David's Inkwell

Al Mohler on Attention To The Text

2010-12-19T15:33:00.000-08:00

“We are living in a time when we find ‘attention’ a very, very rare stewardship. And we are particularly weakened and compromised in the evangelical church today because there is not adequate attention–slow, text driven, theologically enriched attention–to how we are to view the great doctrines of the faith. So, instead, what happens is, even in some of the most orthodox of our churches, what happens is you skip across texts of Scripture. And you take glance blows across doctrines, and it’s not so much that they are mistaught, but it’s that they are misapprehended. Because lacking context, and lacking a systematic understanding, and lacking a comprehensive attentiveness to these things, we rob God of His glory in His church by treating doctrines as disconnected realities, and texts as isolated islands of meaning, rather than pointing to the comprehensive purpose of God laid out in the comprehensive unity of Scripture.” - Al Mohler

Parents Must Have A Passion For Learning

2010-09-25T20:14:00.000-07:00

Listening to a lecture by D.A. Carson found me pondering how to apply some lessons he was teaching to the raising of my children. Carson was talking at a pastor's conference and mentioned how often what people hear and learn is not what pastor's expound but what they are excited about. It has been said that more is caught than taught and I believe it to be true.

As a parent (I am especially talking to the dads) you have an important role in the education process of your children. Many things may come to your mind when you read that sentence: discipline, helping with science and math homework, teaching them how to throw a ball or how to drive a car, and leading family devotions or family nights. All of these are good, and in my opinion, several of them are essential. Yet there is one thing that you must do if you are to do any of these effectively. Have you ever heard the phrase, "More is caught than taught"? I believe there is much truth in that statement. And in light of it may I suggest that if you do not have a passion for learning then you will not be able to play your role adequately as a parent.

I am not saying that you must be in the books every night. Or that you will love all subjects equally. I am saying that a part of the education process of any child is that of watching, observing, and learning from their parents’ example. In business this can take the form of mentoring or coaching. In church it is discipleship. One on one, life on life. How can a person disciple another (or mentor, coach, teach) if they have no passion for the subject at hand themselves? How can one disciple another in church if their love of the Savior has waned? How can you expect your child to study hard in school if you set the example of never reading a book, never attending a seminar, never studying your Bible? Is there some subject in your life that gets the blood stirred and compels you to find out more about it? Do your children see this?

You don’t need to be excited about all academic subjects to pass on to your students a love for learning. But remember, they are watching you and learning to imitate you. I encourage you to find a subject to be passionate about and to let your children see you engaged in rigorous study. Let them find in you a passion for and love of learning, and most importantly and if you can’t get passionate about any other subject, let them see a passion and love for the Savior. This will be one of the greatest lessons of their schooling years and it is one of the greatest responsibilities you have as their teacher and parent.

I encourage you to let them see you learning, growing, studying, and I believe it will be a critical component in their educational process. As a Christian parent, the most important thing you can be excited about it God Himself. Let your children see you learning, growing, studying, and being enthusiastic about the nature of God and the word of God. Allow them to see you open your Bible and take notes. Share with them at dinnertime things you have learned from reading or from the Sunday sermon.

Getting excited about learning can be exciting for the entire family.

Carry On

2010-08-11T21:46:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to a recitation I did of the poem 'Carry On' by Robert w. Service.

Doctrinal Disagreements Among Brethren

2010-06-21T21:15:00.000-07:00

The following thoughts are assuming that the parties in disagreement are brothers and sisters in Christ.

I love debate and the give and take of ideas. I do. But not for the sake of argument, disagreement, or to prove that I am right. I can debate ideas with someone in a way that maintains the relationship, and can even strengthen it. I love to seek truth and feel that if there is two or more views in opposition, only one can be right. So, I love the debate because I love to get at the truth and to form in my own mind a settled conviction on a matter. Having settled the matter in my own mind, I then become a proponent of the view. My struggle has been this: how to have a conviction and be a passionate promoter for a particular stand on an issue, a stand I see as true, while not distracting from the main thing – the Gospel? At times, especially in the context of passing on values to my children, this question becomes very real. A real life questions for me is: how do I teach my children one view, if they hear another from the pulpit or from Sunday school teachers? Let me give a specific, hypothetical example:

Let’s say I am working through a study of Matthew at home with my children and we have just finished chapter 24. Let’s say that the interpretation I give my children falls into the post-millenial or ammillenial camp and the next day at church the sermon is from this text and a pre-millenial view is given. What am I to tell my kids on the way home? That the pastor is wrong?
First, let me say that at my church, this and all passages are preached with Christ being the central figure and theme. Therefore, I would assume that any treatment of the text from the pulpit would have the particular timing of the tribulation, millennial reign, etc.. not as first importance. The church being ‘taken up’ before a ‘tribulation’ is only important if it is taken to be with Christ, or the church being left to go through the ‘tribulation’ is only important if it is carried safely through by Christ.

Second, I would explain to my children why I hold a particular view and also, to the best of my ability, why others have differing views. I hope they would adopt my view, I would teach them my views on particular doctrines passionately, but I would not shy away from the sharing other views with them.
My own views have changed over the years on many issues. Things I used to ‘know for sure’ are not so settled any more, and things that were foggy are clearer. I hope that a few years from now I will have settled a few more doctrinal issues in my own mind, but more than that, I hope that Christ will be formed in me more and more. This is the main hope I have for my children as well; wherever they eventually land on any issue, I hope they will land in the bosom of the Savior.
Here is how my pastor helped me phrase the issue: be an evangelist for Christ everywhere and at all times, be a passionate proponent of secondary doctrines at appropriate times and in appropriate ways.

Here are 3 points to remember. First, abide in Christ. When Christ is formed in you, his will and his motives will animate your thoughts, words, and interactions with others. John Piper says, “Love is the overflow of joy in God that meets the needs of others.” Proper interaction with brothers and sisters in Christ should stem from a proper interaction with the Father.

Second, check your motivations. This can only be done properly if you are doing the first thing and abiding in Christ.

Die to ‘being right’, kill pride. Checking our motivation includes dying to the idea that we have all the right answers; that our understanding of the Greek is better, that our interpretation is the historically accepted view, that Piper or MacArthur or anyone else holds this view. It must include the knowledge that ‘now we see dimly, but then face to face’.

Act out of service to the brethren. When pride is dead, what should remain is a genuine care and concern for our brethren, for the authority of Scripture, and the glory of God.

Here is a word picture, or analogy that may help. Imagine that you and another brother/sister in the Lord are standing in front of a window marked ‘eschatology’. What you see out the window depends on which lens of Scriptural interpretation you are looking through. When you look through the lens of the position you hold, you see a majestic view of the character and nature of Christ. His mercy, justice, holiness, and faithfulness are wonderfully brilliant when viewed through your doctrinal lens. A proper love for your fellow brethren would motivate you to want them to see this vista also. Your desire for them to see things through your lens in not so that you can be right, or because you think they are wrong, but because the view is so grand that you feel compelled to share it and don’t want anyone to miss it.

Third, be teachable and willing to change. As we study the Scriptures and ‘land’ at a particular place with regards to a doctrine, we should not be afraid to have a settled conviction and a passion for our position, always keeping in mind that we are human and could be wrong. A conviction on one hand and a willingness to learn and change on the other hand do not have to be mutually exclusive. As strange as it sounds, I find it possible to be convinced of a position, and at the same time open to other interpretations. This ambiguity comes from being human and not divine.

The Loving Discipline Of Our Heavenly Father

2010-06-19T11:28:00.001-07:00

Hebrews 12:6 says, "For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives."

I am getting ready to preach on Father's Day from Hebrews 12:1-11. Here are some brief meditations:

1. The discipline of our heavenly Father is used to conform us to Christ-likeness. His rod of correction is used to convict us, to call us to repentance, and to help us in our fight against indwelling sin. The text says to not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord. We do this when we return again and again to sins that the Lord has been dealing with us about. His discipline is the grace in our lives that helps us to walk away from temptation. Not resisting when faced with temptation, is to not walk by the Spirit, for He is there to help us in our fight.

2. The discipline of our heavenly Father confirms us as His children. Parents usually don't discipline the children of others. Verse 7 of Hebrews 12 says that when we are disciplined God is treating us as sons.

3. The Father's discipline completes us through suffering and endurance. Completion being the process of making perfect or thorough. The context of Hebrews 12 is spoken of in chapter 10. These believers have been going through suffering, having their home plundered. The writer tells them that this suffering is God's discipline. Joining in the sufferings of Christ is one of the primary means the Father uses to complete our process of sanctification. Discipline through suffering should draw us back to God, to the place where we first turned from the things of the world and found true satisfaction.
We join in this process of sanctification by endurance. Several places in this text talk of endurance. By realizing that God has a plan for our completion in holiness that is wonderful and by considering Christ and His work for us on the cross, we are helped to endure through suffering. This suffering will bring about God's desired result of righteousness in our lives. In James chapter 1 we are told to consider it all joy when we encounter trials, because they will produce patience and this will cause you to be perfect and complete.

4. Discipline convinces us of the Father's love. Verse 6 says that the Lord disciplines the one He loves. We are not left in the control of Satan or this world. Where Satan is at work it is under the watchful eye of a loving Father, who allows it for our good and His glory.

I heard of a father who sent his son on a business trip to a foreign land. The son, while on the trip, learned the ways of a pagan people. He started worshipping their gods. As well as worshipping foreign gods, he became prosperous in business. The father told his friends that he would not correct his son or tell him to stop worshipping false gods because it seemed to be working and helping him in business. Now, does this father really love His son. No! The father should be more concerned about his sons eternal soul than his temporary comforts and luxuries. The discipline of our heavenly Father convinces us of His love for us and care for our eternal souls.

