Nostalgia & Christmas Concert

Nostalgia

There was a place that my family went in December occasionally to look at the seasonal displays of lights and decorations.  I'm pretty sure I was singing Christmas carols on the way at least one of the times I went.

One of last times (perhaps not the very last) I went, we took my Grandma out of a nursing home to go see them.  We couldn't get her out of the car I'm sure, but...

It's kind of sad to see from a search that Mr. Balian of that house died a few years back, and things were being sold off from the estate (including the decorations). We also have visited another street with lights (probably Christmas Tree Lane), but it wasn't to the level of the Balian house. The lights and decorations of the Balians were quite something spectacular to look at.  They also often had audio music going on.  I'm wondering if one of the last times they had that silenced.  I wasn't a fan of the Santa parts of the decorations, but they had a section for the nativity and other things that were of interest to me.  

I've seen people (more than one source) sharing some of the luxuriousness they saw at the estate for the sale (including the inside).  Art, architecture, carpets, light fixtures, fancy windows, furniture, swimming pool, a grandfather clock, and expensive looking (and probably older) doodads.  There was a painting or art of the couple which looked like it depicted their wedding.   I know they were supposed to be known for their ice cream, but I don't remember ever having Balian ice cream.  Perhaps some of you do.  I don't know what has become of the house since the estate sale, but perhaps someone else can do more research. 

BALIAN HOUSE DISPLAY someone else took perhaps 7 years ago (date on video upload).

BALIAN HOUSE ESTATE photos.

I realize that Christmas is more than about decorations for Christians.  The mythology about Santa was always a distraction from remembering the Incarnation of Christ.  My parents didn't teach me to believe the myth (though reportedly the myth was based on a real person or two from history).

Christmas Concert

Grace Community Church in California usually streams their Sunday Christmas concert in December (not the other ones), so if you live a long way off like I do you probably will be able to watch on December 18, 2022, on the church live-stream site.  If I learn differently, I'll try to update this post.  The concert starts at 6 PM Pacific / 8 PM Central / 9 PM Eastern / 2 AM Monday for GMT.  It's a 2-hour concert.  Look HERE about the concert & HERE.

Bible Basics, Truth Moment, & Music for Your Day

Bible Basics

The Scriptures are to be trusted as God's Word.  Grace Community Church had a Sunday night series on "The Wonder of the Word" not long ago.  They highlighted the inspiration, preservation, sufficiency, canonicity, and the clarity of Scripture.

You can check it out HERE.

Truth Moment

There is a newer set of videos called "A Moment of Truth" featuring short clips from Pastor Don Green of Truth Community Church in the Cincinatti area.

I watched the video clip I'm sharing today and listened to another portion of his "Trusting God in Trying Times" audio series today.  I had heard and shared the series in the past, but I need to be reminded of these things.

I need to rehearse truth about God and often feel like a flop being majorly stressed out with things that are going on for us (on top of other things).

God's purposes are good and right, and He is faithful still.  He will help us through what He has for us even if we can't see how and are weak physically and in faith.  He won't leave us or forsake us.

Christians, please continue to pray for us.

I'm also excited for others that a book on Trusting God in Trying Times is scheduled to come out at some point as well.  

Music for Your Day (The Itzels):

Cessationist Movie, Psalm 142 ("My Lonely Cry") Message, Hymn of the Day

Cessationist - There is a new documentary being worked on that will examine the gifts of the Spirit and how the Spirit actually works today.  Much of what people attribute to the Spirit isn't of Him.  The makers of the film (who also did Calvinist and some other documentaries) have been fundraising for it on Kickstarter, and it did reach its goal.  Some of the people I follow online have given toward this, so I look forward to what comes from it.  Phil Johnson is on the video clip they shared, so I suspect it will be good.  Learn more HERE.

My Lonely Cry (Sermon by Don Green) - Tuesday night, Don Green gave a very encouraging message for Christians going through trouble.  He is going through the Psalms, and this one is from Psalm 142.  David was in a cave calling for help from God.  This is one that I believe people will want to share!  You can listen HERE.

