July 12, 1944. 76 years ago today my Dad was shot down from the early evening skies which hung over the English Channel. 76 years ago today he and his flight crew crash landed on the belly of their b-26 onto an isolated yet fortified beach of France. All six of the crewmen lived, but all were captured, instantly becoming prisoners of war. For them the war was over, but the bondage was just beginning. Daddy spent the next 9 months of his life behind the barbed wire of Stalog Luft 1 just outside of Barth Germany, living a cold and mundane existence – thinking only of his past days and looking forward with hope to a day of freedom. That liberation eventually came in the form of the Russian army in April 1945.

While thinking about this day in our family’s history I am reflective concerning sin and how it enslaves and captivates each one of us. We have all ‘fallen’ from God’s glory and become captives of Satan, our spiritual enemy (Rom. 3:23). We have become bondservants and spiritual POWs under the bondage of sin (Rom. 6:6, 16).

Prisoners of war were not only captives, but they often became the slave labor to build up or repair the enemy’s fallen forces. They were made to work against themselves and the allied forces by working for the enemy. The sinner does that very thing. Through sin he becomes not only an enemy of the cross, but the Devil’s coworker. It may simply be that his anti-example demoralizes his companions or he may actively participate in promoting false and destructive heresies. But sin does not have to hold us forever. We can be freed and liberated.

In April of 1945 Russian artillery could be heard off in the far distance, but day by day the explosive sounds became louder. It was obvious that the allies were getting closer to Stalog Luft 1. It was just a matter of time. Liberation was near! Freedom could be tasted. The enemy was getting antsy. One morning the prisoners awoke to find the prison gates wide open and the enemy vanished. The Germans had silently abandoned the POW camp in the darkness of night. Upon an examination of the city of Barth many of the city leaders had fearfully committed suicide (also killing their own families) in the dreaded anticipation of what the Russians would do when they arrived. Just as the enemies of the allied nations were fearful and terrified of the coming judgment, so do Satan and his ministers fearfully shudder and flee in the Lord’s presence (James 2:19; 4:7).

After Jesus’ resurrection, “He ascended on high, He led captivity captive” (Eph. 4:8). Jesus died to liberate and set man free from His captor. This horrific bondage was removed by the precious blood of Jesus (Rom. 6:5-8, 22; 8:2 Gal. 5:1).

Have you been liberated in Christ Jesus? Have you made contact with the powerful blood of Jesus? If not, only Christ can free you through the likeness of His death burial and resurrection (Rom. 6:1-6); and you will be free indeed! (John 8:36).

If you have been liberated listen to these sound words of exhortation: “For ye, brethren, were called for freedom; only use not your freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but through love be servants one to another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another” (Gal 5:13-15).

“But thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” (1Cor. 15:57)

Jehovah God is the Great I AM – Almighty Creator of heaven and earth.  He owns all things and has the inherent right to command and demand what so ever He wills.  He is sovereign.  Man is to submit to His authority.

Throughout history God has uniquely communicated with mankind.  He created and communed with Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden.   He spoke openly to men like Cain, Abel and Noah.  He made promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  He spoke through  Moses and Aaron.  He used prophets and once even spoke to man through a donkey!

 “God, having of old time spoken unto the fathers in the prophets by divers portions and in divers manners,  hath at the end of these days spoken unto us in his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds…” (Hebrews 1:1-4).

God no longer speaks to us through prophets and patriarchs, but now speaks to us through His Son, the Christ, Jesus of Nazareth.  Even as a 12 year old child, before He began his earthly ministry, Jesus knew what he was to be doing.  “I must be in my Father’s house” (Luke 2:49).  Throughout His earthly ministry Jesus continued to repeat the message: “My teaching is not mine, but his that sent me” (John 7:16).   “…The works which the Father hath given me to accomplish, the very works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me” (John 5:36-37).  Again Jesus said, “For I spake not from myself; but the Father that sent me, he hath given me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak” (John 12:49).

