Two children plus one toy equals trouble. No, this is not the beginning of a new math word problem. But it is a scenario that leads to disruptions in families every day. In this case, both children each want the special toy that came from Grandma. What is the typical question, the fair question to ask? Who had it first? Or, who had the toy most yesterday? You see, the problem is not fairness, but the selfishness of little hearts. “Who had it first?” This type of question is based upon the assumption that being fair is the underlying principle for settling disputes. However, suppose you were to ask God to treat you fairly, based upon your actions and thoughts. […]
Monthly Archives: July 2019
15 posts
All parents share at least one thing in common: each one of us fails on a regular basis. It’s not pretty but it is true. Parents are imperfect! Parental authority is not based upon human worth but on God’s choice. Parental authority is derived not earned. This means you cannot earn your children’s obedience. This truth is important for them and for you. For children, this means that parental perfection is not a requirement for obedience. Because parents are humans, they will not do parenting perfectly or even close to perfect. Children obey imperfect parents because this is part of God’s plan to help them look to God as the only authority that can be absolutely trusted. In Ephesians 6 […]
Abram and Lot had a good problem. The Lord had blessed them abundantly, so much so, that they needed to separate because the land could not sustain them both. Abram offered a gracious plan to Lot. He told Lot to choose the direction he wanted to inhabit and he, Abram, would go in the opposite direction. It was a generous offer! However, Mr. and Mrs. Lot made a choice that did not reflect the honor of God as Abram’s did. Standing on the high plains, they looked down at the rich and lavish lower valley of the Jordan River. They chose what was best for them, or so they thought. The land was well-watered and beautiful, earning the name “The […]
The book of Judges speaks of a people who once loved justice and truth, a people who loved God. But these people grew weary of the constraints of loving God and his truth. They devolved into being true to themselves. They became focused on doing what was right in their own eyes. They did what they wanted and expected God to bless them anyway. America, too, has moved on from the Bible and its views of morality. She now worships three modern substitutes for the living God of the Bible. These new “gods” have emerged to succeed and improve the supposed outdated structure of biblical Christianity. Here they are: Public Opinion Public opinion has assumed the role of Scripture. When […]
Things are not as they seem. It appears that everywhere we turn the wicked to appear to have the upper hand. Evil is continually finding new ways to shock and discourage. But the word of God assures us that things are not as they seem. King David wrote a song that was used to remind God’s people that the wicked have limits. In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there. But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace. (Psalm 37:10-11) David states that the meek shall inherit the land. Some 1,000 years later Jesus quotes these very words as he […]