"Better a dry crust with peace and quiet
than a house full of feasting with strife" (Proverbs 17:1, NIV).
I plan on starting a class on biblical parenting with the Contact Church of Christ this coming Sunday. When I was asked to teach the class, I asked, "Are you sure you want me to do it...with my four and a half years of experience of being a parent?" I was told, "Absolutely! You have enough experience to know some of the difficulties, but not enough experience to have given up and thrown in the towel." Good point, I guess.
I will be sharing some of the principles from The 12 Essentials of Godly Success by Tommy Nelson. In my first lesson, I will be emphasizing the need for peace in our families.
These are some of Tommy Nelson's words on the subject:
"The most valuable thing I provide for my children is to consistently demonstrate love for my wife. A child can forgive almost any sin so long as his parents love each other. Peace and affection between parents provide a stable foundation for your children. They need their home to be a safe haven from the storms around them. Your first responsibility is to create an environment of peace.
Never heatedly argue with your spouse in front of your children. Watch your tone of voice. Don't be condescending or harsh. Discuss the issues while treating your partner with respect. It's good for kids to see parents work through conflict, but if you feel the need to raise your voice or get overly emotional, then go back into the bedroom to talk it out. Don't rob your children of the peace of their home. They are not ready to handle adult emotions.
Don't play the part of a spoiled brat, freezing out your spouse instead of working through conflict. Children pick up on these patterns. They feel the tension just underneath the surface. They also don't learn healthy patterns of dealing with conflict in their own lives" (pp. 177-178).
Of course, Mr. Nelson's thoughts will need to be adapted to individual circumstances. Some of our families consist of a father and a mother. Others consist of single mothers or single fathers or grandparents raising grandchildren. However, the idea of making our homes as peaceful as possible will benefit the children of the Contact Church. They may live in dangerous neighborhoods and attend schools with violent students, but if we can provide them with safe homes, they will benefit greatly.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Ruth: A Shining Star
"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe" (Philippians 2:14-15, NIV).
Throughout the book of Ruth, Ruth faces problems and obstacles. She lost her husband, brother-in-law, and father-in-law to death. Her mother-in-law discouraged her from staying with her and from following God. She immigrated to the land of Israel without resources and without much knowledge of the country's customs and laws. She had plenty of reasons to whine and pout, but she never gave in to the temptation.
She refused to leave the true God. She would not return to Chemosh, the false god who demanded child sacrifices in order to be pleased. She would not abandon her widowed mother-in-law, but was determined to do everything she could to care for her. She never resorted to anything immoral in order to survive in her new land. While she could have engaged in stealing or prostitution, instead she found a low-paying but honorable way to support herself and her mother-in-law by picking up leftover grain in the fields.
We do not know how attractive Ruth was physically, but we can see why Boaz was attracted to her in other ways. Her attitude, her faith, her sense of responsibility, her work ethic, and her sense of honor made her stand out as a shining star in a dark universe.
Some scholars believe that Proverbs 31:10-31 was written to honor Ruth. It is certainly an appropriate passage to describe this outstanding woman of the Bible.
Throughout the book of Ruth, Ruth faces problems and obstacles. She lost her husband, brother-in-law, and father-in-law to death. Her mother-in-law discouraged her from staying with her and from following God. She immigrated to the land of Israel without resources and without much knowledge of the country's customs and laws. She had plenty of reasons to whine and pout, but she never gave in to the temptation.
She refused to leave the true God. She would not return to Chemosh, the false god who demanded child sacrifices in order to be pleased. She would not abandon her widowed mother-in-law, but was determined to do everything she could to care for her. She never resorted to anything immoral in order to survive in her new land. While she could have engaged in stealing or prostitution, instead she found a low-paying but honorable way to support herself and her mother-in-law by picking up leftover grain in the fields.
We do not know how attractive Ruth was physically, but we can see why Boaz was attracted to her in other ways. Her attitude, her faith, her sense of responsibility, her work ethic, and her sense of honor made her stand out as a shining star in a dark universe.
Some scholars believe that Proverbs 31:10-31 was written to honor Ruth. It is certainly an appropriate passage to describe this outstanding woman of the Bible.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Boaz: In Him is Strength
"He erected the pillars in the front of the temple, one to the south and one to the north. The one to the south he named Jakin and the one to the north Boaz" (2 Chronicles 3:17, NIV).
