A Heart Check: The Parable of the Sower

What is the condition of OUR hearts?

• Are you a curious learner, or do you quickly reject what others say if they aren't in your camp?
• Were you a big fan of God at one time, but something ugly happened in your life, and now you want nothing to do with Him? 
• Did you once call yourself a joyful follower of Christ, but you now chase hard after fame, fortune, and fun?

WE must evaluate OUR hearts. 2 Corinthians 13:5 says, Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? - unless indeed you fail to meet the test! Too many people say they believe in God, but their lives don't show it. They may have an intellectual belief in Christ, but they don't really love Jesus. They just love what He gives them and often have a critical spirit, simply following the culture. We can't treat King Jesus just as our ticket to Heaven; He must be the all in our lives. 

If you've been given a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26), you'll grow in God's grace and knowledge and bear beautiful fruit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Is this the fruit people see coming from you? It's impossible not to when you're trusting in Christ and having His Spirit guide you in what can be a challenging life. Yes, we slip at times and sin, but are we hating our laziness, pride, and other sins we commit that Jesus died for? Below are a few more questions to consider.

• Do others see patience, kindness, and grace from you, or do you often complain and get bent out of shape when things don't go your way?
• Do you rejoice, pray, and give thanks even when things are hard and you're suffering?
• Do people look at you and think, "That person is like Christ. They absolutely hate sin and seek to live a life of holiness."?

These questions are for ALL OF US, and they are questions I've been thinking about recently as we are learning about the Parable of the Sower (also known as the Parable of the Soils) in chapel this month. I encourage you to go to Matthew 13, Mark 4, and Luke 8 and read and meditate on Jesus' words. Jesus is the key not only to eternal life, but to life itself. We certainly need counseling, education, and medicine, but apart from Christ, we can do nothing! As John the Baptist said, May He increase, and we decrease.

And as always, please let me know if there is anything I can do for you and your family. To God be the glory!

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

Jesus' Parables: Perfect Stories That Speak Profound Truth

Everyone loves a good story. If I talk about how Megan and I fell in love, how we were led to adopt our three children, or how we moved from a Chinese city of 15 million to Southern Indiana, people are all ears. It doesn't matter if the person is seven or seventy, Jew or Gentile; people of all ages and all walks of life find good stories engaging, prompting them to think and feel deeply.

Jesus, of course, knew the power of stories. He was the master storyteller, and He frequently told stories to teach truth in a way that was relatable and easy to remember. These stories, called parables, may seem simple, but they have deep symbolic and spiritual meaning. Over 30 of them can be found in the Synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John. 

You don't have to be a Christian to be familiar with some of the parables. Many people can tell you a little about the Parable of the Good Samaritan and the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Do you have a favorite parable? What is it about that parable that you like so much? If you have children, consider discussing this with them this week. A conversation like this will probably stick in your child's mind longer than a long list of do's and don'ts.

So what's up with all the parable talk? Well, it happens to be our theme for this year's chapels. At our SIX chapels (preschool and prekindergarten, kindergarten-1st grade, 2nd-3rd grade, 4th-6th grade, 7th-8th grade, and high school) at Evansville Christian School, we'll teach six popular parables from the Gospel of Luke. Please join us if you can! I also want to encourage you to read and study these parables on your own and with others. If you have a genuine hunger for the Lord, I assure you that you will be blessed with divine truth that can help you live a life honoring to God. To God be the glory!

And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. Luke 18:1

Reflections on the 2026 Rooted Educator Worldview Summit

In mid-June, I had the privilege of attending the third annual Rooted Educator Worldview Summit with four of my ECS colleagues. It was hosted by ACSI and the Colson Center in beautiful Colorado Springs and was titled "Created and Called: Biblical Anthropology for Christian Education." This year's conference explored what it means to be human in light of the Christian worldview and how this vision reshapes the aims, practices, and culture of Christian education. Core topics included: 

• identity as image-bearers of God - Genesis 1:26-27
• the biblical understanding of calling - Galatians 1:15
• strategies to address cultural distortions (e.g., secular self-help, cancel culture, materialism, individualism) - Romans 12:2

I'm thankful I serve at a school where I can hear world-class speakers like Dr. Sean McDowell, John Stonestreet, and Elizabeth Urbanowicz. As Christian educators, we all must consider how a deep theological understanding of personhood informs spiritual formation, service, school, and society. By reclaiming a biblical view of humanity, we can empower students to embrace their identity in Christ, cultivate emotionally healthy relationships with their neighbors, and lovingly serve in our community and beyond.

Below are some questions we will be discussing at our in-service in August. I encourage you to reflect on these questions and perhaps discuss them with your family. Also, please be in prayer for us as we seek to partner with you to see individuals and communities transformed for the glory of God.

"To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!" Revelation 5:13

Hope

• How does a biblical view of humanity as created in God's image ground a resilient hope for students?

Truth

• How can Christian education help students understand truth as both revealed and lived?

Identity

• How does being an image-bearer shape a student's understanding of personal worth, purpose, and relational belonging?

Calling

• In what ways can schools help students discern their unique gifts and callings within God's purposes?

Movies, Music, & Video Games: Helping Our Children Be Spiritually Discerning

My favorite comedy, which happens to be based on a true story, is Nacho Libre. Any Nacho Libre lovers out there? It's a fairly clean underdog movie that was released in 2006 (rated PG). Nacho Libre is about a Catholic monastery monk in Mexico who is a wrestler at night so he can buy better food for the orphans in his care. It is filled with cheesy humor and a happy ending, and I'm a sucker for happy endings. If you have a middle school boy, I highly recommend watching Nacho Libre with him. Some notable quotes from Nacho include:

• "My life is good. Really good. I get to wake up at 5 AM every morning and make soup." 
• "They may have the appearance of riches, but beneath the clothes, we find a man... and beneath a man, we find his nucleus."
• "Get that corn outta my face!"

There are more quotes I like; however, they aren't exactly what I want our elementary students to be quoting (e.g., how much Nacho knows about the gospel). :-)

Recently, my family enjoyed watching the Michael Jackson biopic (rated PG-13) on a flight to Korea. This led my teenage son, Josiah Lee, and me to examine some of Michael Jackson's song lyrics. Some of Michael Jackson's lyrics are great ("I said if you're thinkin' of being my brother, it don't matter if you're black or white"), and some of his lyrics are not so great ("You can't hurt me; I found peace within myself"). Hee hee. Ow!

