November 17, 2006
What is the work of creation?
WSC Question 9
What is the work of creation?
The work of creation is, God’ s making all things of nothing, by the word of his power, in the space of six days, and all very good. (Gen. 1, Heb. 11:3)
Just a quick reflection on this week’s catechism question. Christa, Caleb and I just completed putting the floor down in what will be the “girl’s dorm” in our home. We are now ready for painting, the floorboards, a bit of carpeting, and lighting. Finally, we will be done!
This project has taken days (or should I say weeks) – and help from many of you! Thanks to help from families Bandy, Candler, Evans, Niesen, our girls will soon be able to sleep in beds rather than the basement floor! How I appreciate all of you! I pray I am a better pastor than I am a carpenter. We would be nowhere if it were not for your advice, assistance, and patience!
On top of all your help, this project also took materials. Wood, drywall, mud, flooring, insulation, nails, screws, and soon paint, light fixtures, carpet – oh my! I don’t even want to consider my budget.
Such an amount of work for mortal creatures like us – and yet God, our Heavenly Father, gave us infinitely more in His glorious Creation. And He did it all Himself! In the space of just six literal days, out of nothing – nothing, except the Word of His power!
After putting the tools away this evening, I went out to take in the glories of the stars and just soak in the wonder of Creation. He did it all! The vast expanse of the constellations was created by His Word alone! And so much more than this – He created us as well, gave us life, and then gave us new hearts, hearts that would be able to recognize the Creator’s Hand.
And why did He do all this? For us! So that we could stand in awe before Him and thank Him for His great love for us!
I am overwhelmed this evening by so many things – the love of our church, the Hand of Providence in leading us here, the protection we have been given over the years of our lives, the blessings of children and wonderful friends. And all of this leads me to say, in the midst of sawdust and hammers, I can only praise our Father for His great love for His elect.
The work of creation is God’s revelation of His power – and His lavish love for sinners like us.
Posted by jm at 10:02 PM | Comments (0)
October 03, 2006
Our Changes
“Honey, we need to leave. This time, it’s really time!” My words were spoken with a sense of urgency and in a less than gentle or understanding manner. After all, it was way past midnight. The morning sun would soon bring with it the new owners of our home.
During our travels to speak at churches and conferences around the nation, the thought of home was always before us. As we rose with sore backs from unfamiliar beds, we longingly remembered home. In “grit-deprived” restaurants across the country, Stacy would whet my appetite by describing for me the meals to come—the family meals I most missed that came straight from her kitchen.
We longed for that final turn off the freeway, the familiar landmarks, and the site of the lane leading to our home. Now, I watched as Stacy wandered through the empty shell of what had been our home. This would be the last time. God had called, and we must obey.
As I waited for Stacy to finish reminiscing, my thoughts wandered to another family scene – one set in a distant land called Ur. This ancient city may have been the only home this family had known. How could Abraham consider leaving now? All their friends and family were in Ur! And now, it was time for Sarah to leave her home, to follow her husband…somewhere.
Similar to Abraham and Sarah of old, we did not really know exactly where we were going. We did not have a home waiting for us. We had a destination, a new church call, a new general area, but details were far from settled. All we knew was that God was calling us away – to “somewhere” in Central Illinois.
What words of comfort could Abraham offer Sarah? He was taking his wife away from everything she knew and going to a place neither of them had been. Abraham wasn’t sure where they would make their new home, but, he had been given a vision.
God had called him—God had called them, to a new beginning in a new place. He had called them to faithfully serve a new people. He was confident that God’s blessings were going ahead of them, smoothing the way. They might feel alone, but, he knew they were not. But, how could he convince her?
Abraham may have reassured her that this was the plan of God. The paths they were taking, the destination ahead, may be unrevealed to them, but it certainly was not unknown to God. If they knew that He loved them and was directing their path, they could certainly trust that all would be worked out according to His glory and purpose and for their ultimate good.
Abraham knew that God would be their strength and guide and I’m sure his confidence in this was clear to his family. And as for Sarah, she faithfully followed her husband in obedience to God.
In similar fashion, I knew the call to serve a new church, away from our home, family, and precious friends, was the call of God. It was painful leaving my flock in Katy, however, even that was worked out in God’s providence.
Husbands, you may not be called to leave your home, but you may be called to lead your family in some other journey to the unknown—something outside your comfort zone. It may be a new theological journey, a career adjustment or home business venture, or perhaps it’s to follow the call of God in educating your children at home.
