Shall We Gather at the River?

Plannig a mission trip takes weeks of preparation. My sweet friend, Nan Jones, kindly accepted my invitation to post on my blog this week. Thank you, Nan, for blessing me with the much needed time and blessing my readers with your words of encoragement.

Shall We Gather at the River?

by Nan Jones



Photo by Sally Matheny

The mountain air gave us goosebumps. It was chilly for the first day of June. Overcast skies and occasional mist decided an even chillier river. As the water tumbled over river rock and brushed against grassy banks, the chill couldn't dampen the hearts of the people gathered for the baptism.

 Tom* was nearing the end of his life. It had been a hard life - one that he tried to erase with alcohol, but to no avail. He'd always had a good heart. Tom was a good man, but when my husband asked him if he knew he would awake in heaven when death came, Tom answered no. A debilitating stroke a few months earlier had given him pause. These were things he had been considering. He knew about Jesus. He believed Jesus was the Son of God, but Tom had never asked Jesus to be his Savior. There had never been a personal relationship with Almighty God.




Tom prayed with my husband. With glistening eyes He acknowledged his need for a Savior and entered the family of God. Tom has been faithful since that day.

On Sunday afternoon the people of God gathered at the river. Two men assisted Tom on the gently sloping bank. His steps are disjointed because of the stroke. His balance is impeded. Tom faced enormous amounts of fear to step into the river with his crippled body, but his desire to know God and honor Him overcame all apprehension. Tom wanted all that God had for him.

Imagine the pure beauty of this moment. This precious man, crippled, physically supported by others, stood shivering in the cold water. His eyes turned heavenward. With slurred speech he spoke an affirmation of faith. Slowly, carefully he was lowered into the river. As he rose from the liquid grace, any remaining veil fell from his eyes allowing him to see the Lord in the fullness of His love and acceptance - acceptance that Tom had searched for all of his life.

He once was blind, but now he could see.

 

"And Ananias went his way and entered the house;

and laying his hands on him he said,

'Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus,

who appeared to you on the road as you came,

has sent me that you may receive your sight

and be filled with the Holy Spirit.'

Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales,

and he received his sight at once;

and he arose and was baptized."

~ Acts 9:17-18

*Name changed

*********************************************************
Tweetables to Encourage Others

A mountain river baptism reveals much more. @NanJonesAuthor shares a powerful testimony. (Click to Tweet)

Rising from the liquid grace, any remaining veil fell from his eyes. (Click to Tweet)

*********************************************************
If you received Morning Glory via email and you love good ol' Southern Gospel, you'll want to visit the Morning Glory page. I'm featuring the Perry Sisters singing "I Just Want to Thank You Lord."

 

Nan Jones is an author/speaker who uses the words of her heart to assist fellow Christians in discovering the Presence of God in their darkest hour. Her devotional blog, Morning Glory, has become a place of community for Christians to find encouragement in God’s Word and comfort in His Presence. Nan’s devotions have produced a far-reaching impact across the nation and globe due to her online presence. She has been published in three anthologies: Ultimate Christian Living, Diamonds in the Light: Exceptional Women Showcasing Their Gifts, and God's Word for God's People: 2013 Daily Devotional. She has also been published in the online inspirational sites Christian Devotions, and Inspire a Fire, and has been featured as a guest blogger on several sites. She is thrilled to announce her debut book, "The Perils of a Pastor's Wife" which is slated to be released in early 2015 by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. When Nan is not writing, she enjoys leading prayer retreats, bible studies or sharing God’s love as keynote speaker for special events. She is becoming known by her brand: "Even so, I walk in the Presence of the Lord." You many visit Nan at her website: www.NanJones.com or her blog, Morning Glory: http://morningglorylights.blogspot.com/. For personal communication you may email Nan at nan@jubilantlight.com.

3 Ways to Help Dad Become the Spiritual Leader of the Home

by Sally Matheny

    

     Many women long for their husbands to spiritually lead their families. Although they are Christians, some men struggle in this area. Perhaps they are new Christians, or did not have a Christian father role model.     

     Whatever the reason, moms should not assume the full responsibility of spiritual training the children. What are moms to do, then? Here are three ways to help Dad become the spiritual leader of the home.

Dub Him as the Bedtime Chieftain

     If you have young children, ask your husband if he’ll be in charge of reading one or two stories to the children each night. Someone who is uncomfortable talking about spiritual matters may be quite at ease with reading books. Buy or borrow age-appropriate books depicting truths from the Bible. These are often found inexpensively at dollar stores, thrift stores, and yard sales. Even libraries carry them. Just make sure they do not contradict God's Word.

