JUST LIKE GLUE

“His mother had just returned from the hospital.  She had been away for such a long time, at least it seemed long to her little boy.  But now she was at home again, and he was beside himself with excitement.  As soon as he could put his thoughts into words, he exclaimed, ‘Mother, you’re just like glue!’  At first she did not understand what he meant by such an odd expression.  But he continued, ‘I mean you hold us together.  When you are gone, we just fall apart. Sister lives in one place, Buddy somewhere else, and Daddy and I get along by ourselves.  You’re just the stuff that keeps us together.’” – Author unknown.

Mothers, whether you realize it or not, your hands that rock the cradle rule the world. Your child(ren) will affect others for good or for evil.  Please don’t minimize the role you have in the development of your child. 

Prayer doesn’t change things; God does in response to proper prayers. “… God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to [your children], and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10).

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:16). Share the Gospel with them from an early age and pray for their salvation.

Help us help others by pressing “SHARE.” If she’s still alive, express your love for your mother today.

“A Mother’s Influence”

“Moms rock the future. Their actions, words, and attitudes cause the world to quake. They affect their own children, grandchildren, and the lives of many other people for good and/or for evil like a tsunami. The ripple effect spreads out far and wide.”  – Source unknown

Thankful. If you have or have had a good mother, thank God for her and then tell her how much you love and appreciate her. Why? “No man is poor who has had a godly mother.” – Abraham Lincoln

Examples. Rather than our focusing on the wicked women in the Bible whose lives were detrimental to others, we’d like to share some thoughts about a few good mothers who are mentioned in the Scriptures. You may not know their names. But they played a vital role in the lives of their sons, who in turn touched the lives of many other people.

Jocabed. She was one of the Jewish slaves living in Egypt. The Pharaoh of that day didn’t know or appreciate what Joseph, a Jew, had done for the Egyptians to keep them and the people of the world alive during seven years of famine (Genesis 41:30). Fearing that the large population of Jews might side with their enemies in wartime, Pharaoh tried to minimize their numbers and/or absorb the Jews into the Egyptian culture by having the Jewish boys killed so the Jewish girls would have to marry Egyptian men and thus lose their Jewish identity (Exodus 1, 2). When Jocabed realized that God had given to her a son she was troubled. She hid him for three months. But then she had to make a crucial decision about her son. Not wanting him to be killed by the Egyptians, she made a basket daubed with asphalt and pitch and put her baby boy in it and then placed him in the Nile River as she entrusted him to God to protect her baby. In the providence of God, Pharaoh’s daughter came across the baby and had compassion for him. The baby’s sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter if she’d like for a Jewish woman to nurse the child until he was older. She agreed to it and so the baby was given back to his mother until a later date. He was raised in Pharaoh’s court with the finest education available at that time.

Moses. But when he was about 40 years old, he took matters into his own hands rather than relying on God to direct him. He killed an Egyptian. When it was discovered, he fled to the land of Midian where he spent the next 40 years on the backside of the desert tending sheep. When he was 80 years old, God sent him back to Egypt to deliver the Jews from slavery. God showed Himself to be the true and living God by bringing the 10 plagues on the Egyptians, opening up the Red Sea for the Jews to cross, and providing some two million Jews with water, manna, and quails for 40 years. Even though God accomplished many things through Moses, He didn’t let him enter the Promised Land at that time because he disobeyed God’s command to speak to the rock rather than strike it (Numbers 20:8-13; See Exodus 17:6). However, we know that Moses was in the Promised Land during Christ’s day (Matthew 17:1-9) and will be one of the resurrected Jews who will inhabit the land during Christ’s 1,000 reign on earth (Daniel 12:12; See Isaiah 9:6, 7; Revelation 20:1-6).

Hannah. This Jewish woman suffered greatly in that she was without children for many years (1 Samuel 1:5). She also had a rival since her husband had another wife who had children of her own. But when Hannah pleaded with God to give her a son, and made a vow to dedicate him to the Lord, God answered her prayers and gave her a son who was called Samuel. God also gave Hannah more children and took her reproach away from her. “Children are a heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Samuel was tutored by the Jewish priest, Eli for a number of years. After Eli’s death, Samuel was instrumental in anointing the first two kings over the nation of Israel – King Saul and King David, both who ruled for 40 years. He was a seer/prophet who provided the Jews with information from God to direct their lives (1 Samuel 9).

