Paths in the Sea

by Betty Jackson

There is a monument in Goshen, Virginia that honors Matthew Fontaine Maury as the pathfinder of the seas. The monument reads:

“Matthew Fontaine Maury, pathfinder of the seas, the genius, who first snatched from the ocean and atmosphere the secret of their laws. Born January 14, 1806. Died at Lexington Virginia, February 1,1873 ... Every mariner for countless ages, as he takes his chart to shape his course through the seas, will think of thee. His inspiration: Holy Writ, Psalms 8 and 107, Verses 8, 23, and 24, Ecclesiastes Chapter 1 Verse 8” (quoted in Science in the Bible, p. 119).

     Charles L. Lewis wrote a book titled: Matthew Fontaine Maury: Pathfinder of the Seas that was published by the U.S. Naval Institute in 1927. (It is available as a free ebook. See: http://openlibrary.org/books/OL6710231M 

     Mr. Lewis records many events in the life of this great man. It is said that one of his children typically read from the Scriptures each night. On one such evening, Mr. Maury was ill and confined to bed, when the child read Psalm 8:8 “...the fish of the sea that passes through the paths of the seas.” Maury exclaimed, “If God said there are paths in the sea, I am going to find them when I get out of this bed.” From all that I can determine, this story was true. However, he had been researching ocean currents before this incident. 

     In his book Physical Geography of the Seas, Mr. Maury eloquently wrote about how one must conclude that the design of a watch points to a designer. Then he wisely stated concerning the ocean:

“So, too, when one looks out upon the face of this beautiful world, he may admire the lovely scene, but his admiration can never grow into adoration unless he will take the trouble to look behind and study, in some of its details at least, the exquisite system of machinery by which such beautiful results are accomplished. To him who does this, the sea, with its physical geography, becomes as the main spring of a watch; its waters, and its currents, and its salts, and its inhabitants, with their adaptations, as balance-wheels, cogs and pinions, and jewels. Thus he perceives that they, too, are according to design; that they are the expression of One Thought, a unity with harmonies which One Intelligence, and One Intelligence alone, could utter.” 

(http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Physical_Geography_Of_The_Sea_1855/2. Scroll to p. 53-54 #68.) (Note: You will need to copy and paste the entire title to bring up the source.)

     King David lived around 1,000 B.C. He was not a sailor, yet he recorded facts discovered about 2,800 years after him. Scientific accuracy and foreknowledge in the Scriptures is a wonderful faith-building study.

     Others such as Prince Henry of Portugal and Benjamin Franklin knew about the existence of the ocean currents. However, Maury was the first to realize that the ocean is a circulating system, with specific patterns of wind and water movement which causes paths or currents. Using the wind and currents, he plotted shipping routes which have saved shipping companies great amounts of time and money.

     Surface currents are wind driven. The greatest of these are the Gulf Stream and the Japan Current. Interestingly, there is a subsurface current which runs in the opposite direction. These were not discovered until the twentieth century. In 1964 photographs were taken of the ocean floor where subsurface currents had caused paths in the sand! What’s more, there is what is called “upwelling.” This occurs when the nutrient dense cool water churns from the bottom to the top to replace the depleted warm water. The movement is not only by currents but also by an amazing circulation from beneath the surface!

     The design of the circulating ocean keeps us all alive! If the ocean did not keep moving, it would become stagnant; without oxygen fish would die. The ocean is responsible for our well-being in many ways: rain, food, oxygen, and regulation of the temperature of the earth, etc. God is Almighty!

Recommended Reading

Note: This article was adapted from the section "For the Teacher" in a lesson in my class material "We Believe Because..." a series of Christian evidences lessons for young children.

Jackson, Wayne: https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/1063-psalms-8-8-the-paths-of-the-sea
Major, Trevor: http://apologeticspress.org/apcontent.aspx?category=13&article=361

Mortan, Dr. Jean Sloat (1978), Science in The Bible, (Chicago: Moody Press)

http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/8q.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upwelling

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Fontaine_Maury

Note that the image of the statue is a photo taken by William Maury Morris. His comments about the picture are worth reading. See Wikipedia about Matthew Fontaine Maury.
The picture of the ship on the Red Sea is a stock photograph purchased from 123rf. Please do not copy from this site.

