That
he may incline our hearts unto
him, to walk in all his ways,
and to keep his commandments,
and his statutes, and his
judgments, which he commanded
our fathers."
.....1 Kings. 8: 58.
************************
The 'yesterdays' of our lives
were not as busy as life seems
to be today. Times were
simple, and so were the
lifestyles of people.
Yet, there was always time not
only the Lord, but also for
one another. Everybody
truly was "somebody" in the
body of Christ, from the
youngest to the oldest.
Encouragement was not
something that was just talked
about, it was something that
was done by God's people in
both word and deed, in a
spirit of love and truth.
Many evenings were spent
visiting with friends and
neighbors. It was not
unusual to join in a circle of
prayer and ask God's blessings
on families, friends, and our
country. Even the
children would join in prayer
and understand that God was
the one who was listening to
them. Reverence and respect
was a trait seen in children
who had been brought up to
know the ways of the Lord.
Today, we do not see this as
we did years ago.
There were no expensive video
or computer games back then,
but instead; children enjoyed
catching lightening bugs or
playing tag and other games
outside until the darkness
fell. Parents didn't
spend time at the theaters,
dining out, or pursing the
favorite hobby and
entertainment, but instead;
they took time for their
children and family. It
seemed that parents did not go
any place in those days,
unless they took their
children with them.
Today, we see the opposite,
with families hardly spending
any time with one another.
The result can be seen in the
divorce rate in our modern day
society. Yet, many
people wonder what has
happened and why families are
not united like they used to
be.
In days gone by, our
forefathers saw honesty as a
virtue, as we should. A
business deal might be sealed
with only a handshake, as
people trusted one another
more than we see today.
A man's word was important,
thus, men seemed to keep their
word and to watch their words,
more than in today's modern
society.
When there was a need in the
community, or someone was
sick, others reached out to
help. The old party line
phone would stay busy with
people trying to call to see
how one was doing, and to
offer a helping hand. No
one seemed too busy with their
own life or work to reach out
and care for others. If
there was work to be done,
friends joined in to help
without expecting anything in
return or complaining.
If you were a part of the
family of God, Sunday was a
day the whole family looked
forward to all week.
Once again, they could gather
with others to joyfully praise
and worship the Lord.
All week long there was
anticipation for the Lord's
Day. There was no
complaint or excuses in the
summer, when the weather was
too hot, or in the winter,
when it was cold, like we hear
today.
In the summer, church windows
would be open wide and the
joyful sound of the old hymns
of Zion could be heard by
those passing by. Many a
soul wandered inside when they
heard believers singing of
their Redeemer, and "Jesus
Saves." It truly was a
joyful sound. On many
days, dinner on the ground and
all day singings were held.
People would come for miles
around and join in and sing
praises to the Lord of glory.
Those who had no way to church
in those days had no excuse,
as there were always those who
welcomed an opportunity to
carry others to the Lord's
house. And, if you lived
within a few miles, you could
join others and enjoy walking
to church and back with
friends.
Today, many people no longer
have a desire to gather with
others in worship, as
commanded. We are not to
forsake the assembling of
ourselves together as the
manner of some, and especially
as we see the signs of the
times and that great day
approaching.
Times have certainly changed
in our modern day society.
Many of our loved ones who
brought us up and taught us
the ways of the Lord have gone
on to be with the Lord.
Our thoughts of them linger,
when we think of our ancestors
and the love that was in the
hearts of those we still hold
so dear. I sometimes
wonder what some of these
would think if they could see
the way times have changed in
this modern day and age.
One day we shall join those
gone on before to that
heavenly city, if we keep the
faith and keep on pressing on
toward the mark of our high
calling in Christ. We
must always have a holy zeal
for the things of the Lord and
a love for others. Times
may change, but our Lord
remains the same. His love for
us will never fail. May
we always put Jesus first in
our lives. It's good to
be a part of the family of God
and desire the Lord more than
anything else this world might
have to offer.
Blessings In Christ,
Jo Ann Kelly © 2009, 2006
J. P.'s Inspirations
http://www.my.homewithgod.com/jpinspirations/