Prov 22:6
6 Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it.
I have heard this verse all of my life. More often than not, it was in the context of a person sharing that this is why they brought their children to church. I have heard comments such as, "The Bible says to train up a child, that is why I bring them to Sunday School." While church attendance surely fits into this verse, I believe what is most often overlooked is that this verse is all about parental responsibility. No doubt children are trained in Sunday School (if this isn't happening there is a problem), but the emphasis here and all throughout Scripture is that parents train their children. Deuteronomy 6 commands parents to learn God's law and then teach their children. Psalm 78 instructs parents to share with their children so that they may "hope in God." Ephesians 6:4 commands fathers to raise their children in the "training and instruction" of the Lord. There are many other examples I could list but I think you get the idea. The plan is for families to worship and study together first and then the church comes alongside to encourage and strengthen.
I almost titled this article the "adventure" of family worship because that is what it is. I was almost moved to tears last week when we were watching television and a woman shared that she read the Bible with her dad and my youngest son yelled, "Hey we do that!" That moment pales in comparison to some of the discussions we have had on sin, heaven and creation. Of course there are the funny moments. A six year old trying to say "Leviticus" is always interesting, as a matter of fact it came out "Leviboticus" kind of a strange combination of Leviticus and robot I think. Then there was the time that we were praying earnestly for a missionary who was in prison and facing death only to learn later that my son was having us pray for the Apostle Paul (from his Sunday School lesson).
I love seeing my kids connect the dots between the Old Testament and New. I love sharing with them as we read Psalm 2 that they are, in fact, reading about Christ. What I love the most is that we do laugh, we do cry and we do share our burdens together. You see, what they are learning in our home is a picture of something greater. They are learning the Word of God for sure, but they are also learning about what it means to be a part of God's family. They are learning that His family is much bigger than our five and does indeed consist of people from every tribe, tongue and nation. I also believe family worship gives them a preview of the time in the future when we will sit at the Lord's table together.
Is it challenging? Absolutely. Just like every family we are busy with church activities, homework and sports. We have to fight for this time with everything we have some weeks. However, one truth remains. If I don't train my children who will? Am I going to farm them out and hope for the best? God sent all three of them home with me. It is my God-given responsibility as a parent. When I stand before Him, no excuse will be sufficient.
I want to encourage you, start the adventure today. Embrace your mission at home. Experience the joy that is family worship.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
"Tebow Time" and Our Time
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17
Last Sunday night we arrived home from church just in time to catch the end of the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers playoff game. As my son turned on the TV, the coin was in the air and we heard the Steelers player say "tails" and then heard the announcer say, "It is heads - the Broncos win the toss." Then for the first time ever my entire family gathered around the screen to see what was going to happen next. Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow faked a hand-off and then zipped the ball to a receiver who sprinted his way to an 80 yard touchdown. Game over. Another chapter in the legend that has become Tim Tebow. This moment would be one we would never forget. (Partially because we don't like the Steelers but mainly because we want to see Tebow succeed...)
There have been many times in recent months that I have cringed as I listened to sports radio and analysts on TV berate Tebow on everything from throwing motion to being too verbal about his faith. I have been an NFL fan for most of my life and I can't recall a player ever facing such scrutiny. However, one thing that impresses me the most (and drives his critics crazy) is that he always gives the credit to God. In the post game press conference on Sunday night he made a very impressive statement. He simply said, "God has given me a platform and I want to use it for Him." Football is a platform. He sees it as a chance to take Colossians 3:17 literally.
What is great about that statement is that in reality God has given all of us a platform. Yours might be your job, your family or your ministry. They can come in many different forms. The question is are you using that platform to bring glory to God? A few years ago a dear friend of mine and brother in Christ, Charlie Watson, was diagnosed with cancer. After a few surgeries and several treatments he learned the prognosis was not good. He was given only a few months to live. Soon after he learned the news he contacted me and told me he had a simple prayer request. He asked me to pray that he would honor God in all that he did. God answered that prayer. Charlie used the platform of suffering to point everyone (including Doctors and nurses) to Christ. He epitomized Philippians 1:21, "To live is Christ and to die is gain."
What is your platform? Sports? Career? Suffering? Are you taking full advantage of the opportunity to bring honor and glory to God? Tim Tebow's career may be long and successful or like a vapor. You may love him or hate him but the truth is he is using his platform to point people to Christ. Now is the time. Embrace the moment and use it for God's glory!
Last Sunday night we arrived home from church just in time to catch the end of the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers playoff game. As my son turned on the TV, the coin was in the air and we heard the Steelers player say "tails" and then heard the announcer say, "It is heads - the Broncos win the toss." Then for the first time ever my entire family gathered around the screen to see what was going to happen next. Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow faked a hand-off and then zipped the ball to a receiver who sprinted his way to an 80 yard touchdown. Game over. Another chapter in the legend that has become Tim Tebow. This moment would be one we would never forget. (Partially because we don't like the Steelers but mainly because we want to see Tebow succeed...)
