Gotcha – This is the word of the day on April Fools’ Day. For centuries people have used this day to play “tricks” on each other. The idea is to make one think something is true when it is not. When someone actually falls for one of these false scenarios then the perpetrator of the ruse will comically state – “April Fools!”. In other words, you have been had. This day is a timely day to remind each other and our children that the April Fools’ spirit is alive and well everyday! The father of lies likes nothing better than when one of his deceitful schemes has been believed. Only he doesn’t say “gotcha” when this happens. He keeps […]
Wisdom
270 posts
What do you have waiting for God? In Psalm 65 David proclaims to God that praise awaits him from the hearts of his people. What do you have waiting for God as you prepare for worship? David’s heart is full with the blessings of God. The blessings that David speaks of are ones that are shared by all of God’s people – rich or poor. Your sins have been forgiven when they overwhelmed you. You have been made royalty by virtue of your relationship to Christ. You have had the treasures of heaven bestowed upon you. Your future has been made secure by the deposit guaranteed by the Holy Spirit. Praise is indeed the appropriate state of […]
Sharon, one of our readers, requested an example of what using wisdom from above would look like. She referenced the last post where we saw that James 3:17 tells us what wisdom from above is like. Here is the verse: “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” This verse, in context, is addressing personal conflict and our use of words. James 3:3-4:3. Parental authority is not absolute, it is derived. “Because I said so”, indicates absolute authority. “Because God said so”, indicates derived authority. This is significant. Your children must understand that you are submitting to the same authority that governs their […]
Another way of stating our mission as parents is that we are to build relationships with our children and with our spouses. You will not successfully do one without the other. James 3:17 is a remarkable summary of what biblical wisdom looks like in the face of conflict. This verse provides what you need to be one who builds relationships that honor God and bless your family. I am going to list this verse in bullet point fashion. Consider each point and compare it with how you go about building relationships. The key here is to have the courage to ask your family members how you are doing in displaying wisdom from above. There are six qualities illustrated in […]
Why do you worship? Jesus told the church at Smyrna that he knew of their suffering and poverty. He told them they would face prison. He encouraged them to remain faithful when they faced death. Christ offered no solution to these predictions except that he will give them life if they remain faithful. Suppose these things were read to your church. How would these words be received? How would you receive them? Think carefully, love deeply, and ask yourself again, why do you worship.
One of the more remarkable examples of peer pressure or fear of man found in the Bible is the story of Jehoshaphat and King Ahab in 2 Chronicles 18. The Spirit is God was gracious to provide such a clear and vivid account of the dynamics of peer pressure. There is much you can use in the chapter to teach your children about this all too common tendency of making the opinion of others more important than the opinion of God. Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, began his reign by faithfully following God. He was blessed with riches and honor. However, chapter 18 records that instead of continuing to trust God for protection, he formed an alliance with King Ahab […]
There is the correct answer, of course, but what I am looking for is the actual answer. When you are discouraged what do you long for? Is it a change in your kids or spouse. Perhaps you long for circumstances to change. Maybe you even look to yourself to change in some elusive way. These sources of help will fall short of finding lasting strength. When the Children of Israel would return to Jerusalem for appointed worship and feast days they would sing songs as they traveled. Jerusalem was high above them as the walked to the city. They looked to the hills, for the City of God was there. This day look to God for your help. […]
Wisdom and Worship It is impossible to separate the acceptable worship of God from a deep love of the wisdom of God. Biblical wisdom is more precious than anything, anything that you can desire. If you do not desire God’s wisdom above all else, your worship will be an exercise in self-service. Failure to love wisdom, is a failure to love God. Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding,14 for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.15 She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Proverbs 3:13-15
Someone may be thinking, “I didn’t think I loved lies. In fact, I hate being lied to. Actually, why would you say something so outrageous. I resent your suggestion.” Your concern is understandable. I get it. However, what I am talking about is the issue of love of Christ. If we love Christ we love the truth. If we don’t love the truth, the only alternative is to love a lie. Listen to what Jesus says in Matthew 6:24: “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. If Christ is […]
I know, it is almost a foolish question. Battles and skirmishes are part of life. So, why ask? Because, the question is not if we have battles, the question is whose battles are they. In a fallen world there will always be battles. As Christian parents, we must be careful that the battles we fight are God’s battles and not conflicts of our own making. As a teenager engaged in a battle where he was hopelessly outmatched, David had total disdain for Goliath, the perfect human killing machine. Why, because he knew the battle was God’s! Sometimes God’s battles are won quickly, as with David and Goliath. Sometimes, perseverance is the smooth stone God wants us to use […]