Family

August 20, 2013

Dad Baptized Me

I remember the Taiwanese swimming pool where I was water baptized and made a public proclamation of Jesus Christ as my Lord. My mom managed to get a picture through the rain.

Was it 1975 or 1976? At the moment, I don’t recall the calendar designation, but I do remember it as a very special moment. My dad was the pastor who led me through the sacrament. My mom, brother, and sister stood at the side of the pool. Surrounding them were numerous friends from Morrison Christian Academy and church family from Immanuel Baptist Church in Taichung. I wanted everyone to know that I was sold-out to Jesus.

The smile on Dad’s face felt no doubt that he was proud of me. My dad’s glasses were foggy from the humidity of a light rain and his funny-looking white robe was soaked, but he had a big smile on face. His voice boomed, reflecting back from the surface of the broken water. “I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Splash, then back up. What a moment!

After coming to earth as a baby and living a sinless life until adulthood, Jesus sets the example for us in water baptism. Before the release of Jesus’ public ministry, He goes to the Jordan to be baptized by John. As Jesus’ earthly relative, I bet John grew up being compared to Jesus! I can easily picture Elizabeth (Mary’s relative) saying, “Why don’t you act more like your cousin, Jesus?” Can you imagine John the Baptist’s surprise as Jesus enters into the Jordan to be baptized? John knows Jesus doesn’t need to repent, but he yields to Jesus’ request. I wonder if John was startled by the voice from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased (Luke 3:22 NIV).”
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Father God publicly announces Jesus’ identity and commends Him before Jesus does any public ministry. No healings, no exorcisms, no resurrections, just the exemplary act of baptism – and Father God issues praise.

Jesus never had to be depressed on a good day because His relationship with His Father was just fine. Jesus never had to worry on a bad day because His relationship with His Father was still just fine. Jesus did not depend on His performance to settle His identity. His Father affirmed Him before He performed the first public miracle, before He healed the first person, before He died on the cross and rose again.

Jesus’ identity was never performance-based; rather, it was grounded in Father God. Jesus’ identity was built on ministry-performance but upon real relationship. Upon what is your identity rooted?

August 16, 2013

What’s Inside of You?

When you get bumped, what spills out? Whatever you are full of! Make sure that when you get bumped, the right stuff spills out of you.

Serving the Lord will always bring adversity. Paul acknowledged as much: “A huge door of opportunity for good work has opened up here. There is also mushrooming opposition.” (1 Corinthians 16:9 MSG) You will be bumped.

Your life is a lot like a sponge. What you soak up comes out of you when you get squeezed! A sponge soaked in orange juice drips out orange juice. A sponge dipped into vinegar yields vinegar. When you get squeezed, what comes out of your heart?

The final moments of my dad’s life illustrated what was inside of him. Even after been shot three times, my dad prayed in the Spirit, quoted Scripture, and praised God. The final moments of his life on earth (over an hour after being shot) were filled with worship.

What’s inside of you? What spills out when you get bumped?
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Thanks, Dad! You taught me well. I appreciate the example you set and the price you paid. May I live filled with Christ.

June 9, 2013

Back from Tanzania

Our family just returned from wonderful days of ministry in Arusha, Tanzania. Internet access here in the States is a lot easier than East Africa and so regular Now they just use sildenafil tablets the mouse when ordering their regular supply of vitamins and medicines. Plumbing parts you can find and purchase on our websites are designed to offer functionality, practicality, and http://new.castillodeprincesas.com/item-2385 viagra spain still look aesthetically pleasing and perfectly fit in overall interior design of kitchen or bathroom. You can have an exciting and exhilarating love life. commander cialis visit this link The detoxifying and diuretic effects might also prompt more frequent toilet breaks for the first few days, so it’s a good idea to introduce the new regime over a weekend when extracurricular activities have been cleared from the schedule. cialis on line australia posts should be back as well. Thank you for praying for us. Over the next several days, I hope to tell more about our great trip!

May 19, 2013

Make the Right Lasting Impression

Imagine the footprints you would leave behind from walking through a freshly poured concrete sidewalk. Now, imagine your children and grandchildren as wet cement; what footprints will you leave in their lives?

In the book Leaving a Godly Legacy (1999), Charles Stanley encourages his readers “to leave a weighty, permanent imprint of God’s love, goodness, and forgiveness wherever we walk, for as long as we walk on this earth … a weighty, permanent imprint of Christ Jesus.” Echoing the apostle Paul’s charge to “live a life worthy” of our calling, Stanley connects the call of God to the imprint we have on the people closest to us, particularly our children and grandchildren.

