by Terry Laughlin | Apr 13, 2016 | Memorial Day
The Importance of Gravestones
Genesis 35:19 – 20 says, “So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). Over her tomb Jacob set up a pillar, and to this day that pillar marks Rachel’s tomb.
Rachel, the daughter of Laban was the one for whom Jacob worked for a total of fourteen years. (Genesis 29:15-30). The Bible says Jacob loved Rachel so much that his first seven years of labor to Laban (the first down payment for Rachel to her father) “seemed like only a few days… because of his love for her.” Here in Genesis 35:19-20 we see Jacob being a true mourner. He placed a pillar, a gravestone as marker over the burial place of the woman he loved. Biblically, Jacob is known for setting up stones of remembrance for life changing events in his life. (Genesis 28:18; 31:45-47; 35:14) Here in Genesis Jacob sets a stone of remembrance over the grave of Rachel so that she may be remembered long after her death. (Matthew Henry Commentary) According to Scripture, Rachel’s burial place is clearly remembered up to the time of Samuel. (1 Samuel 10:2; The Pulpit Commentary; The Expositors Bible Commentary) A brief allusion to Rachel’s grave site is also found in Genesis 48:7 and the prophet Jeremiah alluded to Rachel’s burial site. (The Expositors Bible Commentary)
There are writings of antiquity which indicate that Rachel’s grave was well marked so her life and legacy might be remembered. There are writings in the fourth century placing Rachel’s grave within the Turkish Chapel Kubbet Rachil (Robison, Vol. 1 page 322; Tristrain, “Land of Israel” page 404; Thomson “Land and Book” page 664; Stanley, “Sinai and Palestine” page 149) This chapel was placed about a half hour’s journey from Bethlehem. (The Pulpit Commentary) There are websites that have information about Rachel’s Tomb that show pictures and have written history indicating that her stone of remembrance has impacted lives, even to this day. (www.lifeintheholyland.com www.scared-destinations.com) Please find the truth in this study. We are in God’s will if we take time to set up a stone of remembrance for the deceased. It is under His Sovereign control what becomes of it.
Matthew Henry writes, “It may be good for us to keep this in mind [the placing of Rachel’s Stone] so others may be encouraged to set up memorials.” It is important to put in place markers, gravestones, headstones, tombstones or statues of remembrance so others may remember the life and work of those who paid the way before us. Nacie Carson wrote, “A gravestone is a maker used to delineate the location of a burial site for an individual, family or group.” Most people alive today can expect to be remembered through the ages by cemetery headstones personalized to include their names, dates of birth and death, special designs, and other relevant information. Even people whose bodies have been cremated (a tradition whose popularity is increasing dramatically) are often memorialized with cemetery headstones installed in their family cemetery plots. This is in keeping with the advice of many psychologists who say that, even if a person’s ashes are scattered at sea, having a specific, special place in which to memorialize a loved one is an important part of any family’s grieving. Besides their obvious emotional value, cemetery headstones are also valuable to historians who often need to document people’s lives for decades, or even centuries, after death has occurred.
Headstones are typically used as the memorial of any person who has passed away to serve as “Stones of Remembrance” of their life. Only the Lord knows how someone’s grave stone will affect a person’s life. There is a truth in what Jacob did for his wife that is worth grasping. We certainly must honor those who loved us by showing the act of sacrificial love by setting up a “Stone of Remembrance.”
by Terry Laughlin | Apr 12, 2016 | Halloween
What Should Really Frighten You
Halloween is the time of the year when many parents participate in a fun time of dressing their children up in costumes, going house to house gathering goodies or attending a wonderful social event of fun, games and healthy socializing. In short, it’s just fun and games. Also, Halloween is a great time for movie makers and horror-genre writers to release and promote their productions with the purpose of money-making or for a select few because they enjoy doing so. On the darker side, Halloween has been used as a time to worship the Devil, promote acts which harm others, disrespect others property, or even destroy the lives of the innocent people and animals. Mature Christians see Halloween as an opportunity to point people to Godly truths with sayings such as, “If the Devil offers you a treat, it’s a trick!”
