Dear Dad

I was in a second hand shop the other day and bought a book,
yes a real book printed on paper. I have nothing against electronic books, I
have a tablet which lets me read books on it also, but I guess I'm of the
generation that still likes to hold a book printed on real paper too.

Anyway, a few days later I started reading the book. As I
normally do, I read the front and rear covers and normally check to see what
year the book was written, etc. (just a curiosity of mine). While looking the
book over I found an inscription in the front of the book and the inscription
has more meaning than the book it'self.

In 1993 two children, Rachal and Richard wrote this message
(in part) in the cover of the book: "Dear Dad… I read something today that
reminded me of you, so here it is… 'A father is strong, yet flexible; wise, yet
always learning; a leader, yet serving others.' That's you dad! We love
you."

We all dream of having the "Perfect" relationship
with our children patterned after some thing we have seen, read or been taught.
The problem is that many in our world rarely have that kind of relationship. We
have been blessed in our family in the fact that now as adults our children
seem to like us pretty well, but it wasn't always that way when they were growing
up. There were lots of times when they probably didn't like us very well, maybe
even wished they had other parents who were more like their idea of the
"Perfect" parents.

That's part of what being a dad is about though, isn't it? A
dad is a source of love and protection, but he is also a source of rules and
discipline. As the inscription said, "A father is strong, yet flexible;
wise, yet always learning; a leader, yet serving others." The Scripture
instructs us as parents, to "Train up a child in the way they should go."
(Proverbs 22:6), and from experience I can tell you, that's not always easy.

Too often today, it seems that Dad's try and be "Best
Friends" to their children, but you can't "Always" be in that
place, because God gave you a greater job. Sometimes you have to face up to the
fact that there are times while they are growing up, that you kids won't like
you very well, but that's how it is suppose to be. Because no one likes to be
disciplined, the scripture tells us, "No discipline is enjoyable while it is
happening, it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of
right living for those who are trained in this way." (Hebrews
12:11, NLT)

Now that they are adults our children can appreciate the
discipline they had while growing up in our home. Occasionally, I'll even get
the "Dear Dad" note or phone call. Those are special and meaningful,
but I don't believe they would happen, if I had been less than a "Real
Dad" while they were growing up. So, dad's, if you want to change the
world, if you want to raise good kids, step up to the place and responsibility
God has given you.

And Rachal and Richard, you message is still appreciated,
even by a different dad than your own.

Russ Lawson, Messages From The Heart

BLOG: http://messages-from.blogspot.com

Messages from the Heart is sent several times each week written by Russ Lawson.

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THE HOT WHEEL'S CRASH….

Yesterday I was
reading my diary from a couple of years ago and read about the following
incident. I thought perhaps it would be worth sharing my insights…

Well, the grandson
was here again today and as is usual, the unusual happens when he is around.

Grandma had to leave
for a little while and he has asked me to take him for a walk (translation: you
walk with the dog on the leash and I'll ride my hot wheels bike with you trying
to keep up). Well that afternoon we did take our walk, got out the Hot Wheels
and put on the riding helmet and took off. We enjoyed looking at bugs on the
sidewalk and even stopped by his preschool teachers home, but she wasn't home.
It wasn't a long walk, just around a large block in the city, so when we got
home we stayed outside and let him ride his Hot Wheels on our paved driveway.

The drive has a
pretty good slope down to the garage and he enjoys going to the top of hill and
coasting back down as fast as he can go. Well, this went well for a few times
then he started to get tired and said, "Grandpa, would you push me back up
the hill?" Of course I did and that became the routine. He would hold out
his feet and I would push him pretty fast (for a grandpa) back up the hill.