Here is a list of ten things I hope are a part of the lasting impression you make:

#1 FAITH IN LORD JESUS CHRIST

The best gift any grandparent can give to their grandchildren is not a big birthday present, the latest-greatest technological gizmo, a Disney vacation, nor even a college savings plan. The greatest gift is a genuine faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. A living, real relationship with the Lord of the universe is number ONE.

Paul praised Timothy for his “genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.” (2 Timothy 1:5 NLT)

Dale Evans Rogers shares an excellent example of the importance of passing along faith in Christ:

An energetic, mischievous young boy, Billy Frank knew the stories about the heroism of his grandfather, Ben Coffey – a one-eyed, one-legged Civil War veteran, who worked harder than most men who had two legs and eyes. When he returned from the war and began raising a family, he made daily Bible reading and prayers a regular part of the family routine. His grandson, Billy Frank, benefited from the example set by Grandfather Coffey when his own mother and father followed that godly pattern. Billy became a Christian after hearing a sermon by a Southern evangelist, but the example his grandparents set had already prepared him by pointing him in the right direction. Maybe you’ve heard of Billy – his last name is Graham. (Grandparents Can, 1983)

#2 TESTIMONY

Share your story of what God has done for you. Your children and grandchildren need a sense of your spiritual roots. You are the family historian passing along the greatness of the Lord to another generation.

“I will bring honor to your name in every generation. Therefore, the nations will praise you forever and ever.” (Psalm 45:17 NLT)
“Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will thank you forever and ever, praising your greatness from generation to generation.” (Psalm 79:13 NLT)

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#3 PRAY FOR and WITH (GRAND)CHILDREN

Model prayer in front of their eyes and consistently pray behind their backs. Paul’s prayers recorded in the New Testament may serve as excellent guides for your prayers. For example, Ephesians 3:14-21; Colossians 1:9-11; and Philippians 1:9-11).

#4 FINANCIALLY SUPPORT GOD’S KINGDOM

As a young boy, I got to stay over with my grandparents several times. My grandmother Martin took my brother and I to all her church activities – Sunday school, morning and evening services. She expected us to bring our Bibles and giving in the offering. If we didn’t have money, she would give us some! Maybe she was making sure her grandkids got the offering box checked-off during the Sunday School assessment. Actually, she was impressing upon me the importance of giving.

Let the blessing of the tithe cover your “seed”, your children and grandchildren.

“See if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a blessing for you without measure. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not ruin the produce of your land and your vine in your field will not fail to produce fruit,” says the Lord of Hosts. “Then all the nations will consider you fortunate, for you will be a delightful land,” says the Lord of Hosts. (Malachi 3:10b-12 HCSB)

#5 GENEROSITY

Practice generosity with your children and grandchildren. Parents, please allow those gifts from grandparents. You and your children will be blessed.

#6 LOVING WORDS

Communicate just how special you believe your children or grandchildren are. Your words build self-esteem and as you speak the truth in love you will also build God-confidence. “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, making people happy and healthy.” (Proverbs 16:24 NCV)

#7 WISDOM

You have a lifetime of wisdom to share, just don’t try to let it all out at once. The next generation needs your wisdom, but often you will need to exercise patience for the right moment to impart it. Let your wise words build a bridge from your generation to another.

#8 PRESENCE

Be a REFUFE in times of trouble, a REJOICE-ER in times of achievement. Model Christ-like character. Jesus Christ lives in your life; you are a carrier of incarnational presence. Let His character and compassion be evident.

#9 TIME

Be accessible. Try to make time for your kids and grandkids. Create opportunities to read to them, talk with them, share life together with them. An eight-year-old eloquently communicated this aspect. She 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. (Nelson’s Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations & Quotes, p. 393)

#10 SPIRITUAL INHERITANCE

Don’t just leave money as an inheritance. Read the Bible with your grandkids. Pass along your Matthew 6:33 viewpoint. Make sure you to teach your children and grandchildren to love God more than things, to trust God’s sovereignty and power – nothing is too hard for the Lord – and to realize God’s love for them.

“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, And the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.” (Proverbs 13:22 NASB)
It’s not too late. The concrete is still wet. Make sure you leave the right lasting impression.

