Get in the Word and Don't Stop!

I was gifted with a New King James Study Bible when I was baptized in 1996 at a small Southern Baptist church in Central Indiana. It wasn't until early 2001 when I was 27 years old that I read through that entire Bible. It was the toughest year of my life, so I committed to reading and studying my Bible regularly in a new way. The next year I moved to South Korea to serve with a Christian organization, and my future mother-in-law gave me a New American Standard Bible. It became my go-to translation for six years until the ESV Study Bible was published in 2008. 

I used to write all 66 books and chapters of the Bible on paper and mark off the chapters when I completed them. I now do it on my Mac and highlight the chapters I've read. Keeping track of what I'm reading has helped ensure I don't neglect any part of God's Word. I have struggled through parts of Old Testament history and prophecy and often forget what I've read, but God's Word has been a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105). 

Megan and I expected our three children to be in God's Word seven days a week. They didn't always accomplish the goal which would result in a healthy talk from yours truly. Grace Noel completed her first reading of the Bible in elementary school, and Rosalie did it as a middle schooler. Josiah Lee, our 7th grader, has completed the New Testament and is now reading the Psalms. Are there parts of the Bible that went over their heads? Absolutely. Welcome to the club. We still wanted them to read every word of the Bible and ask us questions when things got confusing. Seeing my kiddos reading and studying their Bibles has helped me walk more closely with Jesus.

If little kids can read the entire Bible, there is no reason YOU can't do this. We spend so much time on social media, attending sporting events, and watching movies and TV shows. Yet it only takes ten to twenty minutes for the average reader to complete three chapters in their Bible. There are 1189 chapters in the Bible and reading 3.25 chapters a day is all it takes to have it done in a year. If you don't like reading, then listen to the Bible. This can be done as you enJOY breakfast, complete a household task, drive to work, or before you go to bed. Consistently feeding on God's can help us progress toward holiness. It can help us resist accepted sins like complaining about our jobs, showing impatience with our children, and being anxious about our finances. It forms us. 

Consider downloading one of the Bible reading plans here and grow in your relationship with God. Figure out a Bible reading rhythm and let God speak to you in new and exciting ways!

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Debunking Eight Common Christmas Misconceptions!

Millions enJOY Christmas, but how well do most people know the true Christmas story? If you watch The Nativity Story, The Star, or Christmas With the Chosen: Messengers, can you tell fact from fiction? What is misrepresented in these family-friendly films that should be discussed with your family and friends? Below are some common Christmas misconceptions that might surprise you. If that's the case, let's talk! Most importantly, let's dig into God's Word so we know the true message of Christmas and that Christ is the reason for the season and life. To God be the glory!

1. Writing Merry Xmas is NOT disrespectful. The X has a long history of symbolizing the name of Christ. It involves the first letter of the Greek name for Christ. Christos is the New Testament Greek for Christ, and the first letter of the Greek word Christos is transliterated into our alphabet as an X. 

2. The Bible does NOT say Mary rode into Bethlehem on a donkey on their 65 to 80-mile trek from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Perhaps this was the case, but it's highly possible that Mary rode in a cart or walked for about a week or so.

3. Luke 2:7 says there was no room at the inn for Joseph and Mary. This sounds as if Jesus' parents went to a hotel, but they might have been hoping to stay in a relative's guest room. The Greek word for inn, kataluma, could mean a room on the upper level of a home. 

4. Luke 2:7 also says Jesus was laid in a manger. Since Jesus' parents might have gone to a crowded home for the census, Jesus might have been born on the lower level of a family member's home where animals stayed at night, NOT in a separate barn or stable.

5. Jesus was NOT born on December 25th, 0 A.D. We don't know the exact day Jesus was born, and most Bible scholars say He was born around 6 to 4 B.C. Knowing when Jesus was born isn't a big deal, but knowing Jesus came and who He is is of eternal significance!

6. Maybe more than three wise men (Magi) visited Jesus. Although tradition says three wise men visited Jesus and the Bible says Jesus was given three gifts, the Bible does NOT say there were only three wise men from the East (likely the Middle East).

7. Many nativity scenes have a star over the manger. That's nice, but the star was given to the Magi, not to the shepherds watching the flocks when the angels announced Jesus' birth. Matthew tells us a star led the Magi to Jerusalem and then to Bethlehem (days, months, or even years after Jesus' birth).

8. Joy to the World is technically NOT a Christmas song. This is a song about Christ's second coming, not His first. If you want to keep singing Joy to the World during Christmas, wonderful! In fact, sing it during the Christmas season and every season of the year!

