Blemishes in Christian Character No.7

Here is the seventh blemish in Christian Character listed in one of John Newton's letters:

"QUERULUS wastes much of his precious time in declaiming against the management of public affairs; though he has neither access to the springs which move the wheels of government, nor influence either to accelerate or retard their motions. Our national concerns are no more affected by the remonstrances of Querulus, than the heavenly bodies are by the disputes of astronomers. While the newspapers are the chief sources of his intelligence, and his situation precludes him from being a competent judge either of matters of fact, or matters of right, why should Querulus trouble himself with politics? This would be a weakness, if we consider him only as a member of society; but if we consider him as a Christian, it is worse than weakness: it is a sinful conformity to the men of the world, who look no farther than to second causes, and forget that the LORD REIGNS. If a Christian be placed in a public sphere of action, he should undoubtedly be faithful to his calling, and endeavor by all lawful methods to transmit our privileges to posterity: but it would be better for Querulus to let the dead bury the dead. There are people enough to make a noise about political matters, who know not how to employ their time to better purpose. Our Lord's kingdom is not of this world; and most of his people may do their country much more essential service by pleading for it in prayer, than by finding fault with things which they have no power to alter. If Querulus had opportunity of spending a few months under some of the governments upon the Continent (I may indeed say any of them) he would probably bring home with him a more grateful sense of the Lord's goodness to him, in appointing his lot in Britain. As it is, his zeal is not only unprofitable to others, but hurtful to himself. It embitters his spirit, it diverts his thoughts from things of greater importance, and prevents him from feeling the value of those blessings, civil and religious, which he actually possesses: and could he (as he wishes) prevail on many to act in the same spirit, the governing powers might be irritated to take every opportunity of abridging that religious liberty which we are favored with above all nations upon earth. Let me remind Querulus, that the hour is approaching, when many things, which at present too much engross his thoughts and inflame his passions will appear to him as is what is now transacting among the Tartars or Chinese."

Kids, given our present political climate this may the most needed of the blemish warnings. Read it carefully. Let me know what you think.

EVEN SO COME QUICKLY! Dad

Blemishes in Christian Character No. 6

"A Christian, by tenor of his high calling, is bound to avoid even the appearance of evil; and should as free as possible from every inconsistence and blemish."

“Blemish No. 6. CURIOSUS is upright and unblameable in his general deportment, and is no stranger to the experience of a true Christian. His conversation upon these subjects is often satisfactory and edifying. He would be a much more agreeable companion, were it not for an impertinent desire of knowing everybody's business, and the very grounds of every hint that is occasionally dropped in discourse where he is present. This puts him upon asking a multiplicity of needless and improper questions; and obliges those who know him, to be continually upon their guard, and to treat him with reserve. He catechises even strangers, and is unwilling to part with them till he is punctually informed of all their connections, employments, and designs. For this idle curiosity he is marked and avoided as a busy-body; and they who have the best opinion of him, cannot but wonder that a man, who appears to have so many better things to employ his thoughts, should find leisure to amuse himself with what does not at all concern him. Were it not for the rules of civility, he would be affronted every day: And if he would attend to the cold and evasive answers he receives, or even to the looks with which they are accompanied, he might learn, that, though he means no harm, he appears to a great disadvantage, and that this prying disposition is very unpleasing.”

One of the Pennsylvania Dutch words I remember from my childhood is "Goonernoss." As I remember the meaning it fits Curiosus perfectly. I can still hear my mother say, "Don't be a goonernoss." I hope none of you kids can be accused of being a "goonernoss.” You may have forgotten, but I often told you to never listen to any conversation or read any writing that was not meant for you. I can honestly say that has been my practice over the years.

I trust you all had a good Lord's Day, DAD

Blemishes in Christian Character No. 5

Dear Kids,
After reading about No. 4 and being on time, I'm sure many things must have come to mind, like the people who were always late for church, or your mother risking your lives driving to our Christian school in Littleton because she didn't want to pay the 25 cent fine I imposed on teachers for being late. I'm glad your memories don't include your dad ever being late! I give this introduction to remind everyone that the purpose John Newton had in mind was that we might ask ourselves if they are found in us? If we find ourselves guilty of any of these inconsistencies, he says, “It would be well if we could be made sensible of them, and of their ill effects, as that we might earnestly watch, and strive, and pray against them.”