     As your children grow, gradually move to Christian devotion books and children’s Bibles with meatier content. Choose books that are easily understood. 
     
     The earlier you start this bedtime tradition the better. The books will spur conversations about God and your children will treasure this special time with Dad.

Promote Popcorn Prayers

     Perhaps your husband isn’t comfortable praying aloud. At meal times, why not suggest a popcorn prayer. This is a great way to involve the whole family. Each person will say one word or sentence. It may begin by each person thanking God for one thing. After each member has “popped” up and prayed, another topic may begin such as asking for God’s help with a certain matter. Over time, family members grow more comfortable with praying and prayers flow more freely. 

Direct Them to Dad’s Counsel

     Family dynamics vary. Sometimes children seek out Mom more than Dad on things close to their hearts—whether it’s fears, disappointments, or loves. It’s an honor when children trust their moms with their deepest thoughts. It’s good to have those special times; however, those are also great opportunities for you to direct them to Dad’s counsel. 

     

     Mom, look for occasions when you can point your child towards his father for guidance. Even if you know an appropriate response, perhaps say something like, “I know how much this meant to you. Something similar happened to your dad once. Let’s go talk to him and see what he says.”  

     Or, counsel your child if the need is immediate, but later share with your husband what took place. Suggest he talk with the child and vice versa. Provide opportunities for your husband to encourage the children.

     Will he get it right every time? No. Like everything else, spiritual leadership improves with practice.

     One of the best things a wife can do for her husband is to pray for him. Show respect and appreciation as he learns from God and grows into his role. Cheer your husband on to be strong and courageous as he pursues God’s will.

As a bonus, here are two websites listing helpful books for dads on Christian parenting:

      Two websites with lists of helpful books for dads on Christian parenting are

Rachel Wojnarowski’s  http://rachelwojo.com/top-christian-books-for-dads/

and Christianfathers.com  http://www.christianfathers.com/.

     Also, Focus on the Family has a blog for dads by dads:

https://community.focusonthefamily.com/b/dad-matters/default.aspx

      It's your turn. How do you encourage your husband as the spiritual leader of your family?

Preparing for Graduation—Start Early!

by Sally Matheny

Preparing for Graduation

Graduation time is here. Congratulations and gifts are in order. Giving money is practical but, I also like to include a book. 

I know. I know. Unless the graduate is an avid reader, they may not read it. But as people mature they come to understand the power and wisdom words impart. Perhaps one day the graduate will realize the book’s value.     

Nonetheless, I went to the store to look for the perfect book. To find the best selection, I should have started earlier, not a few weeks before graduation.

A few gift books for graduates still line the shelves. To be honest, many appear boring. 

However, I notice a little, red book by Harry H. Harrison, Jr. The title sounds intriguing.

“1001 Things Every Teen Should Know Before They Leave Home (Or Else They’ll Come Back).”

Blessings in the Slow Lane

by Sally Matheny

    

In Search of the Quickest Route?

Are you a lane-hopper—zigzagging around others in search of the quickest route to your destination? Whether it’s on the highway or in the cashier aisles at Wal-Mart, you’re the man with a plan or a woman on a mission.

     Punctual and focus-minded are admirable traits but don’t miss the blessings in the slow lane. As nice as it is, this is not a post about stopping and smelling the roses.
 

     However, many of us are like the Mad-Hatter from Alice in Wonderland,  scurrying about from one objective to the next. We’re either dangerously overloaded with commitments or we’re borderline OCD with our color-coded organizational charts (which, by the way, have budgeted ample time for travel into the daily schedule).

     Life is merrily racing along until—BAM!

     An injury, illness, job loss—whatever it is, has suddenly shoved you

all the way

Slow Lane Got You Down?

into

the

s-l-o-w

lane.

    

     No one likes to be sidelined. There’s too much to do and too many places to go. We aggressively seek solutions to get back on the fast track. We try to learn how to adapt and overcome. However, as life decelerates, there’s no choice but to scoot along at a reduced speed.

     Prior to attending a recent writers’ conference, my concerns were not over agents and editors, but rather mobility issues. Diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), I wondered if I’d be able to walk the hilly campus.

