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It’s been a couple of weeks, but it is still hard for me to believe, my oldest child started school this year. I know every parent says it, but it seems like just yesterday I was in the delivery room hearing my daughter cry for the first time. Now, she is ready to embark on her educational pursuit that will dominate and direct a good part of the rest of her life.
My wife and I take this very seriously, and spent a long time carefully weighing the different education options available to us: Public School, Private School, and Homeschool. Each option has it own set of advantages and struggles. It became apparent to us that whatever route we chose, as parents it is our responsibility to be deeply involved in the education of our children. After all, they are ours, not someone else's.
This responsibility does not lie solely in “secular” subjects but includes the “spiritual” also. God never gave the church the primary responsibility to rear or instruct our children. Instead He gave it to us, as parents.
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 says, “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”
God’s design for family is rather simple. As parents we are given the responsibility to teach (or disciple) our children in God’s Word. In Deuteronomy 6:1-5, God instructs parents (and grandparents) to hear, to heed, and to teach God’s Word in our homes, giving our children an example to follow. However, the goal is more than teaching, more than passing on facts about God and the Bible, and more than blind obedience or head knowledge. Our goal is to pass on our faith and love for Christ.
God tells us to impress His Word on our children. Which means to “Teach them diligently.” The idea is similar to the sharpening of blade on a stone; indicating a close and sometimes hard task. This is done through accurately teaching the Bible, sharpening our kids’ faith on the honing stone of God’s Word.
Deuteronomy says that this should be an integrated part of life. We are told to talk, or have conversations about God and His Word throughout our life. Day by day, moment by moment talking and teaching our children what the Bible says and how it applies to life. We are to look for the teachable moments and seize every opportunity where spiritual lessons can be taught.
It is also important to keep reminders of God and His Word visible. We may no longer tie Frontlets or Phylacteries around our head, or carve Scripture verses on our door; but our Faith and the Bible should be visible in our home and lives; visible to our family, and to all guests who may enter.
Yes, the church has an important role in coming alongside families, helping and equipping them to instill God’s Word in their families. But the work starts, and ends at Home. As you bring your children (or grandchildren) back to Sunday School this year, don’t let that be the only instruction they get…. For everyone should be “home-schooled” in God's Word!
Labels: Bible, Children, Deuteronomy 6:1-9, Devotions, Education, Faith, Family, Frontlets, God, Grandparents, Home, Homeschool, Jesus, Kids, Life, Phylacteries, Private School, Public School, School, Sunday School
9-11. Need I say more? Without further explanation every American understands exactly what I am referring to, and are transported back in time to the place and activity they were engaged in when news broke and terror filled our country.
I’m taken back to my childhood home. I was sleeping in the makeshift bedroom my parents provided for me during college. I had been up into the wee hours of the morning completing an assignment for school, and now was trying to catch up on sleep. I awoke as my bedroom door swung open and the bright sunlight pierced through the darkness of my room. As I stirred and squinted toward the doorway, my mother quickly blurted out - "Get up Eric, we are at war."
That phrase, which was impossible to digest at the time, has remained fixed in time and constantly comes back to mind whenever my thoughts drift back to September 11, 2001. I don’t recall much more of the day. It was spent like many; fixed to the television, watching the carnage unfold on the eastern seaboard.
9-11. Need I say more? These simple numbers render back images, emotions, and memories of that horrific day. Images of flames and smoke billowing from towers, the pentagon cut in two, and wreckage piling up everywhere. The streets overflowing with people consumed with fear and questions. Rescue workers franticly trying to help the injured and trapped as they helplessly watched desperation set in, and dozens of people jumped to their death from the highest stories of the twin towers. These are the snapshots that are forever engraved in our memories.
9-11. Who would have ever thought numbers could cast such powerful imagery, carry such a massive weight, trigger a collective memory, and connect and unite people together from all backgrounds and corners of life. Who would have thought that numbers could remind us of death, destruction, love, sacrifice, and hope? But they do.