What did you already know? What surprised you? Drop a comment to share!

She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21

Give Complaints In All Circumstances

This blog post title might seem a little odd, but check out the comments section of any social media post and you’re likely to find lots of complaining. People frequently head to the comments of social media to be entertained because we know the comments might consist of ruthless complaining. We not only fail to remember that complaining is a sin (Philippians 2:14), but we often don’t care. How are the words of your mouth and the meditation of your heart (Psalm 19:14)? Are you good at complaining or are you known as someone giving thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18)? Thanksgiving is around the corner, and there is so much to be thankful for, yes/no? Consider some of these things we should be thanking God for all the time:

1. We live in a nation that allows us to vote for our leaders. We may not always like the candidates, but we could live in a country where everything is picked for us.

2. We live in a nation with a strong military. While I look forward to the day when armed forces won’t be needed, I’m thankful for our troops.

3. We live in a nation with thousands of academic programs and world-class institutions. Our schools are far from perfect but hundreds of millions of primary and secondary school-age children in developing countries don’t even attend school.

4. We live in a nation with clinics and hospitals around every corner. We may not always like the medical bills we receive, but thank God many amazing resources are available in our communities. 

5. We live in a nation where we can gather with others and worship the risen Christ. Being a Christian certainly looks different in 2024, but it still isn’t dangerous to be a Christian in America.

Instead of constantly complaining like the culture around us, how can we be different and cultivate an attitude of thankfulness? Consider some practices I mention here.

Let’s be thankful not just when it’s Thanksgiving or when life is smooth. Let’s be different and give thanks in ALL circumstances.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name! Psalm 100:4

Resilient Families: Faith Through Formation

We are just weeks away from the 2nd annual Resilient Families luncheon hosted by Comfort! This will happen on Friday, October 25th, and dozens of church and ministry leaders from the tri-state area will gather to hear from key people from the Welborn Baptist Foundation, Diehl Consulting, Evansville Christian School, and local church partners. We will pray and process this year's fall and spring Resilient Families studies and the presentations that will take place in February. We ask that YOU also pray about the studies and presentations. 

What is Resilient Families? Resilient Families helps equip young people in this confusing culture to be confident in their Christian walk. We want to assist YOU, the parents and guardians, with Christ-centered resources and tools to help your children grow in their faith. From late October until early December, movers and shakers from our community will participate in a 6-week Resilient Families study. This study will be offered to families from February to March or April. Make sure you stay tuned for details in the coming weeks and months.

I'm excited to announce that on Friday, February 7th, national speaker, author, blogger, podcaster, wife, and mother to three children, Natasha Crain, will give three presentations! Who is Natasha Crain? Be sure to check out her books on Amazon. You'll quickly realize her books are quite popular, and three of them were written specifically for parents. Natasha will give three presentations for 6th-12th grade ECS students, ECS faculty and staff as well as area leaders, and for the general public at the Old National Events Plaza. If YOU are a parent or work with young people, don't miss the second-semester studies and presentations, all of which are FREE.

Natasha has a new book being released on February 4th, and her newest book, Faithfully Different, Regaining Biblical Clarity in a Secular Culture, is one that I've listened to and recommend. Natasha is passionate about helping Christians think more clearly about holding to a biblical worldview in an increasingly secular culture and has been interviewed by Sean McDowell, Kirk Cameron, Focus on the Family, The Colson Center, Stand to Reason, and more. If you're interested in diving deeper into her content, Natasha hosts a podcast, The Natasha Crain Podcast, and co-hosts the weekly Unshaken Faith Podcast with Alisa Childers.

If you have questions or want to learn more about Resilient Families, email me, call the school, or contact me on social media. I would be more than happy to talk about good parenting and our good God. To God be the glory!  

You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and all your soul and with all your might. 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 6:5-7

How Resilient Are You?

How do you respond to your children when they don't complete their chores or homework? How do you respond to a co-worker who disagrees with you and disrespects you? Do these situations stress you out, tick you off, get you down in the dumps, or make you feel like you got hit by a Mack Truck? How you handle new and problematic situations shows your resilience level, and people with greater emotional intelligence show greater resilience. If you struggle to be resilient, express your emotions maturely, and handle interpersonal relationships wisely and with love, don't fret! Resilience is something we can grow in.

I like how the Cambridge Dictionary defines resilience. Resilience is "the ability to be happy, successful, etc. again after something difficult or bad has happened." A resilient person adapts well to adversity and can bounce back from difficult situations. He or she has strong coping skills, knows how to use the available resources, and isn't afraid to ask for help. Resilient people persist, persevere, and don't yield to pressure. 

