Tag Archives: Parenting

2-23-16 “Sowing”

The seed parable is a powerful illustration. Found in Luke 8:4-15, it describes four different results of the same type of seed falling onto the ground. A combining of the story with Jesus’ explanation renders four pictures: The Hard Soil-no fruit at all (seed … Continue reading

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2-20-16 “Burdens”

Sometimes the journey of faith is filled with “stumped toes” and “skinned knees”. Do you ever feel like sitting down, tending to your wounds, and giving up? If so, you’re not alone. Jesus understands the struggles we face. Think about … Continue reading

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2-19-16 “Humility”

Humility is different than weakness. A person can be in a position of weakness, or forced into submission, and still not have humility. Humility only comes when there is a decision of the will. A strong will can be a … Continue reading

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2-16-16 “Pathways”

The life of a disciple is not readily understood or embraced by popular culture. Consider how Jesus described the contrast: “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and … Continue reading

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2-15-16 “Judged”

No one likes being judged; especially when it’s based on someone else’s standards. Jesus gave a rule we call “golden” that says:  “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law … Continue reading

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2-13-16 “Worry”

Do you ever get anxious and try to “look over God’s shoulder” to see if He’s “reading the instructions” correctly? Jesus spoke on several occasions about the subject of worry. As He pointed out the lifestyle of the birds and … Continue reading

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2-12-16 “Eyes”

What catches your eye? What draws your attention and focus? Jesus spoke of the eye as a lamp…or not: “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of … Continue reading

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2-9-16 “Glory”

How do we pray “In this manner…concerning glory.”? The last phrase in Jesus’ model prayer is: “…For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” Matthew 6:13b Acknowledging that the kingdom, the power, and the glory all … Continue reading

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2-8-16 “Delivered”

How do we pray “In this manner…to be delivered”? The fifth phrase in Jesus’ model prayer is: “…And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Matthew 6:13a The enemy is formidable and dangerous; however, … Continue reading

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2-7-16 “Forgiving”

The fourth phrase in Jesus’ model prayer is: “…And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” – Matthew 6:12 Genuinely asking for someone’s forgiveness goes against pride. It’s based on contrition and repentance; whereas superficial requests are self-centered … Continue reading

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2-6-16 “Given”

How do we pray “In this manner…for daily bread”? The third phrase in Jesus’ model prayer is: “…Give us this day our daily bread.” Matthew 6:11 In the ancient world, acquiring bread for the day was more than an easy … Continue reading

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Plain Talk is the Language of Common Sense

Whatever happened to “plain talk”? For generations, our culture was served well by leaders, teachers, pastors and parents who knew the value of “plain talk”. It wasn’t mean-spirited or hateful (at least most of the time), it was the pursuit of … Continue reading

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Being Grieved Over Sin Doesn’t Make You a Bigot

There’s a collective sadness sweeping over our beloved country. It isn’t hate-filled, small-minded, or nostalgic; it’s grief. It’s a genuine, heart-felt, deep-in-the-soul sigh over legal affirmation of sin. Of course that statement probably offends some, but the desire isn’t to … Continue reading

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A Rainbow Reminds Me Of…

With major companies changing their websites and Instagram accounts to include colorful arrays, here are five things the rainbow reminds me of: Beauty – looking up after a raincloud’s passing and seeing the colors displayed vividly across the sky reminds … Continue reading

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What in the World is Going On?

With cultural values changing almost daily, maybe you’re thinking, “What in the world is going on?” If so, check out this short video on the effects of postmodern thought:

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Stumped Toes and Skinned Knees

Sometimes the journey of faith is filled with “stumped toes” and “skinned knees”. Do you ever feel like sitting down, tending to your wounds, and giving up? If so, you’re not alone. Jesus understands the struggles we face. Think about … Continue reading

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Christian Leaders and the Pressure to Compromise

When in a leadership position, one’s core beliefs can often be threatened. It may not always be directly aimed at you, but the pressure to compromise can build up over time. It may feel like the result of current cultural … Continue reading

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An Easy Way to Discuss Worldviews at the Dinner Table

Does the challenge of teaching a “Christian Worldview” to your children, leave you feeling a little intimidated? If so, you’re not alone. I think most of us trying to parent from a biblical perspective feel the pressure of an increasingly … Continue reading

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Is Thanksgiving Going Away?

So let me get this straight, “Black Friday” has been replaced by “Brown Thursday”? With stores opening as early as 6:00am on Thanksgiving Day, I guess Granny will have some empty seats at the table this year (since blenders are … Continue reading

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Work & Rest: 2 Helpful Questions for Finding Balance

Is your candle burning at both ends and melting in the middle too? I think a lot of us would have to say yes (at least sometimes). Truth is, balancing work and rest in our modern environment is challenging. A … Continue reading

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