In the article concerning religious trends, George Barna, who has been tracking religious beliefs and behavior in national surveys since 1981 makes the following comments:

In the early Nineties, Bible reading was "in." From the mid-nineties to late Nineties, it was out of fashion. Bible reading appears to be making a comeback, reaching 40% of adults now reading the Bible in a typical week. The growth in Bible reading seems to be fueled by greater commitment among blacks, low-income individuals, and men. Despite the rising readership levels among men, though, women are still substantially more likely than men to read the Bible during a typical week. Bible reading is much more common in the South than in any of the other regions of the nation.

Protestant adults are much more likely than Catholic adults to read the Bible during the week (53% vs. 38%, respectively). Born again Christians are three times more likely than non-born again adults to read the Bible (65% vs. 23%), but not as likely as evangelicals (92%).

Adult Sunday school. Attendance by adults in a Sunday school class averages about 19% in a typical week. This is down slightly from the levels of the early Nineties. Women represent 62% of those in an average Sunday school class – and are 63% more likely to attend than are men.

"There does not seem to be revival taking place in America. Whether that is measured by church attendance, born again status, or theological purity, the statistics simply do not reflect a surge of any noticeable proportions. The increase in Bible reading may be setting the stage for such a revival, but it does not appear to be occurring at the moment."

"It is important to realize that there are some signs of continued interest and growth. The level of importance assigned by people to their religious faith is very high – two-thirds say their faith is very important to them. More than four out of five people pray during the week. Bible reading is on the increase. Half of all adults claim to have a devotional or quiet time at least once during a typical week. Spirituality remains important to people, but we're still in a shake-up period where people are trying to discover how to fit it into their increasingly fragmented, busy and changing lives. Few people are seeking to remove God from their life."

Two Brothers

Two brothers worked together on the family farm. One was married and had a large family. The other was single. At the day's end, the brothers shared everything equally, produce and profit.

Then one day the single brother said to himself, "It's not right that we should share equally the produce and the profit. I'm alone and my needs are simple." So each night he took a sack of grain from his bin and crept across the field between their houses, dumping it into his brother's bin.

Meanwhile, the married brother said to himself, "It's not right that we should share the produce and the profit equally. After all, I'm married and I have my wife and my children to look after me in years to come. My brother has no one, and no one to take care of his future." So each night he took a sack of grain and dumped it into his single brother's bin.

Both men were puzzled for years because their supply of grain never dwindled. Then one dark night the two brothers bumped into each other. Slowly it dawned on them what was happening. They dropped their sacks and embraced one another.

This edition marks the sixth year that the Email Circular has been sent out weekly. It also marks what would have been the 63rd birthday of my sister who died when she was eight years old. In honor of her memory, I'd like to include an excerpt from my mother's book. If you have time to read the entire book, you are welcome to do so - a link is provided below.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

On March 22nd I spent time with Drusilla, just reading her some stories. It appeared she was much worse and her breathing very heavy. She cried when I left and I didn't want to leave her, but I didn't want to ask someone else to stay with Joan and Neil. Dad came in at night and sat with her until around 8:30. She appeared to be sleeping when he left. We got a phone call at about 2:00 a.m. telling us that Drusilla had taken a turn for the worse. Dad hardly had time to get away from the phone when another call came telling him that Drusilla had passed away. So Grandma Chadwick didn’t even have time to get there to be with us.

As soon as Sister Smuland heard she came right over and insisted we all come to their house until the funeral. It was so sweet and kind of her to do that - even in her busy life as the superintendent's wife. As soon as Drusilla's teacher, Miss Marshall, heard about Drusilla she came to the house. It was a great shock to her when Joan brought back Drusilla’s books and papers and told her she died. She only knew Drusilla had been sick but didn’t know it was serious.

Miss Marshall told us Drusilla was her star pupil. She also told about Drusilla singing "Jesus Loves Me" for the class and how she sang it with all her heart; it was not just words.