Eunice. This Jewish woman was married to a Greek man who apparently wasn’t a believer. Without a godly father in his life, Timothy was mentored by his mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois. Young Timothy may have come to faith in Christ when he witnessed the Apostle Paul’s being stoned to death at Lystra and then resuscitated by the Lord (Acts 14:19; See 2 Corinthians 12:1-10). On Paul’s second missionary journey, as he came back through the region, while Timothy may have been in his late teens or early twenties, his mother let him go with the Apostle Paul and Silas on their second missionary journey (Acts 16:1ff). He witnessed Paul’s and Silas’ beatings and imprisonment in Philippi (Acts 16:22-24). Yet unlike John Mark who deserted Paul and Barnabas during their first missionary journey, when the going got touch (Acts 13:13), Timothy stayed with them and continued with them as they went from place to place evangelizing both Jews and Gentiles with the Good News concerning Christ. Later Timothy was also given the responsibility of pastoring the church at Ephesus for a while (1 Timothy 1:3). Paul wrote two letters to him that have been preserved for us to help Pastor/teachers in God’s way of leading His people.

Application. Mothers, never underestimate your important roles in life. You are molding a life that may impact hundreds, thousands, or millions of lives for good or for evil. Make sure of your own salvation first (2 Peter 1:10). Let your children learn from you while they are still young that they need to be saved too if they want to go to heaven rather than hell. Let them know that Christ died for their sins…and rose again bodily on the third day. Encourage them to trust in Him as their personal Savior. Be aware of the fact that we can’t believe for them. Pray for them and set a good example for them to follow. Let God’s love flow through you to them.

Children. “’Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with promise: that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth” (Ephesians 6:2, 3). Live each day as though it might be your last day on earth or the last day of someone whom you love or know.

Help. If you need spiritual help, contact us at 805-238-3549 or visit our website at www.kelseypeach.com.  To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”

“Mothers & Grandmothers”

Many children today are growing up in homes that are called “dysfunctional.” Some of them don’t know who their mothers or fathers are. Many of their siblings were aborted because their parents didn’t want them. (In our country over 50 million babies have been aborted – murdered.) Some grow up in foster homes or with step parents. Some are mistreated and have physical and/or emotional scars.  Are you, or is someone you know, experiencing some unresolved issues in life?  If so, read on.

Timothy. This young man, who became a traveling companion of Paul and Silas as they went on their missionary journeys, came from a divided home. His father probably was an unbelieving Greek and his mother was Jewish. But his godly mother and grandmother had a great impact on his life.

Mother. His mother Eunice and his grandmother, Lois appear to have been Old Testament believers (2 Timothy 1:5) and may have become Christians during Paul’s first missionary journey (Acts 14:6-19). Both women had a significant impact on young Timothy.

Environment. He also grew up in the ungodly city of Lystra in Asia Minor where the pagans worshiped Zeus and Hermes. When Paul healed a crippled man there, they thought that the gods had descended to them and they wanted to offer sacrifices to them. But when Paul insisted that they were but mere men, the same crowd turned on them. Then Jewish agitators from other cities came and stirred up the crowd and then they stoned Paul to death (Acts 14:19). When the Jews stoned someone they made sure he was dead.

Paradise. This may have been the occasion when Paul said he went to the Paradise section of heaven and saw things that he was not permitted to reveal to us (2 Corinthians 12:4). If Paul wasn’t allowed to reveal such things to us after he was resuscitated (not resurrected), why should we believe the accounts of those who claim to have gone to heaven and come back? Beware of those who make such claims.

Impressionable. Perhaps Timothy witnessed Paul’s being stoned. That would definitely impact a young person’s life forever as it would if a youth today saw someone being executed or murdered in a violent way. Perhaps he wondered why the Jews stoned Paul for healing a man. What message had Paul been preaching? It was concerning Christ’s death for our sins and His bodily resurrection from the dead. This message was authenticated by Paul’s healing a man (Mark 16:15-17).

Resurrection. Because Paul insisted that the bodily resurrection of Christ be a part of the Gospel message (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Luke 24:39), he was persecuted often (2 Timothy 2:8, 9; 3:12). The religious Sadducees, that were in power at the time of Christ’s crucifixion, didn’t believe in the resurrection (Matthew 22:23; Acts 23:8). They insisted that Christ’s tomb be secured because Jesus had talked about being raised from the dead on the third day (Matthew 27:63; John 2:19). And yet, the stone was rolled away from the tomb by an angel (Matthew 28:2), not to let Christ out, but to let others in to see that He was not there. The frightened guards were bribed  and told to say that His disciples stole His body while they slept (Matthew 28:12).  Sleeping on the job would have resulted in their deaths (Acts 12:19).

Judgment. If one believes in the annihilation of the wicked dead or in reincarnation, they have to reject the truth that “…it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). All men will face Jesus Christ someday as the righteous Judge (John 5:22; 2 Timothy 4:8). These judgments won’t be to determine if one goes to heaven or hell but to determine the degree of pleasure a believer will have in heaven or the degree of suffering that an unbeliever will experience eternally in the lake of fire (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 25:41, 46; Matthew 10:15, 11:22). In which judgment will you participate? Are you sure? Do you know what the only unforgivable sin is today (John 16:9; 3:18, 36).  Do you think you’ve committed it?