“Blemish no. 5. CESSATOR is not chargeable with being buried in the cares and business of the present life to the neglect of the one thing needful; but he greatly neglects his station. Had he been sent into the world only to read, pray, hear sermons and join in religious conversation, he might pass for an eminent Christian. But though it is to be hoped, that his abounding in these exercises springs from a heart-attachment to divine things, his conduct evidences that his judgment is weak, and his views of his Christian calling are very narrow and defective. He does not consider, that waiting upon God in the public and private ordinances is designed, not to excuse us from the discharge of the duties of civil life, but to instruct, strengthen, and qualify us for their performance. His affairs are in disorder, and his family and connections are likely to suffer by his indolence. He thanks God he is not worldly minded; but he is an idle and unfaithful member of society. Of such, the apostle has determined that, if any man will not work, neither should he eat.”

I am reminded of my years sitting under the preaching of Dr. Bob Jones Sr. He gave us a lot of good practical down-to-earth advice. What comes to mind here is that we were not to be so heavenly minded that we were no earthly good!

Stay close to Him, Dad

Blemishes in Christian Character No. 4

Okay, so you are courteous, and not thought of by others as proud, dogmatic or self important (1). You know when to speak, and when to keep silent, and would never never betray a trust with an unbridled tongue (2). You are generous with your money and could never be accused of driving a hard bargain at a yard sale. When you go out to eat, waiters and waitresses vie for your table because they know there will be a generous tip under the tract you leave them (3).

Let's go on to no. 4. “VOLATILIS is sufficiently exact in performing his promises in such instances as he thinks of real importance. If he bids a person depend upon his assistance, he will not disappoint his expectations. Perhaps he is equally sincere in all his promises at the time of making them; but for want of method in the management of his affairs, he is always in a hurry, always too late, and has always some engagement upon his hands with which it is impossible he can comply: yet he goes on in this way, exposing himself and others to continual disappointments. He accepts, without a thought, proposals which are incompatible with each other, and will perhaps undertake to be at two or three different and distant places at the same hour. This has been so long his practice, that nobody expects him till they see him. In other respects he is a good sort of man; but this want of punctuality, which runs through his whole deportment, puts everything out of course in which he is concerned, abroad and at home. Volatilis excuses himself as well as he can, and chiefly by alleging, that the things in which he fails are of no great consequence. But he would do well to remember, that truth is a sacred thing and ought not be violated in the smallest matters, without an unforeseen and unavoidable prevention. Such a trifling turn of spirit lessens the weight of a person's character, though he makes no pretensions to religion, and is still greater in a professor.”

May His grace and peace be your portion tonight, To my Children, Grandchildren, Friends and those who were my Friends before I began this series. DGDRAF

BLEMISHES IN CHRISTIAN CHARACTER NO. 3

No problem with Austerus and Humanus?? See how you fare with No. 3?

PRUDENS, though not of a generous natural temper, is a partaker of that grace which opens the heart, and inspires a disposition to love and good works. He bestows not his alms to be seen of men; but they who have the best opportunities of knowing what he does for the relief of others, and of comparing it with his ability, can acquit him in good measure of the charge which another part of his conduct exposes him to. For Prudens is a great economist; and though he would not willingly wrong or injure any person, yet the meannesses to which he will submit, either to save or gain a penny in what he accounts an honest way, are a great discredit to his profession. He is punctual in filling his engagements; but exceedingly hard, strict, and suspicious in making his bargains.* And in his dress, and every article of his personal concerns, he is content to be so much below the station in which the providence of God has placed him, that to those who are not acquainted with his private benefactions to the poor, he appears under the hateful character of a miser, and to be governed by the love of money which the Scripture declares to be the root of all evil, and inconsistent with the true love of God and of all saints.

