Musing – Here’s how Jesus and His Holy Spirit Ministered to a Family!

 Hebraic Musing – Here’s how Jesus and His Holy Spirit Ministered to a Family!

The world assesses one’s success in life based on having "successful children" according to their professional and financial achievements.  A friend challenged me to share the personal testimonies of my children which caused me to pause, reflect and to consider the definition of “success” in eternal perspectives.

Here's the testimonial “Salvation moments” for each member of the immediate family God gave to me:

1^st - Susan’s – At the age of seven, Susan was invited by her playmates to go with them on their Sunday School bus.  One Sunday, after two months of regular attendance, Susan came home and went straight to her room, got down on her knees by the side of her bed and said (or prayed) something she heard at church – “I know that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  And she remembered “the wages of sin is death.”  So she concluded her prayer with “Jesus, please save me.  I don’t want to go to hell.”  And then Susan began to pray for her whole family to experience what she had experienced.  (About 1967/68)

About two years later our 10 month old Catherine was killed in a freak auto accident.

PeggyMom’s – Shortly after Cathy’s death, Susan’s Sunday School teacher, Mrs. Heinbrecker, asked Susan where Susan had been.  Susan explained the family’s loss and Mrs. H immediately asked, “How’s your mother?”  Mrs. H made it a point to visit Peggy and invite her to church; she counseled Susan’s mother and “Peggy Mom” accepted Jesus and received the consolation she desperately needed.  (About April of 1969)

Jon’s –  He claims his testimony was same as his brother Joseph’s, at about the same time.  So here’s Joseph’s.

Joseph’s – “I was 6 when a teacher at the little Bible Church taught me about my need for Jesus.  The church had a bus ministry and my parents sent me, along with my brothers and sister; so on Sunday mornings they could stay home and get free child care for a few hours.  Mrs. Heinbrecker was teaching and asked if anyone wanted to invite Jesus to live in their heart; I raised my hand and she prayed with me.  I invited Jesus to come live in my heart sometime in the spring of 1969.”

Jim’s – He accepted Jesus at age 4-5 at Mrs. Heinbrecker’s church; he’s still an on-fire evangelist to this day.

Cathy’s – An amazing, remarkably sweet disposition baby; but went to be with Jesus at 10 months of age.

Joel’s – “Despite what I saw around me, I sensed an underlying truth as a young child that seemed genuine and authentic.  But at the time, I was more interested in not going to hell ("the stick").  So I “asked Jesus into my heart” when I was 4-5 years old.” 

Joe (me, the father) – Almost last!  In August 1977 I came home from a week-end Cursillo retreat and told PeggyMom “I talked to Jesus… and I want you and the kids to have the same experience.”  Peggy replied, “Too late Joe, we already have, we’ve all been praying for you!”  And she could have added “for almost 10 years!”

Beth’s – When “Betsy” was almost 4 years old (circa 1982), PeggyMom led her in a prayer of salvation, but wondered if Betsy understood.  A neighbor stopped by so PeggyMom asked Betsy “Where is Jesus?”  Betsy marched up 3 steps, turned around and pounding her chest she proclaimed, “In my heart.”

How are they serving the LORD now?  What are they doing?

·      Joe – Leading Men’s ministries, Weekly blogging, Evangelizing, Patriarch of a growing family of 47.

·      Peggy – “Left me for the Perfect Husband, Jesus Christ” on March 10, 2012 after leading many to Christ.

·      Susan – Always ministering, friends called her an “unclaimed blessing”.   AKA “Aunt Sue” to Grand-Kids!.

·      Jon – I used to catch him reading himself to sleep with the Bible; now a model example of righteous living.

·      Joseph – Served as Assistant Pastor, which led to 12 years with family of 7 as Missionaries in Honduras.

·      Jim – Used to spend Friday/Saturday evenings witnessing at London Bridge in Lake Havasu. Still on fire!

·      Joel – Served years as Assistant Pastor, earned Master of Divinity at Liberty University.

·      Beth – Earned Master’s degree, taught H.S., now homeschooling daughters and super-active in church.

I did not do it!  Jesus & His H.S. drew in our family after one 7 year old, Susan, surrendered to the LORD. 

Points to ponder

What might happen when the Church’s Sunday School bus
picks up a young child invited by a neighbor?

♫  I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God, …Joint heirs with Jesus… As I travel this sod…. ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                          April 26, 2022
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”    Weekly “Hebraic Musings” at   InsightsByYosef.blogspot.com

Musing – What did Paul have to say to Pastors?

 Hebraic Musing – What did Paul have to say to Pastors?

Apostle Paul tells us what he preached to pastors in Acts 20:17-38 NKJV.*  Who is Paul addressing?  “From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church.” v.17   Pastors have three roles, or titles (1) overseer, (2) Shepherd, (3) Elder.  What might leaders in today’s church fellowships learn from Paul?