It can be hard to navigate our entertainment-driven culture, but if we want our children to grow closer to Christ, we must actively disciple our kids. If we don't, the world will influence them in ways that don't honor God. As our children make choices about what they watch, listen to, and play, how can we protect them, help them be wise, and encourage them to think critically? Below are five points to consider.

1. Remember what Scripture says and share it with your children REGULARLY. We are to do everything to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful and build up (1 Corinthians 10:23). The Holy Spirit is our guide into all the truth (John 16:13). 

2. Use http://pluggedin.com/ to help discern the good, the bad, and the ugly. This Focus on the Family website has been extremely helpful to us, providing detailed information about movies, music, video games, and more.

3. Ask yourself and your children: 

• How does the movie, music, or video game affect my heart and others? 
• Does it glamorize wealth, drug use, and fame? Does it demean women? 
• Is it biblical? 
• Does the movie, music, or video game help my child positively connect with others? 
• Can they learn anything from the movie, music, or video game? 
• What time constraints should I put on my child? Is my child completing their schoolwork and chores?

4. Pray with your children REGULARLY, and don't ignore your conscience (Romans 9:1). The prayer of a righteous person has great power (James 5:16)!

5. Look at the MPA and ESRB ratings and take notice of the parental advisory labels, but be the parent. Hollywood and New York City aren't Christian meccas, so don't be surprised when that PG-13 movie contains some nudity and foul language.

These guiding principles, tips, and questions have helped Megan and me teach and train our three children to grow in discernment. Mistakes will be made, but major growth and maturity can happen if holiness is pursued. 

What suggestions do you have in helping your children grow in discernment? Post a comment or drop me a line. I would love to hear what has worked for you and your family!

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

Beatitude 8: Are We Teaching Our Kids that Believers Will be Persecuted?

Like most people, I love to be comfortable, so when I moved to South Korea in 2002 and then to the Middle Kingdom the next year, it pushed me out of my comfort zone. I left a middle school teaching position I absolutely loved, sold my ranch home out in the sticks, and gave away my dog - like a classic country song. I moved to a nation where the language sounded nothing like English, ate a ton of fermented and spicy food that worked my system, and accepted a low-paying, not very stimulating job. When I moved to a much bigger East Asian country the next year, American comforts dropped even more. I spent time on crowded buses and smoky taxis, struggled to communicate what I wanted, and received lots of stares. 

Despite the challenges I faced, I can't say enough good things about my 14 years outside of America as an adult. I grew tremendously in my faith, and I learned so much from the community-first approach and service culture I saw in East Asia. There is much we can learn from visiting and living in countries around the world; things that can't be taught in books. Another thing I learned was how easy we Christians have it in the States. I hear some American Christians talk about the growing opposition we face in our country, but this pales in comparison to what many of our brothers and sisters face in many parts of Africa and Asia. This doesn't mean we won't face persecution. It just looks different. 

Christian persecution in extreme cases results in physical harm, imprisonment, and death. Think North Korea, Somalia, and Yemen. While you and I may not experience that kind of persecution, we might be disrespected, excluded, mocked, or have hateful words hurled at us. If you've experienced any form of this due to your beliefs in Jesus Christ, you've experienced persecution. Is this something we're teaching our children, or are we sheltering them from the hardships of reality? Jesus promised that if we follow Him, we will be persecuted (John 15:20). We must prepare our children to understand that followers of Christ will sometimes be ridiculed, rejected, teased, or yelled at for believing what the Bible says. A paper might be graded lower, playing time may be reduced, or a job promotion might not happen due to our beliefs. Do we ALL understand that this is part of God's plan, or do we complain and cry when we've obeyed God's commands and offend the world?

Let's remember Jesus did everything perfectly yet experienced pain and suffering. Let's remember what Matthew 5:11-12 says: Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. As believers in Christ, we can pass through the fiery trials and tests that come our way with the all-powerful Holy Spirit. Let's do that. Let's give God the glory!

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10

Beatitude 7: Are We Teaching Our Kids to be Peacemakers?

My name, Mark, originates from the Latin word Marcus, which means warlike and is associated with the Roman god of war, Mars. As a kid, I sometimes had a Mighty Mouse complex and lived out my name. When I was in sixth grade, I got paddled for getting into a fight with my classmate at lunch. I decided to make fun of Andrew's watch, which led us to duking it out and being sent to Mr. Kamm's office. When I was a high school junior, I decided to knock down the goalkeeper who blocked my weak PK. That led to a red card and a suspension in my next soccer match. There were other dust-ups I had at recess and in the neighborhood when playing football, camping, and skateboarding that never led to formal consequences. By God's grace, my aggressive and nasty ways are a thing of the past, although I still battle sin every day. 

Our world is filled with so much hate and violence. I'm not sure how anyone thinks we are born good. We don't have to teach our kids to be mean, impatient, or lazy. We have to teach them how to be kind, patient, and hard-working. We adults sometimes have difficulty getting along with each other, which can result in online arguments, shouting matches, divorces, or even prison time. Watch the news, and you'll see that global leaders have conflicting national interests and ego clashes that fuel catastrophic results and threaten regional and global security.

So how can we bring peace to our divided relationships and world? How can we be peacemakers and bring peace to others despite all of the feuds, rivalries, and conflicts? The key is Jesus. Without Jesus, there is no real peace. Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) who can give us a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Jesus died on the cross on Good Friday to make peace between God and sinners. We are to share His message of peace, His good news, to all those we can. When we trust in Jesus, we are blessed with peace and joy regardless of our circumstances, and an eternal home free from sin, Satan, suffering, disease, death, and destruction. We become peacemakers who are adopted into God's forever family. 

So, do you know Jesus, Our Peace, as your Lord and Savior? Not just know about Him, but do you follow Him? Worship Him? Love Him? Are you a peacemaker who brings reconciliation to broken relationships? Let's not gloss over problems, but teach our kids about the Peacemaker. And if possible, let's live peaceably with all (Romans 12:18). 

If you would like to discuss any of this further, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I'll do what I can to listen and point you to the One who can give us perfect peace.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9

Beatitude 6: Are We Teaching Our Kids to be Pure in Heart?

