Parents, if you put up with a grumbling, complaining spirit as the price for your children following your directions, you open the door to lying to God. God desires obedience from the heart, not the outward form of ritual sacrifice. (Amos 5:21-23; Isaiah 29:13) So, the mindset that says, “At least he took the garbage out, even though he moaned and groaned about it,” totally misses the point of loving God. This child is not being shepherded. Rather he is being encouraged to believe that God can be misled by mere outward compliance to his commands. We see a similar scenario in the story of Ananias and Sapphire: “Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold […]
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The next progression in lying is to lie when there is something to be acquired. This type of lie can range from trying to make someone else look bad to scheming to obtain something that cannot be had in a way that pleases God. In both situations the reason for the lie is the same—self-centeredness. But in this second type of lie, the reason for the lie moves beyond mere self-protection to the point of lying to achieve personal desires, even if it means hurting others. So, you see the progression. This is not simply lying to avoid punishment. This type of lying bears a close connection with the ways of darkness (Eph. 2:1-3). This lie represents a scheming, crafty […]
When children lie parents sometimes tend to treat the problem as one of logic and intelligence; they puzzle over why their children would lie. Scripture solves the mystery. Humans are born liars. When we sin, we lose the ability to be logical. We are blinded by self-interest (Proverbs 4:19; Psalm 58:3). Lying is the extension of a self-centered nature. Children tend to lie in two types of circumstances. First, they lie when they fear a consequence so much they will do anything to avoid it, e.g., punishment for hitting. Second, children tend to lie when there is something they desire, and they see lying as the best way to get it. In both situations the reason for the lie is […]
Paul taught in I Timothy 6 that wealth is uncertain. As a matter of fact, wealth is so uncertain and unstable that it cannot provide hope. Contemplate this biblical reality – wealth is incapable of providing hope because it is uncertain. Wow! This is a thought that is contrary to our world. The airways are flooded with commercials extolling the virtues of financial security. People believe their hope for a secure tomorrow is tied to wealth, however little or great that wealth may be. Financial markets are adult things. But worry about possessions in not the exclusive territory of adults. Children are concerned about possessions early in the game. Give one young child a matchbox car and then give his […]
Each day that a Christian spends on earth is anything but ordinary. Each day is an opportunity to participate in loving and worshiping your God. Paul, says we are to do everything for God’s glory. Those words can either be viewed as nice talk or as an extraordinary opportunity to make your life count each day. Paul was consumed with the wonder of Christ. It is what marked him as a child of God. There are many facets to living the Christian life. But the one that is perhaps most important is to be in awe of your God. Your children, your spouse, those whom you come into contact with must see that God is the reason you breathe. Sound […]
The Lord is good. You and I know that the Lord is good. The challenge is to act consistently with this great truth. There are many obstacles which seek to blind us from this reality. But if we are people of faith, then we must let the Holy Spirit determine how we to view God. He is worthy of your praise and your thanksgiving. Nothing can ever change that. Our life and struggles will pass, but the unfailing love of God continues forever! Give this vision of reality as a precious gift to your children! Psalm 100 Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the […]
by Tedd Tripp I have had numerous conversations with young parents who expressed the fear of raising young hypocrites. They fear that since they have taught their children appropriate behavior, they will rear well-behaved children who do not sense their need for grace… Hypocrisy is greatest in homes where the emphasis has been on behavior rather than the heart. If the focus of discipline and correction is on ways the behavior has strayed and on how behavior must change, you will miss the heart. That approach makes the problem what I do, rather than what I am. According to the Bible, the problem we have is too profound to be corrected externally. The root problem is not the wrong that […]
An atheist wrote in with a question about a recent post: I have posted the question here along with a request to engage her about her beliefs as an atheist. I thought that our readers would be interested as well. I will keep you up to date. Please pray that God will use this opportunity to bring honor to his name. “Can you prove that we’re all going to stand face to face with Jesus Christ one day? (And the Bible doesn’t count as proof, since you can’t prove that it’s anything more than an extremely old book of mythology.) Or will you admit that your beliefs are based on nothing more than blind faith, just like the beliefs of […]
Cancer attacks healthy tissue and turns it toxic. Medicine attacks these toxic tissues. The toxic cells are either cut out or they attacked with medicine that is even more toxic. The question is whether the human body can survive the treatment. In my case the recommended course is to fight poison with poison. With a combination of toxic chemicals and targeted radiation the plan is to eliminate the bad and allow healthy cells to grow. This combination of treatment will begin in a few hours. But, like everyone one else on earth, I have a problem that is far more deadly than cancer. Sin has plagued my body and soul since my birth. There is no medical cure for sin. […]
You and I struggle with confidence. Sometimes, we are too confident, even arrogant. Other times we are weak and doubt. Praise God that your savior is supremely confident. His confidence flows from his humility. Jesus is confident that he can always trust his Father. God the Father has given his son his sheep. No one can take them away. Jesus is confident in his Father, we can be confident in him. Humility means that I trust God more than I do myself. So my confidence, your confidence rests in the commitment of God to his people. That is a blessing that leads to peaceful sleep! The most important issues of your life are secured by Christ for you for eternity! […]