“…Teach Them Your Children “ May 6, 2012
Deuteronomy 11:18-19; 32:46-47
“…lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates.” (11:18-19). “And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day,
which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this
law. For it is not a vain thing for you: because it is your life: and
through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land..” (32:46-47).
Do not wonder why our families and Gospel-preaching churches are a mess today—
If the above passages are a pattern and command for us as parents (and they ARE), then the reason for the near famine of strong Biblical families is quite clear: Christian parents of our day have forsaken their responsibility to “teach” and “command” their children. Also, wives and mothers have forsaken their true calling (1 Tim 5:14) and have sought after that which is vain and ungodly (individual ‘fulfillment’ in a career or a ‘ministry’—many deceiving themselves into thinking they can do both and be blessed by God). Of a truth, sadly, Christian women today have been told a lie—not only from the world but also from men of God and not-so-well-meaning Christians— that being a keeper at home is NOT for today’s society. Those who are guilty of promoting this lie do blaspheme the Word of God, and the wife or mother who follows through on such deceit becomes a blasphemer as well. These are not MY words, but GOD’S: Read Titus 2: 3-5.
Our text passage tells us that it is NOT a “vain thing for you” to teach your children; in fact, it is very much “your life“. Would to God that we would simply trust and
obey His Word and His will! Notice also from our text that the teaching that takes place is a natural outflow from what we have already hidden in our hearts (Personal piety is thus required) and is disseminated continuously throughout the day (This presumes that parent and child are actually together—not possible, dear mother, if you are gone all
day and submitting to a boss or a pastor: Read Eph 5:22; Col 3:18; 1 Ptr 3:1). While time does not permit me in this week’s study to discuss all the Satanic devices used in our society to accomplish the near destruction of the Christian home and serious weakening of the local church, allow me to point out that when we do NOT fulfill the
commands given in Deuteronomy and Titus (and a plethora of other similar
passages in God’s Word); we can be assured that our “days” will NOT be long “in the land“. What we see unfolding before our eyes due to the weakness and lack of Biblical Christianity in America is the beginning of the end.
Yes, Jesus is coming again and soon (Titus 2:11-15)! It is not with the intent to dismay you that I share these thoughts, but to compel you (dear wife, mother and young lady) to show your love for the Lord by obeying His commands (John 14:15; 1 John 2:3-5). Serve your husband, not a boss or pastor. Do not listen to those professing Christians who do blaspheme the Word of God and who compel others to do the same (Rom 1:18-19)! Indeed, they have identified themselves (by what they teach) as being “pleasers of
men” (John 12:43).
God IS MOVING among families and local New Testament churches in direct proportion to the degree in which godly fathers are returning to their responsibility to
lead the home and in which godly wives and mothers are faithful to their calling in being
keepers at home. God’s commands for us are clearly given in His perfectly preserved and Holy Word. As parents, we need only to obey and LIVE THEM! Please read the minutes of the Broad-River Baptist Association from October,1859 (See link below).
“….the father to the children shall make known thy truth” Isaiah 38:19
Broad-River Baptist Association Minutes
Mrs. Russell Hildebrandt
“The Rock that is Higher than I” April 29, 2012
Psalm 61:2
“…when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Have you ever found that life sometimes has you completely overwhelmed? Perhaps even recently, you have felt inundated either in body, soul, or spirit. In our text verse, the Psalmist was “overwhelmed“, but he knew where to go for help: God…his rock, fortress, deliverer, strength, buckler, horn of salvation and high tower! (Ps 18:2) Whether it is simply life’s circumstances or our own understanding of the sinful condition with which we battle each day, either one can leave us feeling “swallowed up or ready to sink” (Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible, Ps 61:2)). In whatever situation we find ourselves, may we be reminded to “continually resort” (Ps 71:3) in the Lord, our Rock. When life’s trials or circumstances have you fighting a sense of panic, confusion, or discouragement; it is time to be reminded that we must hide within the shadow of His wings (Ps 63:7), rest upon the surety of His Word (2 Ptr 1:16-21), and draw continually upon His strength (2 Cor 12:9).
May I share some thoughts from Scripture and practical helps that have proved to be a blessing to me over the years when I have found myself “overwhelmed”:
Remember God’s Promises: His presence (Isa 43:2; Heb 13:5), His provision (Ps 37:25; Matt 6:8), His protection (Ps 61:3, 91:9-11), His providence (Ps 37:23; Prov 16:9; 1 Cor 10:13), His peace (Isa 26:3; Phlpns 4:7), etc.
Recall God’s Blessings: Life (Jn 10:10), Love (Gal 2:20), Forgiveness (1 Jn 1:9), Joy (Ps 16:11), Peace (Rom 5:1), Hope (Titus 3:7), Victory (I Jn 5:4), Comfort (Rom 15:4), etc.
Remain in His Will: Obedience (1 Sam 15:22), Faith (Heb 10:38), Separation (Rom 12:2), Thankfulness (1 Thess 5:18), Love (Rom 12:10), Work (1 Thess 4:11; 1 Tim 5:14)), Learn (Matt 11:29), Teach (Deut 6:7), Wait (Ps 27:14), etc.
