Through It All

Seldom is there a secular song with a spiritual message. “Through It All” sung by Andrae Crouch was one. Just let your soul marinate in the words.

I’ve had many tears and sorrows,
I’ve had questions for tomorrow,
there’s been times I didn’t know right from wrong.
But in every situation,
God gave me blessed consolation,
that my trials come to only make me strong.
Through it all,
through it all,
I’ve learned to trust in Jesus,
I’ve learned to trust in God.
Through it all,
through it all,
I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.
I’ve been to lots of places,
I’ve seen a lot of faces,
there’s been times I felt so all alone.
But in my lonely hours,
yes, those precious lonely hours,
Jesus lets me know that I was His own
Through it all,
through it all,
I’ve learned to trust in Jesus,
I’ve learned to trust in God.
Through it all,
through it all,
I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.
I thank God for the mountains,
and I thank Him for the valleys,
I thank Him for the storms He brought me through.
For if I’d never had a problem,
I wouldn’t know God could solve them,
I’d never know what faith in God could do.”

These words seem to frame the experiences of us all put in perspective. Jesus warned in this world you will have tribulation, problems. It is not an issue of whether or not we will have problems, the issue is how we are going to respond to them. The words of this song form a template of how we should. A favorite couple of lines reveal a sustaining fact: “…in every situation, God gave me blessed consolation, that my trials come to only make me strong.”

Flex your spiritual muscles today . . . and every day.

Nathanael Bartholomew

“Philip found Nathanael and said to him, ‘We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote; Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.’ And Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’ Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, ‘Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!’ Nathanael said to Him, ‘How do You know me?’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.’ Nathanael answered and said to Him, ‘Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’ (John 1:45 – 49).

Jesus Christ called Philip to follow Him as an apostle. Immediately Philip went looking for his friend Nathanael from Bethsaida. Nathanael who was also known as Bartholomew was rude, crude, and uncivil. Such was not uncommon for people from this rural area. They were a rather primitive society.

Nathanael Bartholomew is believed to be the name of one person. Bartholomew is not a first name. It is a family name that identifies a person by his father. “Bar” means “son of.” It is used like “Van” is used by the Dutch, “Von” by Germans, “Mc” or “Mac” by Irish or Scottish folks.

Scholars agree Bartholomew means “son of Talmai.” II Samuel 3:3 mentions a Talmai who was King of Geshure. This being correct means Nathanael Bartholomew was the only apostle of noble birth.

When Philip told Nathanael he had found the one prophesied of by Moses, Nathanael blurted out his prejudice. He questioned, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” That was a more legitimate question than we might suppose.

The historian Josephus listed over 750 cities, towns, and villages in Galilee. Nazareth was so small and insignificant it wasn’t even listed. As a village, Nazareth was not only remote, but it was of little or ill repute, and Nathanael was not interested in such a place or anyone living, or coming from there. Recent excavations of the town reveal that in the time of Christ the residents were cave-dwellers. Christ was born in a cave, grew up in a cave, spent many nights in caves, and was buried in a cave.

Jesus responded to Nathanael’s barb by referring to Nathanael as a person “in whom there is no guile,” that is, no deceit or insidious cunning. He was the personification of sincerity and honesty. Nathanael was clear as day and never lowered himself to deceitful contrivances. He was man anyone could trust and therefore earned the warm greeting by Jesus.

That prompted Nathanael to ask, “How do you know me?”

Jesus said He not only knew Nathanael but He saw him when he was under the fig tree. Fig trees in the Bible land were an oasis. The limbs grew large and spread out forming a leafy canopy with a shaded place under the limbs next to the trunk. A person could crawl up under one and not be seen. Jesus was saying “When you thought no one could see you I saw you.”

Jesus revealed even greater knowledge of Nathanael. Jesus even read Nathanael’s thoughts regarding Jacob’s ladder and said, “I am that ladder.”

From this we learn of Jesus’ omnipresence and omniscience; He is all present and all knowing. He see us at all times and He knows our thoughts. That is wonderful. That means He is constantly aware of our needs.

Nathanael could have seen in this the fulfillment of Psalm 139:1, 2: “O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off.”

Nathanael has some characteristics of a loner, an introvert. The cast of characters around Christ was diverse. The extravertive Peter and the introvertive Nathanael reveal there is room for distinctively different people in the kingdom.

Jesus described Nathanael as a man in whom there is no guile, that is, hypocrisy or deceit. Those were some of his virtues, but he did have a prejudice against Nazareth. A person may have many virtues and lack one.

Philip said, “Come and see.” In other words if you want to condemn a whole village because of your encounter with one man come and meet another and see if you don’t have a different opinion. “The proof is in the pudding.”