Was Archaeopteryx a Missing Link?

by Betty Jackson

The following article is a section especially for teachers from my class material, We Believe Because... Research has shown that many young people begin to lose their faith in the integrity of the Bible before they even reach high school. No wonder since evolutionary propaganda is taught in schools, as well as through other mediums, at very early grades. This section is part of a lesson on the design of birds. Where there is a design, there must be a designer! My hope is that this article will be helpful.

Evolutionists astound us with their wild claims that mutations and adaptations, along with eons of time, produced our “fine feathered friends.” They believe that birds are the offspring of reptiles. Consider the following information from Wayne Jackson: 

 “Believing that all organisms have derived from a primitive life source, evolutionists contend that the fossil record contains proof for their theory. They claim that intermediate life-forms, which supposedly bridge the gaps between the various kinds of living creatures, are revealed in the fossils of the earth. One such transitional link is said to be Archaeopteryx, a strange and extinct bird. George G. Simpson, popularly known as ‘Mr. Evolution,’ declared that Archaeopteryx is ‘the most famous intermediate…between reptiles and birds… The oldest known reptilian except in one respect: They had feathered wings’ (Simpson, Pittendrigh, Tiffany, Life–An Introduction to Biology, 1957, pp. 31, 591).

While it appears to be true that this ancient creature had some features which are common to both birds and reptiles, this by no means establishes an evolutionary link between the two groups. That link exists only in the mind of evolutionists. Note the following facts: 

(1) Archaeopteryx had feathers similar to modern birds.

(2) Modern birds lived at the same time as Archaeopteryx. Since such was the case, that creature could not have been a link towards the development of modern birds.

(3) It is said that Archaeopteryx had claws on its wings – supposedly an exclusively reptilian trait. However, several modern birds (not considered transitional links) also have claws on their wings. The ostrich is an example.

Some evolutionary scientists even admit that Archaeopteryx is not a missing link in the evolutionary chain. W. E. Swinton wrote: ‘There is no fossil evidence of the stages through which the remarkable change from reptile to bird was achieved’ (Biology and Comparative Physiology in Birds, 1960, p. 1). That would exclude Archaeopteryx! And so, the missing links are just that – missing!”(Archaeopteryx—A Missing Link That’s Still Missing - out of print)

Each species of birds has beaks or bills particularly designed for their life styles. For example, the woodpecker has an especially pointed and hard beak with cushioning tissue between his bill and skull to absorb the shock. Just imagine the scenario if evolution were true. Woodpeckers with dislocated and broken necks, shattered heads, etc. would litter the forest floor.

Others would be flying dizzily about with splitting headaches! If evolution were true, there would be no woodpeckers, for the first attempts to develop into such creatures would have been quickly abandoned. Evolution is simply without basis.

As we consider the marvels of the bird family, we cannot but be awed by the Lord’s creative genius and power. Birds possess so many amazing characteristics. Consider what it takes for a bird to fly: special wing design, lightweight skeletal system of hollow, porous bones, and feathers.Think about the mysteries of migratory patterns; ponder over the unique respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems. Enjoy the wonderful ability of songbirds. Puzzle over the engineering feats of nest construction. How can we not know that “the Lord He is God” (Psalms 100:3)!

All things bright and beautiful,

All creatures great and small,

All things wise and wonderful,

The Lord God made them all. 

        Cecil Francis Alexander

Recommended Reading

Jackson, Wayne. "Those Missing Links." ChristianCourier.com. Access date: July 23, 2018. https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/306-those-missing-links

Jackson, Jason. "Evaluating Evolution in Plain English." ChristianCourier.com. Access date: July 23, 2018. https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/1228-evaluating-evolution-in-plain-english

Photo's purchased: not to be copied, covered by legal copyright.

Copyright: <a href='https://www.123rf.com/profile_AlienCat'>AlienCat / 123RF Stock Photo</a>

Copyright: <a href='https://www.123rf.com/profile_PavelS'>PavelS / 123RF Stock Photo</a>

Atheist Children

by Betty Jackson

According to a recent survey by the Barna Group, youngsters of the United States between ages 13-18 (labeled as Generation Z) claim to be atheists. Barna states the percentage of this unbelieving generation is double that of adults. How firm these children are in disbelief is surely not knowable in this kind of survey. But it is no surprise that many of them are leaning toward atheism. The viral propaganda against belief in God is so pervasive. It is in the classroom, on television, social media, etc. https://www.barna.com/research/atheism-doubles-among-generation-z

We will briefly consider the reasons given by these polled young people, and the increasing secularism/unbelief among the general population. We have listed numerous articles to supplement the brevity here.