Recognize What is Important: Do the ‘first things’…first! Determine what “is needful” (Lk 10:38-42) and what will matter for eternity (1 Cor 3:11-15) and keep doing them while being careful to maintain a godly testimony before men (Rom 12:17, Titus 2:3-5) in the other areas of life that must still be attended to. Also, get rest and stay nourished! (Ps 127:2)
Rally With Reinforcements! Ask for help (Gal 6:2), Ask for prayer (Jms 5:16), and when possible, DELEGATE! (Ex 18:13-27)
Praise the Lord for every day He gives you while resting in the promise that He will give you the strength you need for each day: “…as thy days, so shall thy strength be.” (Deut 33:25). Finally, “…be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” (Eph 6:10) and remember that His “…strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor 12:9)—Let the Lord “…stablish, strengthen, settle you.” (1 Ptr 5:10)
“I am no longer anxious about anything, as I realize the Lord is able to carry out His will, and His will is mine. It makes no matter where He places me, or how. That is rather for Him to consider than for me; for in the easiest positions He must give me His grace, and in the most difficult, His grace is sufficient.” Hudson Taylor
Mrs. Russell Hildebrandt
“Look at Me!” April 22, 2012
Psalm 32:8-9
“Look at me!” is a command I have often uttered to any one of my children with the purpose of capturing their attention, and more importantly, their eye contact. I thank the Lord for the older, godly women that I have had in my life who, in this particular way, have reminded me how important it is to teach our children to make eye contact with us (or any adult) when they are being addressed. Several important elements of godly or even ungodly characteristics are displayed by this often overlooked or ignored element of obedience. The Word of God tells us that “the light of the body is the eye” (Matt 6:22), and from this verse, how often have we heard even of men that the eyes are “the window to the soul”. Such godly characteristics as honor, respect, submission, humility, and obedience are just some of the things that are reinforced by expecting eye contact from your children when they are called upon. The degree of obedience and understanding displayed by our children is often determined by our faithfulness in getting their attention. Job (42:5) reminds us of this when he concluded, “I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.“
As you think upon this verse and its application to eye contact, let me direct your attention to our text for this week: “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” (v.8)— The Lord our God also desires our ‘eye contact’, and in this particular passage, He promises to guide us thereby. The blessings of keeping our eyes upon Him are many, and in our text, He has promised to “instruct“ and “teach” us as He tenderly guides us with His eye. Even as our children would more completely understand our direction, intent, and heart as they look into our eyes; so can we, as children of our Heavenly Father discern His will as we look “into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein,” knowing also not to be a “forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work,” for herein, the Lord has promised that we “shall be blessed“. Oh the multiplied blessings known by the child of God who is ever “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,” (Heb 12:2) and who is keeping His commandments as the “apple of thine eye“ (Pro 7:2)!
Living contrary to the Lord’s commands brings the type of guidance and instruction that is bound to be more painful as we are then found worthy of His chastisement. Looking at verse nine of our text, the antithesis of His perfect plan of guidance is found in our being “as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle…“. Three things come to mind as I consider this analogy: First, that God will still lead us (though we be ‘stubborn as mules’) even when we are only ‘hearing’ and not ‘seeing’ as we should. Secondly, the cost of our disobedience to His will thereby brings the kind of instruction and guidance that is accompanied by pain and discomfort. Plainly put, we still learn of Him(Matt 11:29), but we have done so ‘the hard way’ (Heb 12:6-7) because thirdly; if we are “as the horse…or mule…” that means we are ‘running ahead’ of Him, attempting in our own strength to lead ourselves because we have turned away from Him thereby needing to be ‘reigned in’ by “bit and bridle“. Let us not be guilty of turning our eyes away from Him, forgetting Him, and placing Him as it were ‘behind our back’ (Ezek 23:35). Instead, may we echo the Psalmist who asked “Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.“, and may we, like him… keep our eyes “ever toward the Lord;” (Ps 25:4, 15).
Mrs. Russell Hildebrandt
“I’m Not Hungry!” April 15, 2012
Psalm 17:15
Allow me to begin this week’s devotional by sharing with you a story of something that occurred recently involving our 5-year-old son, Joey. The other morning, quite early, I was startled from my slumbering as I heard Joey yelling in his sleep. Due to the volume of his declaration, it was quite easy for me to discern what he was saying. Strangely he yelled,
“I don’t WANT any apples! I’m NOT HUNGRY!”.
I chuckled to myself upon hearing this and quickly drifted back to sleep. It wasn’t until a few hours later, when I was awake and reading my Bible, that I thought more about his sleepy outburst. It is not unusual, of course, for our little ones at this age to experience early morning ‘nightmares’; but I must admit that this one seemed especially curious to me. As I am accustomed to doing, I try to think back to the prior day’s events to determine what may be the cause of a troublesome dream. This time was no different, and it had occurred to me that I had read to him the story of Creation and the Garden of Eden just before I tucked him into bed the night before. I thought it both ironic and humorous as I said to myself,
“Perhaps, Joey thought he was Adam and was being offered the forbidden fruit at Eve’s hand. Maybe this was indeed a ‘nightmare’ from the Garden of Eden.” My thoughts continued on as I pondered the ‘scenario’… “Yes, if only Adam had been ‘NOT HUNGRY’ like Joey— If only Eve would have filled-up on pears before that Old Serpent came calling! How different things might’ve been!” Obviously, my thoughts here tend toward the humorous since we know from Scripture that the true temptation from the Devil was not in the ‘fruit’ as much as what the it seemed to promise her: ‘knowledge’ and ‘independence’.
With the sharing of this little story, let us take our lesson for this week from the understanding that Satan has not changed his deceitful ploy these thousands of years since the Garden. Oh that we as Christians would “hunger and thirst after righteousness” (Matt 5:6) that we would “be filled with all the fulness of God” (Eph 3:19) so that Satan could not so easily tempt us nor we be so easily drawn away by our own lust! Read the following passages which contain the truths of either being filled with God’s goodness and likeness or with our own deceitful ways and desires:
Matthew 5:6. Ephesians 3:19. Proverbs 19:23. Psalm 17:15; 36:8; 90:14; 105:40; 107:9. Isaiah 58:11. 2 Peter 3:3. James 1:14. 2 Timothy 3:6; 4:3. Hosea 13:6. Proverbs 1:31; 14:14; 20:17.
May we be challenged, dear ladies, to live daily with the commitment to “be filled with the Spirit” (Eph 5:18), to “abide satisfied” (Prov 19:23), and to “have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” (Gal 5:24).
