Treasure Christ! The Parable of the Rich Fool

If you are reading this blog, you're likely rich like I am. I may drive an older minivan, but only 10-20% of our global population owns a vehicle. Our single-story, three-bedroom home is well below the median sale price for U.S. homes; however, it's substantially larger than the average home in the world. The world tells me to buy a full-size truck and move into the bigger home being sold across the street, but newer and bigger aren't always better. The world is telling us we need to do more to maximize our income and savings, but what does the Bible say about wealth? A lot! Did you know there are more than 2,000 Bible verses about money?

With the Bible saying so much about cash and currency, we have no excuse for not having a biblical understanding of money. Money is needed to survive in modern society, and big bucks can do much good. Money may not be everything, but don't ever tell a poor person that money doesn't matter. Money matters. How does one afford a safe home, healthy food, and mounting medical bills? Money. 

Abraham, Jacob, Isaac, Job, David, Solomon, Job, Nicodemus, and Lydia all had deep pockets, and there is much good that we wealthy people can do. God wants us to be cheerful givers (2 Corinthians 9:7) and honor Him with our wealth (Proverbs 3:9). We do need to be careful and not allow money to become a god in our lives. This is something I did in my early 20s. Being rich is not a sin, but we've all heard stories of people pursuing wealth in a way that wrecks their marriages, careers, and lives. Let's always choose God over money (Luke 16:13) and not forget that 1 Timothy 6:10 says the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.

What's with all the money talk? This month at our ECS chapels, we'll be looking at the Parable of the Rich Fool found in Luke 12:13-21. Here Jesus warns us against being greedy, materialistic, and thinking money will solve everything. A man from a crowd asks Jesus to settle an inheritance dispute with his brother, probably an older brother. Jesus refuses to judge the matter and tells all who can hear that we should be content with what God has given us and that our lives are much more than accumulating a bunch of wealth. 

Jesus then proceeds to talk about a rich farmer whose land produces a massive harvest. The farmer's storage space was too small, so he decides to tear down his barns and build bigger ones to store all of his grains and goods. The farmer tells himself he is set for years, so he can now relax and enjoy the good life. God calls him a fool, saying the farmer's life will be taken from him, and asking who will get his goods now. Jesus says that we are fools to store up earthly riches and not be rich towards God.

What's Jesus' point?

1. Our worth is not based on what we own.
2. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Money can't buy us everything.
3. When we have extra, we should share it.
4. It's far greater to be spiritually rich (close to God and loving others) than to be materially rich.

I hope you believe this. If you want to hear about setting your heart on Christ and blessing others, please join us at our chapels. I believe you'll be blessed and will gain wisdom that can help you better invest in God's kingdom. To Him be the glory! 

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  2 Corinthians 9:7 

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

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

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 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

Building Resilient Families

PARENTING CAN BE HARD STUFF! Can I get an amen? Even if you have "good" kids, parenting is sometimes tough. BY GOD'S GRACE, our three kiddos have done okay. I would love to tell you I've always been a perfect father who was never impatient, selfish, or easily angered. I would love to tell you that I've always been thankful for my children and pointed them to Christ. No, that would be a BIG FAT LIE. I have been downright lazy and childish at times. I've been emotionally out of control and a monster at times. I'm thankful a camera hasn't been on me 24/7 so the whole world could watch the sins I committed against my kids. I'm thankful God's mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23) and that He doesn't quit on those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). I'm thankful for the Spirit's work, making us who trust in Christ more and more holy. Can I get an amen?

Being a good parent is of the utmost importance to me. It should be of the utmost importance for anyone who has kids. Unfortunately, lots of parents are struggling. There's hope, though - His name is Christ. Any fruit Megan and I have seen in our children is God's blessing on us. I'm thankful for the godly people God has put in our lives who have shown us how to parent our children well. God has also provided us with amazing resources that have helped us know how to raise our children in godly ways. Something that has blessed my family tremendously for a decade is RightNow Media. RightNow Media gives us access to 25,000+ Bible-based videos, enabling us to grow in our faith and disciple our children. Of course, I don't always agree with all the content I hear; however, SO MUCH is helpful.

