My mother loved the beach. We lived in the California bay area so several nice beaches were close by. When she wanted to take us out for the day, we usually went to a beach. We packed a large picnic, grabbed towels and dry clothes, and headed out. I have wonderful memories of running down the wet sand with my sisters or watching my mom stroll along, the wind ruffling her hair. Other times we would pack our food and go to a beautiful park, taking along balls and Frisbees. We often included other people as an outreach and to enjoy Christian fellowship.
Most of my warm childhood memories were similar to those mentioned. They involved the simplicity and beauty of God’s creation, and people I loved. My parents took us on some nice trips that I remember well and of which I have pictures. Those were valuable, specific events that were snapshot moments in my life. But the general sense of God, love, family, friends, and fun came from the daily efforts my parents made to enrich our lives. They took us to church consistently, read the Bible in our home, and talked about the Lord. They lived Deut. 6:5-9. Those things are priceless.
Why is it that we feel we have to spend a great deal of money or go to great lengths to give our children a rich life? If we cannot, does that mean our children are suffering? Are they deprived and therefore growing up at a disadvantage compared to other kids? Won’t there always be someone else who has more or goes more places? When would the comparisons end? How much is enough?
Perhaps the answer to that question will come more easily by answering this one … what is our goal for our children? The angel of the Lord gave Mary (Luke 1:31) and Joseph (Matthew 1:21) Jesus’ purpose in life, thus defining their goal in raising Him. He was to grow up to save people from sin. His life had a purpose from the moment He was conceived. The Bible tells us that every one of us has a purpose (Jeremiah 29:11 and Ephesians 2:10). The main job of Christian parents is to introduce their children to Christ and encourage them to discover and fulfill God’s purpose for their lives. Mary and Joseph did a good job with Jesus because He said, “I seek not to please Myself but Him who sent Me,” (John 5:30).
Did they accomplish God’s goal for Jesus with expensive trips, fancy clothes, the latest gadgets or friends in high places? No. They followed all God’s instructions regarding His birth and early years. Every year as He grew they took Him to Jerusalem to observe the Passover. He knew the Scriptures so well that He actually amazed the temple teachers when He was only 12 years old. He grew in wisdom and in favor with God and people. On the limited budget of a carpenter in a small town, Joseph and Mary raised Jesus knowing the Word of God, committed to doing God’s will, and being a blessing to others.
If you are raising children on a limited budget, you have the best example of all time to follow. There is no need to stretch yourself financially to provide material possessions and worldly experiences. Stretch yourself spiritually, emotionally and physically. Be available to God first and then to your children. Give them your time, your attention, your love, your wisdom, your patience, your humor, and most of all, daily exposure to your real, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Made Like Us
Made Like Us
Our son recently experienced a new and difficult situation at the university he attends. What started out innocently enough, as many things do, quickly became complicated. More people got involved than should have been, things were said that should not have been, and emotions began riding high. He found himself on the edge of compromising with sin. He called us late one night to say he knew he needed to take drastic steps to stop this process and wanted our advice and blessing on his decision. Obviously, we were more than happy to counsel him through it and affirm his desire to do what was right. In the process of that conversation I warned him that doing what was right was going to be painful. It would also result in stronger temptations to give in and compromise.
Strong temptations are not unique to certain people, specific ages, or crisis situations. You do not have to be 19 and in school to be tempted to compromise with sin. Our enemy is a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8) … you, me, people we love, the person next to us on the pew, and the stranger in line at the bank. All of us experiencing the human condition are vulnerable to temptation. But, praise God, we are not helpless and we are not victims. We have an Advocate, a Helper, a Rescuer, and a Savior. He knows exactly how it feels to be slammed with temptation and He leaps to our defense.
Hebrews 2:17 (NIV) tells us, “For this reason He had to be made like His brothers in every way, in order that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that He might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.”
Jesus does not mock or condemn us in our struggles. He understands! He felt it too. He knows how hard it is to resist. He knows what it takes to stand firm or to flee and He empowers us to do it. He coaches us through it at the same time He is praying for us. Talk to Him through the temptation and trust the power He will give you to do what is right. It is enough! He promises that His grace is sufficient, so take it in those moments. Listen to His promptings – walk out of the room, take several deep breaths, turn on praise music, quote Bible verses, sing a hymn, speak the truth in love, get your body busily engaged in a wholesome activity, pick up your Bible and start reading, or call a godly friend.
Temptation is not sin, so you can get through it unharmed. In fact, resisting it and triumphing over it strengthen our spiritual muscles. It is actually beneficial to us. God promises that in all things He works for the good of those who love Him, even in temptation (Romans 8:28). So take heart if you are in the midst of strong temptations, for the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4).
Our son recently experienced a new and difficult situation at the university he attends. What started out innocently enough, as many things do, quickly became complicated. More people got involved than should have been, things were said that should not have been, and emotions began riding high. He found himself on the edge of compromising with sin. He called us late one night to say he knew he needed to take drastic steps to stop this process and wanted our advice and blessing on his decision. Obviously, we were more than happy to counsel him through it and affirm his desire to do what was right. In the process of that conversation I warned him that doing what was right was going to be painful. It would also result in stronger temptations to give in and compromise.
Strong temptations are not unique to certain people, specific ages, or crisis situations. You do not have to be 19 and in school to be tempted to compromise with sin. Our enemy is a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8) … you, me, people we love, the person next to us on the pew, and the stranger in line at the bank. All of us experiencing the human condition are vulnerable to temptation. But, praise God, we are not helpless and we are not victims. We have an Advocate, a Helper, a Rescuer, and a Savior. He knows exactly how it feels to be slammed with temptation and He leaps to our defense.
Hebrews 2:17 (NIV) tells us, “For this reason He had to be made like His brothers in every way, in order that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that He might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.”
Jesus does not mock or condemn us in our struggles. He understands! He felt it too. He knows how hard it is to resist. He knows what it takes to stand firm or to flee and He empowers us to do it. He coaches us through it at the same time He is praying for us. Talk to Him through the temptation and trust the power He will give you to do what is right. It is enough! He promises that His grace is sufficient, so take it in those moments. Listen to His promptings – walk out of the room, take several deep breaths, turn on praise music, quote Bible verses, sing a hymn, speak the truth in love, get your body busily engaged in a wholesome activity, pick up your Bible and start reading, or call a godly friend.
Temptation is not sin, so you can get through it unharmed. In fact, resisting it and triumphing over it strengthen our spiritual muscles. It is actually beneficial to us. God promises that in all things He works for the good of those who love Him, even in temptation (Romans 8:28). So take heart if you are in the midst of strong temptations, for the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4).
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