Follow your heart. Sounds like pretty good advice, right? It's probably something you've heard a million times. World-class athletes say it, you'll hear it in Hollywood movies and pop songs, and you're sure to find it on trendy canvas prints and photo books at Michaels and Wally World.  

What does the Bible say about our hearts? Should we be following our hearts? Jeremiah 17:9 says, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?" Matthew 15:18-19 says, "But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander." Ouch. It doesn't sound like we should follow our hearts. You don't need to be a Christian, though, to understand that following your heart is BAD advice. 

When little kids follow their hearts, they often complain about their food, don't share their toys, hit their siblings, and lie about what they did. If you think this is an inaccurate representation of children, you've never been a parent. Stubborn hearts are also found in adults. I would love to tell you that my heart is always in the right place. It's not. I can give a beautiful gospel presentation, watch someone proclaim Christ as their Lord and Savior, then get in my sweet Dodge Caravan and get upset at someone who drives like an idiot. Sometimes I forget I'm the idiot. 

Folks, when our hearts are impure, selfish, judgmental, and dishonest, we will not see God. To be pure in heart, clean, clear, and blameless, we must receive Christ and believe in His name. We need to follow Jesus, not our hearts (Matthew 4:19). Our hearts can't save us, but Jesus can save us from our hearts. Only Jesus can make our hearts pure so we can be in a relationship with God. Psalm 51:10 says, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." And Ezekiel 36:26 says, "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." We don't ask Jesus into our hearts; He gives us new hearts. 

When Jesus does a cleansing work in us and makes our hearts pure, we pursue lives of purity and uprightness. Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches producing good fruit that glorifies God (John 15:5). We have a heart for God and want to honor Him in all that we think, say, and do. We aren't Pharisees who emphasize external ritual purity; we have an internal purity of the soul that people see as real and genuine. We actually enJOY Jesus and want others to know His love. We are true born-again believers, not fake Christians whose words and deeds show hypocrisy and cunning deception. 

So how are we doing in teaching our kids to be pure in heart? Do our children clearly see Christ in us? Are we poor in spirit, mourning our sins and the sins of the world, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, being meek and merciful? Let's pursue Christ and a life of purity. Let's set our minds on things above and let Christ do His sanctifying work in our lives!

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8

Does Easter Excite You? Does Christ Excite You?

We Americans sure love our holidays. We spent more than 13 BILLION dollars on Halloween costumes, candy, and decorations last year. Thanksgiving has become synonymous with family, food, and football. And things have gotten totally out of control when it comes to gift-giving and outdoor lights during Christmastime. What about Easter? Do you know when it is? Does it excite you that Easter is around the corner? Despite what the world says, there is no greater holiday than Easter. Let me repeat - There is no greater holiday than Easter!

Celebrating Easter is about celebrating the Risen Christ. Jesus lived a perfect life, laid down His life on Good Friday, and came back to life on Resurrection Sunday, proving once again, HE IS GOD! Do others see us excited about this? Is it clear to others that we are alive in Christ? Let's be sure to share the good news of Jesus Christ with everyone we can. As followers of Christ, we want Heaven crowded. We want others to know God and have peace and joy in a life that can be full of challenges. Let's not be quiet about Easter and what Christ did. Let's be sure to give God the glory. 

1. The Resurrection proves that Jesus is the all-powerful God victorious over sin and death. We can trust Him.

2. The Resurrection confirms that God's wrath was satisfied and our debt was paid in full. Those trusting in Christ are forgiven of their sins.

3. The Resurrection assures followers of Christ that we serve a living Savior who mediates and intercedes for us. We are to be envied.

4. The Resurrection guarantees the future resurrection of born-again believers. We are alive, and a new and perfect home is being prepared for us.

I hope you believe this. If you are struggling in your faith, unsure of who Christ is, or just have some questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I'll do what I can to listen well and point you to our Savior and living hope, Jesus Christ. 

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26

The 2026 Flourishing Families Study - Parenting: It's Not What You Think...

Do you find parenting to be like the pretty picture below? Is your family always smiling and exchanging pleasantries? Although my family truly enjoys spending time together, we haven't been oozing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) every second of our lives. Sometimes I've been an unloving, impatient, and unkind blockhead. Parenting can be hard stuff, but I'm not making it any easier when I fail to look to the cross and allow my feelings to be the ultimate guide. I need help, BIG TIME. I'm thankful our all-powerful, all-knowing, good God has provided us help in a variety of ways.

One of our core values at ECS is to commit to partnership, and one way we do this is through the Flourishing Families studies being held at the following five churches. It's hard to believe, but this is our third year having these parenting studies.  

• Christian Fellowship Church
• Crossroads Christian Church
• Epworth Community Church
• Henderson's First Baptist Church
• One Life Church

This year, we will be using Paul Tripp's Parenting: It's Not What You Think It Is video series. Although both of my daughters are married, and Megan and I only have an eighth-grade boy in our home now, we still have much to learn about parenting. Pastor Paul Tripp has been married for over 50 years and has four adult children, so he is someone who can help us learn how to raise children in God's ways. He has taught me much about living a gospel-centered life, and I believe he can help us disciple our children and find rest in God. 

Being a great dad is super important to me, and if you're a parent, being a great parent should be of the utmost importance to you. Please consider signing up for one of the studies to gain insight into being a better parent and help your family flourish. You don't have to be a member of any of the churches, and if you're struggling with knowing what you believe, that's okay, too. These studies are a time when we can be real with each other, provide encouraging support, and better understand the best way to parent. 

If you can't make one of the Sunday or Wednesday evening studies, join us at Epworth Community Church for the study I'm facilitating on Monday mornings from 8 to 9:30 AM. It begins February 23rd, and you can sign up here. Raising children can be challenging, and there is no need to do it alone. Let's learn and grow together and bring God the glory. I hope to see you there!

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

Beatitude 5: Are We Teaching Our Kids to be Merciful?

Can you define mercy? Mercy is a word we often hear, but I'm not confident that many can explain it. Lots of people confuse it with grace. Grace is unmerited favor. It's a God-given gift that you don't deserve. We named our first kid, Grace Noel. She's a gift from God that we don't deserve. I've committed countless crimes against God, but God, in His amazing grace, saved me and showed me I was a selfish sinner worshiping my success and money. My pursuit of Jesus was shallow for a few years, and I wasn't living life for God's glory. God woke me up, though, and I'm now a trophy of His grace.