Jesus is Lord (Hymn for your day):

Rejoicing Roe Rejected and Reaction to Rage

Roe v. Wade was overturned today, and I'm thankful to God!

Sadly, it won't make the murder of babies in the womb illegal nationwide.  

Abortion is wrong, because mankind was created in God's image, and God's moral law makes it plain that we are not to murder.  Babies in the womb have their own DNA, and they are not the body of the mother.  Rape and incest do not give the right to take the life of another person either, as that life is given by God no matter the criminal action of one of the parents.  Each person will answer to God for the taking of a human life.  Justice will be done.  Sin was either punished on the cross when Jesus died for sinners that He redeemed and mercifully saved, or it will be paid for by the unrepentant sinner.

TEXT of Dobbs decision by SCOTUS

In Tennessee, here are links on what this means:

Guttmacher on TN

Candidate Rightfully Rejoices

TN AG Seeks Immediate Ban (Hooray!)

What This Means in Other States

Interactive Map of the U.S. and what this may mean in each state (Guttmacher)

Response of President Trump who chose Justices who rightly realized that Roe vs Wade was not Constitutional.  (Babies in the womb aren't the property of the mother due to location.)

View response: President Trump responds, and it is true that God is sovereign.

For You formed my inward parts;

You wove me in my mother’s womb.

I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Wonderful are Your works,

And my soul knows it very well.

Psalm 139:13-14 LSB

Warning of Danger

Pregnancy Centers and Clinics and other pro-life people have been threatened, and SCOTUS families need protection as well. A number of Pregnancy places that support life have been damaged. There was even fire-bombing. This is terrorism, and sadly some well-known politicians are not being helpful by standing against our third branch of government's decision. Even "Attorney General" Merrick Garland is not being helpful.

Attorney General Merrick Garland called the Supreme Court's decision to strike down Roe v. Wade “a devastating blow to reproductive freedom,” and he vowed to use the Justice Department’s authority to protect the right to abortions. https://t.co/FPF3Tspnv1 pic.twitter.com/7Vv6frMdS7

— The New York Times (@nytimes) June 24, 2022

(Disclaimer: I'm not a fan of the NY Times and don't recommend them.) 

Christians, please pray for the safety of the people and properties threatened and for the safety of those who share the Gospel with people at places still doing abortions.

Window to God's Creation

There are so many things going on that are stressful in life and evil in this world, but today I saw something of God's Creation that cheered me up a little.  Two deer were walking through our yard.  It took me so long to get my camera flash off that the best picture I got was of only one of them, and it wasn't nearly as good as seeing them up close.  I'm also sharing one of the blurred photos as well for you.

We see rabbits in our yard, sometimes a snake, and other creatures occasionally in the past, but it's been especially rare to see deer.  Seeing God's creation can be a blessing and a reminder that some things are continuing the same.

Anxiety Addressed Biblically & Christian Movie Recommendation

Anxiety Addressed Biblically

There is a teaching video I watched recently which gave some Biblical ways to address anxiety.  With all of the seeming chaos going on in the world, it is so easy to wallow in anxiety instead of focusing on God and His Word and trusting in His sovereignty. Another thing to remember is that the second death is something the Christian doesn't have to face, as Christ faced the worst on our behalf.   We don't control what goes on in this world in the way that we may think we do.  I think I too often am like the disciples in the boat thinking I'm about to drown with Jesus right there instead of like Polycarp who had courage to say that the fire would last no longer than an hour...less than the eternal fire the person having him executed would face from God.

Safe in the Storm: Biblical Strategies for Overcoming Anxiety (Phil Moser)

Christian Movie Recommendation: Play the Flute

Our family recently rewatched a movie that I got for one of them in the past.  It is about a guy who is planning to be a pastor, but he decides to lead a youth group first.  Yeah, I know, some of you may be against youth groups, but his focus was Scripture and even memorization of Scripture.  He faced a lot of challenges with seemingly only one Christian in the group.  If you are interested to watch it, it is called Play the Flute.

Play The Flute - Trailer from Play the Flute movie on Vimeo.