But, speaking from experience, when change comes, you must be confident that God is indeed leading – and then demonstrate this confidence, with gentleness and understanding, before your wife.
As I pen this, our trek to Illinois is complete. After living in temporary housing for a month, we have finally found our new home. As always, God was and is faithful to us. Challenges lay ahead, but, we are confident that this is His will, and that our home is wherever He calls us – together.
Posted by jm at 05:13 PM | Comments (2)
May 15, 2006
Smaller Hands
Stacy wrote the following poem Saturday as a gift to the mothers at our church. I thought I would share it with you as well.
As the husband to a wonderful wife and mother, I stand humbly before God praising Him for His unmerited favor in allowing me to share my life and ministry with Stacy.
Smaller Hands
by Stacy McDonald
God fashioned her with smaller hands,
So she would know His strength.
He made for her a weaker frame,
When measured by her length.
Her skin is soft compared to man’s,
So her baby’s face should feel
Her velvet touch and gentle kiss
When looking for his meal.
Her “mama voice” knows the songs
Her babies like to hear.
She needn’t sing a single word,
Soft humming keeps them near.
When naughtiness is stirred within
Her little ones at play
Her “mama hand” trains them well,
then teaches them to pray.
At times the days seem oh so long
And fear and doubt attack
And schooling seems to not get done
And household chores just stack.
Skeptics sing their siren song,
Wooing from the street,
Tempting her to forsake her call
And for self glory seek.
Yet, one glimpse upon her little ones
And she sees beyond the day
The shaping of the little souls
Where generations lay
Changing a diaper with holy hands
And wiping a messy face—
Are all part of the tapestry,
This masterpiece of grace
Happy is the godly mother,
Who sees within her child
The gift of His eternal peace
A tamed heart that was wild.
The storms of life fret her not
She smiles at the wind
She knows from Whom her strength will come,
His mercy never ends
God fashioned her with smaller hands,
So she would know His strength.
He made for her a weaker frame,
When measured by her length.
Posted by jm at 09:22 AM | Comments (0)
December 08, 2005
The Perfect Gift a Parent Can Give
Our community is restless. Some folks seem lost, others a little frantic as they wander trade establishments in a state of perplexity. What is the source of their bewilderment? Christmas is almost here and people are looking for the “perfect gift.”
I too have embarked on annual pilgrimages to America’s temples of merchandising, hunting for the “perfect gift” to please a loved child. But most often, the result of these forays have proved to be for naught as the joy of the “perfect gift” faded quickly after the accoutrements of the season were packed away. Typically, my “perfect gift” would end up in the yard sale box within a few short months.
But then, I discovered this verse, “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” – Phil 4:9
I have some great news for any parent reading this today. Do you want to give a perfect gift? Then why not give the Perfect Gift - the God of peace? How can you do that?
Teach your children the real meaning of the season—by what you do. Go to church this Christmas, which happens to fall on the Lord’s Day this year, before you open a present. Acknowledge your allegiance to God before anything else. Honor the Sabbath.
Then, every day of the year, live Christ before your child. Speak often of your faith. Love your wife. Respect your husband. Pray and study the Scriptures - together. Obey God.
By being a model for your children to follow and encouraging them to walk in the ways of God, you give them the Gift that lasts for eternity.
Posted by jm at 12:38 PM | Comments (0)
November 06, 2005
Hurricane Update
"He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing." (Deuteronomy 10:18)
Thanks to your gifts, we have been able to help dozens of families replace lost clothing and curriculum as a result of the tragedies along the Gulf Coast. In addition to this, we have also been able to relocate one homeschooling family, the Townsends, from the New Orleans area.
While passing through Houston, the Townsends providentially visited Books on the Path and our church the week before Katrina struck the region. Although their home was spared serious damage, their financial infrastructure was gone. You see, this family, composed of a single mother and two daughters, depended on giving music lessons (harp and flute) and playing at small events and tea rooms in the New Orleans area. These opportunities were wiped out in the post-Katrina city.
After we discovered the new challenges they faced, we determined to do all we could to help them reestablish themselves in another area. It turned out they were already in prayer about moving, looking for a family-integrated church that holds to the historic truth of Scripture. With a team of four men from Family Reformation Fellowship and two trailers, we left Houston on a mission to move them out of the city that had been their home for two decades.
