Category: Featured Articles

by Ernie Wyrick

On February 28, 2022, I preached at a funeral of the family member of a lady that I had not seen in years. I was recommended by another individual who was asked first, but due to some health issues, I could not preach at the funeral. I preached the graveside service and then met more family and friends afterward. It wasn’t until Sunday, April 17, 2022, that I saw her again. She came forward at church and said she had gotten right with God. Praise the Lord.

On April 19, 2022, I was downtown in Greensboro, NC, with two other men. One of those men is a good friend who could not preach at the funeral. Praise the Lord that he is doing better and faithfully helping with the homeless outreach ministry each week.

I have written all that to give a little background for all that took place on April 22 – 23, 2022.

My friend that helps with the homeless outreach ministry asked me about going down to SC to help him, and another man fix a back porch on his sister’s mobile home. Another man had started the porch but had gotten sick and could not finish the job. I told him I would help him. We left about 6:45 on Friday morning, April 22nd. We got to his sister’s a little after 9:00 am and started work. Not long after we got started, I received a text from the lady that I had preached at her family member’s funeral and had just gotten right with God. The text said for me to call her. I called her, and she asked if I could do her a favor. I said yes if I can. She then told me about a cousin in the hospital in Winston Salem, NC, with cancer and was not expected to live. She wanted to know if I could visit him. I explained that I was in SC, and if she sent me his contact information, I would try to see him as soon as I got back to NC. I told her I would be praying.

I got off the phone, and the men and I prayed for this individual. As soon as we prayed, God laid it on my heart to call a Pastor friend in Winston Salem, NC. I called the number that came up on my phone, not knowing that it was the fax number for the church. The secretary was in the office and saw that the fax machine showed a phone call, and my name came up, so she answered. She told me that I called the church fax number and she saw my name and thought that she should answer it. I asked for the Pastor, but she said he was on the phone. I explained to her what was taking place and asked if He could go or knew someone else that could see this man.

I told her I would get her some more information as soon as I got it from the man’s cousin. She said she would tell the Pastor. She gave me the office number, and I hung up. I received the individual’s room number and phone number at the hospital just as I hung up with her. I then called the church back and gave her the information. I then contacted the individual that had contacted me first and let them know that I had contacted a Pastor in Winston Salem.

I didn’t hear anything else until around 12:30 Saturday afternoon, April 23rd. The Pastor from Winston Salem called and told me that the individual had gotten saved. I rejoiced with him. He then began to explain to me what had taken place. His secretary had given him the message that I had called, but something had come up with one of his elderly church members. That something was a backed-up toilet. She called her Pastor because he was a servant, and the elderly lady did not know who else to call. So, he went to this elderly lady’s home to help. But during this time, the Pastor and his wife were also working getting ready for a luncheon for the ladies of the church that was to be held the following day, Saturday, April 23rd. This Pastor had his hands full.

He was not able to make it to the hospital on Friday. But he was determined to go while they had the luncheon at the church on Saturday. And another thing, the Pastor was also leaving town after the luncheon for Ohio for a meeting. A lot was going on, but praise the Lord, the door opened, and he took the time to walk through it.

He made it to the hospital, introduced himself to the patient, and found out that he would not have been able to see the individual if he had come on Friday. The individual was in a procedure and couldn’t have been seen—what a God we serve.

When I called the Pastor on Friday, I didn’t know anything about the individual’s background, other than that he was lost, nor did I know much about the Pastor’s background. I had just felt led to contact this Pastor. Well, God knew exactly why I needed to contact this particular Pastor. When he got to the hospital and met the individual, the patient began telling the Pastor about his Holiness background and how he had just given up on it. He couldn’t live up to the expectations and had gotten discouraged and just walked away from that religion. Well, I know now why God wanted this, Pastor. Any Pastor could have probably helped this individual, but this Pastor was the one God wanted.