     After arriving, I met many others gradually and painfully making their way to classes—people in far worse condition than me. Broken bones, rheumatoid arthritis, tumors, diseases, cancer.

 

    At last year’s conference, I remember maybe two or three people struggling physically. Why were there so many hurting people there this year?

     One morning on my way to class, I did my usual side step down the stairs and made my way across campus. The fast ones already planted themselves in the best seats. Even my new, slow-moving friends weren’t on my usual path. Nonetheless, sharing the warm sunshine with the chirping birds made the stroll pleasant.

     Then, I saw the roses. Beautiful reddish pink roses—the shade that looks great on toenails but not on lips kind of red. Why had I not seen them before? I had walked this path at least four times already and had not spotted them stretching over a fence. Most were in full bloom, facing the path, beckoning me to notice what they had to offer.

     Bear with me, I told you this was not a “stop and smell the roses” story and it isn’t. In that moment, I realized the roses had always been there, just like the injured people I had met. They were there last year, I just didn’t notice them in my rush to get to class (you know, to learn how to become a better writer for God) or in my hurry to do good things.

     My Mary-Martha moment of revelation, by the roses, didn’t bring me to a total halt. Yet, along with my calculated gait, my journey that week grew more focused.

     Purposeful conversations took place. Radiant beauty burst forth instantly in some and in others it gently unfolded. Promises of prayer and encouraging words were exchanged like birthday gifts. Blessings overflowed.
 

     God is working in all the lanes of life, my friend. Occasionally, when we’re sputtering along, we find encouragement among our fellow slow lane travelers.

     And, just like CRPS, not all injuries are visible. Quite likely, the one cutting in front of you, or that irritating tail-gater, is possibly the one enslaved with the most pain.      

     It’s not so much about stopping to smell the roses for our own benefit. But rather regarding their beautiful presence with the same attention and care as our Creator.

     Whatever we think is impeding our progress, God can miraculously transform into delightful delays.

    
     What about you? What blessings have you discovered in the slow lane?

 

Raising Jesus & Parenting a Christian Child Today: Not for the Fainthearted

by Sally Matheny

     Were Mary’s days filled with bliss parenting the perfect Child? Most likely, there were some difficult days raising Jesus. I wonder…

     As a child, did Jesus encounter teasing from other children because he always chose to do the right thing? Did Mary shed quiet tears at night as she mended her little boy’s robe, torn by an angry child earlier that day?

     Did she ever overhear a neighbor wrongly accuse her son? Wanting desperately to run over and defend him, did she sense God calling her to be still? And so, she stopped and she waited. She witnessed how Jesus handled the situation. Why is he allowing our neighbor to insult him so?  

     The mother wanted to lash back at her neighbor. Her son turned the other cheek.

     Were Jesus’ siblings jealous or irritated that he never disobeyed, never lied, and never needed parental discipline? Did Mary have to be ever mindful of how she spoke and treated Jesus in front of the other children, for fear of showing favoritism? 

     Yes, while raising Jesus had to be a wonderous experience, surely some days were difficult.

     Perhaps, during those childhood days, God was somehow preparing Mary’s heart for Jesus’ last days.

     Even with her faithful trust in God’s sovereignty, an unimaginable pain had to sear throughout her body as she heard the nails piercing her son’s flesh to a cross. Only God could uphold Mary as she watched them lift the cross and raise her Jesus.

    

Today, motherhood is still not an easy task. Tough days lie ahead even for the mother of a Christian child.

     There are times when moms watch their children endure some form of mistreatment because of their faith. Some taunted for choosing to do the right thing, for their obedience to the Lord. Others are excluded, even bullied due to their faith. Parents pray for guidance of when to counsel, when to intervene, and when to be still and wait.    

     Mothers trust God’s sovereignty as their Christian children choose to be salt and light on a secular college campus or when they enlist in the military. Only God’s power sustains mothers as their children surrender to the call of ministry—possibly requiring them to move across the nation, or the other side of the world.    

      Are you in the midst of raising a young child, teaching him the ways of the Lord? Is he learning love and respect in his daily experiences? Is he surrounded by the Truth, especially during these early, tender years of learning?

     Are you pressing through the years with a teen? Teaching her how to show grace and compassion; encouraging her to be ready to share why she believes what she does. Is she seeking godly counsel as she learns how to stand firm in her faith, even if it means standing out? 

    Is your Christian child an adult seeking God’s call in his life? Are you covering him in prayer; supporting him in seeking God’s will and no one else’s?     Mothering is not for the faint-hearted. Living in a sinful world brings challenges and heartaches to all.

