Sunday, February 18, 2024

Why YOU Should Join A Small Group

When we moved back to Indiana after serving in Tianjin, China for over a decade, Megan and I had much to learn about the American church. We desired to connect with others and build Christlike friendships. It was easier for me because I started working at Evansville Christian School immediately. For Megan, it was a little more challenging because she started a part-time teaching position nearly half a year later. We learned that if we wanted to build relationships, it would require more than just worshiping on Sunday mornings. Things changed for us when we joined a small group.

What is a small group? A small group is a group of at least three people (and probably should be limited to a number where you don't start saying your group is kind of getting big) that meets regularly (weekly, biweekly, and at least monthly) where you do Christian life deeply together. Small groups meet (1-3 hours) to grow closer to Christ. How does a small group do that? Below are five ways our small group has helped us grow closer to each other and God.

1. We pray with one another. In a small group, we talk about what's happening in our lives and thank God for the good He is doing and going to do. Through prayer, we cheer each other on and remind each other of God's amazing attributes.

2. We study God's Word or a solid book that helps us better understand God's Word. Studying God's Word in a small group helps us see things we aren't seeing. We need to surround ourselves with smarter and wiser people who can teach us a thing or two.

3. We serve one another. Life can be hard so when we need a reliable ride, a trustworthy babysitter, a warm meal, job suggestions, or a listening ear, being part of a small group can help. Good small groups consist of Christlike servants who often set aside their rights. 

4. We share our junk. Life can also be messy, and we need accountability. A small group is a place where we can confess our sins with people we trust. A good small group will consist of people who will love us well and display Christ to us.

5. We build friendships. We laugh and we cry. We encourage one another and point each other to the cross. Over time, God knits us together and builds strong relationships that bring Him glory. In a world filled with gossip and grudges, good small groups bring joy to the heart.

Although I often like being alone, I'm so thankful for my small group and all they do to help deepen my faith. How has a small group helped you grow closer to Christ? I would love to hear what you love about your small group and why others should join one!

Thursday, January 25, 2024

Ten Ways We've Trained Up Our Kiddos

Being a good parent can sometimes be HARD! We can be a messy bunch, and our communication is sometimes crazy confusing (Man, I hate sin). Can I get an amen? Being a good parent can also be some of the most rewarding and fulfilling work God ever gives us. Can I get an amen?

It's nice when your children do well in the classroom or achieve success in the art, music, or sports world; however, this pales in comparison to when your children obey and worship the Lord. Megan and I have made countless parenting mistakes, but our gracious God has made none. The fact that our three kiddos are walking with the Lord is all God’s grace. This is what we care about the most. 

Although we've made our share of mistakes, we've also done a few things right - Thank you, Jesus! Below are ten ways we are or have TRAINED our children that I hope can help you. 

1. We expect our kids to read and study God’s Word independently, and I ask them about what they’re learning from time to time. Scripture saves (1 Timothy 4:16), sustains (Matthew 4:4), and sanctifies (helps us become more like Christ). 

2. We often have family devotions in the evenings. Read more here: The Importance of Family Worship

3. We worship together on Sunday mornings and typically talk about the sermons during and/or after the service. I quiz my kids, and Megan reminds me to not forget to enJOY God, church services, and the car ride home. :-)

4. Our kiddos usually attend youth group at our church on Wednesdays and sometimes other church youth groups and trips that we think would be good for them. We need help in training our kids to grow in their faith.

5. Rosalie & Grace Noel were discipled by godly women from our church and were part of all-female small groups at ECS. Again, we need help in training our kids to grow in their faith!

6. My kiddos have spent most of their lives in schools where Truth was taught. We are so thankful for the role TIS & ECS played in their lives.

7. We confess our sins to each other. When daddy messes up, I say specifically what I did wrong, say what I plan on improving, and ask for forgiveness. When I'm struggling to think in a Christlike way, I let my family know and ask for their prayers. James 5:16

8. I routinely exhort (strongly encourage and urge) my children when I leave the house. I remind them to give God the glory and enJOY Him (from the Westminster Catechisms). I might also tell them to serve their classmates and do what they can to bless those around them.