Augustine of Hippo, in his “Confessions,” written between 397 and 400 AD tells of his experience “under a certain fig tree.” He describes how there God called him to repentance and service. He wrote: “I cast myself down I know not how giving full vent to my tears.” He tells that as he confessed his “uncleanliness” he heard a voice “as of a boy or girl” chanting: “Take up, and read.”

He tells of taking up the New Testament and reading a passage about putting away ones vices and following Christ. Then he wrote: “light, as it were, of serenity infused into my heart, all the darkness of doubt passed away.”

Do you have your own fig tree? Do you have a quiet place where God can get your attention?

The symbol of Nathanael Bartholomew is a shield on which there are three knives. They represent his method of death. Tradition says he was flayed alive. That is, he was skinned alive.

Nathanael was quickly convinced once he met Jesus. He replied: “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”

Nathanael is the prototype of all those sensitive souls who have since followed Christ. Those who desire fellowship and follow Him.

Strayers and Stayers – Part Three

Luke 22: 25 – 30

Jesus interrupted His disciples who were quibbling over which of them might be the greatest. Imagine such a conversation following His explanation of His imminent role as the suffering servant. They had at this moment been diverted from their role as servants of the one who came to serve, not be served. His encouragement offered them included an appeal for them to be stayers, not strayers.

As a devotee of Jesus you are either a stayer or a strayer. Your conduct and conversation determines which. People who care, stay true to Him.

It’s not that people don’t believe in God anymore, just that it doesn’t seem to matter.  That suggests there is little knowledge of the “God” who serves and desires for them the joy inherent in serving. He wants to be more than one to whom you just tip your hat.

The first test of whether we are actually devoted to Jesus is our willingness to do as Jesus did, serve.

Jesus taught there are no bounds as to who we serve. He once said, “In as much as you did it to one of the least of these, you did it unto me.” An application of what He said would be, “You have served me, now go out there and imagine the person you find in need to be Me and help that one as though he or she were Me and you were helping Me.”

There is mutual strength in sharing. 

In California’s giant Sequoia Forest is one tree known as General Sherman. It is over 200 feet tall and 70 feet in circumference. Most think the roots of that big tree must go at least 100 feet deep. They are actually very shallow. Sequoia trees grow only in groves. Their roots intertwine.  When the strong winds come, they each hold up the other.

Jesus intends for His followers to be Sequoia Christians.

There is a big blessing inherent in the doing of a good deed. There are many fringe blessings inherent in caring.  Jesus spoke to His disciples of the heavenly reward. He promised them a kingdom, a table, and a throne in eternity.  However, He has made provision for His followers in time.  By continuing with Him He is also with you. 

Have you anyone who has stayed with you in your trials?  Have you thanked them?  Have you thanked God for them?

Have you related to anyone who can say of you, “You stayed with me in my trials.”

Aspire to so live as to enable Jesus to say of you, ”You stayed with me….”

Strayers and Stayers – Part Two

Luke 22: 25 – 30

Jesus warned “In this world you shall have tribulation.” (John 16:33)

Paul also reminded us of this truth when he wrote: “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (II Timothy 3:12)

If you really care about Jesus, you will stay not stray. 

Paul gave us an example of the kind of care that is so filled with love for persons and truth that it risks the loss of friendship in order to defend the truth and once the relationship is broken reaches out to work for its renewal.

Because of sin in the church at Corinth, he wrote them a letter exhorting, admonishing, and encouraging them. The admonition, that is warning of the consequence of their sin, temporarily broke their relationship with him. He then wrote them a second letter and in it gave insight regarding three caring pieces of evidence that restore relationships. They are:

*Show appreciation. “…you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together.  Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf…Now I rejoice …that your sorrow led to repentance.” (II Cor. 7: 3 & 9)

Psychologist/philosopher, Will James, wrote a classical work entitled “Principles of Psychology.”  It is still a primary reference work in the field.  He later admitted “an immense omission” in the pioneer work. He wrote, “The deepest principle of human nature is the craving to be appreciated.” His regret was that he had not dealt with it at all in his book.  Let’s not fail to deal with it in all of life.  Make people feel appreciated. Show appreciation.

*Practice separation. “..let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God…godly sorrow produces repentance to salvation, not to be regretted.” (II Corinthians 7:1)

As Christians, our impact for Christ would be more effective if we realized that by virtue of being children of the King of Kings, we don’t follow styles; we set them.  “Come ye out from among them…”

Do you care enough about your friends not to try to lead them into temptation?  Do you care enough about them to try to lovingly retrieve them from sinful acts?

Encourage reconciliation. “Open your hearts to us…you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together.”  (II Corinthians 7: 2 & 3)

Have you ever had anyone stand by you in your trials? Have you been willing to stand by anyone in their trials?