All my life-long I had panted for a draught from some cool spring
That I hoped would quench the burning of the thirst I felt within.
Feeding on the husks around me till my strength was almost gone,
Longed my soul for something better, Only still to hunger on.
Poor I was, and sought for riches, Something that would satisfy;
But the dust I gathered round me only mocked my soul’s sad cry.
Hallelujah! I have found Him—Whom my soul so long has craved!
Jesus satisfies my longings; Thro’ His blood I now am saved.
Well of water, ever springing, Bread of life, so rich and free.
Untold wealth that never faileth, My Redeemer is to me.
(“Satisfied”, C. Teare / R. Hudson, 19th Century)
Mrs. Russell Hildebrandt
Need a Facelift?” April 8, 2012
Song of Solomon 2:14
One of the most beautiful things that a Christian lady can wear is a SMILE! Our text verse for this week speaks of a countenance that is “comely” or pleasing. How often are we careful to maintain a pleasant expression for others to see, enjoy, and draw strength from? As a rule, we should be in the habit of naturally sharing a smile for anyone with whom we happen to make eye contact. Having said that, however, I’m not talking about giving the kind of smile that gets flashed for a second or two and is quickly replaced with a lifeless frown. This is not genuine, and it is easily recognized for the facade that it is. No, the smile I’m speaking of comes forth of a cheerful heart and is readily available and consistently sincere. Proverbs 15:13 says “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance….”. Who should have a merrier heart than that of a born again Christian? No one! The difference for us, as Christians, should be not only in the frequency of our smiling but also in the degree of warmth, light, and life that radiates from it—- showing forth through our entire countenance (even ‘smiling’ with our eyes).
By definition, the word “countenance” is simply the overall look and expression of our face. Proverbs 15:15 says that “….he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.” I love this verse! It paints such a great word-picture, and it is SO TRUE! The key here is in having a joyful spirit which we know to be solely possible to those who are saved— true “joy” is from the Lord (Isa 29:19; Jer 15:16; Hab 3:18; Jn 15:11; Gal 5:22). On the contrary, “happiness” (which so many seek in place of “joy”) vacillates as it so frequently comes and goes dependant upon one’s outward circumstances. A child of God should possess a steady “joy” that is always available and quite ‘near the surface’ with its degree of abundance respective to a right relationship with the Saviour (Ps 51:12). This is why there can be a “continual feast”, and I dare say, there should be if we are walking in close fellowship with our Lord.
It is easy to ‘wear’ a smile when you know it is expected: at church, the doctor or dentist’s office, the bank, etc. But how do we do when we are at home with our loved ones—children, parents, brother, or sister—How often do we give a tender look or gentile smile to them and without prompting or solicitation? Or, is our countenance for them more often likely to be stern, sullen, or stressed? It is a sad truth that we often give kind consideration to others while showing indifference, impatience, or even contempt for the ones nearest and dearest to us. I have often reflected upon how my countenance appears to my family and have found myself quite convicted at the thought. I know we do not desire or plan to ‘be that way’, but our failure in succumbing to the challenges of the day and the contempt of familiarity can make it so. Oh how often we do carelessly take one another for granted! Let this NOT be so, and may we be challenged by these few thoughts to repent of it and make a commitment to consistently show forth from our countenance the love of Christ to everyone, especially to those of our own household.
“It is a sign the oil of grace hath been poured into the heart ‘when the oil of gladness’ shines on the countenance. Cheerfulness credits religion.”
Thomas Watson (1620-1686)
Mrs. Russell Hildebrandt Countenance checklist
“Your Daily Assignment….for Life!“ April 1, 2012
Colossians 9b-12a
“O how love I thy law…!” the Psalmist declared (119:97a), and I heartily echo this exclamation with all my heart! In the New Testament, I must say that the book of Colossians is a strong favorite of mine. Have you ever noticed the consistent use of the word “all” in this epistle? To be exact, in your inspired King James Bible, the apostle Paul, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, included this word thirty-two times! Psalm 103 also gives us a parallel to this regarding the very completeness found in our Lord. This word “all” is included nine more times in the 103rd Psalm. What a wonderful reminder that Christ, the Word, is “altogether lovely“(Song of Sol 5:16) ; and what truth that He has indeed given us “…all things that pertain unto life and godliness..” (2 Ptr 1:3; Emphasis mine). With the confidence we posses in knowing that we can be “complete in Him…” (Col 2:9), are you striving to live each day “Rooted and built up in him…” (v.7)? Our text passage for this week gives us a great “recipe” for accomplishing just that!
BE FILLED…..with the knowledge of HIS will according to the wisdom and Spiritual understanding that can only be obtained by studying His Word faithfully. We must be careful to reject the philosophies of men that are so often contrary to Scripture: Read Col 2:8, Eph 5:6-17.
WALK WORTHY….If we are truly children of God, then we must live like it. (Eph 5:8)! Remember, we’ve been purchased with the precious blood of Christ (1 Cor 6:19-20) — we owe Him our all.
BE FRUITFUL…..every day and in some way, we should be laying up treasures that are eternal in their value (Matt 6:19-21) whilst we are also growing in our knowledge of God’s Word and in our knowledge of who God is (2 Ptr 3:18).
BE STRENGTHENED…with all might…and Praise the Lord, according to “His power“! We must remember that we can place “no confidence” in our flesh (Phlpns 3:3), and we can not be strong in the Lord until we recognize our own weakness. Read 2 Cor 12: 9-10.
BE PATIENT….and that, “with joyfulness“, Read Ps 104:33-34. Hmmm…”patient”— does it seem like a ‘tall order’ (1 Thess 5:14)? If we think of how patient and longsuffering the Lord is with us (Ps 78:38-39, 86:3-5, 11-13, 15), then we’ll be reminded that this is just part of having the mind of Christ (Phlpns 2:1-5). Praise the Lord that He “…knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” (Ps 103:14).