*Proverbs 20: 14 comes to mind here-"It is naught, it is naught saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way he boasteth." DGDAF

Blemishes in Christian Character No. 2

Dear Family,

Well, how did you fare with Austerus? It made me wish I could have another run. John Newton seemed to know me. If you escaped Austerus without a problem see how you do with Humanus?

"Humanus is generous and benevolent. His feelings are lively, and his expressions of them are strong. No one is more distant from sordid views, or less influenced by a selfish spirit. His heart burns with love to Jesus, and he is ready to receive with open arms all who love his Saviour. Yet with an upright and friendly spirit, which entitles him to the love and esteem of all who know him, he has not everything we would wish in a friend. In some respects, though not in the most criminal sense, he bridleth not his tongue. Should you, without witness or writing, intrust him with untold gold, you would run no risk of loss; but if you intrust him with a secret, you thereby put it in the possession of the public. Not that he would wilfully betray you, but it is his infirmity. He knows not how to keep a secret; it escapes from him before he is aware. So likewise as to matters of fact: in things which are of great importance, and where he is sufficiently informed, no man has a stricter regard to truth; but in the smaller concerns of common life, whether it be from credulity, or from a strange and blameable inadvertence, he frequently grieves and surprises those who know his real character, by saying the thing that is not. Thus they to whom he opens his very heart, dare not make him returns of equal confidence; and they who in some cases would venture their lives upon his word, in others are afraid of telling a story after him. How lamentable are such blemishes in such a person!"

During our years in Japan our children grew up with this definition of FRIENDSHIP tacked to our kitchen door.

Oh, the comfort--the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person,
Having neither to weigh thoughts,
Nor measure words--but pouring them
All right out--just as they are--
Chaff and grain together--
Certain that a faithful hand will
Take and sift them--
Keep what is worth keeping--
And with the breath of kindness
Blow the rest away. ---Dinah Craik

Dad, GrandDad and Friend, Grace be to each of you.

BLEMISHES FOUND IN CHRISTIAN MEN AND WOMEN

Dear Family,

For the next seven days I am going to use my devotional to reveal blemishes in Christian men and women as portrayed by John Newton, the author of Amazing Grace. I have none of you in mind but I have seen much of myself a number of times. I would suggest, along with Newton, that you not work to find "improprieties of conduct" among your families or Christian friends but carefully examine whether you cannot, in one or the other of them, find some traces of your own features. Newton states " A Christian, by the tenor of his high calling, is bound to avoid even the appearance of evil; and his deportment should not only be upright as to his leading principles, but amiable and engaging, and as free as possible from every inconsistence and blemish...it would be well if they could be made so sensible of them, and of their ill effects, as that they might earnestly watch, and strive and pray against them." Newton states, "though I speak of men only, counterparts may doubtless be found among the women."

No. 1. AUSTERUS is a solid and exemplary Christian. He has a deep, extensive, and experimental knowledge of divine things. Inflexibly and invariably true to his principles, he stems with a singularity the torrent of the world, and can neither be bribed nor intimidated from the path of duty He is a rough diamond of great intrinsic value, and would sparkle with a distinguished luster, if he were more polished: but though the Word of God is his daily study, and he prizes the precepts as well as the promises, more than thousands of gold and silver, there is one precept he seems to have overlooked; I mean that of the apostle, BE COURTEOUS. Instead of that gentleness and condescension which will always be expected from a professed follower of the meek and lowly Jesus; there is a harshness in his manner which makes him more admired than beloved; and they who truly love him, often feel more constraint than pleasure in his company. His intimate friends are satisfied that he is no stranger to true humility of heart; but these are few. By others he is thought proud, dogmatic, and self important; nor can can this prejudice against him be easily removed, until he can lay aside that cynical air which he has unhappily contracted.

Not a problem for you? Your time is coming!! DGDAF

PSALM 123:4 - Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud.

