  God had promised Abraham that his seed would be greatly multiplied.  This could not have happened if Jacob and his sons had died during the famine.

Hope you are enjoying our walk through Scriptures as we explore the heart of God toward family.  In the days that follow, we will see that while the focus seems to rest with Abraham's descendants--God's law of promise extends to any and all who call upon and believe on His name!

Day Eight:  It's late and I'm just now getting a chance to blog.  Busy day.

This is a continuation of some of the comments about Father Abraham:  Romans 4:13-18 gives us another clear picture of how we are heirs to the promises given in the Covenant with Abraham.

Verse 16 states:  "Therefore, it is of faith that it might be by grace, to the end, the promise might be sure.  TO ALL THE SEED..."

Then this is reaffirmed in Galatians 3:29  "If ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to promise."

We can claim the promises that point to and back up my asscertion that we can KNOW that as we read, claim and believe God,  we can see our family saved.

This is not a "name it and claim it"--it's the WORD OF GOD!

Skipping up to Matthew 5:15 we read:  "Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light unto ALL that are in the house."

But, I'm getting carried away.  I'm still supposed to be in the book of Genesis, searching out Scriptures with promises for our family.  But, I can't help it.  The Bible ties everything together, but I'll try not to hop around.

Heading to bed, reminding you to fight for your family--on your knees.  You are the key to the salvation of your household!!!

Day Seven:  Looking at the blessing of Isaac upon Jacob.  Isaac...as heir to the blessing of Abraham was giving a blessing to his son.  (He may have thought it was his eldest son, but nonetheless, Jacob received the blessing).


Genesis 27:27-29  " And he came near, and kissed him and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him and
 said:  'See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the Lord hath blessed.  therefore, God give thee of the dew of Heaven, and the fatness of the earth and plenty of corn and wine; Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee:  Be lord over thy brethren and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee:  cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee.'"


The baton of blessing (from Abraham) was passed on to Jacob and would continue as part of God's plan.  


What God spoke to Abraham were not idle words.  It was a covenant, promises that would continue through the annals of time.


Skipping up to Hebrews 6 where we find we are adopted into the promises given to Abraham.  Abraham had faith in God and it was counted for righteousness.  He was confident that God would keep His promises and he looked forward to the fulfillment even of those he did not live to see.


We now in faith look back to the cross, which is counted for our righteousness, our salvation!  And the promises God gave to Abraham are still true and are ours as we accept Christ who brings us into the covenant by adoption.


Verses 9-19 of Hebrews 6.  "But beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes things that accompany salvation...that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.  For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, 'Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.'  And, so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise,...Thus, God determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise, the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.  This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek."


Without getting too complicated...simply put, all the promises God gave to Abraham belong to us.  We are heirs to the promise.  We are part of the promise to him, (Abraham), that all peoples and nations of the earth would be blessed through him.  Because of "Father Abraham's" Faith in the promises of God, and his obedience to God--what was once a chosen race through which a Savior would be born--all tribes, nations and races are part of and included in the family of Abraham--when they accept Jesus Christ.  


It has always been part of God's plan to include "Whosoever Will" --not just a certain people.  Abraham, the willing vessel became a key tool in God's vast plan.  What amazes me, is that you and I are a part of that intricate design.  As you read God's Word and see the promises made to Abraham--remember they are yours.  God's familial theme resonates as we read of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  Through Jesus' supreme sacrifice He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, ......and (add your name here).     


Meet you here tomorrow for more about the familial promises of God!  They are yours!

Happy Father's Day to all dads!  DAY 6 I am devoting to fathers.  We have a loving Heavenly Father who we can go to, with access to His throne room through the blood of His son, Jesus!  Christ paid the price that opens the door!  When Jesus hung on the cross and proclaimed, "It is finished", the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom allowing us to enter into the presence of God and ask what we will of Him.


Perhaps it is easy for me to understand a relationship with my Heavenly Father, because I was blessed to have such a wonderful earthly Dad.  He was stern...could even be called strict--but I always knew I was loved and felt protected and safe when he was nearby.  I wanted to please him and did not want to disappoint him.  I knew I could always go to him with any problem and he would do anything within his power to help me.


Understanding that my Heavenly Father loves me with an even deeper love, it is wonderful to know that He has the power to work all things for my good and that if He is for me, no one can be against me.  


In His infinite wisdom, he has set into place the family, with the man, the Father, the head of the house.  The enemy, (Satan), has worked diligently to undermine the role of the dad in the house.  The family unit has been and still is under attack on every side.  Culturally, sexually, spiritually, emotionally, and economically the man has been assaulted in an effort to destroy the family model set into place by God.  