Warning. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). “For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). Don’t assume that you will be alive tomorrow. Where will you spend eternity? Are you sure? Why should God let you into His heaven? What is the difference between eternal security and assurance of salvation (1 John 5:12)?

Travels. When Paul and Silas went through Lystra to follow up on the churches that Paul had established, Timothy joined the team and stayed with Paul who mentored him in the Christian faith. In a letter to the believers in Philippi, where Paul and Silas had been beaten and unjustly imprisoned, and which Timothy probably witnessed, Paul wrote, “But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state” (Philippians 2:19, 20).

Mentor. Just before the Apostle Paul was beheaded (according to tradition), Paul wrote to Timothy and said, “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). Not all Christians are teachable and willing to change? Many are carnal (1 Corinthians 3:3) and display the “Works of the Flesh” (Galatians 5:19-21).  What about you? Unbelievers refuse to come to the light because they love spiritual darkness and the temporary gratification that comes from their lawless behavior and the perversion of good activities (Hebrews 11:25). The “Crown of Life” awaits Christians who love God more than the temporary pleasures of sin (James 1:12). If you’re a Christian, how many of the five crowns will you earn?

Growth. Every true Christian should keep on growing spiritually. “But grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18). Did you know that Christians will keep on learning in eternity future (Ephesians 2:7)? Contrary to what some religions and cults teach, we won’t become gods. Believers will receive a body like Christ’s resurrected and glorified humanity (1 John 3:2).

Thankful. Do you have a godly mother? Do you express your appreciation to her and live a life that displays your love for her? Even if you didn’t/don’t have a godly mother, you can be thankful that she gave you a life so that you can bring glory to God. We all need to be born again from above (John 3:3, 5, 7). Has this happened in your life? What evidence is there for others to see that would convince them that you are a Christian? Have you been baptized (immersed)? Have you presented your body to God as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1, 2)? Can they see the “Fruit of the Spirit” manifested in your life (Galatians 5:22, 23)? Are there some sins that need to be confessed to God and to others against whom you have sinned (1 John 1:9; James 5:16)?

Love. You can’t say that you love God while hating or seeking to harm another Christian. “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also” (1 John 4:20, 21; See John 13:34, 35).

Name. Timothy’s name means “Honoring God.” He certainly did. He had a good reputation (Acts 16:2). Do you call yourself a “Christian?” What do others think about you? Is it accurate? What needs to change? What hardships are you willing to endure so that others can be saved (2 Timothy 3:12)? Consider some of the sufferings that Paul endured so that others could be saved (2 Corinthians 11:21-33). Since someone shared the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4) with you so you could be saved, don’t you think it’s logical for you to share it with others? Why did God leave Christians on earth (1 Corinthians 10:31; Matthew 28:19, 10; Acts 1:8; 2 Peter 3:18; 1 Peter 4:10)?

Quote. “A [godly] mother’s love is something that no one can explain. It is made of deep devotion and of sacrifice and pain. It is endless and unselfish and enduring come what may, for nothing can destroy it or take that love away…It is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking, and it never fails or falters even though the heart is breaking. It believes beyond believing when the world around condemns, and it glows with all the beauty of the rarest gems…It is far beyond defining, it defies all explanation, and it still remains a secret like the mysteries of creation…” – Source unknown

Surprise. Why not surprise your mother today? “Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise: that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth” (Ephesians 6:2, 3). Someday, you won’t have her anymore. Treat her the way you’d treat Jesus Himself (Matthew 25:40). 

Response. If this article has helped you, we’d like to hear from you. We can be reached at 805-238-3549 or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. If you’d like to receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”  One more thing, please pass this on to someone else so we can bless them too.  Thanks.  

“Just Like Glue”

His mother had just returned from the hospital. She had been away for such a long time, at least it seemed long to her little boy. But now she was at home again, and he was beside himself with excitement. As soon as he could put his thoughts in to words, he exclaimed, “Mother, you’re just like glue!” At first she didn’t understand what he meant by such an odd expression. But he continued, “I mean, you hold us together. When you are gone, we just fall apart. Sister lives in one place, Buddy somewhere else, and Daddy and I get along by ourselves. You’re just the stuff that keeps us together.”*

Rest In Peace

A four-year-old and a six-year-old presented their Mom with a house plant for Mother’s Day. They had used their own money and she was thrilled. The older of them said with a sad face, “There was a bouquet at the flower shop that we wanted to give you. It was real pretty, but it was too expensive. It had a ribbon on it that said, ‘Rest In Peace.’ We thought it would be just perfect since you are always asking for a little peace so that you can rest.”*

Hand Print On Wall

One day as I was picking the toys up off the floor, I noticed a small hand print on the wall beside the door. I knew that it was something that I’d seen most every day, but this time when I saw it there, I wanted it to stay.