The Pastor’s dad was in the Holiness church before he got saved. This Pastor had dealt with his dad about it and was able to lead him to the Lord. So, you see, this Pastor knew exactly where this individual was coming from and could help him, with the Holy Spirit’s help, understand the Gospel and lead him to the Lord.

It is exciting to see how God worked everything out in His timing and according to His plan. From preaching a funeral and then seeing an individual from that graveside service get right with God weeks later. Then to see that same individual get a burden for a loved one, who then calls me, but I am out of town helping someone else, an inconvenience I thought because I wanted to rush over to the hospital to see this individual. But then God opened the door for a Pastor in Winston Salem to get involved. Then to see another inconvenience come up, at least we thought so. But then, to see God in His perfect timing bring everything together and a soul is saved, and another hears the Gospel message as well. What a God! What a Savior!

Don’t give up, no matter what may come into your path. God can take what we might think is an inconvenience and use it for His honor and glory. If we will be sensitive to His leading and follow through with His leading, there is no telling what God can do.

God be the glory!

Ernie Wyrick

Bro. Ernie and his wife, Nancy, serve as our missionaries in Delta Junction, Alaska. They have spent the last several months in NC caring for her parents. If this article has been an encouragement to you, you can email Bro. Wyrick here to let him know.

Disappointments
by Lou Ann Keiser

I will never forget how disappointed I was when I saw Plymouth Rock. My impression from history books was that it would be an outcropping, a large rock—like Gibraltar. But, it wasn’t. Our family walked over to it, looked down from the railing, and it was only a stone. To be fair, it’s a big stone and probably weighs a few tons. Stamped with 1620, it’s thought to be the same one the Pilgrims saw.

I was dumbfounded. This is it? Okay, let’s move on. Why even include this rock in the history books?

For an entirely different reason, I was disappointed with the site of Custer’s Last Stand at Little Big Horn—the great battle between the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho Native American tribes against the Seventh Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army. Legend has it that only one army man survived. They were entirely outnumbered, and it was a sad day.

My disappointment, however, was in the signage. At the time of our visit, there were some fine granite monuments, detailing the happenings during the battle from sites that overlook the battlefield. It’s a desolate, hilly place. One can easily picture the action.

One of these monuments divided the words as needed in order to fit its tapered shape: TR-OOPS and BESIE-GED were two of the hyphenating gems we noted, carved with care into the beautiful gray granite. My family was cracking up. I am sure General Custer felt worse than “oops” when he perceived the multitude surrounding him.

We quoted “Bessie-Jed” the remainder of our trip. It was funny but disappointing that the stone carver wasn’t more familiar with rules for syllable divisions. It’s amazing that the National Park Service actually put up those stones without correcting them. TR-OOPS, for sure!

All of us have been disappointed at one time or another—and not only with stones. We might be disappointed in people and circumstances.

My father used to sing a song, “There’s No Disappointment in Jesus.”*

“There’s no disappointment in Jesus,
He’s more than my tongue can tell;
His love is so sure and so steadfast,
His friendship divine will not fail.
Chorus:
There’s no disappointment in Jesus,
He’s all that He promised to be;
His love and His care comfort me everywhere;
He is no disappointment to me.”

When everything around us is crazy—as it is now—Jesus never changes. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). This means that the same God who created the world, parted the Red Sea and dried the path, led His people with a column of fire and cloud, and then sent His Son for us is the same God we know today.

That same Jesus who healed the sick, raised the dead, read men’s thoughts, and cast out demons is with us today.

There is no disappointment in Jesus. He’s perfect. He loves you. He saves. He rescues. He’s a refuge for us. We can call out, and He actually translates our prayers to God. He acts as a lawyer, representing us to God. He cares.

I don’t know what you face today. Whatever it is, you can run to Jesus. There is no disappointment in Him.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

*by John C. Hallett, 1940.

If this article has been a blessing to you, let Mrs. Lou Ann Keiser know here. Disappointment first appeared on Lou Ann’s blog in May 2020. 

