Our Family Time With God

Sept. 30,2009

VALUABLE TREASURE FOUND

IN AN UNLIKELY PLACE

In 1988, during a clearance sale of unclaimed property, a man bought a painting for $1,000. Though the painting was in poor condition, he thought it might be worth as much as $1,500. Securing the painting to the roof of his van, he drove it to Christie's Auction House in New York City, where collectibles are sold. He told an attendant there that he would accept as little as $1,500 for his find.

When the resident expert saw the painting, he realized with surprise that it was a fabulous work by Dosso Dossi, one of the better Italian Renaissance painters. Called Allegory of Fortune and commissioned and painted around 1530, the painting had disappeared during the 19th century. But now it was found.

The painting went to auction on January 11, 1989. Though sellers expected to sell the painting for $600,000 to $800,000, a London dealer bought it for $4 million! Later, the Paul Getty Museum purchased the painting, though it was in need of repair. One leg of the male figure had been punctured in several places, and the painting was so damaged and dirty that many of its details were lost.

The paintings restoration was a three-year project, including an extensive study. The restorer said, "It was a slow, tedious process--really mind-boggling." But her work paid off. The original, warm gray background that emerged lends to the picture a haunting, atmospheric tone.

She repaired holes, filled in cracks, restored losses of paint, and gave the painting a coat of varnish. The result is dramatic, but museum visitors see only the impact of the finished work.

God's work is a "salvage business." Through grace, He saves, sets apart, and uses saved sinners to rescue those who are perishing. Our witness can result in the salvation of those who are perishing. Our witness can result in the salvation of those who will bring many to Christ.

THOUGHT: Everyone will spend eternity either in heaven or in hell. What could be more valuable than an eternal soul?

--Harold Vaughan--

Our Family Time With God

Sept. 29, 2009

WE KNOW WHO

HOLDS THE FUTURE

Scripture Reading--Psalms 78:1-8

Earlier this week, we read, "We may not know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future." What a wonderful encouragement that truth is! In Psalm 78:7, we discover that one of the most important values we will ever pass on to our children and grandchildren is "That they might set their hope in God." If we can successfully teach them to hope in God, we have given them something priceless. We've given them what they need to face the future.

Some years ago, Stuart Hamblen wrote a great song about facing the future. The chorus goes like this:

Known only to Him, are the great hidden secrets;

I'll fear not the darkness when my flame shall dim;

I know not what the future holds, but I know who holds the future,

It's a secret known only to him.

Yes, the future holds many secrets we cannot know until we get there. But we need not fear the darkness. Remember what Adoniram Judson said. "Our future is as bright as the promises of God!" Don't get caught sitting on the premises or leaning over the precipice when you should be standing on the promises!

The best way to communicate confidence in God to the next generation is to live it before them every day. No one watches us more closely than our family members. They want to see if we will face life's uncertainties with confidence. If they see us in despair, their hope will be diminished. But if they observe that our hope is in God, they'll know where to find hope for their future.

The greatest test of our confidence is when we've exhausted every human resource. That's when God's at His best. Remember, He's not our last hope; He's our only hope!

ASSIGNMENT: Choose Bible verses that give hope to your family as they face the future.

--Jack Palmer--

Our Family Time With God

Sept. 28, 2009

OUR CONFIDENCE

FOR THE FUTURE

Scripture Reading--Psalms 42-43

So many face life without hope. No wonder most suicides occur among teens and young adults. As they consider life with all of its uncertainties, they conclude that there's no reason to go on. This hopelessness is not limited to the unsaved. Many professing Christians struggle, too. What a sad commentary on life!

As you read Psalms 42 and 43, you hear the cry of one who is desperate for God. There is no better place to be than in desperation for God. Many in humanly hopeless and helpless situations have discovered their only hope in God. Romans 15:13 describes Him as the "God of hope." Apart from God, there is no hope. That's why the psalmist wrote, "Hope...in God" ( Ps. 42:5, 11; 43:5 ). Don't look for hope in government, in the judicial system, in education, in money, in military strength, or in any of man's solutions. You won't find it.

In 1982, I was asked to preach my dear mother's funeral service. My mother had been a godly woman who served the Lord at my father's side for many years. As I pondered her life and asked the Lord what I should preach, He directed me to 1 Corinthians 13, the great love chapter. I was especially drawn to verse 13--"And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three, but the greatest of these is charity" ( emphasis added ).

I concluded my message by saying, "It was faith that gave Mother courage, it was hope that gave Mother confidence, and it was love that made Mother complete." Events like burying three of her children could have caused her to conclude that life was hopeless. But her confidence didn't rest in the unpredictable circumstances of life; it rested in her God. Therefore, she was able to face the future confidently for more than 81 years. She was an inspiration to all of us.

DISCUSSION: As a family, talk about seemingly hopeless difficulties you may face. Reaffirm your confidence in God as you face the future.

Our Family Time With God

Sept. 27, 2009

GREAT CONCENTRATION

ON FACING THE FUTURE

Scripture Reading--Acts 2:46-47

" And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking

bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness

of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people. And

the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved"

( emphasis added )

He who aims at nothing will certainly hit it! Many challenges in life require great concentration. That's especially true in the sports world--hitting a golf ball straight down the middle of the fairway, shooting a jump shot into the basket at 20 feet, kicking a field goal through the uprights at 35 yards.

A colony of ants lived in a golf course sand trap. A golfer hit a ball into the trap. When he tried to hit the ball out of the sand, he missed several tries and destroyed many ants in the process. One ant said to another, "If we're going to get out of here alive, we better get on the ball!" That fellow didn't know much about concentration.

Concentration requires intense focus. The early church had that kind of focus and did everything with "singleness of heart" ( v. 46 ). Christian families need that kind of focus to face the future's uncertainties.

Peter lost his concentration. In Matthew 14, we read that Jesus invited Peter to walk on the water with Him. Peter was doing great until he took his eyes off the Lord and focused on the storm. Immediately, he began to sink. "Lord, save me!" he cried. Jesus rescued him but also rebuked him for his lack of faith ( v. 31 ).