Then tears welled up inside my eyes, I knew it wouldn’t last, for every mother knows her children grow up way too fast. Just then I put my chores aside and held my children tightly. I sang to them sweet lullabies and rocked into the night.

Sometimes we take for granted, all those things that seem so small. Like one of God’s great treasures…. A small hand print on the wall.*

Meanest Mom

We had the meanest mother in the whole world! While other kids ate candy for breakfast, we had to have cereal, eggs, and toast. When others had a Pepsi and a Twinkie for lunch, we had to eat sandwiches. And you can guess our mother fixed us a dinner that was different from other kids had, too.

Mother insisted on knowing where we were at all times. You’d think we were convicts in a prison. She had to know who our friends were, and what we were doing with them. She insisted that if we said we would be gone for an hour, we would be gone for an hour or less.

We were ashamed to admit it, but she had the nerve to break the Child Labor Laws by making us work. We had to wash the dishes, make the beds, learn to cook, vacuum the floor, do laundry, and all sorts of cruel jobs. I think she would lie awake at night thinking of more things for us to do. She always insisted on us telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

By the time we were teenagers, she could read our minds. Then, life was really tough! Mother wouldn’t let our friends just honk the horn when they drove up. They had to come up to the door so she could meet them. While everyone else could date when they were 12 or 13, we had to wait until we were 16.

Because of our mother, we missed out on lots of things other kids experienced. None of us have ever been caught shoplifting, vandalizing other’s property, or ever arrested for any crime. It was all her fault. We never got drunk, took up smoking, stayed out all night, or a million other things, other kids did. Sundays were reserved for church, and we never missed once. We knew better than to ask to spend the night with a friend on Saturdays.

Now that we have left home, we are all God-fearing, educated, honest adults. We are doing our best to be mean parents just like Mom was. I think that’s what is wrong with the world today. It just doesn’t have enough mean moms anymore.*

Honor

“’Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with promise: that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” – Ephesians 6:2, 3

Suffering?

Maybe you have a lot of emotional and/or physical scars that are a result of parental abuse or neglect.  But there is a loving and kind heavenly Father who invites us to become a part of His family when we place our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone, Who died for our sins…and rose again bodily from the dead on the third day. He promises to give us eternal life to enjoy right now while we live here on earth (John 10:10).  [1]

Help?

If you’d like for us to show you from the Bible how you can have your sins forgiven, be assured of heaven, and how to have your life transformed by the power of God, we can be reached here or through our website:  www.kelseypeach.com

If you’d like to receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”  If you found this article helpful, please let us know how it has.  Share it with someone else too.

*Original source unknown

[1]  Gospel – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/04/24/the-bad-news-the-good-news/

“Mother’s A.R.O.M.A.”

“The foundation for greatness is laid at a mother’s knee.” Abraham Lincoln said, “I remember my mother’s prayers and they have followed me.” Thomas Edison remarked, “She was the best companion that a boy ever had…” Henry Ford commented, “ I have tried to live my life as my mother would have wished…”

Glue. “His mother had just returned from the hospital.  She had been away for such a long time, at least it seemed long to her little boy.  But now she was at home again, and he was beside himself with excitement.  As soon as he could put his thoughts into words, he exclaimed, ‘Mother, you’re just like glue!’  At first she did not understand what he meant by such an odd expression.  But he continued, ‘I mean you hold us together.  When you are gone, we just fall apart. Sister lives in one place, Buddy somewhere else, and Daddy and I get along by ourselves.  You’re just the stuff that keeps us together.’” – Author unknown.

Moms Rock. Moms rock the future.  Their actions, words, and attitudes cause the world to quake.  They affect their own children, grandchildren, and the lives of many other people for good and/or for evil like a tsunami.  The ripple effect spreads out far and wide.  If you have or have had a good mother, thank God for her and then tell her how much you love and appreciate her.  Why? “No man is poor who has had a godly mother.” – Abraham Lincoln

A.R.O.M.A. Yes, mothers have an aroma about them. Godly mothers are known for their appreciation of others in the family (Proverbs 15:17), their respect for one another (Ephesians 6:1-4; 4:31; Philippians 2:3), their orderliness, rather than chaos and confusion (1 Corinthians 14:40), their merriment over the little things in life (Proverbs 17:22), and their affirmation and encouragement for service (Philippians 4:13).

Grandmothers. An eight year old wrote, “A grandmother is a lady who has no children of her own, so she likes other people’s boys and girls. Grandmas don’t have anything to do except be there. If they take us for walks, they slow down past pretty leaves and caterpillars. They never say ‘Hurry up.’ Usually they are fat but not too fat to tie shoes. They wear glasses, and sometimes they can take their teeth out. They can answer questions like why dogs hate cats and why God isn’t married. They don’t talk like visitors do which is hard to understand. When they read to us, they don’t skip words or mind if it is the same story again. Everybody should try to have a grandma, especially if you don’t have television, because grandmas are the only grownups who always have time.” Yes, Christian mothers and grandmothers can/should leave a rich spiritual heritage for their own. The Apostle Paul reminded Timothy of the wonderful blessing he had received from his mother and grandmother (1 Timothy 1:5).