BE THANKFUL….Read Psalm 103. Remember, the first step to backsliding is so often possessing an unthankful heart.
“Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.” (Ps 107:21-22)
In every day and in every way, let Christ be your all in all: “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Col 3:17.
“Nothing teaches us about the preciousness of the Creator as much as when we learn the emptiness of everything else.”
― Charles H. Spurgeon
Mrs. Russell Hildebrandt
‘Covered’—by Design March 25, 2012
John 19:25-27 Part Four
“…And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.”(v.27b) —What tender provision was made for the mother of our dear Saviour—a provision made even during His darkest hour! The pattern set forth in this passage stirs the soul as we see Jesus looking to “the disciple …whom he loved..” to take care of His mother by taking her unto his own home. Here is yet another example from Scripture (perhaps the most precious) that confirms God’s perfect and beautiful plan for women, “the weaker vessel” (1 Ptr 3:7) to be ‘covered’ — provided for and protected by a man. I know this idea does not set well with the average feminist, or ‘Christian feminist’ for that matter. But, God’s order (1 Cor 11:3) has not changed throughout the ages, in spite of the less-than-perfect circumstances we are faced with in this world of sin. Even as Jesus was preparing to “taste death for every man” (Heb 2:9) because of our sin, He provided for His widowed mother as His own death would soon present the need for that provision. When presented with similar needs today, we can look to God’s Word and be encouraged that even though we are often amidst imperfect situations (resulting from the world, the flesh, and the Devil) we can know that He has preserved for us examples by pattern and precept that pertain to just such circumstances. Praise the Lord for the sufficiency of Scripture (2 Ptr 1:3)!
First, let’s look at the young maiden Esther who was left without father or mother. We know from the Old Testament that her cousin, Mordecai, “took her for his own daughter” in which he also looked after her “every day” while she was in the court and until she became Queen (Est 2:7-11). Secondly, in the case of the death of a husband, the young widow is to return to her father’s house “to shew piety at home” and “to requite” her parents (1 Tim 5:4) until the time that she is able to remarry, bear children, and guide the house (5:14). Even in the Old Testament, we see the widow Tamar (still without children) returning to her father’s house and dwelling there until the time that she should’ve remarried (Gen 38:11). This particular passage regarding Judah and Tamar is also a reminder for us that God’s will does not change in spite of the sin and disobedience of others. Regarding the older widow (60 years or more), who is “a widow indeed” as determined by the qualifications in chapter 5 of first Timothy (vs. 3,5, 9-10), she is to receive the meeting of her need by the local church (v. 16). Lastly, we can derive from Scripture that even older unmarried women, like Mary and Martha, did dwell with a male relation—their case, of course, being with their brother Lazarus (John 11:19-21).
Dear Christian lady, whether you are like Esther (without father or mother), unmarried, married, or widowed; be obedient to God’s Holy Word, and whatever your situation, may you then remain, receive or return to the covering God has given you. As we close out our study this month, may you examine your ways (Ps 119:59) and see if they be according to His will (Eph 5:22-24; Titus 2:4-5; 1 Ptr 3:1-5; 1 Tim 2:9-15; 1 Cor 11:3-9,15; 14:34-35).
Finally, as I stated in Part Two of this study, even if you are truly left without a covering (either by his death or his disobedience); God will always be “a father of the fatherless”, and graciously He….“setteth the solitary in families” (Ps 68:5-6). Praise the Lord for His complete provision!
“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him….
….And ye are complete in him…”
Colossians 2:6,10a
Mrs. Russell Hildebrandt
‘Covered’—by Design March 18, 2012
Mark 10:6-8 Part Three
“For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother…” —Son’s leave and cleave…Daughter’s are given (Matt 19:5; Eph 5:31). What a wonderful and foundational truth upon which God set forth His creative plan to “be fruitful and multiply” (Gen 1:27-28)! The beautiful picture of God the Father ‘giving away the first bride’ in Genesis that we discussed in Part One of this study is affirmed for us countless times throughout the pages of Scripture (Gen 34:9; Deut 22:16; Josh 15:16; 1 Chron 2:35; Neh 13:25; Jer 29:6). Spanning every dispensation, daughters are to be safely ‘covered’ and within their father’s house until the day that he ‘gives her away’. Having said this, consider with me for a moment the question of whether one can properly give away that which he does not have? Sadly, many daughters today leave the protection and provision of their fathers when they decide or are compelled to leave the home prior to marriage. For countless reasons (reasons that many Christian daughters, fathers, and even pastors will often attempt to justify from Scripture or completely ignore Scripture in the fact that their reasons are contrary to its commands), we see daughters ‘shedding their yoke of submission’ and living in an interim state of ‘independence’ that leaves them unguarded, uneasy, and not surprisingly, unfulfilled—often leading them into wreckage and ruin. God’s Word gives for us an example of one daughter that ‘shed the covering’ of her father upon leaving the home as she longed to “see the daughters of the land“. We know this to be Jacob’s daughter Dinah who, upon getting her way, was subsequently raped by the son of a Hivite (Gen 34).
There are several lessons we can learn from Dinah’s story which have application to both father and daughter. Let’s begin where the responsibility rests—upon the head of the home, her father Jacob. Verse 5 of this passage tells us that Jacob was not only outside the distance that he could sufficiently provide for her protection, but also that he was completely unaware that the tragedy had even occurred. The verse clearly states that Jacob “heard” that she had been defiled; Yes, he had to ‘hear it through the grapevine’. Surely, this brought shame and reproach on the name of Jehovah God from the hand of the patriarch Jacob who, in this instance, had neglected his duty as a father. Sadly, many Christian father’s and pastors of fathers (who are themselves, fathers) commit this same folly today and, by their lack of obedience to God’s Word, bring reproach upon the name of Christ and God’s Divine order (1 Cor 11:3).