The Missionary Woman’s “Disease”
by Lou Ann Keiser

I am sitting in my living room with the door open. The birds are singing, and it’s a gorgeous day. My husband is thumping around upstairs, taking something from his office to our bedroom.

I am alone.

Our children are grown and gone. (I mean really gone. The closest lives just over four thousand miles away.) They are married and the parents of the cutest grandsons on the planet. (Don’t let me get started!) When our youngest left the nest, the silence was deafening. Except for my husband’s goings and comings, it was like a tomb around here–too quiet!

I know some of you live in places where the noise deafens. Some of you have children running around the house–and hollering and getting into things–and you can’t even imagine the scene I painted for you. You’d like to hear silence, experience quiet.

You’ll agree, though. We all have a “disease” in common: loneliness.

You might work with a missionary team, or not. You might have lots of friends, or not. You might have the aforementioned children and a husband, or not. It doesn’t matter. You’re lonely.

Why is it that, in this day of connectedness–think social media, Skype, FaceTime, and secret groups. Did I tell you how thankful I am for you?–missionary women feel more lonely than ever in the history of missions? I believe it’s true, and I may understand some of the reasons why. Let me share a few thoughts.

We came to the mission field with illusions. We thought we’d adapt easier. We thought the people would love us. We had the idea that the natives were just waiting to hear the gospel–fields white unto harvest–and it turns out they couldn’t care less. We thought that it would be an adventure, and we found out it was hard, slogging work. We thought our teen kids would love it, but they resent the field–and us. We thought . . . . False expectations. Missionary work is no piece of cake. We thought too much.

We came seeking new friends. We severely limited our sphere of friends when we left our sending friends behind, moved across a border, and arrived at this place: our mission field. We looked for new friendships, and, thank the Lord, we’ve made some. Our soul sisters, those few-in-life kindred-spirit friends got left behind. We didn’t understand what that would mean. We’ve gone on, and so have they. After a few years, our life experiences are poles apart. They will always be our friends, but we (and they) have changed.

We became overwhelmed–or underwhelmed. We either jumped into the work feet first and got super busy, always seeing needs, always saying yes, that, along with preparing meals, cleaning house, mothering, wife-ing, and all the rest, we are exhausted. Every. Single. Day. Or . . . we have a hard time fitting in. Our team leader won’t let us do all we want to do, so we have too much time on our hands, and we feel frustrated, undervalued, and resentful.

We came to the field conscious of the airplanes out of here. Many years ago, missionaries went to the field with the understanding that they would live and die there. Many of those missionaries lived and died without ever seeing their families and home countries again. Their families couldn’t visit, either (or Skype or e-mail). I believe that, since we know we can “escape” or connect if necessary, it colors our emotions. We didn’t have to completely cut with the past when we came to the field, thank the Lord. We know we can be with our loved ones in a matter of two days or less, if need be. They can visit us, too. We have a foot here, and a foot back home. (I’m not recommending otherwise, you understand. Just talking!)

So, we’re lonely. We look inside our emotions and see a black hole that doesn’t fill up.

Sometimes, we lock our teeth, smile, and get on with life. Other times, we stream big ole tears.