When we got to Keene we went right to the funeral parlor. As soon as I saw her I broke down and cried. I remember Dad put his arm around me and said, "You know, I was thinking this morning. This is just her shell. She's not here anymore, she’s with the Lord." Dad was so strong through it all. I don’t think he shed a tear, but I noticed the color of his face. It was awful, just turned yellow.

The Lord held me together during the funeral. I always felt it was mainly because of Sister Britton, an elderly lady in the church. She hadn't felt well enough to come to the funeral but instead spent the time in prayer for us. That meant a lot. Drusilla was very special to her.

A couple car loads of our friends from Framingham drove to Keene for the funeral. Lyle Butler had the service. Someone read this poem that God blessed to my heart during the later part of Drusilla’s illness:

The Master’s Way

Not ours to know the reason why unanswered is our prayer,

But ours to wait for God’s own time to lift the cross we bear.

Nor ours to know the reason why from loved ones we must part,

But ours to live in faith and hope, though bleeding be the heart.

Not ours to know the reason why this anguish, strife and pain.

But ours to know a crown of thorns, Thy grace for us to gain.

A cross, a bleeding heart, a crown, what greater gifts are given?

Be still, my heart, and murmur not, these are the keys to heaven.

'Tis ours to know the better part, whereby a crown is won,

Then loving God I ask not why, "Thy will, not mine, be done."

Yea, Thy way, Lord, not mine, I pray; I give to Thee my will,

And humbly seek Thy grace and aid, this better part to fill.

It was not always thus with me. I loved my way the best,

But that is past, Thy way is mine, in it alone is rest.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Whenever we discuss religious duties, such as church attendance, the question of "free will" comes into play. Most religious systems, Christianity not excluded, have tried to make certain behaviors obligatory. But know this, God never forces His people.

Why would it be necessary, in the New Testament church, just a few years after the death and resurrection of Jesus, to include an exhortation about “assembling”? Actually, the first century Christians may have good cause to stop attending – persecution.

Adam Clarke writes, "For fear of persecution, it seems as if some had deserted these meetings. . . . They had given up these strengthening and instructive means, and the others were in danger of following their example. "

Today, if the writer of Scripture was concerned about people staying away from church gatherings, I doubt it would be for the same reason, at least not in the U.S. Why, then, is it that contemporary Christians fail in maintaining their faithful attendance?

There are many reasons, and among them are the big four "F"s: Family, Finances, Fatigue and Feuds.

Family - "We won't be in church this Sunday - we have family coming in from Osh Gosh, and well, you know, they're not the church going type." Well now, who's influencing whom?

Finances - "With the economy being the way it is, I had to take this second job, and the only hours I could get include Sundays." If so, then arrangements can be made to attend worship at another time.

Fatigue - "After all, Sunday is supposed to be a 'day of rest', isn't it?" Actually, it is intended that worship gatherings provide spiritual renewal. Shame on the church which produces more stress than inspiration.

Feuds - Someone said to me recently, "Satan thinks he's hurting the church by causing church splits; but now, instead of having one church to fight, he has two!" Unfortunately, this interpretation doesn't take into consideration the innumerable people who just stop attending worship out of discouragement over church fights.

But more than these four, let's be honest, for many, the fire has diminished - love has "waxed cold", some have become "weary in well doing", while others have been lured into a life style which has less and less time for God.

For a change in pace, here's some "Church Humor" Over the massive front doors of a church, these words were inscribed, "The Gate of Heaven." Below that was a small cardboard sign which read, "Please use other entrance."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A woman went to the post office to buy stamps for her Christmas cards. "What denomination?" asked the postal clerk. "Oh, good heavens! Has it come to this?" said the woman. "Well, give me 50 Baptist and 50 Catholic ones."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A student was asked to list the 10 Commandments in any order. His answer: 3, 6, 1, 8, 4, 5, 9, 2, 10, 7.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I was at the beach with my children when my four-year-old son ran up to me, grabbed my hand, and led me to the shore, where a sea gull lay dead in the sand. "Mommy, what happened to him?" my son asked. "He died and went to heaven," I replied. My son thought a moment and then said, "And God threw him back down?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After the church service a little boy told the pastor, "When I grow up, I'm going to give you some money." "Well, thank you," the pastor replied, "but why?" "Because my daddy says you're one of the poorest preachers we've ever had."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"My wife invited some people to dinner. At the table, she turned to our six year old daughter and said, "Would you like to say the blessing?" "I wouldn't know what to say," the girl replied. "Just say what you hear Mommy say," my wife answered. Our daughter bowed her head and said, "Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