9. When we watch movies, listen to music, play sports, etc., we talk about Jesus and what the Bible says. We don't live a dualistic life separating our faith from everyday matters. We want our children to think and act like Jesus so we try to look at everything through a gospel lens. 

10. When our children display Christ, we try to praise them for the work God is doing in them. When our children are loving, filled with joy, patient, and bearing other good fruit (Galatians 5:22-23), we want our children to know that this is far more important than the academic and athletic achievements they accomplish.  

There you have it. Of course, if we do everything above in our own power and without love, we are nothing but noisy gongs and gain nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). We have to constantly pray and trust that God will give the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6-8). 

If you would like to share something that has worked for you or have a question about anything I shared, let me know! I would love to hear what God has taught you or help in whatever way I can. To God be the glory! 

Monday, January 1, 2024

Start the Year Fresh With Forgiveness

Forgiveness is powerful. When someone wrongs us, but sincerely asks for forgiveness, God gives us the opportunity to display the richness of His mercy to us in Christ Jesus. We decide to no longer hold the offense against the offender and allow them to receive our gracious gift. Hopefully, this can lead to the reconciliation of the damaged relationship. 

Sadly, I have wronged jillions of people in my 50 years which has created a great deal of heartache and pain. I've given dirty glances for minuscule infractions, yelled at people out of frustration and anger, and held grudges instead of tapping into the Spirit and displaying Christ. There is so much I would like to redo, but once the words leave your mouth or you execute an action, you can't take it back. 

Thankfully, many people have forgiven me for my boneheaded ways (which were considerably more prevalent before my conversion 24 years ago). Thankfully, I'm increasingly hating my sin and growing in God's grace and knowledge. Thankfully, God has provided me a great church and godly friends who point me to Jesus. I've learned to not live in my past but also not forget what God has forgiven me of. 

When you've been forgiven so much and understand you don't deserve the life you have, you learn to be quick to forgive others when they sin against you. It's certainly not always easy, but it is freeing and helps you move forward to better bring God the glory. Are there people you need to forgive? Do you have resentment, anger, and bitterness in your life that is preventing reconciliation from happening? 

2023 is over and the new year has begun so let's reflect on what Christ did on the cross, ask those we've wronged to forgive us, and extend forgiveness to those who have wronged us. We can't control how people respond, but we can make decisions that display Christ and magnify His name. Just do it. To God be the glory!

"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Colossians 3:13

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Seven Ideas For A More Christ-Centered Christmas

Christmas can often be a fun time of receiving silly stocking stuffers, eating cute Christmas cookies, and seeing family you haven't seen in months or years. During all of the hustle and bustle that surrounds the world's most popular holiday, let's remember what the true meaning of Christmas is. Let's remember Jesus came 2,000 years ago with a loving plan for redemption. Last year for my blog post preceding Christmas, I shared five special activities that my family has done to celebrate Christ during the Christmas season. This year, I want to share seven simple ideas of how you can have a more Christ-centered Christmas. I hope this will help you and your family celebrate the birth of Christ, God Incarnate. 

1. Attend a Christmas concert at a church or school. Hearing little kids or your close friends play The First Noel, O Little Town of Bethlehem, and Joy to the World is good for our souls. These carols are lyrical masterpieces that create community and remind us of profound truths. 

2. Be a blessing to a nursing home and sing classic Christmas carols to the residents there. Music is powerful and singing O Holy Night, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, and O Come, O Come, Emmanuel is sure to bring smiles and perhaps tears to people's eyes. 

3. Buy gifts for those who have far less than us. Search through Samaritan's Purse Christmas catalog, and bring clean water to a community, stand with persecuted Christians, or provide life-saving medical equipment. 

4. Consider serving at a homeless shelter such as the Evansville Rescue Mission. Volunteers are needed to serve food, organize clothes, and complete clerical work. Display the love of Christ to those who are in need.