The primary reason these youngsters gave for their atheism is the fact of evil and suffering in our world. Surely, it is mused, there must be no God, or he wouldn’t allow evil and suffering to exist. This issue is problematic for many people, including believers in an Almighty God. Instead of jumping to the conclusion that God doesn’t exist because there is suffering and evil, the foremost question is: What is the evidence, if any, for the existence of Deity?

Where there is design, there must be a designer; where there is an effect there must be an adequate cause. Our universe, our bodies contain the very evidence of a great Cause and Designer. The visible evidence for an invisible great mind and power that created all there is leads the reasoning and honest person to belief in God (Rom. 1:19-21). Wayne Jackson explains, “In Romans 1, Paul employed this type of reasoning to contend for the Creator’s existence. ‘For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world, are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and deity; that they may be without excuse’ (v. 20). By observing the intricacies of the visible creation (the obvious design, orchestration, etc.), one is expected to reason to the invisible, i.e., an ultimate, intelligent Cause exists.The logic is so transparent that to fail to reason in this fashion, Paul says, is inexcusable!” (https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/892-reasoning-from-the-visible-to-the-invisible)

God has communicated to us by the Bible. How do we know that? There is plenty of evidence for its inspiration. It is the genuine Word. A study of this amazing Book will show its supernatural unity, though written over a period of 1500 or more years. The writers were from different backgrounds and experiences. There is scientific accuracy and foreknowledge, fulfilled prophecies, etc. All these point to the integrity of the Book as God’s Scripture. (cf. Wayne Jackson. The Holy Bible Inspired of God—A Look at the Evidence. https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/1578-the-holy-bible-inspired-of-god-a-look-at-the-evidence.)

Can we answer the question: Why is there a suffering in the world today? If we believe that the evidence is so strong for the existence of God that it cannot be denied (prima facie case), there must be a satisfying answer. At least enough to accept that God is; and that he loves and acts on behalf of his people, in spite of things we don’t understand. What can we learn from his Holy Word?

When Adam and Eve chose to sin, they brought death upon their offspring, that is you and me (Gen. 2:15-17; 3). Disease and violations of natural laws lead to death. The earth itself has “suffered” the consequences of mankind’s sins. It isn’t the same pure globe it was before the fall. For example, there is geological evidence for a moderate climate upon all of the earth before the Flood in Noah’s day. Since then there are turbulent storms and weather extremes. 

Because of God’s love (1 Jon. 4:8), we have been created with the power of personal choice. We are not robots geared to behave with no ability to make decisions. However, choices often lead to sufferings of various kinds for ourselves and others. For example alcohol and other drugs lead to a variety of heartaches: automobile accidents that kill or maim, family abuse, immorality, financial ruin, prison terms, and general unhappiness and depression. The lives of children are affected by the choices of their parents. 

The acceptance of the theory of evolution as fact is a huge factor contributing to the growing disbelief in God. If one is simply a beast without a soul, there is no room for the demands of the Lord. The desire for unrestrained behaviors, without accountability, makes evolution an attractive idea to some. With evolution comes a disregard for human life (e.g. abortion). The fact is there is no proof for evolution as the creative power behind all that is. If nothing ever existed, there would be nothing now. Life comes from life.

The children surveyed also listed hypocrisy among churches/Christians as a “reason” for their unbelief. This is probably the most shallow of excuses. However, it reminds us that we do not live “on an island” alone. We are seen. Yes, many people look for a weakness in others, and will find it or misjudge. But we must do our best not to behave in ways that bring disgrace to the cause of Christ (cf. 1 Peter 2:11-12). Yet, people who claim hypocrisy is the reason for their unbelief, seem to ignore the many good people who are exemplary of God’s influence in their lives. There are hypocrites in all walks of life, but that doesn’t keep us from going to the doctor or buying an automobile, home etc.