There's a cartoon that was included in a news letter I received where the secretary, standing in the doorway of the Pastor's office is explaining why the man outside is waiting to see the Pastor. The caption is, "Says he wants to confess his neighbor's sins."

It seems that all of us have this same need to point the finger at someone else.

That has been true every since Adam blamed Eve, and Eve tried to put the blame on the serpent. Ever since then, we have blamed them all, Adam, Eve and Satan.

Sin is "harmartia", missing the mark, like an archer or marksman. The mark missed is likeness to Jesus. And none of us consistently hit it.

Remember the temptation in the Garden of Eden? Satan says, "God doesn't want you to eat of this tree because He knows that will make you like Him." Actually, it was quite the opposite. Sin ruined the "image of God" with which Adam and Eve were created. When they sinned, they "came short of the glory of God". (The glory of God is that which we could see if we could look at God, it is His "image".)

That "all have sinned" means that none can boast in their own righteousness, and none can assume a superior position - "The ground in front of the cross is level". So what are we going to do with this truth from Scripture, "All have sinned"? Sooner or later we have to come to the conclusion, it means me, it means you.

The story is told of a Pastor who was frustrated because of one man who always seemed to fall asleep during the sermon. So the Pastor devised a trick, a way he thought he could embarrass the man so as to get him to break this habit. Near the end of a sermon concerning "hell", the Pastor, in a normal voice, said to the congregation, "Any one here today who wants to go to hell" - - then he raised his voice to a much louder volume - - "PLEASE STAND UP!" Of course this woke up the sleeping parishioner who quickly jumped to his feet. After collecting himself for a moment, the man then looked at the Pastor and said, "Preacher, I don't know why I'm standing, but it appears that you and I are both in this boat."

The fact of the matter is, we're all in the boat - "all have sinned".

We also must acknowledge that recognizing that "all have sinned" isn't the excuse we're looking for to look down on others, nor is it a reason to excuse ourselves by saying, "What could I do, I'm only human."

But it simply means that you and I must come to the conclusion, "I have sinned." But in our day of positive affirmation, self esteem and self worth, this is a hard message to give, and take. But it is the only way we can approach God.

The Joyful Ministry Email Circular has now passed another mile stone. There are now 6,000 readers of this weekly message.

For the past few months, visitors to the Joyful Ministry website have identified their country and state of residence so that we now know that through this ministry we are connected with believers in all 50 US states as well as believers from 118 countries of the world.

Here's a few excerpts from comments received via the Guest Book:

"Thank God for these resources on the net. Some of us in the developing countries are benefiting greatly from your efforts. I will inform some of my pastors to get in touch with your site." - Ghana

"Thanks for e-mailing me those cheerful sermons. They are very helpful to me because it makes me think how important is to be obedient to Jesus Christ."

"It is really great to have people like you devoted to disseminating life changing information." - Nigeria

"God bless you for coming up with a website, for it provides me materials that I can use to the Young Married couples in our church."

"Great resource for a music/Bible teacher in her Christian education for elementary and high school ministry."

"Your articles are helpful in my ministry to ladies. Thank you and God bless your ministry." - India

"Sermons are simple and understandable, keep it up. - Malaysia

"Excellent reference and research site! I am the educational coordinator for a gospel rescue mission which is totally revamping its program. To find a such a concise, Spirit-filled site is nothing short of a blessing."

"I have really enjoyed this site, finding it very interesting to read about the song writers."