So what is mercy? Mercy is about not getting what you do deserve. You've messed up big time, but the person you wronged doesn't smack you for your stupidity. 

Are you familiar with the Parable of the Prodigal Son? Here is the ultimate story of mercy. You have two sons, one who does everything "right" and one who does everything wrong. The younger son disrespectfully demands his share of the estate, and the father lets his sinful son go his way. The son squanders his wealth recklessly, but then realizes he can return to his dad and live a far better life as a servant. When the son returns, the dad doesn't rip into him and reject him for his foolish choices. No, he shows him mercy and is thankful the son has returned home. This doesn't sit well with the older self-righteous brother, who is following all of the rules. Where do you see yourself in this story? Are you like the older son, a judgmental Pharisee, or are you like the younger son who sees his sins and confesses them? Are we like the dad, who represents God, who embraces his son with love and mercy despite all of the dumb decisions he made?

God has provided me with tons of opportunities to show others mercy. I had the privilege of serving as a principal for a decade at two excellent schools, Tianjin International School in China and Evansville Christian School in Southern Indiana. When you're a school principal, especially a middle school principal, it isn't uncommon for kids to come to the office for foolish mistakes they've made. We need to remind ourselves that the scared kid in front of us is created in God's image, and we have an opportunity to show them mercy. Let's be thankful when God won't let us forget about our past blunders and the mercy shown us at times. If the student is truly remorseful for their poor choices, respectful towards us, and willing to make amends for their mistakes, let's show them mercy. The discipline they receive shouldn't be as tough. But if they're an arrogant punk who lies and defends their words and actions, you can give them justice. Provide them with the tough (and loving) discipline they deserve. 

So, how are you doing in displaying mercy to your children? Are you always disciplining your children the same way, no matter how they respond to their fumble? Are you failing to see the giant plank in your own eye when they only have a small speck in their eye? Let's remember the mercy God has shown us and be merciful to others. And let's remember, if you are in Christ, you are blessed and will be merciful.

If you want to better understand the difference between mercy and grace, here is a five-minute video from Paul Tripp.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Matthew 5:7

Beatitude 4: Are We Teaching Our Kids to Hunger and Thirst For Righteousness?

We've been examining the Beatitudes in our chapels this year, and it's crucial to recognize that Jesus' teachings on the character of Christians build upon each other. 

• Beatitude 1: Christians are poor in spirit. We humbly admit our need for God; we can't save ourselves. Only Christ gives us access to God and eternal life in Heaven.
• Beatitude 2: Christians mourn. We hate our sins and the sins of the world; yet, we find comfort and peace in God, despite the difficulties we face.
• Beatitude 3: Christians are meek. We don't try to take control and overpower people. We are led by the Spirit, bless others, and receive God's blessings. 

This brings us to beatitude 4. Matthew 5:6 says, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Does this describe you and your heart? Are we teaching our kids to hunger and thirst for righteousness, showing them this is how to be blessed and where our souls receive satisfaction? What does that even mean?

To hunger and thirst for righteousness is to actively seek a right relationship with God. We desire to be like Christ, and if we are in Christ, trusting in Christ as Lord and Savior, His righteous character will be seen in us by others. We understand that only Christ can quench our thirsts and feed our souls. Jesus said, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again (John 4:14a). Later in John 6:35, Jesus says to a large crowd, I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. Jesus is essential for life and the life to come. He is the way to God and a life pleasing to God. 

Seeking a right relationship with God starts with acknowledging our sins to Him. We humbly confess our unholy thoughts, words, and actions to God - our pride, ungratefulness, impatience, laziness, selfishness, and more. We confess that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9). When we call on the name of the Lord, we will be saved (Acts 2:21), and we will hunger and thirst for righteousness. This is what true Christians do because we find satisfaction in Christ.

So, are you hungering and thirsting for righteousness? Are you teaching this to your kiddos? I want to encourage you to get in God's Word daily, like Mr. Allen recently challenged us. This is the greatest way to grow in God's grace and knowledge. We must be people of the Word if we want to be satisfied. And if we are His blessed people who hunger and thirst for righteousness, that's what we'll be.

If you would like to discuss this further, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I'll do what I can to listen, encourage, and point you to the King of kings, Lord of lords, Jesus Christ. He is good!

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6

Let's Not Forget About Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is next week, but many Americans have been in Christmas mode since November hit. While I'm a fan of Christ-centered Christmas celebrations, let's not forget about Thanksgiving. Thankfulness is a major Bible theme, and we have much to be thankful for! James 1:17 tells us EVERY good and perfect gift is from above; therefore, we should thank God for all the good He gives us. And 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, it's God's will for us in Christ Jesus to give thanks in ALL circumstances. 

It's easy to complain and question God when hard things happen, but giving thanks should be a lifestyle for Christians. Those close to me know that my family has been experiencing some bumps lately, but through the Holy Spirit, we can still give thanks to our Heavenly Father. Thank You, Lord, for the finances. Thank You, Lord, for the insurance. Thank You, Lord, we don't have to get on a plane to visit our family. You are good. All the time.  

So how can we cultivate a heart of thankfulness, especially when life is challenging? Three years ago, I wrote a blog post about this, and I want to remind us of five simple spiritual practices that can help not just during Thanksgiving, but all the time.

1. READING God's Word - I can't emphasize how much being in my Bible has helped me to better understand how to be like Christ and give Him thanks for my family, church, job, and life. Read your Bible, and you'll realize it has much to say about how God's people should be a thankful bunch.

2. REMEMBERING God's Goodness - God has been so good to me. I've been able to adopt three children from China, watch our two daughters get married to godly men, celebrate over two decades of marriage with Megan, encourage all kinds of people in their Christian walk, and more. Take time to thank God for all the good He has done for you!

3. REFLECTING on God's Splendor - We need to stop dwelling on our ever-changing circumstances and look to the awe-inspiring, glorious God who is the Beautiful One. When we think deeply about who Jesus is, the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature (Hebrews 1:3), we can be thankful people who reflect Christ to others.