How can a missionary woman deal with loneliness? Here are eight constructive ideas:
1. The Lord promises to meet all your needs. Make Him foremost. He will truly fill up your black hole with light. People don’t satisfy. God does. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
2. Invest your emotional energies (love) in the people closest to you. I’m talking about your husband and children. For singles, pray that God would give you a girlfriend where you are. She might be an older woman or someone closer to your age. Ask God to show you someone. If you don’t find a kindred spirit where you live, accept it as God’s will. Rely on Him. He will be your Best Friend. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart (Psalm 37:4).
3. Avoid dwelling on what you don’t have, and give thanks. Suppress those negative, pity-party thoughts. Especially during the holidays, it’s normal to miss friends and family. When loneliness begins, change the self-conversation and give thanks to the Lord. A heart of praise cures attitudes and emotions. (Colossians 3:17, Ephesians 5:4)
4. Find joy in ministry. Love is, after all, giving. Give yourself to your family, your church ministry, and to meeting others’ needs. Enjoy your church people. Laugh and love.
5. Get out of the house! This is so basic, but there’s nothing like getting out of the house, taking a walk in a park, the countryside, or along the beach or lake. (It’s okay if you take the family.) There’s something about being outside in nature that refreshes the spirit. Don’t let yourself be hemmed in by walls. (Shopping malls don’t count!) Get out and find something God made. Breathe. Thank God for beauty. Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can shew forth all his praise? (Psalm 106:2)
6. Read. Ask friends for recommendations. If you work with a group of missionaries, swap books. Be open to different genres and new authors. I recommend reading missionary biographies from time to time. They’ll put your own struggles into perspective. Of course, read your Bible first, but if you need some unwinding time at night, a good book is much better than a movie.
7. Get a hobby. “Hobby? Surely you jest. I’m just trying to keep my head above water!” Here are some ideas: Do cross-stitch, crocheting, or knitting while the kids are playing. Learn how to cook like a native chef while visiting with the ladies in your church. Become a photographer. (You need the pictures for your ministry reports, anyway.) Sew. Cut hair. Play the violin. Plant and tend flowers or a vegetable garden. Write. Make crafts–again learning from the native women. A hobby helps you feel fulfilled because it’s something you enjoy and it’s productive. And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it (Psalm 90:17).
8. Remember that loneliness is a perception, a state of mind. Oh yes, it’s real, too! When you’re lonely, read the Psalms. Let their beauty and trust wash over your soul. Let God speak to you, renew your mind, and mend your heart.

God bless you!

If this article has been a blessing to you, let Mrs. Lou Ann Keiser know here. The Missionary Woman’s Disease first appeared on http://inhershoesbmw.blogspot.com/ in December 2014. 

When I Do Not Understand…
By Tim Germano

What do we do when we do not understand what God is trying to do in our lives? Have you ever asked God “why?” If we are honest with ourselves, we have all done so. In our finite minds and understanding, we can only see what is going on around us or what has already happened. Our infinite God knows what has happened, is happening, and will happen. He has a plan for us.

Habakkuk found himself in a similar situation of questioning and struggle. He asked God how long until He would judge Judah for their wickedness (Hab. 1:1-4). God responded by telling him that He was fully aware of their sin and that He would use the Babylonians to punish them (Hab. 1:5-11). This answer troubled Habakkuk, and he asked how God could use a wicked nation to judge His people (1:12-2:1). God answered him and told him that He would also hold them responsible for their wickedness (Hab. 2:2-20). In chapter three, Habakkuk offers a prayer to the Lord. We can know what to do when we do not understand by looking at how Habakkuk coped with surprising news and challenging answers.

First, he rested in the Lord (Hab. 3:16). He was troubled by what was going to happen, and he even felt rottenness and decay in his bones. He knew that in the midst of difficult times and in receiving challenging news that he could rest. This resting can only happen in the Lord. We cannot have the peace that we need in trying times without the Lord’s help. Isaiah 26:3 says, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” We can rest in our all-knowing God. He knows what is best for us!

Second, he rejoiced in the Lord (Hab. 3:17-18). Habakkuk stated in faith that even if everything that seemed certain failed (like the harvest, the livestock, one’s livelihood, etc.), he would still rejoice in the Lord. Even when everything around us that seems stable becomes unstable, we can rejoice in our God! We can joy in the God of our salvation! When we receive troubling news about our health or the health of a loved one, we can rejoice in God. When we lose our job or face financial hardship, we can rejoice in God! Our joy is found in God, not our circumstances. Psalms 46:1-3 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.” We can rejoice in our ever-present God Who never changes!