5. Elf and A Christmas Story are often at the top of people's favorite Christmas movies, but those movies aren't really about Christmas. Watch The Nativity Story, The Star, or Christmas with The Chosen: Holy Night. These movies have their weaknesses; however, they do focus on the greatest gift we have - Jesus.

6. Go on a prayer walk in your neighborhood, at your child's school, or at a local church. Walking near the people and places you are praying for might help you better know what to pray for and can show others that you care.

7. Last, but not least, read about Christ's birth (Luke 2:1-20) on Christmas Eve or Christmas or better yet, both. Get in God's Word and rejoice at the miracle of the virgin birth. Give God the glory and have your most Christ-centered Christmas ever!

"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19

Monday, October 30, 2023

The Importance of Family Worship

Before Megan and I adopted Rosalie, Grace Noel, and Josiah Lee, we were blessed to observe godly families we served with in China having family devotions in the evenings. Their beautiful example helped us understand the importance of family worship. God should be worshipped not just on Sunday mornings and during Bible class and chapels at a Christian school, He should be worshipped all the time and in every place. I can't just allow the local church and Christian school to teach my kids about Jesus. I have the enormous responsibility (and privilege) to lead my family in worshipping God in our home. 

Family devotions have been a regular part of our lives, and over the years, they have looked different depending on the age of our kids. When our kids were younger, we sang and danced more. Today, we often watch Bible study videos on RightNow Media. We've catechized our kids, read from God's Word, memorized Scripture together, and used a wide selection of Christian devotionals. We always end our devotions in prayer, and we pray in the same order every time. If we have guests over, we include them in our devotions.

A special time to hear Scripture, pray, and talk about Jesus at home doesn't have to be long, but it needs to happen. Dinnertime or before bed has worked best for us because we wake up at different times. Our devotions have typically been in the living room or at the dining room table, but there's no rule saying they can't be done in a bedroom or bathtub. Be sure to use age-appropriate resources and try to get your kids actively involved in the devotions. Lecturing them for ten minutes probably isn't best regardless of how theologically correct you are. You want your kids to enjoy learning about Jesus in hopes that they receive Christ as their Lord and Savior and grow in His grace and knowledge.

Regrettably, I've made some mistakes when leading family devotions (e.g., failing to get family input, being too serious, lack of consistency). What's most important is that you're Bible-based, Christ-centered, and Spirit-filled. If you have family devotions at your home, I would love to hear what you do and what resources have helped your family. If you would like to discuss this topic further with me, please email me or give me a call. I would enJOY doing whatever I can to help your family create more meaningful times around God's Word!

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

The Harvest Is Plentiful So What Are You Doing About It?

Fall is here so that means pumpkin spice coffee, creamer, cake, candles, and cookies. Did you know we even have pumpkin spice ramen, SPAM, and dog treats? I kid you not. I guess we need our pumpkin spice! Fall is not just a time for pumpkin spice; it's a time when many Tri-State farmers harvest their crops. 

The Bible contains many harvest references because most societies were predominantly agricultural during biblical times. Additionally, the word "harvest" contains deep spiritual meaning and is a figure of speech for spiritual growth and wellness. 

In Matthew 9:35-38, we can read about Jesus teaching, proclaiming the gospel, and healing diseases. He showed compassion to the helpless crowds and told his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few, therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." Jesus referred to the countless souls who needed to repent and trust in Him who were right there ready to respond. 

Are you seeing that the harvest is plentiful? Do you care? Do you see that most people are lost and need to hear the good news of Jesus Christ? Are you actively sharing what Christ has done and is doing in your life?

Perhaps you're an introvert (like me), super shy (like Corrie ten Boom), lacking confidence (like Jeremiah), or a bad speaker (like Moses). We have no excuse. We are commanded to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). We Christians have the all-powerful Holy Spirit inside us who guides us and gives us the words we need at just the right time (Luke 12:12). If we truly love others, we'll desire that they know the greatest gift we have, Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:7-8). We'll desire that they know His peace and joy and spend eternity in Heaven (John 3:16). Ministry is not just for pastors, missionaries, Bible teachers, and Spiritual Formation Directors. If you are following Christ, you are His ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20) and we are all to minister to those in need.