"This is a wonderful site. Praise the Lord for people like you who bring awareness of Jesus Christ and what he has done for his children." - Canada

"I think that your web site is great and there are some really touching poems and stories in here. May God Bless You!!!!"

"I've enjoyed the sermon, it has given me hope to get started with my sermons for the senior citizens."

"I want to tell you also that we as a small church have been blessed by your web site. The materials for training church leaders has really got us going. We just finished an eight month leaders training series. I am the assistant Pastor of our church and I showed our pastor your material and he nearly cried. The Lord had been talking to him about doing leadership training and this all confirmed it."

The 23rd Channel

The TV is my shepherd. I shall not want;

It makes me lie down on the sofa;

It leads me away from the faith; It destroys my soul.

It leads me in the paths of sex and violence for the sponsor's sake.

Yea, though I walk in the shadow of Christian responsibilities, there will be no interruption for the TV is with me;

Its cable and remote control, they comfort me.

It prepares a commercial for me in the presence of my worldliness;

It anoints my head with humanism and consumerism, my coveting runneth over.

Surely, laziness and ignorance shall follow me all the days of my life;

and I shall dwell in the house watching TV forever.

There are three ways to think about this matter of self esteem. First, there's the obvious superficial worldly way of striving to feel good just for the sake of feeling good.

At a deeper level, others, still very much of this world, look for self esteem as the evidence of proven competence. They point out that self-esteem comes with the awareness of one's own gifts and abilities, and is built on truth and reality, revelation, experience, and fruitfulness. These people are not content to merely brag about what they accomplish, they feel best when they are actually doing well. We all recognize the value of positive evaluation when it is truly deserved.

But we must also recognize that whether our self-esteem is based on praising ourselves or receiving praise from others, these are still built on the humanistic philosophy that says, "at the core, you are good, only waiting to be recognized as such." But don't you remember Jesus' response to a questioner who called Him good? "Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God." (Mk 10:18) Over against these humanistic ideas is the religious idea that self-esteem comes by recognizing one's position in Christ - we are, after all, king's kids, redeemed by love's blood, destined to rule with Christ.

Now let's go back to the verse: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." The message as it relates to our subject is simply this, "Let's stop striving to feel good about ourselves." The quest for self-esteem only places on us one more burden too heavy to bear. Give it up and come to Jesus. It's not my relationship with myself that is of utmost importance, it's my relationship with God that counts. What I think about myself will always be prone to self-deception. What God thinks about me is all important truth. Is it good to encourage one another by providing words of affirmation? Of course - edification is one of the primary goals of our gatherings. Is it good to praise our children when they have done well? Of course - as long as we are also willing to correct them when they have done wrong. But when it comes to ourselves, we praise not ourselves the creatures, but we praise Him the Creator.

In an article taken from "Spirit" magazine, here's a report of one father:

The other evening, I had a tussle with my seven-year old son. We were not seeing eye-to- eye on a matter. It was time for him to get ready for bed, and I felt as if the evening had been rather botched up. I didn't like the feeling at all.

After he climbed into his pajamas and then curled up under the blanket, I sat on the edge of his bed and started to pray, as I usually do. It was hard to find the right words, but I made a stab at it.

Should I turn the prayer into a mini lecture, trying to get in one last punch? Don't the pros tell us that during sleep the brain keeps on absorbing the last thoughts that are planted on the mind? Well, this would be my chance!

Or should I turn tender and love the little fellow to pieces? Would that be copping out? Or would it be wisdom?

His face was turned away from me. He was wondering as well what approach Dad would take! After all, this was not the first time the day's endings had wound down to this.

Then I caught his big, brown eyes turn a bit more to size up my expression. With that, I wilted. After all, he knew he had done wrong earlier. But there was the look of hope in his face.

Could there be mercy in the court? I closed my eyes to pray, "Dear Lord, thank You for my boy. You know how much I love him. He means the world to me. Now we thank You for this night's sleep. Be near us all. And may tomorrow be a good day. In Jesus' name, Amen."

He swung his body around toward me and hugged me tightly around the neck. His eyes were closed tight. There was no more reason to glance in wonder.

