Are you ready to get in the game?! Vacation Bible School at Friendship Baptist is just around the corner, and I will be leading the Music Pep Rally this year! As you have probably guessed, this year's theme - Game Day Central - is centered around various sports. Having attended several VBS events as a kid, I know that they are awesome opportunities to reach out to children with the Gospel of Christ and love on them. However, I am afraid that many present-day parents have forgotten their own responsibilities when it comes to introducing their children to Christ.
Granted, I am not a parent myself. Please don't look at the following guidelines as a product of experience - They are simply Scripture, taken directly from God's Holy Word, that should serve as a charge to parents, church leaders, and teachers alike.
(1) Parents should set an example for their children. Proverbs 20:7 says, "The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him." Instead of simply telling their children how they should live, parents should live their lives in God-honoring ways. They should take the opportunity to "brag" on God and constantly keep the focus on Him.
(2) Parents should not be afraid of discipline. In Proverbs 23:13, we are reminded to "not withold discipline from a child." If children are consistently punished for doing wrong, they will learn to be self-disciplined.
(3) Parents should be slow to anger. Ephesians 6:4 says, "...do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." As opposed to barking orders and speaking with a raised voice, a cool-tempered and fair punishment is always more effective. Children respond better when they are not being belittled or embarassed.
(4) Parents should support one another. Matthew 12:25 says, "every ... household divided against itself will not stand." Arguing with one another in the presence of children is simply unacceptable. Children who witness incessant arguing and fighting will often grow to resent both parties involved. However, those who show love and support for one another will ultimately instill such qualities in the children.
Here it is in a nutshell: Parents should not assume that it's solely the responsibility of the Church to be Godly examples. The ideal children's ministry would serve to merely supplement the home training of each child.
Are you ready to get in the game?
I'll leave you with this:
"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6
Friday, June 15, 2007
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Thoughts on Ice (James 4:14)
Today, as I was cleaning my apartment, I decided to chisel the fused ice out of the ice maker. Piece by piece, I placed the frozen chunks into the sink. Not melting fast enought, I decided to help them along by turning on the hot water. The ice began to melt before my eyes; the pieces slowly faded into liquid, making a timely exit down the drain and into oblivion. At that moment, God spoke boldly to my heart.
In James 4:14, we are reminded how short our lives actually are. It reads, "For what is your life? For you are a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away." Like those chunks of ice, we are here but for a moment. Therefore, it is our responsibility to take advantage of the time God has given us and use it wisely.
Do you remember the parable of the talents? Jesus told of a man who entrusted three of his servants with money - one with five talents, one with two, and the other with only one talent. The first servant, who was given five talents, immediately went to work and earned five more. Likewise, the servant given two talents earned two more. However, the third servant was so afraid of losing his one talent that he buried it. When the master returned, he was pleased with the first two servants, to whom he entrusted many other things. To the third servant, the master said, "You wicked, lazy servant!" The master subsequently had him thrown out into the streets.
God has entrusted each of us with our lives, our own "talents", so to speak. Whether it be 95 long years or a short period of 25 years, we must be diligent and responsible with our lives! It's OUR responsibility to seek out His will... It's up to US to live in a way that brings glory to God... WE are charged with the task of fulfilling the Great Commission, to spread the Gospel of Christ into ALL THE WORLD.
How are you managing your "talents"?
In James 4:14, we are reminded how short our lives actually are. It reads, "For what is your life? For you are a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away." Like those chunks of ice, we are here but for a moment. Therefore, it is our responsibility to take advantage of the time God has given us and use it wisely.
Do you remember the parable of the talents? Jesus told of a man who entrusted three of his servants with money - one with five talents, one with two, and the other with only one talent. The first servant, who was given five talents, immediately went to work and earned five more. Likewise, the servant given two talents earned two more. However, the third servant was so afraid of losing his one talent that he buried it. When the master returned, he was pleased with the first two servants, to whom he entrusted many other things. To the third servant, the master said, "You wicked, lazy servant!" The master subsequently had him thrown out into the streets.
God has entrusted each of us with our lives, our own "talents", so to speak. Whether it be 95 long years or a short period of 25 years, we must be diligent and responsible with our lives! It's OUR responsibility to seek out His will... It's up to US to live in a way that brings glory to God... WE are charged with the task of fulfilling the Great Commission, to spread the Gospel of Christ into ALL THE WORLD.
How are you managing your "talents"?
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
A Charge to Graduates
It's a wonderful time of year for high school seniors everywhere. Time to spread your wings and embark upon the journey of a lifetime! As I watched Portal High School's graduation exercises this weekend, I paused to remember how I felt... I showed up that night an excited high school student, clad in cap and gown, ready to take on the world! However, as I exited the stage - diploma in hand - I could have never prepared for what God had in store for me.
Proverbs 16:9 reads, "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." I thought I had it all planned out... First college, then career, family, yadda yadda yadda... Well, that's not exactly how it happened. You see, like the proverb states, the Lord determines our steps. If you think you've got it all planned out and forget to place your trust in Him... He'll remind you very quickly of who's in charge.
Graduates, you are the future of this city, this counrty, and this world. The choices and decisions you make now will not only affect your futures, but the futures of everyone around you. I encourage you to seek God's guidance and follow His steps accordingly - you will find that trusting Him to lead you will provide long-term contentment (for you) and glorification (for God)!
When you make a bad grade, suffer the consequences with joy (read James 1:2). When you don't get that "dream job" on the first try, accept rejection with a smile on your face. When it seems that the world has turned completely against you, remember whose team you're on! Romans 8:31 says, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" We are also reminded in 1 Peter 5:10, that "the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."
I'll leave you with this:
"Let not your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." (John 14:1)
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2007!
Kayla Alberson (Statesboro High School)
Kory Akins (Portal High School)
Dustin Jones (Portal High School)
Suzanne Klingaman (Portal High School)
Proverbs 16:9 reads, "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." I thought I had it all planned out... First college, then career, family, yadda yadda yadda... Well, that's not exactly how it happened. You see, like the proverb states, the Lord determines our steps. If you think you've got it all planned out and forget to place your trust in Him... He'll remind you very quickly of who's in charge.
Graduates, you are the future of this city, this counrty, and this world. The choices and decisions you make now will not only affect your futures, but the futures of everyone around you. I encourage you to seek God's guidance and follow His steps accordingly - you will find that trusting Him to lead you will provide long-term contentment (for you) and glorification (for God)!
When you make a bad grade, suffer the consequences with joy (read James 1:2). When you don't get that "dream job" on the first try, accept rejection with a smile on your face. When it seems that the world has turned completely against you, remember whose team you're on! Romans 8:31 says, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" We are also reminded in 1 Peter 5:10, that "the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."
I'll leave you with this:
"Let not your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." (John 14:1)
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2007!
Kayla Alberson (Statesboro High School)
Kory Akins (Portal High School)
Dustin Jones (Portal High School)
Suzanne Klingaman (Portal High School)
Friday, May 18, 2007
Taking out the Trash
Scripture: Isaiah 1:16, Matthew 5:48
Recently, I have had a lot of work done on my truck. Each time I visited the service center, the mechanic would drive it around to see first-hand the problems I was experiencing. While sitting in the waiting area, I began to think, "What did I leave lying around on the floor?" and "Did I leave that empty water bottle in the seat?" I became embarrassed as I thought about how "trashy" my vehicle must look on the inside.
Have you ever felt the same way about your life? It scares me to think that as I go about my daily routine, God can see the "trash" I have lying around in my life. He sees the unconfessed sin I have in my heart. He sees the parts of my lifestyle from which I have yet to repent. He sees the evil desire that lingers inside of me. He sees every stumble, every misstep, every impure thought...
In Isaiah 1:16, we are told to "wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight!" It's time to take out the spiritual garbage in our lives. As the Bible clearly admonishes, we must repent, turning away from our sins and turning toward the cross. Before you take another breath, I encourage you to take the "trash" out of your life and cast it at the feet of Christ, who promises to renew our strength (2 Cor. 4:16) when we place our hope and trust in Him.
I'll leave you with this: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."
Have you taken out the trash today?
Recently, I have had a lot of work done on my truck. Each time I visited the service center, the mechanic would drive it around to see first-hand the problems I was experiencing. While sitting in the waiting area, I began to think, "What did I leave lying around on the floor?" and "Did I leave that empty water bottle in the seat?" I became embarrassed as I thought about how "trashy" my vehicle must look on the inside.
Have you ever felt the same way about your life? It scares me to think that as I go about my daily routine, God can see the "trash" I have lying around in my life. He sees the unconfessed sin I have in my heart. He sees the parts of my lifestyle from which I have yet to repent. He sees the evil desire that lingers inside of me. He sees every stumble, every misstep, every impure thought...
In Isaiah 1:16, we are told to "wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight!" It's time to take out the spiritual garbage in our lives. As the Bible clearly admonishes, we must repent, turning away from our sins and turning toward the cross. Before you take another breath, I encourage you to take the "trash" out of your life and cast it at the feet of Christ, who promises to renew our strength (2 Cor. 4:16) when we place our hope and trust in Him.
I'll leave you with this: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."
Have you taken out the trash today?
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Whom shall I fear?
Scripture: Psalm 56:3-4
“When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?”
Approximately 45 million... That's the number of Christians who were put to death in the 20th century, simply because they refused to compromise their faith in Jesus Christ. It's breathtaking, isn't it?
I often struggle with sharing my faith with others. When I feel convicted to share the Gospel, I am bombarded with fear - fear of rejection, of saying the wrong thing, of misrepresenting Christ. I've prayed fervently about it, and God is working diligently in that area of my life, but the fear still hovers in the back of my mind. Nevertheless, my fear cannot compare to the fear of Christians who place their lives on the line daily in order to worship God. In countries like China, Japan, and Korea, citizens are required by their governments to become members of "the official church". People who publicly profess their faith in Christ are at risk of severe punishment or even death. Risking it all, some missionaries form "underground churches" - often held in abandoned buildings or slums - in which they sing praises and worship God privately. In the backs of their minds resides a nagging fear... one they are willing to endure for the glory of God.
After all, what's the worst that can happen? We should not fear death, for we rejoice in our salvation which promises an eternity of glory with The Father. Philippians 1:21 says, "For to me, to live is Christ but to die is gain." How true! As long as we live, we are to bring glory to Christ with our actions, words, and lifestyles. If we die, we don't lose anything - we gain the precious mansions God has prepared for us in Heaven!
I'll leave you with this:
Psalm 27:1 - "The Lord is my light and salvation. Whom shall I fear?"
“When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?”
Approximately 45 million... That's the number of Christians who were put to death in the 20th century, simply because they refused to compromise their faith in Jesus Christ. It's breathtaking, isn't it?
I often struggle with sharing my faith with others. When I feel convicted to share the Gospel, I am bombarded with fear - fear of rejection, of saying the wrong thing, of misrepresenting Christ. I've prayed fervently about it, and God is working diligently in that area of my life, but the fear still hovers in the back of my mind. Nevertheless, my fear cannot compare to the fear of Christians who place their lives on the line daily in order to worship God. In countries like China, Japan, and Korea, citizens are required by their governments to become members of "the official church". People who publicly profess their faith in Christ are at risk of severe punishment or even death. Risking it all, some missionaries form "underground churches" - often held in abandoned buildings or slums - in which they sing praises and worship God privately. In the backs of their minds resides a nagging fear... one they are willing to endure for the glory of God.
After all, what's the worst that can happen? We should not fear death, for we rejoice in our salvation which promises an eternity of glory with The Father. Philippians 1:21 says, "For to me, to live is Christ but to die is gain." How true! As long as we live, we are to bring glory to Christ with our actions, words, and lifestyles. If we die, we don't lose anything - we gain the precious mansions God has prepared for us in Heaven!
I'll leave you with this:
Psalm 27:1 - "The Lord is my light and salvation. Whom shall I fear?"
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Jesus in My Heart
For months, I have been fervently praying about a phrase, which is used by preachers, evangelists, teachers, and parents around the world:
"Ask Jesus into your heart"
A friend of mine, who is an associate pastor, abhors the phrase, stating that it is unbiblical. This morning, I decided to Google the phrase. Out of 12,300 returned results, the first two or three pages were composed of titles and headlines confirming my friend's beliefs. In fact, one headline read: "Ten Reasons to NOT Ask Jesus Into Your Heart", written by Todd Friel. <<LINK>>
After reading the article, I have to admit - he makes some valid points. I understand that repentance is a requirement for salvation. However, I feel that his view of salvation is all law and no grace. He states in his article that "anyone who asked Jesus into their hearts to be saved... is not." I have some serious issues with that statement. Although Christians are called to hold their Bothers and Sisters accountable based on the fruit they bear, but we must be careful not to be judgmental - which is exactly how I interpreted Friel's article.