Dinah’s folly was in her sinful desire to “see” what the heathen daughters of the land were ‘about’. She had, no doubt, possessed an understanding of God’s will for her life as exemplified by her mother Leah and as most likely taught by those who came before her (Grandmother Rebekah and Great Grandmother Sarah). In addition to ignoring the patterns previously set, Dinah willfully broke God’s clear command for the Israelites to separate from the heathen Canaanites (Gen 24:3-4). Dinah’s desire to dwell among and to be like the heathen is unfortunately a downfall we see exhibited today among many young Christian girls who do the same thing when they desire to leave the home for ministry, college, or career—ALL of which are completely antithetical to the clear dictates of Scripture as already discussed here and plainly set forth in other passages (See Part Two). Truly, the path away from home under the guise of ‘ministry’ is clearly the most deceptive—Oh, how we blaspheme God’s Word by this pattern of living (Titus 2:5)! How easily we are still duped by Satan’s deceptions in this day and age, even though, His tactics are not new (Gen 3: 1-6). The story of Dinah should serve as a warning for us to heed and learn from. To ignore it, could prove us fatally errant and certainly find us under greater judgment than that of even the Old Testament saints since we are the possessors of God’s completed, inspired, and perfectly preserved Revelation (Lk 12:48).
Mrs. Russell Hildebrandt
‘Covered’—by Design March 11, 2012
Numbers 30 Part Two
“…in her father’s house…” —What a wonderful place for a daughter to be! Just as God provided the ‘covering’ for Eve as He “brought her unto” Adam, there are many such examples given to us in the pages of Holy Writ that continue to confirm God’s purpose and plan for a lady (young or old) in this day and in every successive generation. Within His created design for her, God has always clearly established a distinction of plan and purpose between that of a daughter and that of a son. For daughters, this distinction includes the need for a continual ’covering ‘—a need and distinction that spans every dispensation (Ex 21:7-9; Deut 22; Lev 22:13; 1 Tim 5:14). Our text for this week affirms this distinction and sets forth the rule of authority and responsibility that a father and/or husband has regarding the affirmation or denial of vows that a daughter or wife may make. The important principle upheld in this passage (and throughout Scripture) is that God intends for ladies (young or old) to always have a male ‘covering’, be it father (until he gives her away) or husband. Even when a father is not available, God shows us from His Word that another man within the family may fulfill the responsibility of providing her protection and provision (Gen 24:29; Gen 38; Esther 2:7-11; Jn 11:19-21).
The ‘covering’ of a father for his daughter truly is a gift from God. While still within “her father’s house” , a daughter’s time should be carefully managed and valued by both parents— taking opportunity to prepare her for someday becoming a godly wife and mother . As a little girl, her heart should be tenderly ‘wrapped around her daddy’s finger” in that she loves, respects, and trusts him. He, in turn, is careful to always treat her in a gentle, tender manner— understanding that she will respond ‘in kind’ as God created her to do. The importance of the parallels that exist in the strength of this relationship and in her relationship with her Heavenly Father should not be overlooked. How important it is for us as wives to carefully promote this trust and reverence between father and daughter by being the proper example ourselves (Eph 5:22). As your young maidens grow and mature, so will their opportunities for service and responsibility in the home increase. It is our calling as mothers to teach our daughters faithfulness to the duties of the home as keepers of it: cooking, cleaning, teaching and serving. Even outside the home does the task remain ours in honoring the Lord with our daughter’s time in ways that positively represent her family. Some of the ways can include ministering to the elderly or shut-ins, assisting the overwhelmed and exhausted new mother, or providing a godly example in their manner of life that younger girls can learn from and follow (Jms 1:27; Titus 2).
As referred to in the initial paragraph, we can look to the Bible for many examples of a daughter’s place and purpose. Throughout this week, please study the passages listed below and be encouraged by the pattern set by these dear maidens as they served their father’s in preparation for serving their future husbands. For those who must prepare without the benefit of an earthly father—be reminded that God Himself is a “Father to the fatherless” (Ps 10:14b). God’s plan is always perfect, always complete, and always by Design!
Genesis 24 Rebekah / Bethuel (father) Isaac
Genesis 29 Rachel / Laban (father) Jacob
Exodus 2 Zipporah / Jethro (father) Moses
Esther 2 Esther / Mordecai (cousin) King Ahasuerus
John 11 Mary & Martha / Lazarus (brother)
Other examples of ‘covering’ : Leah (Gen 29:23), Tamar (Gen 38), a young widow (1Tim 5:4)..etc.
Mrs. Russell Hildebrandt
‘Covered’—by Design March 4, 2012
Genesis 2:22-24 Part One
“And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.” (v. 22). What a beautiful picture and first mention of God’s design for woman—that of having a ‘covering’, a protector and provider. The Lord not only set the precedent for this part of His creative plan, but He also maintained this design for women throughout the whole of Scripture—never once revoking or altering this “blueprint”. Once created from Adam’s rib, Eve was ‘given away’ by God at this, the first marriage. The significance of the Father-of-the-Bride giving away his daughter at the wedding altar is not just for ceremony. The responsibility of the bride’s protection and provision is hereby transferred from the father to the groom. In Eden, God was Eve’s ‘covering’ until He ‘gave her away’ to Adam, at which point, Adam became her new ‘covering’.
The tender picture of God’s love and provision in that He “brought her” to Adam not only reveals His intent to have her ‘covered’, but also reminds us that God did not just throw Eve in the garden thereby leaving her to fend for herself until Adam found her. Sadly, today and for many years now, young women have been enticed, ‘pushed’ or ‘thrown’ out of the home to fend for themselves in a vile and wicked world—totally left without the proper covering that God has always intended for her. It is equally disturbing to acknowledge the fact that unprotected daughters are ‘standard fair’ even among Christian families.