May 13, 2013

Stop Nitpicking; Start Overlooking

My Grandma Martin told me the story of a woman longingly reminiscing the days before her wedding. “Before we were married you called me an angel,” the wife complained. “And now you don’t call me anything!”

Her husband fist-bumped his chest and said, “You ought to be glad I possess such self-control.”

I think my Dad’s greatest premarital tip was: “Go into marriage eyes wide open, half shut afterward.” Get all the facts before you get married. Make sure you know all you can about the person you are considering marrying. There will be plenty that you need to overlook after the ceremony.

In fact, some of the very things you think are cute before marriage, become irritating over the years.

“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” (Colossians 3:13 NLT)

“Put up with each other” (Colossians 3:13a CEV & GW)

You will destroy your marriage if you cannot learn to “put up with each other”. It sounds easy enough, but the walking out of it is harder than a two-year-old biscuit. Arguing over ever little issue erodes the foundation of martial life. Always pointing out the thing you don’t like, kills love.

I regularly have to remind myself of this. My wife is an excellent cook and I enjoy eating whatever she makes, but I have never liked the name she picked for one particular dish – “Mexican Goulash”. For some reason, that name doesn’t seem appetizing. Let me reiterate, I like Patti’s cooking! But, please, can we please call this dish by a new name. How about “Texas Stir-fry” or “Chili on a bed of rice and lettuce” or something else.

Okay, please drop those stones you are gathering to throw, I do appreciate my wife’s cooking. For whatever reason, I don’t like the name; don’t call it “Mexican Goulash”. After more than twenty-five years of marriage, you would probably think I would be “over” this already, but Patti rarely calls the dish by any other name. I think her mother coined the term. (Mema, what were you thinking?!?) About five years ago, Patti adopted “Texas Stir-Fry” for a few months, but when I keep complaining about the old name – she went back to the original.

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Honestly, does the name really matter? No, I tell myself. So why then, do I find myself still nitpicking about the name of that dish? Why haven’t I let it go? Apparently, I haven’t yet learned the lesson I am trying to communicate to you today. But, I am acknowledging that I have a problem. Nitpicking, nagging over trivial details, kills love. I have got to start overlooking!

“One word can start a war.” (Jewish Proverb)

“Quarrels are the weapons of the weak.” (Jewish Proverb)

A pastor in Texas introduced a sermon with an excellent story of how one woman handled the irritations of marriage:

There was once a couple who had been married for 60 years. Throughout their life they had shared everything. They loved each other deeply. They had not kept any secrets from one another, except for a small shoebox that the wife kept in the top shelf of her closet. When they got married, she put the box there and asked her husband never to look inside of it and never to ask questions about its contents.

For 60 years the man honored his wife’s request. In fact, he forgot about the box until a day when his wife grew gravely ill, and the doctors were sure she had no way of recovering. So the man, putting his wife’s affairs into order, remembered that box in the top of her closet, got it down, and brought it to her at the hospital. He asked her if perhaps now they might be able to open it. She agreed. They opened the box, and inside were two crocheted dolls and a roll of money that totaled $95,000. The man was astonished.

The woman told her husband that the day before they were married, her grandmother told her that if she and her husband were ever to get into an argument with one another, they should work hard to reconcile, and if they were unable to reconcile, she should simply keep her mouth shut and crochet a doll.

The man was touched by this, because there were only two crocheted dolls in the box. He was amazed that over 60 years of marriage, they apparently had had only two conversations that they were unable to reconcile. Tears came to his eyes, and he grew even more deeply in love with this woman. Then he asked about the roll of money. “What’s with this?” he asked.

His wife said, “Well, every time I crocheted a doll, I sold it to a local craft fair for five dollars.” (David Daniels, from sermon titled “Meditation”)

Stop nitpicking; start overlooking.

May 10, 2013

Why Argue?

Why do I sometimes actually enjoy arguing? Why do I want to use argumentative tones when Patti and I actually agree about the subject we are discussing? Why do I pick at a point of contention instead of just letting the matter go? Why do I let myself argue like a fool?

“Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.” (Proverbs 20:3 NLT)

Folks who knew me in high school and college probably recall that I liked to argue. Several jokingly chided me, “You should be a lawyer, argue all you want then.” I confess, the less sound my argument, the louder I tended to talk. My enjoyment of successful arguing my viewpoint was advantageous in FFA (yes, I was a “Future Farmer of America”) Parliamentary Procedure competitions, FBLA speech contests, and college debates. Yes, that picture below is of me in high school.