Thankful? Our mothers gave us physical life. Perhaps your mother told you about Jesus and His offer of salvation and how you could be saved and go to heaven. All we have to do is believe on Him who died for our sins…and rose again bodily from the grave on the third day. But maybe your mother wasn’t a believer. If she is still alive, you can still love her and show kindness to her (Ephesians 4:32). If she’s not living, why not display God’s love to someone who could use it?  Have you received eternal life from God?  Are you certain that you will go to heaven the moment you die?  You can be sure (1 John 5:13). 

Press On. Mothers, as you labor to raise your children and grandchildren in the truth of God’s Word, be mindful of God’s promise never to forget your works and labors of love (Hebrews 6:10). Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58). You will reap if you don’t lose heart (Galatians 6:9).

Help.  If you were helped by reading this article, would you pass it on to someone else?  Contact us at 805-238-3549 or visit our website at http://www.kelseypeach.com.  Click on “Follow” if you’d like to receive our articles as they come out.

“Solomon’s Wisdom”

   “Bring me a sword.  Cut the living baby in two and give half to one harlot and half to the other harlot.”  What?  That sure sounds bizarre.  Those words came from the newly appointed, inexperienced, youthful king who came to be known as the wisest man who ever lived.  King Solomon told his men to do this to display his wisdom and understanding of a mother’s instincts.  You can read the rest of the story in 1 Kings 3:16-28.

   Solomon was the son of King David’s ninth wife, Bathsheba.  He was very young when he became the king over all Israel.  He seems to have been about 20 years old when he took over the full responsibilities of being the king.  This is very young by any standards.  People of this age usually lack a great deal of wisdom in knowing how to manage anything, let alone other people.

   Death.  Young King Solomon had his older brother, Adonijah put to death for trying to usurp the throne from him (1 Kings 2:13-25).  This kind of thing happened often in those days.

   Blank Check.  Once he was on the throne, God promised to give Solomon whatever he asked from Him.  Realizing his youthfulness and inexperience, he humbly asked God for wisdom to lead His people.  He needed their respect and loyalty.  He said, “…give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil.  For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” (1 Kings 3:9)

   Granted.  Not only did God give him what he requested, He also gave him riches and honor so that there was no one else like him.  God also promised him long life if he would keep God’s commandments. 

   Sad Ending.  Unfortunately Solomon didn’t have a very happy life because he was influenced by his 700 pagan wives and 300 concubines who turned his heart away from God (1 Kings 11:3).  Forget it men.  He was a wealthy king. 

   STD.  In fact, it has been suggested that he may have died from a sexually transmitted disease from one or more of these women.  He lamented his foolish ways in his old age when he wrote, “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2).  He wasted his life pursuing things that didn’t satisfy him.  He even wrote many insightful proverbs but failed to follow the advice he gave to others.  He should have “practiced what he preached.”  Anyone who lives his life apart from God is playing the role of a fool and is destined for disaster.

   Judgment.  King Solomon brought judgment on himself because he pursued pagan gods rather than the true and living God.  He was told that his kingdom would be torn in two and that it would be given to one of his servants (1 Kings 11:11).  This happened in the days of his son, Rehoboam (1 Kings 12).

   Early Days.  Solomon’s great wisdom came on display before others when he made a startling decision that involved two harlots and their babies (1 Kings 3:16-28).  At his young age Solomon understood clearly the motherly instinct that most women have for their own children.  Then the people realized that he had received this wisdom from God (1 Kings 3:28).  Christians today are invited to ask God for His wisdom if they’re willing to meet His requirements (James 1:5-8).

   Leaders.  All you who have leadership roles in life, pay attention!  “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7).  The sooner you learn this truth, the better off you’ll be.  “…the Most High [God] rules in the kingdom of men, [and] gives it to whomever He will, and sets over it the lowest of men” (Daniel 4:17).  He is sovereign.  Proud King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon learned this lesson the hard way.  You would do well to learn something from his personal testimony that is recorded in Daniel chapter 4.

   Rebels.  You better humble yourselves before the Lord Jesus Christ breaks you in pieces with His rod of iron (Psalm 2:1-12).  “He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy” (Proverbs 29:1).

   Fools.  “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’  They are corrupt [and] have done abominable works…” (Psalm 14:1).  At least the agnostic is honest enough to admit that he isn’t sure if God exists or not.  But the atheist displays his foolishness because he hasn’t been everywhere in the universe to see if God exists out there or not.

