Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Defeated Parenting
Overheard at a Restaurant:
"I told my daughter I don't want her to have sex until she is married but if she decides for herself that she cannot wait and that she absolutely must do it sooner then I want her to be smart about it. If she can't talk to me then I told her to talk to my best friend, who I trust will give her solid advice on what to do."
What message do you think this daughter received from her well meaning but misguided mother?
I think the daughter received more than one message and probably none of them were the ones the mother intended to send.
Incorrect messages given:
1. A girl has the right to decide for herself when she should have sex. (God's Word on the subject wasn't mentioned, nor was his authority over her discussed).
2. We cannot be expected to exercise self-control over our desires (no direction given on how to have an exit plan or avoidance plan to help with the self control issues, nor how pleasing God should always have precedence over pleasing self).
3. Avoid consequences when doing something you shouldn't (ie. pregnancy, STD's) (Only the outer consequences were addressed. No mention of the inner consequences of the heart and mind that occur whenever we live outside of God's plan)
What if we were talking about murder instead of sex outside of marriage? Would you tell your daughter, "I don't want you to murder anyone but if you decide for yourself that you must, I want you to be smart about it. Talk to me, or so-and-so, to get advice on how to do it without getting caught."
Okay, some of you are saying that murder and sex aren't on the same par with one another so my analogy is unfair. Well, let's take it down a notch, then.
What if we were talking about cheating on a test at school? "Honey, I really want you to do your own work but if you choose not to, and instead decide to copy someone else's work, then please talk to me about how to do it without the teacher seeing you."
We wouldn't say that in any other circumstance. Wrong is wrong! Consequences are there to reinforce wrong is wrong. Avoiding the outward consequence doesn't make wrong right. Secret sins don't nullify the sin.
I think Americans are so bombarded with sex and sexual undertones that parents feel they are fighting a losing battle. Majority has changed the scale of morality, and following the crowd seems to be human nature and parents feel defeated in trying to stand against the culture - for themselves! Thus, this defeated attitude in their own behaviors/thinking comes out in their parenting. They failed so they think it natural their kids will fail, too!
Folks, the culture has been on a downward slide for quite sometime and we are in need of a counter balance to tip it the other way. Christians need to step up to counter the cultural shift.
Christians need to understand what God says about all subjects of life and communicate those to our children, along with the expectation God has for obedience. We cannot be too busy with careers and self-fulfillment activities to neglect parenting our children in the fear of the Lord. We can not water down God's truths. We cannot lower God's expectations. We need constant soul revival of our own through God's Word to transform our thinking, strengthen our resolve to obey, and teach God's truths wholly and correctly in all areas of life.
When we fail to do these things we leave our children vulnerable to Satan's lies and deception! If we're not paying attention, you can bet Satan is! Don't let him tie you up in defeated attitudes, busyness, and the lie of following your own self-fulfillment activities. These all prevent you from training up your children well in the ways of the Lord.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Irony
Yesterday afternoon, my daughters were enjoying swimming in their little pool while I sat nearby reading a book.
The book I am currently reading is titled, Team of Rivals The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Godwin. It's one of those tough read books where the sentences are a whole paragraph long and if you get interrupted (which happens when you have kids) you have to reread the entire sentence again to understand what you are reading. It is taking me a long time to read it but is well worth the time. The history, the time, the ways of the people, the literature of the time, etc. are all in there, which makes for a fascinating read for a history buff like me.
So, I am in the chapter where the Dred Scott case is being decided by the Supreme Court and James Buchanan is President. The Supreme Court decision on March 6, 1857 takes the position (7-2) that 'blacks' were not included, and were not intended to be included, under the word 'citizen' in the Constitution (Team of Rivals The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln). This decision was a stunning blow to the north who opposed the slavery mentality of the south.
As I am enjoying the laughs and giggles of my girls, and trying to get a sentence in here and there from the book, a man comes up behind me and excuses himself. After the initial freaking out, I come to understand he is Frank Lasee, a politician running for our State Senate. He notes the book I am reading, and suggests that considering what I am reading, I probably have some important questions for him. We begin a dialogue about what is important to me as a Wisconsin citizen and about what his views are on things or how he wants to address issues in office.
Now, here is the irony. As I am speaking to this politician in my backyard who is soliciting my vote to get him into office, I realize how far our country has grown.
