The story of Josiah is full of drama and adventure. Most importantly, his story is about an intense passion for the honor of God and his word. Josiah knew that evil and good cannot coexist. For almost a 1,000 years Judah had tolerated false, detestable religious worship and practice. That all ended with Josiah, the soft-hearted teenager. Josiah was 8 years old when he became King of Judah. As Josiah grew his heart for God grew as well. In his youth, Josiah took a strong, passionate, and even shocking approach to the evil that dominated Judah. The prophetess Huldah provides insight into what drove Josiah to undertake the radical and violent steps against God’s enemies. In 2Kings 22:18-19 she said this […]
Monthly Archives: June 2017
14 posts
Obedience to God is something that is meant to bring comfort and peace to life. The Holy Spirit illuminates his word so that obedience can be the ultimate stress reliever. Jesus urges you to know the relief and refreshment from taking his yoke upon you instead of trying to figure out life for yourself. John says the commands of God are not burdensome. I can hear someone thinking or saying, “Time out! These are not exactly my first thoughts about obedience. What are you talking about?” Well, such an objection is totally understandable. Sadly for most parents and children obedience is associated with wording similar to “obey or else!” — not much comfort there. But this is not what the […]
The demand for instant gratification is destructive. This pattern, if not stopped, will result in a life dominated by the desire for immediate gratification. Immediate gratification is the gateway to a life of destructive, abusive relationships, pornography, substance abuse, abusive behavior. If you hear your child frequently complain or grumble, you are hearing a child who is becoming a slave to his own desires. Sin feeds on the desire for immediate happiness. That is why a child can go from seeming bliss to outrage in an eye blink. One moment everything is fine. Then he sees his brother with a toy that he wants and he immediately erupts with a howl that sounds like he is being tortured. Why? Because […]
“Have a good day.” You hear all the time, perhaps it is a phrase you use. However, what do you mean when you wish someone a good day? Do you mean that you hope nothing bad happens that day? If you are honest, you have to admit that it is at best an uncertain wish. Bad things happen to people everyday. So, saying have a good day is an iffy proposition. Perhaps you mean good in terms being happy. The same problems apply. There is much in life that doesn’t qualify as happiness. Therefore, wishing someone a good day appears to be a less than certain expectation. For example, you tell your child to have a good day. And then […]
It is natural for men to fear God and stand in awe of him. When Nineveh was confronted with their sin by Jonah, repentance swept through the great city. The vast power and splendor of God is declared daily by the wonder of creation. The psalmist speaks of how the power and wrath of God should naturally be feared by all of nations of earth: Surely your wrath against men brings you praise, and the survivors of your wrath are restrained. Make vows to the Lord your God and fulfill them; let all the neighboring lands bring gifts to the One to be feared. He breaks the spirit of rulers; he is feared by the kings of the earth. (Psalm […]
Dear Father, please keep me from wanting my life to about me. My dreams are too small, my desires are too selfish, my actions are too sinful for me to focus on what I think is best. Father, you know I can be down and discouraged. You know my weaknesses. I pray you would give me the courage to see that my life is about Christ. I need to follow his life and love you as he did on earth. I pray my life would be about adding to your reputation. I pray my focus would be consumed with showing gratitude for the grace and mercy given to me. Father, I confess that my energy is too often spent on […]
Father’s Day is a pleasant day for me and my brothers. We recall the good example of our dad, his unselfish commitment to us. It is a kind remembrance. But, I also know not everyone has such comforting and grateful memories. For many, this yearly remembrance is a difficult, sad and even bitter time. Fathers don’t always live out their God-given mission of care and protection. Instead of memories of joy, emptiness and discouragement dominate. Thoughts drift towards what could have been, what should have been. Father’s Day becomes a day you could do without. However, in the midst of the hurt, the Holy Spirit is gracious to remind you that your human father is not the ultimate father. Paul […]
This is a serious question: Fathers, what are you giving to your family for Father’s Day? I know, you are thinking I have this backwards. Father’s Day is supposed to be about fathers being appreciated. And that is good. But it doesn’t mean that we get to take a break from being faithful to God and loving to our families. So, this is a good time to reflect on what you can give. Here are some ideas: Pleasant words: Pleasant words encourage and strengthen. Proverbs 16:2—24 Gentleness: A gentle spirt turns back anger and upset. Proverbs 15:1 Open to reason: This means you are approachable and easy to talk to. James 3:17 Peacemaker: Do you make peace or frustration with […]
Dads, God calls you to be active and not reactive in raising your kids. Ephesians 6:4 is a familiar verse, maybe almost too familiar. Here is what Paul says: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” The phrase “bring them up” is not just a throw-away term. It is actually the same wording used earlier when Paul says husbands should “nourish and cherish” their wives just as they do for themselves. This meaning puts an active focus on your involvement. The idea is not just to give instructions and come back later to see how it all works out. No, this emphasis on nourishing means proactive care. […]
Do you know people that irritate you? Do you have some friends or family members that you find annoying? No, these are not trick questions, just honest ones. The Holy Spirit wrote the Bible to help you deal with irritating, annoying people. And, as always, God’s answers are not our answers. The church in Philippi was having some people problems. So Paul wrote a letter to address their concerns. There is much for us to consider in Philippians about relationships. But I just want to focus on one point today. God wants you to consider the irritating, annoying people in your life as being more significant, more important than you are. Now, obeying God’s command to do this will not, […]