Tag: bible

The Power of Surrender: Trusting Your Capacity as a Mom to Jesus

Hey there, moms!

Being a mom is hard, isn’t it? You’ve got a million things to do, and it feels like you’re always running on fumes. Some days it feels like you’re just not cut out for this mom thing, and that can be really discouraging.

May I tell you something? The best thing you can do for your kids is love Jesus well and trust your value, identity, purpose, and capacity to be a mom into His hands. I know, it might sound cheesy or cliche, but stick with me here.

First of all, when you love Jesus well, you’re tapping into a source of love and strength that goes beyond anything you could muster up on your own. Jesus loves you fiercely, and when you’re connected to Him, that love overflows into every area of your life. That includes your role as a mom. You’ll find yourself more patient, more kind, and more forgiving. You’ll be able to offer your kids the same grace and mercy that Jesus offers you.

And when it comes to trusting your value, identity, purpose, and capacity as a mom to Jesus, it’s all about letting go of the pressure to be perfect. We live in a culture that tells us we need to have it all together, all the time. But that’s just not realistic. You’re going to make mistakes. You’re going to have days where you feel like you’re failing. But when you trust that Jesus sees you as valuable, no matter what, it takes the pressure off. You can rest in the knowledge that you don’t have to earn your worth – it’s already been given to you.

Same goes for your identity. Being a mom is a huge part of who you are, but it’s not the only thing that defines you. When you trust Jesus with your identity, you can lean into the other parts of yourself that make you unique and interesting. You can pursue hobbies or passions that bring you joy, knowing that those things are a reflection of the creativity and beauty that God has put inside of you.

As for purpose, it’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day tasks of motherhood and wonder if you’re really making a difference. But when you trust Jesus with your purpose, you can rest in the knowledge that He has a plan for your life – and that includes your role as a mom. Even the small things you do, like reading a book with your child or playing a game together, can have a huge impact on their lives.

Finally, when you trust Jesus with your capacity as a mom, you’re acknowledging that you can’t do it all on your own. And that’s okay! God has given you the strength and ability to be a mom, but He doesn’t expect you to do it perfectly. When you surrender your limitations to Him, you’ll find that He is able to do more through you than you ever thought possible.

So, moms, take heart. You don’t have to be perfect to be a good mom. Just love Jesus well, and trust that He’s got you and your kids in the palm of His hand. And who knows? Maybe by doing so, you’ll be able to show your kids a little bit of Jesus’ love along the way.

P.S. Thank you, Mom for trusting Jesus well and trusting your value, identity, purpose, and capacity to be a mom into His hands.

P.P.S. Thank you, Lauren for trusting Jesus with your purpose. Resting in the knowledge that He has a plan for your life, including your role as a mom. Even the small things that you do, like reading a book with our 4 (sometimes more) kids or playing a game with them, can have a huge impact on their lives.

The Power of God's Word: How It Shapes Our Understanding of God and Ourselves

As a Christian, I believe that the Bible is the inspired and inerrant Word of God. It is not just a collection of stories or moral teachings, but rather it is the very words of God Himself. And yet, there are some who reject certain parts of Scripture, claiming that they are outdated or not relevant to our modern times. But I believe that to reject any part of Scripture is to reject God Himself, because it is His Word that we are rejecting.

Think about it for a moment. If you were to receive a letter from someone you love, would you pick and choose which parts of the letter to read and which parts to ignore? Of course not. You would read the entire letter, because it is a communication from someone you care about. The same is true of the Bible. It is God’s communication to us, and to reject any part of it is to reject His message.

Now, I understand that there are some parts of Scripture that can be difficult to understand or that seem to contradict our modern sensibilities. But we must remember that the Bible was written in a different time and culture than our own. We must approach it with humility and seek to understand it in its original context. We must also rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us in our interpretation.

But even if we struggle to understand certain parts of Scripture, we must not reject them. Instead, we should seek to learn from them and allow them to shape our understanding of who God is and how He relates to us. As Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:16-17,

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NASB95)

To reject any part of Scripture is to reject God Himself, because it is His Word that we are rejecting. As Christians, we must be willing to submit ourselves to the authority of Scripture, even when it challenges us or goes against our cultural norms. We must trust that God’s Word is true and that it will lead us into a deeper understanding of who He is and what He desires for us.

In conclusion, I urge you to take the Bible seriously as the Word of God. Don’t pick and choose which parts of it to believe or reject. Instead, approach it with humility and a willingness to learn. Allow it to shape your understanding of who God is and how He relates to us. And above all, trust that God’s Word is true and that it will lead you into a deeper relationship with Him.