The effects of the storm grew more severe as we approached New Orleans. Homes along the Gulf were destroyed. Steeples were blown off churches. Roads were closed, traffic was snarled. We arrived in a darkened New Orleans at 8:00 pm. It seemed as if we had entered a Third World nation. Refuse was piled everywhere along the roadside. Humvees patrolled the streets while Black Hawk helicopters circled overhead. We had to wait until dawn to start loading due to the city-wide curfew.
Starting first thing the next morning, it took us just a few hours to load up the belongings of this family and begin the long trek back to Texas.
Your funds have helped us move the Townsends to the Houston area, where they have become a part of our family, ministry, and community!
This is just a small glimpse into how you have helped many families. Thank you for being sensitive to the needs of your brothers and sisters in the Lord. May the Lord bless your households and continue to bless your efforts!
"And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’" (Matthew 25:40, NKJV)
Posted by jm at 09:17 PM | Comments (0)
October 19, 2005
Monsters, Pirates, and Ghosts? Oh My!
Originally printed in the Katy Sun
The celebration of Halloween presents problems for Christian families, as most of the day’s characteristics are rooted in a pagan past.
Some Christians, fearing these sinister origins, hunker down in darkened homes praying for daylight to come. To these families, the day is owned by evil. Do they forget that when the Book of Psalms tells us, “The Earth is the Lord’s,” this would include even October 31?
Other Believers insist our unique American experience would be dampened if we abstained from celebrating the day. Costumes are donned, bags are prepared, and parties are planned. Certainly, most of these families would not allow their children to wear blatantly evil costumes, yet that may be the limit of their restrictions. Do they forget Scripture’s warnings against participating in the deeds of darkness (Eph 5:11)?
Still others claim this day as a ministry opportunity! Many churches choose to host community harvest parties bedecked with pumpkins and suspiciously familiar orange and black banners; passing out gobs of goodies to eager little hands. But why develop an alternative under the guise of outreach when we should preach the Gospel in season and out of season – reaching our neighborhoods for Christ everyday?
So, what should we do? I believe it is no accident the Lord ordained October 31, 1517 as the day a courageous monk would challenge Christendom to recall the glorious truth of the Gospel: we are saved by faith alone. We should join the saints of old and take dominion of this day! Teach your children our rich Christian heritage! Relive the drama through stories, songs and feasting! Experience a family reformation this Reformation Day! Remember the beauty and joy of God’s Truth!
For a great resource to help you understand the truth of this day, consider From Dark to Dawn, our first book!
Posted by jm at 07:41 AM | Comments (0)
September 20, 2005
Operation Katrina Update
Dear Friends,
A quick update on Operation Katrina.
Families continue to call with needs as a result of Katrina. For a time, we have a single mother with two children living in our home. While I type, I am on the phone with a mother of two with another blessing on the way. She is living with family in South Carolina. Here husband is still in Louisiana with reports that there are still five feet of water in their home.
We are excited to note that a number of publishers to provide curriculum to those affected by the hurricane. To date, the following advertisers have stepped forward to help...
Alpha Omega
Critical Thinking
Deeper Roots
H&H Publishing
Konos
Learning By Grace
My Father's World
Rosetta Stone
We have been able to help a growing number of families to date with needed curriculum and funds for lost supplies.
Many of you have offered your homes as well to help these families. I have been excited to see the outpouring of offers from your homes. However, to date, we have few families needing help. What we are seeing is that homeschooling families have such a strong support system with both extended families and friends, that most are not in need of housing.
Some of you have also asked to donate used curriculum to this effort. If you have items to donate, please contact Project Noah.
This is a very fluid situation that is changing fast - especially with another hurricane brewing in the Gulf. I will try to give you updates as they become available.
Click here if you would like to donate to this work.
James
Posted by jm at 08:44 PM | Comments (2)
August 24, 2005
He Keeps My Feet From Failling...
"For You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from falling."
Psalm 116:8
This past week, my sons James (known as James the Hungrier, 22) and Caleb (known as Caleb of the Mountain, 8) were invited to go to one of our sister churches in California to support their 2005 Father-Son Conference. I was asked to share messages with those gathered on passing on a Godly heritage, raising sons, and the encouragement we can have by studying history.
