August 1, 2013

"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

 

Of all the amazing promises in the Bible this is one of best! What matters more to you than the spiritual development of your children? And this great verse promises that if parents build the proper formation under your children, God will be actively involved in the construction of the rest of his life.

 

Building the right stuff into your children will make it much harder for them to do the wrong stuff!

Implicit in the word "train" are four guidelines for building the "right stuff" in your precious prodigies.

"Train" means to define what it means to be a Christ-follower in your family.

"Train" means to direct that process of becoming Christ-follower in your family.

"Train" means to discipline those developing Christ-followers in your family.

Discipline has become an unpopular term in our modern culture because discipline acknowledges that actions have consequences and our culture hates that idea. Discipline also involves delayed gratification and our culture wants it all and wants it all immediately!

 

So what is the heart of discipline and how do you build it into your kids?

 

"Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him."  Proverbs 22:15

 

"For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."  Romans 3:23

 

Discipline is the process of teaching your children (and yourself) to say "no" to the fool in your nature and "yes" to Jesus, "the gift of God", in your new nature.

 

Easier said than done! Proverbs 22:15 essentially says foolishness has to be beaten out of us! So, discipline must necessarily involve some pain and it must involve some rewards. We must make it painful to do the wrong things and rewarding to do the right!

 

The goal of discipline is to make it more rewarding to do the good than the bad until our children eventually learn self-discipline. It is, perhaps, the hardest task of parenting but also the most urgent responsibility.

 

Are you self-disciplined enough to discipline your children?

 

It is foolish not to!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 31, 2013

"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

 

I remember the first time I was involved in a church building program. I was very anxious to see that beautifully designed building become a reality on our recently purchased property! Even though it was four decades ago, I recall clearly when they began digging the hole for the foundation. After they dug out the hole they began pouring the footings and then the floor and basement walls. To an anxious young pup that I was, it seemed it took forever to get that foundation in place! Intellectually I understood the importance of a solid foundation but emotionally I wanted to see those walls rise and the roof put on so the community could see that a new church was about to be opened!

 

That building stands strong today on Dover Road in Princeton, Illinois because a good foundation was laid under it! I am glad the construction workers didn't share my impatience!

 

The wisest man who ever lived expounded on the importance of building a strong foundation under your children. And, he gives you some practical insights on how to do it!

 

When he uses the word "train" he is offering a word loaded with meaning! I will devote the next several articles on exploring the four facets of Solomon's instructions. “Train” is a loaded word in the Hebrew language in which it was originally written and you can render it several ways: “to narrow, to initiate or discipline; to dedicate" or, as I will interpret them: "to define", "to direct", "to discipline" and "to dedicate".

A good foundation for a child begins with defining who you are as a family who follows Christ and who bases your values and decisions upon the Word of God. That needs to happen early and often. Your child should know clearly what it means to be a Snyder, or a Thomas, or a Rockwell, or a Medina, or a Kline, or a Beasley, or a Jones, or a Clark, or a Tippey, etc.

Also, a strong foundation for your child requires a direction. Direction is given first by example. Lead them by the example of your walk. Direction is given by exhortation. As you show them the way, also tell them the way. Put clear guardrails along their path and impose consequences for veering off course.

"Training" a child requires consistent defining and persistent directing but will put good solid footings under your child's foundation for a lifetime!













 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 30, 2013

“Train up a child in the way he should go and even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

We began our VBS this evening and we had a bunch of high energy, fun-loving little ones invading our church!

Our staff had planned well and was prepared for the arrival of this collection of cute and curious kids!

As I was observing the high octane activities being enjoyed by the kids and by the adults who were leading them, it occurred to me we were helping "train up" these youngsters in the Way! Using contemporary and creative methods in the limited time we have, we are attempting to infuse some life-altering truths into their fertile little minds that will attach to their eternal spirits.

Before the week is over we will have several children make decisions to trust Christ as their Savior! We will be used by God to set them on the road to righteousness and eternal life.

