Morning Musings-Discerning the Truth

Morning Musings with the boys at breakfast...





This is talking about false doctrines and heresies.  People who were spreading lies about the message of Jesus and who had had their

 "consciences seared as with a hot iron" (1 Timothy 4:1-15 ).  

These people were forbidding others to marry and to abstain from certain foods.  This is adding onto the truth so that it becomes twisted and distorted.  

People seem to like to revert back to doing this and that in order to have, or hope to have, complete salvation; thus maligning God's truth.  

When we give thanks to God for our food, we consecrate it by "the word of God and prayer" and therefore we can eat anything with thanksgiving.  We do not have to worry about it being clean or unclean.  All that is Old Testament teaching but Jesus changed it so that people will not think that to get merit in God's eyes you would have to follow the rules and regulations.  Nope.  Nowadays, since Jesus' death and resurrection, we can eat what was formerly considered "unclean" as "clean".

Recall the vision that Peter had which we can read about in Acts 10:9-22.  God really has a good sense of humor!  Anyway, the "voice spoke to him..."Do not call anything impure that God has made clean."  So the people referred to in Timothy's letter from Paul were trying to get legalistic and confuse the brothers and sisters.  Timothy was to set them straight again.

Timothy was to teach: "the truths of the faith" that he had been brought up on and faithfully taught by his mother and grandmother.  He was to be a "good minister of that good teaching".  We see this in contrast to the falsehoods being inflicted upon God's people; falsehoods of "godless myths and old wives tales" (superstitions).

The people of God are still inflicted with such today in all shapes and sizes and need to be constantly reminded and be aware and alert to them.  Part of the way to do that is to be sure to be diligent in reading, knowing and obeying God's Word thoroughly.  In this way one would be more readily able to discern the truth from the lies.

Timothy was to train himself to be godly; that holiness and blamelessness we've learned about before.  Training takes time.  It takes effort.  As for physical training which does have benefit, so too with the spiritual, godly training.  This spiritual training has great value for all things (all of life in a holistic manner).  Great value for the present life and also into the future.  In this way he could (and we can) store up treasure in heaven.

Paul also tells Timothy to put his hope in the living God.  God's household is the church of the living God and he was to teach God's children how they ought to conduct themselves therein.  

I like that term 'the living God'.  Realizing that our God is 'living' will be a pillar and foundation for us as we believe this truth.  We will become more strong, firm and steadfast.  My sons, do get a strong grip on that in your minds and hearts.  When you do you will not be so easily swayed by the manifold falsehoods that spring up throughout all generations.  "Persevere in the true doctrine...and so save both yourself and any of your hearers"  with whom you share God's truth.

                                                                    ~ERC  2016~

Morning Musings-Deacons and Others

Morning Musings with the boys at breakfast...





A short time ago, we looked at overseers and that talked about the criteria of character and conduct of those who wished to be in such positions over the people of God in the church setting.  Here, today, in 1 Timothy 3:8-16 we will look at more of that in regard to the office of  'Deacon'.

This is similar to that of 'Eldership' (bishop).  A deacon is to be "worthy of respect; sincere; not indulging in much wine; not pursing dishonest gain"; he must "keep hold of deep truths of the faith (vs false teachings and heresies) with a clear conscience"; he is to be "first tested then serve if nothing against him" becomes known; the wife of such a person must also "be worthy of respect; not a malicious talker; temperate; trustworthy in everything".  The would-be deacon must "be the husband of one wife; manage his children and household well".   

When such a deacon serves well he will

 "gain excellent standing and great assurance in his faith in Jesus Christ...."

These are ways that the people (the brothers and sisters in Christ) ought to conduct themselves as daily practice in God's household; not just the elders and deacons.  We're the church of the living God!  Behave yourself!  In other words, live in the fear of God and out of respect for HIM!  He is the pillar and foundation of the truth.

It's understandable why Paul, John, Peter, and Jude each refer to false teachings, doctrines and keep mentioning "the truth".  Even in these early days there were blatant lies bantered about doubting Jesus' divinity and part in the trinity.  That Jesus was, and is, the actual One who died on that middle cross.  Great lengths were taken to besmirch the truth.  So many forms and teachings sprang up--Satan trying to "divide and conquer" but praise the Lord, the message of Jesus' sacrifice and atoning for us out of love for us still got through to us today.