Dad's, you have the God-given responsibility to lead your family into a walk with God.  There is nothing greater for a father to do than to let his child  see him humbling himself before God.  Weeping tears of repentance at an altar shows strength and true courage in the face of this "politically correct" and perverse generation.


Because of the order that was established by God from the beginning...a godly man will bring blessings and fulfillment of every promise contained in Scriptures for his family, and succeeding generations.  


Will talk more about this in the days to come...with illustrations from God's Word.  Just wanted to be sure to say:  HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!  So thankful for the fathers who stand on the promises of God's Word as they lead their families  through difficult days ahead.

Day 5; following God's familial theme throughout Scripture

Genesis 25:19-21  "And these are the generations of Isaac, Abraham's son:  Abraham begat Isaac:  And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padanaram, the sister to Laban the Syrian.  And Isaac intreated the Lord for hsi wife, because she was barren:  and the Lord was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived."

Isaac, the son of promise took the wife that God chose for him.  Abraham's servant went in search of God's choice and returned with Rebekah.  In order for the promises God made Abraham to come to pass, Isaac had to procreate.

There is a great lesson here for the young and unmarried:  Seek God's choice for your mate.  Jeremiah 29:11 is so often quoted:  "I know the plans that I have for you..."  You find it on wall plaques, in graduation cards, it is preached and proclaimed over and over...yet when making one of life's most important choices--who we marry--there is no consideration regarding God's choice, God's perfect plan. 

Isaac, even though forty years old, accepted his father's decision to have his servant, go to find a bride for him.  He knew his father, Abraham, had total trust and faith in God to give direction.  The servant, likewise  kept alert to God's direction.

"Gen. 24:40  "And he said unto me, The Lord, before whom I walk, will send His angel with thee, and propser thy way; and thou shalt take a wife for my son of my kindred and of my father's house."

Verse 58  "And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man?  And she said, I will go."

Again, trusting God was the vital ingredient.  Putting their confidence in Him to bring to pass His great plan, and to fulfill His promises.

Throughout the Old Testament and at the beginning of the New, over and over again geneologies are given.  It was important enough to trace the generations that God included it in His Word.  Generations were blessed because of the faith and obedience of former generations (we will examine this more closely as we continue this journey); and generations fell into wickedness because of the evil examples of former generations. 

The mercy of God, however, extends to those who call upon His name, repent, and choose to follow Him in obedience--putting their faith in His promises.  It changes everything!  Generations are blessed because of this type of change.  That's why I've written the book, (soon to be published), "Generations".  It details the power of God to bring dramatic change when a person--doomed to destruction--takes a 180 degree turn in their life.  The impact then on future generations not only effects their progeny--but reaches out and touches literally thousands!

I love family.  I love tracing family history.  I love being a part of God's plan.  It is humbling, and awesome!

DAY FOUR:  Hey, do you have a relative that is totally self-centered, always looking out only for their own interests and striving to make a name for themselves, ignoring God's will and best for their lives?  Well, Abraham had one of those.  His name was Lot.  You may remember that when given the opportunity he chose the very best land for himself, leaving Uncle Abraham with what was left.  He also had his eyes toward Sodom.

In reading the 19th chapter of Genesis we find him sitting at the gate of the city, which indicates he may have been a member of the "city council".  He and his family were quite a part of that place.

My focus in regard to how God's heart is toward the family of those that love and serve Him is this:
In Genesis 18, toward the end of the chapter we find Abraham interceding before God for the city of Sodom becaue of the "righteous" that may live there.  His thoughts were, no doubt, for his nephew, Lot.

As he petitioned God he comes down to asking:  Gen., 18:32 &33  "And he said, 'Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once:  Peradventure ten shall be found there.'  And he said, 'I will not destroy it for ten's sake.'  And the Lord went His way as soon as He had left communing with Abraham and Abraham returned unto his place."

Obviously there were not ten righteous in the city.  The amazing thing is:  because of the intercession of a righteous man, Abraham, God sent two angels to rescue his "brat of a nephew" and his ungrateful wife--and two daughters out of Sodom.

The lesson here--don't give up on anyone that is part of your family.  (Of course what they do with their rescue is up to them).  But, our merciful God will do what is needed to give every opportunity to our family members when we intercede on their behalf. 

Abraham didn't stop with a brief whispered prayer.  He prevailed because he didn't rest until he had God's attention and he pressed in to be sure of God's hand moving to bring Lot out of Sodom.

What an opportunity we have to enter into the very throne room of God.  Because of Calvary--we have direct access to our Heavenly Father.  Our great God will do what has to be done in order to bring our family members, (our household), out of the bondage of the enemy!

"Pray without ceasing."  I Thessalonians 5:17  Is there a "Lot" in your family.  Don't give up.  Keep calling their name before God, in Jesus' name.