Yet here are another set of numbers which do the same thing, have been doing so for much longer then a decade. 3-16. These number remind us of love, sacrifice, death, hope and redemption. These numbers carry a great weight - the weight of sin, our sin. These numbers have the power not only to trigger our collective memories, but transform our mind. These numbers have the power to connect and truly unite anyone anywhere under one banner for all eternity.
3-16...or should I say 3:16. These numbers tell us the true hope is found not in the rebuilding of destroyed buildings, or the relentless American spirit. No, They remind us that true hope, unconditional love, and complete redemption is found in the person of Jesus Christ.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” - John 3:16.
In the verses following, Christ explains that for all who believe, true life, everlasting life, and true peace, His peace, will be given. Ten years later the loss is still great, the wounds are still raw. Many still grieve. Yet healing will never come by simply remembering the sacrifice and death of the many, but rather through recognizing and responding to the death and sacrifice of the One.
As we gather on the anniversary of the worst terror attack on US soil, let us not only remember the 3,000 people who died that day; but also The One who died for them, and us. True peace, hope, redemption, and healing will only come as we embrace Christ.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” - Colossians 3:23
T.G.I.F. Thank Goodness it’s Friday. Most American’s not only have their eyes set on the weekend, but tend to organize their entire life around these two days. I believe the pop rock hit of the eighties band Loverboy stated it best. “Everybody’s Working for the Weekend.”
However, there are many reasons to work; and the weekend is just one of them. Working for the… Money? Escape? Glory? Benefits? These are just a few reasons why people work. How about you? Why do you go to work?
Colossians 3:23 provides a different perspective. We are to work for the Lord.
But what does that mean? For some it is obvious. Pastors, Missionaries, and parish workers obviously “work for the Lord.” Even those involved in maintenance, bookkeeping, or other types of church work are apparently “working for the Lord.” It’s easy to see teaching Sunday Sschool, serving on a ministry team, or cleaning up the church grounds as “Holy Work” but Colossians 3:17 is even more all inclusive. “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Everything we do in name of the Lord - “How do I Work for the Lord? What’s so sacred about my job as a salesman, farmer, clerk, machinist, teachers, factory worker - I’m in the secular field not the Sacred.”
Yet Christ transforms the Secular into the Sacred - He does not separate them. Christ not only purifies our soul, but our entire life! God desires us to see our entire life is set apart, as holy. So that in all we do, wherever we are, in thought, word & deed we’re engaged in service to Him.
Take Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10). After spending time with Christ, he sees his sin, repents and begins living for and serving Christ. However Christ never called Him to leave and follow Him like Peter, John, or Matthew (who was also a tax collector). No. Instead he stayed in his current job as a tax collector and served Christ by treating people fairly and paying back anyone whom he had cheated. He was working for the Lord.
Christ doesn't call everybody out of their life, into full-time Christian Service! God didn’t call every Old Testament saint to be a prophet, Levite or priest. Christ didn’t call everyone to be an apostle, nor does he call everyone to be a Pastor, Missionary, or serve in church leadership. But he does call each of us to discipleship, to learn from Him, and serve Him wherever he has placed us. “Nevertheless, each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him.” 1 Corinthians 7:17
God doesn't call everybody out of secular professions into Ministry, but rather He calls us out of a life of sin to the life of a saint. One whom loves, trusts, follows, and serves Christ within the job they have; conducting their daily business with the utmost integrity and sincerity.
We’re not always called to leave the Secular for the Sacred, but rather treat the Secular as if it is Sacred, doing your best unto the Lord - this is your Spiritual Act of Worship (Romans 12:1-2).
Labels: 1 Corinthians 7:17, Colossians 3:17, Colossians 3:23, Devotions, Discipleship, Holy Work, Jesus, Labor Day, Luke 19:1-10, Ministry, Pastor, Sacred, Secular, Vocation, Weekend, Work, Worship, Zacchaeus
A few years ago my family was on vacation in Northern Wisconsin. We were only about an hour from the upper peninsula of Michigan; a place neither my wife or I had ever been. We talked at great length about whether or not we should make the drive up there one day. With limited time, resources, and an infant with us; we chose not to go. Ever since then we have regretted that decision. That was the last time we were close to the U.P., and we are unsure when (or if) we will be in a position to make that trip again.
