Old age dangers for the believer

The wisdom of Solomon tells us in  Pro 16.31, "The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness"  Hoary is defined as white or gray with age.  Thus, aged folks should have wisdom in the way of righteousness.  Especially believers of "old age." 

Do they?

Beware some of the dangers and pitfalls in the story of Isaac and his scheming wife Rebekah and son, Jacob.  The fallout being broken relationships with close family ties as well as with God.  Wonder if Jacob ever had fellowship restored? It doesn't seem that Rebekah did. Isaac would've died saddened he was so misled.  Read more to see what this blogger sees.

Genesis 27

• Fleshly comfort before faith - Isaac, in his old age thought only of physical comfort.  He told Esau, "make me savoury meat, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat; that my soul may bless thee before I die."

• Scheming before faith - Rebekah overheard the request and began to scheme and spake unto Jacob.  She said,  "I will make them savoury meat for thy father, such as he loveth:... And thou shalt bring it to thy father, that he may eat, and that he may bless thee before his death."  

What I don't understand is why Jacob was favored over Esau.  Other than further scripture that draws the attention to a higher doctrine; (Rom 9.13)

• Manipulating  accomplice - Why was Rebekah willing to take "the curse" away from Jacob?  Why did she prefer one son over the other?  A lesson here.  God is no respecter of persons.  (Acts 10.31 He is not sentimental, He is holy (I Pet 1.16, Mt 7.14)  Believers are directed to a straight, holy path. "Upon me be thy curse, my son: only obey my voice,"

• Wary discernment - How is it that thou hast found it so quickly, my son? Heb 4.12 explains the Word of God as the way of discernment.  The Lord Jesus also gave us "another" in the Holy Ghost in Jn 16.13 

• Discernment unheeded -  See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the Lord hath blessed: Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren,... "Passing the buck" instead of taking responsibility for lack of discernment. Isaac should have followed up with more inquiry but his appetite got the better of him.  (I Cor 5.7) -  Thy brother came with subtilty, and hath taken away thy blessing.

• Reaping lack of faith -  (Gal 6.7)  Sowing and reaping never change. Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him:

• Rebekah denying her part in the coverup - Until thy brother's anger turn away from thee, and he forget that which thou hast done to him:

• Depression because of scheming - I am weary of my life

To conclude these thoughts it is easy enough to see the dangers of yielding to fleshly feelings and desires over the Word of God and discerning guidance of the Holy Spirit.  In the words of a wise old Sunday School teacher, "when in doubt, DON'T!"

In His Name, Site Moderator, Ps 57.7

Remember these things

 The Apostle Peter reminds believers in the letter 2 Peter 1.12 "(not to be) negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth."

In other words "remember these things."  What things? His power, 1.3.  Knowledge of Him, 1.4. Great and precious promises, 1.4. Virtues in the Believers daily walk, 1.5-7. Making ones "calling and election sure," 1.10, that is, do you have the hope of Him to gain entrance to His heavenly kingdom?

Peter knew his time on this earth was coming to an end and he desired to "stir" the believers behind of the things he knew to be true. 2 Pet 1.13

I guess my spirit is sensing the question what do I remember that I may leave behind for those who, hopefully, won't forget me?

Daily, my thankful prayer includes, "thank you, Lord for 'my daughter and my 'backlight' (momma), candlesticks,' (preachers), praying women and gaining my 'Canaanland, year of Jubilee and my mountain,' after my 50th year."  Yet, the question remains What do I remember of my spiritual journey?

Is "remembrance" just a list of things I'm obviously thankful for or am I "stirred" by truths taught from His Word? I'll refer back to the "virtues" list in verses 5-7 and determine an answer.

• faith
• virtue
• knowledge
• temperance
• patience
• godliness
• brotherly kindness
• charity

Faith: I know I'm a believer because in June 1982 while driving from church to home from a camp meeting choir practice the Lord opened my heart to His wonderful person.  It has always been my habit to pray in the car and this night was no different.  Life in the home was tumultuous at best, unhappy at worst, though needs were all provided for.  No one was really interested in this kid.  But this night, as taught by mother and grandmother, I was praying and really just wanted my daddy to notice me.  While praying for his soul, the Holy Spirit, clearly spoke to my heart and said, "yes, he's lost but so are you!"  I could not deny this truth and praise the Lord I experienced a spiritual sensation like cool water flowing over my heart and literally a "light went on!"  The TN preacher said "salvation is taking sides with God against yourself."  I had to humbly admit my need of Him and just like that, I knew I was "in!"  Never doubted.  Simply put, I know I'm a believer because I'm still believing!

Virtue: could be defined as "moral goodness."  Well, I can honestly admit though I haven't always done the right thing, it's always been in my heart to do the right thing.