     However, along with the gift of parenting a Christian is an inexpressible joy and strength, even in the midst of trials. One cannot fully understand this unless the parent shares the same devotion to Jesus Christ. For with Christ, all things are possible. Life has purpose, and the rewards are eternal.

     Lord, help us reflect Jesus as we raise our children.

You Missed It! (Encouraging the Doubters)

by Sally Matheny

It Was Awesome and You Missed It!

         “You missed it!”

     Don’t you hate hearing those words? Perhaps you went to get a hotdog, and missed the best play ever made at home plate—by your child—the one who hasn’t scored a run in three years. Everyone kept exclaiming how awesome it was. 

And... 
you missed it!

     Or maybe you had plans to meet some friends at a restaurant. At the last minute, you decided not to go. You had your reasons. But they didn’t seem so great when you heard about your friends' spectacular evening.

    A celebrity ate at the table beside them. An exciting conversation took place, the celebrity treated them to desserts, and they each received free tickets and backstage passes to his upcoming concert. Each of your buddies called to tell you their version of the incredible evening. And...
you missed it!

     We’ve all had sinking moments like this. Don’t feel bad. Even one of Jesus’ disciples, Thomas (a.k.a Didymus) missed the most amazing miracle of all time.

     Three days after Jesus died on a cross, all of his disciples, except for Thomas, sat in a room together. The doors were locked for fear of persecution. Bewildered by recent events—the death of Jesus, finding his tomb empty, and news that a few had actually seen Jesus alive—the disciples were overwhelmed.

     Suddenly, Jesus appeared among them comforting them with words of peace! Awestruck by Jesus’ pierced hands and feet, they first thought he was a ghost, until they saw him eat food. Everyone knows ghosts can't eat food. Jesus also spoke to them and opened their minds so they could understand. And they believed.

     All except Thomas.

     Where in the world was Thomas? Was it his turn to retrieve water from the well that day? Did he send a message to the rest of the guys that he needed a day off? Perhaps he awoke that morning with a headache from all the stress. 

Whatever the reason, Thomas missed it.    

     Assuredly, Thomas had to listen to each, of his ten friends, share their personal experience of what happened. While Thomas’s heart was still grieving and his confused mind reeling, he must have endured quite a bit. 

Who knows? It's possible Thomas had to put up with  Luke’s constant, beaming grin, Matthew's singing at all hours, or John’s spontaneous praise dancing! 

     Did Thomas think all ten men hallucinated at once? Was he angry? Did he put on an attitude of bitterness? All we know for sure, is Thomas said he would not believe until he saw Jesus’ scars and touched the spear-penetrated side himself.

     Ever since then, and for the rest of time, he’ll be remembered as “Doubting Thomas.” Poor Thomas. 

Do you doubt the power of Christ?

     Perhaps, there is something else to consider. Even though Thomas had his doubts, he did not turn from God. He did not flee from the disciples. The enthusiastic sincerity of his friends compelled him to hang around. 

     Perhaps the other disciples showed empathy to Thomas, encouraging him to remember the words Jesus’ spoke during his ministry on earth. Recollecting their own qualms, they showed Thomas kindness and loved him with grace. Maybe they continued to remind Thomas of all Jesus’ miracles they had witnessed.

    What if, every night, while the others slept in peace, Thomas cried out to the Lord to help him remember, to help him believe?  

     A whole week passed—10,080 minutes.    

     Between listening to the accounts of the miraculous event, over and over again, and lying awake at night trying to make sense of it all, I bet most of those 10,080 minutes Thomas struggled.

     Although skeptical, Thomas still stayed close to the disciples. All he knew was when he left his friends they were fearful and confused, and the next time he saw them they were drastically changed--full of joy and anticipation. Whatever wonderful thing happened to them, Thomas wanted it, too. He was on the brink of believing.

     Then, it happened. One week later Jesus appeared to the disciples again and this time, Thomas was there.

Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.

(John 20:26-27, NIV)

     By then, Thomas did not need to touch Jesus’ scars. As Christ came across the room, Thomas allowed Him to come into his heart. He believed and cried out, “My Lord, and my God!” 

Don't give up sharing your faith.

     Is there someone you know who is struggling like Thomas? Perhaps he expresses his doubts yet, he still hangs around, intrigued by the way you live your life; fascinated by your sincere belief that Jesus is alive and rules in your heart.