As you face future unknowns, you must maintain an intense focus on the Lord, on His Word, and on prayer. If you take your eyes off Him, your faith will falter; and you, too, will sink under the "waves" that threaten to wash over you.

APPLICATION: What potential "storms" do you anticipate facing in your future? How can you prepare so you will not lose your concentration? What can you do to maintain your focus?

--Jack Palmer--

Our Family Time With God

Sept. 26, 2009

FACING THE FUTURE

WITH GREAT CONVICTION

Scripture Reading--2 Timothy 1:12

"For the which cause I also suffer these things:

nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed,

and am persuaded that he is able

to keep that which I have committed

unto him against that day"

( emphasis added ).

The apostle Paul faced an uncertain future. He was a prisoner of Rome because he had faithfully preached the Gospel ( 2 Tim. 1:8 ). He had suffered much for the sake of Christ, and apparently death was inevitable. In Acts 20:22-24, he spoke confidently about his future, knowing that in human terms the worst awaited him. "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy" ( v. 24a ). How could he, not knowing what was ahead of him, be so courageous? He was a man of great conviction.

Sure of his salvation, he knew God had called him to preach the Gospel. He knew he was in the center of God's will. He knew that no matter what happened to him, God was in control. He knew nothing could touch him without God's permission. He knew he was on his way to heaven when he died, and he based everything on his convictions.

Conviction is what we believe based on God's Word. A conviction is something we are willing to live or to die for. It's knowing what we believe and why we believe it. When we believe right, we will live right. Convictions are the anchor of our souls against the storms of life. Someone once said, "He who stands for nothing will usually fall for anything."

Preferences change, but convictions don't. Patrick Henry said, "Give me liberty or give me death." When you have the kind of conviction he had, you can face the future victoriously. Build strong convictions because everything in your life will stand upon them.

ACTION POINT: Talk together about your family convictions. Be sure you are basing them

on Scripture.

--Jack Palmer--

Our Family Time With God

Sept. 25, 2009

FACING THE FUTURE

DEMANDS GREAT COMMITMENT

Scripture Reading--Colossians 3:23-24

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto

men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance:

for ye serve the Lord Christ" ( emphasis added ).

One of the most important qualities of a Christian is commitment. Commitment is the measure of our determination. It's our refusal to be distracted, discouraged, or defeated. It's knowing that everything I do must be done "heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men" ( Col. 3:23 ). But many of God's people seem to know little or nothing about real commitment.

In the spring of 1821, when the city of Indianapolis, Indiana, was in its infancy, Jeremiah Johnson fell in love with a local maiden named Rachel Reagin. Since there was no legal organization in the city, Jeremiah realized that a trip of 60 miles to Connersville, Indiana, was necessary to secure a marriage license. His father couldn't spare him a horse from the plow team, but so great was Jeremiah's love for Rachel that he traveled 120 miles round-trip through the unbroken wilderness barefoot.

Poor Jeremiah's delays weren't over. He waited six more weeks for a minister to arrive in Indianapolis to perform the city's first wedding. In his countrified English, he related, "I determined from the moment I seed her, to have her, or to die a-trying!" Isn't it amazing the sacrifice someone will make for the sake of love? Jeremiah's English might not have been the best, but he sure knew something about commitment.

Commitment is the test of true love, whether commitment to God, to His Word, to godly living, to your marriage, to your family, to your church, to your witness, or to just plain faithfulness. Sure, the future is uncertain, but commitment can carry you forward with confidence, knowing you are following the course God has planned for you. A lack of commitment results in insecurity. As you face the future, be committed!

APPLICATION: Discuss your family's commitment to God, to His Word, and to each other.

--Jack Palmer--

Our Family Time With God

Sept. 24, 2009

FACING THE FUTURE

REQUIRES GREAT COURAGE

Scripture Reading--James 4:13-15

One thing we cannot do is stop the hands of time. Time continually moves forward. Do you ever wish you could freeze time right where it is? Have you ever wished to capture a special event so you could hold on to it? That's why people take pictures and make home videos. We don't want certain events or experiences to get away from us. We'd rather mot move on to the uncertainties of tomorrow.

The fact is, there's a future we all must face. For some, the future may be longer than others. When facing the future, we must be mindful of the will of God.

Facing the future requires great courage. The future can be overwhelming and frightening because we don't know what's out there. But where do we find the courage? In Isaiah 41:10, we read, "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Within this wonderful verse, God lists three blessings we can claim when we need courage.

1. The Presence of God.

2. The Person of God.

3. The Promise of God.

"Fear thou not" is a command based on the fact that God is with us "for I am with thee." "Be not dismayed" means don't become discouraged at the prospect of trouble. The reason? "For I am thy God." When God is personally involved in our future, we know our future is in the best of hands. God promises to give us strength and to help us as He holds us up with His strong right hand. Nothing is so big that God cannot carry it. When we claim His presence, His person, and His promises, we find all the courage we need to face anything the future brings our way.

DISCUSSION: From today's Scripture reading, what is the most valuable lesson you've learned about the future? Share your thoughts with each other.

Personal

Sept. 23, 2009

PSALM 23

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."

This is a Psalm I believe everyone is very familiar with. I would like to share a personal message that God gave me through this Psalm while at teen camp two years ago....

Ps. 23:1 -- He "IS" my Saviour, I shall have no need.

Ps. 23:2 -- He "IS" my Supplier and my Succourer, I shall have rest and refreshment for my

soul.

Ps. 23:3 -- He "IS" my Forgiveness and the one whom I Follow....for His namesake and my

redemption.

Ps. 23:4 -- He "IS" my Life, my Chastisement, and my Comforter.

Ps. 23:5 -- He "IS" my Provider, my Protector and mine Anointer, my Cup-filler and I shall

have more than enough.

Ps. 23:6 -- He "IS" the one Following me to the place He has prepared, and I shall live

forever with Him.