We should all want to be resilient and help others be resilient. We should work heartily for the Lord (Colossians 3:23), listen to constructive criticism (Proverbs 15:31), and give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Because we live in a sinful world, we certainly know this will be difficult. Sometimes we'll have to battle laziness, complaining, and being overly sensitive or defensive. This fight might come from within or we might experience it with a family member, neighbor, or colleague. 

How are you doing in the area of resilience? Are you showing yourself to be resilient? Do you adapt to situations and press on when your circumstances are less than ideal? If we struggle with the smaller things in life, how will we respond when life gets super stressful and hits us with a massive storm?

The hardships that many Christians face around the world are horrendous. According to Open Doors, a non-denominational mission supporting persecuted Christians around the world, more than 365 million Christians suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith. More than 4,000 Christians were detained last year, and 5,000 Christians were killed for faith-related reasons. 15,000 churches and Christian properties were attacked. If our persecuted brothers and sisters living in Africa and Asia can be resilient, through Christ, so can we.

If there is anyone who should be resilient, it should be us. We aren't little kids trying to figure out life. The overwhelming majority of Americans have an abundance of resources available at their fingertips, and if you're a Christian, the all-powerful Holy Spirit resides in you (Romans 8:9). Christians have the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17), God's Word, hidden in our hearts so that we might not sin against our Creator (Psalm 119:11). We have the Body of Christ to encourage one another and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11). 

Faith in the Lord is the key to Job-like, Paul-like, and CHRIST-like resilience. We must get our eyes off our circumstances and look to the cross at home, work, and during tough times. Let's hold fast to Proverbs 3:5-6 and point others to Christ daily. Let's trust the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding. In all our ways, let's acknowledge God and He will direct our paths. Godly resilience will help us pass God's tests, big and small, empower our children to embrace a biblical worldview, and bring God all the glory!

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10

Ten Back to School Tips For Families

You may not like to hear this, but the start of school is almost here. Woo! For some of your kids, this might bring a sense of excitement, but for others, this might cause a little anxiety. No matter what your child feels, I assure you that an amazing first day and first week of school can be accomplished! I have been a teacher for nearly two decades and a principal for one decade. Two of my kiddos graduated from ECHS, and we have a 7th grader bringing up the rear. I know a little about first-day jitters and have ten tips to help your child start on the right foot and have a successful school year. Doing these things may not get them on the honor roll or a starting spot on the basketball team, but they can make school a bit smoother so your child can better embrace a biblical worldview. Consider discussing the list below with your child and let me know if there is anything else I can do to help. 

1. Eat breakfast. Breakfast helps replenish the blood sugar your child's brain needs to function at its best. On top of that, no one wants a hangry kid at school!

2. Ask questions. Asking questions leads to solving problems, building relationships, and gaining knowledge. Smart people ask questions. 

3. Constantly pray. Don't just pray before a meal or bedtime; make it a lifestyle. It's easy to get stressed out and complain. Spend that time in God's word and pray instead.

4. Get your sleep. We should work heartily for the Lord, but working 24/7 isn't an option. Getting your rest will help you be better focused and think more clearly.

5. Label your stuff. Consider putting your name on your water bottle, lunchbox, and other items you want to keep. Your new jacket is much more likely to be returned to you if your name is on it.

6. Try something new. We provide numerous activities for you to know what you're gifted in. Join that club or sport, participate in a service project or trip, or run for office. Just do it.

7. Be kind and polite. You don't need to be a Christian to know that being an arrogant jerk isn't cool. Smiling, helping others, and showing appreciation can go a long way.

8. Maximize your class time. Why bring work home when you have teachers at school who can help you with it? Take advantage of the time and resources God has given you at ECS.

9. Set out your clothes and pack your backpack the night before school. Mornings can be chaotic so minimize the chaos by planning ahead. You might need every minute before the morning rush!

10. Share with your family what you're learning and what homework you have. Although I can help my kiddos with their schoolwork, sometimes they teach me a thing or two. God wants us to use our brains to draw each other towards Christ.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

EnJOYing Freedom in Christ

Fourth of July is just around the corner, and countless red-blooded Americans will celebrate our Declaration of Independence from Great Britain. From San Francisco to New York, we'll have pitch-ins, parades, and pyrotechnic displays of grand proportions. Although I'm not a huge fan of all the noise, crowds, and fireworks debris, I enjoy the food and fellowship. Our country is far from perfect and the political polarization in America is at an all-time high; however, there is still so much God has blessed us with. As the son of a Navy veteran who exposed me to unique and diverse cultures, I was always taught to be thankful we are Americans. Consider these facts:

1. We don't face the armed conflicts that numerous African and Middle Eastern nations do on an everyday basis.

2. Travel advisory levels in America pale in comparison to much of the world. 

3. Sharing your faith in North Korea, Kyrgyzstan, and numerous other countries is illegal, but we can assemble freely at church on Sundays. 

