But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. —Isaiah 40:31 The Bible frequently describes the Christian life using the language of warfare. We are to overcome evil with good. We are to fight the good fight. We are to put on the full armor of God. The Word is the sword of the Spirit. This imagery is not given to alarm us but to remind us that the world around us is not a friendly place for Christians. But while the world is not friendly, God himself provides refuge and encouragement. The […]
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I run in the paths of your commands, for you have set my heart free. —Psalm 119:32 In our last full post we talked about teaching our children to evaluate the impact of the entertainment in their lives. This raises an important point about the role of the Bible in parental instruction. God wants us to rely upon the Scriptures in all areas of our life. On the basis of passages like 2 Peter 1:3-4 and 2 Timothy 3:15-17 we affirm that the Bible is the only perfect or infallible rule for faith and life. I
Since there have been a few comments regarding the posts on praise and criticism here is a mini-post addressing a question from Dan. Sometimes parents hesitate to give praise for fear of encouraging pride and boasting. That is certainly understandable, and we need to think carefully how we offer praise so we’re not simply building up an ungodly, self-centered arrogance. Godly praise, on the other hand, is an opportunity to encourage your children by acknowledging God’s help and kindness to them. For example, Yes, Cameron, I saw you gave your truck to Colin. Remember how we prayed that God would help you to be unselfish? I think he answered that prayer and helped you to share, didn’t he? That’s wonderful! […]
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. —Colossians 2:8 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. — Proverbs 4:23 A Guide to Entertainment You and your children are targets of a subtle but vicious enemy. The enemy is a master of deception and stealth. He knows that if he attacks openly he will be recognized for who he is. So this enemy plans his attacks when they are least expected. He has no sense of fair play. He looks for the times when you and your family are […]
“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips.” —Proverbs 27:2 Karen asked the following question in response to an earlier post. I find that my children often point out the good that they do. While I do thank them at that point and express how their good blessed me, what words should I use to make sure they do not crave the praise of man? Something to the effect of…"Yes, I am so blessed by your cleaning up without being told, but even more, Your Father in heaven is pleased at what you have done. Seek His praise instead of mine." Do you have any suggestions? Good question! You’re […]
Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel who alone does marvelous deeds. Psalm 72:18 No offense intended to the author of this blog entry, or for the one who asked the initial question, but, if Christians are so dead set against bullying, harassment, etc., then why do you constantly promote it towards GLBT kids? If you are so dead set against bullying, harassment, etc., against people per se, then why don’t you come out against those who are doing the bullying, etc…, instead of joining in? The National Day of Silence is helping to promote peace between people who otherwise couldn’t or wouldn’t agree on anything. If Christians want respect, then they need to […]
20 My son, keep your father’s commands and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. 21 Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck. 22 When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. 23 For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life, 24 keeping you from the immoral woman, from the smooth tongue of the wayward wife. As we finish this series of posts on Proverbs […]
22 When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. 23 For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life… Proverbs 6:22&23 These verses envision a dynamic relationship between the word of God and young people. God’s truth should resonate in the lives of teenagers. The word is living and active. One example of what this could look like in today’s youth is displayed in the lives of Alex and Brett Harris. They are the authors of the website […]
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these… Galatians 5:19-21 1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. Ephesians 2:1-3 Let’s consider one basic question […]
20 My son, keep your father’s commands and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. 21 Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck. 22 When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. 23 For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life, 24 keeping you from the immoral woman, from the smooth tongue of the wayward wife. Proverbs 6:20-24 The last post focused on the danger […]