PAY CLOSE ATTENTION: The "omnipresence" of God (God is present everywhere at once all the time )........the same "Shepherd" leading me in vs. 2 is that "Goodness" and "Mercy" following me in v. 6. Also v. 6 also indicates that David had no doubt...( Surely ) that his God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, would always be with him.....Amen!

Our Family Time with God

Sept. 22, 2009

TIME TO WISE UP!

Scripture Reading--Proverbs 2:4

"If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her

as for hid treasures."

Treasure hunters have my full admiration. They trek through jungles unlocking the secrets of ancient maps, searching for sunken treasure, and unearthing past civilizations one grain of sand at a time. I think it's clearly evident that all of us have some treasure hunting naturally built into us. We all like to find money on the sidewalk, and we all enjoy finding a good deal at our favorite store. Many of us hunt for houses, cars, jobs, and freebies regularly. Of course, everyone takes his treasure-hunting hobby to varying levels; but let's face it: all of us enjoy treasure hunting to some degree.

Every day people look for that long-forgotten heirloom or search for a one-of-a-kind trinket from an out-of-the-way antique shop. Some treasures are found in obvious places like attics or safety deposit boxes. But some people find surprises hidden between walls, tucked in secret compartments, or buried under 100 year-old trees. You never know where you'll find treasure!

To be successful treasure hunters, we must possess certain qualities. We must have unusual stamina, plenty of perspiration, and unbridled enthusiasm. The art of treasure hunting has little to do with luck but everything to do with preparation and patience.

The same is for spiritual treasure. If we want spiritual maturity, we must search "...for her as for hid treasure..." ( Prov. 2:4 ). We must take the time to hunt for those truths that make our lives "...approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed..." ( 2 Tim. 2:15 ). The heavenly treasure of wisdom is just a shovel away from the one who earnestly searches for it. Are you looking for heavenly treasure? Are you studying the Bible? Some men are fortunate enough to find gold, but God said that all who search diligently can find wisdom. Hurry up! There's enough treasure for you, too!

GO TO THE WORD: Read Proverbs 2 and discover the spiritual treasure it contains for you.

--Jeff Kahl--

Sept. 21, 2009

WITNESSING THROUGH PRAISE

Scripture Reading--Proverbs 27:1

"Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not

what a day may bring forty" ( emphasis added ).

Also read Matthew 6:25-34.

There's a lot about the future we cannot know, but we do know that the future is unpredictable. We may not know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future. If God knows the future and if we're trusting Him, we can face tomorrow courageously. Missionary William Carey correctly said, "The future is as bright as the promises of God." If we can count on anything, we can count on God's promises. They will not fail us! My sister-in-law used to say, "The future is looking gloriously dark." remember, life has to get worse before it gets better; and for Christians, the best is yet to come.

In Matthew 6:25-34, in His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addressed worry. Many things people worry about spring from uncertainties about the future. When Jesus says, "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself: ( v. 34a ), He doesn't imply that we shouldn't think seriously about important matters. He simply tells us not to be overcome by worry or anxiety about the future. We cannot change anything about tomorrow by worrying about it, but worrying will change us.

If God takes care of birds ( v. 26 ) and flowers ( v. 28 ), surely He will take care of us. Food and clothing, the material things of life, are what the unsaved are concerned about. As Christians, we must look beyond the temporal and focus on the eternal through out relationship with God. If we concentrate on kingdom issues and on living godly lives, God will take care of our needs ( v. 33 ). Our future is secure because we're secure in Him.

MEDITATION: As you consider your future as a Christian family, what concerns could worry you? What can you do to prevent anxiety about those concerns?

Our Family Time With God

Sept. 20, 2009

WHOLEHEARTED PRAISE

Scripture Reading--Psalm 9:1a

"I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart."

Praise calls for full concentration of all our faculties. David determined to praise the Lord with his whole heart.

Acceptable praise is more than just mouthing words. True praise comes from the depths of our souls. It's something that involves our entire being, our whole heart. Halfheartedness has no place int eh Christian life. Ecclesiastes says, "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do , do it with they might..." ( 9:10a ). In other words, when we do something, we should put all of our energies in it. We should be enthusiastic! If our faces look like a reprint of the Book of Lamentations, we need a face lift. Going through the motions isn't enough. We need to put our strength, mind, and soul into it. We should praise the Lord with our whole heart.

The Bible says much about the heart of man. It describes a hard heart, a fainting heart, a stirred heart, a merry heart, a trembling heart, a tender heart, and a perfect heart. Our heart is the seat of our affections. "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" ( Matt. 6:21 ). We become preoccupied with things that are valuable to us and invest in them. We meditate about concerns that are important to us. Whatever we treasure is precious to us.

Worship is good because it interrupts our preoccupation with self! God desires full-blown praise from the depths of our souls.

Songs and hymns of praise are joyful celebrations of God's goodness. Fanny Crosby wrote the following hymn of praise:

Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!

Sing, O earth, His wonderful love proclaim!

Hail Him! Hail Him! highest archangels in glory;

Strength and honor give to His holy name!

Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard His children,

In His arms He carries them all day long.

Song Time: Sing this great hymn of praise to the Lord with all your heart.

--Harold Vaughan--

Our Family Time With God

Sept. 19, 2009

Praising:

The Secret of Victory

Scripture Reading--Acts 16:20-34

Paul and Silas were severely beaten and cast in prison for preaching the Gospel. How did they respond? "And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them" ( Acts 16:25 ). Amazing, isn't it? Rather than complaining, they were praising the Lord in jail!

The secret of victory is not praying but praising. Those who praise are people who believe God. They look beyond what they can see on a human level and look to the divine level. Circumstances may be difficult in the short run, but praising can lift us out of our pit. God sent an earthquake and opened the prison doors for Paul and Silas. The bands holding them were loosed. The prison keeper and his entire household came to the Lord that night.

