2001

I remember the day well. I was sent to my home room class where my teacher, Mrs. Cole, turned on the news. Other students and I settled into our sets fixed on the banner that ran accords the bottom of the TV hanging by the loud speaker. Breaking News it said. A video played in the background of two huge towers in New York City. One building was smoking as the news anchor voiced over the chaos.

We had no idea what was going on at the time. All we knew was a plane flew into what the news anchor called The World Trade Center. Mrs. Cole was doing her best to keep us all calm as we anticipated a early dismissal from school. We were scared and glad about that announcement of going home.

Then, as we prepared to leave, the second plane hit. To watch a plane run into a building was crazy to watch. Real fear set in. I can say the teachers and administrators did their best to keep us calm. They showed true leadership in the midst of a real threat.

It was in the days afterward did I notice a real change in people. There seemed to be a real seeking after God in prayer. People were selflessly serving one another. Giving all they had to ensure we came together as a nation to mourn the loss of our fellow Americans while preparing to answer back in resilience. We would not be sent into cowardice. People of all backgrounds become one.

The results of September 11th, 2001 did many things. The things I remember are the unity and pride I saw in the American people. But what I remember most is the prayers. People were praying for God’s blessing on the families of those we lost and praying for God to bless our nation again. It was something of Heaven to me. I hope we get back to prayer again; back to seeking God – seeking his blessing. Not all Americans are followers of Christ, but I wish they were.

As a follower of Christ, I long for the day when I stand with billions before the throne of Christ. All from different back grounds, ethnicities, countries, tribes, and tongue. All with one thing in common – we are delivered by the blood of the Lamb.

True freedom is found in Jesus Christ. If you would like to learn more about this good news of Jesus, you can read of his Gospel here. SDG!

September 11, 2021 0

Because I have Daughters

I set my face to be a man because I have daughters.

My affections are tender, my heart is full because I have daughters.

Make strong my arms and make gentle my hands because I have daughters.

Stern are my words, encouraging is my mouth because I have daughters.

Wisdom I seek and prayers I make because I have daughters.

Dances in the kitchen and books by the lamp because I have daughters.

Laughs in the morning and cuddles at night because I have daughters.

Hugs around my neck and little feet on my toes because I have daughters.

Kisses goodnight and smiles aglow because I have daughters.

Having children is a joy to my soul. Of course my son is the prince of the castle and my best little buddy, but there is something particular about my girls. What once was a calloused heart has become more tender than before. Their beautiful deep eyes have that effect no doubt. Yet, I know I have to be stronger than ever for them.

That brings me to the thought I want to share. If we want good daughters that grow to be good women, we need good men. We as fathers or father figures should show our girls what it means to be a woman by being what we are. Men.

I know not all situations are alike. Many men are not even allowed to be a vital part of their child’s life and that is sad. But all things being equal, let’s consider what I mean in these three points (In typical Baptist form ;).

1. Treating your daughters with love and respect: This is obvious, I think. These precious ones are blessings from God (Psalm 127). Treat them as they are to be treated. Girls are precious gifts God has given you to love and nurture with respect until your dying breath. Anything less is letting them down. Not only that, it’s a sin against God. Ultimately these are His girls you know. Don’t ever forget that.

2. Love their mama (or their “mum” for my dudes across the pond): Again, all things equal, be a loving husband to your wife. It is the very best thing you can do for your daughter. Show her what a good man does for his wife, how he provides, how he laughs, how he talks to her. Even how he hugs and kisses her in public. A good man communicates and leads his house well. His love for his wife is obvious and those little girls will not only see it but look for it in their future husband (See Ephesians 5:25-33).

3. Love Jesus: This too is obvious but has to be said. If you are not loving Jesus your your wife and your children will suffer. Show those girls a man who loves Jesus is a man who will love them! That starts at home with their daddy. Family worship, family prayer, signing together, etc. are all essential for not only the spiritual development of your family, but will also pay dividends perpetually for your grands! Be a generational man. Lead your girls and their girls closer to Jesus. Show them with your life. Don’t expect some background music accompanied by a light bulb over your kid’s head to know when the thing will stick. Just love Jesus day in and day out in front of your girls; it will teach them to do the same.

Face it men, we have a huge responsibility when it comes to our girls. Love them with all you have. Steal their hearts; dance, sing, and play. Be their first love in hopes it will lead them to a lasting love grounded firm in the Rock of our Salvation. Be a man because you have daughters.

September 17, 2019 2

Blind Bartimaeus

In the Gospel of Mark, we are introduced to a particular healing of a particular man. This man must have been of some importance in the first century church because Mark chooses to include his name and conversion in his Gospel. As Jesus and his disciples are making their way into Jericho, a blind man by the name of Bartimaeus is begging along the road. This spot apparently was a good place for such a man to inquire alms from travelers. The blind were seen as cursed by God and enduring punishment for some sin or the sin of their parents (Reference John 9:1-2). With this understanding, we can see that the only way that the blind would have a hope for survival would be at the hands of a merciful passerby. Thus, we see blind Bartimaeus begging for help as people enter into Jericho.