Well, one of the
times we were going up the hill I saw his feet dip and get mixed up with the
tire and the Hot Wheels started to turn over and I stumbled into it and started
to fall on top of him and the bike. Without even thinking about it I wrapped my
arms around him and the bike and threw myself over on my side and roll over
with him and the bike ending up on top. Thankfully he wasn't hurt at all, but
for grandpa, that's a different matter. It's not terrible, it's not life
threatening, but try skidding on broom finished concrete. I got a couple of
scrapes that drew enough blood to get a couple of oohs from Christopher, as
well as my back, shoulder, etc. muscles hurting like I was beaten. Christopher
told me a kiss from grandma and a Spiderman bandage would make it all better. I
however made a quick trip to the pain reliever bottle and waited for
grandmother to get back and doctor me.

The question is,
"Why did I do that without a moment's hesitation"? The answer is that
"I love him more than myself and have no hesitation at taking any pain to
prevent his injury. Any similarity between God and me is purely accidental, but
the motivation is the same isn't it. The question is "Why did God allow
his Son to die on a cross"? Because he would do anything to prevent pain
and separation for his people, the human race! "For God so loved the world
(people) that he gave his only begotten son that who ever believes on him
should not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

A kiss and a
Spiderman Bandage won't take away your sin; it took the sacrifice of a life to
do that!

Have you said
"Thank You to God lately"?

(Grandpa) Russ
Lawson

Memorial Day

 

"Memorial Day
is a United States federal holiday
which occurs every year on the final Monday of May. Memorial Day is a day of
remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Formerly known
as Decoration Day, it originated
after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil
War. By the 20th century Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans
who have died while in the military service." (Wikipedia)

Remembering those who were willing to give their life for
you shouldn't take a special day. It shouldn't have to be declared by a
government to make it something special. However it seems to be human nature to
forget some of the most important events or people. We don't mean to, we have
the best intentions, but somehow it just happens that we forget.

Jesus knew human nature and understood our weaknesses.
That's why he instituted things in his church such as "Communion" or
"The Lord's Supper". He knew that although we have the best
intentions, we would eventually forget his sacrifice, unless we were constantly
reminded.

In Mathew 26:26-28
we read, "And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and broke
it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he
took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the
remission of sins." (KJV)

The apostle Paul explains it in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 in this way, "For I pass on to you what I
received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord
Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces
and said, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember
me." In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying,
"This cup is the new covenant between God and his people, an
agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this to remember me as often as
you drink it."

I encourage you to celebrate Memorial Day. Celebrate the day
that remembers those of our military who were willing to die that you might
live free. But more than that, I encourage you to meet with your church,
partake of Communion and remember the one who died that you might live free
eternally.

Mother's Day - The Gift

Gifts are sometimes not thought out before they are given. A
report this past week said that Mother's Day gifts are much harder to find (or
purchase) than Father's Day gifts. Harder, in the fact that they take more
thought to find an appropriate gift. Another survey said that most people spend
between $40 and $100 on Mother's Day gifts, whereas Father's Day gifts are
typically between $15 and $25.

 

Understand I'm not complaining in any way shape or form, I'm
just trying to make the point that it's sometimes hard to find the perfect
gift. I'm reminded of a gift box we one time received while working as
Missionaries in Kenya, East Africa. Some good friends wanted to do something
special for us and fixed us up a special box. They wrote us about it and kept
check with us to see if we had received it, but wouldn't say what it was. It
took over 6 months for the box to arrive (you never know if you will actually
receive a box from America
or not, but we did.)

When the box arrived, I commented that it looked like an
elephant has stepped on it. With great anticipation we opened the box and found
a gallon can of Tapioca pudding (one of my favorites) and a bag of Mikesell's
Potato Chips (crisps) from our home state in Ohio (one of my wife's favorites)
and a couple of bags of chocolate.

Can you imagine a box, six months in transit with a gallon
can of Tapioca and a plastic bag of potato chips and chocolate (which had set
in the hot sun in a shipping container in the docks in Africa looked like when
we opened it? Actually the can made it through pretty well with only some minor
rust, the potato chips were now potato dust and crumbs and the chocolate was
large lumps (rolled in potato chip dust).