Paul and Silas knew God had their situation under control. Second Peter 1:3 says God "...according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue." That means God has already provided everything we need in this life. There are no accidents in the Christian journey. Praise is never out of season! In fact, praising is the way God has designed for us to confront difficulties. When we praise the Lord in adversity, we demonstrate that we actively believe God. Perhaps we know that powerful little chorus:

It's amazing what praising can do, Hallelujah, Hallelujah.

It's amazing what praising can do, Hallelujah!

I don't worry when things go wrong; Jesus fills my heart with a song.

It's amazing what praising can do, Hallelujah!

The key to triumphant living is learning to live a lie of praise. Don't underestimate this valuable resource. Psalm 7:17 says, "I will praise the Lord according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the Lord most high."

Song Time: Sing a couple of your favorite choruses or songs of praise.

--Harold Vaughan--

Our Family Time With God

Sept. 18, 2009

Praise Therapy

Scripture Reading--Psalm 150:1-6

Those with physical injuries need physical therapy. Those who have other problems are sometimes treated with "color therapy" or "aromatherapy." But God's Word offers another kind of therapy--praise therapy.

Because God made us, we owe our existence to Him. We should praise the Lord because Hes is worthy of our praise; He is God! One of the Puritans said, "In prayer we sound like men, but in praise we sound like angels." The entire angelic host is continually praising the Lamb in the midst of the throne. Praise is the language of heaven.

Praise is not so much therapy as it is our obligation and privilege. Appropriate praise, however, brings great benefits. Praise is for God, but it brings great blessing to our hearts. Sometimes we need to put on "the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness" ( Isa. 61:3 ). When we feel down in the dumps, we should rehearse and praise the Lord for His goodness, mercy, holiness, love, longsuffering, and kindness. We should express our appreciation to the Lord in verbal praise. We will find that praise not only exalts God but also elevates the praiser.

We should praise God every time we feel like it. Other times, we should praise God until we do feel like it. We shouldn't let our emotions control us. Character means we do right whether we feel like it or not. We should do right because it is right until doing right becomes a natural part of our lives. As we do our duty, our feelings will eventually catch up. "Every thing that hath breath [ should ] praise the Lord" ( Ps. 150:6 )--and that includes you and me!

Application: According to Psalm 150, for how many things should we praise the Lord? Do you remember which instruments this psalm said should be used in praise?

--Harold Vaughan--

Our Family Time With God

Sept. 17, 2009

Praise Is The Proper Response To God

Scripture Reading--Psalm 9:1-2

The word praise literally means "to hold out the hand." Praise is bestowing approval and worship upon a superior being. David said, "I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High." ( Ps. 9:2b ).

Isaiah saw the Lord "high and lifted up" ( Isa. 6:1 ). Daniel Said the "most High" ruleth in the kingdom of men" ( Dan. 4:17, 25, 32; emphases added ). Hebrews tells us the Melchisedec was "priest of the most high God." ( 7:1, emphasis added ). Isaiah refers to God as the "high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity ( Isa. 57:15, emphasis added ). Before we have a proper response to God, we must first have a proper view of God. Praise is the result of seeing God in His exalted position as the Most High.

The Old Testament priests had a regulated procedure for approaching the Lord in the tabernacle. Under the old covenant, God was meticulous about how His priests came before Him. He spent seven chapters ( 243 verses ) detailing His prescribed worship in the tabernacle but described the creation of the universe in only 31 verses. Approaching Almighty God isn't a light matter. It's a time for recognition, respect, and reverence.

"And he appointed certain of the Levites to ...praise the Lord God Israel" ( 1 Chron. 16:4, emphasis added ). These men were dedicated to one thing--singing praise to the Lord. They were to boast about God in joyful song.

Praise is boasting about Jesus. It's giving God the glory due unto His name. The natural outflow of viewing God properly is unbridled praise. We have many reasons to praise the Lord.--because He commands us to , because He answers prayer, because He does so may good things for us. But the main reason is because of who He is! The Most High God deserves our highest praise; and when we see Him in His elevated position, our proper response is praise.

PRAISE THE LORD: Sing a song that expresses praise to God.

--Harold Vaughan--

Our Family Time With God

Sept. 16, 2009

It Gets Better Up Higher!

Psalm 121:1, 2

" I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth."

Two ladies went to church visitation, one of whom was wealthy. Robed in furs, she drove a luxury car and had the best of everything. Assigned to visit a poor part of town, she and her partner pulled in the parking lot of a run-down apartment building on the wrong side of the tracks. The grass hadn't been cut, and the shrubs hadn't been trimmed. Broken toys littered the ground, and graffiti covered the building.

The wealthy woman was horrified by the terrible living conditions. She said to her visitation partner, "How can anyone live in a place like this?"

The partner had previously visited the lady who lived in a third-floor apartment. She said to the wealthy woman, "It gets better up higher."

Getting out of the car, they approached the steps. The sidewalks were dirty, and trash lay everywhere. Appalled, the wealthy woman said, " How can anyone live in a place like this."

Again, her partner replied, "It gets better up higher."

They climbed steps to the third floor. The handrail was falling off, and filth covered the stairwell. Disgusted, the wealthy woman repeated, "How can anyone stand to live in a place like this?"

Her partner said, "It gets better up higher."

When they knocked on the door, a little, old lady let them in. The apartment was dark, dingy, and dirty. When they sat down, the old lady thanked them for coming and talked about how good Gd is and about how beautiful heaven is going to be.

The wealthy woman didn't hear a word she said; all she thought about were the terrible living conditions of this dear, old saint. Shocked and dismayed, she couldn't hold her revulsion in any longer. She blurred out, "How can you stand to live in a place like this?"

The old woman replied. "It gets better up higher!"

Rejoice: Heaven is a glorious place filled with praise to the Lamb of God. ( 1 Cor. 2:9 )

--Harold Vaughan--

Our Family Time With God

Sept. 15, 2009

God's Home Address

Scripture Reading--Psalm 22:3

"But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel."