 

This is precisely what we, as Christian parents, are exhorted and expected to do. Our responsibility as a church is to support the parents in "Training up a child in the way he should go" so that when they become adolescents and adults, they won't depart from this way AND will then  they will raise up the next generation of believers as we have instructed them.

Please allow me to unpack this word "train" over these next several posts so you will have a clear and complete understanding of what your parental role is in shaping your children to become saints.

The word “train” is a loaded word in the Hebrew language in which it was originally written and you can render it several ways: “to narrow, to initiate or discipline; to dedicate" or, as I will interpret them: "to define", "to direct, to discipline" and "to dedicate".

Each of these concepts represent an aspect of training that is necessary to shape the soul of your sons and daughters.

First, you must "define" the Christian worldview and values in your children so they can compredend God's vision for His creation. Your child is on a steep learning curve you must define how his reality should be shaped according to the Word of God.

What is right for your children?

You must define that for him/her! That is what God calls and commands you to do in regard to your children!

Someone WILL shape your children's values and views according their value system and once those values and views are written on their soul, they are hard to erase!

That someone had better be you!

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 29, 2013

Its pretty hard to improve on anything from the mind and pen of a true spiritual giant, so I won't even attempt it. I will just give it to you straight from the man himself.

 

3 Spiritual Lessons from Jonathan Edwards

Kyle Strobel

If they were important to Jonathan Edwards, they should be important to you!

 

Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) is considered by many to be one of the smartest philosophers and theologians in American history. But more than that, Edwards is one of the great spiritual thinkers as well. Edwards helped the churches in New England navigate the work of the Spirit in the “Great Awakening,” and he continues to help pastors walk through these issues through his great work, Religious Affections (one of the most beloved spiritual classics of the Protestant church).

 

How can we learn from the spiritual practices of Edwards? Here are three lessons that are as important today as they were in Edwards' time:

 

1. Spiritual Practices Are God-Focused.

 

When engaging in a spiritual practice, whether reading the Bible devotionally, praising God in church or even listening to a sermon, it can be incredibly easy to start focusing on side-issues. Maybe our lips are moving while singing a praise song, but our minds are thinking about everything else we have to do. Maybe we are reading the Bible for something to say that will sound smart and informed rather than hearing from God.

 

Whatever the case, Edwards would encourage us to have a God-focused understanding of practices. In other words, when we engage in spiritual practices, like those mentioned above or practices like fasting, prayer or solitude, the purpose is to be with God, rather than merely trying to get a task done. Once we forget that, we very quickly focus on making sure we are doing the act right.

 

In other words, rather than learning to be with God, the goal becomes perfecting the technique of a spiritual practice. This digresses rapidly to a self-focused form of spiritual practice, which is nothing short of idolatry.

 

2. Spiritual Practices Are Relational.

 

In light of the God-focused nature of spiritual practices, Edwards would remind us that spiritual practices are always relational. This can be hard to remember. Whenever we are learning a new practice, even if it is something like reading the Bible, we have to devote a good deal of energy and brain power on figuring out how to do it. The mechanics are not irrelevant, but as was just noted, they must not overtake the purpose of being with God.

 

Therefore, in the midst of our spiritual practices—all our spiritual practices—God is calling us to himself. Whether we are reading Scripture, singing praise songs, practicing silence and solitude or fasting, we are called to be with God and to know him in relationship. Spiritual practices are a means of grace, Edwards tells us, and grace is always relational.

 

We do not come to know a distant god, or an infinite power; we come to know God as Father in his Son Jesus Christ. In Christ we are able to call God Father and to know ourselves as His children. Therefore, our spiritual practices should always lead us in relationship and should always be built upon that relationship. Once we start trying to do spiritual practices to establish our relationship with God, even if we do so subconsciously, we fail to embrace the free gift of God in Christ.

