WOW!! Maybe I should call this post, “Timeless Truths.” I’m doing a bit of housekeeping and have been revisiting some of my “draft posts.” This one was written in 2019! That’s five years ago! Oh, how my life has changed since then, but God’s Word and its challenges/rebukes/encouragements never change! I hope this will be a blessing and a challenge if necessary! Oh, dear reader! The cost IS great!

I write to you as a mother, first, but also as a grandmother.  This morning, as is my daily habit, I prayed for our three children, their spouses, and our ten (one change: now thirteen!) grandchildren. Because it is Sunday morning, I thought of them, each in their various churches. Although our daughter and family are in our church, this morning they were visiting in our son-by-choice’s church, also a dear place of former ministry.

What joy to realize that they all have hearts for God! Is there a greater joy? I don’t believe so. How did that happen? Why are my children so determined to “keep on the firing line” while so many of our dear friends’ children are not? It breaks my heart! Oh, if only there was a magic formula that would assure our children would “walk in the truth! Or is there?

 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 1 John 3:14

Would you be honest with me? Would you look in the mirror and ask yourself if there is anything you are doing that would cause your children to stray from the Lord? Then, would you ask God the same question? (If you have done this with all honesty and believe that you are walking near to the heart of God, then PLEASE do not allow my words to cause you grief which is not intended! Well done!)

I recently read The Journey of Faith—a Modern Adaptation of John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress by John Highhouse, in which the author follows the paths of two brothers, Believer and Pretender. The author skillfully includes in their journey many of the pitfalls we face today. The book ends with Pretender missing the mark and being carried to hell by two angels while Believer enters into “the joy of thy Lord” (Matt. 25:23).

What dictates every decision/thought/action of my life? Here are a few thoughts that should NOT dictate my thoughts/actions:

• What will the neighbors/family think?
• It’s my life, I can live it as I please
• But I want my kids to have …
• We need more money.
• When do I get to…
• Times are just so different, you can’t expect kids to turn out right.
• No one will know.
• The Bible doesn’t really say…
• I can love God and not go to church.
• My kids will never…

After writing that list, I realize there’s only one thought that is the beacon of decision for my life—one word of advise I can give you for helping you to guide your children to the truth—one statement that will direct your decisions  down the right path: Lord, what do You want me to do?

 So he (Paul), trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”Acts 9:6 (NKJV)

What a wonderful example, and what an awesome promise for not just parents or grandparents but for all of us: Go, and you will be told what you must do! God never leaves us hopeless, helpless, or clueless. The question is, will I be obedient?

In this morning’s service, I had the privilege of singing the following hymn.  It was such a blessing to my heart. Oh, the “blessed quietness” we have in our souls when we obey. AND, we also are showered with “no greater joy!”

Joys are flowing like a river,
Since the Comforter has come;
He abides with us forever,
Makes the trusting heart His home.

Refrain:
Blessed quietness, holy quietness,
Blest assurance in my soul!
On the stormy sea, He speaks peace to me,
And the billows cease to roll.

Bringing life and peace and gladness
All around this glorious Guest
Banished unbelief and sadness,
All is perfect peace and rest.

What a wonderful salvation,
What a quiet resting place!
What a peaceful habitation!
When we see Him face to face!

(If you are familiar with this hymn you will notice that I changed some of the words and their order to be more biblical.)