(Luke 4:18; 9:48; 10:16  John 4:34; 5:24, 30; 6:38-39, 44, 57; 7:28-29, 33; 8:42; 9:4; 12:44-45; 13:20; 14:24; 15:21; 16:5; 20:21)

Thus when Jesus (the Son) speaks, it is as if God (the Father) Himself is speaking!  Jesus therefore speaks with power and authority!  Following His resurrection, Jesus told His disciples, “All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth” (Matt. 28:18).

Paul wrote of this perfect and complete authority in Ephesians chapter one: “The God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory…raised him from the dead, and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places,  far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:  and he put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church…” (Eph. 1:17-23 cf. Col. 1:18-21 “in all things He might have preeminence”).

Having ALL AUTHORITY indicates that whatever Jesus says must be heeded and obeyed, for it is ultimately the word of God.  Neither you nor I have the right to usurp Christ’s authority.   We have no right to alter, by adding to or taking away from, the Lord’s teaching.  Let us humble ourselves, bow before our Almighty God, and allow Him to lead us through His Son, Christ Jesus!

The wise man wrote “Righteousness exalteth a nation; But sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).  Virtue and morality causes a nation to rise and excel above other nations; But habitual and prevailing sin brings disgrace (first in the eyes of God, but also in the sight of other nations).

 What Is Sin?  In this text the idea of “offense” is conveyed.    A nation or people who offend Jehovah God by rejecting the things He teaches as ‘righteous’ are guilty of sin.  They are a disgrace to God, and a poor example of morality to follow.

Jesus referred to sin when He said, “Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?” (Matt. 15:3)  To transgress is to go contrary to or against a command (of God).  It originates from a compound word literally meaning “from the base.”

The Hebrew writer equated sin to iniquity (Heb. 10:17).  Iniquity is a defined as a “violation of law.”  Whenever we break God’s laws and commandments we are guilty of iniquity, and therefore  guilty of sin.  Iniquity is thus associated with unrighteousness and wickedness.

Jesus’ beloved disciple, John, wrote, “Every one that doeth sin doeth also lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4).  Whenever we act outside of God’s law (committing that which is forbidden or neglecting that which is commanded) we sin, because we do not have His law to support our actions.

Sin is serious business!  We are all sinners, because we have all committed sin.  We have all disgraced God.  “For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23).  Today the world, and even more perilous, our nation is deeply steeped in sin.  We continually offend God by turning our back to His commandments and live selfish and lawless lives.  We are called by God to turn away from our indifference to sin and pursue His exalting righteousness.

“The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent” (Acts 17:30).

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness; but is longsuffering to you-ward, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2Peter 3:9).

“1944, June 6 Tuesday: “D” Day Invasion of France begin. Still in training in Ireland.” (2nd Lt. H.D.Dow 21yrs old personal diary) [74 yrs ago]

(NOTE: D-Day Overlord invasion has continued for 11 days with slow progress. US First Army cuts off Cotentin Peninsula, trapping Germans in Cherbourg.)

“1944, June 17 Saturday – Flew practice navigation mission over Ireland.” (2nd Lt. H.D. Dow, diary)

NOTE: Day 12. Fighting is violent. German morale is low. The allied armada regroups offshore Cherbourg to support land forces. On the British front (north and northwest of Caen) the fighting is violent. The Allied airmen do not have enough territory to install advanced landing grounds. On the other hand, the German armored divisions are attracted to the east of Normandy, thus freeing the Americans on the western front. Beginning on June 18th, a new battle of great magnitude, located in the vicinity of Tilly, is supposed to break through the front.

“1944, June 18 Sunday – Navigation flight over Ireland.” (2nd Lt. H.D. Dow, diary)

NOTE: Day 13. Allied forces face major problems – bad weather – a hard storm hits the English Channel which has been building since June 17. This delays supplies (soldiers, equipment, ammunition, fuel, etc.) and air support. Waves are pounding the beaches – boats are sinking and running aground, floating bridges are breaking their moorings and floating away. Confusion abounds. Fighting continues but land advancement is obviously delayed.