In the weeks ahead, we will look at the beauty of God’s design for ladies when it is obeyed and followed according to His purpose and plan. Scripture gives us many such examples that we can be encouraged by. By way of warning, we will also learn what can happen to a lady when she is not given the proper ‘covering’ that God commands in His Word by way of pattern, precept, and principle.
Mrs. Russell Hildebrandt
“The First Principles” February 26, 2012
Hebrews 5:12-14
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” was the command given to us in 2 Peter (3:18). As we have discussed this month the importance of teaching our children the Word of God, we must realize that being obedient to the above command will require consistent effort by us as parents. Our text verse teaches the “first principles” as the “milk” of God’s Word and as something that is necessary and fitting for “babes” in Christ. These foundational truths must be imparted and established in our children if they are to grow in grace and knowledge, and subsequently be able to feast on the “meat” of God’s Word when they are “of full age”. This they will accomplish “by reason of use” because you have taught them.
The “milk to meat” stages of growing in grace will follow the all-important truths taught in the many Bible stories that you carefully and consistently share with your son or daughter—the very precious stories that will help in preparing their heart to meet the Lord. Once they are of an age and understanding to repent and be born again, they will be ready to begin with these “first principles”. With these thoughts in mind, I want to further equip you with tools that will assist you in the life-giving discipline (Deut 32:46-47, Phlp 2:16) of training your children. The references, links, articles and worksheets that you will find in the link below will help in the instruction of Bible basics that will supplement the transition in your child’s “diet” from the “milk” to the “meat” of God’s Word.
Remember, you cannot impart knowledge that you do not first possess. I began the ladies’ devotional at the first of the year with a very specific purpose and design in mind for the first month. My plan and desire was to impress upon your heart as a wife and mother the need for your walk with the Lord to be one that includes a relentless faithfulness to prayer and Bible reading. Do your children see you reading God’s Word? Would they know just where “Mommy keeps her Bible”? Do they know or recognize that “That’s Mommy’s chair—that’s where she always reads her Bible”. Have they ever interrupted you—finding you on your knees in prayer? If not, then start today with a renewed commitment and with the Psalmist say, “I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.” (Ps 119:59).
“…..give me understanding according to thy word.” Psalm 119:169
Mrs. Russell Hildebrandt Biblical-Basics-for-Believers
“Thou hast Known the Holy Scriptures” February 19, 2012
2 Timothy 3:14-17
Last week, we focused on the importance of teaching your children the Scriptures with a special emphasis on the younger ones by providing them consistent instruction during a special, daily “Bible Time”. As your young children grow and mature, they will need to likewise grow and mature in their knowledge of God’s Word. We feed our babies milk, but as they grow it is understood that nutritionally the milk will soon not be sufficient to sustain them. So it is with the spiritual diet of our children—as they grow into young men and women, we must feed them with the “meat” of God’s Word if they are to grow thereby (Heb 5:12-13, 1 Cor 3:2).
Understanding the need to get our children’s knowledge of Scripture beyond all the wonderful Bible stories which served to lay a solid foundation, I began teaching them in the basic doctrines of the faith. Every child’s understanding will develop at different rates, but in the case of our daughters, I do remember starting this process with them when they were around nine years of age. We have repeatedly instructed them in the major doctrines of the Bible to reinforce their learning and have modified the intensity of instruction to correspond with their growth and level of understanding.
As with anything, the degree of the accomplishment will depend on the degree of your commitment. The commitment made is more likely kept when it is given its proper place in your daily schedule. Being home educators, we have historically incorporated this teaching time as part of our “Bible curriculum” (We have always made and used our own, or modified other helpful books to more accurately reflect sound Bible doctrine and to reinforce the Baptist distinctives). One of the more recent tools that we use for the purpose of instructing our daughters in the defense of their faith from the Scriptures by way of having a “ready answer” (1 Ptr 3:15) is something we call the “Reference Triangle” (see link below). The material used for this method was gathered over several years of hearing the preaching of God’s Word and personally studying the Scriptures.
While we continue to discuss the training of our children through this month of February, there will be additional tools and resources introduced and posted. May we be the kind of faithful teachers that will prepare our children and prove them skillful “in the word of righteousness”.
Mrs. Russell Hildebrandt Reference Triangle
“…His Mother Taught Him” February 12, 2012
Proverbs 31:1
In continuing the topic of instruction from last week’s devotional, I wish to suggest some helpful applications for you in teaching your children the Scriptures in the home (Deut 11:19). God’s Word reminds us that our responsibility to rear our children in the “…nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Eph 5:4) can NOT be overstated regarding its importance, in fact, “…it is your life…” (Deut 32:46-47). 2 Timothy 3:15 tells us how the young Timothy had “known the holy scriptures” since he was “a child” due to the direct influence and instruction from his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois (2 Tim 1:5).
Just as these dear women no doubt understood their responsibility to young Timothy, we too must also stay focused on this “charge to keep” from the Lord (1 Kings 2:3-4) in which every day counts. Having said this, let me interject an important truth for us to keep in mind—- As wives and mothers, our first commitment must rest in our personal walk with the Lord which includes keeping our desires faithfully centered around being a godly helpmeet to our husbands. While the tendency is there to so often fulfill our children’s needs before that of our husbands due to the ever-present “immediacy” and “frequency” of their demands, we must not succumb to this weakness which is disobedience to our Lord (Gen 3:16, 1 Cor 11:7-9). One day, should the Lord tarry His coming, your children will leave “the nest”— when that happens your relationship with your husband should not be “strangely empty” because you had poured all your time, love, and attention into your children. Remember, “..a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Eccl 4:12)—God+Husband+Wife. Your children are truly a blessing from God (Ps 127), but they are temporary “visitors”.