Lord, we pray that you deliver us from trials and sufferings, but Lord, your will be done. If we are going through trials as a part of your discipline in our lives, then do your work in our lives. Bring us to repentance, convict us of sin, forgive us of sin, help us to grow in holiness, help us to see you more clearly, and let the things of the world become dim to us and the things of heaven become bright and wonderful to us. Lord, help us to become conformed to your image because of your discipline. Help us to show your image to the world through our suffering, your loving discipline.

Eschatology of Parenting

2010-04-16T21:30:00.000-07:00

Great thoughts here by Dr. Moore. He is good at getting to the theology of an issue and not just looking at it from a pragmatic perspective. I like this and have found Dr. Moore to be really good at cutting to the Biblical heart of the thing he is adressing. I have found his blog and podcast to be both encouraging and convicting. The more I hear him preach, the more I like him.

Spurgeon on the Doctrine of Substitution

2010-04-16T13:31:00.000-07:00

We have heard some preach a gospel, something after this order—that though God is angry with men, yet out of his great mercy, for the sake of something that Christ has done, he does not punish them, but remits the penalty. Now, we hold, that this is not of God's gospel; for it is neither just to God, nor safe to man. We believe that God never remitted the penalty, that he did not forgive the sin without punishing it, but that there was blood for blood, and stroke for stroke, and death for death, and punishment for punishment, without the abatement of a solitary jot or tittle; that Jesus Christ, the Saviour, did drink the veritable cup of our redemption to its very dregs; that he did suffer beneath the awful crushing wheels of divine vengeance, the self-same pains and sufferings which we ought to have endured. O! the glorious doctrine of substitution! When it is preached fully and rightly, what a charm and what power it hath. O! how sweet to tell sinners, that though God hath said, "Thou must die," their Maker stoops his head to die for them and Christ incarnate breathes his last upon a tree, that God might execute his vengeance, and yet might pardon all believers in Jesus because he has met all the claims of divine justice on their account.
-Charles Spurgeon

Teaching My Daughter About Work

2010-03-21T23:40:00.000-07:00

Several nights ago I asked my oldest daughter to go for a walk with me. The night was cold and the stars were bright in the sky. At least, as bright as they get here in the city. As we walked, I started a conversation. This was my intention from the beginning. I needed to discuss some things with my daughter that might be difficult for her and wanted to do it in a gentle manner.

"Have you ever thought about the fact that Adam and Eve were given work to do in the garden of Eden before sin. That work is not a result of sin but a thing God commanded Adam to do by telling him to tend the garden. Do you think Adam should have done his best to be diligent daily in tending the garden?"

My daughter said she had never really thought about Adam and Eve working in the garden and yes, they should have done their best to tend the garden.

After that, I started talking about the work habits of some people I know or have known over the years. I discussed what qualities workers should have and the qualities employers like to see. I suggested that those who shirk and don't do their share are disliked by everyone.

Then I started getting more personal. Work (thorough, diligent work) is something my daughter stuggles with. She suddenly finds other things to occupy her time until her sister has finished cleaning their room. She whines and complains about it not being her turn to do a chore. She does chores half-heartedly.

As a loving dad, I had to address this. We have been trying to deal with it for some time but nothing seems to be changing. So, I took the opportunity on our walk to get very serious with her about work.

I have the opportunity to take my children to work with me sometimes. They take turns and next up is my oldest. After talking to her about work in general, then specifically about what she needs to do in this area, I told her that until she can demonstrate a good attitude toward and diligence in the work around the house she wouldn't be able to come to work with me. This brought tears. I held her for a while, prayed with her, and told her this was only because I love her and want her to learn this lesson.

Over the next couple of days she showed much improvement, but has much to go. I hated to discipline in this way as I like having her come to work with me, but I know it will be for the best. This lesson, learning to love work and be thorough, will be one that will do her good all her life.

No crooked table legs or ill-fitting drawers ever, I dare swear, came out of the carpenter’s shop at Nazareth. Nor, if they did, could anyone believe that they were made by the same hand that made Heaven and earth.

- Dorothy Sayers

Book Notes from Stand: A Call for the Endurance of the Saints

2010-03-21T23:20:00.000-07:00

Here are a few a my favorite quotes from the book Stand: A Call for the Endurance of the Saints.

John Piper quotes Ralph Winter as saying, "Most men don't die of old age, they die of retirement."

John MacArthur quoted his father, "A lot of people have said and done a lot of things, but when the smoke clears, they're not all standing."

Randy Alcorn said, "I also learned that endurance in a cause can help build the character, faith, and insight of children. Early on we determined that though we would never sacrifice our children, we would sacrifice with our children."

and this, "You become like what you choose to behold. Behold Christ, you become Christlike. Gaze upon superficiality and immorality, and it's equally predictable what you'll become. Who you become will be the cumulative result of the daily choices you make. You will become the product of what you choose to delight in and meditate upon."

and, "Most of us know the difference between eating cottage cheese and Krispy Kremes. Or the difference between a daily workout adn spending time on a couch. Likewise, there's a difference between whether you read the Bible or you don't, whether you spend the evening watching American Idol or Survivor or reading the Bible or a great Christian book. While the difference today may seem small, the cumulative difference will be great. Many people say they want to write a book. What they really want is to have written a book. Talking about writing a book is very easy. Writing a book is very difficult. That's why there are more talkers than writers. And that's why more people talk about the Christian life than live it."

and, "When was the last time you spent time with God, studied Scripture, or read a great book and later regretted it?"

and, "Whom we choose to spend our leisure time with will dramatically shape our lives. Television and reading both put us in someone's company, and remove us from someone's company. You decide: will you be different because you put yourself in the company of Spurgeon rather than Seinfeld?"

and, "Pattern your life after followers of Jesus who have lived a long obedience in the same direction. To do this, you must read history and biographies. Take your cues from dead people who still live rather than the living who are dead. Compare reading a biography of William Wilerforce or Amy Carmichael to watching The Simpsons or a sitcom. Which will help you grow in Christlikeness?"

Spurgeon quote

2010-03-05T20:18:00.000-08:00

Ready-to-halt, poor Fearing, and thou, Mrs. Despondency, and Much-afraid, go often there [the empty tomb]; let it be your favourite haunt, there build a tabernacle, there abide. And often say to your heart, when you are in distress and sorrow, "Come, see the place where the Lord lay."

Charles Spurgeon

German Homeschool Parents Gain Asylum in USA

2010-03-01T22:24:00.000-08:00

Here is a great article by Albert Mohler addressing some recent news about a homeschooling family which has immigrated to the USA because homeschooling is illegal in Germany.

Paul Tripp on Marriage

2010-02-12T21:53:00.000-08:00

I haven't read the book, but saw this excerpt and it got me interested.

Perhaps the greatest danger to a good marriage is a good marriage, because when things are good, we are tempted to give way to feelings of arrival and forsake the attitudes and disciplines that have, by God’s grace, made our marriage what it has become.

The book is by Paul Tripp and is titled "What Did You Expect? Redeeming the Realities of Marriage"

A. Lincoln - on becoming a man

2010-02-08T22:00:00.000-08:00

Reading "A. Lincoln" by Ronald C. White Jr., I came across this sentence: "Handling an ax with such skill was a sign that a boy was becoming a man."

This made me wonder - what functions as such a sign today? What should parents and society look for in a boy to signify that he is becoming a man?

In Lincoln's day the ax was not a toy, it was a tool. The skill in swinging an ax showed that one was learning to work hard. The ax was used for clearing land to prepare for planting, for cutting wood to build a home.

Boys, buy tools not toys, and learn to use them. This will be a sure sign that you are growing in maturity toward manhood.

I am like Piper on this one

2009-12-31T15:24:00.000-08:00

I love books and I love to read. Yet, like Piper, I read slowly. My wife has suggested that I take a speed reading course and I have considered it. Reading this post from John Piper made me feel better about my reading speed. I love his insights, although, I still wouldn't mind being able to read a little faster.

Matt Chandler Video Before Brain Surgery

2009-12-07T20:11:00.001-08:00

This video from a pastor who is about to undergo brain surgery is a model of how to face such a challenge. Matt shepherds his people and points them to Christ even in the midst of trying times.

Thanksgiving Poetry

2009-11-29T23:09:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving in Oregon

On our way we pass the lumber mill
And upon arriving time stands still.
A placid lake so calm, serene;
The cabin near completes the scene.
We step from city to tree-lined hills.

Waking up early we’re off to play;
We are out the door to start the day.
Four-wheelers, boating, hiking too,
So many choices – what to do?
We stay outside until sun’s last ray.

Around and around the trail kids ride
Down the hill they fly with arms raised high.
Calvin rides alone and crashes,
God’s hand keeps from breaks and gashes,
His amazing grace has been supplied.

At Thanksgiving lunch we pray and eat;
Turkey, pumpkin roll, a feast complete.
The fire stoked, books read, naps taken,
In the eve some gifts are given,
Then some stay up late, some early sleep.

Next morning’s rain by noon starts to fade,
To Shore Acres for some ocean play.
In awe we watch wave crash on rocks,
A garden filled with lights we walk.
Cameras capture memories made.

Back to the cabin a bonfire lit,
Fighting cold, next to its’ warmth we sit.
Darkness surrounds this hill of fire,
Christmas songs sung by some inspire,
Kids roast marshmallows on pointed sticks.

Catching salamanders, shooting guns,
Chopping and stacking wood – so much fun.
Jesus, we say thanks for your grace,
For the memories in this place,
For our Thanksgiving in Oregon.