4. REQUESTING God's Help - We aren't made to be independent, doing life on our own. Our Triune God created us and wants us to trust Him with our lives. When believers are humble and cry out to God as the Psalms instruct, God hears us and can provide comfort and peace during difficult times. This helps our hearts to be thankful regardless of the storms of life.   

5. RESTING in God - Are you a doer and fixer like me? Are you trying to control things and make sure everything is nice and neat? Well, life gets messy at times, and we must always trust Christ to be the source of our strength. If we don't, we will fall apart. Let's slow down, be still, and surrender ourselves to our Sovereign Lord who has everything in control.

There you have it. Read. Remember. Reflect. Request. And Rest. Nothing earth-shattering, but five ways that can cultivate a thankful heart. Who doesn't want that? May your heart be full of thanks this Thanksgiving and every day. To God be the glory.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1

Beatitude 3: Are We Teaching Our Kids to be Meek?

When I was a wee student, I used to think dodgeball was the best game. Even when I became a teacher and principal, I found great delight in hurling a blazing ball at an athletic kid and showing the students that they should have a healthy fear of Mr. Wick. I also found great delight when students ganged up on me and got me out. I'm sure that was the first thing mentioned when the students saw their parents after school. :-) 

Although my 51-year-old body can't do what it did decades ago, if I were in a dodgeball game with a bunch of 1st graders, I could totally dominate that court! Imagine if I went all out and threw the dodgeballs at full force against kids who I outweigh by over 100 pounds! I'm sure I would get a few phone calls from some irate parents. But what adult wants to flex their muscles against youngsters who still pick their noses and eat their boogers? Is this what would show Christlike character, meekness, or is it the win-at-all-costs attitude that the world teaches? My example might be extreme, but our society, whether it be the corporate world, sports culture, or the media and entertainment industry, honors those who win big, even if people get hurt, and cheating is involved. Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing, right?

When my girls were little, I read them the first book written and published in the Chronicles of Narnia series, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. We also watched Disney's cinematic adaptation of the book. In this seven-book children's fantasy series by C.S. Lewis, there is a lion, Aslan, who is the creator and king of a world known as Narnia. Aslan serves as an allegorical figure for Jesus Christ. Early in the story, we are introduced to the eldest sister of the Pevensie family, Susan. She has a conversation with Mr. Beaver and learns that Aslan is a lion. 

Susan asks, "Is he quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion." Mr. Beaver replies, "Safe?... Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you." I love these lines. They are key to understanding who Aslan is.

Aslan isn't safe. He's a lion. We all know lions are big and strong. They are also heavy (males can be 330 to 550 pounds), have roars that can be heard up to five miles away, and can run as fast as 50 MPH. Lions have sharp retractable claws, and their bite strength can crush bone. It's safe to say that we shouldn't mess with lions. 

Aslan is no ordinary lion, though. Lions are symbolically known as the kings of the jungle, but Aslan is the king of the entire world of Narnia. He has a power like no other, and all should have a healthy fear of him, showing him the utmost respect and honor. Although Aslan is capable of ripping everyone to shreds, He is also kind, compassionate, and lovingly committed to his creation, Narnia. In the later chapters of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Aslan leads armies and fights battles. He also allows Susan and her sister Lucy to ride him. Aslan is the definition of meek. Aslan has the power to run over everyone, but instead, he humbly serves those weaker than him. He has the right and power to do whatever He wants, but he often shows a spirit of gentleness, patience, and love. Aslan could dominate every dodgeball match, but he delights in helping others find success. 

Are we teaching our kids to be meek like this? This is not weakness. This is how to be blessed, to receive favor from God and have a satisfied soul. This is how true Christians will be. We trust Christ in our hardships instead of taking control of matters or manipulating the situations. Our strength is guided by the Spirit under His control instead of us seeking to be in control. And those who submit to the King of Kings, Jesus Christ, will receive peace and joy in this challenging life and a perfect eternal home on a new earth. Do you believe this? Do others see this? Let's show others God's work in us and bring Him the glory!

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5

Beatitude 2: Are We Teaching Our Kids to Mourn?

When my father-in-law, Fred, passed away in the spring of 2023, I mourned. I experienced deep grief. This is the man who gave me a call one hot summer day and set me up with his oldest daughter, my wife. A man with whom I had regular phone calls to talk about life and how God was blessing us. The one whom my children called Grandpa Downs - a true servant of Christ who was a godly example of love, patience, kindness, and faithfulness. Although it was difficult to see Fred deteriorate due to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, I knew he would be free from pain one day. I knew God would fix everything and give Fred a new glorified body upon Christ's return (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). When loved ones die, we should mourn. Even the toughest person in the world, Jesus Christ, mourned when Lazarus died (John 11:35).   

Is this the type of mourning Jesus spoke about in Matthew 5:4? "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." How can we be blessed, spiritually healthy and have a deep joy inside, if we're mourning? This seems to go against what being blessed should feel like. 

Jesus is talking to His disciples about having a deep grief, but the grief He wants us to have pertains to our sins and the sins of the world. We are blessed when we feel sadness and lament over our sins. When we grieve and weep over our impatience towards our children, our unrealistic expectations of our spouse, and our ungratefulness for our jobs and lives, we are blessed. God wants us to mourn and confess our sins to Him so He can comfort us. God is the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-4), and He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). When we agree with God that our hearts are deceitful and desperately sick (Jeremiah 17:9), God will comfort us through the Comforter, the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). 

Folks, if we want to be truly happy, if we want to be blessed, we will be different from the world. We won't hide or try to justify our bad thoughts, words, and actions. We'll repent of our sins; we'll change our minds about our sins, so there is a change of action. We'll mourn over our sins and walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). People will see Christ in us. This is what believers in Christ look like because God is working in them. If we don't feel bad and mourn when we do bad, that's bad! We should mourn over our sins and then look up and praise our amazing God for the comfort He provides. That's good!

Remember, the Beatitudes aren't a list of what we must do, but rather a list of what Christians are and the rewards they receive. Are we mourning over our sins and the sins of the world? What about our children? Are we teaching them what it looks like to be blessed, not as the world teaches, but as Jesus says? If we aren't mourning over our pride, laziness, and unrighteous anger, let's cry out to the One who gives new hearts (Ezekiel 36:26) and renews our minds (Romans 12:2). To God be the glory!

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4

Beatitude 1: Are We Teaching Our Kids to be Poor in Spirit?

If you ask the typical K-12 student what they hope to achieve when they become an adult, I often hear, "to be rich and go viral!" It's a rare thing for students to tell me that they hope to be stronger in their faith and wiser when they get older. Countless people like to flaunt their wealth and draw attention to their skills, even if these skills are absolutely absurd! We want to appear confident and comfortable to as many people as possible, acting as if we have it all together. We can be a self-consumed, materialistic society. We want what we want, and we want it now. Who wants to be poor in anything? No one. But in one crucial sense, this is exactly what Jesus says we should be.

If you're part of a church community, you've probably heard this verse a few times: 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven' (Matthew 5:3). What does it mean to be poor in spirit? Can you explain it to others? Are you poor in spirit? Shouldn't we be rich in spirit? The top Bible scholars believe Jesus said Matthew 5:3 to his disciples on a hill overlooking the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel. It's the first of eight Beatitudes Jesus preached 2,000 years ago, so we know it's super important.

Being poor in spirit begins with being humble. Instead of running away from your teammates when you score a goal and going to the corner flag so everyone can worship you, we are to look up and thank God for the abilities He gave us to crack that shot. We are to thank God for the teammates He gave us who helped us get the ball in the net. James 4:10 says we are to humble ourselves before the Lord, and HE will exalt us. John 15:5 tells us that apart from Christ, we can do nothing. Are you humble enough to admit your need for God?

Being poor in spirit means realizing we're sinners who are spiritually bankrupt before God. We can't act like we're little gods and do things in our own strength. That's proud, and God opposes the proud (James 4:6). Jesus, the all-powerful, sinless Son of God, didn't go around squashing people and saying He was all that and a bag of chips. Although Jesus is all-knowing and perfect in every way, He did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:6b-8). Are we like this, and are we teaching our kids to be like this? 

We must humbly cry out to God and admit our need for God. We can't save ourselves. Our grades, looks, names, resumes, titles, and works can't save us. Only the blood of Jesus can save us from our spiritual destitution. We must admit we can't deliver ourselves from our dire circumstances before we can receive the kingdom of heaven - the spiritual riches God offers, including eternal life with God in a place free from sin, suffering, and Satan. So again, are we poor in spirit? Are we teaching this to our children?  Let's confess our sins of pride, laziness, and ingratitude, and cling to the cross of Christ. This is where true blessing lies.

Drop me a line if you have a question or would like to meet, and please come to our chapels, where you can hear more about what it means to be blessed. You'll be surrounded by a lot of godly people and hear about our King of Kings and Lord and Lords, Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory!

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3).

How Can I Be Blessed by God?

Everyone wants to be blessed by God. The fact is, we ARE blessed by God. If you're reading this blog, God has likely provided you with an education that many don't have access to, a nice shingled, tiled, or tin roof over your head, and nutritious and delicious meals day after day. Perhaps you're like me and selfishly want more. You dream of driving something that looks cooler than your sweet minivan. You wish your vacations were just a little longer. You want others to feed you clusters of Kyoho grapes and hand you a goblet of Mountain Dew. Okay, maybe that last desire is a little weird. The point is, we are super blessed, yet we often aren't content.

The Old Testament mentions many earthly blessings that were much bigger than our rides and R&R. You can read that the blessed will see their families grow (Genesis 17:20), inherit land (Psalm 37:22), and receive deliverance from their enemies (Psalm 41:1). You don't read nearly as many earthly blessings in the New Testament. Jesus actually promises we will suffer in John 16:33. Although suffering is not something we desire, great growth and glory to God can come from it. And when Christ returns, Christians will live on a new earth free from death, mourning, crying, and pain (Revelation 21:4). That's the definition of AWESOME! Do you believe that?

As we wait for Christ's return, to be truly blessed is to enter God's kingdom and live life seeking God's heart. We are to pursue God's kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33), not storing up treasures on earth (Matthew 6:19). Tragically, so many churches are skipping this part of the Bible. Being blessed means following Christ (Matthew 4:19) and His commands (John 14:15), not what the culture dictates. Do you want to be blessed? Check out the Beatitudes, moral teachings found in Matthew 5:3-12 and Luke 6:20-26. Jesus challenges us to embrace truth and His love, a lifestyle not of this world.  

This year at Evansville Christian School, I'm excited to announce that our chapel theme will be the Beatitudes. This will help our students and us see our deepest needs and calling in Christ. In a world filled with hate, chaos, and confusion, we will learn how to have peace and show true shalom. Studying the Beatitudes lines up nicely with last year's chapel theme, the Book of James, which focuses on how genuine faith in Christ will produce Christlike actions. James and the Beatitudes complement each other, and both parts of the New Testament teach us how to live lives pleasing to God. 

It's important to know that the Beatitudes derive from the Latin word beatus, meaning blessed or happy. There are eight declarations (some might say seven or ten) of blessedness spoken by Jesus at the start of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). In the Sermon on the Plain in Luke 6, Jesus states four beatitudes followed by four woes (declarations of grief or trouble). In Matthew, Jesus tells us that the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake are blessed. This is radically different from the me-centered consumerist culture we live in.

I hope you are looking forward to our chapel series and will worship with us if possible. Regardless of whether you can come, ask your children what they are learning at chapels. Study the Beatitudes with them. Pray that you and your children would understand what Jesus is saying and put His words into practice. There is much that all of us can learn from examining the Beatitudes this year and beyond. To God be the glory! 

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven...Matthew 5:12a

The Four Ts For Effective Communication

Communicating effectively can sometimes be difficult. Last weekend, my brother treated me to a delicious Italian meal in downtown Indy, and he told me I sounded short with our waiter. Boo. I was surprised by what he said, but thankful. I had told the waiter to give us a few minutes to order, and I thought what I said sounded great. I thought I communicated my desires concisely and clearly, but my brother thought I sounded a little rude and not so chipper. I didn't mean to sound rude, BUT I came across that way to at least one person whose opinion I respect. Later, I asked the waiter if he was from the area and how I could pray for him. He said his family needed to reconcile, and they could use some prayer. I'm grateful I was able to have a meaningful dialogue with this brother in Christ, and that he didn't perceive me as a jerk who didn't care about him.

I would love to tell you that last weekend was the first time I've been unaware of my poor communication. I would love to tell you that I've never been told that I sound proud and condescending. Not only have I been told that multiple times, but I've been told FAR WORSE about my communication. Boo. I'm thankful for courageous Christians who aren't afraid to call me out when my communication falls short of being Christlike. I'm grateful for the Holy Spirit, who not only convicts me of my sins but also guides me to say what I should and shouldn't. Effective communication isn't always easy, but I'm getting better at it, and I'm confident that my communication will improve. Thank you, Jesus.

How effective is your communication? If we had a camera on you 24/7 and posted it online for all to see, would we always see you expressing yourself lovingly to your family? Are beautiful words being expressed to your spouse, or are there screams and shouts of disappointment and despair? Are you expressing encouragement and joy to your children, or are you communicating impatience and frustration? Would your colleagues describe you as someone who shows love and respect with your words and actions? Before anyone thinks I'm always relaying God-glorifying messages from my lips, I'm not. I'm preaching this blog post to myself first and foremost; however, if I don't ask these questions, that would be the opposite of effective communication.

Here are four principles I stole from someone that have helped me communicate more effectively. I recommend thinking about the four Ts whenever you are having a conversation with someone. They've helped me a great deal, and I think they can help you as well.

1. TIMING - Is this the right time to say this? How are my emotions? How are their emotions? Is there a better time to say this, considering the current situation, location, and time we have?

2. TONE - Am I saying this with the right tone? Am I compassionate? Do I express Christlike love and concern, or do I sound overly emotional or like an angry idiot?

3. TECHNIQUE - Am I using the right words or emotionally charged words to get a reaction? Do I finger-point, blame, criticize, and refuse to see the plank in my own eye? Do I have anything positive to say?

4. TRUTH - Do I speak the truth in love, or do I avoid what is true? Am I loving the person enough to say what is true, even if it might be hard to say or hard to hear?

Yes, communication can be challenging, but considering the four Ts can help us enhance our communication and foster connections that honor God. Let's practice effective communication skills that draw people to Christ and bring glory to God. Just do it!

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

Seven Ways To Glorify God Through Sports

My dad gave me my first soccer ball when I was six while we lived in São José dos Campos, Brazil. As a high schooler, I traveled to numerous states and several European countries with my club team and played on two teams in Puerto Rico. Later, I would coach five high school soccer programs and participate in competitive adult leagues in South Korea, China, and right here in good ol' Indiana. I've been blessed to coach my daughters and son in the beautiful game and served as a middle school wrestling and track coach for a few years in the 90s and early 2000s. I even coached middle school volleyball and basketball teams before coming to ECS. I could see myself coaching soccer again, but I'll be shocked if God leads this 5-foot-5 man back to coaching court sports! 

God has blessed me massively in the world of sports, and I'm thankful sports have been such a significant part of the lives of my three kiddos. I'm grateful I have children who like to run, kick a ball, hit a pickleball, and/or shoot hoops. Josiah Lee and I also enJOY attending sporting events, talking about the latest March Madness scores, watching our Colts and Pacers on TV, and competing against each other in basketball, football, and soccer games on the Xbox. Josiah Lee can't stand losing to me, but I must show him who the Big Poppa is! Sports have provided me with countless wonderful memories. Unfortunately, I also have sports memories that I'm ashamed of. For much of my playing and coaching career, soccer was my identity. There is much I would like to do over, but that's simply not possible. What I can do is share my mistakes and provide ways we can glorify God through sports. 

Below are seven things you can do to honor God when competing or cheering in sports. Through the Spirit, we can do it. Let's do it! Let's be different and develop a radical reputation so individuals and communities are transformed for the glory of God!

1. Cheer for ALL hard-nosed play at competitions. Don't just cheer when your kid or the team they play on does well. When the competition does something impressive, say something nice. Imagine what this world would be like if we were kind and tenderhearted to our opposition (Ephesians 4:32). 

2. Congratulate your opponents when they play well. When the opposing player plays great D on your daughter, or the crosstown rival pulls the upset and defeats your ranked team, tell them good job. Be a Barnabas and encourage them after the game.

3. Correct your kids when they boast and brag. Don't allow your kids to do a muscle pose after they hit a bucket or gesture they're number one after they score a goal. We are to humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord (James 4:10) and remember that apart from Christ, we can do nothing (John 15:5). 

4. Teach your kids to help their opponents up when they knock them down. I want my kids to be the toughest on the field and court, but I also want them to be the kindest. Teach and train them to be like the Lion of Judah AND the Lamb of God.

5. Don't complain about the officiating. You're sinning (Philippians 2:14). Being a ref or umpire can be tough. They're going to make mistakes. They might show some bias. Bite your tongue and meditate on Scripture. Let your speech be seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6).  

6. Thank the coaches for instructing your kiddos, and get your kids to do it after every practice and game. The men and women instructing your kids are likely spending a ton of time coaching and getting paid little or nothing. Saying thanks can go a long way.

7. End your day praising God, and let's not allow ourselves or our children to play the victim. Stop listening to your heart so much and go to Scripture. Thank God for the bodies He gave your kids, the finances that allow your kids to participate in sports, and the ability to pass the tests He gives.

So what do you think? Tall order, I know. It will require a lot of prayer - perhaps before every practice and game. But it's worth it. I would love to hear other ways we can glorify God through sports. Post a comment, email me, or give me a call. To God be the glory! 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

Seven Ways I Disciple My 7th Grader

Over the years, I've had the honor to disciple men from different walks of life - pastors, masons, and salesmen. I disciple men because God expects Christians to disciple Christians (Matthew 28:19). I'm thankful for the men who have poured into my life, and I want to pray for my younger brothers and help them in this short life. Life can be beautiful, but it can also be downright mean. We need all the help we can get in our marriages, parenting, work, finances, and more. I love it when men want to be discipled, and I love how the men I disciple draw me closer to Christ and help me in my walk with God. 