"Daddy, do you love me even when I am bad?" he asked in my ear.

"Yes," I answered. "I always love you."

So, with that he said one of the most encouraging statements known to mankind. It isn't novel or new. Yet it's powerful, that's for sure.

"You're the best daddy in the world."

It was then that I promised myself something. Yes, there's still much room for improvement as far as my being a father is concerned. And yes, I've goofed from time to time.

Yet that night I told my memory to hold on to one thing as the years kept passing by. It was the innocent testimony of a little boy to a father who was sincerely trying.

"You're the best daddy in the world."

Don't forget it, I said to myself as I turned out the light. Don't ever forget it.

God has set eternity in the hearts of men.

There seems to be a constant quest to learn about our origins - we are desperate to know how it all began. In addition to our insatiable curiosity, discovering our beginnings has motivated our billion dollar probes into space.

There are some Christian believers who have trouble with the interpretation which these space explorations bring back. They tell us that the Universe is expanding, and by measuring the distance between us and distant stars we can come up with a reasonable guess as to how long ago their light began traveling in our direction.

While most creationists postulate a "young earth", I for one do not see that as inconsistent with the projections of scientists who claim the earth is "millions" of years old, and the universe as "billions." Yes, Genesis 1:1 clearly states, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." But, right after that, Moses wrote, "Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep." Our question is, "How likely would it be for God to be the Creator of chaos, emptiness, and darkness? Not according to what Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 3:11 – "He made everything beautiful."

Actually, the beginning of the creation of the world as we know it began with verse 3 of Genesis 1, "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light" which was followed by the statement, "God saw that the light was good." Besides, if part of God's identity is that He is Creator, and if His creation is only 10,000 years old, what was this Creator God doing for the eternity past?

Not only does the eternity in our hearts drive the quest for an understanding of our past, but it also conditions us to believe in our own immortality. That, in part, explains why so many people succumb to self destructive behaviors and life patterns. For some, it's through foolish risk taking, and for others it's slow suicide using nicotine, alcohol or drugs. Perhaps it's because we do believe we are immortal - even when we witness other people's deaths, we don't believe it will come to us.

Fire Is For Cleansing - Matthew 3:11,12

Like when preparing a needle to release fluid from a hurting blister, it is sterilized by use of a flame, or when washing dishes with very hot water.

"For . . . he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. (Malachi 3:2-4)

How does this happen? The Holy Spirit brings conviction of sin. Remember the story of Elijah and the false prophets of Baal? After they finished pleading for the fire to consume their sacrifice, Elijah stepped up. First he needed to rebuild and prepare the altar. And after he prayed, God answered by consuming everything. (I Kings 18:38,39)

The question is this, "How can we get people to do what is right?" Well, there are laws, and penalties for breaking those laws - what we might call "legal conviction". If the penalties are severe enough, and if the laws are universally and fairly enforced, people will get the message and not do what is wrong. Like speed limits - if every one who went one mile an hour past the posted limit were to have their car immediately towed to the crushing station, we wouldn't have speeders!

There is also social pressure. Using the auto analogy, if everyone traveling along the same highway were to box in the speeder, they could get him to conform to the prevailing traffic speed. Throughout religious history, there has frequently been these lapses into what we might call, "social conviction" - groups of people attempting to get others to do what they think is right by the use of social pressure. The "Pharisees" are the prime Biblical example.

But ultimately, these don't work. In many states we now have reinstituted capital punishment. Is it working? It appears that murders continue on just the same. And in societies where punishments are brutal, such as in some Arab countries, it seems that what happens is that this aggression simply gets pointed elsewhere as in terrorist attacks.

The only answer is "inner conviction", which is nothing other than "Spiritual conviction". Jesus said it when teaching about the Holy Spirit, "He will convict the world of sin."

Although the religion of the Old Testament doesn’t allow for images, we have at least three occasions where monuments, called “memorial stones,” were set up.