4. Although too many of us are overly critical of our government and can be complete jerks, I'm thankful we can share all our views, unlike many nations worldwide. Government criticism in many nations can get you locked up or even killed.   

5. Despite our rising cost of living, we are still the go-to place for hardworking people looking to escape poverty. Few countries have our kind of wealth.

While I am grateful to live in a rich and relatively peaceful country with the freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition, having freedom in Christ is far greater. 

Freedom in Christ means freedom from the penalty, power, and presence of sin. I don't have to put my head down in shame for my past sins. Because of Christ, I'm a new creation sinning less and becoming more like Him. I can put my head up praising my Father for helping me fight sin through His Spirit. And when it's all said and done, because of Christ, I will be in a beautiful, perfect, and sinless Heaven.

Freedom in Christ is freedom from the Old Covenant law and people-pleasing. Christianity isn't a set of dos and don'ts where you try to win the favor of your fellow men. When you truly know God, you have a relationship with Him and follow Him in faith alone based on Christ alone. You have an audience of One and desire to bring God all the glory alone. That's what freedom in Christ does. 

Freedom in Christ is the freedom to enJOY God with fellow believers and glorify Him forever. Life is not meant to be lived alone. When you come to know Christ, you join a family of believers who you do life with. Life can be hard, but through Christ, we can have peace and joy regardless of the circumstances. Christian freedom is about enJOYing God now and forever with others.

Do you have this freedom in Christ? Do others clearly see that? This Fourth of July, let's not just remember the courage and faith our founding fathers had in their pursuit of liberty, let's remember what our Heavenly Father gave us and the sacrifice of His one and only Son. Let's enJOY freedom in Christ.

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2

 

Don't Take A Summer Break From Jesus!

Some of you might like cool autumn nights, sledding in the winter, or seeing flowers bloom in the spring, but summer is by far my favorite season. I'm a huge fan of the warmer weather, love that we have more family fun time, and I wholeheartedly welcome the change of work pace. During the summer, our kiddos participate in sports or art camps, we might travel somewhere fun, and I have more time to complete house projects and attend to other matters that need to be tackled. Although I'm looking forward to the different temperatures and weather conditions we might have in Heaven, I would be a happy man if Evansville had summer weather year-round! 

Something we need to be careful about during the summer is getting sloppy with our time with Jesus. Most kids don't have daily Bible classes or monthly chapels or participate in regular biblically integrated lessons in the summer. If you're like the Wickershams, you might wake up a little later and have summer days that may often look different each day. We must ensure that we are all in the Word daily and that we have intentional conversations with our children about what they're experiencing and what God is teaching them. I also recommend having regular family devotions at dinnertime or before everyone goes to bed. Attending Vacation Bible School at a neighborhood church, serving at a local ministry such as the Evansville Rescue Mission, and signing up for Christian camps are other ways we can help children grow in God's grace and knowledge this summer.

All of this takes some planning, energy, and time, but it is SO WORTH IT. We're talking about helping our children understand who they are and how they are to live this life in a God-glorifying way. We have a responsibility and privilege to draw our children to Christ and show them how to be like Christ. What an amazing gift! It's unbelievable that God uses us to speak truth in love to our kids. 

So, how will you disciple your children this summer? What opportunities will you give your children to encounter our living savior, Jesus Christ? God has given us a super special job, and I don't mean to be a downer, but our parenting days will be gone before you know it. Our lives are like a mist, and no day is guaranteed (James 4:14). Let's make the most of each day and enJOY the summer break, but don't take a summer break from Jesus!

to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. Romans 16:27

Is Your Speech Gracious Or Are You An Impatient Yeller?

Next month, Rosalie will graduate from college, Grace Noel will graduate from high school, and Josiah Lee will enter middle school. What?! How did this happen? Time certainly flies! Despite our countless parenting mistakes, our kiddos have done okay. They kept up with their studies, contributed to their clubs and teams, gained valuable work experience and skills, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, they follow Christ. Thank you, Jesus. This is all God's grace and ALL the glory belongs to Him.