   Nature.  It displays the glory of God (Psalm 19:1).  From it we can all learn that there is a God who is powerful (Romans 1:20).  Read, in the rest of this chapter, what happens to those who aren’t thankful to Him.  They become degenerates and depraved in their behavior and need to be incarcerated in prison.  

   Authorities.  When was the last time you prayed for those in authority over you?  Have you thanked a law enforcement officer or a soldier for providing safety for you?  Human government is ordained by God.  It has the power and responsibility to punish some evil doers with capital punishment (Romans 13:1-7; Genesis 9:6).  I’m thankful I live in this country.  If you’re a Christian, you are commanded to pray for those who are in authority over you so that we can live a peaceable and quiet life in all godliness and reverence (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

   Peace.  I think that most of us want to live in peace.  You can have peace “with” God as soon as you put your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ who died for your sins…and who rose again bodily from the grave on the third day” (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8).  Christians can enjoy the peace “of” God when they are rightly related to God the Holy Spirit (Philippians 4:6, 7; Galatians 5:22, 23; Ephesians 5:18).  Peace “on earth” will come when the Prince of Peace returns to rule and reign over this earth (Isaiah 9:6; Revelation19:16).  Are you prepared for that day?

   Questions.  If you’re not sure about your personal relationship with God or where you will spend eternity, we invite you to contact us for more information.  Call us at 805-238-3549 or visit our web site at www.kelseypeach.com where we have helpful information for you whether you are a believer or not.  We invite your comments.

 

“Lest We Forget”

   In April 1863, in Columbus, Mississippi, a mother went to the cemetery to put some flowers on the graves of her two sons who were killed in the Civil War by some Union soldiers.  Then she went over to the corner of the cemetery to place some flowers on the graves of two other soldiers who had fought for the north. 

  “What are you doing?” her friends shouted, “Those are the graves of two union soldiers.” Softly,  that compassionate mother said, “I know. I also know that somewhere in the North, a mother or a young wife mourns for them as I do for my two sons.”

  Wars.  They have been going on since the beginning of time when Cain murdered his brother Abel.  Try to imagine how Eve must have felt when one of her sons killed her other son.  Wars always leave sorrow and heartache in their wake. We long for peace on earth.  Until Jesus Christ returns to establish true peace on earth (Isaiah 9:6), let’s be thankful for the “Risk Takers.”

  Mothers.  Today there aren’t as many women in our country who die while giving birth to a child as there have been in the past but it is still risky business.  Furthermore, a mother never knows how her child will develop and what kind of life he/she might live.

  Firefighters.  Entering a burning building, while looking for people, is very hazardous.  Many firefighters lost their lives when the TwinTowers were attacked.  They left behind many loved ones and friends who still suffer.

  Police.  A law enforcement officer never knows when he leaves for work in the morning if he will return home safely at night to his wife and children.  The pressures of the job cause some to commit suicide.

  Soldiers.  Today our soldiers volunteer for service.  Unlike those in some other countries, our soldiers don’t have a “death wish.”  Our military personnel want to live long lives.  They want to be appreciated, not cursed as some who fought inViet-Nam were when they returned home.  

  Life Giver.  The One who created all things (Genesis 1:1; John 1:3; Colossians1:16) and who gave us life chose to do something that others wouldn’t do.  He came to die for His enemies who hated Him (Romans 5:8, 10).  Knowing full well before He came to earth that most of  His own people in Israel would reject Him and have Him crucified on a cross, He left the ivory palaces in heaven (Psalm 45:8) anyway and came down to our sin cursed world.  He lived a sinless life (Hebrews 4:15).  Then He laid down His life of His own accord (John10:17, 18).  After three days He raised Himself from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). 

  Benefits.  Jesus the Christ, the rightful heir to the throne of King David (Matthew 1) offers eternal life (i. e. God’s quality of life) and everlasting life  to all who place their faith in Him exclusively (John3:16; 1 John 5:13).  Forgiveness, spiritual health, redemption, loving kindness, tender mercies, good things, and renewed strength are just a few of the things God gives to His children to enjoy now (Psalm 103).  Would you like to have the peace of God that surpasses all understanding to guard you heart and mind (Philippians 4:6, 7)? 

  Future. The best is yet to come for those who know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. It’s as bright as the promises of God.  We don’t know when our days on earth will come to an end.  Neither do we know the exact date when Jesus will return as He said He would (John 14:1-3).  We don’t set dates as one false prophet and teacher recently did.  Don’t be mislead by those who allegorize and twist the Scriptures to their own destruction (2 Peter 3:16).

  G.S.P.O.S.  God has a simple plan of salvation.  Jesus Christ [the God-man who never sinned] died for our sins…and rose again [bodily – Luke 24:33-43] from the grave on the third day.  Then He appeared to over 500 eye witnesses before ascending back to heaven (1 Corinthians 15:3-8;  Acts1:10, 11).  This is the Gospel by which we are saved (Romans1:16, 17).  It’s the same for Jews and non-Jews.