The time frame of the chapter in the book I am reading is prior to blacks being considered citizens, and thus, are not yet legal voters. This meant it was a time prior to women being able to vote. But, here in my backyard, is a man who is concerned about what I need from my state government, interested in what I think, and what is important to my family.
After he leaves, my daughters and I have a conversation about this irony. We discuss what to look for in a person wanting to be a leader in our government. We discuss the great privilege of living in an age where women's ideas are important, and the great responsibility that comes along with that privilege.
I want my daughters to be educated, informed, and wise so that they carry out this responsibility of having a voice, and being heard, in an ethical and godly manner. To not waste the privilege on babble, unimportant ideas, or misuse of justice. I want them to use their voice for the betterment of society, the protection and edification of the family, and for glorifying God.
The book I am currently reading is titled, Team of Rivals The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Godwin. It's one of those tough read books where the sentences are a whole paragraph long and if you get interrupted (which happens when you have kids) you have to reread the entire sentence again to understand what you are reading. It is taking me a long time to read it but is well worth the time. The history, the time, the ways of the people, the literature of the time, etc. are all in there, which makes for a fascinating read for a history buff like me.
So, I am in the chapter where the Dred Scott case is being decided by the Supreme Court and James Buchanan is President. The Supreme Court decision on March 6, 1857 takes the position (7-2) that 'blacks' were not included, and were not intended to be included, under the word 'citizen' in the Constitution (Team of Rivals The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln). This decision was a stunning blow to the north who opposed the slavery mentality of the south.
As I am enjoying the laughs and giggles of my girls, and trying to get a sentence in here and there from the book, a man comes up behind me and excuses himself. After the initial freaking out, I come to understand he is Frank Lasee, a politician running for our State Senate. He notes the book I am reading, and suggests that considering what I am reading, I probably have some important questions for him. We begin a dialogue about what is important to me as a Wisconsin citizen and about what his views are on things or how he wants to address issues in office.
Now, here is the irony. As I am speaking to this politician in my backyard who is soliciting my vote to get him into office, I realize how far our country has grown.
The time frame of the chapter in the book I am reading is prior to blacks being considered citizens, and thus, are not yet legal voters. This meant it was a time prior to women being able to vote. But, here in my backyard, is a man who is concerned about what I need from my state government, interested in what I think, and what is important to my family.
After he leaves, my daughters and I have a conversation about this irony. We discuss what to look for in a person wanting to be a leader in our government. We discuss the great privilege of living in an age where women's ideas are important, and the great responsibility that comes along with that privilege.
I want my daughters to be educated, informed, and wise so that they carry out this responsibility of having a voice, and being heard, in an ethical and godly manner. To not waste the privilege on babble, unimportant ideas, or misuse of justice. I want them to use their voice for the betterment of society, the protection and edification of the family, and for glorifying God.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
The Holy Spirit's Nudge in Mothering
My daughter mentioned that a girl in school recommended she read a particular book which she was able to pick up at the middle school library. My radar did not immediately go up because it was a book in the school library. However, that alone should have been cause for me to question it.
Anyway, I noticed that she would go into her room and lock the door whenever she was reading it. She said it was to keep her little sister out so she could read in peace in quiet. Still, no alarm going off in my head.
In my prayer time yesterday, I asked God to give me a heart for my children's needs and to know what areas of their character, etc. might need some guidance. Well, after supper last night she is back behind a locked door reading this book and I paused to contemplate that and felt the Holy Spirit's nudge to get in there and review that book.
I asked her to scooch over so I could lay on the bed with her and read along with her which is something she normally loves to do but not this time. She instead handed me the book, almost with a sense of relief, and walked out of the room to play. I sat down and began to read.
The book is titled Thirteen Reason Why by Jay Asher. It is about a girl who committed suicide and left behind these cassette tapes talking about why she did it and a boy finds them and listens to them and discovers he is part of the reason why she did. So topic number one that I don't want my daughter reading about is suicide.
Topics 2,3,4 are bullying, partying/drinking to the point of puking and passing out/and rape! I was just about sick. She is in the sixth grade and this book was in her school library.