 

3. Spiritual Practices Should Lead to Affectionate Knowledge of God.

 

Lastly, it is true that we can often feel overwhelmed when we engage in spiritual practices, frustrated that we fell asleep again in prayer, drifted off again during the sermon or found our time in the Word dry and heartless. Nonetheless, Edwards would remind us, God has called us to have more than just a working knowledge of Himself. God wants us to know Him affectionately.

 

To paraphrase Edwards, God does get your mind off of fleshly things by beating you up, but by showing you something better. The something better He shows you is Himself! Jesus is God’s self-revelation to the world, and that revelation should break open hard and lifeless hearts to His life of love. Therefore, just as our spiritual practices should be God-centered and relational, they should lead us in affection. But what if they don’t? If your heart isn’t moved by God, then we pray “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24) and “Without you I can do nothing” (John 15:5).

 

God is the one who must give us eyes to see His beauty, but we are called to open our hearts to Him in love. Spiritual practices are the means by which we do so. But there are many temptations when practicing any kind of spiritual practices. At the top of the list are the opposites of our three points here.

 

We will always be tempted to make practices self-centered, becoming proud at our discipline; we will be tempted to make practices mechanical, thinking the “right method” will solve our problems; and we will always be tempted to use practices to cover our guilt and shame rather than using them to turn to God in affection.

 

Edwards highlights these pitfalls for us and shows us a better way. Focusing on the Christian life as a journey of love that is God-centered, relational and affectionate reminds us who our God is. By embracing the love of our God we can come to walk with Him in all that we do. Edwards is a great guide to show us how we can do this in every aspect of our lives.

July 28, 2013

"Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. As it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations."He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were. Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be."Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness." The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification." Romans 4:16-25
 

I was reading in Romans 4 this morning. What an amazing treatise on faith! Hebrews 11 has always been the "Faith Chapter", but this chapter is strong! Let me see if I can help you get your heart and mind around it.
 

FAITH IS BELIEVING

Abraham believed what he couldn't see. He trusted for something he had never see before. He was committed to a Higher Reality.
 

Why did he do that?
 

Because of a promise from God - "Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as had been saint to him, 'So shall your offspring be.'" V. 18
 

Faith is believing what you have never seen - seeing with your spirit - because you trust the promise of God.
 

FAITH IS BEHAVING
 

Abraham not only trusted God in his mind and in his spirit, but he acted on what he believed. He took his wife and possessions and left for a place that had not yet been revealed to him. Every day he acted on what he believed God wanted him to do. As James tells us, "Faith without works is dead."
 

Why did he behave that way? He believed in the Person of God.
 

If you say you believe it is going to rain but you leave the house without your umbrella, you are not acting like someone who really believes. True belief, faith, expresses itself with action.
 

To say that you believe that the Bible is God's Word demands that you actually read it, know it, and live according to its truths. If the Bible doesn't shape your behavior, you are not a believer.
 

FAITH IS BECOMING
 

Because Abraham believed in the promise of God and the Person of God, but he also believed in the power of God to help him possess what He had promised! And because he believed and behaved like a believer - God believed in him.
 

The power to become is founded in the power of God that raised Jesus from the dead. Abraham's faith was amazing because not only did he experience God's power prior to the Resurrection, he believed it before Jesus was even born!

 

Abraham became a literal father, but because he believed and behaved as a man of faith, God made Him a spiritual father. If you could look up faith in God's dictionary you would find a picture of Abraham because to God, Abraham = faith.

 

God counted Abraham as the righeous father of a great nation, even when he was childless.

 

God loves it when, by faith, we become what He has designed us to become!

 

It was out of the faithfulness of Abraham that the Hebrew people became a nation. And it was out of this nation that Jesus was born. So not only is Abraham the example of faith, he is the father of THE Faith.
 

How is your faith?

 

Do you believe in God's promises? Do you behave in a manner consistent with His Person? Are you becoming like like Jesus by His power?

July 27, 2013

"Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." Psalm 55:22

 

You have probably heard this: "Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning a lion wakes up. It knows it must outrun the slowest gazelle or it will starve to death."
 