Guardians of the world’s children are their major influences, especially early in life. What are parents, grandparents, teachers doing? Do we live like Jesus commands? Do we communicate with children about God in a deep manner? Are we careful to watch over our youngsters to help them cultivate good companions? How much time is spent having fun or on media devices, versus time spent in service to the Lord or studying his word? Parenting is a responsibility; we will be held accountable. The lifestyle of many parents is focused upon the temporal. It is more important to spend time with our offspring, than it is earning and buying “stuff."

The vulnerability of our youth is often under-estimated. We are swimming upstream against a world culture. Unless we prioritize the spiritual needs of ourselves and our children, we will “drown.” Just taking our kids to worship is not enough. A couple of hours a week in formal church services will not create an armor against the wiles of the devil, in all his craftiness (Eph. 6:10-16). Though influential, the preacher, elders, youth minister, Bible class teachers cannot replace parents. The inspired Moses wrote the words of God: “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up” (Emphasis mine. Deut. 6:4-9). It takes time, lots of time, to plant the word of God in our own hearts, and the hearts of our children. How much time is left?

Recommended Reading

Wayne Jackson:

Is God There? https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/801-is-god-there).

Are Logic and Scripture Compatible? https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/1173-are-logic-and-scripture-compatible

Penetrating Questions From the Book of Job. https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/726-penetrating-questions-from-the-book-of-job

The Value of Human Suffering. https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/52-value-of-human-suffering-the

Reasoning From the Visible to the Invisible. https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/892-reasoning-from-the-visible-to-the-invisible

Is Evidence Needed For Faith. https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/629-is-evidence-needed-for-faith

Why Do Natural Disasters Happen. https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/939-why-do-natural-disasters-happen

Jason Jackson: 

Evaluating Evolution in Plain English. https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/1228-evaluating-evolution-in-plain-english

Building Character Before the Concrete Sets. https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/1233-building-character-before-the-concrete-sets

Parents Obey Your Father. https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/1190-parents-obey-your-father

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Am I Old Enough to be Baptized?

by Debbie Bumbalough

Bible class teachers and parents are often asked by young children, “Am I old enough to be baptized?” or “How old do I have to be before I can be baptized?” 

Because of the importance of this basic question and also the sensitivity of a child’s heart, our choice of words can have everlasting impressions. Because it is difficult to pinpoint an age when a child reaches the proper maturity level to make the decision to become a Christian, answering the question with a specific age would not necessarily be right or wrong. A middle of the road answer to the child might be, “When you have studied God’s Word, and talked the decision over with your parents or loved ones, then you’ll know when it’s time to be baptized.”

Because this is the most important decision any of us can make, further study on the question is needed. Statistics show that more than 80 percent of people make the decision to become a Christian before the age of 21. All of us know that the longer the decision is put off, the harder it is to make.

How do we know that a child is old enough to be baptized? What criteria can we use to measure when a child is ready to obey the gospel? How can we as parents and teachers encourage children to not make decisions based on fear or peer pressure?

Through teaching in the home, the pulpit and in the Bible class, each child is exposed to the Scriptures and to the belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. They learn to memorize the steps to salvation and quote verses about

baptism. But are they ready to make the commitment to a new life?

These guidelines may help you determine if a child is

ready to be baptized:

• Has the child moved from a literal understanding to more abstract concepts? For instance, a 7- or 8-year-old child would not be able to grasp the full symbolism of baptism, the blood of Christ, or even the Lord’s Supper.

As children mature, they more easily understand the meaning of Romans 6:3-4 that states, “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (NKJV). By the age of 12 or 13, a child will better understand that baptism is not just a ritual. As LaGard Smith* says in Baptism, The Believer’s Wedding Ceremony, “The true significance of baptism is not what happens on the outside of the package. It’s what happens on the inside that makes the outer act important.”

• The child is actively participating in the worship service. Listening, singing, praying and being attentive during the Lord’s Supper are strong indicators that a child is maturing and wants to be a part of the body. Encouraging children from an early age to carry their Bibles, turning to passages and listening to the Bible reading are positive patterns for learning.

• The child repeatedly feels guilt when approached about wrongdoing. He also begins to understand forgiveness and reconciliation. Conversation reflects that he does not easily forgive himself of sins committed. Just as David felt the burden of his sin in Psalm 51:10,“Create in me a clean heart, O God,” so will a child begin to talk about the pain of guilt. For a child to fully understand the blessings of baptism, he needs to understand the depth of sin.