Liking to talk is not necessarily a bad thing for a “preacher” to enjoy. But wisdom suggests:

“Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.” (2 Timothy 2:23-24 NLT)

I know what God’s Word says about avoiding quarreling, but I too often slide right into it. In the middle of the discussion, why do I forget that I am not the only person who has a right to his or her own stupid opinion?

Why do I feel the need to argue a point that I know I will not change? In the late 1800’s, American romantic poet James Russell Lowell advised, “There is no good in arguing with the inevitable. The only argument available with an east wind is to put on your overcoat.”

I have noticed that I tend to be more argumentative when I am tired or don’t feel well. Unfortunately, that was the case for me yesterday afternoon. Sinus pressure pinpointed over my left eye shortened my “grace” limit. My wife and daughters pointed out what I was doing. Patti strongly suggested, “Greg, take something for that headache!” I wish I could replay some of yesterday afternoon, but that is NOT the way life works.

I wish I could blame my argumentative nature on allergy irritations! But, feeling poorly is NOT an excuse for being argumentative. I need to learn to keep my mouth shut. Why can’t I just let some matters slide? I wish I could click an undo button for some of my conversations. Wow, Greg, when will you learn to shut up?

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For all the wants which disturb human life, which make us uneasy to ourselves, quarrelsome with others, and unthankful to God, which weary us in vain labors and foolish anxieties, which carry us from project to project, from place to place in a poor pursuit of we don’t know what, are the wants which neither God, nor nature, nor reason hath subjected us to, but are solely infused into us by pride, envy, ambition, and covetousness. (William Law: A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life and the Spirit of Love, p. 153)

“What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Isn’t it the whole army of evil desires at war within you?” (James 4:1 NLT)

Ouch! I think James nailed me there. Why do I argue unnecessarily? Because there is pride, stubbornness, and self-centered desires that still need to be weeded out of my life. I still need to yield areas of my mind, will, and emotions to Christ’s Lordship.

I need to clothe myself “with the new [spiritual self], which is [ever in the process of being] renewed and remolded into [fuller and more perfect knowledge upon] knowledge after the image (the likeness) of Him Who created it.” (Colossians 3:10 AMP) I am in need of renewal. Lord, help me!

LEGEND OF THE QUAIL: The quail would have been happy except for their enemy. The hunter imitated the sound of a quail, gathering the covey together. As they loitered about, he threw his net over them. The birds struggled, but were eventually placed into his hunting basket and carried off to market.

One wise quail, observing this ordeal, offered, “Brothers, I have a plan. If the hunter casts his net over us, we should each put our head into a section of net and begin to flap our wings. Together we can lift the net and fly away with it.” All the birds agreed. When the fowler threw his net upon the covey, they organized their efforts and flew off with his net.

Several months later the hunter decided to again try his luck at capturing some game to sell at the market. After the luring call was given, the birds came together. This time the birds quarreled with one another over who was lifting the most and which bird would be in the middle of the net. The fowler took advantage of their distraction and quickly gathered up his net, capturing all the birds.

At times all our finger-pointing and bickering ends up doing us all in and nothing is accomplished. If we find ourselves constantly amidst controversy and strife, we need to take a good hard look at ourselves. What are we really fighting over? How is God being glorified? (James Grassi, Wading Through the Chaos, p. 58-59.)

May 7, 2013

Gabby’s Story

Andrew and Bethany Frazer, the onsite pastors for Casa Angelina Orphanage in Guatemala, spoke during chapel services at Valley Fellowship Christian Academy. Patti and I and the Valley Fellowship Church family are so thankful to be able to partner with such an awesome team. They shared several stories of children who have been delivered by the efforts of What Matters Ministries and Missions (www.whatmattersmm.org). Gabby’s story really touched my heart. I was graciously given permission to share her story on my blog. (The pictures below are of Gabby at Casa Angelina and of the Frazers speaking in elementary chapel).

Gabby arrived at Casa Angelina expecting the worst. She had no documentation – no birth record, no information about her background – and doctors used her teeth to guess her age at eleven years old. She and her younger brother had been passed from one place after another and Gabby described her abusive journey as “moving from hell to hell.” Deep hurts from people who should have loved and protected her gave her little evidence that anyone could be trusted.

Casa Angelina is a beautiful place, but Gabby was reluctant to open up at first. At the start, her big wish was to be hugged by someone who actually loved her, like she was family. Five years later and with lots of love, Gabby’s dreams are much bigger. God has healed her during her time at Casa Angelina and Gabby now dreams of being a professional singer who travels the world.