Where is my Dad?

“1944, June 19 Monday – Another Nav(igation) flight over Ireland.” (2nd Lt. H.D. Dow, diary)

NOTE: Day 14. The storm is still raging in the Channel. Allied weathermen expect good weather within two days. Repairs are expected to be numerous. Supplies are still slow in coming, but the American forces continue their progression – difficult but onward. In the city of Valognes hard street fighting is taking place.

The Air Corp continue to bomb areas not controlled by American forces. Between Cherbourg and Valognes (near the town of Sottevast) the Americans find a huge construction site abandoned since D-Day. It is a V-2 rocket launching base.

“1944, June 20 Tuesday: More Nav. Flight training.” (2nd Lt. H.D.Dow, diary)

“1944, June 21 Wednesday – Flew Gunnery mission over coast of Ireland.”

“1944, June 22 Thursday – Packed up and was flown by C-47 to our combat base in England near Bishops Stortford (Great Dunmow).

“1944, June 23 Friday – Spent day settling down and getting things straightened out.”

“1944, June 24 Saturday – Attended lecture Start flying combat tomorrow.”

“1944, June 25 Sunday – Flew first 2 combat missions. In morning over ammo dump in woods near Argentan [France] (250 lbs) afternoon, Railroad at Ecconeis [Essones, FR south of Paris].”

NOTE: D-Day Operation Overlord

July, 5, 1944.  3^rd Canadian Infantry finishes wrestling the airport out of the hands of the 12 SS Panzer division.  The problem is a group of fanatic soldiers of the Hitlerjugend who defend every farm and crossroad until death.  Progress is slow.

On the American front, the troops of the 7th Corps lose 1,500 soldiers as they advance the length of two football fields.  Saint-Jores is liberated by soldiers of the 90th American Infantry Division.

“1944, July 5 – Wednesday  – Flew 6^th combat mission.  Bombed fuel dump in Northern France.  Had two day leave so went to London with Herb and Epp.”  (2nd Lt H.D.Dow diary)

(Don Epstein (P), Herb Zweig (CP), H.D.Dow (B/N) )   

NOTES: D-Day Operation Overlord

July 6, 1944 Day 30
Gen. Montgomery is blocked at Caen. It remains in the hands of the Germans. The Germans bury their Tiger tanks, making it difficult for the allied air forces to knock them out. Gen. Montgomery decides to intensify the bombing before future attacks.

Noah Webster defined “Almost” as “very nearly but not completely.”  After hearing words of “truth and soberness” (Acts 26:25), King Agrippa said to Paul, “Almost thou persuades me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:28).  The America Standard Version says “with but little persuasion thou wouldest fain make me a Christian.”  Paul’s word’s obviously made sense to Agrippa, but it was not enough to sway his heart to obedience.

Many people read articles printed on blogs.  Many people smile and seem to agree with the message, but like King Agrippa, are unwilling to surrender themselves to Christ’s teaching.  King Agrippa was an “Almost Christian.”  Maybe you are too!  Paul answered the King’s excuse, “I would to God, that whether with little or much, not thou only, but also all that hear me this day, might become such as I am” (Acts 26:19). Paul was willing to offer more “persuasion” if Agrippa would listen and obey.  The same attitude prevails in the heart of true Christians today.  Won’t you please become a Christian TODAY!

