Monthly Archives: March 2020

Advice, Affection, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Confession, Contentment, Direction, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Faith, Following, Forgiveness, Hope, Inspirational, Mentoring, Parenting, Peace, Resurrection, Scripture

FOOT RACE

LUKE 24:12

“But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings only; and he went away to his home, marveling at what had happened.”

I think it’s funny that here in Luke it says, “But Peter got up and ran to the tomb. In John 20, we read that John went with him and outran him. Lol. No one wants to admit they got beat in a foot race.

But this story isn’t about who won the foot race. It’s about the destination of the foot race. Where were they running? Why were they running? They had just been told that Jesus’ tomb was empty. They couldn’t wait to check it out themselves.

APPLICATION

Okay, it’s foot race time. Gather your children and go outside for the race. Set the finish line out of their sight and explain that there will be a surprise when they get there. Watch how fast they line up to race. Surprises are exciting. Surprises get us every time.

When they all get there give them a special treat. If you can find them, get them one of those Resurrection Eggs. Kids love them. Read them this story and ask them how they think Peter felt when he got to the tomb and found it empty. Surprised? Shocked? Excited? Sad?

How would you have felt if you had been Peter? Your last experience with Jesus was shame. Now you have just been told He’s alive and wants to see you. How would you have been feeling? Embarrassed or excited? It’s no different today. He wants to see you. Even when you mess up, He forgives you and longs to be with you.

Lord, I long to be in Your presence. I look forward to Your embrace. Forgive me for all those times I have fallen short of Your calling.

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Child Raising, Child Rearing, Completeness, Encouragement, Eternity, Foundation, Heaven, Inspirational, Mentoring, Parenting

PART OF A HOUSE

1 PETER 2:5

“you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

I love watching one particular home renovation show. They take older homes and redo them into unique living environments without giving up what made the house to begin with. Sometimes the end result is quite surprising.

We are going to be a part of a spiritual house in heaven. Christ, the living stone, will use us as living stones to build it. In fact, it’s already being built. We will be part of the ongoing “renovation” that is taking place daily as saints are added to the house. It’s hard to imagine, but one day we will see the end result and won’t be surprised at all.

APPLICATION

Challenge your children to a house building competition with blocks. See how tall you can make them. Undoubtedly, they will topple over at some point. Build them again. Who doesn’t like playing with blocks? Lol

Now, explain the spiritual house using those blocks. As you add more blocks tell your kids that we are called living stones who will be part of the spiritual house. The only difference is God can build His house as tall as He wants. It won’t topple. He’s been building it for centuries.

Do you feel like a living stone? If you are a child of God, you are. You will be a part of the most glorious house ever built. Now, we won’t be stuck in a wall like stones and mortar. But we will make up the spiritual house God is building. And if He is building it, we can rest assured the end result will be perfect.

I praise You for using me as part of Your house. I know You have chosen the perfect spot to place me. I am Your living stone.

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Advice, Affection, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Comfort, Denial, Encouragement, Faith, Following, Forgiveness, Inspirational, Love, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting, Scripture, Shame, Testimony

THAT LOOK

LUKE 22:61-62

“61 The Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, ‘Before a rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.’ 62 And he went out and wept bitterly.”

My dad had “that look.” Words were not necessary. I knew I was in trouble when I got that look. Peter got “the look” from Jesus, but it wasn’t a look of coming discipline. It was more of “I told you so.” He had told Peter he would deny him, and so it happened.

It’s interesting that only Luke records this “look.” Who told Luke about this? I have to believe it was Peter himself. I bet he never forgot that look, although Jesus forgave him and restored him to leadership. That look pierced his soul.

APPLICATION

Ask your children if you have “that look.” I bet they say you do. You may not even be aware of the look, but we parents tend to develop it. It can come in real handy when you need to correct your child when they are across a room. They understand the look sometimes much better than words.

But don’t forget to restore them. Jesus didn’t leave Peter hanging with that look. He came to him after His resurrection and let Peter know He had faith in him. Our children need to know our love isn’t diminished due our disappointment in their behaviors. Our love is unconditional.

Have you received “that look” from Jesus? Jesus loves us enough to correct us, but His love is lessened. When you get “that look” immediately confess whatever it is you need to confess. Let His look do its work.

When You look at me, Jesus, I know it is with love. Help me to confess quickly and often. The last thing I want to do is disappoint You.

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Child Raising, Child Rearing, Comfort, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Faith, Following, Foundation, Heaven, Inspirational, Modeling, Parenting, Scripture, Testimony

LIVING STONE?