So again, what are you doing to share the love of Christ in word and deed? Let's take advantage of the opportunities God gives us to proclaim the name of Christ! And if you have an encouraging harvest story or an effective approach to engaging others in spiritual discussions, let the world know. I would love to hear how God has worked in your life and the life-changing impact He has made on you and others. To God be the glory!

Monday, August 28, 2023

Eight Reasons Why We Should Pray

Back in February, I talked about praying for Christ-centered education. In that post, I stated that prayer is the primary way for Christians to COMMUNICATE thanks, CONVEY hopes, CONFESS sins, and CELEBRATE God. German theologian Martin Luther famously said that he has so much to do that he shall spend the first three hours of the day in prayer. Despite being mentioned in the Bible hundreds of times, I think most of us aren't praying like Martin Luther. If you're struggling to pray even three minutes a day, perhaps the reasons I mentioned below can push you to spend more time with God in prayer.

1. Christians should devote themselves to it. Colossians 4:2 says, Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. Prayer isn't something we should only do before a meal or when we want something. We are to have a lifestyle of prayer where we constantly pray. 

2. To know God and grow closer to Him. Matthew 6:6 says, But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Prayer is a powerful privilege where we can receive God's help and better understand who He is.

3. To please God. Proverbs 15:8 says, The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him. When we pray, we show interest in God and our dependence on Him. This brings God great joy.

4. To confess sins and have them forgiven. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. We must be honest with God and confess our crimes against Him. This is done through prayer and when done, our slate is wiped clean. Amazing grace.

5. So we don't fall into temptation. Matthew 26:41 says, Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Life is full of sinful temptations, and Satan wants us to fall into temptation. Prayer helps us not fall into Satan's schemes. 

6. To gain wisdom. James 1:5 says, If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. Jesus is the source of wisdom (Colossians 2:3), and we can go to Him and ask for the ability to discern and judge what is true and right.

7. It accomplishes much. James 5:16 says, Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Prayer is far more powerful than anything we can accomplish in our own strength. We need to spend more time being still and praying to our all-powerful God.   

8. Jesus did it. Mark 1:35 says, And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. If this is a practice that Jesus did alone and with others, I'm not sure how we can argue against it!

What are some other reasons why we should pray? I would love to hear from you and how you practice this essential spiritual discipline. Additionally, I hope you will join us at one of our four campuses before school on September 27th for See You At The Pole. More details will be coming soon about this global day of prayer!

Monday, July 31, 2023

Some Scripture to Soothe Back-to-School Stress

The start of school can be a time of hair-pulling stress and crazy nerves for parents and students. 

  • What will I wear?
  • What do I need to bring to school?
  • Who will be in my classes?
  • Where are my classes?
  • Which classes are more demanding?
  • Who will I sit with at lunch?
  • Will I make the team? 
  • Should I join the club?
  • How do I get on the bus?
  • Will Mr. Wick be hiding somewhere to scare me?
These are just a few of the questions that students ask before the first day of school (and continue to ask from time to time). And stress isn't just limited to families. Teachers also might feel a bit of pressure trying to pull everything together for the new school year. Can I get an amen?

When we're feeling stressed, this isn't a time for us to say, "He must decrease, but I must increase." No! This is a time when we need more Scripture. What are some Bible verses to help alleviate the stress and start the year on a strong note? Check these out:
  • Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
  • Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
  • 1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 
  • John 14:1 Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 
Put these verses on your mobile and laptop wallpapers, a piece of paper in your pocket, your bathroom mirror, your fridge, your locker, and in cute framed pictures around your home. Memorize the verses, meditate on them (study and think about them), pray them in your mind and out loud, sing them, and share them with others. Just do it!

Life can be stressful, but let's keep Scripture at the forefront. Scripture is the key to fighting sin, strengthening our relationship with Christ, and living a joy-filled life in this stressful world. 