Do you want to guess our reaction? We were thrilled to get a
box from home. We enjoyed the stale potato chip crumbs and used some of them in
cooking, we ate the chocolate anyway and opened the can and ate the Tapioca
pudding. We rejoiced that these dear friends had remembered us in the far away
foreign land and had sent their love in the form of a battered box.

All of this is to say, with gifts, it really is the thought
that counts! Love is shared, not in things, not from spending money, but in
remembering to let the one you love know that you love them!

Mother's, we children and husbands sometimes stumble on that
point, but know that you are loved and appreciated for all you were and are in
our lives!

Some of the foundation principals in relationships is found
in 1 Corinthians 13:7, where we
read: "Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures
through every circumstance". (NLT)

New Ideas!

New Ideas always
are a problem, whether in our homes or in our churches. Understand I am someone
who is very skeptical about change, but I embrace it when I am convinced it is
(1) in keeping with the guidelines found in God's Word and (2) it will really
benefit God's Church.

Not all ideas are
good ideas, just because they are new, nor are they of necessity bad, just
because they are new. I got a chuckle out of the following story about
embracing change:

      The elderly priest, speaking to the
younger priest, said, "It was a good idea to replace the first four pews
with plush theater seats. It worked. The front of the church fills first."

      The young priest nodded, and the old one
continued, "And you told me a little more beat to the music would bring
young people back to church, so I supported you when you brought in that rock'
n' roll gospel choir. We are packed to the balcony."

"Thank you, Father," answered the young priest, "I am
pleased you are open to the new ideas of youth."

"However," said the elderly priest, "I'm afraid you've gone
too far with the drive-through confessional."

"But, Father," protested the young priest, "my confessions
have nearly doubled since I began that!"

"I know, son," replied the old man, "but that flashing neon
sign, 'Toot 'n' Tell or Go to Hell,' is just not staying on the church
roof."

It is a blessing
for us that God did not give us directions on everything we do. Yes, he did
allow us some leeway on how we do some things. I'm not saying that we change
the doctrine of the church or God's plan of Salvation, or our worship as
outlined in God's Word. But we shouldn't be afraid to embrace new ways of doing
the old things.

I know that some
of us don't like change, yet there are some who like new things and change.
There is nothing wrong with that. God made us different. If you don't like
change I'm sorry, but the world in which we live is constantly changing.

We continue to try
and improve our facilities; we are trying to complement our worship and bible
study periods with a new sound system and coming soon a new projector system. A
new way of presenting the message, but we are not changing the message. I can
remember preachers hanging white sheets behind the pulpit with a bible message
printed on it, we don't do that anymore. We found a better way. In years past
we often knocked doors and passed out flyers about our church. Now we mail
bible study material and information about our church into 2,000 homes around
our building. We have a website with sermons you can listen to in your own
home. We have email contacts, etc. in other words, we have changed, but the
message hasn't and I like that! I kind of even like the idea of the flashing
neon sign on top of the building…. Well, maybe even I'm not quite ready for
that much change.

Tragedy

By Now you have heard or read thousands of word and seen
countless replays and commentaries on the bombings in Boston this week. Yet with all of those words,
the one word we have read and heard most often is the word "Tragedy".
I'm sure that each of us as Americans has the greatest sympathy and pain in our
hearts for those involved in this tragic event, I know our house has sorrowed
for them and prayed for them.

The word "tragedy" simply means "a disastrous event"; how disastrous depends upon which side of
the tragedy you are on!

These bombings were a tragedy in several
ways. First, to those who were killed and injured. Almost nothing can affect
our lives more than the death of one we love or our own injury or the injury of
one we love. It has the ability to take away dreams for the future if we allow
it. It sometimes hardens our hearts and fills them with a sense of hate or
despair. For those of us who did not have someone we knew personally killed or
injured in the bombings it can instill anger and outrage against the ones who
did these terrible things.

