This week FoxNews cites a study that shows that 48% of all first time births in the United States are out of wedlock. Also this week, the Governor of Colorado signed a bill into law that repealed adultery as a crime in Colorado. Whatever moral compass we have had has clearly ceased to function. We no longer know what side is up. These events indicate the growing rejection of God’s authority in social matters. We must strive to make God special, precious, and desirable to our children. We must teach what awe and fear have to do with God. If we are to lead our children though this moral mess, the light of God must shine brightly above […]
Monthly Archives: March 2013
34 posts
Ever have a bad day as a parent; or maybe a bad month or a bad year? Ever feel overwhelmed with discouragement? This happens sometimes. I look back now at some of the huge failures that I had being a father. Through the gracious words of my wife or the disappointment or hurt in my children’s eyes I would feel the weight and the wreckage of trying to do things my way. I remember the times of demanding respect because I thought it was due me. I remember thinking that I was right so nothing else mattered. I remember and weep at how I failed my kids, my wife and my God. I remember thinking that there was no […]
“Mommy, I want juice.” “Not right now, dear. Mommy is busy.” “But mommy, I am soooooo thirsty.” “I said, not right now. I have to take care of your little brother.” “But I want juice. Please, please, please.” “Oh, alright. But promise me you won’t ask for anything else for awhile, Okay?” “Yes, mommy. Thank you!” “Okay, here is your juice.” “But mommy, it is not in my special juice cup…” This is an exaggerated example of a Mom who has taught her child to make announcements to get what she wants. Already, this four-year-old has learned how to control her world. Young children need to be taught that this is […]
Sometimes the Bible’s directness takes us by surprise. If my focus is to raise my child using God’s discipline and instruction, then my words will be few, clear, pleasant, direct, convicting, and building. The more I talk the more I run the risk of muddying the waters with my opinions. Proverbs 18:2 is a humbling reality to those of us who use many words: Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Ouch, at least for me and maybe some of you as well. The last thing I should want for my children is for them to conform to my standards. If your child has been unkind or selfish, then this is what […]
One way to love your kids is to rejoice in them when you see them. I realize this may take conscious effort at times. But it is important that they know that they are a blessing to you. Proverbs 16:15 says: When a king’s face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring, I realize you are not a king. However, you are the authority that your children see. If you delight in them it matters. It won’t work to say if your kids were more delightful you would be more delighted in them. God delights in you and in me. This delight is certainly not because of our sterling track record […]
Two thousand years ago Rome was solidly entrenched as the Western World’s dominant power. Christians in the first century were persecuted and hunted as criminals. Yet, the church grew and prospered. Mighty Rome was no match for the gospel. Similarly, post-modern America is no match for gospel. The Constitution can once again flourish and serve an electorate that honors God for who he is. We can look at Executive Branch, the Congress, and the courts and say that biblical Christianity is doomed, and America with it. Or we can respond as the early Christians did and turn our country upside down. The strategy is not complicated. The early Christians were determined to live for God’s honor regardless of what the […]
Let me begin by saying that I believe that the United States Constitution is one of the greatest governing documents ever written. So, why would I say it is a blueprint for destruction? To answer that, we must first understand what the Constitution does not say. The Constitution does not say that for it to be an effective governing document, the nation which adopts it must be populated by bible-believing Christians. The Constitution does not say this, but John Adams did. He said: “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” The historical context of Adams’ statement can only mean he was talking about people […]
Sharon, one of our readers, requested an example of what using wisdom from above would look like. She referenced the last post where we saw that James 3:17 tells us what wisdom from above is like. Here is the verse: “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” This verse, in context, is addressing personal conflict and our use of words. James 3:3-4:3. Parental authority is not absolute, it is derived. “Because I said so”, indicates absolute authority. “Because God said so”, indicates derived authority. This is significant. Your children must understand that you are submitting to the same authority that governs their […]
Another way of stating our mission as parents is that we are to build relationships with our children and with our spouses. You will not successfully do one without the other. James 3:17 is a remarkable summary of what biblical wisdom looks like in the face of conflict. This verse provides what you need to be one who builds relationships that honor God and bless your family. I am going to list this verse in bullet point fashion. Consider each point and compare it with how you go about building relationships. The key here is to have the courage to ask your family members how you are doing in displaying wisdom from above. There are six qualities illustrated in […]
Why do you worship? Jesus told the church at Smyrna that he knew of their suffering and poverty. He told them they would face prison. He encouraged them to remain faithful when they faced death. Christ offered no solution to these predictions except that he will give them life if they remain faithful. Suppose these things were read to your church. How would these words be received? How would you receive them? Think carefully, love deeply, and ask yourself again, why do you worship.