• The child understands the meaning of commitment. True conversion is a commitment to Christ and His teachings. Allowing a child to participate in other activities such as scouts, sports or a part-time job may indicate that he/she understands the meaning of commitment. If the child takes responsibility and follows through with these tasks, then he will have a better knowledge of commitment.

• Children at the age of 6 to 8 want to please adults.As adults we talk about baptism in a hopeful light. We tell them, “We hope one day that you will want to be baptized.” They overhear us say to others, “We are praying that [someone] will obey the Lord.” Children who grow up in the church absorb good feelings about baptism from other members. As a child grows older and matures, he has less need for adult approval. Because of this, a child at the age of 12 or 13 is less likely to be just pleasing his parents when he talks about being baptized.

Of course, we must realize that all children are different in maturity levels and understanding. We would certainly not want to discourage a child who was truly convicted in his heart to become a Christian, but at the same time we need to consider prayerfully each individual situation. Studying some of the books suggested in the editor’s note at left (below) may help parents determine a child’s readiness to be baptized.

Our hope and prayer is for the child to mature to the level where he does not need to ask the question, “Am I old enough to be baptized?” Rather, with confidence and conviction he can confess “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and I want to be baptized!” With joy, we’ll respond with a resounding, “Yes!” And just as the eunuch did in Acts 8:39, your child will go “on his way rejoicing.”

Editor's note: This editorial is by no means a thorough or complete study of baptism. After studying the Scriptures, you may want to consult these additional resources*:

Becoming a Christian by Wayne Monroe and Mike Peters; 

Baptism,The Believer’s Wedding Ceremony by F. LaGard Smith; Basic Training: A Manual for Teens by Randy Simmons; Good As New! A Child’s Guide to Becoming a Christian by Doug Gibson; Am I Old Enoughto Be Baptized? byJim McDaniel; Now That You’ve Obeyed the Gospel by Delton Haun; Now That I’m A Christian by R. B. Sweet;

and “Is Baptism Really Necessary?” by Dan Chambers.

The foregoing editorial article was written by Debbie  Bumbalough, while she was editor of the Gospel Advocate’s publication Ideashop. Note the License Agreement below.

*Disclaimer: Not having read those references, we cannot necessarily endorse the authors or the books recommended above (Betty Jackson).

Recommended Reading: 

Jackson, Wayne. What About the Baptism of Young Children.

https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/499-what-about-the-baptism-of-young-children

Jackson, Wayne. Lagard Smith’s New Book, “After Life.
https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/799-lagard-smiths-new-book-after-life

Please do not reprint/repost this article without obtaining permission from the Gospel Advocate.

Non-Exclusive License Agreement

This License Agreement ("Agreement") is dated May 18, 2017, by and between Gospel Advocate Company ("GAC") and Betty Jackson ("Licensee") (collectively, the "Parties").

GAC hereby grants to Licensee and Licensee accepts from GAC, a nonexclusive, non transferable, and non-assignable right, strictly subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, to use the Licensed Work (as that term is defined below) solely in connection with the Manner of Distribution, in the Territory, and for the Duration, all of which are defined below.  GAC retains all rights pertaining to the Licensed Work except as specifically granted to Licensee hereunder.

LICENSED WORK (See also Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference): The literary work entitled "Am I Old Enough To Be Baptized" from Ideashop Jan 2003.

TERRITORY: Soley in the city of Jackson, Madison County, state of TN.

DURATION: The time period from May on 18, 2017 to Aug on 18, 2018.

MANNER OF DISTRIBUTION: Licensee is permitted to distribute the Licensed Work solely in connection with re-post, online 2017.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE 2003 Gospel Advocate Company. Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.

Securing Their Hearts #4

What About Discipline? 

by Betty Jackson

In the mind of some, discipline is simply about punishment. A simple study of how the word is used in scripture will show it is much more. Limiting discipline to punishment is to miss its purpose.

The Greek word (paideía) translated discipline in Hebrews 12 and 2 Timothy 3:16 in some versions, is also translated as instruction or training.The purpose of discipline, whether it is by some kind of punishment, verbal reproof or instruction, is not to be characterized as revenge.

The Lord expects us to train our children. Ephesians 6:4. Paul prefaces his instruction about discipline with the word “nourish” or “bring up” This word is also used in Ephesians 5:29. There is a warmness or gentleness in the word. In contrast to the brutality common in the then ruling Roman Empire, fathers are to wisely train their children in the Lord. 

