Thursday, June 26, 2008

Presenting the Gospel to Children

Nothing excites me more than hearing the laughter of children ringing through the halls of North Hills. During our Vacation Bible School we have been celebrating the number of children who have come to hear about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As I walked through the hall of our educational wing, I was reminded of Jesus’ rebuke to the disciples when he reprimanded them, “Permit the children to come to me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:14). So many people see children as a nuisance. I admit that it takes a lot of work to work with children. Just this week I have been bit on the arm, tried to soothe a crying child who wanted his mom, kept a child from heading wandering down the hill behind the church, attempted to outrun several kids in a foot race (note the word attempted!), and had many of them jumping on my back for a ride. Let’s us say that my body is not like it used to be.

However, imagine the impact that one can have in a child’s life just by spending a few minutes with him or her. I wish that I had someone who would have spent time with me when I was young and rambunctious. More than just having fun with these children which I believe is a bridge to reach them, I believe that the greatest impact that we can have is to present and model the gospel before them. Tonight I will have that opportunity. During last night’s festivities, a lady visited our church looking for some financial assistance. This divine appointment gave me the opportunity to present the gospel to her. So I asked, “How do you know that you are a Christian?” She replied, “Because I have lived the Ten Commandments?” Listening to her response forced me to realize how the gospel is not clear in people’s minds. If the gospel is not clear to this adult I can only imagine how muddled the gospel has been presented to these children. This leads me to my questions: “How do we present the gospel clearly to children?”

Monday, June 16, 2008

Being a Parent

REFLECTIONS OF A PARENT
I gave you life, but cannot live it for you.
I can give you directions, but I cannot be there to lead you.
I can take you to church, but I cannot make you believe.
I can teach you right from wrong, but I cannot always decide for you.
I can buy you beautiful clothes, but I cannot make you beautiful inside.
I can offer you advice, but I cannot accept it for you.
I can give you love, but I cannot force it upon you.
I can teach you to share, but I cannot make you unselfish.
I can teach you respect, but I cannot force you to show honor.
I can advise you about friends, but cannot choose them for you.
I can advise you about sex, but I cannot keep you pure.
I can tell you about alcohol and drugs, but I can't say "No" for you.
I can tell you about lofty goals, but I can't achieve them for you.
I can teach you about kindness, but I can't force you to be gracious.
I can pray for you, but I cannot make you walk with God.
I can tell you how to live, but I cannot give you eternal life.
I can love you with unconditional love all of my life...and I will.
~Author Unknown

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Happy Father's Day

WHY MEN ARE HAPPIER THAN WOMEN

· The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.
· Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.
· Car mechanics tell you the truth.
· Same work, more pay.
· Wedding dress $5000. Tuxedo rental - $100.
· One mood all the time.
· A five-day holiday requires only one suitcase.
· You can open all your own jars.
· You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness,
· If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.
· Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack.
· You only have to shave your face and neck.
· You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt.
· You can "do" your nails with a pocket knife.
· You can do your Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24th in 25 minutes.

No wonder men are happier!