I asked her what she had read so far and she said pretty much the same stuff I had read. I went in my room and prayed and cried because I was angry that my daughter had lost part of her innocence with what she had read - about people, about the world, about hope, and about the beautiful nature of sex in the way God designed it to be. I didn't even have "the talk" with her yet. It's all skewed now by the world's ugliness and Satan's lies and activities. I was heartbroken.
God reminded me that Hunter had signed a purity covenant last year though church and I went and dug it out. Together, we reread it out loud, talked about why reading this book went against what God wanted us to do, and that we needed to ask him to forgive us and restore us. She agreed and we prayed, for her, for me, and for all the other kids at school who may read this book. She, then, asked if she could resign the covenant. I thought it was a great idea and showed a recommitment to the covenant she made with God and I felt she was sincere in her repentance.
She knew it was wrong to read it but she got caught up in the lure of what Satan had to offer. That's how he works. He's a deceiver, a liar, and destroyer. She needed her mom to step in and pull her away and she was grateful for the rescue.
Today, I read the reviews on-line of this book, and so many people tout it as the best book written on suicide. In the back of the book, the author has a question/answer section,and in one of his answers he says:
Some people, primarily adults, would rather there be no books dealing with controversial subjects, even if those books help start a dialogue between teens and adults. Thankfully, I've heard from a lot of parents and teachers and librarians who are using this book for that very reason."
Well, my daughter would have read it with NO DIALOGUE, if the Holy Spirit wouldn't have stepped in, because it was chosen for the MIDDLE school library for kids to check out and read for fun. It is not that kind of dialogue I want my innocent daughter to be having at this age. I don't know how books are chosen for these libraries but I do know they are not chosen with the best interest of our children in mind. At least, not a biblical best interest, maybe a worldly one, but not a biblical one.
Next year, our daughter will be home schooled. This book, and others like it, will not grace the shelves of our school library! That decision does not make me foolish as the world would like to claim that I am but rather it makes me wise and discerning and God-Fearing.
Lessons learned:
1. A parent cannot effectively parent without being led by the Holy Spirit to be made aware of those things we would not see or overlook.
2. Other people cannot have the same level of interest in my daughter that I have nor do they want to protect her like I do. I am the best person to raise and educate my children.
3. Satan is so deceptive and clever. EVERYTHING must be examined through the lens of God's Word before determining good. If it doesn't hold up to God's Word it's a lie or a trap! Don't let Satan lull you into complacency in your parenting. Guard yourselves, too. There is so much that on the surface looks good, sounds good, everyone else has bought into as good, etc. that ISN'T. Don't fall victim to Satan's deceit.
4. Forgiveness is available when we fail, fall down, retreat, etc. We need to seek it, ask to be restored and healed, and then move on. Don't give up doing what is good because of a temporary setback. God can make everything new again, give hope where hope was lost, and give you strength to start anew. He has the power to guard and keep you.
This is the message the book fails to give but it is the only message that really has the power to overcome the world's lies!
Anyway, I noticed that she would go into her room and lock the door whenever she was reading it. She said it was to keep her little sister out so she could read in peace in quiet. Still, no alarm going off in my head.
In my prayer time yesterday, I asked God to give me a heart for my children's needs and to know what areas of their character, etc. might need some guidance. Well, after supper last night she is back behind a locked door reading this book and I paused to contemplate that and felt the Holy Spirit's nudge to get in there and review that book.
I asked her to scooch over so I could lay on the bed with her and read along with her which is something she normally loves to do but not this time. She instead handed me the book, almost with a sense of relief, and walked out of the room to play. I sat down and began to read.
The book is titled Thirteen Reason Why by Jay Asher. It is about a girl who committed suicide and left behind these cassette tapes talking about why she did it and a boy finds them and listens to them and discovers he is part of the reason why she did. So topic number one that I don't want my daughter reading about is suicide.
Topics 2,3,4 are bullying, partying/drinking to the point of puking and passing out/and rape! I was just about sick. She is in the sixth grade and this book was in her school library.
I asked her what she had read so far and she said pretty much the same stuff I had read. I went in my room and prayed and cried because I was angry that my daughter had lost part of her innocence with what she had read - about people, about the world, about hope, and about the beautiful nature of sex in the way God designed it to be. I didn't even have "the talk" with her yet. It's all skewed now by the world's ugliness and Satan's lies and activities. I was heartbroken.