Luckily we learned from our mistake. Just this past week, our family was able to spend a few days on the North Shore of Lake Superior. We were only 20 miles from Grand Marais, MN, another place we have never been but have always wanted to see. Again, we found ourselves deliberating over whether or not we should make the short drive. Yes, we were short on time and had two tired little ones. However, with the bitter taste of regret from our previous trip still in our mouth we decided to load up the van and make the drive. Now that we are back, we are glad we did. No Regrets this time.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if our lives would be free from regrets? Wouldn't it be wonderful to reach the end of our life and have no “wish I would have” thoughts? Impossible? Not really. Listen to what the Apostle Paul says in Acts 20:25-27
“Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God."
Paul was leaving Ephesus for good, and would never see the Ephesians again. Instead of tearful goodbye's and regret laden speeches, Paul simply says "I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God."
Paul could leave Ephesus with a clear conscience, because he did not hesitate to share Christ with them. According to Acts 19:10 he spend over two years with them. Yet he did not simply live, work, and enjoy their friendship. No. Paul used his time carefully sharing Christ, pleading with them to believe, teaching them God’s Word, and training them to be leaders when he left.
If some did not believe, it was not his fault. If some fell away, he was not responsible. For he had made the most of every opportunity (Colossians 4:5-6), sharing the good news of Christ.
Do you have regrets? What if your neighbor, friend, or loved one passed away tonight? Do they know Christ? Would you have a clear conscience? Or would you wish for one more chance to share Christ with them? We are not responsible or burdened with someone’s response to the Gospel, but we are given the task to share Christ.
Don't wait until it's too late. Make a “bucket list.” Not of things you want to see or do before you die, but of people you want to make sure you will see when you die.
The Upper Peninsula will always be there - however our friends and family may not.
Labels: Acts 19:10, Acts 20:25-27, Bucket List, Christ, Colossians 4:5-6, Death, Devotions, Evangelism, Family, Regrets, Vacation
I’m not a fisherman. In fact, I’ve never caught a fish. True I did grow up in the land of 10,000 lakes, but I never learned nor had the desire to fish. Moreover, I can count the number of times I’ve “gone fishing” on one hand. Although I am not a fisherman, nor do I claim to possess any knowledge on the topic, there is one thing I know for certain. You do not catch a fish every time you cast your line - see I’ve never caught a fish.
If this were true, if you really did catch a fish each time you baited your hook, I would not be able to say this. I would have caught something. But no. Casting and catching are not always married.
In fact, it is possible to cast your line hundreds if not thousands of times without reeling in anything. But that does not stop the fisherman. No, he continues to cast his line in spite of his results. Even a long day (or night) of pulling up nothing but his bait doesn’t stop him. He returns not defeated, maybe a little discouraged, but not defeated. Instead of hanging up his pole, he fixes his eyes on the next opportunity to head back out and fish again. For he knows that sometime he will catch a fish, if he only keeps on casting.
The same is true for the Christian as well. In Matthew 4:19 Jesus invites us to come and follow Him, and promises that if we do He will make us “fishers of men.”
Fishers of Men? Why did Christ choose that phrase? Why did he choose that profession? He had many to choose from. He could have looked at Matthew the tax collector and said “come follow Me and you will settle spiritual accounts.” But no. Jesus said, “fishers of men.”
Just like the fishermen who cast for walleye, muskie, or sunfish will not have success each toss of the line; the fisher-of-men will not always catch a soul each time he casts the gospel either. Yet much like the fishermen, the fisher-of-men must not give up. He must keep casting, keep seeking, keep sharing the good news of Jesus.
I’ve never caught a fish. But then again I haven’t tried very many times either; and unless I cast again I never will. Sadly, many Christians are like me. “I’ve never seen anyone come to Christ.” they say. Yet when asked how many times they have shared their faith, most could count that on one hand as well.
Keep casting. Keep seeking. Keep sharing Christ; and sometime you will see someone come to Christ.
You might not catch a fish each time you cast, but you will if you don’t stop casting.