  Responsibility.  Our responsibility is to “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ [as our personal Savior] and [we] will be saved” (Acts16:31).  We are not saved by faith plus our good works lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8, 9).  Nor are we saved by begging God to be merciful to us when He already has been merciful to us.  Once saved, God wants believers to share the Good News concerning Christ with others so they can enter heaven too.  If you claim to be a Christian, are you doing this?  If not, why should God leave you here on earth?

  Today.  Don’t put off your decision to trust Christ until you think you’re about to die.  Contrary to what some other religions and cults teach, once you die there are no more opportunities to be saved from hell to heaven.  There is no reincarnation (Hebrews9:27), annihilation (Matthew 25:41, 46), or a temporary place for the dead to be purified before they are allowed to go to heaven (Luke16:19-31).

  Help?  If you need spiritual help, call us at 805-238-3549 or visit our web site at www.kelseypeach.com where we have additional information for those who want to know and grow.

“Moms Rock”

  Moms rock the future.  Their actions, words, and attitudes cause the world to quake.  They affect their own children, grandchildren, and the lives of many other people for good and/or for evil like a tsunami.  The ripple effect spreads out far and wide.  If you have or have had a good mother, thank God for her and then tell her how much you love and appreciate her.  Why? “No man is poor who has had a godly mother.” – Abraham Lincoln

  Homemaker.  This woman believes that she has the most creative job in the world. It involves fashion, decorating, recreation, education, transportation, literature, art, economics, government, pediatrics, entertainment, maintenance, purchasing, law, religion, energy, and management.  Sometimes she is called the “Proverbs 31” woman.  She might admit, “It’s hard at times but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.” 

  Repeat?  The mother of three unruly children was asked whether or not she’d have children if she had it to do over again. “Yes,” she replied. “But not with the same ones.”

  Value.  “Who can find a virtuous wife [to become the mother of his children]?  For her worth is far above rubies.  The heart of her husband safely trusts her…He will have no lack of gain.  She does him good and not evil all the days for her life…Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her…Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised” (Proverbs 31:10-12, 28, 30).

  R.I.P.  A four-year-old and a six-year-old presented their Mom with a house plant. They had used their own money and she was thrilled. The older of them said with a sad face, “There was a bouquet that we wanted to give you at the flower shop. It was real pretty, but it was too expensive. It had a ribbon on it that said, ‘Rest In Peace,’ and we thought it would be just perfect since you are always asking for a little peace so that you can rest.”

  Models.  Within the pages of the Scriptures we can find all kinds of mothers who affected others for good and/or for evil.  None of them were perfect or sinless (Romans 3:10, 23; Luke 1:47).  But with God’s help some of them were able to influence their children and teach them to honor God and do His will for their lives.  Yes, God has a plan for each of His children.  Would you like to learn more about His plan for your life?  Ask us. 

  Change.  Perhaps your life so far has been like a bad dream.  Do you long to start over again?  Is it possible?  Indeed it is.  Consider the thief on the cross.  He went to Paradise with Jesus (Luke 23:43).  God is in the transformation business.  What He’s done for others, He can do for you too.  He loves to take people who have been chained in a spiritual cave of darkness and bring them out into a colorful life that is filled with love and compassion (Romans 5:8).  Jesus came to give us eternal life and abundant life (John 10:10).

  Trust.  To get into God’s family there must be trust.  This may be hard for some of you.  Perhaps your earthly parents abused you physically, emotionally, and/or sexually.  Maybe you’re angry and can’t/won’t trust anyone.  You can rest assured, God isn’t unjust.  He loved the people of the world who were/are caught in the devil’s trap.  One of the persons in the Godhead came down from heaven to our earth to rescue us (John 3:16).

  Acceptance.  Even though the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins…and rose again bodily from the grave, our deliverance from hell to heaven won’t happen unless we place our faith in Him alone.  God doesn’t want/need us to offer to Him our good works as payment for our deliverance.  He offers it to us as a free gift.  Will you accept it by faith (Ephesians 2:8, 9)?  I have. My life has been and is being changed.  Please be patient.  He’s still working on me (Philippians 1:6).

  Guarantee. His resurrection out from among the dead ones assures us that He has the power to save any and all who believe on Him (Hebrews 7:25).  Furthermore, His bodily resurrection assures us of our being resurrected from the dead some day (1 Corinthians 15:22-24). In which one of the five resurrections will you participate?  No one gets annihilated or reincarnated to live another life here on earth (Hebrews 9:27).

  RX.  We need to make sure that we have and take God’s prescription:  Grace + Faith = Salvation + Good Works.  Man’s religious prescription: Grace + Faith + Good Works = Salvation.  Taking the wrong medicine or mixing medicines will cause a person to end up in a very hot hell forever (Matthew 25:41, 46).  Which one have you taken?