I, too, fear that many who make professions of faith in Christ are insincere because of their lack of born fruit and repentance, but I am no one to judge whether or not they are saved. After huge altar calls, thousands may flock to the pulpit, claiming that they are saved. Months later, maybe 50 or less are in church, serving God and showing true signs or salvation. Although a staggering statistic, one is just as important as 1,000.
Recently, my best friend's daughter (then, seven years old) made a profession of faith and was baptized. When I asked her about her decision, she told me, "I asked Jesus into my heart to save me and forgive my sins." She went on to tell me, "I will have to stop doing things that are wrong, because they make God sad." In SevenYearOld-ese, that spells out repentance in a nutshell.
So... you mean to tell me that even though she made a profession of faith, standing before God and man with her little hands trembling in fear, and followed up in Believer's Baptism, that Madison is not saved and is damned to Hell? I'm appalled and offended at such a thought! In Luke 18:16-17 Jesus says, "Let the little children come to me... because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
Instead of telling children that they are wrong by "accepting Jesus into their hearts"... why don't we sit back and learn from them?
"Ask Jesus into your heart"
A friend of mine, who is an associate pastor, abhors the phrase, stating that it is unbiblical. This morning, I decided to Google the phrase. Out of 12,300 returned results, the first two or three pages were composed of titles and headlines confirming my friend's beliefs. In fact, one headline read: "Ten Reasons to NOT Ask Jesus Into Your Heart", written by Todd Friel. <<LINK>>
After reading the article, I have to admit - he makes some valid points. I understand that repentance is a requirement for salvation. However, I feel that his view of salvation is all law and no grace. He states in his article that "anyone who asked Jesus into their hearts to be saved... is not." I have some serious issues with that statement. Although Christians are called to hold their Bothers and Sisters accountable based on the fruit they bear, but we must be careful not to be judgmental - which is exactly how I interpreted Friel's article.
I, too, fear that many who make professions of faith in Christ are insincere because of their lack of born fruit and repentance, but I am no one to judge whether or not they are saved. After huge altar calls, thousands may flock to the pulpit, claiming that they are saved. Months later, maybe 50 or less are in church, serving God and showing true signs or salvation. Although a staggering statistic, one is just as important as 1,000.
Recently, my best friend's daughter (then, seven years old) made a profession of faith and was baptized. When I asked her about her decision, she told me, "I asked Jesus into my heart to save me and forgive my sins." She went on to tell me, "I will have to stop doing things that are wrong, because they make God sad." In SevenYearOld-ese, that spells out repentance in a nutshell.
So... you mean to tell me that even though she made a profession of faith, standing before God and man with her little hands trembling in fear, and followed up in Believer's Baptism, that Madison is not saved and is damned to Hell? I'm appalled and offended at such a thought! In Luke 18:16-17 Jesus says, "Let the little children come to me... because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
Instead of telling children that they are wrong by "accepting Jesus into their hearts"... why don't we sit back and learn from them?
Satan's Piggy-Back Ride
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8-10
"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast."
I love little children. My best friend's youngest daughter used to love to receive "piggy-back rides". Pretending that I didn't know she was hiding around the corner, I would sneakily crawl by as she jumped on my shoulders, bouncing and giggling as I carried her around the living room.
Do you ever feel like everytime you round a corner in your life, Satan is hiding there - waiting for just the right opportunity to jump on your shoulders? Throughout the New Testament, we see that Christians (which, by the way, was once a derogatory term meaning "little Christs") have suffered for professing their faith in Jesus Christ! Earlier in his first letter, Peter wrote: "Rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed." (4:13)
Is Satan catching a "piggy-back ride" on your shoulders? Rejoice! Be glad! Remember that after you have endured it all... He will give you the glory he promised!
"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast."
I love little children. My best friend's youngest daughter used to love to receive "piggy-back rides". Pretending that I didn't know she was hiding around the corner, I would sneakily crawl by as she jumped on my shoulders, bouncing and giggling as I carried her around the living room.
Do you ever feel like everytime you round a corner in your life, Satan is hiding there - waiting for just the right opportunity to jump on your shoulders? Throughout the New Testament, we see that Christians (which, by the way, was once a derogatory term meaning "little Christs") have suffered for professing their faith in Jesus Christ! Earlier in his first letter, Peter wrote: "Rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed." (4:13)
Is Satan catching a "piggy-back ride" on your shoulders? Rejoice! Be glad! Remember that after you have endured it all... He will give you the glory he promised!
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