I'm so thankful.  The truth has persevered despite all attempts otherwise.  We can know the truth and the "truth can set us free" (John 8:31-32).  So whether we are an elder, deacon or any member of a given assembly of God's family, let us "walk worthy of our calling" (1 Thessalonians 2:12); uphold the truth and live with excellent conduct and character giving God the glory and honor due to Him.

                                                                   ~ERC  2016~

Mother's Day 2016 - Ode to My Mom Celebrating Mother's Day

Mothers are really great persons; especially mine.  :)   Ha, ha.  When I was younger I used to love to look at her 'old' hands that (now I realize) did so much 'doing' for her  brood of six children.  I wanted my hands to look the same.

Many years passed and one day I took a picture of one of my hands, have forgotten the reason, and then posted it to my Mom.  Her responding remark was, "oh, I thought that was my hand and wondered how you could get a picture of it; then realized it was yours!"

Wow!  My wish granted!  I felt honored.

When I was younger, my vocation and ambition, when asked, was to be, "a mother".  (I believe this was a reflection on my Mom's mothering.)  That wish was granted too.

Motherhood is a high calling and when we persevere in it we will be blessed.  It's often a tough road to travel but keep the end goal in focus to  raise God-fearing, well-mannered children to adulthood who know, love and serve God the Father and Jesus Christ whom He has sent.

My mother accomplished this to a great extent; she is worthy of "double honor" (1 Timothy 5:17) and I praise her.  Thank-you, Mom for all your years of hard work on your children's behalf and for your continuing prayers, love and encouragements.  You are truly a "noble woman" who "fears the Lord".  (Proverbs 31:30).

Let me close with a word of encouragement to Mothers in general by quoting Charles Swindoll.  

"Mothers-don't ever forget the permanence of your imprint.  The kids may seem ungrateful, they may act irresponsible, they may even ignore your reminder and forget your advice.  But believe this-they cannot erase your influence."

At the end of the training years may your children 

"arise up and call you blessed."  (Proverbs 31:28  NIV).  

Have a very Happy Mother's Day, Mom!  Love from your Eunique Daughter. 


                                     ~ERC 2016~

Morning Musings-Overseers

  Morning Musings with the boys at breakfast...



Timothy was responsible to set up the oversight of the Ephesian church.  Out of those brothers who wished to be an elder or deacon,  certain criteria had to be met. Oh, and yes, I said 'brothers' but more on that later....

The criteria is quite a list and there appears to be nothing much 'spiritual' about it which may be a bit surprising.  However, we have covered that part  in the previous post entitled "Morning Musings-Holy Hands in Prayer"  which talks about the need to be blameless as seen in 1 Timothy 2:1-15.  Here in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 is another side of the character of the 'would-be' elder (overseer) and deacon.

The one who "sets his heart" on being in such positions desires a "noble task".  He is to be "above reproach"; no closet secrets.  He is to be the husband of "one wife", 'temperate'- not going off in easy fits of anger nor "given to drunkenness" nor violence; he needs to be gentle and self-controlled; respectable; able to teach which would entail that gentleness and patience; not quarrelsome; not a lover of $$; and the home front needs to be in order: "manage his own family well and see that his children obey him and that with proper respect"  (not just obey but to give proper respect!).

That is the personal and the home arenas.  How about out and about in the community and the church life?  Well, he should not be a recent convert.  He does need to have a "good reputation with outsiders".  These two so that he won't fall into disgrace nor into the devil's trap.

There are two excellent examples of  two different brothers who were well known Christian figures in public.  One was Jim Bakker and the other Billy Graham.  Both were TV evangelists.  The former damaged his reputation and this appeared to have been greatly due to the love of money.  He spent jail time because of it and he is rarely spoken of in or out of Christian circles although post jail he still hosts a religious TV show.  God in His grace and mercy forgives us and can make us more useful in His service.  What was meant for harm by God's enemy Satan, God can turn into something good.  

However, with Billy Graham, even the media, which loves to dig out the bad and smear it all over the news, has not been able to find anything with which to slander this dear brother and servant of God.  He is respected world-wide!  (I believe Singapore has a recent case of someone who grossly mismanaged funds from his roaring big church and is currently serving a prison sentence). 

These things leave a very 'bad taste' in people's minds and give Christians a bad reputation, a great shame and blot upon God's children and what's worse is that it causes many to turn away from following after God and His Son Jesus Christ.  So one can see the great value and reason why Paul was so thorough in stating the type of person to oversee the assembly of God's people.