Starting next Thursday, February 13th, I will facilitate our second annual Resilient Families study for anyone who wants to raise children to live God-honoring lives. This six-week study will be from 8 to 9:30 AM at Epworth Community Church in Newburgh, Indiana, and you can sign up here. Regardless of where you are in your faith, whether you are struggling or doing alright, YOU are invited to join us for a time of ENCOURAGING FELLOWSHIP. This will be a time to pray, talk, laugh, cry, and watch Natasha Crain's video series on RightNow Media, Talking with Your Kids about Jesus. There is NO COST, and you can walk away with the tools needed to help explain who Jesus is, why He matters, and how kids can be radically transformed by Him. 

If you can't attend the study I'm facilitating on Thursday mornings, check out one of the five other Resilient Families studies happening in Henderson, Evansville, and Newburgh on Wednesday evenings. 

• Christian Fellowship Church - 6 to 7:30 PM from February 12th to March 19th
• Crossroads Christian Church - 6:30 to 8 PM from February 12th to March 19th
• RiverWind Church 6 to 7:15 PM from February 12th to March 19th
• One Life Church - 6:30 to 8 PM from April 2nd to April 30th
• Henderson's First Baptist Church - 6 to 7 PM from April 2nd to May 15th

Raising children can be a challenging task, and there is no need to do it alone. Join one of the Resilient Families studies and grow in your faith with others who see the importance of sharing Christ with young people. 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

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 Word 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

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 were 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 can 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 that 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

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 succeed in the arts, music, or sports; 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 have TRAINED our children, which 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 not to 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 specifically say what I did wrong, what I plan to improve, 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! 

The Importance of Family Worship

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

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

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

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

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

So What Does It Mean To Love Jesus?

Next month, we celebrate Valentine's Day, so the sale of cards, candy, chocolates, carnations, and candlelit dinners will soon increase exponentially. The National Retail Federation says that Americans spent nearly $24 billion dollars for Valentine's Day last year. 24 BILLION dollars. That's a lot of loot!

I would enjoy sharing my love story of how I met Megan or how I messed up on our first Valentine's Day date in China, but those stories will need to wait for another day (feel free to ask if you see me). I want to talk about a greater love - Jesus' love for me, which enables me to love Him and others (1 John 4:19). 

The Pew Research Center says there are over two billion Christians; however, this can't be right. It's much more accurate to say that over two billion people claim to be Christians. There aren't over two billion people loving Jesus on this planet. So what does it mean to love Jesus? Let's see what Scripture says. Specifically, let's see what the one who is commonly identified as the disciple whom Jesus loved wrote.

1. John 14:23-24 says, Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me. To love Jesus means that we obey His commands. If we aren't in His Word, though, how can we know His commands? We can't. If we truly love God, we will read His Word regularly, constantly thinking about it, and delighting in what He says (Psalm 1). 

2. John 15:12-13 "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. To love Jesus means that we love people. Even the messy ones? Yup. Even the messy ones. But we're never messy, right? So whether you're an introvert like me or an extrovert like my wife, we must be upward and outward-focused and engage others. We must serve people with joy (1 Peter 4:10), encourage whom we can (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and point them to Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). This isn't an option. Just do it.

So there are a couple of MAJOR points in what it means to love Jesus. Loving Jesus means you are a doer of the Word (which means you need to get in your Bible) and you love people. Easy peasy lemon squeezy! So, how are you doing, loving Jesus? I would love to hear from you about what you are learning, what has worked, and what has been messy!

And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Matthew 22:37

Cultivating a Thankful Heart

Thanksgiving is around the corner, and there is much to be thankful for...