Secondly, it is a tragedy that someone
thought so little of the lives of innocent people to plan and carry out such a
horrific attack. It is the sign of a mind that is sick and twisted with sin.
Satan has been extremely successful it causing hate in the heart of the ones
who planted those bombs and I'm afraid he is successful in getting hate to rise
in the hearts of many of God's people. I readily admit that I have no sympathy
for the ones who brought about this terrible attack. I desire justice to be
rendered upon them to the full extent of our laws!

That of course is the human side of me
speaking. I demand justice for others, those who steal, rob, car jack, sell
drugs, murder, injure others or any number of other things which break our laws
or the laws of God. At the same time I tend to avoid thinking of all of the
times that I break God's Law. I depend upon His Grace rather than justice.

The other side of me, the side that tries
to be more like God, remembers a murderer by the name of Paul that God chose to
use. This man turned his life around and became one of the greatest teachers
and evangelist in Christian history. He wrote of God's purpose and his life in 1 Timothy 1:15 where he said: "This
is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: Christ Jesus came into
the world to save sinners and I am the worst of them all".

At times I really don't know which side of
me is the strongest. Maybe it's like the old parable that says, "the side
that wins is the side you feed". How about you, which side are  you feeding?

Russ Lawson, Messages From The Heart

BLOG: http://messages-from.blogspot.com

Messages from the Heart is sent several times each week written by Russ Lawson.

To subscribe send a blank email to: join-messages-from-the-heart@hub.xc.org

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Send any comments or questions regarding this article to: rlawson@mfth.net

Books by Russ Lawson @
http://www.lulu.com/russlawson

Doubt

Do you ever have doubts about your life or perhaps
about your faith? I think we all do at one point or another in our lives. Not
that we doubt God or his ability, but many times we doubt ourselves and whether
or not we are really pleasing to God.

In David Heller's book, Dear God: Children's Letters
to God. He has recorded many insights from children, such as:

"Dear God, What do you do with families that
don't have much faith? There's a family on the next block like that. I don't
want to get them in trouble, so I can't say who. See you in church. Alexis (age
10)



Dear God, I have doubts about
you sometimes. Sometimes I really believe. Like when I was four and I hurt my
arm and you healed it up fast. But my question is, if
you could do this why don't you stop all the bad in the world? Like war. Like
diseases. Like famine; Like drugs; and there are
problems in other people's neighborhoods, too. I'll try to believe more. Ian
(age 10)"

Doesn't that sound like us? Sometimes we really
believe, but we have our doubts sometimes, don't we?

One of the problems is that we look at those around us
and think, "I wish I could be like them". "I wish I could have
their faith". But what we don't realize if that they are thinking the same
thing about us. We don't have the ability to see into their hearts and minds
and know how often others (just like us) doubt themselves.

In Mark 9:20-24
we see a perfect example of doubt and faith concerning a father and son
possessed by and evil spirit, in need and their relationship to Jesus. We read,
"So they brought the boy (to Jesus). But when the evil spirit saw
Jesus, it threw the child into a violent convulsion, and he fell to the ground,
writhing and foaming at the mouth. "How long has this been
happening?" Jesus asked the boy's father. He replied, "Since he was a
little boy. The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to
kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can." "What do you
mean, 'If I can'?" Jesus asked. "Anything is possible if a person
believes."  The father instantly
cried out, "I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!"
(NLT)

Doesn't that sound exactly like us at times? I know it
sounds like me! I do believe, but at times it doesn't seem like enough. I just
don't know if I can make it through this life with the amount of faith I have
or if I can really be pleasing to God.

In Mark, Jesus understood the problem of the father's
faith and did what was necessary to help. Do you think he is any less
understanding with us? No, he is caring and compassionate and wants everyone to
be saved 2 Peter 3: 9.

Dear God, I believe, but help me in the times of my
weakness to overcome my unbelief.