God reminded me that Hunter had signed a purity covenant last year though church and I went and dug it out. Together, we reread it out loud, talked about why reading this book went against what God wanted us to do, and that we needed to ask him to forgive us and restore us. She agreed and we prayed, for her, for me, and for all the other kids at school who may read this book. She, then, asked if she could resign the covenant. I thought it was a great idea and showed a recommitment to the covenant she made with God and I felt she was sincere in her repentance.
She knew it was wrong to read it but she got caught up in the lure of what Satan had to offer. That's how he works. He's a deceiver, a liar, and destroyer. She needed her mom to step in and pull her away and she was grateful for the rescue.
Today, I read the reviews on-line of this book, and so many people tout it as the best book written on suicide. In the back of the book, the author has a question/answer section,and in one of his answers he says:
Some people, primarily adults, would rather there be no books dealing with controversial subjects, even if those books help start a dialogue between teens and adults. Thankfully, I've heard from a lot of parents and teachers and librarians who are using this book for that very reason."
Well, my daughter would have read it with NO DIALOGUE, if the Holy Spirit wouldn't have stepped in, because it was chosen for the MIDDLE school library for kids to check out and read for fun. It is not that kind of dialogue I want my innocent daughter to be having at this age. I don't know how books are chosen for these libraries but I do know they are not chosen with the best interest of our children in mind. At least, not a biblical best interest, maybe a worldly one, but not a biblical one.
Next year, our daughter will be home schooled. This book, and others like it, will not grace the shelves of our school library! That decision does not make me foolish as the world would like to claim that I am but rather it makes me wise and discerning and God-Fearing.
Lessons learned:
1. A parent cannot effectively parent without being led by the Holy Spirit to be made aware of those things we would not see or overlook.
2. Other people cannot have the same level of interest in my daughter that I have nor do they want to protect her like I do. I am the best person to raise and educate my children.
3. Satan is so deceptive and clever. EVERYTHING must be examined through the lens of God's Word before determining good. If it doesn't hold up to God's Word it's a lie or a trap! Don't let Satan lull you into complacency in your parenting. Guard yourselves, too. There is so much that on the surface looks good, sounds good, everyone else has bought into as good, etc. that ISN'T. Don't fall victim to Satan's deceit.
4. Forgiveness is available when we fail, fall down, retreat, etc. We need to seek it, ask to be restored and healed, and then move on. Don't give up doing what is good because of a temporary setback. God can make everything new again, give hope where hope was lost, and give you strength to start anew. He has the power to guard and keep you.
This is the message the book fails to give but it is the only message that really has the power to overcome the world's lies!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
God's Timing
Lord, Whenever I have too much going on my body and mind go on lockdown and I can't seem to focus. Show me the things that are important today and help me prioritize and let go of the things that don't matter. Give me an attitude of service to others versus a self-centered one. Center me with your peace, your vision, your will. My desire is to please you. Amen
I wrote these words at 8:00 AM this morning in my prayer journal. I leave tomorrow on weekend Woman's Retreat with 400 other women from my Church. My day included laundry, cooking meals for the family for when I am away, packing, phone calls, last minute errands, etc. I just felt overwhelmed with everything I felt I needed to do before I could leave. So, I spent some time first talking with God because I've learned through experience things go better when I do.
At 8:15 AM, fifteen minutes after writing those words, I received a phone call from my daughter. She frantically said, "Mom, did you hear what happened?"
Flash forward one hour earlier.
When we left the house at 7:20 AM an ambulance had gone rushing past our house. Before we were all in the car, two fire trucks had also gone through. We commented this was not good, especially if it was a car accident, given the time of day it could easily involve high school kids. I said a quick mental prayer for whoever might be involved and took the kids to school
As I arrived back in my driveway, two helicopters flew overhead, hospital helicopters. I knew then something bad had really happened. I said another prayer, more urgent this time, for all involved. As soon I was back in the house though my mind turned back to all the things I had to do and I then began my bible study and prayer time.
On the other end of the phone, my daughter is now telling me there was a car accident and five high school kids were hit by a train on the way to school. Four of the five were brothers and she told me their last name.
Eight days ago that name would have meant nothing to me because I would not have known them at all. My daughter said, "Mom, isn't that the name of the Dad and his son who came to your small group last week? I think it is, that's why I'm calling you, I thought you would like to get a hold of your small group leader and see what you could do."