Dad, if God is in control...

2009-11-14T23:22:00.001-08:00

My oldest daughter this evening asked me one of those question again. The kind of question that generations of scholarly, wise, pastoral, God-fearing men have pondered, agued about, and written about.

"Dad, there is something I don't understand. If God controls everything, why did Adam and Eve sin?"

"Well, sweetie, that is a great question. Let me explain it the best way I know. Because God allows something that doesn't mean He caused it. His control of the world doesn't mean He caused Adam to sin."

"If I told my child to not run out into the street and they disobeyed and got hit by a car, who's fault would it be? Let's say I may have been able to stop them, but I didn't push them. It would be the child's fault for disobeying even if I could have stopped them. God could have stopped them but He didn't cause them to sin; He didn't push them. Now the question is why didn't He stop them from sinning. I believe it was so that He could reveal to us through His plan in time and history more of His grace and mercy than we would have known otherwise. By allowing this sin, His revelation of Himself and His revelation and giving of His Son has shown us His mercy and love. This is wonderful for us and glorifies Him. If sin had not happened we may not understand His grace and mercy and would be missing out on a most wonderful character trait of God."

"Sweetie, I don't understand everthing but I know I can trust God. You sure ask some good questions. Goodnight. I love you."

Well, that was how it went. May God grant us all grace in the moments these questions are asked, for much is at stake in our children's hearts as they wrestle to understand the things of God.

The Mysterious Islands Movie

2009-11-14T16:03:00.001-08:00

I am looking forward to seeing this documentary.

Brown Shoes and Cheesecake

2009-10-10T22:46:00.001-07:00

Today was a good day. I started at 6:30am taking one daughter grocery shopping with me and ended the day taking the other on her birthday date. We had lots of fun on this date. As we were driving, we started to put the evening into verse. I finished it after she was in bed and here it is:

Daddy and daughter went on a date.
They shopped for shoes upstairs and down.

Finally, they found the perfect pair,
Just the right fit, they were cute and brown.

Purchased! then wandered in stores and out,
Waiting to ride the merry-go-round.

Lastly, they got a table for two;
Cheesecake ended their night on the town.

Earth

2009-09-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

Tonight I rented "Earth" and watched it with my family. Having heard that the cinematography was good and loving nature I thought we would give it a shot. Well, we were not disappointed. My one concern after seeing the G rating on the back cover was that it would be full of evolutionary language. It wasn't. There were a couple references to global warming but done in a manner that did not seem overly political. I always try to point my children to the amazing nature of our Creator when seeing such a film. It wasn't hard to do after this one as I found myself pondering such an amazing world.

Thankfulness In Our Home

2009-08-01T11:58:00.000-07:00

My children have been complaining a lot - about everything. Recently it manifested itself in grumbling about what my wife had prepared for lunch. They went without lunch that day. Much talking to them about the condition of their hearts in this matter made me decide to write the poem below and memorize it as a family. I told my children that the more we express thanks for God's great gifts in our lives the less complaining we will do. We have been saying something we are thankfull for each time we sit down to dinner together and will continue to work toward being a family that expresses thanks is all things.

Thankfulness In Our Home

Thankful is what
I desire to be.
What I’m thankful for most;
He saves sinners like me.

Every care that I have,
He knows it ahead.
I thank Him each night
As I lay down to bed.

I trust in God
To supply every need,
And thank Him each time
I sit down to eat.

I will happily eat
Whatever mom makes,
Whether it’s microwaved,
Fried, boiled, or baked.

Christ gave me all
As He hung on that cross.
I have riches in Him
Though all else be lost.

So, I will be known
As a person who takes
Every opportunity
To say the word “Thanks”.

by David West

I Like God and What He Created

2009-07-08T23:05:00.000-07:00

My 8 year old daughter wrote this poem today.

I Like God and What He Created

I like the flowers and I like the trees
I like the bushes and the bumble bees
I like the sunshine and the cool breeze
I like God who created all these things
I like the miracles that he brings
And God is the King of Kings

Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created all things."

Perhaps she'll be a bit of a poet like her Daddy.

Why John Piper Has No T.V.

2009-06-26T00:09:00.000-07:00

This article by John Piper struck a chord with me. I love the language he uses, he's such a great writer. There is much to consider here.

Feeling Finite - a poem

2009-05-26T23:11:00.000-07:00

Feeling Finite

What can I do to reach the sky?
I stretch, jump, just so high.

What can I do to find the end?
Where universe stops - what begins?

How can I know? A finite man,
So small beneath it all I stand.

One I know, knows all I wonder;
Infinite One - I surrender.

Creator God, high and holy
Draw me to Thy throne of glory

Where judgment, mercy mixed surround,
Holy, Holy, Holy is the angels sound.

-David West

Your Words Through Me - a poem

2009-05-25T23:58:00.000-07:00

Thy Words Through Me

Who am I before “I Am”?
Lord I come before Thee humble

I need your help, your grace upon me
For without Thee I but stumble

Use me boldly in Thy service
To speak Thy name – proclaim Thy fame

Announcing you as holy, just
Yesterday and today the same

Let my words do Thy bidding
Yet not my words but Thine through me

Bring men closer to Thy glory
Your mercy at the Cross to see

- David West

William Wilberforce quote

2009-05-23T12:54:00.001-07:00

"We have every one of us a work to accomplish, wherein our eternal interest are at stake; a work to which we are naturally disposed. We live in a world abounding with objects which distract our attention and divert our endeavours; and a deadly enemy is ever at hand to seduce and beguile us. If we persevere indeed, success is certain; but our efforts must know no remission. There is a call on us for vigorous and continual resolution, self-denial, and activity." - William Wilberforce

Abigail's Beauty

2009-05-16T21:39:00.000-07:00

Here is a poem I wrote the other night for one of my daughters. I put it in the mail to her this morning, so she will get it in a few days. The kids really like getting mail, and Abigail especially, likes letters from people she loves.

Abigail’s Beauty

Here is a little letter,
A few words I wish to say.
Abigail, my precious daughter
You make me joyful each day.

Oh, Princess Periwinkle
With eyes blue like crystal sea,
To hold you, hug you, kiss your cheek
Is to me a joy most sweet.

You’re a beauty to behold
More from inside than without;
Thorough, diligent at your chores
A godly young woman – no doubt.

Blessing others by serving,
Helping when no one has asked;
This makes you beautiful to me
And happy to be your dad.

Al Mohler Thinks Mother's Day Is A Bad Idea

2009-05-11T23:11:00.000-07:00

I agree! Albert Mohler consistently impresses me with his knowledge and way with words. His articles and blog posts are brilliant again and again and his radio program is my favorite podcast. I tell my wife often that I think Mohler must be the brightest man on radio.

Well, here is a great article on why Mother's Day is a bad idea.

And here is an excerpt to wet your appetite:

A corsage hardly seems appropriate.

Christians must resist the reduction of motherhood to sentimentality, and particularly that sentimentalism that undermines what mothers are truly to represent -- nurture, fortitude, courage, dedication, faithfulness, discipline, and trust in God.

Mother's Day is a bad idea because it subverts the reality of faithful mothering and robs faithful mothers of their true glory. Mothers deserving of honor are handed cards and taken to lunch, when songs of praise should instead be offered to the glory of God. Undeserving mothers, who abdicate their true responsibility, are honored just because they are mothers. Children, young and old, who ignore and dishonor their mothers by word and by life throughout the year, assuage their guilt by making a big deal of Mother's Day.

Valley of Vision Prayer: Divine Support

2009-05-03T18:19:00.000-07:00

Here is a prayer from the Valley of Vision; a collection of puritan prayers. I have the audio cd's and have enjoyed them but would also like to purchase the prayers in book form for easier reference. This one I found online.

Divine Support:

Thou art the blessed God, happy in Thyself, source of happiness in Thy creatures, my maker, benefactor, proprietor, upholder. Thou hast produced and sustained me, supported and indulged me, saved and kept me; Thou art in every situation able to meet my needs and miseries.

May I live by Thee, live for Thee, never be satisfied with my Christian progress but as I resemble Christ; and may conformity to His principles, temper, and conduct grow hourly in my life. Let Thy unexampled love constrain me into holy obedience, and render my duty my delight. If others deem my faith folly, my meekness infirmity, my zeal madness, my hope delusion, my actions hypocrisy, may I rejoice to suffer for Thy name.

Keep me walking steadfastly towards the country of everlasting delights, that paradise-land which is my true inheritance. Support me by the strength of heaven that I may never turn back, or desire false pleasures that will disappear into nothing. As I pursue my heavenly journey by Thy grace let me be known as a man with no aim but that of a burning desire for Thee, and the good and salvation of my fellow men.

Voddie Baucham at Family Life

2009-05-02T22:37:00.000-07:00

I like almost everything that I have heard from Voddie Baucham. Here are two short clips from messages he delivered to the staff at Family Life.

Indicatives vs. Imperatives

Legacy

Holy Handshakes

2009-04-11T00:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I met a man; we shook hands as we introduced ourselves. Later in the day our conversation turned to church and he said, "You must be a Christian." After discussing which local church each of us belonged to, he stuck out his hand and I followed his lead. We shook and he said this time, "It's good to meet a brother."

And so, we met not once but twice; the first time as fellow humans, the second as brothers in Christ.

Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor

2009-04-05T23:57:00.000-07:00

Last night I finished reading "Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor: The Life and Reflections of Tom Carson". This book was written by D.A. Carson and is about his father. Using his fathers journals and quoting from them extensively the book shows the struggles and joys of a faithful man. The following excerpts I really liked:

"Tom Carson never rose very far in the denominational structures, but hundreds of people in the Outaouais and beyond testify how much he loved them. He never wrote a book, but he loved the Book. He was never wealthy or powerful, but he kept growing as a Christian: yesterday's grace was never enough. He was not a farsighted visionary, but he looked forward to eternity. He was not a gifted administrator, but there is no text that says, "By this shall all men know you are my disciples, if you are good administrators."

"His own ecclesiastical circles were rather small and narrow, but his reading was correspondingly large and expansive. He was not very good at putting people down, except on his prayer lists."

Facebook Faceoff: A Great Reminder

2009-03-28T22:29:00.001-07:00

This guy is only 19 and has such great wisom. Here is an article that directs us back to a love of the Bible and a reminder not to let any other media get in the way.

John Piper vs. David Wilkerson

2009-03-09T23:21:00.000-07:00

"An earth-shattering calamity is about to happen. It is going to be so frightening, we are all going to tremble - even the godliest among us." David Wilkerson prophesied this at his blog.

"Stick with the Bible, David. It is scary enough." John Piper responded here.

The Church: A Sermon by Mark Dever

2009-03-09T23:17:00.000-07:00

While working today, I listened to this great sermon preached by Mark Dever at Capital Baptist Church. Many people today are writing about, reading about, thinking about, and talking about the doctrine of the church. Why do we need to attend when we can watch sermons online? Why do we meet on Sunday? Why should we become members of a local church? Mark handles these questions well and as always points people to Christ. I greatly enjoyed this message and will be sure to listen again.

John Piper on Prayer and Legalism

2009-02-22T22:01:00.001-08:00

This excerpt is from a great sermon on prayer. I enjoyed the sermon and when seeing this post was reminded of it. The thoughts about legalism apply to things other than prayer as well; meeting on Sundays, reading the Bible, etc...

The Loss of the Written Word

2009-02-10T07:09:00.000-08:00

A short quote taken from a Challies.com article.

Just the other day I was talking to a friend and asking if, in days past, a person had ever gone to his desk, taken out a pen and writing paper, written “LOL” on that paper, sealed it up, put a stamp on it, and run it out to a mailbox. Probably not. Yet every day I seem to receive an email or two that has no more content than that. And maybe I send one occasionally myself. Is there something inherently light, “unweighty,” about digital communication?

This causes me to think about how I communicate.

Never Surrender

2008-12-26T17:50:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve morning I got up early and finished a book I had been working on since Thanksgiving. The book "Never Surrender" by retired general William Boykin was a great read. He was involved at the founding of Delta Force and eventually a commander of that elite unit. Involved in the capture of Noriega, the Somalia campaign which the movie "Black Hawk Down" was adapted from and many other military operations, he told some great stories. As well as interesting stories, he talked of his faith and how he needed to trust in God through some tough times. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone who likes military stories.

Os Guiness - The Call

2008-12-23T12:44:00.000-08:00

Reading the first chapter of Os Guiness' book "The Call:Finding and Fulfilling the Central Purpose of Your Life" I found this great quote.

"The trouble is that, as modern people, we have too much to live with and too little to live for. Some feel they have time but not enough money; others feel they have money but not enough time. But for most of us, in the midst of material plenty, we have spiritual poverty."

This book has been on my Amazon with list and after looking at it again I think it is moving toward the top of the list.

Because You're A Sinner, Son

2008-12-20T18:42:00.001-08:00

Having worked with children in Christian schools and now my own, I should know better than to ask, "Why did you do that?" The answer is always the same - "I don't know."

Even so, I found myself asking the question of my five year old son the other day. As soon as the words exited my lips, I knew what his response would be and wished I hadn't asked. "I don't know" he said quietly.

I told him, "When we get home, I'll tell you why you did that."

At home I sat him on my bed and we had a talk. I told him I knew exactly why he had disobeyed his mother. "Son, you disobeyed because you are a sinner. That's why Jesus came to die on the cross, because you are a sinner. He is available to help you fight against sin and to forgive you."

So, I hope to never ask "Why" again, but instead to point the wayward child to Christ and the child's need of a Saviour.

Al Mohler vs. Lisa Miller

2008-12-15T22:58:00.000-08:00

Al Mohler takes on Lisa Miller who authored a controversial Newsweek article about the Bible and gay marriage. Here is the NPR Radio link.

Twitter

2008-12-11T22:27:00.000-08:00

I'm not very techie, but seeing how Hugh Hewitt has been making great use of new media and is now promoting twitter, I decided to see what it was about. Right now I'm not sure if I'll keep it up. I like that you can update so easily by sending a text message from a cell phone. Anyway, my twitter updates are on the right side on my blog or here.

Time Redeeming Tips From R.C. Sproul

2008-12-11T00:08:00.000-08:00

C.J. Mahaney has posted an excerpt from an article by R.C. Sproul regarding the wise use of time. This is an area of life discipline which I find particularly interesting.

Am I wasting time or investing time by blogging about this???

By coincidence (though nothing is) I was listening just two days ago to the Sovereign Grace Leadership podcast and heard this quote:

"At the root of all disciplines is the disciplined use of time."

10 Tips on Reading from Tim Challies

2008-11-25T00:30:00.000-08:00

If you love reading books as I do, then you will enjoy this post by Tim Challies.
Here is one of the tips:

Read Widely - I’m convinced that one reason people do not read more is that they do not vary their reading enough. Any subject, no matter how much you are interested in it, can begin to feel dry if you focus all of your attention upon it. So be sure to read widely. Read fiction and non-fiction, theology and biography, current affairs and history, Christian and non. You will no doubt want to focus the majority of your reading in one broad area, and that is well and good. But be sure to vary your diet.

The Tyranny of the Minority - Same Sex Marriages

2008-11-18T23:56:00.000-08:00

This article is fantastic. S.T. Karnick does a great job outlining the intolerance of the homosexual agenda.

HT:Justin Taylor

How Not To Raise a Pagan - Al Mohler

2008-11-13T23:02:00.001-08:00

Listening to messages about raising the next generation to hope in Christ is something I love. This one by Al Mohler is wonderful. He is speaking here at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary chapel. His text is Deuteronomy 6. He hits on so many important themes:
of the parents duty of didactic teaching (the type of teaching specific to the text)

of fathers having a trans-generational vision

of Sunday School and Vacation Bible School

of children in sports

of discipline

Mohler points to the statistics that say children are leaving the church at alarming rates as they reach the age of 18. He then points us to some solutions and to Christ. Much more could be said than he could give in one lecture, yet he does an excellent job and I will listen to this one several times.

John Piper On The Upcoming Election

2008-11-02T16:36:00.000-08:00

Having watched a short video clip of John Piper's thoughts on the upcoming election which I saw at Justin Taylor's blog, and having followed the interesting dialoague in the comments section there, I found this follow up by Piper. It is worth the time to read for those interested in thinking through complex issues of manhood and womanhood. Here is a quote:

In my view, defending abortion is far worse sin for a man than serving as Vice President is for a woman.

I have much to learn myself regarding these things.

Wilberforce On Depravity

2008-10-19T22:18:00.000-07:00

I am slowly reading "Practical Christianity" by William Wilberforce. He talks at one point in the book of how our depraved nature causes us to have a lower or lessened view of the horror of our own depravity. I like insights such as this. He also said, "...if in Christianity some things are difficult, that which it most concerns us to know, is plain and obvious."

Russell Moore: A Pro-Life Message

2008-10-16T22:36:00.000-07:00

Denny Burk post an excerpt and link to a message about single issue voting and abortion by Russell Moore. I haven't yet listened to it (I will) but the qoute in the post wet my appetite.

Randy Alcorn On Obama And Abortion

2008-10-16T22:22:00.000-07:00

Here is a great post regarding Barack Obama's position on abortion and a Christian perspective of the issue. Randy Alcorn is a friend of Donald Miller (Athor of Blue Like Jazz and Obama supporter) and disagrees passionately with Donald on this issue. Randy has links to several great resources in this post. Here is an excerpt:

"The blood of week and needy unborn children is precious in God’s sight. Please don't tell me abortion isn't the only issue. Of course it isn't. Treatment of the Jews wasn’t the only issue in 1940 Germany. Buying, selling and owning black people wasn’t the only issue in the United States of 1850. Nonetheless, both were the dominant moral issues of their day. Make no mistake about it. In our own day if we support a candidate who defends abortion, who is dedicated to that cause, we are supporting the killing of children. Yes, even if he’s the coolest candidate to come along in decades."

HT:Justin Taylor

Reading Books vs. Reading Blogs

2008-10-08T23:51:00.000-07:00

Stephen Altrogge over at The Blazing Center has two wonderful post about reading great books vs. blogs. Here is the first one. Just 15 minutes per day and look here what you could read.

John Paton on growing up in a Christian home

2008-10-08T23:26:00.000-07:00

In his autobiography John Paton (missionary to the New Hebrides islanders) has a wonderful paragraph about the blessing of growing up in a Christian home. I will post the quote below. I know people who have grown up in religious homes and have rebelled against God. Many try to claim this as a reaction to the Bible training they received and hypocrisy they saw in the house. I know hypocrisy exist in many homes but I truly believe that such excuses are a result of a heart that wants to do its own thing, not a disgust with what is perceived as phony religion. Our hearts are deceitful and will attempt to trick us and sometimes we believe our own lies. It seems that a person running from phony religion might try to find a more authentic religion, but alas, the sinful heart searches not for truth but for excuses to sin.