1 PETER 2:4

“And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God,”

Most scholars agree that this verse is referring to Isaiah 28:16 which says, “Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed.’”

But only here in 1 Peter 2:4 is Jesus referred to as a living stone. Now, we know stones don’t live, so what does this mean? It means He is the source of life. He is the living foundation of the heavenly temple which, we will see in the next verse, is made up of us as living stones.

APPLICATION

Take your kids outside and each of you find a nice size rock. Bring it in and clean it up and then put each of them in its own little box. Explain to your children that you each are going to take care of your rocks as if they are living. Ask them what they think rocks like to eat. How often should you give them water? Should you take them for walks?

After your children look at you like you have rocks for brains, explain that today’s verse isn’t talking about stones that live. It’s an analogy for Christ being our firm foundation who lives today. That they can understand.

Do you believe that? Do you believe that Jesus is alive today? Is He your firm foundation? A foundation is laid to stay in place and support the rest of the building. Is that what Jesus is for you? You can’t swap out the foundation. It’s meant to stay right where it was laid. Hold fast. Rest on the only firm foundation.

Thank You, Lord, for being my living stone, my firm foundation. I know no matter what comes my way, You are there.

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Advice, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Contentment, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Family, Friends, Inspirational, Love, Modeling, Parenting, Scripture, Thanksgiving

THE LAST SUPPER

LUKE 22:8-13

“8 And Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, ‘Go and prepare the Passover for us, so that we may eat it.’ 9 They said to Him, ‘Where do You want us to prepare it?’ 10 And He said to them, ‘When you have entered the city, a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him into the house that he enters. 11 And you shall say to the owner of the house, “The Teacher says to you, ‘Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?’” 12 And he will show you a large, furnished upper room; prepare it there.’ 13 And they left and found everything just as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover.”

I find it a little funny that Peter and John wanted more information before they left to do what Jesus asked. They knew many homes in Jerusalem would have made rooms available to travelers who had come to town to celebrate the Passover. But I bet they didn’t expect Jesus to give them such detail. And don’t you know they were amazed it was exactly as he told them?

My mama used to give me instructions about how to help with dinner, but she knew her kitchen. She knew where everything was. In fact, she could lay her hand on every pot, pan or utensil in seconds. Jesus knew the room and the house because He was God. He had created that man. He had created the materials to build that house.

APPLICATION

The next time you plan a meal get your kids involved. Give them assignments. Have some set the table. Have others get the drinks. If they are old enough, have them bring the food to the table. Once you are all seated, ask them how they would feel if this was their last meal together. Shocked! Surprised! Tearful.

Now read them this passage. Explain that when Peter and John planned this meal, they had no idea this would be their last meal with Jesus before He was crucified. Jesus let them know during the meal that things were about to change, but I’m not sure it hit home until hours later.

What if your last meal was your last meal? Would you treat those with whom you shared it differently? Don’t waste your moments. We never know when the Lord will call us home. Make sure you are making memories during those meals. You can’t redo them.

I am thankful for the times I have to spend with family. Let me cherish each meal and each gathering. Most of all, let those moments revolve around You.

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Advice, Affection, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Following, Gentleness, Inspirational, Kindness, Mentoring, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting, Scripture

TASTY

1 PETER 2:3

“if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.”

I don’t know about you, but I know when something tastes good. Now, I will admit that people’s tastes vary greatly. For instance, my wife puts sugar on grits. God forbid. Being a southern boy, only salt and maybe some red-eye gravy, but never sugar. Yuk!

Peter is talking about tasting the kindness of the Lord. The Greek word chrestos describes what God defines is kind – and therefore also eternally useful! One scholar said we have no adjective in English that conveys this blend of being kind and good at the same time. This word describes the yoke in Matthew 11:30 when Jesus says it is easy.

APPLICATION

How do you explain this to your children? I only know one way – by living it. You have to show them through your actions what God’s kindness looks like. Once you have tasted it, you want to live it. Once you have experienced it, you want to give it to others, especially your family.

Why are we the harshest to our families? Why do we withhold the kindness of Christ? Maybe we think they can handle it. Perhaps we think it’s safe to let our hair down because they aren’t going anywhere. But does that make it right? No. Let me challenge you today to show kindness to your loved ones first. Watch what happens.

Do you need to ask someone to forgive you today? Have you tasted the kindness of the Lord and swallowed it whole without any thought of sharing? Spread it around. Be kind and good. It’s interesting that chrestos (kind, good) sounds like Christos (Christ). Just be Jesus.

I will strive today to be more kind to those around me. I want to spread the taste of Your kindness with others.

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Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Direction, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Following, Inspirational, