It's the most wonderful/ridiculous time of the year...

Black Friday has come and gone, and we're officially in the midst of the Christmas season. As I grow older, I've developed a little bit of a love/hate relationship with the Christmas season. Let me explain.

I love it because, it's a chance to celebrate that God intervened in the world by sending His Son to the earth. I still haven't gotten over that fact that God would love the world enough to do that. The idea that the "Word became flesh" is literally the event most worthy of celebration in the history of the world.

On the other hand, I live in a world that "celebrates" a much different Christmas. For the next solid month, I'll be surrounded by rampant consumerism, credit card debt, and some downright ridiculousness. It might be that I'm just getting older, but it seems to get more and more ridiculous every year.

So here's you're thought for the day as you wrestle with this tension about how to focus your family's life and thought for the next month or so...

There will be tons of people who are more more concerned with what they want from Santa rather than being concerned with what Jesus wants from them. How can you combat that in your family's life? What's your plan because you can't stumble into intentionality?

Thanksgiving

Hope you have a fantastic Thanksgiving!

May you use this day to not just be thankful FOR things...but may you be thankful to the GIVER of ALL good things!


"Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." (James 1:16-17)

Family Devotional 101 (Part 4 of 4)

Over the course of the next couple of weeks, I'm going to take on a couple of different topics that will require some length. So, I'll break it into "bite-size" chunks!

Family Devotional 101 (Part 4)

A Plea to Dads

Dads, please hear my heart. Take the lead in your family. The Bible tells you to do it. With leadership comes responsibility. The Lord hasn’t given you leadership for your own sake but that you could serve your family. Leadership and responsibility work hand in hand.

I know it’s hard. I know you’re busy, and that there are so many days during the week that you come home exhausted and want to curl up in the bed. I know that sometimes you don’t feel strong enough spiritually to lead your family. The admittance of that to yourself and to your family is a wonderful example to them that you’re not “there” yet either.

I’m pleading with you, on behalf of an entire generation. Don’t let someone else, some TV show, or some other influence mold and shape your children. God gave them to you as a gift, to do your best with them for as many years as you have them. Find time with them every day to talk about the things of God.

Final Encouragement

You can do this…You must do this! Don’t leave the discipleship of your children to someone else, even if you feel like you’re not adequately prepared. Parents are the single most important influence in a child’s life. That can be a scary thought. It ought to produce fear and trepidation in the hearts of parents. But there’s a good kind of fear, the kind of fear that pushes us to keep pressing forward, to keep trying, and to never give up.

Family Devotional 101 (Part 3 of 4)

Over the course of the next couple of weeks, I'm going to take on a couple of different topics that will require some length. So, I'll break it into "bite-size" chunks!

Family Devotional 101 (Part 3)

What should I do during this “devotional” time

I want to do my best to take the stigma off of “family devotional time.” Most people hear that phrase and they get really nervous, thinking that they have to have a grand 4-year plan for working through all the stories of the Bible. It really doesn’t have to be that hard, and if you were to over-plan or super-prepare, you might come off as cold and stale.

The number one thing you can do is to…Read the Bible! Read the Bible! Read the Bible! Why?

“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes...More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:7-11

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:9-11

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16

There are so many more passages that talk about the impact of Scripture in our lives. It’s amazing how much kids get out of reading the Bible. Take a passage of Scripture. You can even have the kid(s) read it for the family. Then simply discuss what they heard, observed, learned, and think about that particular Bible passage.

Try an experiment. Open up to a story of passage of Scripture. Read it together as a family, and then ask a very simple question, “What did you think about what the Bible just said?” You’ll be amazed what a kid will come up with as an answer to that question. It doesn’t have to be long. You can do this in 10 minutes or less, but the impact may be far greater.

So many times, we get wrapped up in trying to teach our children all the books of the Bible and every detail of every Bible story. We don’t need any more Christians who grow up with huge heads (filled up intellectually about God) and tiny, weak hearts (with no passion for God). Personally, if I had to choose, I’d rather have a whole generation of kids who grow up knowing a couple of very simple things that have really gripped them and make a difference in their lives on a daily basis. I want them to know that every thing we have is a gift of God through his grace, including salvation. I want them to know that they can trust God in all situations (good and bad). I want them to know what it means for them to “love their neighbor” and actually do it. You don’t have to be the world’s best Bible teacher to do this! Pick out a couple of big ideas that you want your kids to know and believe with everything they are, and be relentless.

Another really important facet of a “family devotional time” is prayer. I implore you to teach your kids to pray. Model for them how to come to the throne of God and converse with God about what’s going on in their lives. Teach them to not only pray for themselves or the things that affecting them, but teach them, more importantly, to pray for others. Pray for your neighbors. Pray for your family. Pray for their siblings. Pray for their friends. Pray for missionaries around the world.

Do your best to model for them the kind of honesty that prayer requires before God. Pray, pray, and pray some more. Pray without ceasing!

The last part/conclusion is coming up on Monday...see you then!

Family Devotional 101 (Part 2 of 4)

Over the course of the next couple of weeks, I'm going to take on a couple of different topics that will require some length. So, I'll break it into "bite-size" chunks!

Family Devotional 101 (Part 2)


When’s the best time

The real answer to that question is…ANYTIME. Anytime is the best time. Whatever works for you as a family within the natural flow of the day.

A natural time to do this is during a meal time or right before bed. It really depends on when you can get everyone in your family in the same room at the same time (a very difficult task considering the realities of the modern family). Another possibility is the car. The average, suburban family spends hours in the car each week. Use that to your advantage.

What about kids on a different level

Most families, if they have multiple children will always have kids who are on different levels intellectually, emotionally, and especially, spiritually. Sometimes this can be difficult, especially with really young children.

The Scriptures are applicable to everyone. Having said that, they are not always applicable in the same way. As your children get older, it will be extremely important to teach them how to apply the Bible to their individual, daily lives. That’s why open-ended thought provoking questions are a must. One kid might be dealing with a bully situation. Another may have some issues with how they use their tongues. You’re in this together as a family. Every part of the family affects the other, and I would venture to believe that your kids will learn from each other as much as they learn from you.

Still more to come...stay tuned!

Family Devotional 101 (Part 1 of 4)

Over the course of the next couple of weeks, I'm going to take on a couple of different topics that will require some length. So, I'll break it into "bite-size" chunks!

Family Devotional 101 (Part 1)

The Question:

Should a family do devotions together? Why is it so important? Can you give me some tips on how to do this with a family that has so many different age kids who aren’t on the same level? Is it okay to do individual devotions for our children or do we need to find a time to do it all together?

Why should my family have a devotional time

If a child’s parents are supposed to be the #1 spiritually-shaping influence in a child’s life, then there are some things that are absolutely necessary. One of which is a consistent time where the Scriptures are opened, discussed, and applied. There is no way that parents can do raise spiritually healthy children effectively without it. Church attendance is not enough. Listening to Christian radio or CD’s is not enough. Even forcing them to watch TBN isn’t enough (that’s a joke…please don’t do that). How can you pass down the faith, a love for the Scriptures, and a passion for our Heavenly Father, if you never spend any consistent time talking about those things and modeling how that’s done?

One of the easiest ways to do this is to have a daily and intentional time where the things of God are discussed. Children are forming habits that will last them a lifetime. Imagine if from the earliest days a child can remember, they remember a daily time where they heard God’s word or talked about how amazing God is. I have a sneaking suspicion that those particular children will have a better shot at developing a daily time with God for themselves later on in life. It also must be intentional. Time with God doesn’t just happen by accident. If you don’t plan or make a plan, it’s just not going to happen.

The reality is that most families (please don’t hear a guilt trip here…I’m just pointing out realities for the average American family) spend more time talking about their children’s extra curricular activities (soccer, dance, etc.) or a particular TV show than they spend talking about God. The average family gets more “excited” watching a football game or other sporting event than they do when God reveals a little more of Himself to them. Now, I know that all of our families are the exception, but I’m just asking you to think about what we give our energies toward.

More coming later in the week!

Friday Media - Darndest Edition

Do you remember the show, "Kids Say the Darndest Things"? It still makes me laugh even after all these years...






So, what's the craziest/zaniest/darndest thing one of your kids has ever said?

Children and the Gospel (Part 4 of 4)

Over the course of the next couple of weeks, I'm going to take on a couple of different topics that will require some length. So, I'll break it into "bite-size" chunks!


Children and the Gospel! (Part 4)

“Saying the prayer”

One of the things that often accompanies kids and salvation is “the prayer.” We absolutely have to remember that saying some words or praying to God isn’t what saves us. It is the belief/faith behind that prayer that saves us. A child or adult can have a saving faith in Christ without praying.

However, for children and adults a prayer is often a useful tool to help someone verbalize the faith decision they may have just made. If you decide to use a prayer to help someone you’re leading to Christ, make it a point to help them understand that it wasn’t saying the right words in a prayer that makes them okay with God. The “Sinner’s Prayer” isn’t some magical combination that opens up the secret door. 9 right, 13 left, 23 right…bingo, I’m in! Sometimes it can be treated flippantly, and I’ve seen it done. “Just get them through the prayer.” That’s selling the gospel really short.