My experience growing up is closer to what John Paton here describes. We didn't recite the Catechism; our experience is the same in that we both had a positive view of religious training in the home. I, as well, have never dreamed that I had otherwise been trained.

We had, too, special Bible Readings on the Lord's Day evening - mother and children and visitors reading in turns, with fresh and interesting question, answer, and exposition, all tending to impress us with the infinite grace of God of love and mercy in the great gift of His dear Son Jesus, our Saviour. The Shorter Catechism was gone through regularly, each answering the question asked, till the whole had been explained, and its foundation in Scripture shown by the proof-texts adduced. It has been an amazing thing to me, occasionally to meet with men who blamed this "catechizing" for giving them a distaste of religion; every one in all our circle thinks and feels exactly the opposite. It laid the solid rock-foundations of our religious life. After-years have given to these questions and their answers a deeper or a modified meaning, but none of us have ever once even dreamed of wishing that we had been otherwise trained. Of course, if the parents are not devout, sincere, and affectionate, - if the whole affair on both sides is taskwork, or worse, hypocritical and false, - results must be very different indeed!

A Young Girl's Theology

2008-09-25T23:30:00.000-07:00

During our family devotions the other night we were discussing God's sovereignty in knowing everything before He created the world. My wife was telling Lydia, "God knew before the beginning of the world that you would be born to this family, what color your eyes would be, and what color hair you would have. God knew everything before it happened." My other daughter, Abigail, said, "But, He didn't know that sin would happen!" She said this as a statement, not a question. In her mind, it was obvious that God couldn't know sin would happen. If He did, why wouldn't He do something to prevent it? Leave it to children to get right to the difficult issues and leave the parents wondering what to say in response.

Reaching the Next Generation

2008-09-21T09:18:00.000-07:00

Over the years I have listened to many messages about raising kids to hope in the glory of God. On occasion, I have even had the opportunity to speak to this issue in front of an audience. This message by Phil Foley is excellent.

Mr. Foley reveals a connection between what is called The Great Commission in Matthew 28 and teaching future generations about the Lord n Psalm 22. This message encouraged my heart and equipped my mind.

God's Mercy in Crisis Pregnancies

2008-09-11T23:25:00.000-07:00

This post at the Desiring God blog is a wonderful example of seeing the mercy of God in trying times. Doug Wilson has said that, "God can draw straight with curved lines." Many times in our lives this is the case. We sin, make a mistake, error, and God uses it for His glory and as an example of His mercy in dealing with us.

Pastor Daddy

2008-09-11T23:21:00.000-07:00

Recently I've been trying to make family worship a higher priority. Dads need all the help we can get to be spiritual leaders in the home and this book looks like a winner for dads with little ones.

Missionary Patriarch

2008-09-10T01:29:00.000-07:00

Missionary Patriarch: The True Story of John G. Paton

This book is fantastic (more thoughts on it coming later) and this is the excerpt that led me to read it:

My dear father walked with me the first six miles of the way. His counsel and tears and heavenly conversation on that parting journey are fresh in my heart as if it had been but yesterday; and tears are on my cheeks as freely now as then, whenever memory steals me away to the scene. His tears fell fast when our eyes met each other in looks for which all speech was vain! He grasped my hand firmly for a minute in silence, and then solemnly said: “God bless you, my son! Your father’s God prosper you, and keep you from all evil!”
Unable to say more, his lips kept moving in silent prayer; in tears we embraced, and parted. I ran off as fast as I could; and, when about to turn a corner in the road where he would lose sight of me, I looked back and saw him still standing with head uncovered where I had left him gazing after me. Waving my hat in adieu, I was round the corner and out of sight in an instant. But my heart was too full and sore to carry me further, so I darted into the side of the road and wept for a time. Rising up cautiously, I climbed the dyke to see if he yet stood where I had left him; and just at that moment I caught a glimpse of him climbing the dyke and looking out for me! He did not see me, and after he had gazed eagerly in my direction for a while he got down, set his face towards home, and began to return, his head still uncovered, and his heart, I felt sure, still rising in prayers for me. I watched through blinding tears, till his form faded from my gaze; and then, hastening on my way, vowed deeply and oft, by the help of God, to live and act so as never to grieve or dishonour such a father and mother as He had given me.
The appearance of my father when we parted has often through life risen vividly before my mind, and does so now as if it had been but an hour ago. In my earlier years particularly, when exposed to many temptations, his parting form rose before me as that of a guardian Angel. It is no pharisaism, but deep gratitude, which makes me here testify that the memory of that scene not only helped to keep me pure from the prevailing sins, but also stimulated me in all my studies, that I might not fall short of his hopes, and in all my Christian duties, that I might faithfully follow his shining example.

Lydia for Senator (On Women in Politics)

2008-09-03T22:58:00.001-07:00

When my first daughter, Lydia, was months old, I would hold her up high and announce, "Here is the senator from California, Lydia Marie West." As I did, I would imagine the crowd cheering. I would think of her doing great things to bring change where it was needed, and to conserve moral values in culture.

Doing great things; this is a goal many parents have for their little ones. I want my children to go beyond what I do, to start from a higher launching pad with more fuel in the tank. This dream is still alive, but my sentiments have changed.

Now when I speak to my daughters, Lydia and Abigail, I tell them I would like them to be mothers and missionaries when they grow up. By mother, I mean to convey that they honor the role of mother, that they love the domestic life, that they see children as a gift worthy of the sacrifice of their own careers and agendas. By missionary, I mean to say that the Gospel be the primary motivator for all they do; that they view life from a Biblical perspective and want to do all for His glory.

At one time, I would have been so happy to see my daughters doing what Sarah Palin is now doing. Now, I'm not so sure. To govern a household is just as honorable as governing a state. To be a helper to a husband just as noble as being vice president.

My bias comes partly from watching my mother. She worked, and worked hard, most of my childhood years, but she did it in such a way as to include my sister and I. My mom started a Christian school. We had as many as 40 students at one time, and so, it was close to being homeschooled, but with a few extra kids around. My mother had the same schedule and was in the same classroom as her children for all but one year that I can recall. This came at much sacrifice. Mom could have taken a job which paid much better, but the priority of being with her children overruled other considerations. My wife's story is very similar. Both of us saw our parents model the idea that mom should be with the children. The week after I had my first, I quit a job of 10 years to be self employed. My goal was to make enough money so that my wife would not need to work outside the home. For 9 years now, we have succeeded at that goal, although, we have struggled financially and have had to be creative. Danette has taken babysitting jobs (in our home), a part-time job in photography (she takes the children with her), and I have had two jobs several time through the years.

Women can surely work outside the home and be good mothers. This is not the point. The point is to realize we usually cant' do everything at the same time and do it all well. I, as a dad, realize that my job causes me to spend more time away from my family than I would like. Dads and moms should be doing things in this world for the glory of God, and while doing so, should constantly be on guard against the ambition of our own hearts and the pull of worldly ideas of success.

My vote is with McCain/Palin at this time, but I hope young ladies also see the role of full-time homemaker as God-honoring, noble, and as a worthy life calling.

Here are few posts (I don't agree with all of them) to think through these issues Biblically:

Doug Phillips post a quote here and here regarding the role of women in civil authority. I especially like the second quote.

Voddie Baucham post here and here. Voddie is one of my favorite preachers/speakers when it comes to issues of family life. He has much wisdom, is solid Biblically, and a wonderfully style and delivery. The concerns he shares in these posts, I agree with, yet Biblically, he may miss the mark on this one.

Here is the word from the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. I think this post is Biblically accurate.

Here is a letter to Sarah Palin from a mother of five and pastor's wife.

Our ambitions can subvert our priorities and judging our own hearts can be a great chore. Following our ambition can lead men and women alike down the wrong path. The path of ambition may be just, it may be noble, but it may be a wrong priority for one's family. Men, especially, get caught in the cycle of "workaholism." It's easy to do; all the more reason to be careful.

Our society, more and more, is taking women out of the home. Two incomes are no longer the exception, but fairly common. Feminism's ideas have permeated even the church. So, as wise Christians, we must seek the counsel of Scripture and be careful not to do what everyone else is doing. A like the saying, "A fish doesn't know it's wet. All a fish knows is wetness." I first heard Doug Phillips use it and I think it applies to so many issues. We are so full of the culture around us that we hardly stop to realize or question where it may have misled us.

Sarah Palin may be gifted of God and may even be Providentially raised up for just a time as now. But if she were my daughter I would suggest caution and ask these questions:

1. Have you done the hard work of discerning your own heart? What is the real or main motivation for your political ambition?

2. Is this ambition a selfish ambition? Are you trying to prove something?

3. Children have only one mother, but many could be governor or vice president. Have you considered this seriously?

4. Have you sought counsel from a godly woman?

5. As Christians we are commanded to pick up our cross and follow Him. How do you think this applies to you in this situation?

6. What does your husband really feel? If he disagreed with you working outside the home, would you be content to step down from the governorship or turn down the vice president nomination?

7. Do you have an exit strategy? Is this four years and out or a lifetime in politics?

8. What Scripture is guiding your decision? What Scripture causes you to doubt your decision?

9. At life's end, will you wish you had more time in political office or with your children? How does this thought affect your decision?

10. What is your example teaching the children? Will the children see you are giving yourself to a worthy cause larger than yourself? Or, will they see a mother whose was consumed by her own ambition and never home? Will they understand the high calling of homemaker from watching you?

These, of course, could be asked of men and women alike in all types of careers.

Well, my girls (and boys) may end up doing any number of things. My hope, my prayer, is that they keep what glorifies Christ as the primary thing.