Paul testifies of his own activities.  “…he said to them: ‘You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house.’” vs.18-20    In other words, Paul explains he lived among them and with them as a testimony of how to live the “New Life.” 

Then he proceeded to testify of his own life in vs.21-24.  “testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.  And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.  But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”  His stated testimony becomes a standard for all “elders” to achieve.  Read it again!

Then Paul provides them with a parting encouragement.  “And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more.  Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.  For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.”  vs.25-27     He points out that they are on a chosen Career Path.  “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”  v.28 

Be forewarned of the challenges you will face in your role as Overseer, Shepherd or Elder.  “For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.  Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.”  vs. 29-31 Therefore, as a leader you need to avoid distraction while striving for unity of direction.

Good News!  “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” vs. 32

Paul recognizes the Bi-Vocational Roles that he, and many of them, and many today, are serving in.  “I have coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel.  Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me.”  But what is important is our attitude.  “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak.  And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” vs.33-35

The love and respect that Paul had for them, and they for him, is touchingly portrayed in the closing.  “And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.  Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more.  And they accompanied him to the ship.” vs. 36-38

In SUMMARY, Paul is telling Pastors, Overseers, Shepherds and Elders to…
            Live and Speak Biblical Truth while Reaching the World for Christ.

Point(s) to Ponder

Is your role one of an Overseer, a Shepherd, or an Elder?  With the title of “Pastor”?

What Shepherd in the church has not experienced wolves attacking the flock?

How important is it to stand strong and be a living testimony?

Lord I give my life as a living sacrifice, to reach a world in need, and to be Your hands and feet.

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                          April 19, 2022

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”   Weekly “Hebraic Musings”  at  InsightsByYosef.blogspot.com

*  Inspired by “Preaching to Pastors”, a Sunday message from Pastor Tom Hatley on April 10, 2022

Musing –Why are Marriages and Our Society Both Crumbling?

 Hebraic Musing –Why are Marriages and Our Society Both Crumbling?

I have recently heard young people say, more than once – “Why get married?”  While I was shocked to hear it, why would we be surprised considering the influence of today’s media?  Our world’s anti-Judeo/Christian viewpoints prevail. There are broken homes, a lack of instruction in morality and confusion over the role of sex.

Covenantal Marriage was the basis for OT culture.  The patriarchs and those who followed them live by Godly principles based on marriages and families.  This was all part of God’s original plan in Genesis Chapter 2:24 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”   “Therefore” refers to what Adam said in verse 23 “This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.”  BTW, in the NT Jesus’s first miracle was at a wedding!

Today’s society has moved to a contractual marriage, rather than the convent marriage that God planned for us. What’s the difference?  Contracts are temporary, have a time limit and are based on terms to be met by each of the parties.  In contrast, a Covenant is intended to be permanent, “until death do us part”, with no conditions!   BTW, the word “Covenant” appears over 300 times in our Bible!  The beginning of no-fault divorce has opened the floodgates for divorce in our culture, effectively making marriage contractual instead of covenantal.

After WWII there were a rash of divorces when men came home and marriages fell apart.  Remember the “Dear John letters”?  One of my earliest memories was of a close relative divorcing his wife after the war; and the family was surprised he did not move to Los Angeles, the haven for divorcees back then (late 40”s/early’50’s).

What are the problems and/or results of crumbling marriages?

·      God’s plan was for children to be raised by two loving parents (“go forth and multiply”) with one parent to nurture and the other providing support & leadership?  “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” Eph.6:4 NKJV  Is that happening?  What happens to children after multiple generations of broken families, and missing fathers?

·      God scolded them/us in Malachi, last OT book - “Another thing you do: You flood the LORD's altar with tears. You weep and wail because he no longer pays attention to your offerings or accepts them with pleasure from your hands.  You ask, “Why?” It is because the LORD is acting as the witness between you and the wife of your youth, because you have broken faith with her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.” Malachi 2:13-14 NIV 

·      God considers marriage to be an agreement between a husband and a wife as well as a covenant between the couple and Him.  The wedding vows were also vows to the Lord, or should have been!

I have authored a number of books but my favorite, the one I consider to be most important, is “Biblical Marriage – His plan for Courtship, Engagement, Wedding and Marriage.”  It is available at Amazon (search “Biblical Marriage Yosef”).  There is so much more to say and ponder on this topic.

In closing -
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” Eph.5:25 NIV
“Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives” 1 Peter 3:1    BTW, that is how I came to Christ!

Point(s) to Ponder

What impact are “broken homes” having on the younger generations?
What percentage of dysfunctional people are from “broken homes”?

Do children’s TV, media, Hollywood, etc. support Biblical Marriage?
Too many examples to list of programs, etc. with ungodly content! 

If you have had a divorce in your past, please remember that
 God is more concerned about your future than your past.

We are the “Bride of Christ”!    Hallelujah!