Please hear me. Don’t be afraid to use a “prayer” as a tool with your kids, but always come back with instruction that lets a child/adult know that they are in right standing with God because of one thing, and one thing alone, faith.

Adequate vs. Best

God can use anything to bring people to a saving knowledge of Him. I’ve seen the most incoherent rambling about Christ wreck people and lead them to the Savior. I’ve also seen the most polished, well-thought-out gospel presentation move no one to repentance.

However, I do think we have a duty as followers of Jesus Christ to make the gospel as plain and as understandable as we possibly can, especially for children. Many of our attempts at sharing the gospel may only lead to more confusion. There’s an adequate/good way…and there’s a better/best way. Why not shoot for the best?

***Please see the other attached documents for a more in-depth discussion of some helpful hints***

What should I do?

Talk about the gospel truth, especially to the children in your life.

Talk about the difference the gospel has made in your life.

Have a plan for sharing the gospel to your children. Not so that they can go to heaven and you can have peace, but because you love them and want them to have the most abundant, best life (eternal life discussion from above).

Pray every day that the Holy Spirit would open the eyes of your children and others to the truth of the gospel, and that they would have a train wreck with the grace of God.

Don’t manipulate kids or pressure them to make a decision. They better own it for themselves, or it’s going to cause more heartache in the end.

Remember that this is all in God’s hands. Do your best, and trust God that he’ll bring about the result He desires at the time He desires.

Well, that's it...we'll start up a new topic in a few days!

Children and the Gospel (Part 3 of 4)

Over the course of the next couple of weeks, I'm going to take on a couple of different topics that will require some length. So, I'll break it into "bite-size" chunks!


Children and the Gospel! (Part 3)

Is there an age?

Many people tend to believe that there’s a general age range that a child should be in before they can really make a decision for themselves to trust Christ as their Savior. Some call it the “age of accountability,” or they use some other term. The general idea is that a child doesn’t have the cognitive development to make a life-long, faith decision for themselves until a particular age.

I’ll just put it this way. The “average” three year old isn’t going to make a thought-out, long-lasting decision to trust Christ as Savior. I’m not saying that it couldn’t happen…I’m just saying it’s not normal. They can begin to learn the concepts, and they should be taught them continually in hopes that a basic worldview would begin to be shaped.

I don’t know where that age is. I really don’t. Over the last seven years of ministering to children, though, I have become extremely adept at deciphering between a kid who has come to a decision for themselves and a kid who got pressured into making a saying a prayer or verbalizing something about Jesus so that his/her parents could relax knowing that their child was “in the club.” Please hear my heart. Present the gospel every time you feel the Spirit lead you to do so, but please don’t pressure your kids or force them there. Trust me…it’s just going to be harder for you later.

There’s one common issue that I’ll address. A number of kids will come to faith at an early age 6-9. They make a decision, trust Christ, they may even be baptized. However, that child gets to be 12 or 13, goes to church camp, and hears the gospel preached and wonders if they need to “re-up” with Jesus. Either one of two things is happening in this situation. Either, they are realizing that they may have just performed an act or empty ritual without the necessary faith behind it or they learned some new facet of what the gospel means and they are attempting to rectify that with their previous understanding.

When I made my decision to trust Christ, I was a young boy. Now, as a man, I understand much more about the decision I was making that day and what it meant. Just because I understand more now, does not mean that I didn’t have faith back then. In fact, in may have been greater faith, because I chose to trust Christ without understanding all the details.

It’s sometimes really hard to know what to do in these kinds of situations. Do your best to be encouraging and not over-dramatic.

Fire insurance or life with Christ?

So often, we treat a faith decision in Christ as “fire insurance.” I said the prayer. I walked the aisle. I signed the card. I got baptized…I’m in. Then some live the rest of their life doing whatever they want, because they can pull the “imaginary membership card” or their “get out of hell free” card out of their wallet so that they can avoid the bad place. The gospel is so much more than that. It’s so much more than where we’re going to go when we die. If we’re sharing the gospel with someone, and all we talk about is heaven or hell, we may have, inadvertently, turned the gospel message into “fire insurance.” What a tragedy!

Instead, what we receive for trusting Christ is eternal life. That idea is much bigger than, “I get to go to heaven and get to avoid hell.” Can you see how that kind of thinking quickly turns into doing this because of something I get…what’s in it for me…self-centered?

Eternal life, our gift from God, is much bigger than escaping hell (a very real place).