Knowledge: is still growing.  In my teens and later adult life I had a mentoress with whom spent time with me in biblical conversation as applied to life's circumstances.  She listened and offered wise counsel in many areas.  I miss her but can honestly report I learned much during those times. And, though knowledge doesn't come as rapidly as it once did, the slow understanding of scripture is a blessing.

Temperance: a form of moderation in all things.  I've been guilty of overindulging food, internet viewing or surfing "the net" but try to bear in mind who is watching these things and adjust accordingly.

Patience: I can honestly point out that I've much more patience in this later life than the beginning.  I don't get as riled or overwrought at life's circumstances and situations as in years past.

Godliness: Much improvement could be found with this virtue.  Less frivolous speaking and actions said to be "just having fun."  It's true "a merry heart doeth good like a medicine (Prov 17.22)" but there is a difference in "merry" and "comedic fun."

Brotherly Kindness: I have to check my actions towards others and determine if it's true kindness or because someone is watching.

Charity: From I Cor 13, charity is another word for "love."  I do not love like God loves but I can honestly say if the Lord put a love in my heart for another, I will be their champion.  Obviously I am human and biased in whom I love or do not love.  I do not have the Lord Jesus' heart in this area but I "strive" to see others the way He does so I will treat others right and not according to what I see or know about them.

I honestly do not know if I will be remembered for any of theses virtues or I'll just go home to be with the Lord and be forgotten here.  Truth is, it doesn't matter.  The believers walk is a life of long practice  taking on these virtues and asking the Lord for guidance and help when it seems impossible.

I will remember, because I'm a believer.

What will you remember about your salvation that you may walk worthy of Him?

What "ornament" does God prize?

 

I Peter 3.3, 4.  You choose. "Whose adorning let it not be the outward...of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; BUT the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."

The world and all it's glory will always choose the woman on the left. Her entire body language and manner of attire is the devils playground.  However, if your heart, as a believer, is to follow God you will present yourself as the one on the right.  

I WILL ANSWER...

• Have you prayed and prayed and prayed and no answer has come?
• Do you claim, "cast down but not destroyed?" (I Cor 4.9-11)
• Do feel "weary in the battle?" (Gal 6.9)  
• Do you think an answer will NEVER come? (Jms 1.3, 4) 
• Do you feel the fire that seems never to end? (Zech 13.9)

The prophet, Jeremiah, who never saw a convert and was known as the "weeping prophet," had a word from the Lord in Jeremiah 33.3; "Call unto me, and I WILL ANSWER thee, AND show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."  Israel was indeed delivered and later prophecy fulfilled when they became a nation again. But not for a looooooooooong time.  We can see, however, that God did answer.

                                                    So, will you trust Him or not?

In the early part of this believer's life after the Lord opened my heart in salvation, all I wanted to hear was "hellfire and damnation" style preaching.  After all, it is what I "cut my teeth" on.  Also, I could "amen" and affirm such messages because "I didn't do those things."  As I've grown older physically and spiritually, I now understand why encouragement is what is needed.

The burdens and cares of life are indeed heavy.  However, I Jn 5.3, 4 explains "His commandments are not grievous" and we are "overcomers."

• Does it seem time is running out?  
• Are you watching your dreams go up in smoke?

Hold on, dear one, a little longer - "...I the Lord will hasten it in his time."  (Isa 60.22) "Coming down the road was Jesus, RIGHT ON TIME!"

This blogger offers two illustrations that have many scriptures to back them up.  However, if you are reading this, you understand and probably already know these truths.

Prayerfully submitted to one who is suffering and waiting.  

Hold on a little longer, HELP IS ON THE WAY!

The heart is heavy today. The mind is clouded with useless things.  The spirit endeavors to focus and center on help.  Prayer has been made. Now what? Time and age have taught the thought in the verse presented here. There is nothing else, just trust His promise.  A promise given to Moses in Deut. 31.6,8 and Joshua 1.5.  The statement of belief given in Hebrews after teaching on "brotherly love, entertaining strangers, marriage being right over adultery, instruction against covetousness and being content," THEN "I will NEVER leave thee nor forsake thee."

With all the troubles, sorrows and heartache in life, a promise, "I will NEVER leave...nor forsake..." Antonyms for the word "NEVER" would be "always and forever."  No room in either word for pause or hesitation.  The Lord told Moses to tell the people in Exo 3.14, "(the) I AM hath sent me to you." Again in Heb 13.8, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, AND FOREVER."  

So, if the "I AM " never changes and never means always, dependence on the Lord "NEVER" leaving His children should put every burden, sorrow or heartache to rest.  True, easier said than done and that's where faith steps in and trusts with that "childlike faith" demonstrated in Mt. 18.2-3.