Children Are Like Summer Flowers December 31, 2009

My three grandsons are the light of my life.  I’m sure you already figured that out.  I love to teach children the Bible.  And I like just relating with children–talking to them, seeing my right brain kick in with imagination and story-telling.  Do you have a child in your life who has a grasp on your heart?

Two of my grandsons moved 2500 miles away last month!   Children and babies don’t just stay around; they change daily, grow up, turn into teenagers!  Childhood is so fleeing.  And being a baby is even more so!Â

Think On This Image

Babies and children are like summer flowers in a cold climate–blooms stay for awhile and soon are gone.  They shine like the light on a rainbow, but those colors don’t last long.  Children are like a loan from our near Neighbor who is ever ready to lend a hand or meet our need.

A Pastor’s Advice

“…let your children be as so many flowers borrowed from God; if the flowers die or wither, thank God for a summer’s loan of them, and keep good neighbourhood to borrow and lend with him.

Set your heart upon heaven, and trouble not your spirit with this clay idol of the world; which is but vanity, and hath but the lustre of the rainbow in the air, which cometh and goeth with a flying March shower…”

Samuel Rutherford, letter from prison,Scotland,1637

Childhood– What a time to lay foundations–to build relationships so they’ll talk about fun things–and why we love our Lord Jesus.  My book, Old Paths For Little Feet, gives principles for doing this.  You can order it at http://www.cvbbs.com…or…www.carolbrandt.net.

This Year’s Introductions December 29, 2009

Isn’t it nice to meet new people?  Since I live in “paradise,”  my circle of acquaintances is always in flux.  People come here from all over the world.  It enriches us; gives a new perspective.

This year I’ve  introduced you to four people who can help as you think about the meaning of scripture.  That done, you can then apply it readily to your own circumstances and also stir up your love for God (and other people!)  You’ll be amazed at how this way of reading the Bible lifts your heart and makes your life so much more enjoyable.  First, get what it says right, then get it meaning, then apply it to how you think, act, do.  Lastly, let that meaning roll around in your mind until your awe and love for God wells up.  Then your love for others will spill over.  It is mind first, then will, then emotions. Never in reverse, or worse yet, skip the mind part! These guys can help you do it.  I can too!

Walter Chantry–editor of  Banner of Truth Magazine and author of several books.  He is short and to the point.  Almost crisp.  He gives you sweeping views of biblical truth while applying it with piercing accuracy.  Look him up at http://www.banneroftruth.org      or     http://www.cvbbs.com

Roger Ellsworth–pastor of Parkview Church in Jackson, Tn.  He has written more than 30 books which in simple language explain and apply scriptures verse by verse.  His explanations make you think; his applications stir your emotions.  Find his books at rogerellsworth.com            or cvbbs.com.

Martyn Lloyd-Jones–pastor of Westminister Chapel in London 1939-1968.  His sermons continue to be published and will help you understand the particular context and general biblical principles behind that portion of scripture.  Reading him changed my world-view and my life.  Access him at www. ml-j.org    or    http://www.cvbbs.com.

Ernest C. Reisinger–my pastor and mentor.  He was on the governing board of  Banner of  Truth from 1968-1984.  His books are available at http://www.cvbbs.com.  I helped him edit some of  them.  His gift was in spotting the potential for trouble and exposing it without flinching.  http://www.cvbbs.com   or     http://www.founders.org    are the best places to find him.

Now here’s the rub.  Introductions can lead to no where.  Sometimes new people move here who have their nose up in the air, (intent on looking down it), ready to change everything about our community.  They don’t like the food; they have more money to spend than we do; they think we are stupid, lazy, and uneducated!  Ten winters are about as long as they stay around.  No one really lets them in.

Pastors Reisinger, Chantry, Lloyd-Jones, and Ellsworth are not like that.  They all have pastoral hearts.  Let them into your circle of  friends. They will enrich your spiritual life.

Christmas Thoughts December 15, 2009

“But, Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart” (Luke 2:19)…..”And his father and mother marveled at what was said about him.   (Luke 2: 33)….And when his parents saw him, they were astonished….And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart” (Luke 2: 48;51).

What are you thinking about this month?  What is it that is mysterious and wonderful to you about this season?  What are the thoughts deep in your heart that only you know about?

In Christian jargon,  this season is all about the incarnation.  God coming unexpectedly as a person–a new baby no less!  A real birth–but coming forth from a girl who had never had sexual relations with anyone…even her husband to be!  Jesus growing up in a regular family…Living life perfectly as we all were intended to live it–without pride, jealously, idolatry, covetousness….honoring his parents and the government and religious authority over him…never hating his brothers or neighbors…..never getting involved sexually.

Christians have believed Jesus was the promised one, the rescuer, the Savior promised to the world through the Jews. Jesus is in every story from creation, Abraham, David, Daniel.   He was God coming to rescue  his people.  Think about that.  He is mighty to save.  He is God–Think about  the depth of his riches, wisdom, and knowledge (Romans 11:33).  Imagine his becoming a baby, then a boy, then dying as part of the rescue plan.  There is an unbelievable mystery around it all.  No wonder Mary pondered, thought about it, asked questions, looked at the Scriptures.  This whole thing she was a part of was astonishing.

I know if you are honest with yourself, you will recognize some thoughts and attitudes you are having this month that just plain miss the mark. A quick survey of the Ten Commandments and Matthew 5 should show you that.   Our sin is the whole reason Jesus came.  Our very thoughts reveal why we need to be rescued.

I suggest you read and ponder Romans 3-5 some day this month.  It fits in so well with Luke 2.

“Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness” (Romans 4:2).

God’s salvation plan has always been the same.  To count our faith instead of our sins.

“It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification” (Romans 4:24-25).

There it is again: Justification by faith alone. Being declared righteous, pure. without any sin–even in spite of our thoughts.  Notice it is a declaration, a judgment of  innocence.

Now that is something to treasure

–your salvation.

I hope your Christmas is blessed with quiet thoughts and a thankful heart.  And if you do not have this treasure of salvation, may you be restless until you rest finally in the Lord Jesus Christ.