Businesses need our home address to deliver items we order online. Visitors need to know our home location when we invite them over for dinner. Our home is where we live; its our abiding place.

Praise is God's home address. David said God "inhabits the praise of Israel." That means God dwells in praise. In heaven, there is an unceasing stream of praise to the Lamb in the midst of the throne. Praise is God's home element. It's the atmosphere in which God resides.

Why do Christians sing? One reason we sing is because God is attracted to praise. To put it another way, God shows up and dwells in the midst of praise. He inhabits praise. God's presence is precious, and we can entertain Him as our guest anytime we choose to praise Him!

The Book of Revelation refers to Jesus as the Lamb at least 27 times. The elders fall down before the Lamb and sing, "Worthy is the Lamb." The saints are made white by the blood of the Lamb. Redeemed sinners and the heavenly hosts give blessing, honor, and glory to the Lamb. Throughout the entire book, we find reference upon reference concerning praise directed to the Lamb of God. Praise is the language of heaven. In heaven, they worship the Lamb, and we should do the same on earth! A countless multitude of God's people will be praising Him throughout all eternity. Praise is where God lives both now and in eternity. You can get ready for heaven by praising God here on earth!

A. W. Tozer, said, "God dwells in the heart where praise it." The Lord inhabits praise wherever He finds it. What is heaven's dress code? Scripture says to put on "...the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." ( Isa. 61:3 ). Whenever we feel like God is far away, we should start praising the Lord from our hearts. We will find that He inhabits praise.

Do This Now: See how many references t the "Lamb" you can find in Revelation.

--Harold Vaughan--

Our Family Time With God

Sept. 14, 2009

Back To The Woodshed

Scripture Reading

Proverbs 22:15--"Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child;

but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him."

Proverbs 23:13-14--"Withhold not correction from the child:

for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.

Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell."

Boys and girls dread hearing one quote. It's the statement a loving dad makes just before he delivers a good spanking to a child who has done wrong. The statement goes something like this: "This is going to hurt me far more than it's going to hurt you." Most children find that statement hard to believe and are inclined to think that if Dad would just forget the whole idea of punishment, he wouldn't get hurt.

That statement is hard to comprehend, I know, until you become a father. Suddenly, you realize that disciplining a child is painful. A truly godly parent will discipline not out of pleasure but out of love. Motivated by love, that parent is willing, if necessary, to bring pain for the purpose of change in the child's life.

Back in the good old days, people commonly talked about going to the woodshed. When they did so, they referred to a time of discipline, punishment, and correction. Maybe that's part of the problem in America. Because of electricity and oil furnaces, most homes no longer have a woodshed. More seriously, most homes no longer have the proper form of loving discipline to make wrongs right.

A wise parent recognizes the responsibility God has given him to correct his children. On the other hand, children must acknowledge God's plan and purpose in discipline--to keep them from growing up loving to do wrong. Discipline isn't easy for a parent or a child, but the results typically prove that when parents administer it properly, it will be for the better.

Application: Take time to read Hebrews 12:5-11. Note the benefits of chastisement when the recipient handles it properly.

--Tom Palmer--

Our Family Time With God

Sept. 13, 2009

Don't Say "NO" To Rules

Proverbs 1:8--"My son, hear the instruction of thy father,

and forsake not the law of thy mother."

Proverbs 3:1-2--"My son, forget not my law;

but let thine heart keep my commandments:

For length of days, and long life, and peace,

shall they add to thee."

Several years ago, I clipped a newspaper article with the headline "Teen study: Rules lower use of drugs." This Associated Press article said the following in several interesting quotes: "Parents who impose strict rules on their teenagers have a better chance of raising drug-free children, but most set few guidelines or none at all." "The study [ done by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse ] shows that teenagers who live in highly structured households are at a low risk of abusing drugs."

One of the great heartbreaks of modern society is when teens abuse drugs. Teens are ruining their lives because they have adopted an out-of-control lifestyle that supposedly liberates them to do as they wish. But the Bible is clear that rules ( or "laws" as Proverbs says ) help eliminate trouble for young people. Rules produce a system of controls. This system protects lives from destructive tendencies that seek to control.

Children and teenagers have a tendency to resist when parents establish and enforce rules. The Bible clearly says, however, that by following rules, young people have the promise not only of a longer life but also a peaceful life. Rules are not designed to hurt, harm, or hinder, but rather to help. Young people who understand the importance of rules will enjoy much freedom in growing up to be all that God desires.

God knew what He was talking about when He allowed parents to establish rules. Young person, as you grow older, you will have to make the choice to say "no" to drugs; but never allow yourself to be guilty of saying "no" to rules.

Action Point: Discuss what life would be like if you could drive a car for 24 hours without any stop signs.

--Tom Palmer--

Our Family Time With God

Sept. 12, 2009

Rules For Raising Parents--

Part 2

Scripture Reading--Proverbs 15:20

"A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother."

Here are two more rules for children to follow when they respond to their parents.

3. Honor them. When we honor someone, we place value upon him. Children may honor their parents in several ways. First, they must never allow conflicts to go unresolved. Few things can do more to strengthen relationships than the words, "I was wrong. I'm sorry. Please forgive me." Rather than allowing offenses to build up, children can quickly resolve them and strengthen relationships. Second, it's a blessing for children to go to their parents for counsel. Children reach a point when they no longer directly obey their parents because God has given them a home of their own. Yet parents remain a wonderful God-given source of counsel based on their own experience and on their walk with God.

4. Appreciate them. A spirit of gratitude has a wonderful way of making home a pleasant place. Children should learn to appreciate all Mom and Dad do for them. A fine meal, clean clothes, laundered sheets, and a packed lunch are blessings they must not take for granted. Older children must learn to appreciate things like tuition payments and the use of the car. Once we are ungrateful, it doesn't take long before we begin to take things for granted. We will treat carelessly anything we take for granted. Unfortunately, children often assume they deserve all they get. They may even become upset or mad if the meal is different or the car is unavailable. How foolish! Children should let their parents know they are appreciated. Gratefulness on their part will make parents increasingly grateful for their children. Colossians 3:15 says, "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts...and be ye thankful."