• My oldest of three is getting married to a godly young man in just two weeks!
• We're members at a great church where I get to serve in a variety of capacities. 
• I have a beautiful wife who draws me to Christ and children walking with the Lord.
• I have a fantastic job that allows me to teach high schoolers what God's Word says. 

My Facebook and Instagram accounts clearly show that God has blessed me big time. What my social media accounts don't show is that life isn't always hunky-dory. Life can definitely be difficult, demanding, and depressing at times. Despite this, we are told to give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:18). How does one do this when family members are clashing, your finances have taken a hit, or the minds and bodies of loved ones are being destroyed by disease? It may not be easy all the time, but here are some simple and essential spiritual practices we can put into place so we complain less and thank God more. To God be the glory!

1. READING God's Word - The Bible is God's word to us and provides us with the answers to life. The Bible reminds us that every good and perfect gift is from above (James 1:17) and equips us to be ATMs (automated thanking machines). Reading and studying your Bible will help you be more joyful and grateful for life. 

2. REMEMBERING God's Goodness - My first date with Megan, holding my children for the first time, being offered a job at ECS, God opening my eyes and giving me a new heart, and the list goes on and on. Take time to look back on all that God has done for you! The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad. Psalm 145:17

3. REFLECTING on God's Splendor - Often I'm navel-gazing when I should be setting my mind on things above (Colossians 3:2). As I meditate on my Heavenly Father and Christ who sits at His right hand, my mind is filled with only beauty. I see a holy God who shines the light of His glory - a light that I can actually shine on others.

4. REQUESTING God's Help - We can't do it alone. Life can be overwhelming, and we need to cry out to God. God is there for us, but we need to get on our knees and admit our dependence on Him. Be humble and communicate continuously with the Creator of the universe. When we cry out to God, He sees our hearts and responds with love (Romans 5:8).

5. RESTING in God - I'm a doer who likes to check off boxes. That isn't always bad, but we must learn to quiet ourselves, be still, and acknowledge that God is sovereign and reigns supreme (Job 42:2). I need to slow down and trust that God has complete control of everything. Take a walk with Megan, go fishing with Josiah Lee, have a meal with my daughters - simply enJOY the life God has given us.

What are some ways you cultivate a thankful heart? I would love to hear from you!

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2

Happy Birthday, Carol!

It has been over 1.5 years since I wrote a blog post here, but I thought today was a most excellent day to write something that others should know about - it's my mother-in-law's birthday! It's hard to believe that I met Carol 25 years ago when I started teaching geography at Frankfort Middle School (FMS), home of the Hot Dogs. Carol taught choir at FMS, and Fred, my father-in-law, taught math there. Megan and her sister Mindy graduated from Frankfort High School in the early 90s. Yes, we were all once Hot Dogs. :-)

Carol used to supervise a study hall in my 6th-grade classroom, and I can remember her pointing to the massive world map and telling me how her daughter taught in China. I thought that was interesting, but I never in my wildest dreams thought that only a few years later, I would also be teaching in the Middle Kingdom and that Fred and Carol would visit me as my in-laws. God is AMAZING!

Carol has been a huge blessing to our family and me over the years, and I wish everyone could meet her. Below are just a few ways Carol displays Christ and gives God the glory. If you know Carol, I'm sure you will wholeheartedly agree with me!

1. Carol understands long-suffering. That sentence should be in ALL CAPS. God has chosen Carol to live a life that clearly shows others that she follows the Suffering Servant, Jesus Christ. She is strong in character, wise in her decisions, and patiently persevering despite what her circumstances may be. Carol focuses on the cross and lives a gospel-centered life. 

2. Carol possesses self-control. Sometimes people are mean, foolish, or even worse, both (never me, of course). Regardless of how people might treat Carol, Carol is the definition of calm, cool, and collected. She is one of those people who you wonder when she sins. While I want to smash people like raisins for the most minute things, Carol doesn't get overly emotional and irrational when the going gets tough.  

3. Carol is loyal. This is an understatement. Carol is loyal to her church, husband, family, and friends. She's an extremely hard worker who puts others before herself. We never have to be concerned that Carol won't help her loved ones, despite the situation, and even when most wouldn't. She is clearly dedicated to loving God and loving others. 

4. Carol is often joyful. While I have to tell my face to smile on occasion, it's an uncommon sight to not see Carol smiling. She is super positive about life, and it shows. Carol smiles when she meets people, when she is watching something entertaining, and she definitely smiles big when she sings. I need some Carol to rub off on me!

Carol - We are looking forward to seeing you soon and celebrating your birthday! God is good!

For you formed my inwards parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. Psalm 139:13-14

My Ten Most Popular Facebook Pictures in 2020

Below are the most popular pictures taken and posted on my Facebook account (all but three via Instagram) in 2020. Only one picture doesn't contain a smile, so it appears this is what people want to see. We'll keep working on that. Here are my most popular pics from Facebook in the past years: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, & 2019. Happy New Year!

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

A shout-out goes to Diana Tkachuk for the great family pic at the State Hospital Park.

Megan and I took this selfie on our 16th anniversary. It has been an incredible journey!

Josiah Lee and I went camping at Beall Woods State Park in southeastern Illinois.

Josiah Lee caught this bowfin (over two feet long and a new Wickersham record) all by himself.

Grace Noel scored a couple of goals, including the game-winner on Rosalie's senior night.

We enjoyed the beautiful March weather and went hiking at Lincoln State Park.

On Christmas Day, I showed Rosalie the Purdue campus where I attended from 91 to 93.

I tap into my inner middle schooler and get in the Christmas spirit at ECS.

I caught this record-setting bass on my kayak at Blue Grass FWA.

Another picture from Diana Tkachuk on a beautiful fall day in southern Indiana.

Wick's 2020 Highlights

2020 was a wacky year, but 1 Thessalonians 5:16 says to rejoice always. Below are some ways that we rejoiced this year. If you're looking for more, here are past Wickersham highlights: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, & 2019. Rejoice!

January - Josiah Lee plays in his first-ever organized basketball game as a member of the Huskies in an Upward Basketball league. I can't say enough about how Upward Basketball is a slam dunk.

February - Grace Noel and I go to Memphis, where she guest plays for an older Sporting SI squad in a college soccer showcase. She knocked in her first goal for the club, and the team left with two wins and a tie.

March - Schools close their buildings, and Megan and I start providing emergency remote learning. I tap into my Japanese side and create a YouTube channel for school purposes, and learn how to use Google Meet and Zoom.

April - I get the honor to give the middle school & high school Easter chapel talk at ECS. I continue to learn that I strongly prefer speaking to a live audience instead of into a camera. Despite my introverted ways, I really do like seeing people.

May - Megan and I find ourselves doing activities we haven't done in ages. Occasionally, I skateboard with Josiah Lee, and Megan and I visit the tennis courts. I don't ever remember as a 16-year-old getting sore from skateboarding. What happened?

June - Josiah Lee and I go camping and fishing at Beall Woods State Park in southeastern Illinois, and the entire Wickersham clan visits Gulf Shores, Alabama, at the end of the month. Everyone enjoys the beach, and to my delight, I catch several new species.

July - We make a stop in Montgomery, Alabama, and meet up with some old "China" friends. I also decided to accept a club soccer position that allows me to coach Josiah Lee and see him hit the back of the net and dish out some assists. 

August - I complete my third two-week course and earn an Evangelism & Leadership in Crisis certificate from Wheaton College, Megan's alma mater. My soccer squad loses its first three matches, but they win four of its six matches in October. HUGE improvement.

September - We are thankful to see Rosalie and Grace Noel competing on the soccer field together. ECHS has a dream season and goes 9-1-1 during the regular season and finishes with a #7 ranking in Class 1A. Rosalie served as one of the captains again and was named ISCA Academic All-State for the second time.