Our church is a large church and to keep a sense of connection we have small groups that get together every week to support each other, do bible study, and pray together. It provides a sense of community that could be hard to get in a large church. Just last week a new man joined us. He brought one of his high school sons along, who participated with our group that night. We learned about the things they liked to do, what is going on in their lives, etc. They go to our church but just now joined our group and up until that point, I had never heard of them before.
The thought immediately came to me that there was no coincidence in the timing of our meeting. God knew that they were going to need a group of fellow Christians to rally around them and he brought us all together just in time for that to happen.
Two hours together, seven days ago, was all the preparation God knew we needed to be in a position to step in to help today. What amazing timing and providence!
When I called my small group leader, she felt the same way. We called everyone else in the group and immediately got everyone praying. One husband and wife went to the hospital to be with the family. Another went to the farm where the boys live to help with chores. The ladies began cooking meals for the Grandparents. The boys lived with there Grandparents and they were responsible for the cooking at the house, someone would now need to fill that role for awhile. More of the men will go to the farm tonight to see where they might be able to help. Whatever needs to be done, we will help do.
Remember my earlier predicament? Remember my words to God? Prioritize my day and let go of the things that don't matter. Give me an attitude of service to others.
Never did I dream my day would go this route when I prayed those words, but I did know without a doubt God's hand was at work.
If I ever have to face something as horrific as what these kids and their families faced this morning, I pray someone else would be willing to let God set their priority for the day and ask to be of service to someone else and, then, maybe, I would receive the same kind of outpouring of love and concern that I hope this family feels today.
I may not be any further ahead in MY to do list but God's agenda was accomplished today and that's all that matters.
I know without a doubt, God is in control, and provides for those who call him Lord. I saw his hand working in the midst of a tragedy today and I rest in peace knowing he will do the same for me.
If you are going through a tragedy of your own, I hope you see how God has provided for you in the midst of it. Share your story with the world and let others know who reigns as King.
WLUK Fox11online.com
Car hits train near Brillion
5 high school students hospitalized
Updated: Thursday, 22 Apr 2010, 11:08 AM CDT
Published : Thursday, 22 Apr 2010, 8:29 AM CDT
TOWN OF RANTOUL - A car carrying five teens on their way to Brillion High School collided with a train Thursday morning, Calumet County authorities say.
The crash happened on East River Road, south of Fischer Road, in the town of Rantoul around 7:30 a.m. Five victims were taken to Theda Clark Hospital in Neenah, some by helicopter and some by ambulance. A 15-year-old boy was listed in critical condition Thursday morning, while an 18-year-old man and two boys, ages 16 and 15, were listed in serious condition. Those four are all related. An 18-year-old woman, who is not related to the other victims, but was also traveling in the car, was listed in fair condition. The 16-year-old was driving the car.
Officials said it appeared the car did not yield to the train. The crossing has a yield sign, but no lights or gates.
FOX 11 has a crew at the scene and will have more information on fox11online.com and on FOX 11 News
I wrote these words at 8:00 AM this morning in my prayer journal. I leave tomorrow on weekend Woman's Retreat with 400 other women from my Church. My day included laundry, cooking meals for the family for when I am away, packing, phone calls, last minute errands, etc. I just felt overwhelmed with everything I felt I needed to do before I could leave. So, I spent some time first talking with God because I've learned through experience things go better when I do.
At 8:15 AM, fifteen minutes after writing those words, I received a phone call from my daughter. She frantically said, "Mom, did you hear what happened?"
Flash forward one hour earlier.
When we left the house at 7:20 AM an ambulance had gone rushing past our house. Before we were all in the car, two fire trucks had also gone through. We commented this was not good, especially if it was a car accident, given the time of day it could easily involve high school kids. I said a quick mental prayer for whoever might be involved and took the kids to school
As I arrived back in my driveway, two helicopters flew overhead, hospital helicopters. I knew then something bad had really happened. I said another prayer, more urgent this time, for all involved. As soon I was back in the house though my mind turned back to all the things I had to do and I then began my bible study and prayer time.
On the other end of the phone, my daughter is now telling me there was a car accident and five high school kids were hit by a train on the way to school. Four of the five were brothers and she told me their last name.
