Dear John,
Yes! Amen! Thank you for sending this out to remind us to be diligent.
We have been reading together the Preacher Clark stories, the Bible and some other books, and watching videos of healing. It never fails that those wonderful stories/testimonies of faith stir up memories of the good things God has done for us in our own lives. It leaves a sweet feeling of knowing Jesus is there with us, reminding us that to walk by the Spirit day by day is THE way of escape from this world. The old saints of God knew it and were diligent to live close to Jesus, and I am grateful our family loves their testimonies of how Jesus protected sent correction, and provided for them.
When Jesus answered a prayer for us this past Monday evening and another on Tuesday, and Tim, Jonathan and I were praising God for the answer, I thanked Him over and over for our family being knit together in the love of the truth. It is how I have always wanted to live, even before I knew it was what I wanted.
Bess
==========
The Sweet Influence of the Gospel*
Much of the irrational, hateful behavior and judgment we see in our time is a direct result of society holding back from this generation the knowledge of the gospel of Jesus. The sweet influence of the gospel is so great that even if a person does not become a believer, if he has been taught the gospel story, his spirit is influenced for the better by it.
This is a plea for you fathers, and you mothers, to take advantage of the precious time you have with your children still in your home, and teach them about Jesus. Read the Bible with them. If you want them to be reasonable in their dealings with others, if you want them to be happier and more stable persons in this life, God has given you the tools and the opportunity to help make it happen.
THE MEETINGS OF THE SAINTS ARE NOT ENOUGH! The meetings are not the answer. The greatest help the young will receive is in the quiet of their home, with you.
Love your children with the kind of love which does the most good. Love them with the love you received from God as He patiently taught you many stories about His Son.