Mahaney on Children and the Church

2008-08-27T23:30:00.000-07:00

As a father, I have many goals for my children. One of the most important is that as adults they will be actively involved in a local church, not just as attendees but with a love for God's family and a desire to serve in the church. I desire for them to place the priority of corporate worship above other activities that compete for attention. Increasingly in our society, Sunday morning is like all other mornings and not set aside, as it once more commonly was, for worship and rest.

An instance at a former church we attended pressed this issue upon my mind. The high school youth went to the city of San Francisco for a day of ministry to the homeless. This was scheduled on a Saturday and was two hours from our church. Instead of coming home that evening and attending church on Sunday, they planned an overnight trip which included Sunday at an amusement park. When I heard the announcements for this I could not believe my ears. My children were younger and would not be participating anyway, but I thought to myself, "If my kids were high school age would I send them or keep them here to worship on Sunday as a family?"

The answer to my own question came to my mind, "My children would be sitting at church and listening to the preaching on Sunday morning instead of losing their lunch on some roller coaster."

"My children may be the only ones not at the amusement park," I thought, and I'm perfectly at peace with going against the tide in such affairs, "but the priority of corporate worship trumps corporate amusement." Edification before entertainment is a great motto in my opinion.

How is one to train children to love the local church when the church engages in such activity? What are these high school students being taught about the importance of worshipping together as Christians? They may have had a morning worship time before heading to the rides, but seriously, is that the same as hearing the pastor deliver the Word? Who invested more time preparing a spiritual meal that week? The preaching pastor or the youth director?

Studies show that over 75% of children are leaving the church within two years of reaching college age. No wonder! When church is placed in line behind standing in line at the roller coaster, when Sunday soccer scores more points with the family calendar then Sunday service, what should we expect our children to do when they are older? Why do so many parents not see the long term results upon their children's priorities. I have wondered about the wisdom of having children in sports which compete on Sundays. Some of my friends, godly and gospel loving, take children out of church to attend athletics competition for a season of the year. I know these people love God, want to raise godly children, and are doing what they think is proper. But for me, no sports competition will be in competition with the regular corporate worship on Sundays. I remember this being one of the reasons my parents didn't pursue a more competitive level of ice skating for my sister. As more is caught than taught, their example was wise.

Here is C.J. Mahaney speaking briefly (10 minutes) about this issue of teaching children to love the local church. There is a lot of wisdom in this little bit of audio.

Having children in church with their family on Sunday is not the only thing necessary to stop the exodus from our churches at age 18. Many things need to be done by families and the church, and placing a priority on corporate worship is one of those things.

Of course, I'm not opposed to having fun, resting, or vacationing, but personally I could count on my fingers the times I remember missing a Sunday morning service. Even when out of town, I usually have been in attendance somewhere. This is far from some form of guilt or misplaced duty or even legalism. This is in my opinion the proper place to be - in corporate worship regularly with the family of Christ. I do it out of love, not guilt.

I remember, one afternoon, being asked by a friend to skip the Sunday evening service so as to stay at the river. This was a few years before I was married, and although I was still living at home, these decisions were mine to make. I went to service that evening and enjoyed the sweet fellowship of other believers and the presence of the Holy Spirit; even time at the river could not compare.

Obama's Christian Supporters

2008-08-23T17:12:00.000-07:00

James Grant posted a link at the Between Two Worlds blog about Donald Miller (Author of Blue Like Jazz) praying at the DNC. Read the interview at Christianity Today here.
Earlier in the week I saw that Brian McClaren (one of the prominent leaders in the emerging church movement) was supporting Obama. Your can watch the endorsement here.

(I don't know much about this Matthew 25 organization and don't endorse anything from this video. Although, I do agree with the sentence in their mission statement which says, "The election of our public officials, and the politics they stand for, are a reflection of our core values.")

So, what's wrong with this picture? Why are self proclaimed evangelicals supporting a man who can't answer squarely where he stands on some of the most cut and dry issues of Christendom? Those who watched the Saddleback Civil Forum know what I mean.

I understand Donald Miller praying at the DNC. Many evangelicals would do so if asked. What I can't comprehend is the answer he gives in the interview at Christianity Today. He says, "Whether I think homosexuality's wrong, personally?" And then gives an Obama like non-answer. How can a student of the Bible, a Christian author, not be able to answer this question?

Politics is complex, I understand this. Many issues are not easy to nail down in neat little boxes and transcend red/blue. But some things are easy. Among them is whether homosexuality is wrong. This doesn't mean the republicans get everthing right, or that one should run to a third party. It means Christians increasingly can't think and reason Biblically. This is the greatest tragedy.

DOG, CAT, HAT: A Four Year Old Reading

2008-08-19T18:56:00.000-07:00

While watching my children play I witnessed the following. My nine year old girl (Lydia) had written some words on a tablet and was trying to teach my four year old boy (Calvin) how to read them. He has recently finished learning all the letter sounds and I had taught him to recognize the words dad/mom.

DOG... CAT... HAT...

"Say the sound of the first letter," Lydia told him. After working through the sounds of the word DOG, and not being able to put them together fast enough to make any sense of a word, she finally told him, "It's DOG."

Immediately he said, "The next one is CAT!"

Lydia looked at him in amazement. So did I. He's a genius, I thought. I was about to race to my wife and tell her how fast he was catching on to reading, but my enthusiasm quickly subsided.

Before Lydia could utter a word about his amazing reading of the word CAT, Calvin said, "And the next one is MOUSE."

Man Points

2008-08-16T08:29:00.001-07:00

Stephen Altrogge has posted a funny piece about how to earn "Man Points". I couldn't keep from laughing.

So guys, what's your manliness quotient? Are you on the Richard Simmons or John Wayne end of the spectrum?

Parable of the Lost 4 Year Old

2008-08-11T18:44:00.000-07:00

My wife told me a story from her day as I arrived home from work. A few minutes later we were having supper and I pulled out the Bible to share some thoughts with the family. Opening to Luke 15:3-7 I read the parable of the lost sheep. Next, I discussed what a parable was, more particulars of the significance of this parable, and then read it one more time. This time I was reading it through the lens of the my wife's day. Here what I read:

So he told them a parable: What mother of you, having four children, if she has lost one of them at Target, does not leave the other three with the cashier, and go after the one that is lost, until she finds it? And when she has found it, she rejoices. And when she comes home, she tells her husband, saying to him, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the Calvin that was lost.' Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy over one Calvin that was found than over three children who were never lost.

Having heard it told this way, my children will hopefully remember better the message contained in the parable of the lost sheep.

Family Church

2008-08-03T23:28:00.000-07:00

Having Danette's grandparents in town for a couple of weeks has been a blessing. They are missionaries to Jamaica. Since many of us attend different churches, we decided to gather together this Sunday morning and have "Family Church". Danette's brother led the singing, the children sang a couple songs they learned at VBS, grandma said a few words, and then grandpa preached. His message was on the text "The just shall live by faith". It was a rare and wonderful morning of worship.

Grandmother's Profound Quote

2008-08-02T23:27:00.001-07:00

While having dinner with my in-laws tonight, grandmother said something profound.

We were discussing a book which was full of troubling language regarding core doctrines of Christianity. The author seemed to be saying, "What if the trinity is man's idea? What if the virgin birth wasn't an immaculate conception?" What if, what if, what if???

Grandma said, "What if that guy had gone to play golf instead of writing a book?"

This is great wisdom.

12th Wedding Anniversary

2008-08-01T22:41:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow marks the 12th anniversary of my wedding. I am very much looking forward to spening some time with my bride. This occasion causes me to ponder a few things:

1. Do I show her I love her enough?

2. Do I spend enough time with her; just being together?

3. We've been through good and hard times together. Which accounts more for the on-growing love I feel for her?

4. Why does she love me? Am I not unloveable at times?

These same questions could be asked of my relationship to Christ. Marriage is a reflection of His relationship with the church. Therefore:

1. Do I show Him I love Him enough?

2. Do I spend enough time with Him; just being together?

3. We've been through good and hard times together. Which accounts more for the on-growing love I feel for Him?

4. Why does He love me? Am I not unloveable at times?
Actually, apart from Christ dying for His bride, am I not unloveable all the time to a holy God?

Fireproof: the movie

2008-07-26T14:38:00.000-07:00

Earlier today I was talking with my wife's grandfather about the church and culture. He was passionately (he speaks of everything about God passionately and I love that about him) arguing that Christians shouldn't enjoy entertainment that makes light of sin. Specifically, he was speaking of television when he quoted Jesus from Matthew 24:12, "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."

"Which came first the chicken or the egg?" I asked. "Do people's hearts grow cold and this causes them to view and enjoy carnal things, or does the viewing cause the hearts to grow cold?"

After a moment of reflection he gave me this analogy. "If you are a carpet installer and you are trying to master your trade, would it help you if all you saw were ways of doing it wrong? Would you grow better at what you were aiming to accomplish?"

His thoughtful analogy was right on target. How can Christians expect to grow in grace and to walk in the Spirit if they are constantly saturated with sinful forms of enjoyment? To walk with Christ is not easy for our flesh, and spending time with models of godliness is one "tool" God has given for our growth. Models of immorality, immodesty, laziness, selfishness, greed, pride, and such are all around us. It takes God's grace and our striving after Him to shun affections for the worldly.

Ungodly entertainment abounds, so, when I saw this review of the upcoming movie Fireproof, I decided to spread the word.

Hollywood, or the movie industry in general, has become a name synonymous with grotesque violence, nudity, profanity, and many other vices and sins. Fireproof looks to tackle romance and marriage from a distinctly Christian perspective.

Tim Challies reviews the movie here.