This is a very serious matter and the people of God need to be given to much prayer and ask God to search the hearts and minds of the individuals willing to fulfill such positions, but also those in the individual churches to be much in prayer as well as they sanction those to be in the leadership of any one given assembly.  We all need to join King David in his prayer in Psalm 139:23, 24 where he asks God to "search him and know his heart, to test it to see if there be any wicked way in him'.  He wanted God to even look into his "innermost being", and to search his heart and mind!

  Are we open to letting and inviting God to do that for us?  Our hearts are deceitful and desperately wicked, who can know it?! (Jeremiah 17:9).  Thus, we need the Holy Spirits' help to search and convict us when and where we are going wrong.  We need to repent and confess to God and seek His forgiveness and purification (1 John 1:9).  Having done so, then we can "lift up our holy hands in prayer" and find out God's choice in the matter of choosing the oversight of the individual gatherings of God's people.

All of us Christians are ambassadors for Christ thus the need to live that blameless and holy life so we don't bring shame to the Name of Jesus and His family.  Let us all walk circumspectly in God's sight and give Him glory and honor with our life whether we happen to be a member of the oversight or not.

Before closing here, just an addendum as I alluded to it earlier. Why should it be "brother" and stating "he" in these verses?   Aren't woman, sisters-in-Christ, capable of fulfilling such roles?  I believe that it is not the matter of capability, rather of God's chain of command of authority. When a sister submits to God in this matter, she shows the meekness (NOT weakness) of Christ.  This is to be coveted. 

 We have seen this in verses 9 to 15 of the previous chapter (1 Tim 2).  There is a principle at work here that can be seen even throughout the Old Testament that it is almost always the male in the leadership position.  I encourage you to search the Scriptures daily to see if this be so.  Also the above mentioned blog has a bit to say about the matter. Feel free to read that too.

                                                              ~ERC  2016~

Morning Musings-Holy Hands in Prayer

Morning Musings with the boys at breakfast...




When we live a blameless life, keeping short accounts with God and making confession of sin and seeking His forgiveness thereof, we can then "lift holy hands" to God in Jesus name in prayer.  We must make confession of our sins so that our prayers will not be hindered. 

 Part of the 'blamelessness' has to do with praying without anger or disputing.  Are we angry at someone?  Better to resolve it; to be angry and sin not.  Do what it takes to relinquish the anger.  Forgive and be forgiven.  Are we disputing with someone?  Again, seek resolution.  When we are able to do so,  then "lift up those holy hands in prayer'.  Maintain your relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

What types of prayer and what subjects should we pray about?  Look up 1 Timothy 2:1-15 to find out.  It's not always easy to pray for those in authority over us because we may not always agree with their policies, beliefs, character or conduct.  But God's Word does NOT say to pray for these people if they 'toe the line' according to God's Way (hopefully that is our standard).  We are to pray in spite of whether we respect the person as a person and as a person in authority. 

If a person is in a position of authority; God has allowed him or her into that position.  That person will be responsible to God the same as we are for our actions.  Our duty is to pray for them.  What do we pray?  We pray so that we can live in "all godliness and holiness" (NIV).  And what is the point of being able to have this peace?  That the good news of the gospel can go out to people who can then come to a saving knowledge of the truth.  So they can have "true faith".

There were so many heresies and false teachings even a way back then as there are today.  So we had best get to work in our times of peace and quiet and start praying with our 'holy hands'.  Pray for the salvation of all men and the preservation of the truth.  

Now comes a good part.  Paul tells Timothy that the women should dress modestly, with decency and propriety and interestingly, with 'good deeds'.  These things are for women who worship God.  This reminds me of the noble woman of Proverbs 31:25, 26 and 30.  She is "clothed in strength and dignity and speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction.  She also, in verse 20, "extends her hands to the poor and needy".  These are definitely "good deeds".  She looks after her family well, and her community (see the whole chapter 31).  She lives by the "fear of the Lord".  This is a very good thing. 

In an assembly of God's children, the woman is to "learn in quietness and full submission".  Would that be to men?  I believe, rather to God, as she is one who worships God and fears the Lord.  When she is in submission to God then all else falls in line.  She is an obedient woman of God.  

She is not to usurp the authority of the man whom God has placed over her for her protection.  However, I do not believe that she is not totally allowed to teach or preach.  If you look closely, she is "not to have authority over the man".  If there is no man present (man of God), then she can still go ahead and teach; she is still in submission to God in so doing.