Church in France & American Gospel Part 3 Docuseries

Cannes, France: Prayer Request

Every now and then I highlight someone I have followed on social media.  

This time I'm sharing a video of a man who is teaching at a church plant in France.

Manuel has been a student of TMAI, and you can watch this video and pray for this church plant.

 

American Gospel: "Spirit & Fire"

This is a new documentary (in a series format) that may be released (or partially released?) this year (2022).

It is supposed to address the teaching of the New Apostolic Reformation, and I'm interested to find out who they have on it.  

I'm hopeful that it will be useful to warn a lot of people about the NAR movement which has led a lot of people astray.

I had some issues with the first American Gospel documentary as some of the people used for the right side of the topic either were already off or have since gone off more from a solid gospel message (though not all, of course). I would recommend Pastors Don Green and John MacArthur.  I've heard some good messages by Paul Washer and a little bit by Voddie Baucham as well. 

The first documentary had a modesty issue too which detracted from it some in my view.  

God has used that first documentary though to pull people away from the false prosperity gospel or "word of faith" movements and toward the true Gospel, and for that I am thankful.  

I'll admit I didn't watch the second in the series.

The next one in the American Gospel series apparently was on hold, and they reportedly were looking to watch and possibly address some response videos before finalizing their new documentary series.

Justin Peters has addressed the NAR (New Apostolic Reformation) movement and prosperity "gospel" teaching before as well, and I can recommend the Snatch Them from the Flames presentation...at least I once watched one streaming live version of that.  He also has a presentation called "Clouds Without Water."

You can read more about the upcoming American Gospel: Spirit & Fire docuseries HERE.

Slander Warning, A World of Lies, & Fun Photo

Warning!  Slander Is Sin

There has been slander and defamation going on lately online of some pastors and elders where they are accused of wrongdoing without all of the facts being known.  This is not where people are warning of real doctrinal error or true heresy.  There is a place for discernment about teaching as Christians want to avoid straying from the truth of what Scripture teaches (although some wrongfully call Biblical truth "heresy").  There needs to be unity among true believers.  There are some people who want to harm the reputation of those who teach truth that they don't like, and so they try to dig up anything they can to destroy their reputations.  This week I listened to a seminar session online by George Crawford that would be worth your time to take a listen to as well.  There was an interesting point too about how in persecuted countries public disagreements can be used by persecutors as well.   We have been so used to freedom in the past that I don't think that we have wanted to consider that aspect.  

Slander & Defamation

A World of Lies

On a closely related topic, last Sunday, John MacArthur gave a message about the sin of lying.  He spoke about parents training the consciences of their children to fear lying.  There is so much lying in the world today. 

The Disastrous Sin of Lying

How many birds do you see in the photo below?

The bird with the nest had a baby or so.

Surprises, Sanctity of Truth, & Singing

Surprises!

Yesterday and today some more of the tulips were blooming outside in addition to the ones that have been open for a while.

The yellow ones below were here before we lived here, and they continue to come back.  The other ones I planted last year, and this is the first year they have come up.  It was a surprise to me that I got a mix rather than all one look.  Sometimes life is like that (with surprises), but it's not always a bad thing.

How important is truth to God?

Don Green gave a message on the commandment to not bear false witness last Sunday.  I recommend it.  You can currently get to it HERE. 

Hymn For Your Day

The following hymn is one that stood out to me not too long ago, and I found this rendition with the lyrics that you can sing along with.

Quieting the Heart

While all of the things going on in the world are distressing, God reminds me in His Word and through His Creation that He is Yahweh ... powerful, sovereign, trustworthy, enduring.  

He goes before His sheep and is with us.  While I'm feeling fearful and losing sleep and praying for the things that are troubling me, He is sovereignly working things out and will bring His children safely Home one way or another.  He answers prayer, and He even works things out that we don't even know to pray about.  Sunshine, tulips, daffodils, grape hyacinths, squirrels, robins, red cardinals, rabbits, etc., are reminders of our Creator's constancy and faithfulness.  Old Testament accounts remind us how God works even in and through times of turmoil and war.  God's purposes and plans don't fail even when evil looks like it's winning.  Even the death of Jesus was His plan, and all of the details of Christ's life.  