Eight days ago that name would have meant nothing to me because I would not have known them at all. My daughter said, "Mom, isn't that the name of the Dad and his son who came to your small group last week? I think it is, that's why I'm calling you, I thought you would like to get a hold of your small group leader and see what you could do."
Our church is a large church and to keep a sense of connection we have small groups that get together every week to support each other, do bible study, and pray together. It provides a sense of community that could be hard to get in a large church. Just last week a new man joined us. He brought one of his high school sons along, who participated with our group that night. We learned about the things they liked to do, what is going on in their lives, etc. They go to our church but just now joined our group and up until that point, I had never heard of them before.
The thought immediately came to me that there was no coincidence in the timing of our meeting. God knew that they were going to need a group of fellow Christians to rally around them and he brought us all together just in time for that to happen.
Two hours together, seven days ago, was all the preparation God knew we needed to be in a position to step in to help today. What amazing timing and providence!
When I called my small group leader, she felt the same way. We called everyone else in the group and immediately got everyone praying. One husband and wife went to the hospital to be with the family. Another went to the farm where the boys live to help with chores. The ladies began cooking meals for the Grandparents. The boys lived with there Grandparents and they were responsible for the cooking at the house, someone would now need to fill that role for awhile. More of the men will go to the farm tonight to see where they might be able to help. Whatever needs to be done, we will help do.
Remember my earlier predicament? Remember my words to God? Prioritize my day and let go of the things that don't matter. Give me an attitude of service to others.
Never did I dream my day would go this route when I prayed those words, but I did know without a doubt God's hand was at work.
If I ever have to face something as horrific as what these kids and their families faced this morning, I pray someone else would be willing to let God set their priority for the day and ask to be of service to someone else and, then, maybe, I would receive the same kind of outpouring of love and concern that I hope this family feels today.
I may not be any further ahead in MY to do list but God's agenda was accomplished today and that's all that matters.
I know without a doubt, God is in control, and provides for those who call him Lord. I saw his hand working in the midst of a tragedy today and I rest in peace knowing he will do the same for me.
If you are going through a tragedy of your own, I hope you see how God has provided for you in the midst of it. Share your story with the world and let others know who reigns as King.
WLUK Fox11online.com
Car hits train near Brillion
5 high school students hospitalized
Updated: Thursday, 22 Apr 2010, 11:08 AM CDT
Published : Thursday, 22 Apr 2010, 8:29 AM CDT
TOWN OF RANTOUL - A car carrying five teens on their way to Brillion High School collided with a train Thursday morning, Calumet County authorities say.
The crash happened on East River Road, south of Fischer Road, in the town of Rantoul around 7:30 a.m. Five victims were taken to Theda Clark Hospital in Neenah, some by helicopter and some by ambulance. A 15-year-old boy was listed in critical condition Thursday morning, while an 18-year-old man and two boys, ages 16 and 15, were listed in serious condition. Those four are all related. An 18-year-old woman, who is not related to the other victims, but was also traveling in the car, was listed in fair condition. The 16-year-old was driving the car.
Officials said it appeared the car did not yield to the train. The crossing has a yield sign, but no lights or gates.
FOX 11 has a crew at the scene and will have more information on fox11online.com and on FOX 11 News
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Going overboard?
My Dad raised us in the church. We attended a Parochial grade school and we expected in church every Sunday as long as we lived under his roof. We prayed before and after every meal. We were baptized and confirmed. Our baptism sponsors gifted us with bibles and prayer books at confirmation. The church prayed for us. He was directing all of this in our lives so why is he so surprised that I am a Christian today?
My Dad commented today that he remembers having to drag my sister and I out of bed every Sunday morning to attend church and now, in his words, we are both going overboard with our religion.
I suggested that maybe we are doing exactly what he intended to happen when he made it a priority for us to get a Christian upbringing.
He said, "No, we have gone overboard."
I, then, suggested that maybe we're not overboard but maybe he's underboard. I'm not sure if this is a word but it gently got his attention.
To this he said, "Yes, that's probably true. I am underboard. I didn't go to church last Sunday because it was Friendship Sunday and they always do extra things I don't care to take part in and I didn't go the Sunday before because they were doing a survey about how you might help serve in the church. I would say I am underboard."