Day 3:  God's Promises to us regarding our families

God's covenant with Abraham has echoed throughout the milleniums, proclaiming Him as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 

Genesis chapter 15:1-4 is a vision where Abram communicates with God about the fact that he is childless and wonders how the promises of God can come to pass for his progeny.  God makes it clear that Abraham's seed will be multiplied and will come from him.  Verse 5 states:  "And He brought him forth abroad and said, 'Look, now toward Heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them:'  and he said unto him, 'So shall thy seed be:'  and he believed in the Lord, and he counted it to him for righteousness."

Of course, just like us...Abraham got weary in waiting on God and tried to work things out himself with Ishmael as the result.  Even though this was not God's plan and even though Isaac eventually was the son of promise...because God cannot take back his Word--He blessed Ishmael because he was the "seed" of Abraham--and God had made Abraham a promise to bless and multiply his seed.

The miraculous birth of Isaac in their old age allowed Abraham and Sarah to realize that God keeps His promises.  This emphasizes too the fact that God does work through families from generation to generation.  His Covenant of promise with Abraham would continue.  As we continue this study we will refer back to the Abrahamic covenant quite often.

An obedient patriarch sets the stage for future generations and the results are exponential.  God's plan for Abraham, as well as God's plan for you and I is unfathomable.  We sometimes get a glimpse into what He is doing as we put our trust and faith in Him--but more often than not it is hindsight that shows us His great hand moving through our lives and con-
tinuing with our children and grandchildren.  If we could see too far ahead it would blow our minds!

(to be continued)

Following the promises of God for our families, Day 2

Day Two:  Following through Scripture the promises of God for our families:

Genesis 6:8 and 7:1  "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord."
"And the Lord said unto Noah, 'Come thou and all thy house into the ark, for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation."

What a powerful lesson here of how living right before God causes our entire household to find shelter and deliverance from destruction.  Noah's "house" was his wife, sons and daughters-in-law..
That was his entire family.  His obedience to and faith in God brought salvation to his family.  This is a thread that weaves throughout Biblical history and continues today.  When God sets a principle into place, it doesn't change.  His character demands that.  What a blessing to know that you and I are key players in the lives of our children...and even future generations.  God is no respector of persons.  What he did for Noah, he will do for us as we follow His direction throughout His Word.  How blessed we are. 

Stand strong today on the knowledge that our great God is the same today as in Noah's day.  Your family will come into the "Ark of Safety", (the provision of salvation through the blood of Christ), as we pray and live a testimony before them of righteousness.  Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.  How thankful I am that God's grace and mercy are new every morning and my "house" will be saved!

Day 2:  Looking at the promises of God throughout Scripture that relate to our family.

Genesis 6:8 "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord."
Genesis 7:1  "And the Lord said unto Noah, 'Come thou and all thy house into the Ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.'"

Because of Noah's obedience to God and his right living, his entire household was saved from destruction.  This account gives us a glimpse into the character of God.  His ways are not always easy to understand.  However, throughout Scripture we see the fact that God's principles regarding family are set in order.  Once His pattern of dealing with the family was set--it continues throughout His Word.  He is a God that does not change.  Noah's family gained access to the safety of the ark because of his example of obedience and righteousness--which they followed.

Our "Ark of Safety" is redemption through the cross of Calvary.  As we accept Jesus' sacrifice for our sins and follow Him in obedience and right living--we can claim our "house" to be saved.  Our example will speak to our generation, just as Noah's did to his sons, his wife, and daughters-in-law.  In prayer and intercession we can call upon our Savior, Jesus Christ, to draw our loved ones--by the Holy Spirit.  Yes, they have to accept Christ's provision, (just as Noah's family entered the Ark), you cannot do it for them...but as we trace the many promises of God throughout the Bible--you will see that we have the power of God's Word behind our claim that our "house" will be saved!

God's Promises for our families

I have been working on an idea for a book for several years, doing research on the Scriptures in the Bible that relate to promises to the family.  I see a familial theme throughout God's Word and thought a compilation of these would encourage as we seek God for our family members.  I've never gotten this "book" out of the actual developing stage and have decided to do a daily blog--beginning with Genesis and following throughout the Bible andy and all "family" related promises.

So, beginning today, as an introduction I have chosen Genesis 2:18 and 21-24.  This is when the first God-ordained family came into being:  "And the Lord God said, 'it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.'  And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof.  And the rib which the Lord God had taken from man, made He a woman, and brought her unto the man.  And Adam said, 'This is bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh:  She shall be called woman because she was taken out of man.  Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother and shall cleave unto his wife; and they shall be one flesh."

(To be continued)

Memorial Day

Today we honor and remember those who have passed on that impacted our lives.  Some by example and prayer, many by sacrificing through military service.  I am glad for these times to reflect on the cost of our freedoms and who we are through the blessings of others.