Through this avenue I hope to reason with my friends concerning “righteousness and self-control” and often find the same response as Paul.  “Felix was terrified, and answered, Go thy way for this time: and when I have a more convenient season, I will call thee unto me” (Acts 24:25).   Sadly, “convenient seasons” rarely come.  Please don’t be an “Almost Christian.”  Arise and obey God today, for today is the day of salvation!  (2Cor. 6:2)  If you have problems with Bible teachings “come now let us reason together” (Isaiah 1:18).  Our soul’s salvation is at stake!  How much do you value your soul?  The old hymn rings true: “Almost cannot avail; Almost is but to fail; Sad, sad, that bitter wail – ALMOST – but lost.”   — Daniel S. Dow

“Thou art not far from the king of God.”  (Mark 12:34)

     “Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19).  We live in a time when vengeance is seen by verbal, law suits, fist fights, and even murder.  The Christian mustn’t be fashioned after the world (Romans 12:2), he must realize that vengeance belongs to God.  Paul continues to write: “Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men.  If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men. Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord.  But if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head.  Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:17-2).

Jesus clearly teaches how the disciple is to respond toward those who are mean spirited.  He doesn’t expect us to ‘cuss’em’, ‘deck’em’, or ‘sue’em’.  Listen carefully… “Ye have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:  but I say unto you, resist not him that is evil: but whosoever smiteth thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man would go to law with thee, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also” (Matthew 5:38-40).  The wicked will receive their just punishment when Jesus returns (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).

Revenge and retaliation are products of the fleshly works: “enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, envyings” (Galatians 5:20-21).  Be warned, such conduct will not inherit the kingdom of God.

This past week Diana and I were blessed with another addition to our family. Our fifth grandchild, a precious little boy, was born into this world.  Throughout the past 30 years I have witnessed the birth of each one of my seven sons, as well as being able to be a part of some of my grandchildren’s early years.  Each time I hold these tiny children in my arms I am moved to tears, deep thoughts and prayers concerning their new life.  I think about God’s wondrous grace, His tremendous power and marvelous design of life.  On several occasions I have even written about these stirring moments.  They are not necessarily new thoughts, but thoughts I am reminded of and provoked by these little people.  They teach me valuable lessons of God.  I last wrote of these things about three years ago.  Today I reflect again.

I briefly held Josiah around 3 AM.  He was roughly two and a half hours old.  I was sleepy, and he was asleep, but I took the time to notice all the little details that were possible to take in and remember.  I did this with each one of my sons.  I stared at each little feature, and considered the family resemblance; He reminded me of his daddy.  I was thankful to God for this new little addition to our family.

I looked at his little mouth, chubby cheeks and cleft chin.  I noticed His sweet little nose and thick dark black hair – Where did that come from?   Such delicacy and detail.   He was perfect.  “Fearfully and wonderfully made”  (Psalm 139:13-14).

He is a precious soul made in the remarkable image of God (Genesis 1:26-27).  This adorable child is priceless – a precious gift given by our Great Creator.

I think about the words of the Psalmist: “Lo, children are a heritage of Jehovah; And the fruit of the womb is his reward.  As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, So are the children of youth.   Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them…” (Psalm 127:3-5).  I held in my arms one of the greatest physical gifts God has ever given man.  It made me think about the tremendous challenge laid before my son and precious daughter-in-law.  They have a great work to train and spiritually prepare their little boy, and then shoot that little arrow forth into a vast world of sin and darkness.  I am very confident that with the Lord’s help they will be successful in teaching him to love and respect God.

His sweet innocence and complete trust placed in my feeble arms to hold him up made me think of Jesus’ words: “Suffer the little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for to such belongeth the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:13-14).  “Except ye turn, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.  Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven”  (Matthew 18:3-4).  Is this how the heavenly Fathers looks at me?  Is it possible (even as a sinner), that I am as strongly loved and as precious in God’s sight as Josiah is in mine?  I believe so.  I must strive to be more childlike.

As I look upon the face of my new grandson, I am reminded that although I may not be his father, I am his father’s father and I am responsible to keep God’s Word ever before him.  As Moses said, “… Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes saw, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life; but make them known unto thy children and thy children’s children” (Deuteronomy 4:9).  Therefore, I will strive to help his parents any way I can and do my best to be an example before him at all times.

“Children’s children are the crown of old men; And the glory of children are their fathers” (Proverbs 17:6).  I love you Josiah – welcome to our family!