How important is discipline? Scripture explains, “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness” (Heb. 12:11). The purpose and the fruit of discipline is clear: training and righteousness. 

Failure to properly discipline our offspring, jeopardizes the “peaceable fruit of righteousness.” (cf. Prov. 29:15.) Self control is as important as an honest heart wherein truth has been deeply planted. It is only by training and teaching the scriptures will our children learn to be the master of themselves.

Every child needs to be trained, in harmony with his age, understanding and temperament. As we rear our children, we may question others about how to discipline our children. It may be daunting when we realize that Baby has his own personality and will. As he grows older, we learn he isn’t as easy to mold as we may have thought. And especially is this true of a stronger-willed child. Respect for authority is paramount. There will be a battle of wills. But deep affection with a dedication to loving chastisement will instruct our kids about authority, love, and self-mastery.

The scriptures have a lot to say about training children. However, one cannot lead where one will not go! Effective discipline begins with parents who are self-disciplined. Personal and honest evaluation of oneself may include asking: Do my spouse and I constantly bicker and hatefully disagree, even on unimportant things? Do I lose my temper and “throw a fit” when I need to hold my child accountable? Do I constantly criticize or “harp” at my youngster when correcting him? Do I try to say yes to my child’s requests, when I can; or do I usually say no? How do I go about my work? Am I haphazard, always leaving things to be done at the last minute, or always late! Am I always tardy for worship? What about the state of your home. None of us can have a perfectly kept home all the time. Life happens! But if it is always slovenly, it is a shame ( cf. Prov. 10:3-5; 12:23-24; 13:4). Are we inclined to be like the world in our habits, dress, and recreational pursuits?

Taking an honest inventory of our lives will be be a good indicator of how well we are training our children. 

Youngsters will be exposed to all kinds of temptations. When they are little the temptation to lie will be common. Their little hearts must learn honesty, by gently, firmly teaching that lying is wrong. The very young have little idea of what all this means. They will respond to a sharp word with a lie, not even realizing that they were caught in wrong doing. It is important not to set a child up for a lie. if you saw her take the cookie, don’t ask if she did! As they get older, when they understand what lying is, they must face more significant consequences for not telling the truth.

“For whom the Lord loves He reproves. Even as father corrects the son in whom he delights”(Prov. 3:12). If the Lord loves us enough to reprove us, surely if we delight in our children, we will do all we can to train them in God’s way. When we are weak parents, we create an environment for our children to become self-centered and rebellious. Correction must be followed through. Promising discipline, whether it is a spanking or loss of privileges, then forgetting or unwilling to carry out the necessary measures is simply wrong. Under some circumstances, mercy might be extended, but not every day!

Peer pressure will become more real as children get older. They will be prompted to dress in a way that is provocative. Going to the beach is popular in many parts of the country. Is it alright to wear a bikini at the beach, but at a ball game or the grocery store it would be considered immodest? Why is it alright to wear a strapless wedding dress, yet immodest to wear a similar garment to worship or a party (or is it!)?

There are so many issues that will face our children. If they have not developed confidence in their parents to lead in righteousness; if their hearts have not learned honesty, and self mastery, they will yearn to be like their friends and the world. They will dress (or undress) like the rest, behave like unbelievers. Without honest hearts that are under control because of love for the Lord, they will sink into sin that is ever knocking at the door.

What have you done to help your children be pure and holy? Have you a laissez+faire attitude? Do you take the position that all will end well, no matter what you do? Have you encouraged your children to dress in a way that is provocative? Do you dress in clothes that leave little unrevealed? I do not understand mothers who wear those low necklines before their sons and daughters. In spite of the your own immodesty, would you be insulted if someone made a lewd comment to your nearly naked daughter or son?

Mom’s need to set the right example in dress and behavior. Shorts are a problem these days. Even if they are knee length, gaping big-legged shorts reveal more than anyone needs (or wants) to see. Fathers, need to dress modestly too! They need to have the moral courage to correct their wives and children concerning the way they dress.

Do you watch movies that are filled with excess violence, sexual innuendos, and foul language? Do your children?It should be no surprise when our children become involved in bad behavior with sad consequences, when we fail to teach them honest, pure, and self disciplined living.