Assignment: Choose a special way to say "thanks" to Mom and Dad. ( This works for grownups, too. ) A note, a gift, or even a hug will work just fine.

--Tom Palmer--

Our Family Time With God

Sept. 11, 2009

Rules For Raising Parents

Scripture Reading--Proverbs 17:6

" Children's children are the crown of old men;

and the glory of children

are their fathers."

Here are two good rules children should follow to treat their parents well:

1. Love them. Years ago, I was driving home late at night from a preaching engagement. It was necessary for me to travel through a town where my parents were attending a week of meetings. I knew the motel where they were staying and pulled into the parking lot. Not knowing their room number, I drove around until I found their van. Their room was dark, so I knew they had already gone to bed. Parking, I wrote a note that said, "I am thankful for you, and I love you." After signing my name, I placed the note under one f their van's windshield wipers. I hope I never get so big that I stop telling my parents I love them. Sure I love them, but I want them to know it. Whether the end of a phone call, a birthday card, or just a "good night" when we stay with them, I plan to keep saying "I love you."

2. Obey them. "Obedience is doing exactly what I am told, when I am told to do it, with a right heart attitude." I learned that definition years ago, and I've never forgotten it. As I've grown older, I've continued to learn that partial obedience, postponed obedience, and pouting obedience are all disobedience. The first people a child learns to obey are his parents. This fact is crucial because he will be submitting in obedience to God-given authorities for the rest of his life. If he learns obedience at home, life will be much easier on the job, at school, or with the team. Parents aren't interested in other opinions or options; they simply desire obedience. Obedience is the key that opens every door of opportunity in life.

Our Family Time With God

Sept. 10, 2009

Don't Get Picked Apart!

Scripture Reading--Proverbs 30:17

" The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother,

the ravens of the valley shall pick it out,

and the young eagles shall eat it. "

A friend of mine was hunting deer in Indiana and had harvested a deer. Because he was a significant distance from home, he dragged the deer to the hedgerow and walk home to get a four-wheeler so he could bring the deer home. Later, while returning to the hedgerow, he saw several buzzards fly away from the area near the deer.

Approaching the deer carcass, he noticed that in the short time he was gone the buzzards had picked one of the deer's eyeballs out of its socket. Interestingly, Proverbs uses a similarly grotesque picture to describe what can happen to a child who jokes about obeying his parents.

Big, old, black buzzards are smart. As scavengers, they feed on dead animals; however, they must confirm that the animal is dead before they can feed on it. It wouldn't be good to try to enjoy some venison steak from a deer that's just taking a nap! As the birds approach the carcass, they got to the head and pick at the animal's eyeball with the sharp point of their beaks. The eyeball is sensitive. If the animal is still alive, he will respond immediately. No response, of course, indicates that the animal is dead.

The writer of Proverbs presents a graphic and unpleasant picture of what can result for children who don't properly respond to their parents. How sad to see a young person miss out on much of God's blessing in life because he refused to cooperate with his mom and dad. Ephesians 6:1 says that children should obey their parents "in the Lord: for this is right."

Assignment: See if you can recall Bible stories of young people who died prematurely because they rebelled against their parents. ( Hint: Look in 1 Samuel 2 and 2 Samuel 18. )

--Tom Palmer--

Our Family Time With God

Sept. 9, 2009

The First Commandment With Promise

Scripture Reading----Exodus 20:12

" Honour thy father and thy mother:

that thy days may be long upon the land

which the LORD thy God giveth thee."

The first four of the Ten Commandments deal with our relationship with God. God knew that His people needed to keep Him first in every dimension of their lives. Commandment number five is significant because it focuses on the most important of all human relationships. The relationship someone has with his parents is such a high priority that it's second only to his relationship with God.

This commandment is so important that God backs it up with the promise of a life lived longer and better than that of one who dishonors his parents. It is important to remember that we aren't just talking about number of years here. God isn't just talking about adding years to your life but adding fullness of life to the years you live.

Why is this relationship with parents so important for a child? God places parents in children's lives to teach them how to get along with God. Where does a child first learn the difference between right and wrong? Where does a child first learn that he will receive rewards for doing right and consequences for doing wrong? Where does a child first learn ow to obey? Is it not at home under the training of parents who know God and want their child to do the same? A child who cannot get long with his parents will have a difficult time gettng along with God. To be even more blunt, a child who is not right with his parents will find it impossible to be right with God.

God did not make a mistake when He gave children their parents. No, in so doing, He was preparing them for a life of blessing that would come from knowing Hi. Parents are God's special blessings to children.

Bible Reading: Read Ephesians 6:2, 3. Discuss some ways life will "be well" for children who honor their parents.

--Tom Palmer--

Our Family Time With God

Sept. 8, 2009

When A Child Won't Obey

Scripture Reading -- Deuteronomy 21:18-21

We are in great danger when we treat anything God takes seriously in a casual manner. That's why we must consider our passage from Deuteronomy with much concern. God presented to His people a plan for dealing with a son who was stubborn, rebellious, and disobedient.

The keyphrase is found in verse 18b--"...when they have chastened him, [ he ] will not hearken unto them." God never commanded His people to stone a child who just disobeyed. Rather this punishment was reserved for a child who refused to change after he was properly disciplined.

We might assume that these child-stoning events were a regular accasion. I highly doubt it! In fact, I believe these events rarely occurred. In verse 21b, we read, "...and al Israel shall hear, and fear." In Proverbs 16:6b, we read, "...by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil." The stoning of a rebel was God's way of letting children know that He would not tolerate a rebellious attitude toward parents. If and when a child was put to death, his death served notice to all the children in the land that God would deal harshly with them if they didn't change.

Can you imagine this discussion among a group of teens? "What happened to him?" "Where is he?" " I think he was having a hard time getting along with his parents." "Probably a bad attitude." "Did you hear what they did? They stoned him." Something tells me that every teen listening would have gotten the message and would have been more serious about having a right attitude toward his parents.