I have read about a missionary lady in India, an Amy Carmichael, who did just that.  She was in a place where there were no men who could teach and preach in that locale, so she did.  However, when the brother in Christ was available, she kept silent.  I love her meekness.  She was also a woman of prayer and she indeed lifted 'holy and blameless hands' up to God.  Let us do the same; my sons, and  all my brothers and sisters in Christ.

                                                                   ~ERC  2016~

Morning Musings-Timothy's Commission

Morning Musings with the boys at breakfast...





Here we go talking about the apostle Paul again.  He does feature greatly in the New Testament as he wrote so much of it.  Here in the book of 1 Timothy we read of God's magnificent grace that He showed to Paul despite Paul's having been the "worst of sinners".  God gave Paul eternal life through Jesus and then entrusted a commission to him to fulfill.   Paul had been and continued to be faithful in that commission.  

Paul passed this on to Timothy by giving him the commission to help lead and guide the church at Ephesus.   We can read about this in 1 Timothy 1:12-20.  This commission came with instructions to "fight the good fight"; "hold onto faith and a "good conscience".  Timothy in turn had great integrity as he meted out his spiritual leadership. 

By contrast we see the two men Hymenaeus and Alexander who "rejected the truth"; "shipwrecked their faith"; and "blasphemed" perhaps with false doctrine and/or slander (1:3-7).  Timothy had no easy job to fight against these false teachings.  In Revelation 2:1-7 we see a description of the church of Ephesus.  In verses 2 and 3 it mentions that these two men tested the claims of the apostles.  As we can see the real enemy would be Satan who is only out to "steal, kill and/or destroy" (John 10).  But these two were found out.

The Ephesian church persevered and endured hardships for the Name of Jesus and did not grow weary.  They also hated the false teachings of the Nicolaitans.  However it is sad to see that they did lose their "first love" of Christ.  Again this is not spelled out as to the exact reason but I know that many things in life can distract us and take us away from our following after God and building our relationship with Him.  

My sons do continue to press on in your spiritual growth in Christ and keep your focus on Him.  Do not be distracted by all the "fun and games" in life.  Put your faith and hope and trust in God your Saviour; rely on Him.  Turn any disappointments in life into times of  learning from Him and what He wants you to know.  Beware also of materialism.  We can be greatly lured away from Jesus; making money and possessions our 'god' instead of God being their God.  

Also be the spiritual leader God has ordained you to be.  Learn from Paul and Timothy's example and be such among the people of God wherever God brings you to fellowship.  Pass it on to the next generation. Lead, guide and mentor by example into all truth, forsaking the false doctrines; not getting involved in malice and slander and not being distracted by 'things'.  May God get the glory and praise from your lives as you are faithful in the commission He gives you.

                                                                       ~ERC  2016~

Morning Musings-The Real Thing

   Morning Musings with the boys at breakfast...




The following is based on 1 Timothy 1:1-11.


My father often told me that for every good plant there is a corresponding false plant; commonly known as a weed.  Satan always has his counterfeits which he torques and tweaks in various angles for the benefit of any and all, per person's, or group of persons' bent of thinking.  Thus many varieties of false teachings are concocted:  Gnostics; Essences; Arianism; Zorastrianism; Mormans; Jehovah Witnesses; True Jesus Church and many more.  You can google them to check them out; also look for comparison of cults.  

Some of those actually look really good and respectable and indeed have elements of goodness, thus the deceitfulness that unfortunately blinds the minds of many.  Deceitfully cunning Satan....that's not a compliment either.

However we who believe in Jesus Christ's deity as well as His humanity and in His perfect work of redemption and who have accepted God's gift of salvation through His Son Jesus,  have His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all God's truth and to help us discern the falsehoods.

In one of Jesus' parables He tells the servants to "Let both grow together until harvest" as this is the time the wheat and the weeds can be distinguished.  The end of the weeds is to be burned.  (Matthew 13:24-30 and 36-43).  So too will God's truth overcome Satan's lies and be exposed for what they truly are.

There is a saying that says, "Many of the major religions are superficially the same but fundamentally different to the message of Jesus."   Most are works religions whereas Jesus has done the work for us and God offers salvation through Jesus Christ as a free gift to whoever wants it.  

So, my sons, be alert and aware of the wiles of the devil and remember we can have victory in Christ.  The more we read God's Word and have a knowledge of God the more we will be able to detect the false.  This can be illustrated with the story of the bank cashier who first trains with real notes and then eventually counterfeits are slipped into the stack to see if she can detect them.  So too we need to saturate ourselves in God's Word so we will know the 'feel' of the right from the wrong.

                                                          ~ERC  2016~