I would propose to you that there is a truth far scarier than any Halloween production which needs addressed more aggressively than more arbitrary religious arguments about how and if Christians should observe Halloween. There is a spiritual truth that should cause you to want lock your doors, check your windows and look under the bed as you lay down for the night. There is an enemy of your soul who is powerfully effective in causing destruction, destroying life and takes full control of the self-will of mankind. He does not have horns and a spiked tail, nor does he dress in a red uniform, carrying a flaming pitchfork; he is a living nightmare of unimaginable proportions.
The Apostle Peter gives a warning, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) In 2 Timothy we read of a frightening truth, “…escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” (2 Timothy 2:26) Again, Scripture tells us there are frightening “…spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12)
The Apostle Paul writes to the young pastor Timothy, using the word “captive” (ζωγρέω zōgréō) meaning “to ensnare, seduce, to bring under control, to hold in check, to not allow a person to do what he wants, but able to make him obey his [Satan’s] will.” (Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary: New Testament. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers; Friberg, T., Friberg, B., & Miller, N. F.) In the Bible we read about Judas Iscariot, one of the men who kept close company with Jesus. He was a witness to many of our Lord’s miracles and good deeds as well as hearing His teachings. Luke writes, “Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve.” (Luke 22:1-6) From that moment on Judas watched for an opportune time to hand Jesus over to His enemies.
If Satan can take Judas captive to do his will, even though Judas witnessed such events Jesus had performed, he can bewitch or intoxicate any unrepentant soul to accomplish his purposes. Dr. David Jeremiah writes, “…My friend, the very thought that it ‘could never happen to us’ is the step toward our seduction. We need to keep our eyes wide open to the events happening around us…” (Jeremiah, D. (1999). Until Christ Returns: Living faithfully today while we wait for our glorious tomorrow (pp. 31–32). Nashville, TN: Word Pub.)
Twelve times in the New Testament, Satan is called “the evil one.” The horror of horrors, for who has been, who is or who will be taken captive by the devil to obey his will?
by Terry Laughlin | Apr 12, 2016 | Patriotism
As a Christians Banner
Psalm 20:5 says, “May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the LORD fulfill all your petitions!” The word banner (דָּגַל dāg̱al) is a verb meaning to carry a flag, a standard, a banner: to distinguish. It indicates the display of a symbol of loyalty and commitment to the Lord for His victories. God’s people are to show their loyalty to the Lord by raising their flags (banners) in His name. (Expositors Bible Commentary; Matthew Henry Commentary)
Countries design and display flags, not just to have something to fly in the air but to make a particular statement. Much time and money is invested in the design of a flag. Everyone who sees a flag displayed should know from that symbol just what the country stands for. Many Americans display flags outside their homes to show national loyalty, cultural pride, or affiliation with specific interest groups and organizations.
The American flag was designed as a banner to celebrate America’s freedom, but also stands as an icon of world diplomacy. (Flags and Their Importance, United States Flag Store) The Word English Dictionary says that to fly the flag “is to represent or show support for one’s country, an organization, etc.”
On June 14th, 1777 the Continental Congress passed a resolution, “The flag of the United States will be thirteen stripes, alternating red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, which will represent a new constellation.” (Journals of the Continental Congress, Vol. VIII, p. 464, June 14, 1777) “Since that time, generations of Americans have celebrated the flag as a symbol of our God-given freedoms, as well as being a God-blessed nation. In every American military campaign, the flag has been a symbol of our freedom.” (David Barton, The Real Story Behind Old Glory – 06-11-2012)
You might be interested in some U. S. flag facts, “The National Flag Day Foundation holds an annual observance for Flag Day on the second Sunday in June. The program includes a ceremonial raising of the flag, recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance with singing of the National Anthem. The week of June 14 is designated as ‘National Flag Week.’ During National Flag Week, the president will issue a proclamation urging U.S citizens to fly the American flag for the duration of the week. The flag should also be on all government buildings” (Wikipedia, Flag Day) The Pledge of Allegiance spoken during the ceremony says, “I pledge alliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” (Celebrating America’s Freedom, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) The national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner is sung at the annual ceremony as well. In the 4th stanza are these words, “Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation! Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto: “In God is our trust” And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.” (National Anthem – United States Of America Anthem Text Lyrics / Metro-lyrics)
by Terry Laughlin | Apr 12, 2016 | Christian Living Truth's
Choose This Day – The God You Will Serve
God has a clear choice for all who live in America, “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers… or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15) The heart of the Lord on this Scripture is the choice between true and false worship, following the indulgence of lust, our own ideas or the ideology of today. (Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible) It must be understood, the appeal made through Joshua is rhetorical; from God’s perspective there is only God, it is Him, no other god. (Psalm 1:1; Isaiah 43:10; 44:6; John 1:1) Therefore, moving straight to the heart of mankind, if serving God is undesirable, choose this day between the Lord and the many man-made substitutions.