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                April 12, 2022

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”   Weekly “Hebraic Musings”  at  InsightsByYosef.blogspot.com

Note – Inspired & excerpted from “Marriage in 2022” by Johanna Hocker & The Epoch Times” 3/30/22:

“Marriage in 2022 by Johanna Hocker & The Epoch Times”   March 30, 2022

The marriage rate in the United States is 6.1 per 1,000 - the lowest ever. Marriage is one of the worst prospects imaginable for men. Society has moved from a convent marriage to a contractual marriage. It is the worst legal contractual liability a man can enter into. A contractual marriage is based on mutual support and insurance and assurance that this support will continue even if the marriage itself dissolves. This began with no-fault divorce, that opened the flood-gates for divorce in our culture.

Women are demanding more; they claim that 80% of men are unattractive. A man must also be economically attractive. Women want a 6 - 6 - 6, which means he is 6 feet tall, has a 6 figure income and sports a 6 pack.

70% of divorces are initiated by women. Educated women have a 90% divorce rate. Women are now 60% of all college students. These college women are even pickier with higher standards that one might say makes a slave of the sucker who might marry her.

Statistics show that people who are married tend to live longer, are healthier, have lower stress levels, and are less prone to suffer from depression, but there is little to no incentive to marry, which is seen as a no-win situation.

For those who are truly committed to each other, marriage still works and is the best and only way to raise healthy children.

 

More stats from Google search:

Also, 70 years ago a large majority of U.S. households, approximately 80 percent, were made up of married couples. In 2020, the proportion of households consisting of married couples fell to 49 percent.

Some of the major factors behind the long-term decline in the marriage rate have been female education and labor force participation, women’s economic independence and gender equality. America is also experiencing growing numbers of women and men living alone as well as increasing unmarried cohabitation. In addition to the 15 percent of U.S. adults living alone, no less than one-quarter of those aged 25 to 34 years are living with an unmarried partner.

American attitudes about childbearing and marriage have also changed markedly. For example, whereas in 2006 about half of U.S. adults said it was very important for couples having children together to legally marry, by 2020 that proportion had fallen to 29 percent. Today, the proportion of U.S. births to unmarried mothers is about 40 percent, double the percentage in 1980.

“Biblical Marriage” book cover

Musing – What Happens the Moment You Get Saved?

 Hebraic Musing – What Happens the Moment You Get Saved?

Have we really considered the dynamics of “What Happens” the moment we recognize Jesus Christ as our Savior and acknowledge Him as our Lord.  Let me propose six very important changes that take place:

·         First – You come into position as a child of God.  You are a Prince, Royalty, a child of the King of Kings and welcomed into a new family.  “once were not a people but are now the people of God,” 1 Peter 2:10

·         Second – You become a Holy Person.  The Gospel “called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began…” 2 Tim. 2:9   You are “Set Apart” for the Gospel, the Good News.

·         Third – You become a member of the Army of God.  The battle is on, so you need armor – “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Eph. 6:11 NKJV

·         Fourth – You encountered trouble, trials & tribulations.  Expect it!  This world is no longer your home!
  ♫ This world is not my home, I'm just a-passing through. My treasures are laid up Somewhere beyond the blue. ♫

·         Fifth – You were given a Great Commission testimony.  You have had a unique experience that is to be used to win souls.  Your testimony is the most powerful tool to win souls to Christ.  You get to tell others what happened to you, it’s the truth!  “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony,” Rev. 12:11 NKJV

·         Sixth - You will have a message of Truth.  You will quickly recognize that you are in a world that is lying to us in these “last days.”  False prophets (ministers preaching false & misleading doctrines) are preaching to please man.  “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money,…” etc.  2 Tim.3:1-2 “…my children walk in truth.” 3John 4  NKJV

What is that new life be like?  What changes in your life?

The new babe in Christ is changed, and he will be adjusting to a vastly different world than he had known. 

The new babe in Christ needs teaching and the encouragement of fellowship.  Why did the first century church grow exponentially?  “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Act 2:42 NKJV

The new babe in Christ learns who he really is, and why.  “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Rom. 8:31  “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15 NIV

At the end of life in this world, there are only two possible destinations! 

1.   The destination for all who are not saved is clear – “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” Rev. 20:15 NKJV

2.   On-the-other-hand – The new babe in Christ fulfils God’s desire for each of us, as revealed at the end of book of Revelation.  “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them.  They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.” Rev. 21:3 NIV

Point(s) to Ponder

Did you experience all those changes?   If not, what have you experienced?

If you have professed Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, aren’t you glad?!
Who else do you know who needs to experience that special moment?

If we “Love our Neighbor,” what’s the best gift we can give to them?
Answer -- Get their name into the “Lamb’s book of Life”?

♫ I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God, I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood!
     Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod, For I'm part of the family, The Family of God” ♫ 

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                          April 5, 2022

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”    Weekly “Hebraic Musings” at   InsightsByYosef.blogspot.com