“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families.” (Psalm 68:5-6a NIV)

The transformation within her hasn’t always been easy. Gabby had to deal with powerful emotions. Not too long ago, Gabby was very upset by the visit of a social worker. The worker spoke honestly that without documentation, Gabby didn’t exist officially in the eyes of the government. The stark reality hit Gabby deeply. She wept and wept as she pondered, “no records, no birth certificate, no name.”

Over the next several days, the paperwork and redtape to create official records for Gabby offered her a unique opportunity. Gabby was given the chance to name herself, but she was satisfied with that option. Gabby thought about it, but she didn’t want to name herself. She wanted her name to mean something. She wanted to be named by people who loved her.
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The name “Gabby” did mean something special to the staff and ministry and children of Casa Angelina. After consideration, Gabby’s name was officially documented as “Gabriela Celeste Tait Royal”. Her name is special. She is a King’s kid with a bright future.

The government of Guatemala may not have known Gabby’s name, but the Lord certainly did. Gabriela was rescued and carefully placed into the family environment she so desperately desired. The Tait family loves her, the staff of Casa Angelina love her, Valley Fellowship Church loves her, Patti and I love her, but most importantly Heavenly Father loves her!

Heavenly Father loves orphans and wants His family to share His heart. In fact, James lists concern for orphans as characteristic of a pure religion:

If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. (James 1:26-27 NLT)

We share a special connection with Gabriela! For the last several years, Valley Fellowship has pulled together to buy Christmas gifts for the darlings of Casa Angelina. We will be gathering funds and toys in the fall to be delivered before Thanksgiving. I’m sure that Gabriela is going to get something very special.

May 5, 2013

New Name – New Status – New Future

Twenty-seven years ago (this weekend!), Patti and I stepped into Goldbro department store on Airport Road in Huntsville, Alabama to look at the rings in the jewelry section. Somehow, my mom had managed to tag along and walked behind us as we stepped into the jewelry section.

We stopped at the very first case and Patti pointed to a ring under the glass. She glanced at me and said, “That’s the one I want.”

“Are you sure? We just starting shopping? Don’t you want to look around some more?” I questioned.

“Okay, but that is the one I want.” I gulped as the lady behind the counter placed it on Patti’s finger. “Yes,” Patti said staring at the ring, “I like this one.”

Mom suddenly interjected herself into the discussion, “Well, Greg, are you going to buy it?” Mom knew my bank account. She knew that I had saved money to purchase a guitar.

“MOM!” I glared back. Patti tried to rescue the moment and asked if I needed a second to think about it. I nodded and I held her hand as we took a few steps into the BABY section.

A moment later, we stepped back to jewelry department. And, May 5, 1986, Patti first sported her engagement ring.

In your case, however, this probably involved your forehead drooping and gradually coming to rest against your desk http://pamelaannschoolofdance.com/aid-6190 tadalafil cialis from india as your teacher droned on and on from the front of the classroom about the importance of doing well on your SAT. tadalafil buy cheap There are several online service provide that sell generic ED drugs at reasonable prices. The opposite causes problems too – muscles that are too hot, wear tight underwear, go biking, get cialis generic australia in a sauna-anything that might increase the temperature around his testicles. However, this is not at canada levitra all true in the first place. When a woman marries in the United States, she commonly takes a new name, the name of her husband. Thus, Patti Edmonds became Patti Simon – to my great delight! Patti’s new name was symbolic of her new status (married to me!) and her new future with me.

Within my Logos study software is a collection of the newspapers from the American Civil War, the tumultuous times of 1860 to 1865. (www.logos.com, If you purchase, please let them know I referred you.) An article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch (August, 1861) suggested a new name for an inauspicious purpose:

ALEXANDER the Great hearing that there was a man of the same name with himself in his army, and that he was a notorious coward, sent for him, and said unto him, ‘”fight better, or change your name.”’
Ought not old SCOTT to profit by this example? He lost the battle of Manassas. He confesses himself to be a great coward. Why, then, should he cling to ‘”Winfield,”’ a name indicative of victory? Why does he not write ‘”Losefield“’ as descriptive of his present status?

In Shakespeare’s play, Juliet suggests Romeo throw away his name, after all, “What’s in a name?” What is called a rose still has its smell even if given another name, yet Romeo and Juliet suffer the tragedy instigated by connection to their surnames. A person may be greater than the meaning of their name, but the name remains significant.

