We are often surprised when our children become unhappy with their toys. It is easy to forget that toys are merely things, material things. In this sense we are often like our children. We are surprised when things don’t make us happy. The miscalculation of this age, of any age, is to look for hope without looking for God. A culture rich with material things is a culture that will be dominated by bitterness and disappointment. Why? Because things never satisfy. Ultimately, they will always disappoint. Your children can have a closet full of toys. You can have more things than you imagined. The result is the same. When you live for material things you measure happiness by what you can see, […]
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The most impressive aspects of reality are those that are unseen. If your view of reality is limited to what you can see, your worship will be ill-informed. As you read pubic opinion polls, as you see election results, as you experience the actions of congress and the courts, as you see sexual purity mocked, it is tempting to think you are in the minority. However, such thinking is unsound. As Elisha said over 2,500 years ago, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Elisha’s young servant was afraid. He was afraid because his understanding of reality was limited. Elisha prayed that the eyes of his servant would be opened […]
“This is where you must start in teaching your children about sex. Sex is not fundamentally a biological, physiological activity. Sexuality is a necessary aspect of God’s purpose for man to occupy and control the earth for the glory of God. (Genesis 1:26-28) All of the physiological phenomena that happens to the human body while engaging in sexual activity is expressly designed by God to remind husbands and wives that they have been called to unity, intimacy and procreation in their mission to have dominion over the earth. Sexual activity is designed for a man and a woman who are obeying God in marriage in order to bring honor to his name. The idea that sexual pleasure is designed merely […]
On July 4th, Americans celebrate their declaration of independence from England 239 years ago. While it might be good thing to gain independence from an overbearing government, it is wise to remember that independence from God is not only a disastrous desire – it is impossible! Regardless of laws, judicial decrees, and presidential orders, God can never be excluded from the course of any nation. Independence from God, whether as a nation or as an individual, is not consistent with reality. Those who think otherwise are on a collision course with the Lord of the Universe. Let us pray that for many this collision will be with gospel of Jesus Christ. This is what Isaiah says about the possibility of […]
Marriage is not of human origin. It did not evolve over time. Marriage became part of the human equation from the very moment of man’s creation. When Paul speaks of marriage as a one flesh relationship he says this refers to Christ and the church. Marriage is not an after-thought in man’s social development. Rather, it is designed to picture the relationship Jesus Christ has with his church. What does this mean for you as a parent? Simply this, as you live together as husband and wife you are to represent Christ and his church. Is this what your children see? This does not mean you are perfect! Just like the church is far from perfect each day, married couples […]
Psalm 73 is about someone who struggles with the question of what is good. The psalmist looks at others–at people who don’t care for God–and determines that they have what is good and he doesn’t. This realization brings him to the brink of despair. We end up in the same place when our lives are not centered on worship to God. The psalmist is particularly discouraged by the prosperity of the wicked (vs. 3). Psalm 1:3-4 says it is the righteous who should prosper and wicked are the ones that should suffer. So the psalmist trusts his own understanding and begins to doubt. That doubt turns into envy and bitterness. You can almost hear his cry of anguish: Surely in […]
Parents want children who obey. But obedience is more than just coming when called. Obedience is about loving God. Obedience is not a way plea bargain with God, or to appease him, or to make yourself worthy in his eyes. Only the work of Christ can make things right with God. Obedience is simply a response of love and worship to God. With the psalmist your goal is to have your children say: The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. Psalm 19:8 Understood in this light, obedience is not something to use to gain a reward – obedience itself is the reward. Obedience is a […]
These are troubling days. The wicked appear to have the upper hand. But the word of God assures us 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. David states that the meek shall inherit the land. Some 1,000 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 case the weapon of the Spirit […]
The law of God is a thing of beauty. For the Christian it is the only perfect guide to faith and practice. When you attend church tomorrow you will do so knowing that the government of the United States has taken another step towards the obliteration of this law you hold so dear. This is not a time to doubt the sufficiency of God’s provision. It is a time to recommit yourself to honoring and obeying God. By going to church you are aligning yourself against the law of the land. You and your family will be on the side of bigotry and intolerance, or at least that is what the Supreme Court believes. The solution is not to focus […]
Hypocrisy is something you cannot avoid. You tell your children not to fight and then your argue with your spouse. You tell your children God is in control and then you become angry or despondent with the circumstances of life. You tell your children to put God first, and then you realize you told them that for selfish reasons. What can you do? You can tell you children about your struggles with hypocrisy. Seek forgiveness, use pleasant words, and speak the truth seasoned with salt and love. Help them to see that you are engaged in the same battles that they face. Encourage your children to fight these battles with you. You have a choice. You can lead your children […]