Are You Focused on the Wrong Church? The Temptations of Social Media for Christians

Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, and it has transformed the way we interact with the world around us. However, social media can also be a double-edged sword. While it has enabled us to connect with people from all over the world, it can also tempt us to focus more on the state of the church in the world than what God may be doing in our own local church – the church to which He has specifically called us.

As Christians, it is essential to remember that God has called us to be a part of a local church community.

Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.

1 Corinthians 12:27 (NASB95)

This means that we are all called to be an integral part of a local church, and God has a specific purpose for us in that community.

However, with the rise of social media, it can be easy to get caught up in what is happening in other churches around the world. We may find ourselves scrolling through social media feeds, reading about the latest megachurch, or following popular Christian influencers. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this, it can be a distraction from what God may be doing in our own local church.

When we focus too much on the state of the church in the world, we can become critical of our own local church community. We may compare our church to others, feeling as though our church is not doing enough or is not as exciting as others. This can lead to feelings of discontentment and disillusionment, and it can ultimately hinder our ability to fully engage in the community God has called us to.

Furthermore, when we focus too much on what is happening in other churches, we can miss out on the blessings that God has for us in our own church. We may miss out on opportunities to serve and love our brothers and sisters in Christ, and we may miss out on the ways that God is working in our own community.

As parents and teenagers, it is especially important to recognize the value of our local church community. Our church should be a place where we can grow in our faith, connect with others who share our beliefs, and serve others in our community. We should encourage our children and teens to get involved in the life of the church, whether it be through youth group, volunteering, or attending services regularly.

In conclusion, while social media can be a great tool for connecting with others and staying informed about what is happening in the world, it can also be a distraction from what God may be doing in our own local church community. As Christians, we must remember that God has called us to be a part of a local church and to serve and love our brothers and sisters in Christ. By focusing on our own local church, we can fully engage in the community God has called us to and experience the blessings that come with being a part of a vibrant, Christ-centered community.

What is The Bible?

The Bible is without a doubt one of the most important and mysterious books in human history. With billions of copies in print, it is the most translated and widely distributed book. However, despite its vastness, understanding it without being affected by its teachings is insufficient.

Many people read the Bible as a form of academic or intellectual exercise, hoping to comprehend its mysteries, prophecies, and historical context. They read and study the text objectively, without allowing it to affect their soul. They may gain extensive knowledge and insights into the Bible, but they miss the most important aspect of its teachings: heart and mind transformation.

The Bible is more than just ancient texts, stories, and laws. It is God’s Word in which He reveals His nature, purpose, and plan for humanity. It invites us to have a personal relationship with God, to get to know Him, and to live according to His will. This, however, can only occur if we allow the message of the Bible to penetrate our hearts and minds, transforming us from the inside out.

Learning about the Bible’s mysteries is insufficient if it does not result in a personal encounter with God. The knowledge of the Bible is useful for a variety of endeavors, including scholarly investigation, theological discussion, and cultural studies. The ultimate goal of the Bible, however, is to reveal to humanity God’s love, mercy, and grace and to call us to a life of obedience and faith.

The Bible warns us against seeking knowledge without being transformed by it. The Apostle Paul writes,

Now concerning things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies. If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know; but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him.

1 Corinthians 8:1-3 (NASB95)

This passage reminds us that knowledge can lead to arrogance and pride, whereas love for God and others leads to humility and service.

To truly comprehend the Bible’s mysteries, we must approach it with a humble and teachable spirit, seeking not only knowledge but also transformation. Allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate the text and reveal its deeper meanings and implications for our lives is essential. We must also apply its teachings in our daily lives, embodying its principles and values in all aspects of our lives.

It is possible to learn everything there is to know about the mysteries of the Bible and never be affected by it in the soul. Great knowledge is insufficient unless it results in a personal encounter with God and a transformation of the heart and mind. Therefore, let us approach the Bible with humility, openness, and faith, seeking to know God intimately and to live in accordance with His will. Only then will we be able to truly comprehend its mysteries and be transformed by its teachings.

Do you have a Bible?

If not, contact me and I will mail you one.

Fighting A Battle, God Has Already Won

One of the most striking things about Deuteronomy 20 is the emphasis on trusting in the Lord. The chapter repeatedly reminds us that victory in battle comes not from our own strength or might, but from God’s power and provision. This is a reminder that even in the midst of difficult and challenging circumstances, we can trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness.