Sometimes I receive praise for how our kiddos turned out, but I've made a TON of parenting mistakes that I wish I could take back. I wish I could tell you that I never yelled at my kids, never exasperated them like a little boy, and never showed them my mean Wick face. This would be false though. At times, I've been an impatient and ungrateful dad. It doesn't have to be this way, and I want to help you to not repeat my mistakes. Colossians 4:6 says, Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. I memorized that verse over two decades ago when I felt a leader didn't give me the full picture.

How do you respond to your children and others when they question your authority, try to deceive you, or give you the cold shoulder? Is your speech gracious (kind and courteous) and seasoned with salt (preserving Christ's loving message) or do you fly off the rails, finger point, and run wild like a WWE wrestler? How would you feel if a camera was on you 24/7 and all of your home interactions were played at a chapel or church service? I'm pretty confident that things aren't always looking pretty in your home.

So how can we be gracious with our speech, seasoned with salt, regardless of how we're treated or what our circumstances are? How can we tame our tongue and use our words so that we draw our children and others to Christ? Below are four simple but powerful ways to encourage and build up our children and those around us with our words.

1. Look to Christ and tap into the Spirit. Philippians 4:13, an often misquoted verse, says I can do all things through him (Christ) who strengthens me. This verse doesn't mean that we can accomplish any task in front of us, but it does mean that regardless of the hardship we face, we can respond with gracious speech like Christ. Look at Christ's example and through His Spirit, the Holy Spirit, have Him guide you in what you say (and don't say) and how you say it.

2. Pray Constantly. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says never stop praying. Prayer should be a lifestyle, not just something we do before meals or when we want something. If we are constantly communicating with God, thanking Him, confessing our sins, pleading with Him, and praying for others, our words will be more gracious. Prayer brings us closer to God so we better serve our children and the people God places in our lives. 

3. Meditate on Scripture. Fix your mind on God's Word and think deeply about it. Don't just read James 1:19; meditate on it! Emptying your mind isn't found in the Bible. We should fill our minds with verses like James 1:19 which says, Know this, my beloved brothers; let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. Doing so makes me much more likely to speak words of grace and display Christ to my children and others.

4. Remember we will be judged for our words. Matthew 12:36 says, I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak. I know this verse may not be at the top of your favorite Bible verses list, but it's important to remember that when Christ returns, we will be held accountable for our words and actions. Having that at the forefront of my mind motivates me to do what is right. We should want to please God in all that we think, say, and do so we can hear God say, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"

Having gracious speech, seasoned with salt, isn't always easy, but it can be done. It should be done. Our children need this and so do others. If we look to Christ, tap into the Spirit, pray constantly, meditate on Scripture, and remember we will be rewarded for the good we do, our speech will grow in grace and bring God the glory. Do it. Speak words of grace and bring God the glory. 

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

There is NO Greater Holiday!

What would you say if you were asked what the greatest holiday is? I'm not asking what is the most popular holiday or your favorite holiday, but what is our greatest holiday? Did you answer Easter? I don't think most people would put Easter at the top of their list, but without a doubt, Easter is the greatest holiday we have. Easter is only days away (March 31st), and this day should be the year's biggest party! 

So what's the big deal about Easter?  Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World. If you need help understanding why that is so significant, below are five reasons explaining why there is nothing more special. 

1. Jesus' resurrection proves He was our sinless Redeemer showing power over death. Believers in Christ do not need to fear death since we will be resurrected and live eternally in Heaven. A sweet home is being prepared for us in a perfect place free from mourning, crying, and pain. 

2. For Christians, Christ's resurrection means our sins are forgiven, and we are made right with God. We don't need to put our heads down thinking about how we've committed all these crimes against God. No. We can put our heads up and thank God that our debts have been paid and He sees Christ in us! 

3. Because Christ resurrected, we who trust in Christ will get resurrected bodies in Heaven. We will sing, dance, and enJOY an incredible life in Heaven with bodies that won't ever get sick or injured. No more ACL surgeries, root canals, or broken bones. Woo!

4. Christ's resurrection affirms that Jesus is the prophesied Messiah of Israel (Isaiah 53) and the King and Lord of the New Jerusalem, the City of God (Revelation 21). We can trust that the Scriptures are true. They are inspired, inerrant, and infallible! 

5. The Resurrection of Jesus means we can proclaim His good news to the world. It's at the very heart of the Christian faith and message. HE IS RISEN! Let's share this incredible truth with everyone we can! HE IS RISEN, INDEED!

Easter is the greatest holiday and something we should celebrate every day! Are you doing that? If not, let's change that. If you would like to discuss this further or have a question about what it means to follow Christ, don't hesitate to drop me a line. I would love to hear from you and do what I can to point you to our Risen Christ. To God be the glory!

"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9

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!

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! 

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