In the footnote at 2 Chronicles 3:17, the New International Version reads, "'Boaz' probably means 'in him is strength.'"
When King Solomon erected and named the pillars of the newly constructed temple of God, could he have been thinking about his ancestor Boaz, the husband of Ruth? How could he have named a pillar Boaz without thinking of him?
During the days of Boaz, the Israelites occupied the promised land, but God did not occupy their hearts. With a few exceptions, even the judges who led them did not exemplify godly behavior or wisdom. They fell into idolatry time after time. They did what was right in their own eyes, but failed to live right before the Lord.
However, Boaz was an exception. He was a man of faith and character. He lived up to his name. In him was strength.
When Boaz spoke, the Lord was on his mind (Ruth 2:4, 12). He was a generous man who was willing to share (2:14). He protected Ruth's dignity (2:15-16). He protected her virtue and reputation (3:8-14). Boaz dealt with people honestly and wisely (4:1-10). In marrying an immigrant who had become a believer in God, he did not fall victim to ethnic prejudice (4:13).
Boaz was a pillar in his community. When much of his society had grown corrupt, he stood out as a man of strong character, a man of reliable integrity.
In later years, the name of Boaz became associated with a pillar in God's temple.
Today, Christ calls upon his people to imitate Boaz's faith and character, to be strong in our commitment to our God. As Jesus promised, "Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God" (Revelation 3:12, NIV).
In the footnote at 2 Chronicles 3:17, the New International Version reads, "'Boaz' probably means 'in him is strength.'"
When King Solomon erected and named the pillars of the newly constructed temple of God, could he have been thinking about his ancestor Boaz, the husband of Ruth? How could he have named a pillar Boaz without thinking of him?
During the days of Boaz, the Israelites occupied the promised land, but God did not occupy their hearts. With a few exceptions, even the judges who led them did not exemplify godly behavior or wisdom. They fell into idolatry time after time. They did what was right in their own eyes, but failed to live right before the Lord.
However, Boaz was an exception. He was a man of faith and character. He lived up to his name. In him was strength.
When Boaz spoke, the Lord was on his mind (Ruth 2:4, 12). He was a generous man who was willing to share (2:14). He protected Ruth's dignity (2:15-16). He protected her virtue and reputation (3:8-14). Boaz dealt with people honestly and wisely (4:1-10). In marrying an immigrant who had become a believer in God, he did not fall victim to ethnic prejudice (4:13).
Boaz was a pillar in his community. When much of his society had grown corrupt, he stood out as a man of strong character, a man of reliable integrity.
In later years, the name of Boaz became associated with a pillar in God's temple.
Today, Christ calls upon his people to imitate Boaz's faith and character, to be strong in our commitment to our God. As Jesus promised, "Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God" (Revelation 3:12, NIV).
Friday, October 26, 2007
An Interesting Conversation with Christopher
"But everyone will be raised to life in the right order. Christ was first to be raised. When Christ comes again, those who belong to him will be raised to life...But listen, I tell you this secret: We will not all die, but we will all be changed. It will only take a second. We will be changed as quickly as an eye blinks. This will happen when the last trumpet sounds. The trumpet will sound and those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we will all be changed" (1 Corinthians 15:23, 51-52, NCV).
This is the conversation I had with my 4 year old son tonight:
Christopher: "Dad, where is God? Can you show me where he is?"
Me: "We can't see God. He's invisible."
Christopher: "But I want to see him."
Me: "When Jesus returns, he will change us, and then we will be able to see him."
Christopher: "How will he change us?"
Me: "I don't know, but we will be like Jesus. We'll be able to see God."
Christopher: "Will I still be black?"
Me: "I don't know what color we will be."
Christopher: "I hope I'm not dark white."
Me: "I like your color just like it is."
Christopher: "I like your color, too, Dad."
I never know where our conversations are going with a 4 year old, but it's a fun trip.
This is the conversation I had with my 4 year old son tonight:
Christopher: "Dad, where is God? Can you show me where he is?"
Me: "We can't see God. He's invisible."
Christopher: "But I want to see him."
Me: "When Jesus returns, he will change us, and then we will be able to see him."
Christopher: "How will he change us?"
Me: "I don't know, but we will be like Jesus. We'll be able to see God."