October - Despite nearly getting into a panic after I spotted a bear, we had a great time during our fall break in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. At the end of the month, ECHS wins the NCSAA soccer tourney, and Grace Noel is named to the all-tournament team.

November - Josiah Lee starts playing basketball for ECS, and I give a presentation about Eric Liddell at Faith Bible Church. Grace Noel has a match that Sunday morning, but we leave it early so she can hear me talk about the "Flying Scotsman." 

December - We celebrate Christ's advent with Megan's parents. Fred comes home from the nursing home on Christmas Eve, and we drop off some gifts with my parents. God is good.

Happy 75th Birthday, Fred. Love, Your Son-In-Law

Today is my father-in-law's birthday - the big 75. That's three quarters of a century of living. Wow. I've known Fred for 23 years now, which is half my life and longer than I've known Megan. 

Fred and I taught together at Frankfort Middle School (FMS), home of the Hot Dogs. He taught math, and I taught geography. We didn't say much to each other during our FMS days, but I had (and have) a great deal of respect for this meek man of God. I can clearly remember when Fred retired from teaching, he presented a Christ-centered message to the faculty and staff on his last day of work. Fred could have bragged about the countless number of students he impacted or told teaching stories that would have made us crack up, but instead, the last thing he did was make sure we understood the importance of sharing our faith. Why haven't I been talking to this guy more? 

It might have been a year later that I found myself in a men's Bible study group with Fred that met every month at the Jim Dandy restaurant in Frankfort. During our Bible studies, Fred heard me confess some not-so-small sins, sob like a little child, and provide a small group devotion that I'm sure showed how I was a baby believer; however, Fred was not judgmental. In fact, the next summer, Fred called me to ask me if I would like to meet Megan. Fred might be a man of few words, but when he said something, I knew to listen. 

I'm not sure where I would be if God didn't prompt Fred to give me that call. I owe a ton to Fred Downs, and I will never be able to repay him for the eternal impact he has made in my life. Fred is patient, loyal, kind, and humble - all characteristics I have struggled with at times. So often I've seen Jesus in Fred, and I have often wished I were more like him. I'm thankful God brought us together, and I'm thankful our lives will be spent worshiping Jesus forever.

Happy birthday, Fred. I love you.

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

Wick's Highlights of the Past Decade

A new decade is upon us, and I have been reflecting on the past ten years. There were certainly some tough times for us in the last decade, but God blessed us with much. Below are some of those highlights.

2010: It took 3.5 years, but Rosalie became an official Wickersham and an American citizen. Shortly after that, I started an M.Ed. in educational administration before starting my new job as the middle school principal at TIS.

2011: I baptized Rosalie, and later in the year, unbeknownst to us, Josiah Lee was born.

2012: I received a picture of my son. I never wanted a boy or a third child, but God radically changed my heart.

2013: We adopted Josiah Lee, and I completed my degree at CIU. Megan provided me critical support and helped me see the choices I needed to make.

2014: I returned to the classroom and got to teach and coach Rosalie. I also coached Grace Noel in her first soccer matches.

2015: We told family and friends that we would be moving back to the States in 2016. I added middle school boys' basketball and volleyball to my coaching resume and conducted soccer camps for Indy Eleven in the summer. I coached a boys' soccer team for the first time since 1996, and it was announced that I would coach the TIS high school girls' soccer team the next season - my first high school team since 2003.

2016: I'm hired as the 6th-9th grade assistant principal at Evansville Christian School, and we moved back to Indiana. This is the first time our kiddos have lived outside of China. I was overseas for 14 years of my adult life, and Megan was in China for 19 years. Megan eventually lands ESL positions at USI and through Vincennes University.

2017: Just a few weeks into the school year, it was announced that I'm now the Cullen Campus principal. I wasn't sure if I would like being a principal again, but it has been a great fit. I'm thankful to be able to work in a growing community of believers who desire to know Christ and make Him known.