Four hundred ninety-eight years ago a German Roman Catholic priest defiantly nailed a document (“Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences”)  on the massive doors of All Saints’ Church in Wittenberg, Germany.  The document contained 95 questions and theses of debate. The priest, Martin Luther, vigorously condemned the Catholic Church’s practice of selling “indulgences” to absolve sin.  These 95 different theses basically set forth two central ideas: 1) The Bible is authoritative and 2) Man is saved by faith and not works.  This was the starting point of the Protestant Reformation.

Luther seems to pursue an honest and open discussion; he desired the Catholic body to repent.  Although provocative, the document appears to be written by a humble spirit – questioning rather than accusing.  Consider a few of the theses:

1. When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, “Repent” (Mt 4:17), he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.
2. This word cannot be understood as referring to the sacrament of penance, that is, confession and satisfaction, as administered by the clergy.

31. The man who actually buys indulgences is as rare as he who is really penitent; indeed, he is exceedingly rare.
32. Those who believe that they can be certain of their salvation because they have indulgence letters will be eternally damned, together with their teachers.

34. For the graces of indulgences are concerned only with the penalties of sacramental satisfaction established by man.

35. They who teach that contrition is not necessary on the part of those who intend to buy souls out of purgatory or to buy confessional privileges preach unchristian doctrine.
36. Any truly repentant Christian has a right to full remission of penalty and guilt, even without indulgence letters.

52. It is vain to trust in salvation by indulgence letters, even though the indulgence commissary, or even the pope, were to offer his soul as security.

54. Injury is done to the Word of God when, in the same sermon, an equal or larger amount of time is devoted to indulgences than to the Word.

94. Christians should be exhorted to be diligent in following Christ, their Head, through penalties, death and hell.

Although, condemning of the Pope’s behavior, Luther still believed in the hierarchy of the Catholic “papal” apostasy, as well as many other scriptural perversions and man-made additions.

Historically, the Catholic Church slowly emerged as the New Testament church drifted further and further into apostasy.  Paul wrote of this coming digression in 1 Timothy 4:1-3 and 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4.  It seems to have come to a head around in the 7^th century when Boniface III was proclaimed to be the first “universal father” or “pope” in 606 A.D.  Since the Pope is an essential feature of the Catholic Church, it must be noticed that there is no mention of a “pope” in the New Testament.  Certainly the apostle Peter, was never called by such a name; Nor was he ever referred to as ‘Father’ (c.f. Matthew 23:9) or ‘papa’.

In the first century, each church was under a plurality of elders/bishops (Acts 14:23 Phil 1:1 Titus 1:5).  We always see one church under many elders, not many churches under one bishop/elder.  We must be honest with the Bible and ourselves.  We must return to the Bible

In 1518 Martin Luther got his debate.  For three days he refuted Cardinal Thomas Cajetan in Augsburg, Germany resulting in absolutely no changes.  On November 9, 1518, the pope condemned his writings.  Refusing to recant his 95 theses, Martin was excommunicated from the Catholic Church by Pope Leo on January 3, 1521.

Martin Luther was looking in the right direction, but failed to move further ahead.  Luther sought to reform or alter the Catholic Church.  In so doing he began adding to the thousands of denominations that exist today; each a little different from one another, but all the offspring of the apostate Church.  Sadly, Luther wrote: “I pray you leave my name alone and not call yourselves Lutherans but Christians.”  They did not heed his admonition.  “In none other is there salvation: for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, wherein we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)   We must seek to restore the New Testament order.  We must desire to follow the Biblical pattern of Christ’s church.  For Christ’s church is the glorious body of the redeemed, divinely designed and established.  “Unto him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus unto all generations for ever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:21)

A faithful and godly family does not just happen. Yet, a family does not go through a daily ‘ritual’ or ‘ceremony’ to become more spiritual. Godliness and spirituality comes through careful planning and determined cultivation. It becomes a way of life.

