Sticking To It

Archimedes, the great mathematician of Syracuse, often became oblivious to the passing scene around him in his enthusiasm to master his subject. When his native city was invaded by a foreign foe, and the inhabitants were driven therefrom at the point of the bayonet, he was in his study endeavoring to solve a geometrical problem. The enemy broke into his study and demanded his surrender, at which point he raised his eyes from his work, and politely requested them to wait until he had completed his problem.

Now, this illustration goes a bit too far. Leaving his geometry and picking up his sword might have been the better course of action. However, I suspect that few today have that type of focus and determination to accomplish our tasks and Archimedes serves as a good example to us.

Children: Apply Yourself

Well, it is back to school time which makes it a great time to remind our children about the importance of applying oneself to the duties of life. Here are some thoughts by Daniel Webster on the idea of application.

“Application means more than attention. Attention refers to the engagement of our powers in various degrees, and my be either divided or concentrated. Application cannot be divided or partial. It is the constant exercise of power to attain excellence in what is being pursued.

Mark the men in every community who are notorious for ability and equally notorious for never getting ahead, and you will usually find them to be those who never stick to any one business long, but are always forsaking their occupation just when it begins to be profitable. Young man, stick to your business. If you are a loafer, forsake that line of life as soon as possible, for the longer you stick to it, the longer it will stick to you.”

If you have a child with more potential than he is achieving, work to help him apply himself diligently.

Top 5 Wrong Reasons To Marry

(List adapted from Voddie Baucham)

5. Lust--"I know he ain't what he ought to be, but he's just fine."
4. Desperation. "I'm not getting any younger here."
3. Time Invested - "I've spent 18 months on this relationship. I can't let that go to waste."
2. Materialism - "He'll provide a good life for me."
1. Mysticism - "I have a peace about it."

Wisdom For Life

"Good character is above all things else. Never be idle. If your hands cannot be usefully employed, attend to the cultivation of your mind. Your character cannot be essentially injured except by your own acts. Make no haste to be rich if you would prosper. Never play at any kind of game of chance. Earn money before you spend it. Live within your income. If anyone speaks evil of you, let your life be such that none will believe him."

Stephen Allen
(Found in his pocket upon his death aboard the steamer "Henry Clay" which burned in the Hudson River.)

Obedience To Parents (from 1887)

Obedience To Parents:
by J.H. Wilson (1887)

1. AN URGENT COMMAND - Do your duty to your father and mother.
1. Honour your parents.
2. Obey your parents.
1. Our obedience should be without questioning.
2. Our obedience should be prompt.
3. Love your parents.
4. Be kind to your parents.
5. Value your parents.
2. A PRECIOUS PROMISE — “That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest. live long on the earth.”
1. God says, Obedience will be pleasing to Him. It is implied in the promise, that God will approve it.
2. God says, It will be a blessing to yourself. “It shall be well with thee: thou shalt live long,” etc.

For the expanded outline, visit HERE.

Choosing Books

Insight from J.C. Ryle on evaluating books:

"Value all books in proportion as they are agreeable to Scripture. Those that are nearest to it are the best, and those that are farthest from it, and most contrary to it, the worst."

How A Husband Is To Lead

From a sermon by Voddie Baucham

The Husband...

1. Must lead in love. Baucham defines "love" as "an act of the will (choice) accompanied by emotion (not lead or determined by) that leads to action on behalf of the object."

2. Must lead in the word. "Sanctify her by the water of the word." "Until you find a man who can disciple and lead you biblically, you haven't found a man you can marry."

3. Must lead in righteousness. "... making her holy and blameless...." "If you have a found a man constantly pressuring you to do thing that are unrighteous, you have not found a man ready to be your husband." A husband should pull you up to his level of righteousness.

4. Must lead in selflessness. "...nourishes and cherishes...." The husband should be the first one in the family to go without, sacrifice, or lay it down for the family. "If he's not, then he's shortsighted. He doesn't realize what you're building for the future."

5. Must lead in intimacy. Don't confuse sex with intimacy. Prioritize the marriage over the children. He makes two excellent observations regarding prioritizing the marriage over the children. (a) Prioritizing the marriage helps protect the marriage from divorce by ensuring there's a relationship there when the children leave. And (b) the security of our children depends upon the strength of the marriage. So, as we strengthen our marriages and prioritize them, our children know the stability and security necessary for spiritual growth.