Persecution and suffering have a purpose in God's plan.  The evil plans of men cannot thwart Him, and He even is working through them for His good eternal purposes.  Physical trials are not meaningless either though they make us feel helpless and vulnerable.  They are reminders to trust God for the present and future no matter what and to focus more on eternal things.  Oh, that I would but trust God more and love Him the way I want to.  So, I remind myself that I need to look to God and His perfection in His purposes.  I may fail often, but He hasn't.  He won't.  He can't.  That's not who He is.  

I need to focus on God.  So, today in my weakness, tiredness, and distress, I read Psalm 23 and have kept it on a tab to keep going back to.  I watched an ocean video.  I spent a little less time listening to distressing things this morning...the things that I can't change.  I went out and saw the tulip and some birds, and the beauty of the day is also calming.  I must continue to pray and realize all the workings of things and details are still in God's hands, and I must remind myself that His purposes are good.  I know these things in my mind, but my mind always thinks of how God's people do still suffer.  We don't always escape the trials.  We still have to go through them at times.  That doesn't negate His good eternal purposes though or even His purposes in time here on earth.    I'm thankful that God doesn't give up on His weak sheep, and that He pursues and will keep us forever.  This life and its trials are short compared with an eternity of joy with God.

It's Almost Time!

Shepherds' Conference Streaming

It's almost here!  I don't know about you, but I get excited around the time of the Shepherds' Conference, because some of my online friends go to it and I get to watch some of the sessions.  This year, it's scheduled for March 9th to 11th, and the theme is "Unashamed."  You can check out the scheduled streams and speakers already listed on their site HERE.

Pray for Christians Around the World

A war is raging, freedoms are being demolished, and Christians are being persecuted in various parts of the world.  Christians around the world need encouragement and prayer that they will walk as children of light as well as be reminded that God is with them...with all of us who are in Christ. Also, please pray that people will turn to Christ while there is still time.

Books Soon to Be Released

There is a set of books by Chris Mueller soon to be released about Christian men and Christian women.  It seems that this is a controversial topic these days, but it shouldn't be for Christians who want to follow what the Bible says.

Learn more HERE.

Sing Along

Here is an older hymn (1887) that you can sing along to in these tumultuous times in the world.  No matter how awful or crazy things get, God is using these times to conform Christians to be more like Him.  We can still trust Him and remember His mercy and goodness toward us. 

Modesty & Sexual Immorality

Not long ago there was a kerfuffle on social media (on a site that I am not currently able to be active on) where a pastor named Brian Sauvé (whose music I shared before) had a post that was about modesty.

Again, I don't know a lot about him other than glancing at the church website (and I believe there was some disagreement that was not salvific that I could easily see). 

 So, I'm not giving him an unreserved recommendation, but what he said on this tweet has merit.

Here is what he said:

Dear Ladies,

There is no reason whatsoever for you to post pictures of yourself in low cut shirts, bikinis, bra and underwear, or anything similar—ever.

Not to show your weight loss journey.

Not to show your newborn baby.

Not to document your birth story.

-Your Brothers

— Brian Sauvé (@Brian_Sauve) February 7, 2022

 

A firestorm of attacks reportedly came at him.... wrongfully accused and nasty pictures sent.
One or more of the negative comments came from Beth Moore (one was deleted by her).
I highly would urge women to avoid listening to Beth Moore for her false teaching in general, but that's another matter.


The guy addressed men in further posts, but naturally people threw accusations like he is a "patriarchal control freak" or "hyper fundamentalist dudes objectifying women" or worse yet, sent immodest pictures to him.


Christians,
If you knowingly and purposefully dress in a way to draw lust after it has been pointed out to you that you are tempting your brothers who desire to not sin (not speaking of those who have not been made aware and are willing to change when it is pointed out), don't accuse the opposite sex of objectifying you.


You are objectifying yourself.