Attitude is everything. If God suddenly required tat we enforce this Old Testament Jewish law in our church youth groups, I wonder if we would find any empty chairs in teen Sunday school this week. Closer to home, I wonder if we would have any empty bedrooms in our houses. God doesn't look lightly on rebellion, and neither should we.

Discussion: As a family, describe some ways you would identify an attitude of rebellion.

--Tom Palmer--

Our Family Time With God

Sept. 7, 2009

The Bible--Let's Meditate Upon It

A promise in the Scriptures is attached to a project. If you apply this project to your life, you will reach your full potential in whatever you do. If you will practice this project, God will give you success.

I found out about this principle in college. I was extremely busy. I was on the wrestling team, I worked a job, and I was president of my class. Plus I was involved in other extracurricular activities. My grades were suffering.

I heard about this project and learned that if I made it a priority, my grades would go up. Plus God would bless in every area of my life.

I decided to dedicate one hour each day to this project. Prime time. As a result, God blessed every area of my life, including my grades. I discovered I could concentrate better. My listening skills improved! I didn't needto read my notes over and over again before tests, God blessed!

What was this project? "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success" ( Josh. 1:8 ).

Meditation of the Word!

The Project:

1. Memorize it. Every word! Quotable! Chapter at a time. Books at a time.

2. Visualize it. Climb inside each verse and properly interpret it. Look up the meaning

of each word. Understand the context, grammar, history, and culture.

3. Apply it. Make it your own. Put your name in the verse. "For God so loved

___________, that he gave his only begotten Son...." ( John 3:16a ).

4. Worship with it. Pray it and sing it back to God. Many of the Psalms reflect David's

internalizing the Word, praying it, and singing it back to God.

Assignment: Pick a passage of Scripture for you meditation. Set aside time tomorrow to do

your project.

--Craig M. Scott--

Our Family Time With God

Sept. 6, 2009

The Bible--Let's Study It!

A famous medical professor told his class, "Students, have something very important to teach you today. I would like to teach you the importance of observation. Noticing details. Watching carefully. Seeing the little things."

He continued, "I would like to begin class with a simple illustration. In my left hand, I have a bowl filled with a liquid. The liquid looks harmless, but believe me--it is very powerful. It has very powerful bacteria in it. I the liquid gets in a cut or in a sore on your tongue, it will make you horribly sick for about three days."

He then taught his class the importance of looking at everything very carefully. At the conclusion of class, he returned to the bowl filled with the liquid containing the powerful bacteria.

"Now class, I want you to do what I do." He stuck his finger into the liquid and put is finger into his mouth. The class groaned!

He passed the bowl around, and everyone followed his example. He concluded, "Now here is the lesson. If you had been observing me properly, you would have seen me put my index finger into the bowl but put my pinky into my mouth. You all failed to observe carefully. You stuck your index finger into the bowl and then put it in your mouth.

"I have an announcement. Class will be canceled for the next three days. None of you will be able to get out of bed."

Observation! Noticing the small things. Seeing things as they really are. Seeing all the truth.

When we study the Bible, we notice every the and and. God inspired every little word. We notice who is speaking and to whom it is speaking. We notice the big words and the little words. Why? Every word is God-breathed. Second Peter 1:21b says, "...holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."

Bible Reading: Read these verses together aloud--Matthew 5:18; 2 Timothy 2:15.

--Craig M. Scott--

How to Have a Personal Relationship with Christ

Romans 5:12...The reason we were born sinners.

Romans 3:10...All are sinners.

Romans 2:23...All have fallen short.

Romans 6:23a...Wages of sin is DEATH.

Romans 5:8...while we were sinners God loved us anyway.

Romans 6:23b...the greatest gift ( it's free ) we can receive.

Romans 10:9, 10, 13...confess...believe....thous shalt be saved. ( no if's and's or but's )

John 3:16...includes every living human being on the face of
the earth.

Our Family Time With God

Sept. 5, 2009

The Bible--Difficult To Understand?

Sam knows Sally only from a work relationship. Sally is getting married as soon as her fianc'e, Cecil, gets back from Iraq. Listen to their conversation during a lunch break.

"So you got a letter, huh?" Sam asks.

"Yes!" Sally replies.

"Who wrote it?"

"My fianc'e, Cecil! The one who loves me. The one with whom I'll spend the rest of my life."

"Oh really!"

"Yeeeeessss!"

"May I read it?"

"Of course! Here."

Sam reads, "Dear Sally, I'm here in Iraq and thought I'd take a couple minutes to write. Been thinking about you a lot. How are things going for you? Hope to return in a couple months. Love, Cecil."

Sam thinks, Just a letter. How boring! He returns the letter to Sally, who goes off by herself and slowly reads it again.

She reads, "Dear Sally ( Oh my! He called me "dear." I'm dear to him.), I'm here in Iraq...Been thinking about you a lot ( Oh, how sweet! He's been thinking about me A LOT. He must really love me!) How are things going for you? ( Oh, how sweet! He really cares about my life.)

What was the difference between the two readers of this love letter? The difference is that Sally has a personal relationship with the author! This story illustrates the way some people approach the Bible. One man says, "Oh, how boring! You mean to tell me that you read that book every day?" The second man replies, "So it's boring, huh? Did you know that God's Word is His love letter to His family? That's what you get for reading someone else's mail!"

God's Word is God's love letter to His family! In order to appreciate and comprehend it, one must have a personal relationship with the Author!

Read and Discuss: John 16:12-15; 1 Corinthians 2:9-14

--Craig M. Scott--

Our Family Time With God

Sept. 4, 2009

The Bible Is Unique In Its Power

Voltaire, an ungodly 18th century philosopher, said that it took hundreds of years to build up Christianity but that he, one Frenchman, could destroy it in only 50 years. Taking his pen, he dipped it int the ink of unbelief and wrote against God and the Bible.