We must come out of our hot, tight little circle of friends and show others we care. Jesus said, “I am among you as one that serves.”  That kind of servant attitude could have come only out of a fountain of love.

When people care, they share.

Profile of a Non-PC Wife/Mother 5/10/98

Proverbs 31:10-12
Page 975 Come Alive Bible

Jesus Christ who in eternity leaned on the breast of His Father without any mother in time leaned on the breast of His mother without any father.

His earthly parental tie was obviously closer with His mother than Joseph, His guardian father. The likelihood is that Mary was widowed while Jesus was still very young. Mary was still with Him even at the cross. The relationship between these two is a pattern for parental relations with their child. Mary mirrors admirable motherhood.

Once a year many families pause on a day called “Mother’s Day” to try to atone for a year of neglect. Yet, even that is commendable. It got its modern start May 10, 1908, at the funeral of the mother of Anna M. Jarvis. Anna love her mom and at her memorial service suggested an annual day honoring mothers. Her mother’s favorite flower was the carnation. At the memorial service she gave everyone a white carnation. The concept gained popularity until Mother’s Day was observed in a number of large cities. On May 9, 1914, by act of Congress, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. He declared the day as a time for “public expressions of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.”

By then it had become customary to wear white carnations to honor departed mothers and red to honor the living. This custom is still observed by many.

The concept has expanded to include giving mom a gift. It is a grand idea. Most are deserving. Every young female who eventually becomes a mother should aspire to merit such.

Most of us men would concede selecting that gift is a challenge. The selection process is stressful for most men. Many a man has felt extreme frigid temperatures for a long time because of a poor decision in gift selection. Veterans of these wars suggest:

-Don’t buy anything that plugs in. Anything that plugs in is seen as utilitarian. It is in the same category with a washboard in a previous era.

-Don’t buy clothing that involves sizes. The chances are one in seven thousand that you will get her size right, and your wife will be offended 6,999 times. You will hear, “Do I look like a size 16?” Too small a size doesn’t get it either: “I haven’t worn a size 8 since I was 18.”

-Avoid useful gifts. The silver polish guaranteed to save hundreds of hours is not going to win any brownie points.

-Don’t buy anything that involves weight loss or self-improvement. She will interpret a six month gift certificate to a diet center as suggesting she is overweight.

-Don’t buy jewelry. The jewelry your wife wants, you can’t afford. The jewelry you can afford she won’t wear.

-Don’t spend too much. “How do you think we can afford that?” she will inquire. Don’t spend too little. She won’t say anything but she will think, “Is that all I am worth?”

No one deserves a special day more than a good mom. A cartoon showed a psychologist talking with a patient/mom. “Let’s see,” he is saying, “You spend 50% of your time and energy on your job, 50% on your husband, and 50% on your children. I think I know why you are tired all the time.”

Preaching on the occasion of Mother’s Day was once a given easy for ministers. Not so today.

Politically correct (PC) feminist have worked to erode the virtue and honor of the role. This has prompted Rita Carver to write: “In today’s world one wonders if mother is not headed for extinction… Some of our feminist sisters have declared that as non-working mothers we are only maids doing the job any eight year-old could accomplish.”

The avant-garde mood of feminists is attempting to dismantle the traditional concept of what a woman should do and who she should be.

It was reported on Dr. James Dobson’s radio program that many books have been taken from public libraries that depict the traditional role of fathers and mothers. These have been replaced by volumes depicting current PC parents.

Fortunately the failure of these recast roles is now being realized. Many young women are realizing the importance and joy of living on less and living for more than material goods. One lovely young mother, a former “Miss Cobb County,” said to me recently, I didn’t realize of what I was being robbed with my first two children. Now that I am a full time mom I know what a blessing it is to be a parent giving my child deserved attention.”

Some moms have to work and that must be respected. However, if a mom can possibly devote herself to mothering the family should adjust to accommodate her.

Let’s go back to the wisdom of Proverbs and redefine the Biblical ideal for a wife and mother. Though few may fit the ideal, none will unless the Biblical role is defined and understood.

I. SHE IS A DEVOTED WIFE (VSS. 11, 12, 23)
There are three reciprocal roles a wife and husband should play related to each other.

Build one another’s confidence.

Seek another’s welfare. A husband should study his wife. Get to know her temperament, mood, and disposition. Learn what pleases or displeases her. Seek her happiness.

Be as sensitive to her needs as I heard of an infant being. A young mother placed her infant in his high chair and sat down to feed him. She was physically fatigued and emotionally drained. She was even a bit fearful for the family had run out of money. As she sat down she reflexively put her head on the child’s feeding table and began to cry. The child took the pacifier out of his mouth and tried to put it in his mother’s mouth.