John 17:3 – This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

Eternal life is more than “fire insurance.” Eternal life is the privilege of knowing God through his Son, Jesus Christ and having a relationship with the Almighty. Heaven and Hell are real places, and they ought to be a part of any discussion of salvation. But let us remember that eternal life is bigger than that, and when we say “you don’t want to go to hell, do you?” we may be selling the gospel very short. We may be missing the point!

Last chunk of this topic is coming up in a couple of days!

Children and the Gospel (Part 2 of 4)

Over the course of the next couple of weeks, I'm going to take on a couple of different topics that will require some length. So, I'll break it into "bite-size" chunks!


Children and the Gospel! (Part 2)

What the Bible says/doesn’t say

Ephesians 2:8-9 – For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

John 20:30-31 - Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, ⁾the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

John 5:24 – Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.

Romans Road – Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9

The only thing…let me repeat that…the ONLY thing that is required is faith/trust/belief in Christ. Nothing else. Not a prayer, not baptism, not going to church. By grace alone, and by faith alone are we saved.

The Gospel is Simple

There’s a reason, Jesus told his disciples that they had to become like children in order to enter the kingdom of heaven. The gospel is simple. It’s really simple.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 – Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.

Belief in something bigger than yourself that you can’t quite understand is much easier for a child. It just is. You don’t have to make it harder than it is. It’s really simple.

- Do you believe that you’re a sinner and that’s there’s nothing about you worthy enough for God?

- Do you believe that what you earn for your sin is separation from God, death?

- Do you believe that Jesus died (took your penalty) for your sin so that you could have a relationship with God?

- Do you believe that he rose again to show his power over death?

Kids have an amazing ability to believe in Christ. We should in no way hinder that remarkable ability.

The gospel is very simple, but it is also very counter-cultural, especially in the U.S. There’s always one verse that comes to mind when I think about that reality.

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18

We are half way through...stay tuned!

Children and the Gospel (Part 1 of 4)

Over the course of the next couple of weeks, I'm going to take on a couple of different topics that will require some length. So, I'll break it into "bite-size" chunks!


Children and the Gospel! (Part 1)

Disclaimer:

Please note that I will probably use a good bit of generalization. I may, in fact, lean on a stereotype or two. If your experience was the exception, please don’t blindly disregard the rest. I’m using generalizations/stereotypes because they only get to be generalizations or stereotypes because they’re true a lot of the time. I’ll do my best to be frank when needed, in hopes that as a Christian community we can begin to talk about the simple truth of the gospel in the most effective way for children. Not just for the short-term peace we may achieve, but for the long-term benefit of the children to whom we parent and/or minister.

The gospel is the most simple, yet complex, life-encompassing idea. Praise be to God!

My Story

I grew up in the South. I was the kid who was always at church. My parents made it a point to bring me on almost every Sunday and Wednesday. I was so “entrenched” that I dressed up like Moses for one church Halloween party when I was about 3 or 4 (great picture by the way…it’s amazing how much a fake beard can annoy a child). I grew up hearing the truth of Jesus Christ from a very early age.

In fact, I had a grandmother (a wonderful servant of the Lord) who made it a point to share the simple truth of the gospel to each of her grandchildren until they came to know the Lord. To this day, I’m prayed for every day by my grandmother, and there’s no telling how the Lord has used those prayers.

Here’s the thing…I’m in my grandmother’s den early one morning, and I “get” the gospel for the first time. It just clicks, and my grandmother asks me if I’d like to trust Christ as my Savior. I did want to do that. So, when we got back to my home church, I walked down the aisle and got baptized, like a good Southern Baptist kid. For the next 10 years or so, I continued to grow in the faith (not without a few hiccups along the way), and never really had a time where the truth of the gospel and Jesus Christ didn’t make the most sense to me. God was extremely gracious to me.

It wasn’t as easy for some of the other children I grew up with in the church. They were “good church kids” who shook the pastor’s hand, said something about Jesus, got baptized, but then years later they realized they did it for all the wrong reasons, questioned their faith, and traveled some uneasy paths.

I don’t really know the difference between those two scenarios. My gut tells me there was an unspoken (or maybe spoken in some situations) pressure to “go down the aisle.” Many kids may have done that before they were really ready.

This scenario played out in a lot of churches in the last 20-30 years. Some of you may have had similar experiences. It really brings up a lot of questions.

What do we do? Do we wait to share the gospel at a particular age? Can really young children really make a genuine decision to trust Christ? When will they be ready? How do you know if it’s genuine or not? What happens if they question their faith later?

The more and more I think about this subject, the more I realize this idea of children and the gospel may be the most simple, yet complicated situation to navigate as a parent/volunteer.

Stay tuned...there's more coming!