Third, he relied on the Lord (Hab. 3:19). After everything that he faced, Habakkuk finished his prayer by stating the “The LORD God is my strength.” Even as a mountain goat can scale the steep precipices and cliffs without fear, we can weather the storms of life and the unknown by relying on God and His strength. There will be days that we feel as if we cannot go on, but we can only because God is with us and helps us! Isaiah 40:31 says, “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” We can make it through by relying on the Lord and His never-failing strength and help.

“Whatever God permits to come into our lives is designed to conform us to the image of His Son. When we see this, it takes the question mark out of our prayers. Our lives are not controlled by impersonal forces such as chance, luck, or fate, but by our wonderful, personal Lord, who is “too loving to be unkind and too wise to err.'” WILLIAM MACDONALD

 

Bro. Andy Bonikowsky has recorded several wonderful devotionals during his extra time inside during Spain’s quarantine. Click below for a few of our favorites:

Elijah

The Blood

Pestilence

You can view all of Bro. Bonikowsky’s devotional messages here.

Bro. Tim Germano and his family have just completed their first term serving in the Dominican Republic. We hope his article about abounding with thanksgiving will be a blessing to you as you begin the new year.

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7

Paul penned these verses to a church that he had not met yet. He was encouraged by what he heard from the city of Colosse, and he desired to help them even more through his epistle. He told them in Colossians 2:6 that since they had received Christ as their Savior, then they ought to walk in him. The word walk means conducting oneself. It means progress. The church was to be moving forward for the Lord and modeling their lives after his life. He described this walk in Colossians 2:7. I want to focus on the last part of the verse. He said, “Abounding therein with thanksgiving.” God desires that we abound in our walk with him. He does not want us to just “coast” through life and get by.

I know that believers, myself included, too often are content with just checking off the boxes in their Christian walk. I go to church. I try to pray and read my Bible. I want to be a good testimony. But, God desires for us to do more than solely trudge along. He wants us to abound! The word abounding in the Greek means “to be over and above” (Strong’s Concordance). He wants us “to be over and above” in our walk in him. He wants us to be fruitful in this life. He wants us to abound in the qualities of a Christian who is conformed to the image of Christ!

Paul finished the thought of the verse, “Abounding therein with thanksgiving.” One of the ways that we abound in our walk with the Lord is in our thanksgiving. As we think of Thanksgiving this week, may we remember to abound in thanksgiving the other fifty-one weeks of the year! If we want to abound in our Christian walk, we must abound in gratitude to the Lord for who he is and what he has done. Paul told the Thessalonian believers, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” God’s will for each and every believer is thankfulness in everything—the good, the bad, and the ugly!

As we thank the Lord and dwell on Him, we will walk as He walked. When we are thankful, it is hard to be negative! When we are praising the Lord for who He is, it is hard to criticize our brother! When we are offering gratitude to the Lord for what He has done, it is difficult to complain about our circumstances. May we abound in our Christian walk, and may we do so with thanksgiving in everything each and every day of the year!

If this has been a blessing to you or you would like to share your thoughts with Bro. Germamo, you can contact him via email here.

Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 2 Corinthians 8:1

As we teach or preach from this passage, we often place substantial emphasis on the “churches of Macedonia.” While the heart and activity of these churches are undoubtedly commendable, we cannot ignore the actual statement of verse one. The first verse clearly states what and to whom the Spirit of God is calling attention.

2 Corinthians 8:1 says, “Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia.” The actual emphasis here is on the “grace of God.” Some call our Faith Promise Giving, Grace Giving.

God made the apostle and others aware of the dire need of the people. God led the apostle and leaders to make a collection to help meet those needs. God was looking for channels to supply those needs.

We see the first step in preparing these “channels” in verse five. Here the believers “first gave their own selves.” By giving themselves, they became a vessel of the Lord—a vessel He could use as a channel. There is a great blessing to those who give themselves.

