Oct 04

Peace

Peace

Why?

  1. Peace is available at all times.
  2. Peace is a by product of the holy spirit in our lives.
  3. We are called to be at peace.

How?

  • Go to God in prayer with thanksgiving.

When we focus on our problems they will dominate our thoughts and the worry, stress, and anxiety can overwhelm us. This is the common approach to our busy days. We can chose to focus on God and the good things he has for us and when we do we have the peace of God to guard our hearts.

  • Focus on the good things.

In his book winning the war in your mind, Craig Grochel says "Your life is moving in the direction of your strongest thoughts." It is so true! Have you ever found your self mad because of the smallest thing yet for some reason you keep focusing on it only to realize it wasn’t that big of a deal. When you finally stopped thinking about it and focused your thoughts on something else that attitude went away.

Practice trying these two things in the midst of even your busiest moments and feel the peace of God wash over you.

Blessings

Bp

Busyness is overrated. I am not sure when we began to feel like we had to be busy all the time. As if every minute of everyday had to be planned and we had to be rushing through the day just trying to get to the next thing.

As is the case with most people the frantic pace of the current season of my life has made my blood pressure rise and my stress multiply. It is not that I want this it is just the reality of being a busy family. But the question I want to ask myself is what can I do about it?

This morning as I was rushing from home to get the kids dropped off at school and to my next appointment I realized I forgot to take my meds. I had to go back home and this was going to put me more behind. I went inside took my meds and then a feeling of peace came over me as I sat in the drivers seat about to set off again. I closed my eyes and voiced a prayer of thanksgiving and I no longer felt the stress or anxiety.

Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Aug 29

Finding the time, when you can’t find the time.

Finding the time when you can’t find the time

When it was day, he went out and made his way to a deserted place. But the crowds were searching for him. They came to him and tried to keep him from leaving them.

Luke 4:42

Going a little farther, he fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

Matthew 26:39

Like most people, at the end of a busy day I feel tired, overwhelmed, and on edge. I arrive at home and try to hold it together to give the family ”something”. There is homework, dinner, and other night time activities to be done. Then finally when its all done I can catch my breath.

In my home it is In the stillness of the morning I can see things more clearly. After a good night’s sleep I get up and spend time in prayer, Scripture, and solitude, with coffee. God refreshes my soul and I can do it all over again.

It might seem that during seasons of life, when time is hard to come by, that spending time in stillness and mediating on scripture and God is counter productive. But those who take the time to do this realize how important it is. There is no substitute in the Christian life for the Word of God. But where do we ”find time” when we can’t “find time”.

Stay up late

For some this is impossible you can’t keep you eyes open any longer. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is just go to bed. However, sometimes it is choosing to not watch another episode and instead read the Bible or another Christian book before bed. This could help you wind down and put your mind focused on the things of God at the end of the day.

Get up early

When you live in a house like mine with 4 kids the only time of peace and quiet is when they are in bed. I get up early before anyone else is up, except my wife, to make sure I get some quality time in the Lord. I read scripture, other Christian books, and pray. The coffee helps sharpen my mind for understanding in the dark hours of the morning.

I understand that this is not for everyone and at times it is impossible for me as well. But this is a discipline that I have added to my life years ago and has shown lasting fruit in my life. When I consistently do this I am more spirit-filled, patient, and see God’s opportunities in my life. I am also more pleasant to be around.

Take advantage of idle times

People find themselves waiting often. Whether for a meeting, doctors appointment, or in the pick up line at school. What are you doing with that time? Are you scrolling facebook? Is there something more beneficial you could do during that time?

You can take you Bible with you or pull up the Bible app and read scripture from that. There are time when I play solitaire or scroll FB but when I know that I will be waiting I typically will bring the Bible or other Christian book, focused on spiritual growth to leadership.

Use drive time.

I know many of you that are in the car may have people with you and it may not be possible to listen to something in the car. But you can use the drive time as conversation times. Having conversations in the car can help your faith as well. And kids always seem to have the profound questions when we least expect it. Use that time.

If you are able to have some time alone in the car use an app such as Bibleapp, audible, or Scribd to listen to the Bible or other Christian books. You may not be able to comprehend it all but it is a wise use of time. You will be surprised what you pick up by listening to a book or podcast.

It doesn't always happen

All of these instances are what happens on the perfect day. Normally if I try to stay up and read I get through 2 sentences and fall asleep. When I get up early, before the caffeine kicks in a find myself reading the same 2 words over and over. Often when I am waiting I waste my time scrolling FB and getting frustrated by the things I see and read.

When we are intentional we can find the time we need. It will lead to us being more focused on what God wants for our lives and we are able to ignore the fear produced by worldly lies. It will also lead to more opportunities for you to be used by God in someone else’s life, because you are in tune with God working around you.

So don’t give up when you feel overwhelmed. I promise you can find the time when you can’t find the time. Keep your head up, take a deep breath, and invite God and His Spirit in to help you realize the fruit of the Spirit in you.

Jun 20

Biblical Truth At Home

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My passion is to see Biblical truth lived out in the home. In a time when it is politically incorrect to talk about absolute truth, we know that there is one place that we can find it, the Bible, God's Holy Word. Teaching the Bible is not only meant for the professionals, pastors or those who have been to Bible college, it is a command for all of us to teach the Bible and lead our home spiritually. While it may sound overwhelming to there are plenty of tools and methods available.

6 All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16

So what are some ways we can teach Biblical truth at home?

16 Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:16-17

  • Model it

This will be the first one listed most every time. Actions speak louder than words. When you learn Biblical truths and live them out at home, others will learn by your example. This will be the most important way to teach faith to your household.

  • Intentional Time

When we set aside time to teach the word in our homes it shows priority to those in your home. When you open the Bible together something special happens and your family is brought closer together. It may be a challenge at first depending on your schedule, the age of your kids, and other factors but it is worth it in the end. You will be setting a Biblical foundation so those in your home will be able to wade through the lies of the world, because they know the truth.

  • Weave it into your daily conversations 

Worship and spiritual things are not something that should just be done at certain times of the day, the Christian life is a lifestyle and should be included in EVERYTHING you do. As you go through your day and you encounter frustration, talk about how God gives you patience and peace in the midst. When someone treats your kids wrong and they are sad remind them that they are a child of God and He loves them enough to send His Son for them.

As you grow in the Lord you will be able to see how God is involved in every aspect of your life and you will be able to weave the gospel, Christ, the Bible, and spiritual things into daily conversations in the car and around the house.

Tools you can use:

An app that has bible translations and devotional plans sent right to your phone!

  • Family Devotional

Many options available for this. The scripture above mentions a few things that should be included.

Psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, and gratitude. We can translate that to scripture, prayer, declarations of biblical truth, and singing.

Books on the subject

Habits of the households

The New City Catechism

Mama Bear Apologetics

  • Church resources

A Practical Guide to Family Worship - Discipleship class coming in the Fall. Here is a trailer

Small Groups for parents.