True disciples grow in Christlikeness by following Jesus' teachings. Jesus is the key to life, and the key to understanding Him is found in the Scriptures. God's Word tells us Jesus discipled ordinary men from diverse backgrounds - fishermen, a tax collector, and perhaps tradesmen. Jesus taught and trained these men to follow Him and live lives that would bring God glory. When I meet with men, it might be individually or in small groups. Sometimes I meet with men for years, and sometimes it's for a shorter season of life. Although we may not have the same occupations and interests, Jesus brings us together. We're adopted sons of God, united in Christ, and living in the Spirit.

As much as I enJOY meeting with different men and speaking truth into their lives, there is one guy I love to disciple more than anyone else - my seventh-grade boy, Josiah Lee. He's my number one disciple. He's my John, the disciple whom I'm closest to and spend the most time with. My greatest desire for Josiah Lee is that he loves Jesus more than anything and shares Jesus with others through his words AND actions. I love watching Josiah Lee drain a three on the court or when he brings home a report card with high marks, but what matters most to me is that he thinks, speaks, and acts like Christ. 

I will stand before God on Judgment Day, and I need Him to say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." I need my Heavenly Father to say that I discipled my son well. I am Josiah Lee's #1 teacher, so it's crucial that I set a Christlike example for him in all that I think, say, and do. Josiah Lee is watching me, learning from me, and copying me. I must do all I can to point Josiah Lee to Jesus so he can live life in the right way and bring God the glory. Below are seven ways I disciple Josiah Lee that hopefully can help you in your walk and when you disciple others. 

1. I've taught Josiah Lee to feed his soul before he feeds his face. When he hops in our family-friendly minivan with me for our five-minute drive to school, we typically talk about what we read in our Bibles that morning. 

2. When I pick up Josiah Lee from school, I ask him about his school day. Was there anything eventful about the day? Who did you sit with at lunch, and what did you all talk about? I often ask Josiah Lee what he learned in Bible class and chapel.

3. Josiah Lee serves on the tech team and helps with the three-year-olds at our church. When he doesn't have those responsibilities, he might answer sermon questions I provide him on paper during the service. We might also talk about the sermon after church and how we can apply the message in our lives.

4. Typically, Josiah Lee goes to youth group on Wednesdays and Sunday school before the Sunday morning service. He needs other people speaking truth into his life. I trust his teachers, but Josiah Lee and I must talk about the lessons he's learning. Sometimes he teaches me a thing or two. :-)

5. Before and during sporting events, I remind Josiah Lee that complaining is a sin and to be thankful that he gets to use his God-given body to compete and have fun. I remind Josiah Lee about the pain Jesus suffered on the cross and to give God the glory regardless of his playing time, the officiating, and what the opposition and crowd say and do.

6. I regularly talk with Josiah Lee about Jesus, and sometimes we have family devotions in the evenings. Two nights ago at dinnertime, we watched a four-minute video about family and ministry, talked about it, and then prayed.

7. Josiah Lee and I enJOY watching Instagram and TikTok videos on my iPhone. The social media videos we watch can be super serious (e.g., a Christian teacher answering worldview questions on a college campus) or absolutely silly (e.g., a baby eating bacon for the first time), but whatever we watch, we do so from a biblical lens. We enJOY the life God has given us and talk and laugh in a way that honors Him.

So, how do you disciple your children and others? I would love to hear what has worked for you. And let me know if you have questions or if there is anything I can do to help you. To God be the glory!

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

Teach Your Kids About Passion Week

Do you know Passion (Holy) Week begins on Sunday and culminates on Easter - Resurrection Sunday? Do you know what Passion Week is? It's the final week of Jesus' earthly life, during which Christ's suffering brought God the ultimate glory. Jesus showed His passion for us by dying on the cross, paying the price for our sins, and satisfying God's wrath. Through Christ's death on the cross, we are given access to God, and our sins are wiped away. Peace and joy in this life can be attained despite the suffering we may endure. Incredible! All one needs to do is trust in Christ as Lord and Savior. 

Perhaps you prefer looking at cute bunnies (I don't) and eating Cadbury Creme Eggs (I love those things), but Passion Week is something we must teach our children. During Passion Week 2,000 years ago, the greatest crime of all time happened - Christ's crucifixion. That's not the end of the story, though. During Passion Week 2,000 years ago, the greatest miracle of all time happened - Christ's resurrection. We should be shouting from the rooftops about Passion Week. To help you better understand the events of Passion Week, below is a list of what took place during the most important week in history. I hope you discuss this with your family, remembering Christ's sacrifice and celebrating Christ's resurrection. To God be the glory!

• Palm Sunday is the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Jesus came humbly on a donkey as prophesied by Zechariah 450-500 years earlier. The Jewish crowd praised Jesus, shouting Hosanna, which is from the Hebrew language, meaning "Save us!" They spread palm branches on the road and waved them. The palm branches symbolized victory, and the people believed Jesus would deliver them from Roman rule. 
• Holy Monday, according to Matthew 21:12-22, is when Jesus cleansed the temple again, acknowledged the praise He received from children, and cursed a fig tree. 
• Holy Tuesday, according to Matthew 21:23-25:46, is when Jesus' authority was challenged by the Pharisees and Sadducees, and Jesus spoke His seven woes against the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus also delivered the Olivet Discourse when He spoke about end times. 
• Spy Wednesday, according to Matthew 26:6-16, is when Jesus was anointed with an expensive ointment, and Judas Iscariot conspired with local authorities to betray Jesus.
• Maundy Thursday is when Jesus celebrated the Passover, the Last Supper, with his disciples. Maundy comes from a Latin word meaning commandment. On this night, Jesus washed his disciples' feet, showing us how to love and serve one another and commanding us to do the same.
• Good Friday is when Christ was crucified. This was good because God demonstrated His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). We don't need to face God's wrath in Hell; we can have a relationship with God now and worship Him forever in Heaven.  
• Holy Saturday is the day when Jesus "rested" from His work providing salvation to those who follow Him. 
• Easter or Resurrection Sunday is when Jesus rose from the grave, conquering disease, death, and destruction; sin, Satan, and suffering. Jesus came back to life. He died for us, He lived for us, and He is alive today. He is risen. He is risen, indeed! Do you believe this? Let's share this good news with all creation! 

I encourage you to read about Passion Week in Matthew 21-27, Mark 11-15, Luke 19-23, and John 12-19. Just do it!

And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. 1 Corinthians 6:14