What is so significant in this account is what Bartimaeus calls Jesus. As Bartimaeus asked who was passing by, he found out it was the very man who he had heard (seemingly) heals people. It is then we see him calling out to Jesus for help. What he calls Jesus is a direct affirmation of the deity of Christ.

“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Mark 10:47

This call is no doubt a Messianic call. Bartimaeus recognized Jesus as the promised son of David, the one who would redeem the people and usher in the everlasting kingdom (Reference 2 Samuel 7). Bartimaeus knew this was his chance to call upon the very Son of God.

As he was calling on Jesus, many demanded that he shut his mouth and stop calling, but Bartimaeus called out all the more. Jesus heard his cry and commanded Bartimaeus be brought to him. It seems here Bartimaeus was the only one who “saw” Jesus for who he truly is and called on him for mercy.

What a clear picture of a person who “sees” who he truly is and “sees” Jesus as his only hope. Jesus asks Bartimaeus what he can do for him, which is the same question he asks James and John just a few verses prior. Their request however, was not as humble as this poor Bartimaeus. Bartimaeus simply wanted to see; James and John wanted to be exalted in the Kingdom. Jesus granted this humble request from the blind beggar. Bartimaeus then leaves his life he was accustomed, and followed Jesus.

Dear reader, do you see who you truly are while seeing who Jesus truly is? He is our only hope. We are sinners and Jesus is the Savior of sinners. No other can sustain us, keep us, or save us. Christ alone is needed for our salvation. Is your voice numbered with that of Bartimaeus?

“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

SDG!

October 8, 2018 0

Come Without Cost

In Acts, I came across the story of Simon of Samaria. The Bible says Simon believed, was baptized, and continued with Phillip in the ministry (reference Acts 8:13). Before hearing Phillip, Simon was a magician who astonished the people of Samaria. He did wonders in their eyes and so his name was great among them. Simon even claimed that he was great as we see in Acts 8:9. John Calvin explains in his commentary of Acts, “People of all ranks were deluded…They were intoxicated with this man’s doings.” Indeed, Simon’s influences were an obstacle to the proclamation of the Gospel because of his following and delusion over the people. What he had was not real power at all.

Once Simon of Samaria believed the gospel and followed Phillip, he became astonished at the miracles he saw. He was drawn by them and thus wanted to have the ability for himself. Since those who were following Phillip at the time had not yet received the Spirit, Peter and John came from Jerusalem to pray the Spirit would fall on those who believed the truth spoken (Acts 8:14-17). When Simon saw the Spirit was given to those who the Apostles Prayed over, he offered Peter money to have the Spirit as well. Not that he wanted the transforming power of God, rather, he wanted what the Apostles had that produced such miracles he witnessed. So he offered what he had, money, for the power they had, The Spirit of God.

The Apostle Peter immediately rebuked him. This man who everyone before thought to have already had the “Power of God” (vs 10), was now requesting to really have it by means of currency. Peter recognized his motive and called for him to repent of the wickedness in his heart and cry out to God to forgive him. Simon’s true intentions were then revealed. He only wanted the benefits of being a follower of Jesus and not Jesus Himself. Peter gave some hope in the urging to repent and turn from this wickedness, but Simon of Samaria asked for the Apostles to pray for him instead of going to Christ for repentance (reference vs 22).

The application here is abundant. So many can relate to Simon of Samaria. Being self deceived, deceiving others, and yet at the end the truth comes out. I like how John MacArthur puts it, “Time and Truth reveal all lies.” Simon only wanted what comes with Christianity, and not the Christ of Christianity. The Bible tells us in Isaiah 55:1, “Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come buy wine and milk without money and without cost.” Simon wanted to come and buy what is freely given to those who call out for it. God Himself. Salvation, peace, and joy all found in God our Savior. Not simply a knowledge of Him, or even a glow from the proximity, but God Himself. The Spirit does come to those who believe and indwells them in power. Yet, to those who only want the benefits of Him without submitting their lives totally to His Lordship, are found desolate.

Further, asking for prayer and not praying yourself is like asking for a drink from the cupped hand of a Believer instead of going to the well yourself and drinking deeply from the fountain of Christ. Drinking from the hand of the believer (speaking metaphorically) is only enough to whet the appetite for more or to cause one to be deceived in thinking they have had enough to sustain. This is preaching in a nutshell, but just the beginning for the hearer of truth. There is room for you in Christ. Go drink deeply and have your fill of the Bread of Life. His grace is sufficient for you and even me. You can go to Him without money or price and buy what you cannot. It is given freely from His hand, you must simply come.

Dear reader, do you only know of Christ or do you know Christ? Does your life show evidence of the grace you have received so freely, or are you trying to gain the power, love, and joy of God by something you can give to Him? Abandon the notion of coming and buying with price and taking by giving. Only come to Christ. Come and be saved by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus. Soli Deo Gloria.

References:

Calvin, John. The Crossway Classic Commentaries Acts. Editors Alister McGrath and J. I. Packer. Crossway Books 1995.

NASB Bible translation.

July 10, 2018 2