Enhance one another’s reputation.

Never, repeat, never criticize one another in public. Demeaning one another is a game no one wins.

II. SHE IS A DILIGENT PARTNER (VSS. 13-17, 18B, 19, 22, 24)
As a woman with God’s view point, she is a willing worker, a wise planner, and a thrifty shopper.

She keeps herself fit spiritually and physically.

Husbands remember she is your partner, not your servant.

Hear a modern version of the fairy tale of the frog and the beautiful princess.

Once upon a time a lovely, independent, self-assured princess found a frog in a pond.

The frog said to the princess, “I was once a handsome prince until an evil witch put a spell on me. One kiss from you, and I will turn back into a prince, and then we can marry, move into the castle with mom, and you can prepare my meals, clean my clothes, bear my children and forever feel happy doing so.”

That night —- the princess had frog legs for dinner.

The moral of the story: men don’t take your wife for granted. Especially if you are a frog.

Both husband and wife have responsibilities toward each other. Husbands reevaluate your responsibility toward your wife and recommit to fulfilling them.

Again I appeal, study your wife.

Know her in order to look out for her welfare.

Keep the channels of communication open and clear.

Make sound and timely decisions.

Determine your wife’s gifts and capabilities and encourage them.

Assume responsibility for your own actions.

III. SHE IS A DUTIFUL SERVANT (VS. 20)
Her unselfishness motivates her to be concerned about her own family as well as others. She has a vision and heart for ministry not only to her own family but others.

IV. SHE IS A DEPENDABLE MOTHER (VSS. 15, 21, 27)
Some children appear to think being a mother is a cushy job. It involves standing on Mt. Sinai waving a spatula shouting, “Thou shalt not!”

The importance of the role was indicated in a three frame cartoon. One frame showed a depiction of the nation’s Capitol, the next the White House. The third showed a mother in a rocking chair reading to her child. The caption read: “Choose the real seat of power in America.”

In speaking of mothers I know not everyone has had an ideal mother. Resentment often last into adulthood as a consequence of a mother having failed in her role. Perhaps you had such a mother. You want to have loving thoughts regarding her, but what happened doesn’t result in such warm encouraging thoughts. It is OK not to like some of the things you mom did. However, you need to be mature enough to dislike the things she did and separate them in your thinking from what she was. Love her even though you don’t like what she did.

In our “Me-ism” society a “I want it all now” complex has developed. As a result some young women rush into motherhood before marriage. Don’t! The mother depicted in the Proverb is self-disciplined and willing to practice delayed-gratification.

I know when that statement is made in a congregation as large as this there are some who didn’t. The Bible never condones such and the Christian community must never sanction such. However, once it has happened the young person needs the Lord, His church, and His people as never before. The church must be supporting and encouraging once the mistake has occurred. The young couple may well be suffering from a repressed moral-failure complex and not know what it is. They need to deal with their own emotions and be accepting of the fact they are accepted though their conduct is unacceptable.

Those of you busy in rearing children I want to share with you one of the biggest blessings of parenthood. I referred to delayed-gratification. Keep this in mind all through your challenging years of child rearing. One of these days your door will open. In will walk a young adult. Your best friend, your child. Anticipate and work for that delayed- gratification.

She is organized and energetic (Vs. 15).

She is an equipper (Vs. 21).

Throughout this Proverb reference is made to clothing and providing for her family. This is often done at a personal sacrifice. One young adult told recently of her excitement when she was in the eighth grade. Her class was having a much talked about party. All the girls talked excitedly about what they were going to wear. This little girl knew her widowed mother was rearing her and her brother on a limited income and a new dress wasn’t possible. Naturally she was a bit disappointed. She soon cheered up when her mom, a wonderful seamstress, agreed to make her a new dress for the party. It was so lovely. What made it special was that it was just like one her mom had that they both admired.

That young woman said of her mother, “It was some time before I realized my mom never wore her dress again – she had made mine out of hers.”

Diligent and devoted moms are miraculous providers.

She is self-disciplined and unselfish (Vs. 27).

Playwright Victor Hugo captures the essence of motherhood in one of his plays in which a ship’s captain gives a starving mother and her two children a slice of bread. She tears it in two and gives a half to each child.

A deck hand standing by asks the captain, “Is it because she is not hungry?”

The captain replies, “No, it is because she is a mother.”

Her very lifestyle is a testimony to her children (Vs. 28). Many wonder about what their child might be tomorrow. A mother never forgets that her child is someone today.

V. SHE IS A DOCTRINALLY ORIENTED WOMAN (Vs. 26)
She is a woman full of wisdom.