Taking my sons along with me for this adventure in the California mountains was a joy! With the challenges of life we face, we do not often find time for this type of fellowship. In addition, James represented an opportunity for the men to test my words. He was peppered with questions about his upbringing and his commitment to the faith once delivered. I sat back listening to many of these conversations with a bit of unease. After all, my oldest son is his own man with his own thoughts, reflections and beliefs. While he is an active member of the church I pastor, not to mention my son, I was not going to commandeer these examinations, instead I listened in, looking at these providential dialogs as a sort of personal review. The men were pleased with James’ answers, proving once again that although I am by no means a perfect father, God is faithful to the desires of our hearts and has worked through my failings to help me raise a son who has received the Scepter of Faith.
Caleb likewise was inspected, his speech and manners were noted. Caleb is a typical 8 year old boy, with an admiration for mud puddles and a propensity for a good sword fight. Never one to back down from a challenge, Caleb threw himself wholeheartedly into every skirmish, swimming in 50 degree ponds and scaling hills and mountains with his new friends. At the end of our time together, one parent commented, “We have decided to send our children to you for a month to learn manners. No matter what we do, we can’t get them to say ‘Sir of Ma’am’ like Caleb does.”
One of our activities while away was the assault on a rock wall. At first, I sat with the other “elders” of the group, watching the younger set brave the heights. Then my son James donned the helmet and harness and climbed, or should I say sprinted, to the top of the wall. A few minutes later, Caleb, following the example of his older brother, achieved success by ringing the bell. Now, I had a moment of decision. Should I stay safe at the bottom of the wall or should I show my sons that Dad still can keep up? I chose to dare the wall.
I was not as fast as James; instead I worked the wall, testing foot and handholds to make sure I was secure before going on. At least I thought I was secure. Halfway up, my grip slipped and I fell. The picture shown is of me just before falling. Of course, I was secure by a harness, but I still slammed against the wall, receiving in my flesh a number of deep splinters as compensation for my foolhardiness. I reestablished my footing and worked to the top of the wall, completing my task.
This adventure reminded me of my fathering. My sons are both on their way to being fathers some day, men who will honor God and raise their own children to know the Savior. In essence, they will stand on my shoulders, practicing what they have seen me do. My efforts to raise them have not been faultless; I have certainly had parental missteps. But my goal has always been to see my children be better Christians than I, to live more honorably and consistently for the Lord. As I strived to show them Christ, I have certainly struggled and slipped, but the God who knows my heart is the God who keeps me from falling. He holds me in His Hands.
As we work to homeschool our children, teaching them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, let us always do so recognizing our true security, our only confidence, rests in knowing He keeps our feet from falling.
Posted by jm at 05:11 AM | Comments (1)
May 06, 2005
Catechisms, Creeds, Confessions - Oh My!
There is much confusion in the church today over what we are to believe as Christians. Our churches are full of people who seem to think doctrine, the expressions of the truths of the faith, are of little importance. This in part is due to a focus on the relationship rather than the reality of Christianity. We hear, “Doctrine divides!” and “I have no Creed but Christ!” but I must ask, how can we know truth from error without doctrine? How can we know Christ without knowing who He really is? As an example, we are frequently told that God is love, and He is. But God, in His love, is also just and righteous. Sermons on God's righteousness, and other doctrines, are not in vogue in our day. The result? Christians weak in faith and prey for cults.
You see, we believe that a true relationship with Jesus Christ necessitates we move from the basics to really know God and His will for our lives. This is where the Catechisms, Creeds and Confessions come in. For us, these documents become our "statement of faith." They are short summaries of the truths expressed in the text of Scripture. They do not replace the Word of God, rather they serve to present the truths of the Word in nuggets that we can grasp.
We seek to teach our children these great truths of the faith and steep them in the Scriptures upon which they are founded. In our worship, we recite these statements together and discuss their relevance to us in our day. In our homes, we use the Catechisms to open the door to God’s truth so our children will be ready to refute the error and heresies of many. This is another benefit of these historic documents.
How exciting it is to think of God's provision for us, in His Word and in great men of the faith who worked diligently to study the Scriptures. What a blessing they are for us. This desire to know God and a thankfulness for our Christian heritage is just one of the distinctives of Family Reformation Fellowship. Our prayer is that other churches will again embrace the deep truths of God and the Kingdom will be expanded as men live in victory and truth.
Another great article on this topic is Andrew Webb's Why Do We Need Creeds? I am sure you will be blessed by Andrew's thoughts.
James
Posted by jm at 06:19 PM | Comments (0)