Another important aspect is the emphasis on seeking peace and reconciliation. The chapter instructs us to offer peace terms to our enemies before engaging in battle and to show compassion and mercy to prisoners of war. This is a reminder that even in the midst of conflict, we are called to love our enemies and seek their well-being.

It is important to follow God’s commands in all areas of life. This includes how we approach war and conflict. We must obey God’s laws and seek His guidance in battle. This is a reminder that even in the midst of difficult and trying circumstances, we are called to submit to God’s will and seek to glorify Him in all that we do.

As students, it can be easy to focus solely on academic pursuits, hobbies, sports, and friendships, and lose sight of the bigger picture of life. But God’s commands and principles are relevant and applicable to all areas of our lives, including how we approach conflict and war. May we seek to trust in the Lord, seek peace and reconciliation, and obey His commands in all aspects of our lives.

This post was originally published at logosstudents.com.

Fatherhood. A Letter To My Children

To my children: Leland, Lindley, Lincoln, and Lloris. I pray you walk with Christ, and if in God’s providence He should give you children of your own, you raise them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. That is far and away the greatest joy a father can experience.

No duty in my life is more important or more sacred than my role as a husband and Father. That is where my true character is most accurately seen, and it is the best single gauge of my overall success or failure as a leader and role model. Everything else I do as a business analyst, healthcare IT professional, softball/baseball coach, and bible study leader, would be severely compromised if I failed to lead my own family properly. In fact, this is one of the key tests of whether any man is fit to lead the church, because “if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?” (1 Timothy 3:51). Conversely, if a man cultivates grace, godliness, and the mind of Christ in his home life, the fruit of the Spirit will naturally be seen in abundance throughout every facet of his life – his performance in the workplace, all his relationships, and his conduct in the world.

Furthermore, because home is where a person’s true temperament is most clearly on display, no one knows the real character of a man better than his own children. They see with a keener clarity than most dads realize. If a man’s public persona is merely a hypocritical veneer that disappears in the privacy of the home, the kids will be the first to see that. Indeed, it’s hard to imagine anything more destructive to a child’s moral and spiritual development. An ungodly, hypocritical, or indifferent dad is not only a constant, full=time negative role model; his influence also breeds cynicism, unbelief, discouragement, resentment, and a whole new generation of hypocrisy in his own children. Thus “the iniquity of the fathers [is visited] on the children to the third and fourth generations” (Numbers 14:182; cf, Exodus 20:53; 34:74).

On the positive side, however, no one can have a more potent or longer-lasting influence for good in a child’s life than a spiritually strong father. Bringing our children up “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:45) is not only a duty; it is also a great privilege, for “a wise son makes a father glad” (Proverbs 10:16; 15:207). There is no greater joy in life than to see one’s own children walking in the truth (cf. 3 John 48). In other words, nothing is a more worthy investment of any father’s time and energy than this: Be a godly leader in your own home. The returns you will reap include eternal riches of inestimable value, and the earthly rewards alone are sweeter and more valuable than any amount of material wealth.

I trust these words, will be a help and encouragement to you as you pursue that goal. I have purposefully kept it brief, simple, and focused. That is, after all, in keeping with the biblical instructions for fathers. Fatherhood is, of course, a prominent theme from Genesis to Revelation, and principles of parenting are scattered throughout. But glean and organize all of them together and what you will discover is that the Bible’s guidelines for fathers are few and simple. Unlike many of today’s parenting manuals, Scripture doesn’t treat parenting as an arcane or bewildering conundrum. The Father’s duties are straightforward and fairly basic. What makes fatherhood seem difficult are our own inconsistencies and weaknesses. That’s because parenting is first and foremost a spiritual task – one in which personal righteousness, self-control, and the mortification of our own flesh are all necessary prerequisites to proper discipline and instruction of our children. In short, the only way to be a dad who leads well is to be a dad who lives well.

May God bless you and empower you in your pursuit of that goal.

  1. but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God? (New American Standard Bible 1995, 1 Timothy 3:5)
  2. ‘The LORD is slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generations.’ (New American Standard Bible 1995, Numbers 14:18)
  3. You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, (New American Standard Bible 1995, Exodus 20:5)
  4. who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.” (New American Standard Bible 1995, Exodus 34:7)
  5. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (New American Standard Bible 1995, Ephesians 6:4)
  6. The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish son is a grief to his mother. (New American Standard Bible 1995, Proverbs 10:1)
  7. A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish man despises his mother. (New American Standard Bible 1995, Proverbs 15:20)
  8. I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth. (New American Standard Bible 1995, 3 John 4)