When Nathan approached David for his sin with Bathsheba, he said, “Thou art the man!” As good as David was, he let his eyes fill with lust. He lapsed in self-mastery and sinned, bringing grave consequences into his own life and that of others.

Concerning Joseph, Reuben said, “Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? …” (Gen. 42:22). Have you sinned against your child by failing to train him in the Lord. I hope not. The church is filled with broken-hearted parents whose children have lost their way. May we not hear words such as “Thou art the man, woman!” for our lack of self-discipline. If we fail our children, we fail the Lord and the church. Some churches have dwindled in part because many parents have failed.

“‘Contrary to popular misguided cultural stereotypes and frequent parental misconceptions, the evidence clearly shows the the single most important social influence on the religious and spiritual lives of adolescents is their parents.’” “Parents are the most important determinants of their children’s spiritual life—or lack thereof.” (Sax, p. 183).

 Researchers have learned exactly what Scripture has taught from the days of Moses. We can lead them in the Lord’s way. The general principle is “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6). Let us live right, and love them right by setting examples and giving instructions from the Holy Bible.

Recommended Reading

(Some works are not recommended nor approved of in entirety. Certain writers do not make logical conclusions or their books may contain doctrinal errors. They are used for the research contained therein.)

Jackson, Wayne, The Value of Modesty, https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/65-value-of-modesty-the

Sax, Leonard, M.D.; Ph.D.Girls on the Edge. 2010. New York, NY. Basic Books. p.283 (Sax quoted: Christian Smith and Melinda Lundquist Denton, Soul Searching. 2005. New York: Oxford University Press. p. 261)

Vaughn, David and Diane, The Beauty of Modesty, 2005. Nashville, TN: Cumberland House Publishing.

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A Personal Note

The past year has been filled with changes. Life is that way, is it not? 

For us, those changes involved some decisions about our future. In September of 2016, Wayne underwent surgery to remove a small malignant tumor from his neck. This was a reoccurrence of thyroid cancer. He recovered from that circumstance. He still has times of not feeling well. The multiple surgeries he has endured have taken their toll on him.

About the same time, we came to the full realization that we needed to think about our remaining years. Wayne had retired from public teaching (though he continues to write.) So we considered our options. California is an expensive place to live. With our son, Jared and his family in Tennessee, with our daughter,  Joy and her husband, George, only a few hours from them and Wayne’s sisters also residing in Tennessee, we decided that we would leave California.

This decision was not easy. We love the church family we had been a part of in Stockton for over five decades. We did not want to leave our youngest son and his family. That was heart rending. But we knew it was the best. As most preacher’s families know, congregations are usually unable to contribute to a retirement plan. Wisdom dictates that ministers of the gospel figure out how to take care of themselves in old age. Therefore, living in a less expensive area is the careful thing to do; living closer to more family to encourage us in our challenges of age is paramount.

So we began making plans, purchased a house in Jackson Tennessee just behind Jared and Sandy. Packing seemed endless for weeks. Before that paper was sorted and files cleaned out. With the help of our kids and friends we loaded up the truck, and George and Joy drove our car to Jackson. On March 17 we flew out of Sacramento, for likely the last time. 

Now we are here trying to get settled. More paintings, pictures to hang; cleaning, and organizing goes on. It will be a couple of months before everything is done. Then, I can get back to writing and keeping up with proof reading for Wayne. I have hopes of getting on a regular schedule for my Facebook page We Believe Because, and the blog Women of Hope. I had a final article written in the series, Securing their Hearts. However, there was so much I wanted to include. I couldn’t settle into “re-writing” while packing hours and hours at a time.

It has been a blessing to be here near Jared, Sandy, and Matthew, and Nicholas when he is home from college. George and Joy were here a few days to help us. We were blessed to be able to attend our eldest grandson’s wedding nearby the last of March.

We are anxious for a visit from Jason, Jill, Natalie, Kara, and Allie. Natalie plans to begin her first semester at Freed-Hardeman University. We expect to see her as often as her school schedule allows. My sister and her husband have plans to see us this summer.

I will be posting the last article in the series “Securing Their Hearts.”

While some events of the past years have challenged our hearts and our energy, we are confident in the Lord’s love and the hope we have in Him. May we all be diligent in our service in the kingdom.

And may God bless each of you.

Betty