The moral:

It doesn't matter if you are a lion or a gazelle. When the sun comes up, you better be running.
 

No one enjoys being fearful, but fear is a powerful motivator. In our verse for today, the Psalmist offers some great advice, "Let your anxiety drive you to the Lord."

"Cast your cares".

"Cast" in Hebrew means: to throw out, throw down, throw away, to hurl. It does not mean to take back what you have cast, nor to cherish, or keep - but to cast, toss, throw away from yourself.
 

"Cares" in Hebrew means: whatever is given by providence. That means every part of your personality, talents, thoughts, body, emotions, worries, burdens, joys, and gifts.

 

"LORD" as used here in Hebrew means - Eternal, Jehovah, self-existent. The One with no beginning and no end. "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "Who is, and Who was, and Who is to come, the Almighty." Rev. 1:8; 21:6; 22:13.

Piece all these truths together and you get: "Throw and hurl everything that has been given to you onto the Lord. Everything that has been given to you, you are to throw onto the Lord and not to take it back."
 

That is your part. If you will do your part, here's what God will do:

"Sustain" in Hebrew means: "To keep in and contain, To abide, remain with and reside, To receive, comprehend and guide, To feed, nourish, make provision for and provide sustenance for."

 

God makes this personal - "You" - means God is willing and able to do this for you, just the way you are. No changes are needed to come before the Lord God Almighty.

Putting this all together: The Lord Jesus Christ will do all these thing for the one who casts to Him all that they have been, are now, and will be. Every facet of your life must be given away for Him in order for your joy to be full. God Himself will nourish and help you through what you are going through, no matter what it is!

"Fall" in Hebrew means: "To waver, slip, shake, fall; To be carried, cast, be out of course, be fallen in decay."

Add it up like this: The Lord God Almighty will never ever cause the just, clean and righteous person to slip and fall or be carried, cast, or be out of course and be fallen in decay. The Lord God will keep His child, that means the one who trust in Him and loves Him and obeys Him in Spirit and in Truth, He will keep that child cared for and nurtured, steadfast in His Love and protection.
 

What kept you from sleeping well last night? What caused you to awake with anxieties today? You can carry that again today or you can cast it on Him. Your fears can drain you or they can drive you to Him.
 

Listen to the Psalmist!

July 26, 2013

"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God." Psalm 42:1

You have been there. So have I.

On a hot summer day after exercising or working in the yard, you feel like you are dying of thirst. You can't get to the 'fridge fast enough to crack open a bottle of water or a sports drink. And when you do - ahhh, the relief! The cool feel of the liquid down your parched throat and on your tongue is immediately refreshing. You thirst is slaked and your strength returns.

 

The Psalmist parallels that physical experience to a spiritual need. He says that he has the same desperate thirst for God as when he longs for a refreshing drink of cold water. His soul "pants" for God.

 

He was in the heat of a spiritual battle. He was opposed on every side. The heat from the battle was exhausting him and he was about to faint. His need was critical to the point of desperation.

 

When was the last time you were that desperate for God?

 

Jesus said, "Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled."

 
 

God promises to respond to spiritually desperate people.
 

And I want you to notice that the Psalmist was not just talking about a drink of water, he was talking about "streams" of water. That is significant for several reasons.

 

First, a stream flows from a source. It always flows down from a source that is higher than us.

Second, since a stream flows, it is constantly fresh. Unlike a pool or a pond where water collects and stands, a stream continually refreshes itself.

 

Third, a stream is a steady and reliable source of refreshment.

 

Fourth, it is an unlimited supply of fresh cool water.

Are you getting thirsty?

Science says that about 60% of our bodies are made of water. So God built us with a big need to be hydrated with water.

Spiritually, the same is true. Our spiritual life and growth are highly dependent on His living water. You can say that we need to be hydrated or "high-drated" - or "He-drated".

Are you desperate for God? Is your soul panting for Him? What are you thirsting for?

When you have the thirst, He has the stream.