A spiritual family begins with godly parents who, before the birth of their first born, are determined to “nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord.”  (Eph. 6:4) This couple begins their marriage with the primary thought that God will always abide in their home. They acknowledge the Truth: “Except Jehovah build the house, they labor in vain that build it.”  (Psalm 127:1)  If you want a spiritual family, you must first allow God to be a part of your family by allowing Him to lead and direct. We must relinquish our will to His.

A spiritual family spends time together. Godly families eat, play, study, and worship together. The wise and experienced Solomon warns the parent, “A child left himself causeth shame to his mother.” (Proverbs 29:15) Children desperately need the parent’s time and attention. Through inspiration he also pointed out the benefits of family companionship in Ecclesiastes four. “There is one that is alone, and he hath not a second; yea, he hath neither son nor brother; yet is there no end of all his labor, neither are his eyes satisfied with riches. For whom then, saith he, do I labor, and deprive my soul of good? This also is vanity, yea, it is a sore travail. Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him that is alone when he falleth, and hath not another to lift him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one be warm alone? And if a man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Eccl. 4:8-12) Godly families will enjoy and appreciate one another’s company.

A spiritual family eats together. This time is used for conversation concerning events of the day, and it will most likely involve Bible discussions. We find out what our children did during the day, and what mother and father did during their day. Plans for future events might be discussed. Family talk should be cherished by all – your children will remember these days. This is obviously a time to pray together and be thankful to God for the families’ dependence upon God and prosperity (John 6:11). This time can be used to read the Scriptures if a family so determines it to be prudent. Remember the words of Moses as he instructed the family heads of Israel, “Love Jehovah thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be upon thy heart; and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thy hand, and they shall be for frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the door-posts of thy house, and upon thy gates.” (Deut. 6:4-9)

A spiritual family plays together. This is manifested in a simple ‘game night’ or maybe a trip to the zoo. God reminds us life is to be enjoyed. “Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of thy life…” (Eccl. 9:9) “Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth, and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thy heart, and in the sight of thine eyes; but know that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh; for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.” (Eccl. 11:9-10) A godly family will benefit from laughing and have fun with one another. The wise king said, “A glad heart maketh a cheerful countenance…” (Prov. 15:13) Of course, all the ‘fun’ must be considered in light of God’s Word. Is it right? Would it cause me or others to sin? How will it affect our influence? Etc.

A spiritual family works together. The family that cooks a meal together, cleans the house together, or does yard work together derive great benefits. The responsibility of chores, the accomplishment of a job well done and the loving instructions from a parent can go a long, long way to making our families what they ought to be spiritually (Eccl. 9:10 1Thess 4:11 2Thess 3:10-12 Eph. 4:28). The Lord teaches us, “Even a child maketh himself known by his doings, Whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.” (Proverbs 20:11) This work might involve helping others, therefore teaching a valuable lesson of selflessness. “Not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.” (Phil. 2:4)

A spiritual family worships together. Whether at home or at the church building the family is together. They attend services together thus provoking “love and good works.” (Heb. 10:24-25)  (1) Worship services and Bible studies take priority over all things: work, school, sports, vacations, etc. (2) We must also take the time to prepare for study and worship. This means we will equip our children with their Bible and lesson and book. We will prepare them for their Bible classes by reading and helping the prepare lessons or memorize texts. (3) This obviously requires parental awareness and involvement. Attend area Gospel Meetings together as a family. Not only do you learn God’s Word, but conversation is provoked, new friendships can be established in other congregations, and brethren are encouraged by your family’s visit. Study the Bible together at home. We cannot expect two 30 – minute classes at the church building to fully equip our children for life. It is the parent’s responsibility to teach their children God’s Word. We must take the time to read together, study together and pray together.
Pray diligently for your family. Pray that it be faithful, godly and spiritual. Then, execute God’s plan for the family in your life and it will come to pass. “For I have known him, to the end that he may command his children and his household after him, that they may keep the way of Jehovah, to do righteousness and justice…” (Genesis 18:19)

Daniel S. Dow