     You’ve repeatedly shared your Christian beliefs. No matter how wonderfully you present the gospel, you cannot make him believe. Keep praying and allow the Holy Spirit to work. Don’t give up.

     Perhaps your friend realizes he’s missing something exciting and miraculous. He is on the brink of believing.

     Share with us. Have you had an experience with a “doubting Thomas”?

Blessed Easter

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life.
He who believes in me will live, even though he dies,
and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.
Do you believe this?"

     Celebrating our risen Savior, Jesus Christ!

 I pray you all have a blessed and joyful Easter.

See you back on April 28 as we talk about

missing out on something special.

Has that ever happened to you?

Dont' miss next week's post!

Blessings,

Sally

 

 

The Lord’s Supper—When Should Children Go to the Table?

by Sally Matheny


The Lord's Supper--When Should Children
Go to the Table?

       
     Observance of the Lord’s Supper varies in churches from style to frequency. 

    However, there is one common concern among many Christian parents:

“How do we prepare our children for this special part of the worship service?”
   

    

    

     Why do we have the Lord’s Supper?
     How do we explain the bread as the body and the wine (or grape juice) as          the blood?
     How old should children be before allowing them to participate?
     A good place to start is by reading the following:

Exodus 12:24-27

Matthew 26:26-28

Mark 14:22-24

Luke 22:19-20

Acts 2:42-47

I Corinthians 11:23-31

     The first Lord’s Supper occurred as a Passover meal that Jesus hosted the night before his betrayal. The traditional foods were ready to serve but Jesus gave them a fresh meaning that night.

     Traditionally, the host reminded the people of the history of the Passover. The bread represented the affliction of the Israelites. Jesus conveyed to his guests that the bread now represented the afflictions he would take upon himself—his body would be broken for us. He would die for our sins.

     Then, Jesus said the wine symbolized his blood that he would shed in order to save us. Jesus died willingly on the cross. He was innocent of all sin, which made him the only sacrifice acceptable to cover the cost of our sin, which is death.

     In the past, people sacrificed animals. But they were only representatives of the perfect sacrifice to come. The animals did not have the power to take away sins. They merely pointed the way to the one who would come, and is able to cleanse us from all sin.

     Jesus asked those at his table to observe a new covenant in remembrance of Him.

     According to Vine’s Dictionary of Bible Words, the original word used for “remembrance” in this text does not refer” to ‘in memory of’ but in an affectionate calling of the Person Himself to mind.”

     The Lord’s Supper is a sacrament, something sacred and set apart. It is an outward testimony of a change that has taken place on the inside. We live our lives based on what we believe to be true.

     Children may become confused when they hear the words, Take, eat. This is my body and drink, this is my blood. 

     Show them a photo of one of their friends. Is the photo itself the friend? No, it is only a representation of the friend. Likewise, draw them a picture of a red heart. When they see the heart, what does it make them think of? The heart itself is not love. It symbolizes love. 

     The bread is not the actual body of Christ. The juice is not his actual blood. These are used as symbols of what Christ did for us. He loved us so much he died for our sins, so that we may live forever in heaven when our bodies cease to exist on this earth.

     
     The Bible doesn’t mention an appropriate age for participating in the Lord’s Supper. The best policy is to talk with your child before he asks, “When can I have the snack and drink from the little cup?”

     Receiving the Lord’s Supper is not to be taken lightly. The apostle Paul says,

Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.

I Corinthians 11:28-29 (NIV)    

    Most of all, parents need to demonstrate their love for Christ by how they live their lives outside the church. Be consistent in showing your child how to love God and to love others.  

     Parents can explain to children what it means to be a Christian. We are all sinners. Give examples of sin (lying, stealing, greed). Talk about our need for Jesus Christ and why he was the only one who could pay the price for our sins (Acts 4:11-12). No one is worthy of taking the Lord’s Supper, but as Christians we come remembering our need and our joy. 

     We can explain and teach, but we must let God do His calling in His time.

     Children are eager to participate in the Lord’s Supper. Parents know when their child is ready—as an act of their own faith. Don’t rush them. Patiently wait on the Lord to work in their hearts.   

 

     While waiting in anticipation for the day their child accepts Christ as their Lord and Savior, and then for the day when he takes the Lord’s Supper, parents can pray for wisdom as they provide salt and light in their homes.

 What suggestions do you have for parents on teaching their children about the Lord's Supper?