The people were in deep poverty and “in a great trial of affliction” in verse two. Although challenged with issues, they experienced abundant joy and an earnest desire to be used of God to provide for the needs at hand. All of this is to the glory of the grace of God. God does not rebuke them for not having the supply, nor does He ask them to provide the resources. He merely wants channels through which He can supply His resources.

God’s supply of resources did not, and never will be lacking. He just wanted and still wants vessels to be channels through which He might supply the needs of the souls of people. This text is dealing primarily with financial needs, but He still desires channels to carry the gospel to the lost and to serve Him by delivering His vast supply to the needs of the world.

Our first step is to do as the Macedonians did: give ourselves and the lack of resources to God. His grace can not only change the channel, but He can also use that channel to supply His resources where needed. The passage applies not only to financial needs but also to the significant spiritual needs of the world. Yea, millions are in dire need of the gospel. As His channels, we are to take the Word and the good grace of God to them.

Is your life a channel of blessing?
Is the love of God flowing through you?
Are you telling the lost of the Savior?
Are you ready His service to do?

Make me a channel of blessing today,
Make me a channel of blessing, I pray;
My life possessing, my service blessing,
Make me a channel of blessing today.

Is your life a channel of blessing?
Are you burdened for those that are lost?
Have you urged upon those who are straying,
The Savior who died on the cross?

We cannot be channels of blessing
If our lives are not free from all sin;
We will barriers be and a hindrance
To those we are trying to win.

Harper G. Smith 1903

If Bro. Hurst’s article is an encouragement to you, please email him to let him know. You may also visit ebarnabas.org to make an appointment with him for encouragement.

Luke 9:23-25
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

The instructions given here come from the highest authority, Jesus Christ. It is vital to heed these instructions. The little word “if” indicates a possibility one would not follow Him. In fact, many do not follow Him. The high cost of a temporary gain produces a loss of life as a “castaway.” The right choice is to follow Jesus. God gives us guidance on how.

1. Deny self. Deny the personal gain and the temporary attractions of this world. We must disregard our desires of the flesh. Our desire should be to please our Savior. Our task may not be pleasant, or it may be very difficult. It could be to unpleasant or unfriendly people. Whatever or wherever the task, Jesus Christ knows all about the possibilities and the problems. He wants a submitted and committed follower – faithful.

2. Deliberate act. Often the statement of cross-bearing is misunderstood. Some people view this act as an adverse circumstance or uncontrollable hardship. The instruction here is to “take up his cross.” The follower deliberately and voluntarily picks up the cross in this step. The cross is not a very pleasant object to pick up and carry as Jesus did with His cross. But He did it voluntarily also. The system and desire to fulfill a task may cost one temporarily, but the benefits extend to eternity.

3. Daily process. The Christian life of service is not like a commitment to an eight-hour job. It is not a “try and quit if you do not like it” commitment. Service is a daily process in every waking hour for as long as we live. It is a commitment to follow His will and a responsibility to the instructions of our Savior. We must carry out the directions as He asks. This commitment may be a challenging one. But it is the process of following in the footsteps of our Savior.

4. Directed activity. Jesus does not give the assignment and then leave us to our own direction and schedule. Thankfully, He stays with us every step and every stage of our lives. His commission to go into all the world accompanies the promise of His presence unto the end of the world. The potential problem is that we get the instructions, pick up the cross, and take it the way we want or think best. God, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ not only provide the tasks for us but the specific instructions: the precious Word of God and the presence of the Savior.

5. Delightful finish. Even if this commitment causes us to lose the favor and riches of this world, the great gain is an eternal reward far better than any temporary increase on the earth. It is better to give our lives for the sake of Christ and save others than to gain all the wealth of the world and lose our souls.

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

If Bro. Hurst’s article is an encouragement to you, please email him to let him know. You may also visit ebarnabas.org to make an appointment with him for encouragement.

