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The unseen reality

If your view of reality is limited to what you can see, your worship will be ill-informed. The power of God is not limited to what you can see. Faith is what expands your vision to see what is really real. There is great comfort in the unseen reality. The unseen armies of God provide hope that you can speak of the gospel with power. You have no need to panic or despair. In order to be salt and light you must first be confident of the reality that you cannot see. It is foolish to live only for what is seen. If you worship a god you can see, you worship an idol. The Bible opens the eyes of […]

Teenagers: Listen First, Talk Later

Jesus tells the story of a father and his two sons. The father asks his first son to go work in the vineyard. The first son responds with a defiant no. So, the father asks his other son the same question.  This son, in sharp contrast, respectfully says that he will do what his father asked. So, on the surface of things, it appears one son is rebellious and one is obedient. This much is true, but not in the way it appears. In the story Jesus quickly adds that the first son changed his mind and actually did as he was asked. The other son never went to the vineyard. After telling this story, Jesus asked his listeners which […]

Like It Or Not, We Are Dependent On God

On July 4th, two hundred forty years ago, Americans declared their independence from England. England was not pleased with this declaration and went to war. But in the end, America had her desire—she was won her war for independence. But in what sense are people and countries ever independent? It is an enticing idea that a people or a country can independently forge their own destiny, write their own history. However, this idea is just as deadly as it is enticing. Reality is this: no country is free from the rule of the Great Sovereign of the Universe. Each person owes his next breath, and each country its next day of freedom, to the God of heaven and earth. Nebuchadnezzar […]

The Gospel and Electric Lights

Psalm 72 declares that God alone does wondrous things. How easily this truth is discarded! Ultimately, the reason that you can bring light to your home by flipping a switch on the wall instead of lighting a candle is the gospel. The reason someone lets you into the next traffic lane instead of running you off the road is the gospel. The reason you can buy food instead of having to kill others for it is the gospel. Sound strange or naïve? If so, then you have underestimated the power of the gospel. When Adam and Eve believed Satan’s lie, not only did spiritual death occur, but at that moment human hope ceased to exist. Until God proclaimed to Satan, […]

Obedience Doesn’t Make Your Child Good

Biblical obedience is first and foremost a response to God’s mercy. As people in need of the grace of God there is nothing we can do nothing to earn our standing with God. Obedience doesn’t make a person good, it is a response to God’s goodness. Do your children believe this? Obedience can’t be used to plea bargain with God, or to appease him, or to become worthy in his eyes. Only the work of Christ can make things right with God. Understood in this light, obedience is not something you use to gain a reward – obedience itself is your reward, your great privilege, honor and joy. If that is true for you, then that is also the attitude […]

Fear and Darkness

The lights are out. Something moves on the wall. There is a sudden, unexpected sound. A scary image flashes on the screen of your child’s mind. Next comes the familiar cry, “Mommy, I’m scared.” You enter your child’s room and ask what’s wrong. The weepy answer that you have heard many times before comes once again, “I don’t know. I’m just afraid. Don’t leave.” What do you do? The first thing to recognize is that there usually is not a response you can make at this moment that will magically make everything okay for your child. So, in the moment you comfort your child, pray with her and offer your assurances that she is safe. Often this means staying with […]

Patience: Living In the Expectation Of God’s Care

When things are going well, we tend to be okay with God’s control. Being patient is not much of a challenge. But, when life becomes hard it is a different story. Patience is easily lost and frustration sets in. Why? The Holy Spirit says that God is causing all the events in your life to work together for your good. So, when you look at life and fail to see God’s faithfulness, even  in the painful things, you are judging God. God says he is always faithful and and gracious to those whom he loves. You are critiquing God based upon your perception of how your life is going. Not a good idea! Patience means living in the expectation of […]

Your Toddler’s Worldview

Toddlers and worldview are not concepts that seem compatible. The image of a three–year-old doing a google search about worldview brings humor. However, your toddler does have a worldview. It shapes the way he looks at his life. It shapes the way he looks at you as his parent. It may be limited, but it is a worldview nonetheless. He actually expresses his worldview constantly. This worldview is shown in statements like “I’m thirsty. “He took my toy.” “I want a cookie.” “I’m tired.” “I’m hungry.” “I don’t want to.” Do you see a pattern here? A toddler’s worldview begins and ends with himself. This should not be surprising given that the Bible tells you your toddler’s sole purpose in […]

Assuming the obvious: poor decision

“Hey mom, Jeremy is upset.” “Okay Sarah, I’ll be right there.” Mom is thinking, “Here we go again.  Sarah is always making Jeremy upset. I can’t finish anything without somebody having an issue. I’ll get to it in a moment.” Here is another example:. “Dad, I’m really sorry I messed up and forgot to cut the grass. I’ll get to it right after lunch. Sorry dad.” Inside, dad is losing it. He is thinking, “When will this kid ever grow up and be responsible?” So in a frustrated voice he says, “James, when is this pattern going to change? You need to start being responsible. Don’t make promises you can’t keep!” Dad walks away miffed, “At least I didn’t yell […]

The Power Of Meekness

These are troubling days. The wicked appear to have the upper hand. But the word of God assures you that things are not as they seem. King David wrote a song that was used in worship to remind God’s people that the wicked have limits. Meekness will triumph over wickedness! David states that the meek shall inherit the land. Some one thousand years later Jesus quotes these very words as he begins the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus was letting his followers know that even though they would face persecution God would not abandon them or his covenant commitment to do what is right. Christians are to use the weapons of the Spirit and not of the flesh. In this […]