With this word of caution for all of us having been mentioned, let me direct you to the link below for a suggested schedule and list of helps regarding daily Bible instruction with your children. I have included a handful of helpful tools that can be of assistance in enhancing this special time with your children, however, these tools are purely optional and not at all essential— All that is required would be a copy of God’sWord, a hymnal, and a commitment from you to follow through in obedience to God’s command to teach your children. If you are already faithful with this type of instruction with your children, then may these thoughts simply serve to encourage you in that which you have already established. Praise the Lord!
Finally, I would tell you that it is a special joy and honor to “train up” your children and, by faith, watch them grow in the Lord and serve Him all their days! (Proverbs 22:6)
Mrs. Russell Hildebrandt Bible Time Instructions
“Train up a Child…” February 5, 2012
Proverbs 22:6
Our text verse for this first week of February is one that is familiar to most Christians and is often quoted. Let me begin this week’s study with a brief review in grammar regarding this verse in Proverbs. The initial structure of this sentence in verse 6 is written in the imperative which makes it a command or request. In this type of sentence, the subject is most often omitted, but it is completely understood—the subject is “You”. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Solomon is saying “YOU train up a child…”; and even a casual study of the Scriptures reveals quite obviously that he means: “You Father” and “You Mother”….train up your children!.
I believe I can quite safely support the above interpretation of this passage (apart from the aforementioned grammatical function) based upon the twenty-three direct addresses that Solomon makes to “My son” within the pages of this portion of Scripture . There is a plethora of passages in this book alone that clearly demonstrates to us that God ordained fathers to teach and train their children. Now, having said this, there are many Christian parents who are comfortable with the decision of abdicating this responsibility to someone else, but let us not be so deceived. In spite of the general acceptance to the idea, God is not comfortable with this abdication of responsibility since nowhere in Scripture does He ever remove that responsibility from us as parents, neither does He make it optional.
Please study the following passages in Proverbs and give special attention to the phrases which distinctly show that instruction is being given by the parent and to the child:
1:8; 3:1; 4:1-4, 10-11, 20-23; 6:20; 29:17; and 31 (The entire thirty-first chapter is credited to “The words of King Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him” (vs. 1).
I would also encourage you to study these next passages in Proverbs and to notice upon whom does the responsibility fall when the instruction is not given or is not heeded:
10:1; 13:1; 15:20; 19:13, 18; 20:20; 29:15; and 30:17.
In the upcoming weeks, we will be reminded that our highest calling, as mothers, is to teach and to train our children. We will be discussing helpful and practical methods which will encourage you in this endeavor and will provide you with helpful applications in its accomplishment on a day by day basis. It is my hope and prayer that you are being ever so faithful in your own personal study of God’s Word—-Remember, we can not teach what we do not know…
“…the father to the children shall make known thy truth.”
Isaiah 38:19
Mrs. Russell Hildebrandt
“In His Name” January 29, 2012
1 Timothy 2:5
As we have focused on the importance of faithfully studying God’s Word and meeting with Him in prayer, let us close this first month of 2012 just as we so faithfully close each prayer we utter… “in Jesus precious name.”
“…thou shalt call his name JESUS for he shall save his people from their sins.” (Matt 1:21)— O how sweet the name of “Jesus” is, and how precious to us is His role as our Mediator and High Priest before God! Throughout this week, please study this important doctrine as taught in the following passages of Scripture:
Matthew 27:50-51; Hebrews 9:6-15, 10:10-12, 19-21; Eph 2:12-18.
As we read these passages, may we be edified in Him, stirred within, and reminded of the honor and praise due His Name—May we possess a more reverential attitude as we claim His Name each time we “…come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb 4:16).
May the times be many that the Holy Spirit overwhelms your heart with the remembrance that such a price was paid by our dear Saviour to bring us salvation, and thereby, reconcile us to God. The joy and peace we have in knowing that Christ’s sacrifice was so completely acceptable and satisfactory to God (1 Jn 2:1-2) should cause us to think upon His Name so often that we can not but help to speak of Him before the saved and unsaved alike (Mal 3:16, Ps 18:49).
Among the saved, do we take the opportunities the Spirit gives us throughout the week to clearly give Him praise for all He does? Among the lost, do we sincerely claim a deep injury and offense should we hear them speak His name in vain, or do we remain silent lest we suffer some reproach? Is not this reproach an opportunity of blessing for us? (Lk 6:22). Dear Sister in Christ, as God “…hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name” (Phlp 2:9), may we so exalt our Saviour and give Him ALL THE GLORY due His precious name—
“…for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.“ (Acts 4:12). “Christ Rent the Veil“
Mrs. Russell Hildebrandt
“Teach Us to Pray…” January 22, 2012
Luke 11:1
“Lord, teach us to pray,…” was the request the disciples made of Jesus in today’s text verse. The disciples understood the importance of prayer for they had seen it exemplified many times in the Saviour’s earthly ministry (Lk 6:12, 11:1; Matt 14:23; Mk 6:46) — Yes, the One who they knew was “that Christ, the Son of the living God” (Jn 6:69), even He, took time to pray. How much more do we, sinful mankind, need to come before the throne of God! No doubt, the disciples understood this as they earnestly sought Jesus’ instructions in this matter.
The Master gave several instructions regarding how we should pray which included the model prayer as given in Matthew 6:9-13 that many of us have committed to memory since childhood. Just prior to verse 9 however, Jesus first reminds us that our prayers should be offered up in private and should not be reduced to “vain repetitions” (v. 6-8). In light of the pattern here given, let us examine from Scripture some important elements that should constitute the framework our prayers:
Acknowledge….God (Ps 83:18)……His Place (Neh 9:6), His Name (Ps 111:9b), His plan (Jn 1:29), and His purpose (Rev 4:11).