Psalm 78

Space will not allow me to expand thoroughly on the details of this text. However, this passage of Scripture reveals a principle that seems to impact our present-day need of God’s supply of young men to His work. It convicts this father and could be a factor in the shortage of young preachers and missionaries today.

God still calls young men. They heed the call and faithfully serve where God leads. Fathers are not the ones who do the calling. Through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, He works in the hearts of these young men. It is a question in my mind if some of these same conditions mentioned in the passage partially account for the shrinking numbers of young men and women hearing the call of God today.

The psalmist, inspired by God, paints a sad picture and gives some clear instructions to fathers. He reminds them that God gave the law, and the testimony has been established. God wants the next generation to hear the declaration of not only God’s law but also His boundless and marvelous works. He delivered His people from bondage in Egypt. He showed His power over nature and miraculously divided the Red Sea. He allowed His people to cross on dry ground and escape the enemy. He supplied a band of millions of people through the wilderness with food and water from a rock. He delegated the fathers to pass these blessings on to the sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons. The desire and the goal of God is that these sons “set their hope in God and not forget the works of God and keep His commandments.” Thank God for good training and the records of godly and influential preachers of the past and present. But the hope and source of leading are of God. The Biblical record shows God’s desire for us to know His works, clear leading, and power.
Sadly, verse 8 says God could not recommend the example of the fathers because the fathers were “a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not steadfast with God.” He continues in verse 10 to say they “kept not the covenant of God and refused to walk in his law.” The charges get even more severe in the following verses. Verse 41 states that they turned back and tempted God. God was “wroth.”

As fathers, may God help us make much of the mighty and wonderful works of GOD to our sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons and do our part of producing a generation of servants and soldiers for the work of our Lord. God help us not only to tell, but also to live the example that they may set their hope in God, be faithful to the Word, and to their calling.

If Bro. Hurst’s article is an encouragement to you, please email him to let him know. You may also visit ebarnabas.org to make an appointment with him for encouragement.

Lord, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee. Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.
Psalm 141:1-4

This Psalm begins with David’s urgent crying to the Lord for a listening ear. The nature of his plea is a CRY for help of a preventative nature. To this author, it seems we all should cry out to God for the same needs. This cry is not just a shallow, half-hearted request. David asks for it to be his Passover offering (v.2).

The first request pertains to a universal need of every person, Christian or not. He declares, “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” The products of our lips can be either very helpful or very harmful. James 1:26 warns us to bridle (control) our tongue. Failure to do so deceives us, and our religion is vain. James also states in chapter 3, “If we offend not in word, the same is a perfect man (mature) and able to bridle the whole body.” He compares the power of the tongue to the bit in a horse’s mouth, the helm of a ship, and a flame of fire. He refers to the tongue as a world of iniquity. This small organ of our body “setteth on fire the course of nature; and is set on fire of hell.” This same little organ can also “bless God.” With this kind of potential in such a tiny organ, it is no wonder the psalmist pleads for help to control it in a way that blesses rather than harms.

David pleads again to God with a second request for the heart of the man controlling the tongue. “Incline not his heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men that work iniquity:” Jesus speaks to this in Matthew 12:34-35. “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.”

These words of Jesus Christ reveal that if we have a right heart, it will go a long way to controlling the little organ bent toward evil. In other words, the power of the tongue can be tempered or managed by the heart. We enjoy this control when we fill our minds with the Word of God and maintain a close relationship with Jesus Christ. A miracle occurs when a rough-talking sinner’s vocabulary changes after accepting Christ. His interpersonal relationships now grow from a heart of love instead of a bitter heart and tongue. We must thank our Savior for His amazing grace. His grace gives us good thoughts and words and cleanses us from the world’s filth.

If Bro. Hurst’s article is an encouragement to you, please email him to let him know. You may also visit ebarnabas.org to make an appointment with him for encouragement.