Twenty years after his death, the Geneva Bible Society bought his house and use it for Bible printing. The house later became the Paris headquarters of the British and Foreign Bible Society.

Hey, guess what? The Bible is still the bestseller. In contrast, an entire sixteen volume set of Voltaire's works was once sold for 90 cents. Just before he died, this noted atheist said, " I wish I had never been born!"

The Bible is powerful. Listen to what it says about itself:

A Devouring Fire: " ...I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them. " Jer. 5:14b

A Fire and Hammer: "Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?" Jer. 23:29

A Saving Force: "...It [ God's Word ] is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" Rom. 1:16b

A Defensive Weapon: "...The sword of the Spirit...is the word of God" Eph. 6:17b

A Two-Edged Sword: "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword" Heb. 4:12a

A Purifier of Life: "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word" Ps. 119:9. "Now ye are clean through the word" John 15:3a. "Santify them through thy truth: thy word is truth" John 17:17. "Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit" 1 Pet. 1:22a

If the Bible is so powerful, are you memorizing it? Are you reading it daily? Have you ever decided to put yourself under its authority?

Prayer Time: Praise the Lord for our God-breathed Book!

--Craig M. Scott--

Our Family Time with God

Sept. 3, 2009

The Bible Is Unique

Sitting in an airport in London, England, E struck up a conversation with a well-dressed man, hoping to witness to him about Jesus. He seemed intelligent and had a lot of religious knowledge. After talking with him for a while, I learned that he was a religion professor in a well-known university. I also discovered that he had neither a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through the new birth nor a belief that the Bible was the Word of God.

This man's arrogant attitude bothered me. He was the kind of man who would have delighted in destroying a young believer's confidence in the Word of God.

We debated whether the Bible is God's Word and whether it has errors or contradictions. I mentioned to him that the Bible is a library of 66 books, written by more than 35 authors in a period of approximately 1,500 years on three continents. The authors of the Bible came from a cross-section of humanity: educated, uneducated, kings, fishermen, public officials, farmers, teachers, and physicians. The Bible covers several subjects: religion, history, law, science, poetry, drama, biography, and prophecy. Its various parts are as harmoniously united as the parts that make up the human body.

For 35 men from such different backgrounds to write on so many subjects over a period of approximately 1,500 years--and agree perfectly--is mathematically impossible. It's a miracle. It simply couldn't happen.

So how do we explain the Bible? Second Peter 1:21 says, " For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. "

"Well, we all know that there are hundreds of contradictions in the Bible." the professor said.

I replied, " Sir, I will give you $1,000 if you can show me one."

I never gave him $1,000.

Assignment: Romans 15:4 says, " For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. " Read and discuss Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15, 3:16-17.

Our Family Time with God

Sept. 2, 2009

THE WORD OF GOD - FULFILLED PROPHECY

A wealthy man told me, " I only believe in three things: the American Constitution, the dollar, and myself." I mentioned to him the instability of the Constitution and the dollar and said, "Sir, you believe in yourself. What happens when you die?"

He told me he'd reincarnate and come back to live as another being. "Let me ask you a question," I said.

"Okay, ask away. "

"Sir, on what do you base that? Where are the facts? How do you know you're right?"

Looking me square in the eye, he asked, "How do you know you are right?"

"I base what I believe on the Bible, God's Word," I said. Of course, right away the conversation went to questions like "What makes you think the Bible is the Word of God?" and "Why is the Bible more reliable than any other book?"

The Old Testament is filled with dozens of prophecies about Jesus Christ that were written hundreds of years before Christ was born. What's the chance they would come true?

Let's look at only eight of those prophecies. What are the odds that they would come true exactly as the prophets said?

Let's pile 50-cent pieces six feet high over the whole planet Earth. We'll put a black dot on one of them. Now let's blindfold you and take you up in a helicopter and fly around. When you give the word, we'll drop you out. When you land, you'll have one chance to pick up that marked 50-cent piece.

You say, "No way! Not a chance! Never in a lifetime." That's my point. But hear me! Not only did eight of the prophecies concerning Jesus come true. All the prophecies did! John 17:17b says, "Thy word is truth." Believe me, we can trust God's Word.

Assignment: Written 700 years before Christ, the Book of Isaiah is full of prophecies concerning Jesus. Read Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12. You'll find several prophecies concerning Christ, all of which were fulfilled.

-Craig M. Scott-

Sept. 1 Blog Assignment Answer

2 Peter 1: 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Our Family Time with God

Sept. 1, 2009

The Bible Is The Word of God

I was beside my wife when my daughter and my three sons were born. One of the first things out of my mouth to my daughter was, "Esther, see this book." Her eyes weren't yet able to focus. "This is the Bible, God's Word. Say it, Esther! 'Bible, Word of God!' Say it! 'Bible, Word of God!'

When Andrew, Jonathan, and Aaron were born, I did the same thing. Hundreds of times. " 'Bible, Word of God! Bible, Word of God.' Say it! Say it! Say it! 'Bible, Word of God!' "

Every time I go to the hospital to see a newborn, I say the same thing. "Bible, Word of God!" "Bible, Word of God!"

Why do I say this? One reason is because the Bible claims to be the Word of God, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works" ( 2 Tim. 3:16, 17 ) .

Here are some important words to put in your vocabulary:

Inspired: This comes from a word that means "God-breathed." The Bible is the very breath of God!

Verbally Inspired: Every word of the Bible is God-breathed.

Plenary: This word means "all of it." We can't pick and choose which verses are God-breathed. Every word in the Bible is God-breathed.

Inerrant: The Bible is without error or contradiction.

Preserved: We ( I ) believe God has kept His Word secure and without error since the day it was written.

Ok, here's a test. What do we mean when we sy we believe in the verbal, plenary, inspired, inerrant, preserved Word of God?

ASSIGNMENT: Look up 2 Peter 1:21.

by: Craig M. Scott

Our Family Time with God

This Daily Devotional compiled by Harold D. Vaughan I hope will be a blessing to you as they are to our family....