Sep 2, 2010
Words From The Wise: How To Win Your Wayward Children To Christ
Recently, many of us at Heritage had the privilege of attending the funeral of an 88 year old woman from our church. She was a godly lady who impacted hundreds of lives. In fact, she served as a mom to many of the ladies here at Heritage. In many senses, it could be said that she was the quintessential model of Titus 2:3-5,
"Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God."
She had three sons. One of them, Bob, spoke in honor of his mother at the service. He confessed that he was the most rebellious and troublesome son of the three. He indicated that he had received 100's of letters from his mother. He chose to share one of them with us. As I sat and listened to the letter read, I thought to myself,
"This has got to be the best examples I've ever seen of how one can winsomly speak to their lost and wayward children."
In honor of Dot Hoak, I want to share that letter with you. I am sure that in reading it you will be blessed by the persistent, invincible love of a mother for her wayward son. Her labors paid off. May God help us to emulate her example. Hope in God.
_______
Psalm 91:11 Sunday 11:00pm
Dear Bob,
Just crawled into bed. It has been a good day-but full-like most Sundays. I pray that today you gave your Lord His proper place. The pastor preached on the fact that when we are saved the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us and that we need to be certain that we take Him only to places where He will not be grieved. May others see that He is your guide and companion. He is a jealous God and will not be satisfied until he has every part of your heart. Isn't it wonderful that He loves you that much. I love you too.
Hope your cold is all gone. I know how hard it is to go about your tasks when you feel punk.
Sorry about this messy writing but it is hard to write in bed. Don't forget that Dad's birthday is March 12-he will enjoy a card.
Howard Swindler (an elderly man from their church in Niles, OH) was in church today-bless his heart. He knows Jenny (his wife who had jsut passed away) is with the Lord. Hope like that is reason enough to live for the Lord.
Sorry I got carried away Dear but you are so precious to me and I only desire God's best for you. You will just have to love me as I am.
God bless you and keep you,
All my love,
Mom
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