1) The first of these was a simple stone set up by Jacob after his night-time vision when he was running from the wrath of his brother Esau. (Genesis 28:18) He called the place “Bethel,” which means "house of God" as a reminder that it was there that he met with God and received the promise, "I will not leave you." This causes me to ask if there is such a stone in your life? Where is the place where you met with God in a personal encounter, and where you received God’s reassuring promise? Is there a marker there to help you remember?

2) Then there are two times “memorial stones” were used during the early days when the Children of Israel were just coming into the “Promised Land.” God had instructed Joshua to have twelve men, one man from each of the twelve tribes, pick up large stones from the middle of the river bed, carry them on their shoulders, and pile them in a heap on the bank of the Jordan. "In the future when your descendants ask their fathers, `What do these stones mean?' tell them, `Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.'” (Joshua 4:20-22) So these “memorial stones” were long-term reminders of God’s miraculous deliverance from the wilderness wanderings and entrance into the blessings God had long ago promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. For us, the Jordan represents baptism, for it was in that same river that Jesus Himself provided the example that we are to follow. Baptism represents our own transition from the old life of wandering, to the new life with God’s full blessing.

A Pastor once told a young man to put a sign on a stake and pound it into the ground in his back yard. The sign would simply have on it the date of his baptism so that whenever doubts or temptations would come, he could go the back yard, point at the sign, and remind Satan that as of that date, he belonged to Christ.

3) The third time “memorial stones” were used was shortly after the Israelites entered the Promised Land (Joshua 8:30ff), and it was in obedience to a command given earlier by Moses (Deuteronomy 27). In this case, an altar of uncut stones was to be erected, then coated with plaster so that a message could be engraved on this pillar. What was to be written there? The laws given by God to Moses. It would be a huge replica of the stone tablets which God gave Moses on the mountain after the Children of Israel had escaped from the slavery of Egypt. Obviously, this was done so that the people would be reminded of their obligations before God.

When we review these three monuments, they represent remembrances of three very important aspects of our relationship with God: His Presence – knowing that He is there during the difficult and stressful times, and promises to never leave us; His Power – noticing and recalling His wonderful works, particularly in saving us; and His Law – remembering that the demands made upon us have not changed.

On this Memorial Day weekend we have been reminded to honor those who gave their lives in the service of our country. However, we want to remember the importance of honoring God. The truth is, those who seek their own honor will ultimately be disappointed, but they who seek to honor God will themselves receive honor.

One of man's basic needs seems to be the need for security. Everyone would like to be sure of the future, sure that everything is going to be all right. We often find ourselves saying the words even when we're not sure, "Don't worry, everything's going to be fine."

However, we don't want mere words, we want reality.

This need for security is true of everyone, although it varies from person to person. We understand that often this has to do with how well we have been cared for in our childhood - children whose needs are well met grow up with a better sense of security than those who are relatively neglected. Men particularly want security in their jobs. Women, on the other hand, tend to be more anxious about security in their relationships. When uncertainty reigns, there results a lot of unhappiness, agitation and stress. It's also true that people who are secure become much more creative and productive.

But there is a security that is even more important than job and family relationships. Our greatest need is for the security of knowing that when this life comes to an end, a good life will continue on into eternity. Of course many people deal with this issue by denial or procrastination. They will talk themselves into believing that "what you see is what you get"; there is nothing after this. Or, being in good health and of a sound mind, they succeed in avoiding any thought about their death and what may come afterwards.

But for all who are willing to think about the future beyond this present life, certainty is available. Unfortunately, too many people, when asked, "When you die, will you go to heaven?" answer tentatively, "I hope so, but no one can really know for sure."

Beatitudes for the Married Author Unknown

BLESSED are the husband and wife who continue to be affectionate and considerate, loving after the wedding bells have ceased ringing.

BLESSED are the husband and wife who are as polite and courteous to one another as they are to their friends.

BLESSED are they who have a sense of humor, for this attribute will be a handy shock absorber.

BLESSED are they who love their mates more than any other person in the world and who joyfully fulfill their marriage vows of lifetime of fidelity and mutual helpfulness to one another.