Remember, if you are ever struggling with stress, want a better understanding of how to follow Christ, or need a listening ear, don't hesitate to drop me a line or pay me a visit. I'll do what I can to help and point you to the Father of mercies and God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3). He is good!

Thursday, July 13, 2023

Do You Have A Biblical Worldview?

Worldview. We throw this word around a lot, but what is a "worldview?" Simply put, a worldview is a system of firmly held beliefs concerning how we see the world and how we are to live in the world. If you're reading this, you have a worldview. 

A biblical worldview is rooted in the Bible and when you aren't in the Good Book, your worldview will get diluted. You'll allow Hollywood, Netflix, TikTok, The View, Taylor Swift, Jake Paul, Kim Kardashian, Oprah, friends, and everything else to form your worldview. There are many who say they are Christian and can even explain the gospel, but when one lives in a way that isn't Bible-based, he or she doesn't have a biblical worldview. 

You don't need to take a college worldviews class or be part of a small group focused on living a biblical worldview to cultivate a biblical worldview. What you need to do is be transformed by the renewal of your mind (Romans 12:2). Interpret life through the lens of the gospel instead of following the world's ways. Fill your head with God's Word and allow the Holy Spirit to form convictions in your heart so you live a God-glorifying life. 

As you grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, you'll make decisions pleasing to God concerning what you watch, wear, buy, eat, listen to, and participate in. You'll examine Scripture, pray, and ask yourself if this is the job God wants you to take, the school God wants you to attend, the vehicle God wants you to buy, and the home God wants you to purchase. There are no shortcuts to developing a biblical worldview but fostering a strong biblical worldview enables us to think more clearly about life in this troubled world. Why anyone wouldn't want that is beyond me.

If you're interested in seeing what kind of worldview you have (e.g., Christian, Marxist, postmodern), you can complete a free worldview checkup at the Summit Ministries site. I recommend filling out the short assessment with family members and discussing your results. If this is something you would like to process, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. Remember, the coffee is on me!

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. Colossians 2:8

Thursday, June 15, 2023

Lifespan, Life Expectancy, Life Purpose, & Life Eternal

Last week, a strong ECHS student who I see pursuing Christ asked me a great question. She mentioned Jeanne Calmart, the oldest verified person, who lived to be 122 years old (some geneticists are skeptical of this). This is more than three years older than the second oldest verified person. 

The student then asked about Genesis 6:3 which says, Then the LORD said, "My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years." After God flooded the earth (Genesis 6-9), human lifespans decreased tremendously. By the time of Moses (around 1500 BC when the ancient Egyptians conquered Nubia), only one person is recorded in the Bible to have lived past 120 years, the age when Moses died. Genesis 6:3 can serve as a general rule that people won't live past 120 years. Another interpretation of Genesis 6:3 is God stated a flood would occur 120 years after He expressed disappointment with mankind.   

What about Psalm 90:10a? It states The years of our life are seventy or even by reason of eighty. This can be seen as a general rule for global life expectancy (which is 73 years). 

Most people want to live a long and happy life, but it's crucial that life is lived for the right purpose. Mark 8:36 says, For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? Life isn't meant to be lived for the world and its treasures (1 John 2:15). Life is meant to be lived to bring God glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). 

So why is living a God-glorifying life so important? Living a life pleasing to God is of the utmost importance because this is the key to peace and joy in this life and living forever in God's loving presence. When we seek God's will for our lives, God will bless us in numerous ways. This doesn't mean our lives will be all rainbows and unicorns, but we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good (Romans 8:28). And when we die, those who have trusted in Christ as Lord and Savior will be in God's perfect home, Heaven, where tears, pain, and death will be a thing of the past. Boom. 

There is MUCH more I can say, but I want to encourage you to click on the "Two Ways to Live" presentation or watch this Desiring God video if you still don't understand our purpose in life or if you want to better understand what it means to live a life glorifying God. Additionally, don't hesitate to call, text, or email me if you want to talk (unless you're a big jerk). I would be more than happy to treat you to a cup of Joe or another drink of your choice. 

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21