  Immersion.  Once we’ve placed our faith in Jesus Christ alone for our salvation, God wants us to demonstrate our faith before others by being baptized (Acts 8:38).  Immersion alone pictures our death, burial, and resurrection with Christ (Galatians 2:20).  Our obedience to His command will enable us to have a good conscience toward God (Matthew 28:19, 20; 1 Peter 3:18).  Is your conscience currently seared (1 Timothy 4:2)?

  Dedication.  God has been so merciful and kind to us even while we were rebelling against Him (Romans 5:6-10).  It’s only logical for us Christians to present our bodies to Him as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1, 2).  He wants to live out His life through us (Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:12).  Transformed lives can have a tremendous impact on others.  When asked, we can/should point people to Divine physician (1 Peter 3:15).

  Help!  If you’re struggling with questions about your life, how you got here, your purpose in life, and your future destiny, or where you fit into the big picture, call us at 805-238-3549 or visit our web site: www.kelseypeach.com  We have “God’s Simple Plan Of Salvation” in 24 languages. Are you absolutely sure you’ll go to heaven the moment you die?  If not, get help right away!

“Mother – Just Like Glue”

  “His mother had just returned from the hospital.  She had been away for such a long time, at least it seemed long to her little boy.  But now she was at home again, and he was beside himself with excitement.  As soon as he could put his thoughts into words, he exclaimed, ‘Mother, you’re just like glue!’  At first she did not understand what he meant by such an odd expression.  But he continued, ‘I mean you hold us together.  When you are gone, we just fall apart. Sister lives in one place, Buddy somewhere else, and Daddy and I get along by ourselves.  You’re just the stuff that keeps us together.’” – Author unknown.

Angels Unaware

  “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels” (Hebrews 13:2).  Without your being aware of it, you may have one living in your home at this very moment.

  She cooked the breakfast first of all, / Washed the cups and plates, / Dressed the children and made sure / Stockings all were mates.

  Combed their hair and made their beds, / Sent them out to play. / Gathered up their motley toys, / Put some books away.

  Dusted chairs and mopped the stairs, / Ironed an hour or two, / Baked a jar of cookies and a pie, / Then made a stew.

  The telephone rang constantly, / The doorbell did the same, / A youngster fell and stubbed his toe, / And then the laundry came.

  She picked up blocks and mended socks, / And then she cleaned the stove. / And when her husband came at six He said: “I envy you! / It must be nice to sit at home without a thing to do!” (Husband since has disappeared)  -Author unknown.

What’s A Grandmother?

  “In the eyes of a child a grandmother is a lady who has no children of her own. She likes other people’s little girls and boys. A grandfather is a man grandmother. He goes for walks with the boys, and they talk about fishing and stuff like that.

  “Grandmothers don’t have to do anything except to be there. They’re so old that they shouldn’t play hard or run. It is enough if they drive us to the market where the pretend horse is, and have lots of dimes ready. Or if they take us for walks, they should slow down past things like pretty leaves and caterpillars. They should never say ‘hurry up.’

  “Usually, grandmothers are fat, but not too fat to tie your shoes. They wear glasses and funny underwear. They can take their teeth and gums off. Grandmothers don’t have to be smart, only answer questions like, “Why isn’t God married?” and “How come dogs chase cats?”

  “Grandmothers don’t talk baby talk like visitors do, because it is hard to understand. When they read to us they don’t skip or mind if it is the same story over again. Everybody should try to have a grandmother, especially if they don’t have a television, because they are the only grown-ups who have time.” – Author Unknown

A Word To Mothers

  Whether you realize it or not, you hold in your hands a life that some day will affect others too for good or for evil.  Please don’t minimize the role you have in the development of your child.  Your prayers can’t change things but God can change things when you pray properly.  If you are Christian mother you have eight ways to communicate with God: worship, praise, thanksgiving, supplication, intercession, asking in Jesus’ name, confession, and making vows.  By staying in touch with God through His Word and prayer and relying on Him you’ll gain the strength you need to do your work well.

  The Apostle John wrote: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 4).  Absolute truth is found in the Scriptures.  Knowing which part of it is “for” you and which part is “to” you will keep much confusion away. “Be diligent [study] to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).   Our “Dispensational Chart” can help you see the different economies God uses to test man’s obedience. Go to www.kelseypeach.com.

  Let’s honor the woman who brought us into this world so we may live longer on the earth and glorify God.  No human mother (or father) is perfect as God is.  He is the standard and we, as Christians,  should desire to be like Him by exhibiting the Fruit of the Spirit (Christ likeness) in our daily lives (Galatians 5:22, 23).

  “No man is poor who has had a godly mother!” – Abraham Lincoln