There have been many times in recent months that I have cringed as I listened to sports radio and analysts on TV berate Tebow on everything from throwing motion to being too verbal about his faith. I have been an NFL fan for most of my life and I can't recall a player ever facing such scrutiny. However, one thing that impresses me the most (and drives his critics crazy) is that he always gives the credit to God. In the post game press conference on Sunday night he made a very impressive statement. He simply said, "God has given me a platform and I want to use it for Him." Football is a platform. He sees it as a chance to take Colossians 3:17 literally.
What is great about that statement is that in reality God has given all of us a platform. Yours might be your job, your family or your ministry. They can come in many different forms. The question is are you using that platform to bring glory to God? A few years ago a dear friend of mine and brother in Christ, Charlie Watson, was diagnosed with cancer. After a few surgeries and several treatments he learned the prognosis was not good. He was given only a few months to live. Soon after he learned the news he contacted me and told me he had a simple prayer request. He asked me to pray that he would honor God in all that he did. God answered that prayer. Charlie used the platform of suffering to point everyone (including Doctors and nurses) to Christ. He epitomized Philippians 1:21, "To live is Christ and to die is gain."
What is your platform? Sports? Career? Suffering? Are you taking full advantage of the opportunity to bring honor and glory to God? Tim Tebow's career may be long and successful or like a vapor. You may love him or hate him but the truth is he is using his platform to point people to Christ. Now is the time. Embrace the moment and use it for God's glory!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Knoxville, Adoption and the Glory of God
"For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, 'Abba Father!" (Romans 8:15)
Last week I witnessed a miracle. It began as a typical Christmas visit with our families in NC. My mother-in-law is a huge Tennessee Lady Vols fan and so we usually get her tickets to go see them play in Knoxville. My wife and her sister usually make this trip with her as a nice "girls getaway." This year was different. We decided that both families would go (six kids total, yeah I know what you are thinking...). So we laid down our plans and I will admit that I was not real excited to begin with (women's basketball sorry ladies!). Then something amazing happened. I received a text from a friend of mine in SC who informed me that she was sitting in a hospital room holding her newly adopted son. My heart was filled with joy because we had prayed for this couple for over a year. They had faced heartbreak more than once while waiting for a child.
Next, she informed me they were in Knoxville. (6 miles from the arena to be exact - how amazing is that??) We made plans and met up with them for a few minutes before the game. They stepped out of the car and you could just see them glow. I walked over to the car and looked in and it was a sight I will never forget. Here was this little guy strapped into a car seat. He was secure. He was safe. Most of all he was loved. I looked up at the dad and the expression on his face said it all. He had a look of pride that said, "that is my son."
God opened my eyes in that moment. What I had just witnessed was a portrait of the Gospel. Not a generic Gospel that was for someone else - but the Gospel in my own life. God has adopted me into His family. I was hopeless and had no future (just like that little guy) and God brought me into His family. As a result of His care I am safe, secure and yes, I am loved. When God looks at me (through Christ), he says "that is my son."
I could go on and on with the parallels but I believe you get the idea. Sometimes we just need to be reminded of who we are in Christ. We went on to have a great time at the game but the image of the baby snug in the car seat is what stayed with me long after. I pray that if you are a follower of Christ that you will be reminded of whose child you are today.
Last week I witnessed a miracle. It began as a typical Christmas visit with our families in NC. My mother-in-law is a huge Tennessee Lady Vols fan and so we usually get her tickets to go see them play in Knoxville. My wife and her sister usually make this trip with her as a nice "girls getaway." This year was different. We decided that both families would go (six kids total, yeah I know what you are thinking...). So we laid down our plans and I will admit that I was not real excited to begin with (women's basketball sorry ladies!). Then something amazing happened. I received a text from a friend of mine in SC who informed me that she was sitting in a hospital room holding her newly adopted son. My heart was filled with joy because we had prayed for this couple for over a year. They had faced heartbreak more than once while waiting for a child.
Next, she informed me they were in Knoxville. (6 miles from the arena to be exact - how amazing is that??) We made plans and met up with them for a few minutes before the game. They stepped out of the car and you could just see them glow. I walked over to the car and looked in and it was a sight I will never forget. Here was this little guy strapped into a car seat. He was secure. He was safe. Most of all he was loved. I looked up at the dad and the expression on his face said it all. He had a look of pride that said, "that is my son."
God opened my eyes in that moment. What I had just witnessed was a portrait of the Gospel. Not a generic Gospel that was for someone else - but the Gospel in my own life. God has adopted me into His family. I was hopeless and had no future (just like that little guy) and God brought me into His family. As a result of His care I am safe, secure and yes, I am loved. When God looks at me (through Christ), he says "that is my son."
I could go on and on with the parallels but I believe you get the idea. Sometimes we just need to be reminded of who we are in Christ. We went on to have a great time at the game but the image of the baby snug in the car seat is what stayed with me long after. I pray that if you are a follower of Christ that you will be reminded of whose child you are today.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Getting Started!
Welcome to The Journey! I have been praying for the past few months about starting a blog. I have almost started several times in the past but I have always been met with the thought, "why would anyone want to read anything I write??" And the truth is, no one may! At any rate, I hope to share things here that God is teaching me and hopefully those things will minister to others. As Christians we are all on a journey - a journey that should see us going deeper into the Gospel and growing closer to Christ. Thanks for joining me!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)