Ultimately, real freedom – no matter what label has bound you – comes only from real relationship with the Lord. The Lord spoke through the Old Testament prophet Isaiah that the promised salvation would come with a “new name”. “The nations will see your righteousness. World leaders will be blinded by your glory. And you will be given a new name by the Lord’s own mouth.” (Isaiah 62:2 NLT)

“The proclamation of a new name for Zion indicates the new condition and character that God’s salvation will provide for her.” (John N. Oswalt, The Book of Isaiah, Chapters 40-66, NICOT, p. 579)

Never again will you be called “The Forsaken City” [Hebrew “Azubah”] or “The Desolate Land.” [Hebrew “Shemamah”] Your new name will be “The City of God’s Delight” [Hebrew “Hephzibah” which means “my delight is in her”] and “The Bride of God,” [Hebrew “Beulah” which means “married”] for the Lord delights in you and will claim you as his bride. (Isaiah 62:4 NLT)

The new name speaks of new promise, new power, new potential, new prospective as a result of relationship with the Lord. Salvation releases new hope, new status, new future for every Christ-follower. I am not saying that we should all change our names like my wife did when she married me. But, I do think we should live up to our status as the Bride of Christ and to lives that honor His Name.

What about you? Are you ready to invest your “guitar” money, your life’s blood for the sake of God’s kingdom? Well, are you going to buy it?

May 4, 2013

Names have power

Patti and I spent quite a while discussing what we should name our children. Just after Patti got pregnant with our first daughter, my dad suggested I let Patti pick the name. “It will be a lot easier,” he said. But, I wasn’t quick to surrender my opinion in the matter. We talked and read namebooks and talked some more. That was before the proliferation of the internet, so we didn’t google names!

We finally decided to name our firstborn after Patti’s sister, but then we argued a bit as to the exact spelling of the name. I campaigned for the letter “z” to set her apart from her aunt. Ultimately, we resolved that Patti would choose the spelling of the name of our first child, and I would . . . agree to the decision. Rosalyn was given the name “Rosalyn”, but I chuckled when our daughter decided to go by the nickname “Rozy”. Yes, God always gives me much better than I deserve.

A name is much more than just a handy label for getting someone’s attention.

Parents living in Biblical days often gave a name to a child to make an announcement about that child or to communicate something through that child. A famous example of this is clear naming of Jesus which means “Savior” (Matthew 1:21). “There is a sense of the significance of the proper name. The name denotes the person, establishes its identity, and is a part of it. It can often be said: ‘As a man is named, so is he.’” (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, p. 254)

The Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible summarizes six common motivations for Biblical names (p. 1522-1523):
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To record some aspect of a person’s birth. Jacob (“heel grabber”, “deceiver”) connives for Esau’s (“red”) blessing.
To express parental reactions to the birth. Isaac (“laughter”) recalls the laughter of Abraham and Sarah.
To secure the solidarity of the family. As is common today, a child is named after a parent, an uncle, or a relative.
To reveal the nature of the person, his function, or some other significant thing about him. “Nabal” is a “fool” (1 Samuel 25:25).
To communicate God’s message. Isaiah named his son “Shear-jashub” to warn that only “a remnant shall return” after God’s coming judgment.
To establish religious affiliation. All the names in the Bible with the endings -iah or -el (e.g., Jeremiah, Nathanael) are in fact statements with “the Lord” (-iah) or God (-iel) as subject.

April 30, 2013

5 Benefits of Healthy Friendships

You need healthy, Godly friendships to finish the race God has laid out for you. You benefit from healthy relationships, but you must be open to receiving the following five:

#1 Perspective

“Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory.” (Proverbs 11:14 NASB) You have blind spots. I have blind spots. You and I both need people around us who love us enough to speak into our lives. Others can see things in us that we can’t see – our strengths and weaknesses.

#2 Accountability

“If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12 NLT) Accountability helps keep us out of trouble and maintain integrity both in public and in private. The key to being accountable to someone else is to be open and honest.

#3 Encouragement

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#4 Strength

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9 NLT) Two are definitely better than one! God designed it so that when any of us is weak in any area, another is able to supply our lack.

#5 Friendship

“My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love!” (1 John 4:11-12 MSG) God placed in each of us a deep need to be known and loved.

Do you have God-honoring friends who help spur you forward? Do your relationships help you serve the Lord?