BLESSED are they who attain parenthood, for children are a heritage of the Lord.

BLESSED are they who remember to thank God for their food before they partake of it, and who set apart some time each day for the reading of the Bible and for prayer.

BLESSED are those mates who never speak loudly to one another and who make their home a place where seldom is heard a discouraging word".

BLESSED are the husband and wife who faithfully attend the worship service of the church and who work together in the church for the advancement of Christ's Kingdom.

BLESSED are the husband and wife who can work out problems of adjustments without interference from relatives.

BLESSED is the couple who has a complete understanding about financial matters and who has worked out a perfect partnership with all money under the control of both.

BLESSED are the husband and wife who humbly dedicate their lives and their home to Christ and who practice the teachings of Christ in the home by being unselfish, loyal, and loving.

John 2:3 - "When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, 'They have no more wine.'"

Mothers promote their children, according to their faith in their abilities.

You get the picture. The great annual family get together. Susie has just finished her first year taking piano lessons. It's the mother who insists that Susie play her Carnegie Hall bound rendition of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." Mothers always think the best about their children, and want everyone else to know about them.

This is good - one of the greatest needs in children is for affirmation, to know someone believes in them.

I remember my mother's words, "Neil is a good worker." As soon as I was legally qualified, two days after my 16th birthday, I had my first job, a job arranged by my mother.

But there also must be a cautionary word, while providing promotion and affirmation, don't deny reality.

Mothers need to learn that when their children are out of step, they need to be told, "I love you dearly, I brought you into this world, but what you're doing is harmful to yourself and to others."

Daughters as Mothers Weeping Luke 23:27-31

Following the mock trial before Pilate, Jesus was led out of the city to his crucifixion. Shortly after Simon relieved Him of the burden of His cross, Jesus noticed the wailing of the women, and in a short comment urged what we may call "selfish sorrow" - weep for yourselves and your children.

The reason for weeping can be divided into three parts:

1. Weep because the barren will be blessed.

Do you remember what Jesus said concerning Judas, that it would be better that he had never been born? Think about the mother of Robert Steinhauser - if she could have known what her son would do, would she have preferred bareness? It was Robert who took two guns into his grammar school, went into the men's room to change into a black outfit with a Ninja-style face mask, and then proceeded to callously murder 13 teachers, a police officer and at least two children before killing himself in a storeroom where he had been shoved by a heroic teacher. We didn't hear much about 19 year old Robert because the school was in Germany.

No conscientious mother will ever say the words out loud, "I wish you were never born." But when one's son or daughter causes death and grief for other mothers, the feeling of preferring bareness may arise.

2. Weep because people will hide under the hills.

This reminds us of what took place in the country of Afghanistan when men hid themselves in the caves as precisely guided missiles rained bombs on their exact locations.

When Jesus spoke to the "daughters of Jerusalem," He was prophesying that the time would come when circumstances would be so bad that men would seek to bury themselves under the mountains.

3. Weep because the lot of the dry will be far worse than that of the green tree.

A live green tree is the picture of a good man; a wicked man is likened to a dry dead one. Jesus then would be the green tree. To say it another way, if such distress as that of crucifixion would come upon One who was perfectly innocent, what would be the distress which, under the just indignation of God, would come upon those who were so exceedingly wicked as to murder his beloved Son?

Put all together, Jesus called upon the Daughters of Jerusalem to weep because of the terrible calamity which would soon come upon them, their children and their city. His prophetic promise was fulfilled a scant 40 years later when the Roman General (later to become Emperor) Titus would siege and then destroy the city.

Knowing what would befall the city, is it any wonder that Jesus would say, "weep for yourselves and for your children"?

But our closing question is, where does this Scripture fit in for us?

To be sure, there is yet coming another day when such conditions will once again be present. Only then it will not be the judgment of the Romans, nor of any other conquering army - it will be the judgment of God Himself. For this cause, when Jesus was crucified, He already took this judgment of God so that those who put their trust in Him would be spared.

So rather than pitying Him, we look to Him for our salvation.