Here is the trailer, which is at the end of Challies review.

Bathroom Manners and the Gospel

2008-07-25T19:11:00.000-07:00

There it was. My son, Calvin, and I were staring into a bowl of unflushed urine at the local McDonalds. Public restrooms are handy, yet mostly disgusting. Although it wasn't McDonalds responsibility to insure every squatter flushed when leaving, it seemed to lower my opinion of the establishment. The rudeness of the unflusher had transferred to me a general low view of humanity.

Calvin said to me, "Dad, they didn't flush."

"No, they didn't son - there that's better." I flushed and wiped off the seat.

"We don't do that, huh dad?"

"No, son. Some people are rude and don't think of others, but not us."

As Calvin finished I was grateful that my meal had already been finished. Once when he was learning to use the toilet, he fell in the bowl. His little bottom dipped in. What could I do? I cleaned him and myself up and went back to our table in the restaurant trying not to think about it as I ate my pasta.

Well, back to the McDonalds story.

I didn't want to give an impression to my son that we were somehow better than other people. But for the grace of God, we would ourselves be unflushers. I hate touching anything in public restrooms and would love to do my thing and hurry out the door, levitating if I could. Maybe I could use the Force from Star Wars to push the flush handle. Instead, I usually use my foot.

So, I told Calvin, "Son, we are not better than other people. We care for others because Christ cared for us. And we won't be rude to others."

That was the extent of the conversation, yet afterward I thought more about what happened. The truth is, the Gospel applies to flushing toilets in public restrooms (as much as I hate them). The fact is that Jesus loved us, even while we were dirty, unholy, unclean, toilet-like sinners. Now that we have new affections and are driven by the Spirit, we should see how our actions affect others and our rudeness should diminish. Christ is He who gives us grace to care for others. Left to ourselves we think only of ourselves (and don't touch the flush handle). And though it isn't sure evidence of the grace of God in one's life, flushing can be AN evidence.

All of us have areas of our lives that war with the Spirit; but once the rudeness of leaving a bowl of urine for others to gaze upon is pointed out, the Christian's love (given by the Spirit)should change this habit.

Next time I am in a public restroom (hopefully a long time away), my question will not be What Would Jesus Do? My thought will be of What Jesus Did (WJD) for me and for others. Directed by God's grace and for the sake of the Gospel, I will flush with a flourish.

Jay Leno and "The Shack"

2008-07-21T17:09:00.000-07:00

"The Shack" by William P. Young - A book that is stirring up the blogospere and myspace; everyone seems to have an opinion.

Here is a great bit of humor.

Encouragement for Homemakers

2008-07-16T23:05:00.000-07:00

Here is a fabulous post from Carolyn Mahaney about being the best at one thing versus being good at many task. It is especially relevant for moms, but I'm sure there is some application for dads as well. She quotes from G.K. Chesterton, who is always quotable, and here is a second post as good as the first.

Homemaking is one of the toughest, most meaningful jobs on the planet. In our society, homemaking is often frowned upon. Being a mom is acceptable, but staying home and cleaning, cooking, doing laundry; well, those are tasks below the educated woman.

I disagree - and stongly!

Books Can Help

2008-07-15T18:02:00.000-07:00

John D. Snider, in his book "I Love Books", has much wisdom and many terrific lines about reading.

"If your conversation is pointless, if you feel lifeless, dead to all new conceptions, if your spirit is weak, if you are heavy or prosy, read more books."

Books can lift the spirit, at least I find it so. Of course, it depends on what you are reading, and here Mr. Snider has much to say that I like.

"The simplest wisdom teaches us most richly that we should choose those (books) which will repay us most richly - those of abiding and universal interest that put an edge on our thinking and furnish us with an easy corrective for our warped opinions and narrow prejudices."

Principles of Discernment

2008-07-10T23:11:00.000-07:00

Eric Simmons had a terrific message at the New Attitude conference in 2007. Today I listened to part of it for the third, maybe fourth time. Here at this blog is a great ouline of the message.

Sometimes laziness overtakes us and instead of doing the hard work of studying Scripture, we say that a certain thing doesn't matter to God. We like to say that God loves us no matter what we wear, watch, or what's on our ipod. God loves us enough to have given us His Word and expects us to love Him enough and know Him enough to be discerning in all matters of our lives.

Eric helps answer questions such as:
Is it OK just to fast-forward the sex scene and watch the rest of the movie?
Should I smoke a cigar with my unbelieving father?
How tight is too tight?
Can a Christian play poker?
Can I have a beer with dinner?

There are so many areas where Christians need to be discerning and Eric helps by giving 5 principles. Here at Boundless, I found an article (in 2 parts) that outlines the message I have enjoyed.

Dad, "Why do bad things happen?"

2008-07-08T23:14:00.001-07:00

Walking past my girls' room a few weeks ago, I heard my oldest (9) say, "Dad?". I stopped, wondering why she was not going to sleep and answered, "Yes, honey".

It was then that she asked me the question. Not any question, but a very difficult one to answer, and I still am unsure what caused her to think of asking.

"Dad, if God loves us and He knows everything, why do bad things happen?"

My mind raced, pondering what to say or do. Should I say, "Sweetie, it's late and you need rest. We will talk about that tomorrow." Thereby having time to gather my thoughts and do some googling or other research.

Maybe I should just tell her, "Honey, I don't know, but I do know that we can trust God. Now go to sleep."

In an instant of mind wrestling I realized that I had better seize this opportunity for a lesson. A lesson which I felt inadequate to deliver. I wasn't sure what to say, but called for my wife to come, turned on the light and sat next to my daughters' bed. My other daughter was paying attention now as well. What I said may not be remembered, and I'm not sure I gave the best answer, but how could I let such a question go unanswered.

I started by saying, "That is a question for the ages. People have been trying to figure out the answer to that for many years and will still be for many years to come. Honey, do you know what was the most horrible, bad, thing that ever happened?"

"I don't know," came the response. My mind was still formulating how to answer fully.

"The baddest thing, the most horrible thing that ever happened was when Jesus died on the cross to redeem us for our sins. The very God of the universe, put to death His own Son. There was never a worse thing, and will never be a thing more bad than that. And do you know what the best thing, the very best thing that ever happened in all the world was, Honey?"

"I don't know"

"Sweetie, the very bestest thing, the most wonderful thing, was also the very baddest thing, the most horrible. Jesus death on the cross was the worst thing and the best thing ever. It was the worst; God's own Son, the one who created the world dying an awful, painful death. And it was the best; God's own Son, the one who created the world redeeming people, giving heaven and hope to the world. At the same time the worst thing was happening, the very best thing ever was happening. Honey, sometimes we don't understand, but we can trust God. Sometimes what we see as bad, He sees as good. Sometimes what we think is horrible may be just the thing that is the best thing. People will ask the same question you asked for many years, and you will probably ask it many times yourself, but one thing we know for sure is that we can trust God."

"Honey, does that answer your question?"

"Yeah."

"Goodnight, I love you Sweetie."

"Goodnight, Dad."

Well, I left the room feeling satisfied that I hadn't dodged the question, but also feeling that I had better brush up on my theology for this and the many other questions that are sure to come in years ahead.

Nothing good happens after midnight

2008-07-05T00:16:00.000-07:00

Here are two great quotes. The second one is certainly true as I can prove from experience in my own home.

"Nothing good happens after midnight." - Dan Black

This first quote is spoken by my father-in-law to explain why people (especially his children when they were still living at home) should not be out late. He was not a big fan of sleepovers and told his children that they could have fun at a friend's house, but that he would pick them up at midnight. My wife and I will probably adopt a similar model as our children grow.

Now, whenever we see a news story about murder, theft, or such we pay attention to what the reporter says. "The robbery occured just after one a.m.", "The women left her car about three a.m. and has been missing since." Inevitably, well at least many times, the thing happened after midnight. As we sit watching we say, "Pay attention kids; nothing good happens after midnight."

"Something always gets broken, someone always gets hurt, someone always gets their feeling hurt." - Dan Black

Now this second quote is spoken when rough play is happening. Like the law of gravity, there is no denying it, only various ways to prove the law. Many times already, after someone's toy has been stepped on or two heads have crashed together, I have called upon this wisdom to explain to my children why we must settle down. Years from now, I imaginge them saying to their children, "That's why we need to settle down. Something always gets broken...."

July 4th Heroes - Adams & Jefferson

2008-07-03T23:32:00.000-07:00

I just returned from a fabulous fireworks show in the park. This holiday could be my favorite (I feel heathen if I don't pick Christmas). The principles of Christianity that helped to forge our nation may be waning, yet on nights like tonight the patriotism is strong - the crowd cheered for the troops and we heard great quotes from the founding fathers. This is the sort of stuff that stirs my emotions.

Yesterday I read a bumper sticker: God bless everyone. Among the other liberal ideas presented on the backside of this car, I realized that this one was making the point that saying "God bless America" is somehow wrong. When I say "God bless America", I am in no way trying to exclude other nations from His blessings any more than I am trying to keep all the blessings within my own four walls when I pray at night, with my children, and say "God bless us and keep us safe tonight". Believing this to be the greatest nation on earth doesn't necessitate that I overlook the areas where improvement is necessary or that I look disparagingly on other nations. I think it is possible to hold a high view of one thing and not compare everything else to it in a manner which holds a low view of other things.

So on this 4th day of July I have a high view of the United States. God bless America!

John Adams recognized the significance of the moment, when independence from England was declared, and how it should be celebrated by succeeding generations. You can read his statement here.

Wikipedia has this statement about John Adams death.