No more on this topic was said but somehow in his mind, I moved from the overboard right, closer to the middle, and he moved further to the underboard left. The distance between he and I remains the same but maybe with the quiet adjustment came the realization for him that's it not my sister and I who are off but rather he who is lacking something.
I love my Dad and I thank him for the sacrifices he has made and the Christian upbringing he made sure we had. I wish he could experience for himself the love and freedom found in the very Lord he made such a great effort to make sure we would know. Isn't it ironic that he is surprised by the outcome of the foundation he helped lay? I know it took a long time to take hold but it did and I wish he would be able to celebrate that not be perplexed by it.
I know the Living Christ, Dad! The relationship has saved my life! I wish you would know him, too! I hope you see Him in me! In my sister! I hope you are able to move from underboard to overboard someday! This is my prayer for you.
Love you Dad!
My Dad commented today that he remembers having to drag my sister and I out of bed every Sunday morning to attend church and now, in his words, we are both going overboard with our religion.
I suggested that maybe we are doing exactly what he intended to happen when he made it a priority for us to get a Christian upbringing.
He said, "No, we have gone overboard."
I, then, suggested that maybe we're not overboard but maybe he's underboard. I'm not sure if this is a word but it gently got his attention.
To this he said, "Yes, that's probably true. I am underboard. I didn't go to church last Sunday because it was Friendship Sunday and they always do extra things I don't care to take part in and I didn't go the Sunday before because they were doing a survey about how you might help serve in the church. I would say I am underboard."
No more on this topic was said but somehow in his mind, I moved from the overboard right, closer to the middle, and he moved further to the underboard left. The distance between he and I remains the same but maybe with the quiet adjustment came the realization for him that's it not my sister and I who are off but rather he who is lacking something.
I love my Dad and I thank him for the sacrifices he has made and the Christian upbringing he made sure we had. I wish he could experience for himself the love and freedom found in the very Lord he made such a great effort to make sure we would know. Isn't it ironic that he is surprised by the outcome of the foundation he helped lay? I know it took a long time to take hold but it did and I wish he would be able to celebrate that not be perplexed by it.
I know the Living Christ, Dad! The relationship has saved my life! I wish you would know him, too! I hope you see Him in me! In my sister! I hope you are able to move from underboard to overboard someday! This is my prayer for you.
Love you Dad!
The Kingdom of God Is Now
The Kingdom of God is not a far off place I wish to live in someday - I live in it now!
The King Jesus is not a King I will worship and serve someday when I get to heaven - I worship and serve Him today!
The laws of His kingdom are not laws I will obey later in heaven - I obey them now!
The ways of His kingdom are not the ways I will follow once I live in heaven - I follow them now!
The inheritance of the kingdom is not an inheritance I wait to inherit - I claim it today!
The army of the kingdom is not one I wait to be protected by - I am protected now!
I believe, therefore, the kingdom of God is within me - now!
It has come for me, I do not wait for it, it lives in me, and I in it.
I serve Christ and walk in His ways which are contrary to the ways of this worldly kingdom here on earth.
I trust in my perfect King that He knows best what I should do, where I should go, and how I should live. I strive to do as He says.
I understand to live this way among a people of a different kingdom will bring me ridicule, rejection, judgement, suffering, and persecution because the world does not know the Lord I love.
I rest in His promises and faithfulness and trust His Word to be true.
On Judgement Day, He will separate the sheep from the goats. He will take the sheep home and relieve their suffering and reward their faithfulness and allegiance to Him as their King.
I want to be a sheep, His child, called home to rest in His love and provision for all eternity.
In the meantime, I want to be a worker in furthering His kingdom here on earth. I don't always know what that looks like but I trust He will show me.
I depend of my King for strength, wisdom, guidance, and approval. It's His approval and His version of success that I seek!
If I am found faithful in His eyes then my life was well spent.
The King Jesus is not a King I will worship and serve someday when I get to heaven - I worship and serve Him today!
The laws of His kingdom are not laws I will obey later in heaven - I obey them now!
The ways of His kingdom are not the ways I will follow once I live in heaven - I follow them now!
The inheritance of the kingdom is not an inheritance I wait to inherit - I claim it today!
The army of the kingdom is not one I wait to be protected by - I am protected now!
I believe, therefore, the kingdom of God is within me - now!
It has come for me, I do not wait for it, it lives in me, and I in it.