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”
Labels: Casting, Catching, Christ, Devotions, Evangelism, Fisherman, Fishers of Men, Fishing, Matthew 4:19
Those who know me best understand that rendering me speechless is not an easy or common thing to do. I am rather quick on my feet and rarely fazed by what people say. Although, I will admit from time to time, something one says will catch me off guard without any reply.
This very thing happened to some religious leaders in Jesus’ day. The Pharisees & Sadducees were always trying to trap Jesus; attempting to coax Him into saying something that they could use against Him. In Matthew 22 a group of them set out to accomplish this.
The scene started in verse 15 as the Pharisees went and asked Christ about Roman taxation, hoping to catch Him speaking some words which could be interpreted as rebellion against Caesar. Yet, Christ’s answer amazed them. Hoping to accomplish what the Pharisees couldn’t, next the Sadducees went and tried to trap Jesus with questions of their own, but again His answer proved to be too much.
The Pharisees didn’t give up. They came back again with more loaded questions, and like the last time, Christ answered them beyond what they dreamed possible.
Beaten yet not yet ready to give up, the Pharisees huddled together in verse 41 to come up with a question that surely would stump this great teacher. However as they were scheming, Jesus challenged their conception of the Messiah quoting Psalm 110:1. After He said these words, Matthew 22:46 plainly states “No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions.”
Each time the Pharisees or Sadducees tried to trap Christ, He answered with the Truth of Scripture. Each time His accusers were left standing in silence. Luke records it this way in 20:26 “They were unable to trap him in what he had said there in public. And astonished by his answer, they became silent.”
This is always the effect of Truth, it silences everything else. Just as the light casts out all darkness, the truth casts out all lies. For just as Jesus said in John 8:32 “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
The truth of God’s Word silences the lies of the Devil, the World, and ourselves. The lies that tell you your sin is too great for God to forgive, that if people really knew you they wouldn’t accept you. The lies which tell you this one time really won't hurt, or the reward outweighs the sin. The doubt and questions posed by those who seek to destroy your faith. Answer them all with God’s Word, and watch them remain silent.
Christ did this in the wilderness when tempted by the devil, Peter did this when accused by the Jews, and Paul tells us the only way to overcome sin and guilt is to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
As you let God’s truth speak to you and through you, It will defend and protect you refuting all the lies thrown from the evil one.
Next time you’re tempted to sin, accused by Satan, or challenged by a non-believer, turn to the Truth and let It silence your accusers for good.
I still remember the feeling of fear and loneliness I had one afternoon as a boy in grade school. For some reason the bus reached my home quicker than usual that afternoon. As I walked down the driveway and into the house, I was shocked to find it dark and empty. My father was still at work, like normal, but my mom, who was always home, was nowhere to be found. In a matter of a few short minutes, I made a quick, yet thorough, check of every room in our modest ranch-style home. Even checking the scary basement and garage. No one was home.
Feelings of fear, loneliness, and despair set in fast, followed by plenty of irrational thoughts only a child was capable of. There was only one choice. Lay down on the couch and try to sleep. Maybe, just maybe when I awoke someone would be home.
What seemed much like an eternity (actually only a few minuets) my mother’s car came whipping in the driveway, and my fears and feelings were finally put to rest.
Nevertheless, it took years for me to fully recover from the incident. After that, every morning, right before I would head out the screen door to wait for the school bus, I asked my mother the same question. “Mom are you sure you’ll be home when I come home?” and she would answer each morning without delay “Yes Eric, I will.” Every day when I stepped off the bus her car was in the driveway - and she was waiting for me in our home.
Each one of us has times in our lives where we are lonely. Times where we feel like we are all alone. However, its during these darkened times in our lives where Christ’s Words in Matthew 28:20 bring great comfort. “And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Always! No matter where we are, no matter what we are going through, He is there with us. There is no place too near or far, for Christ’s presence; or time too early or late for Christ. He is there; even to the end for the age!
Next time you feel all alone, grab on to and take comfort in Christ’s last words and promise: He Is With You!
Thank you Jesus for never leaving me, no matter where I go, or how dark life seems. You are there. Let me find comfort in your presence no matter what tomorrow holds.
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