The messengers whether they are men or women are not the ones to be shot at, and it doesn't mean that we consider ourselves as sinless or superior people (most certainly we are not).

Men and women are responsible for sin if they intentionally continue to look at what draws them to sin or dwell on what they've unintentionally seen or sin in their minds even when nobody is dressed seductively, but those who are immodest can be responsible for enticing someone to commit adultery or fornication (lust in the heart).

And behold, a woman comes to meet him,
Dressed as a harlot and cunning of heart.
Proverbs 7:10 LSB

You may say that you don't intend to commit adultery (or fornication) when you share photos or go out in public like the woman in Proverbs did, but are you drawing someone to commit adultery in their heart? 

If you are seeking men to look at you sensually, you are also sinning. 

You are also not showing love to the brothers who are seeking to avoid or break from a sin that they do not want to continue in.

Low shirts, tight clothes, lots of skin showing...these things even make victorious men have to look away from women to avoid sinning.

Men are visually stimulated, and a lot of women know this and use this fact...not all do it consciously, but many do.

There are women who also struggle with thoughts.

Christians shouldn't be like the person waving a red flag at a bull and telling it not to look or charge at us.

More mothers & fathers and churches need to address these things...matters not only of the clothing but of our hearts.  

I'm not speaking of people wearing uniforms like the Amish, Mennonites, or the rules of some Independent Baptists, or any churches that get to the point where you might be considered an unbeliever or outsider for wearing nice slacks as a woman rather than a long skirt (though long skirts aren't a bad thing).

To make the assumption that it does mean that would be incorrect...a false charge that any mention of modesty or examples of things that tempt men makes one a legalist.  

It doesn't mean you should quickly charge someone with hypocrisy or even use what you've seen as actual hypocrisy as an excuse for your own heart and behavior and sinful attitudes toward other Christians.

Christians need to flee youthful lusts, and they need to fight sin with Scripture and prayer and removing and fleeing from things that tempt them.... the same is true of women as of men. 

We all need to spend time in Scripture and fight and flee whatever sins might tempt or entangle us. 

We need to pursue what leads to sanctification. 

God is present at all times, and Christians need to remember Him in everything and seek to honor Him. 

We can only be successful as believers through the power of the Spirit...with His help and in His strength.
Let's do what we can to be modest and discreet and to not put a stumbling block in front of another Christian.

I'm not anybody important, and I know that I have a long way to go in sanctification.

I hope the verses are helpful, and the message below them will also be helpful to you.

Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, with modesty and self-restraint, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly clothing, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women professing godliness.

1 Timothy 2:9-10 LSB

But I say, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 

For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you do not do the things that you want. 

But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.

Galatians 5:16-18 LSB

Now those who belong to Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 

If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk in step with the Spirit.

Galatians 5:24-25 LSB

“Woe to the world because of its stumbling blocks! For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come; nevertheless, woe to that man through whom the stumbling block comes!

And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out and throw it from you. It is better for you to enter life with one eye, than, having two eyes, to be cast into the fiery hell.
Matthew 18:7, 9 LSB

Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

2 Timothy 2:22 LSB

“I have cut a covenant with my eyes;
How then could I gaze at a virgin?
Job 31:1 LSB

Do not desire her beauty in your heart,

Nor let her capture you with her eyelids.
Proverbs 6:25 LSB

Please Listen to This Message: Sexual Immorality & You

Pastor Don Green (who I would definitely recommend) gave an excellent message on Sunday about adultery/sexual immorality where he had a quote in the message that also pointed out about the way women dress.  

Some weeks there seems to be a theme on things.... whether intentional by people or not... though there are no coincidences with God.  

Don Green's messages on the moral commandments of Scripture gather from other places in Scripture to show the depth of our sins that the commandments point to.  The Law points out sin, and they show our need of a Savior.  They also are a guide to believers who desire to walk by the Spirit.

American Puritans & Psalm 30 to Music

American Beginnings 

I was able to get a free download (sorry, I doubt you can find it free now) of The American Puritans book (Nate Pickowicz/ Dustin Benge), and I started chapter 2 this week about John Winthrop. 

