“Whatever you need, I’ve got your back!” Sounds like the words of a true friend, someone who will do anything for you. If you are discouraged, this friend will find the bright side. If there is something you want, this friend will help you get it. If there is a dispute with someone, this friend will always be on your side. This friend always has something good to say about you and never gives you a hard time. This friend is someone you can trust. Maybe not. “Friends” who will always do what you need may not really be your friend. Instead, whatever good they do for you comes with a hidden price. The apparent selflessness may be a cover […]
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Turmoil is a part of life. The headlines and news alerts produce a steady flow uncertainty and events to worry about. Personal relationships can bring a daily dose of drama. Disappointment is common. All too often the question, “where is God in all of this?”, creeps into our thoughts. Thankfully, this is not all there is to life. Underneath and around the turmoil something more compelling and more sure is at work. Psalm 62 takes you back to the place of safety and security. King David’s life was full of strife, attack and turmoil. But, David’s security is that safety is found not in changing circumstances but in his unchanging God. Because his God is his life’s constant, he is […]
Absalom projected the image of power and intimidation. He was angry, arrogant, proud, self-assured and had the presence of a rock star. He was consumed with his appearance to the point of obsession. But inside he was hurting. He had no answer for the pain in his heart due to the rape of his sister. He had no comfort for the lack of relationship with his father, King David. He had no confidence in the loving-kindness of God; rather, he was convinced he had to make his own way in this world. Absalom used the images of power, good looks, arrogance, and popularity to secure what he thought he wanted. But none of those brought satisfaction. Underneath, he was weak […]
I have had numerous conversations with young parents who expressed the fear of raising young hypocrites. They fear that since they have taught their children appropriate behavior, they will rear well-behaved children who do not sense their need for grace. Much of what we have written in this book will help you avoid this problem. Hypocrisy is greatest in homes where the emphasis has been on behavior rather than the heart. If the focus of discipline and correction is on ways the behavior has strayed and on how behavior must change, you will miss the heart. That approach makes the problem what I do, rather than what I am. According to the Bible, the problem we have is too profound […]
“What’s wrong with that? Doing that never hurt me!” This question has become the standard for determining whether something is acceptable. If one can’t see anything wrong with doing something, then it must be okay. Families lead busy, hectic lives. Decisions about what should or shouldn’t be done are often made on the run. For example, a decision about which video to watch tonight might be asked and answered via texts between a doctor’s appointment and an after school soccer match. The criteria most likely will be, “Is there anything wrong or bad about the movie?” No one seems to recall anything bad about this one, so the decision is made. However, there is a more important question to be […]
The political convention season is upon us. Every four years our two major political parties gather to nominate a presidential candidate. Promises are made. Hopes are raised. Solutions are offered. The throng of delegates cheer on their nominee. America’s future will be only be safe with a victory. And if the other side should win, four years of disaster are inevitable. The conventions end and the electoral dance begins. The hope of the country is said to ride on the outcome. Is it any wonder disillusion rules no matter who wins? The truth is the conventions promise what they cannot deliver. Try is as we might, the race of man cannot save humanity from itself. What the party platforms fail […]
Immediate gratification is the gateway to enslavement. This desire for the immediate is based on two lies. The first is that having what I want will be satisfying and the second is nothing bad will happen if I get what I want. This is the way sin works. If your children believe the lie that getting instant relief from their discomfort or discontent is ultimate, they have been entrapped by sin’s deceitfulness. This pattern, if not stopped, will result in a life dominated by the desire for immediate gratification. Pornography, substance abuse, abusive behavior, all have their roots in the quest for immediate gratification. The fruit of the Spirit is best grown in the soil of self-denial. When you hear […]
Most of us are not very good at asking for help. Asking in a way that humbly acknowledges your need, that shows respect and appreciation for God and others and does so in a way that is not selfish is a life skill that will benefit you and your children. In 2 Chronicles King Asa provides an excellent example of how to ask for help. Asa is faced with doing battle against an army that is significantly larger than the army of Judah. He needs help: Then Asa called to the Lord his God and said, “Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, Lord our God, for we rely on you, […]
You can have confidence in the face of terror and be an encouragement to your family and to those around you. In Matthew 10 Jesus brings gentle encouragement to his followers. He tells them it is God who has the real power over body and soul. Then he tenderly comforts his followers by reminding them that not even a sparrow falls to the ground apart from their Father’s care. So, don’t fear for you are worth more than many sparrows. The world is not stumbling out of control, even if our leaders are uncertain in their responses to evil. Your loving heavenly father is committed to care for you no matter how serious the threat of terror. Focus on the […]
Courage is doing what must be done, even when I am afraid and I think it is too hard. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9) A Prayer for Courage God, please help me to have courage. It is very hard to do what’s right when people might make fun of me or be angry at me. It’s also hard when I’m afraid I’ll fail. Thank you for Jesus, who had the courage to die on the cross for me. Help me to care about pleasing you more than anything else. In Jesus’ name, Amen. This prayer has rich application for […]