2018: We watched Grace Noel get baptized at Faith Bible Church. I'm regularly reminding my children that all of our accomplishments amount to nothing if we aren't following Christ and bringing God glory.

2019: This year's highlight was all the time we got to spend with our family and old friends. We are grateful when friends from other parts of the country or world visit us, as well as God's provision that enables us to visit amigos in Central Indiana, Ohio, and the Deep South.

2020+: We do not know what God has planned for us, but I know that He is good and will bring what He began to completion. We must trust Him and strive to bring joy to our Father.

to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:21

Wick's 2019 Highlights

Now that we've been in the States for 3.5 years, it's safe to say that all of us have adjusted to life here. God was, of course, good to us again. Here are past Wickersham highlights: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, & 2018.

January - After using a gift card at a local Mexican restaurant, Megan and I enjoyed our first Cirque du Soleil production (Corteo) in Evansville. The tickets were a Christmas gift I gave Megan.

February - I started taking an online biblical leadership course through biblicaltraining.org. I would enjoy taking Bible classes at a seminary or college again; however, that's not how I feel led to use my time and finances at this stage in my life. Perhaps in the future.

March - Megan and I attended a marriage retreat at our local church, Faith Bible Church. We're thankful our church hosts such events to help people have Christ-Centered marriages.

April -  Josiah Lee played in his first soccer match since the fall of 2016. He didn't want to play organized sports again until I said I would coach him, and now he has the confidence to suit up without dad shouting from the sidelines.

May - Rosalie and I ran in our first 5K together, and she beat me. Although I still have some speed, I have never been much of a runner. I'm trying to change that somewhat.

June - In an effort to get in better shape, I purchased a mountain bike. Occasionally, I ride my bike to work just like in my China days.

July - We took a trip to South Carolina to visit friends Megan went to college with at Wheaton, as well as people we did life with in China. We also stopped in Newnan, Georgia, to visit the LDi corporate office and hang out with old friends.

August - Our good friends, the Scroggins, paid us another summer visit. The previous month, the Strongs and TJ made the trek to Evansville. We love to reconnect with our TIS amigos.

September - Rosalie missed a PK in a soccer match that would have put ECHS up 1-0 (they ended up defeating Tell City 3-1), but she scored the game-winner against Washington's JV squad off a nice free kick. I'm thankful to be able to watch my kiddos contribute on the pitch.

October - Megan and Grace Noel went on the 8th-grade class trip to DC, a trip Rosalie and I went on when she was an 8th grader. Grace Noel got the honor of participating in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

November - A super cold soccer showcase in Indy allowed us to spend time with our parents and my brother. Grace Noel also competed in a showcase in Cincy, and the two of us, of course, made a stop at Skyline Chili.

December - Before having a fantastic Christmas break with our families in Avon and Frankfort, Indiana, we spend the night in Nashville and attend Zoolumination, the country's largest Chinese lantern festival.

My Nine Most Popular Facebook Pictures in 2019

Below are the most popular pictures taken and posted on my Facebook account (most via Instagram) in 2019. Here are my most popular pics from Facebook in the past years: 2015, 2016, 2017, & 2018. God is good!

The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad. Psalm 126:3

Our 2019 Christmas Pic

Megan and I had our picture taken together after the Lion King Jr. production at ECS.

For this year's bacon-infused birthday surprise, Megan made me a brown sugar bacon chocolate cake. I'm not worthy!

I posted this pic of Rosalie on her 17th birthday this summer.

A student blessed me with a delicious chocolate bar that included crispy bacon-flavored bits and potato chips. 

This pic was part of a series of Aladdin shots that people got a kick out of. I like my manly hat (known as a fez).

Josiah Lee asked me if the guy on my shirt was me. Respect. :-)

I wasn't feeling too tall at the ECHS Spring Sports Banquet. What's new?

This was another popular Christmas pic. This one was taken with Megan's parents at their church in Frankfort.