I serve Christ and walk in His ways which are contrary to the ways of this worldly kingdom here on earth.
I trust in my perfect King that He knows best what I should do, where I should go, and how I should live. I strive to do as He says.
I understand to live this way among a people of a different kingdom will bring me ridicule, rejection, judgement, suffering, and persecution because the world does not know the Lord I love.
I rest in His promises and faithfulness and trust His Word to be true.
On Judgement Day, He will separate the sheep from the goats. He will take the sheep home and relieve their suffering and reward their faithfulness and allegiance to Him as their King.
I want to be a sheep, His child, called home to rest in His love and provision for all eternity.
In the meantime, I want to be a worker in furthering His kingdom here on earth. I don't always know what that looks like but I trust He will show me.
I depend of my King for strength, wisdom, guidance, and approval. It's His approval and His version of success that I seek!
If I am found faithful in His eyes then my life was well spent.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Noble Men
But the noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds he stands. Isaiah 32:8
What does it mean to be a noble man?
What are noble plans?
What are noble deeds?
I believe a noble man is a Godly man.
I believe noble plans are plans in accordance with God's will.
I believe noble deeds are the acts we do in the name of Jesus to serve others and to glorify God. It's the living out of God's will for us in our lives.
A man without a saving faith in Jesus Christ is not a noble man. He has not gained nobility yet by becoming an adopted son and co-heir to the kingdom of heaven. He has not entered the royal line.
A man without a saving faith in Jesus Christ cannot, therefore, make noble plans because he will not be seeking the will of his Father in heaven. Instead, he will make plans out of the desires of his evil heart and in accordance with worldly measures. To the world, his plans will look very good but they are not noble plans flowing from the King of Kings.
A man without a saving faith in Jesus Christ cannot do noble deeds because he has no idea who Jesus is, what Jesus would want him to do, nor how to glorify the living God.
A man who does not have a saving faith in Jesus Christ will not understand a noble man, his plans, or his deeds. To follow someone God's will, to go against worldly standards, or to put others ahead of yourself will be foreign concepts to him who does not know Christ.
The saved should act like noble men making noble plans and doing noble deeds. We should be bringing glory to our Father in heaven who saved us through the blood of his Son, Jesus. We should be seeking God's will and doing it.
To those who are not yet noble men, do you know God loves you, and wants to bring you into his Kingdom as co-heirs, as well?
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his One and Only Son, that whoever believes in him will have eternal life.
Noble men take heart when the world does not understand your plans and deeds for our God who saves will also redeem and reward those who walk in His ways. Your actions may also work with the Holy Spirit to draw others into a life of nobility.
What does it mean to be a noble man?
What are noble plans?
What are noble deeds?
I believe a noble man is a Godly man.
I believe noble plans are plans in accordance with God's will.
I believe noble deeds are the acts we do in the name of Jesus to serve others and to glorify God. It's the living out of God's will for us in our lives.
A man without a saving faith in Jesus Christ is not a noble man. He has not gained nobility yet by becoming an adopted son and co-heir to the kingdom of heaven. He has not entered the royal line.
A man without a saving faith in Jesus Christ cannot, therefore, make noble plans because he will not be seeking the will of his Father in heaven. Instead, he will make plans out of the desires of his evil heart and in accordance with worldly measures. To the world, his plans will look very good but they are not noble plans flowing from the King of Kings.
A man without a saving faith in Jesus Christ cannot do noble deeds because he has no idea who Jesus is, what Jesus would want him to do, nor how to glorify the living God.
A man who does not have a saving faith in Jesus Christ will not understand a noble man, his plans, or his deeds. To follow someone God's will, to go against worldly standards, or to put others ahead of yourself will be foreign concepts to him who does not know Christ.
The saved should act like noble men making noble plans and doing noble deeds. We should be bringing glory to our Father in heaven who saved us through the blood of his Son, Jesus. We should be seeking God's will and doing it.
To those who are not yet noble men, do you know God loves you, and wants to bring you into his Kingdom as co-heirs, as well?
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his One and Only Son, that whoever believes in him will have eternal life.
Noble men take heart when the world does not understand your plans and deeds for our God who saves will also redeem and reward those who walk in His ways. Your actions may also work with the Holy Spirit to draw others into a life of nobility.
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