Christopher: "Will I still be black?"
Me: "I don't know what color we will be."
Christopher: "I hope I'm not dark white."
Me: "I like your color just like it is."
Christopher: "I like your color, too, Dad."
I never know where our conversations are going with a 4 year old, but it's a fun trip.
Bella
Normally, I avoid any movie that has won an award at any film festival. However, I have listened to actor Eduardo Verastegui and producer Leo Severino being interviewed on the FamilyLife Today radio program over the past 2 days. Their new movie sounds like something that I would like to see. It is a story of redemption with a pro-life theme. The interviews may be read or heard at
http://www.familylife.com/fltoday/default.asp?id=9515
http://www.familylife.com/fltoday/default.asp?id=9516
Also, a good review of Bella may be read at http://www.pluggedinonline.com/movies/movies/a0003464.cfm
Unfortunately, Bella is not showing in Tulsa yet. If it never appears in theaters here, we will rent it.
http://www.familylife.com/fltoday/default.asp?id=9515
http://www.familylife.com/fltoday/default.asp?id=9516
Also, a good review of Bella may be read at http://www.pluggedinonline.com/movies/movies/a0003464.cfm
Unfortunately, Bella is not showing in Tulsa yet. If it never appears in theaters here, we will rent it.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
What Attracts Muslims to Christ?
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30, NIV).
Christianity Today has published the results of a survey of Muslims who have converted to Christianity. The survey conducted by Fuller Theological Seminary points to several factors that have led Muslims around the world to follow Jesus Christ.
Primarily, two factors attract Muslims to Christianity: the lifestyle of Christians and the biblical message. Muslims are affected by Christians who live with integrity and kindness. They appreciate Christians who will reach out to them by adapting to their social customs. They appreciate kindness. They are impressed with strong Christian marriages.
The biblical message of Christ has a great impact when it is shared. The Gospels are powerful, when they are read or studied. The concept of grace is a welcome idea. Security in relationship with God is very appealing.
In other words, Muslims are attracted to Christ when Christians live like Christians and are loyal to the Bible's message. We can do this, and it can make a great impact. The article may be read at http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/october/42.80.html.
Christianity Today has published the results of a survey of Muslims who have converted to Christianity. The survey conducted by Fuller Theological Seminary points to several factors that have led Muslims around the world to follow Jesus Christ.
Primarily, two factors attract Muslims to Christianity: the lifestyle of Christians and the biblical message. Muslims are affected by Christians who live with integrity and kindness. They appreciate Christians who will reach out to them by adapting to their social customs. They appreciate kindness. They are impressed with strong Christian marriages.
The biblical message of Christ has a great impact when it is shared. The Gospels are powerful, when they are read or studied. The concept of grace is a welcome idea. Security in relationship with God is very appealing.
In other words, Muslims are attracted to Christ when Christians live like Christians and are loyal to the Bible's message. We can do this, and it can make a great impact. The article may be read at http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/october/42.80.html.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Revival
Two hundred years ago, Christian Churches and Churches of Christ in the United States formed as a result of a multi-denominational revival in Cane Ridge, Kentucky. Until the Civil War, we were the fastest growing group of churches in the country. Then, growth occurred slowly and eventually we stagnated.
Over the past twenty years, a revival among the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ has been taking place. In the recent edition of the Christian Standard magazine, Bob Russell reviews what has been happening among us (http://www.christianstandard.com/articledisplay.asp?id=735) and why it has been happening (http://www.christianstandard.com/articledisplay.asp?id=736). Bob Russell is a retired minister and pastor of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Both of his articles are worth reading, but the second is the most useful. In it, he encourages us to be open to new methods while remaining faithful to the original message of the Bible. He encourages us to be bold and unashamed of the gospel while reaching out to people who need Christ.
Over the past twenty years, a revival among the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ has been taking place. In the recent edition of the Christian Standard magazine, Bob Russell reviews what has been happening among us (http://www.christianstandard.com/articledisplay.asp?id=735) and why it has been happening (http://www.christianstandard.com/articledisplay.asp?id=736). Bob Russell is a retired minister and pastor of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Both of his articles are worth reading, but the second is the most useful. In it, he encourages us to be open to new methods while remaining faithful to the original message of the Bible. He encourages us to be bold and unashamed of the gospel while reaching out to people who need Christ.
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