PSALM 123:4 - Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud.
"They are in easy circumstances; they are easy in heart through a deadened conscience, and so they easily come to mock at holiness...their conceit of themselves is boundless. Such men take things easily, and therefore they scorn the holy carefulness of those who watch the hand of the Lord. They say 'Who is the Lord that we should obey His voice?' and then they turn round with a contemptuous look and sneer at those who fear the Lord...Pride is both contemptible and contemptuous. The contempt of the great ones of the earth is often peculiarly acrid: some of them, like a well- known statesman (politician) are masters of gibes and flouts and sneers, and never do they seem so much at home in their acrimony as when a servant of the Lord is the victim of their venom....Let us bear our share of this evil which still rages under the sun, and let us firmly believe that the contempt of the ungodly shall turn to our honor in the world to come: even now it serves as a certificate that we are not of the world, for if we were of this world the world would love us as its own."

These words of Spurgeon fit much of the rhetoric I heard since last Tuesday's election. I believe the Christian who boldly stands for his faith will soon be tested much as stated here.

We are thankful for the many kind, encouraging emails this week. Let us pray for one another. Grace to you; DGDAF ($5 To the first one to figure out my sign-off!)

The King’s Heart…Prov. 21:1

Dear Family and Friends,

On this Veteran's Day I have been thinking of the freedoms we enjoy because of those who have given years of their lives in the service of our country and of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Most of us who are older are missing a family member, a relative, a friend, or someone we served with who didn't come back from a war. I wrote you on my last blog about the elections. The sacrifices made by our veterans made it possible for us to cast our vote last Tuesday. For you who were disappointed in the outcome do not ever forget God is still on the throne and "the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of waters: He turneth it whithersoever He will." Proverbs 21:1
"All the abilities, powers, and instincts, that are found amongst creatures, are emanations from His fulness. All changes, successes, disappointments ---all that is memorable in the annals of history, all the rising and falls of empires, all the turns in human life, take place according to His plan. In vain men contrive and combine to accomplish their own counsels. Unless they are parts of His counsel likewise, the efforts of their utmost strength and wisdom are crossed and reversed by the the feeblest and most unthought-of- circumstances. But when He has a work to accomplish, and His time is come, however inadequate and weak the means He employs may seem to the carnal eye, the success is infallibly in the hands of the potter. Great and marvelous are Thy works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints.!" Rev. 15:3

I extracted this quote from a book I am reading, Letters of John Newton, the author of "Amazing Grace." Grace be to all of you, Dad

Tuesday's election in the light of Daniel 7 and Acts 4

Dear Family,

"They lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, 'Lord Thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of Thy servant David hast said, 'WHY DID THE HEATHEN RAGE, AND THE PEOPLE IMAGINE VAIN THINGS? THE KINGS OF THE EARTH STOOD UP, AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER AGAINST THE LORD, AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST.' ....For to do whatsoever Thy hand and Thy counsel determined before to be done. and now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto Thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak Thy word."

Were you disappointed in the election results? When I watched the news with the heathen raging and the people imagining vain things, the kings standing up and the rulers gathering together from all over the world to praise one who was speaking great words against the most High and wearing out the saints of the most High, and thinking to change times and laws.(Daniel 7:25) I rejoiced in the promise in verse 27, "The kingdom and dominion, and greatness of the kingdom under the whole of heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him. I just "happened" to be reading in Daniel for my O.T. devotional reading and in Acts in the N.T. on the same day I watched the masses worship the "messiah", and he, with a nod, acknowledging their homage. Jesus is coming! Perhaps soon! If there ever was a time to be ready it is today. If He should tarry, you, and your children will pay a terrible price if you stand true to Biblical principles. My great regret is I'll probably not be here to stand with you!

Grace be with all of you, Dad

PS I send a blog to my kids on a regular basis but I thought I'd add some of you on my tonight's list since I'm sure you are concerned about the state of our nation. Thank you who have been sending me your e mails leading up to the election. Obama is doing whatsoever the Lord and His counsel determined before to be done! "Every Knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus is Lord"!