On July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, Adams died at his home in Quincy. His last words are often quoted as "Thomas Jefferson survives." Only the words "Thomas Jefferson" were clearly intelligible, however.[52] Adams was unaware that Jefferson, his compatriot in their quest for independence, then great political rival, then later friend and correspondent, had died a few hours earlier on the very same day.

How amazing! Thomas Jefferson and John Adams must have willed themselves to stay alive for the 50th anniversary celebration of the Declaration of Independence. What great American heroes.

Favorite Quotes

2008-07-03T23:22:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of my favorite quotes:

“Christianity has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult and left untried.”
--G.K. Chesterton

“…he who sends mouths, will send meat.” - Matthew Henry commentary on Psalm 127 speaking of the blessing of children

"A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a
college education."
-- Theodore Roosevelt, 1910

Abraham Lincoln once asked, "If you call a tail a leg, how many legs
has a dog? The answer is four. Calling a tail a leg doesn't make it one."

“The Christian cannot be satisfied so long as any human activity is either opposed to Christianity or out of all connection with Christianity… The Christian, therefore, cannot be indifferent to any branch of earnest human endeavor. It must all be brought into some relation to the gospel. It must be studied either in order to be demonstrated as false, or else in order to be made useful in advancing the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom must be advanced not merely extensively, but also intensively. The Church must seek to conquer not merely every man for Christ but also the whole of man.”
--J. Gresham Machen

“Some folks have a wishbone instead of a backbone.” – J.C. Penney

Redeeming the time

2008-07-03T23:03:00.000-07:00

"Never be entirely idle; but either be reading, or writing, or praying, or meditating, or endeavoring something for the public good."
-Thomas a Kempis

Douglas Wilson has a great post about redeeming the time here.

HT:Justin Taylor

Religion in America survey

2008-06-27T23:00:00.000-07:00

The release of this survey by the Pew Research Center of more than 35,000 Americans has some shocking statistics. Here is a breakdown of how self-identified evangelicals answered survey questions. The last question (My religion is the one, true faith leading to eternal life, OR: many religions can lead to eternal life) should give anyone concerned about the state of Christianity in America concern. Over half of evangelicals think that many religions can lead to eternal life. In John 14:6, Jesus told Thomas, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Many reasons could be cited and discussed explaining the modern breakdown of truth claims and knowledge of foundational, Biblical truths. At the least, we should consider our own understanding of the Gospel and how we share it with others.

Al Mohler discusses this survey on his radio program here.

First Things First

2008-06-25T09:57:00.000-07:00

I just signed up to receive a daily email thought from Of First Importance. Nobody needs more junk in their inbox, but what could be more important than a short, daily reminder of the work of Christ in our salvation?

Gospel Centered Parenting

2008-06-23T09:50:00.000-07:00

I've listened to a lot of messages about Christian parenting, and I've attended a few seminars on the subject. I would rank these two messages by C.J. Mahaney among the best I've heard.

"Christian parenting is creatively and passionately seizing every opportunity to communicate the Gospel to our children."

There is something foundational and rock bottom which we as Christian parents need to get correct or else we are building on sand. C.J. Mahaney gets right to the issue in these messages and I couldn't agree more. All the rules, discipline, creative correction, and character training, as important as they are, can have no lasting effect without the Gospel. Mahaney explains this and argues for the priority of the Gospel in our training of children.

In the second message, he gives a lot of practical examples of ways to accomplish the stated goal and recommends some resources.

My Future - An Exclamation Point!

2008-06-23T09:41:00.000-07:00

The speaker asked everyone to close their eyes.

"Now, imagine your future. What do you see? Is your future a question mark or an exclamation point?"

At this meeting of business associates we were being encouraged to make decisions, set goals, to be persistent and consistent, to build businesses which could provide for a brighter future.

Is my future a question mark or an exclamation point? The answer is clear. I plan to succeed in business and will work hard, set goals, persist, and pray. Yet, business success is a small exclamation point. My capitol exclamation point, the hope beyond all earthly hope, is not in business or relationships, but in Christ.

When I close my eyes and ponder my future, I see the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Prince of Peace, the Living Water. After all, this life is just a comma, a brief pause in the eternal sentence, which actually begins and ends with Christ - my Exclamation Point!

Dennis Rainey's grandchild with Jesus

2008-06-20T09:32:00.000-07:00

May God bless this family. How does anyone face such a situation without hope in Christ?

Why do bad things happen if God loves us? This is the question my nine year old asked me a few weeks ago. When I have more time I will write about my answer.

Here is an example of Christian hope in the face of earthly death. At this post are some more details and a picture of the baby.

Conference on the power of words

2008-06-18T09:23:00.000-07:00

Because I love poetry, great speeches, and the power of words, here is a conference I would love to attend. These messages should be available for free download from Desiring God Ministries not long after the conference and I will be sure to post the link when it is available.

John Piper On Supreme Court Decision

2008-06-17T23:56:00.000-07:00

This is a wonderful post by John Piper regarding President Bush's comments on the recent Supreme Court decision to grant constitutional rights to the detainees at Guantanamo Bay. Piper reminds us of human depravity and of the kindness of God expressed in the founding ideas of the United States.

HT:Justin Taylor

Voddie Baucham On Men

2008-06-17T23:45:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to read the book Family Driven Faith by Voddie Baucham. The messages I've heard from him have been inspiring.

I Read A Book

2008-06-17T23:41:00.000-07:00

There is something about this poem I really like. Maybe it is just that I love poems and the power of words.

I READ A BOOK

I read a book last week.
The author dipped his facile pen in fire,
And seared raw facts of life into my brain.
Up from the mire he dragged dark truth
Abnormal, all love lust, and God a jest.
And as I read, I knew his soul was warped;
His mind must know despair, thinking all truth
Was ugliness laid bare.

And then I read another book.
The author sat up on the very throne of truth
And used a pen far mightier than a sword.
He wrote of youth triumphant, clean and fine.
He wrote of sin, compassion in each line.
He wrote of love-it blossomed like a rose
Sprung from good soil. He wrote of One,
Giver of that great trinity of gifts,
Life, love, and beauty; and when he was done,
I somehow knew my stumbling feet had trod
The trail he’d blazed for me to his Friend, God.
-Claire McClure

The Christian Family - book marks

2008-06-17T00:22:00.000-07:00

The Christian Family by Larry Christenson is a book which I underlined and highlighted extensivley. The book was pure gold. Maybe it resonated with me because I grew up in a home where much of this type of discipling took place. For many, who weren't reared in such a home, some of this may be unfamiliar and uncomfortable. Yes, the author speaks of spanking. Yes, he talks of wives submitting to their husbands and the virtue of modesty. Yes, he speaks of how important it is for husbands and wives to have clearly defined roles, the wife's primary duty being that of the home. And YES I think he is correct on most of these issues. Written in 1970, some of the wording and illustration are dated, yet the principles here are timeless and more importantly - Biblical. Here are a few quotes:

...marriage does not depend upon love...love depends upon marriage for its continual existence

A lazy Christian never did anything for God. We aquire knowledge through book learning, but we learn wisdom through hard work.

To surrender to the world of fashion, at the expense of modesty, betrays a spineless faith which knows nothing of the call to holiness.

The surest gaurd both of morality, and of the healthy desire which leads ultimately to marriage, is modesty.

The child who grows up never encountering a firmly set rule to which his will and behavior must bend, is a 'deprived child' in the most elemental sense: He has a lazy and undisciplined parent.

Sensible rules and restraints, set up by the adult community, are a necessary protection for young people. If the community will not do it, then Christian parents must at least do it for their own children - even when this imposes on the child standards different from those in the surrounding community. The issues involved during these years of growing into adulthood are too serious and far-reaching to be subject to the whim of a teenage sub-culture.

The child who has everything done for him, everything given to him, and nothing required of him is a deprived child.

Continued threats and angry exlamations followed by no acts (the habit with most mothers) are worthless.

We think of the Scriptural admonition, "Do not provoke your children to anger," and we hold back. But what is it that provokes a child to anger? It is discipline which merely irritates, a nagging, indecisive, half-hearted discipline.

...the key factor in expressing love to our children: time

A sense of humor is an indispensable ingredient for a successful family life.

And no amount of income can counter-balance the loss to the family in having the wife and mother spend her energies outside the home. Let the husband see that he provides adequately for his family. If he enters into a calling for which he is fit, and earns a modest income, it is no disgrace in the eyes of God to live simply, within that income. But it is a disgrace to let the lust for material things set aside the Divine Order which God has established for the well-being of the family.

The highest duty of the Christian husband is to care for the sanctification of his wife. His model is Christ, who has sacrificed Himself for His church, in ordr to sanctify it. He ought not only to lead her in a Christian life and walk, he ought also do everything in his power to make the full blessing of God accessible to her in the Church. At home, by prayer and word, he must sustain her in spirit, strengthen her feeling for high and heavenly things, and forward her in Christian knowledge.

Happy the child who happens in upon his parent from time to time to see him on his knees, who sees mother and father rising early, or going aside regularly, to keep times with the Lord. That child has learned a lesson no lecture could impart. He has seen that God matters - He's important enough to take up our time; and He is personal - you don't just obey His rules, you actually communicate with Him.

It is inevitable that in order to be approved by God we must sometimes suffer ridicule and rejection by people. This is what it means to be a Christian, and we should never try to sugar-coat or hide it from our children.

The notion that we have advanced in spiritual understanding over early Christians is based on faulty reasoning. We have advanced in our knowledge of the material world, but precisely because of our preoccupation with the material world, we have undoubtedly retrogressed in our comprehension of the spiritual realm.