Praise…………….Him for His many attributes—recalling them by name and with thanksgiving (Jer 10:10; Ps 99:9, 86:15; Deut 32:4; Mal 3:6).
Repent…………..Admit and forsake your sins before God; be cleansed anew!(1 Jn 1:9; Ps 19:12, 51:17, 139:23).
Thank……………Him for the countless blessings He daily bestows upon us (Ps 100:4, 68:19, 103:1-14).
Petition………….“…let your requests be made known unto God” Phl 4:6 (1 Jn 5:14-15; Heb 4:16; Matt 21:22; Rom 8:26-27).
Intercede……….Pray on behalf of others (Col 1:9; 1 Sam 12:23a; 1 Thess 5:25; Phlm 1:4;1 Ki 13:6).
Claim…………….Our only claim to God in prayer is “in Jesus name, Amen!” (Rom 5:2; Eph 2:18, 3:12; 1 Tim 2:5).
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray….” 2 Chronicles 7:14
“Fall on your knees and grow there. There is no burden of the spirit but is lighter by kneeling under it. Prayer means not always talking to Him, but waiting before Him till the dust settles and the stream runs clear.” F.B. Meyer
Mrs. Russell Hildebrandt
“Pre-prayered for the Day” January 15, 2012
Psalm 88:13
In our text verse today, the Psalmist proclaims that “….in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee.” As we commit to rising early so we may have our time with the Lord reading His Word, it is essential that we also find a quiet, private place (Matt 6:6) where we can lift our hearts to God in prayer. Twenty-one times the Psalms speak of “my prayer”—it was personal. Prayer is an obvious necessity for every Christian, and no less important for the busy wife and mother. Also, a personal prayer life is vital if we are to walk in right fellowship with Christ (2 Chron 7:14).
Imagine with me for a moment, how you would feel if your husband developed the habit of never acknowledging you or even speaking to you in the morning every day before he left for work? Perhaps he would even get too busy when he returned home from work and not speak with you until just before he went to bed at night. Would this be okay? How strong would your relationship be? In reality, the above example is not likely to happen, however, for too many of us— it IS a reality if we compare it to how we treat our prayer life….perhaps, we are guilty of giving our dear Lord “the silent treatment”; If so, we need to repent.
I would have to admit that my faithfulness in rising early enough to allow the proper time I need to bow the knee to God in prayer has been an area which needs improvement. If we are honest, the issue is not one of willingness as much as it is one of discipline—we must be disciplined in getting up when the alarm bell rings! Here again, is yet another opportunity to re-establish or to make a new resolve to spend precious time talking with our Saviour. Start your day right and pray (Ps 5:3); then, fellowship with Him in an attitude of prayer all the day long (Lk 18:1, 1 Thess 5:17)!
Mrs. Russell Hildebrandt
“Rise and Shine” January 8, 2012
Psalm 5:3
Are you a “morning person”, or are you the type that likes to “burn the midnight oil”? The Psalmist said, “…I myself will awake early” (Ps. 57:8), and there have been many times that I have made the same proclamation only to find myself oversleeping and starting the day off “behind schedule”. Unfortunately, in this life, days like that are a reality, but they should not be the normal pattern of things.
In making a commitment to study God’s Word and pray, it is important to plan your schedule in order to facilitate a successful follow-up to your commitment. Psalm 127:2 states “It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.” In rising early, you will need to “put out the midnight oil” and get to bed earlier! The benefits to an early start in your day are many:
1. A quiet house for prayer and Bible reading (perhaps a hot cup of coffee, too)
2. Time to meditate upon whatever things the Holy Spirit may impress upon your heart, especially as He speaks to you through His Word.
3. Time to visit with your husband before he leaves for work and before the children awake (or plan that time with him in the evening after the children go to bed…early).
4. Time to accomplish the “things” that have to be done if you are to be prepared for the day (especially if you home school).
5. You get to avoid the pitfalls in attitude that are ever present when you’re under the pressure of running behind in your day.
All of these benefits (and many more that you will discover on your own) will truly make you “shine” as you enjoy a pleasing and peaceful spirit that your family will benefit from and that the Lord will approve of. Lastly, as you start early and start in God’s Word, may you echo the Psalmist in saying, “O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day” (Psalm 119:97).
Mrs. Russell Hildebrandt
“A Ready Answer” January 1, 2012
1 Peter 3:15
Have you ever found yourself at a loss for words when you are in a situation that requires you to defend your beliefs as a Baptist? Some of us may never be at a loss for words, but what we may lack is Scriptural authority because we haven’t studied or committed to memory those vital passages that demonstrate a clear defense of the Bible’s doctrines. Here is what the Apostle Peter forewarns us about in being “ready always to give an answer”, and it is this surety of knowing these doctrinal truths and knowing where in God’s Word to find them that will enable us to share the hope that we have in Christ and to do it in a manner that is both bold and kind.
As busy wives or mothers, we must be careful to set aside the time we need to study God’s Word and to equip ourselves in a way that allows us to be faithful to this command. The initial command in this verse is to “sanctify the Lord God in your hearts”. There must be a time daily that you are “set apart” in your heart and mind to meet with God in prayer and to study His Word; a time that takes priority over other “things” that would distract us. In the upcoming weeks, we will discuss the Scriptural and practical aspects of meeting this foundational element in our Christian walk.
This being the first day of 2012, it may be time for you to make a renewed commitment to following a daily Bible reading plan. There are many good plans available. One such plan I have used for many years has been especially beneficial due to its daily arrangement including both the Old and New Testaments thereby encouraging you to compare Scripture with Scripture (1 Cor. 2:13). The key is to make the decision and to stay committed to it—Then may you, like Job say, “I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12). Hmmm, sounds like a good “diet” plan for a worthy New Year’s resolution!
Mrs. Russell Hildebrandt McCheyne Bible Reading Calendar