It has been well said, “A god is whatever gets your extra time, money and adoration.” (unknown) While working in Kansas City, MO. I had the privilege to get to know a private detective. He always said, “You can always find out what is in a man by discovering were he spends his extra time, what he spends his extra money on and by noticing what he gives attention to.” When people are off of work, what are the places they hang out in or were do they go, how much money do they spend while there and how much attention do they give to the cause they are investing in. Just as in the time of Joshua, there are prejudices and objection which keep people from wanting to live and walk in God’s perfect will for them. There is a coolness and indifference toward service to the Lord, in comparison to the pleasures of self-indulgence and loving the world view.
God does not make anyone serve Him, His challenge, “Choose this day…” Just like you have the choice to do your work as unto the Lord, enjoying the benefits thereof. Or you can be a poor employee and suffer the long term consequences. Just like you can choose to drive, obeying the driving laws, enjoying trouble free from law enforcement. Or you can drive as you please, eventually suffering judicial chastisements. Just like a sky diver can choose to live under the natural law of gravity wearing a parachute when he jumps out of a plane. Or he can defy what he knows to be truth, jump out of a plane without a parachute, causing him and his family to suffer the eternal aftermath of his choice. You can choose to serve the Lord, live under His watchful providence. Or you can continue to live for the god (the substitute) you have chosen this day to serve. By the way how is that going for you?
The Bible says our lives are like living letters, known and read by all of mankind. (2 Corinthians 3:2) Everyone can see the God or what god we have chosen this day to live for.
by Terry Laughlin | Apr 12, 2016 | Patriotism
God’s Voting Guide
It is that time when Americans are given the opportunity (and responsibility) to vote for those who hold public offices. This privilege is given to us by God for it is He who raised this form of government in our country through our Founding Fathers. Many of them had a reverent fear of the Lord. George Washington said, “It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.” Romans 13:1 says, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
The Lord had called forth a great leader, Moses, to deliver His people from the hand of Pharaoh who had held God’s people in bondage. After their deliverance and while Moses was judging the disputes of the people Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, gave Moses some very good advice that Americans would do well to heed. “Select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.” (Exodus 18:21) Matthew Henry in his exposition on Exodus 18:21 wrote, “[Jethro] advised such a model of government… such as [believes] there is a God above them, whose eye is upon them, to whom they are accountable….”
At this critical time America needs men and women who will rule this nation in the fear of God. We need statesmen, not politicians, who are men and women of prayer and who passionately seek God’s wisdom through the written Word of God. Most of our Founding Fathers had great knowledge of God’s Word and they knew what was to be done. One of them was Noah Webster. He wrote the following: “When you become entitled to exercise the right to voting for public offices let it impressed on your mind that God commands you to choose as rulers men who rule in the fear of God… The preservation of a republican government depends on the faithful discharge of this duty; if the citizens neglect this duty and place unprincipled men in office the government will soon be corrupted…”
God’s voting guide directs you to vote for persons who have the Godly character of Hezekiah who “…trusted in the Lord…. He held fast to the Lord and did not cease to follow Him; he kept the commands the Lord had given Moses.” (2 Kings 18:5) The Lord God desires that we elect persons that will stand firmly on what is right and true according to God’s Word…men and women who publicly confess Him and long to make decisions according to His will. Vote to please Him!
The God who created the universe and raised up America has from the time of the prophet Samuel given the people of God the privilege to choose their leaders. (1 Samuel 8) The Bible also warns and records the bad things that came upon the people because a unrighteous leader came to governmental power. The Word of God also teaches the blessing that came upon the people because a man who fears the Lord came into a place of leadership. (1 and 2 Kings) The Bible says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, …From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all of mankind; from His dwelling place He watches all who live upon the earth.” (Psalm 33:12-14)
God has always raised up possible rulers: Those who serve themselves, taking from the people of God (1 Samuel 8) or rulers who rule in the true fear of the Lord. Which one will you vote for?
Recent Comments