If we are to live a life that is wise, it is imperative that we understand we have an Enemy who attempts to discredit the wonders of God with counterfeit musings. This discrediting can take the form of misinterpreting the good things that God does. For example, as magnificent as a sunset may be, it is not the ultimate that God does. That ultimate is reserved for heaven and the new earth. But the enemy wants you to think that what you see now is all there is. Also, we have grown accustomed to seeing breathtaking imagery on the big screen. But even these images pale in comparison to the reality of the world that remains unseen to us. […]
Godward Orientation
188 posts
There are many ways to describe holiness. One of the most basic is to understand that being holy means being different. Holiness is being distinct from the world. If we are to love God we must be constantly aware that he is holy. He is different. This is what we are to model for our children as we bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Today, the prevailing mood of our political leaders is that we should not be defined by our differences, we should be strengthened by them. A Christian has a different view. A Christian must be defined by his differences. A Christian is to be chaste and pure. A Christian is to […]
That’s not fair is a statement that has come define our culture. From the play ground to the court room being fair has do to with getting what we think we deserve. This has profound implications for parenting. Is fairness making sure each child gets the same number of minutes to play with a toy, or making sure that each child has the same number of toys to play with? Is this concept of fairness what God wants you to teach your children? Let’s see. In Matthew 20:1-16 we find the parable of the workers in the vineyard. The owner of the vineyard sends workers out at various intervals throughout the day to work in his field. The first […]
Deuteronomy contains Moses’ farewell instructions to Israel. He had led them in the wilderness for 40 years. Moses knew that he would not be able to go with them into the Promised Land. He knew that the daily reminders of God’s presence, the manna, the cloud above, the clothes that would not wear out, would only be memories. So what does Moses urge for Israel? Here it is: “But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.” Deut. 4:9 NLT So how do you hang on to these great truths […]
Parenting is a lonely occupation at times—just you, the kids, and the digital clock on the nightstand. Gone from your memory are the baby showers, first steps, birthday parties, and adoring friends fawning over your children. Instead, you are faced with one child who is sick and another one who is whining that he has no one to play with since his sister is sick in bed (the same sister that has gifted you with the same cold she has). Your husband is out of town for three days and it has been raining for forever. Lonely, indeed. Two thousand years ago, your brother Paul knelt before his Father and yours and prayed a simple, profound prayer for you. No, Paul didn’t […]
Like Samuel of old, we become focused on outward appearance. We devote a great deal of time to the outer man, but God is concerned with the heart. Our children will never interpret life correctly until they understand that it is the heart that directs all of life. The adjectives used to describe the heart in the Bible: The heart is variously described as adulterous, anguished, arrogant, astray, bitter, blameless, blighted, broken, calloused, circumcised, contrite, crushed, darkened, deadened, deceitful, deluded, devoted, disloyal, envious, evil, faint, faithful, far off, fearful, foolish, grateful, happy, hard, haughty, humble, mad, malicious, obstinate, perverse, proud, pure, rebellious, rejoicing, responsive, righteous, sick, sincere, sinful, steadfast, troubled, unfeeling, uncircumcised, upright, unsearchable, weary, wicked, wise, and wounded. No […]
Deuteronomy 6 is not about truth being communicated through some disconnected mouthpiece. God’s truth must be life for mom and dad if it is to be life for the children. “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deut. 6:4–5). Our love for God is the foundation for anything we have to say. We cannot impress our children with the fame of God’s name if we are not impressed with him ourselves. If the truths about God’s sovereign power and incredible mercy have melted our hearts and produced a profound love for God, we will impress our children […]
It is no secret that each child is different and special. Parenting that reaches the heart will have a laser-like focus on this reality. It is true that God’s commands are absolute and unquestionably accurate. It is also true that the application of these commands must be suited to the needs of each person, each child. For example, fear may show itself in many different ways. One child who is tormented by fear may attempt to control his fear by being a bully. That way he may attempt to control situations so that he will not have to face his fears. Another child may attempt to deal with her fears by withdrawing socially and clamming up. A young child may […]
God has chosen to display his faithfulness in the form of cancer in the life of my wife, Ruth. In God’s gracious plan for Ruth, three years ago he brought the most lethal type of brain cancer Into her life – Glioblastoma Multiforme. The Lord has chosen to, at least temporarily, remove her ability to write and edit. Her short-term memory has been impacted. This is striking because she is among the most literate and articulate of biblical thinkers. Her passion remains to bring the power of God’s word to children and youth in a way that challenges them to love God and live for him. She is currently undergoing a period of occupational and physical therapy. When the occupational […]
Sometimes there are seasons of long days. Night after night going to sleep is not a relief but a quick entrance into another long day. Our bodies are weak and our hearts are overcome with struggles that break over us like unending waves. Yes, sometimes there are seasons of long days. In these times we long for another reality. And, in God’s mercy, such a reality exists. In an exhausted moment we glance towards heaven and cling to the great truth. God is there in that untainted place lit alone by his glory. In that same moment we know that earth has nothing worthy of our desire except for the God who is there. We are weak, […]