I'm really enjoying it so far. I sit there trying to do the math in my poor brain about some of the facts (figuring out ages of death or how much older one person is than another). The poor guy's first two wives died, and he's on his third one at the point that I stopped reading today. It looks like the third one lived longer...maybe 56 years?

The first chapter was about William Bradford, and it was also very informative of how people immigrated to more than one place, and how there were successes and failures in their trips and people left behind.  I found myself discussing something of what I learned from the book in a conversation online.  

I have an interest in my own ancestry, but so far, I've not found a connection with one of these groups of people...though there were some people from a different group of immigrants that I wasn't thrilled about due to some errant beliefs.  Reading this may keep me digging to see if I find any who were connected to some of these groups of immigrants mentioned in the book.

I realize I have not given a complete book review, but it should whet your appetite if you like biographies or history!

Psalm 30 to Music

Recently, I shared a song based on Psalm 2 which I really enjoyed the tune of.  

I was introduced yesterday to music with Psalm lyrics by someone else.  

Of the ones I tried by this person, this one was my favorite.

I enjoy sharing music by people that are not well-known, and all the better that this has lyrics from the Bible!

Apparently, the music was borne out of the loss of a friend, and I read how a family member of that friend read this Psalm around the homegoing of that loved one. 

(You can see his description on the site with the video.)

Responding to News With Prayer

Christians shouldn't bury their heads in the sand about the suffering of Christians around the world. 

We should be praying for them.

I believe that following news at least of a certain sort is not something that should be entirely avoided.
I'm concerned for Christians in Ukraine, Afghanistan, China, Indonesia, and other countries as well. Please keep aware of what's going on for the sake of praying for people. 

I remember that Russia does not allow evangelism outside of church which includes fines for evangelicals witnessing.

There are Christians who need prayer beyond your immediate circle of friends.

Also, Christians need to be praying for those who are not Christians to hear the Gospel, repent, and to trust in Christ. 

God uses our prayers and encourages us when we see how He is working, although His plans are eternal.  Our prayers are a part of His plan.  Revelation even mentions golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

When we pray for things He has promised already, we can be certain that it is within His will.  Clearly, we don't know all of His plans that have not been revealed in Scripture.

I also need to continue to pray for sanctification both for myself and for other believers. 

I desire the prayer of other believers, and I want to pray for people as the requests and news stories and people stand out to me to pray for. 

Even if my prayers are simple, I know God cares and is sovereign and can help people in ways I can't even think of. 

He can save people I might think are hopeless for seeming so hardened for so long.  When I don't feel like praying for someone, then that is on me.  Loving one's enemies and praying for them may not always be easy, but it is still right.

While I tend to be fearful when I shouldn't, I don't think we as believers should entirely close our eyes and shut ourselves off from what is going on...though for a time it could be sensible for our sanity and health or to avoid sinful responses.

While we don't know all of the immediate future, the things set in Scripture are certain.  So, my focus should be foremost on God and the Kingdom and not on the storms and waves and looming wars, yet I need to care enough to pray.

An Adoption Story, Canada's New Law Affecting Christians, & Songs of Comfort

Adoption Story Follow-Up

I believe I shared about an adoption story in the past.  Now here is a little more information to complete the story of this soon to be pastor (Lord-willing).  I feel free to share even about the second adoption, as he has blogged about it!  I have been waiting so long to see this.

First, this couple successfully adopted one daughter, but what you may not have known...

Read More...

Canada's New Law Could Punish Biblical Christians

Some of you already have learned about Bill C-4 in Canada that would make it possible for Christians to get accused and prosecuted even for sharing the Gospel or using Scripture about sexual immorality of a certain nature.  Some pastors in Canada and the U.S. (and perhaps other places) are planning to take a stand and preach on Biblical morality on January 16, 2022.

Read More...

Songs of Comfort

I'm starting off this new year by sharing some songs that aren't new I grant you.  Yet, knowing that this year is again likely not to be an easy one, they may give encouragement to you.  The second one is simply music with lyrics, but you can sing along to it!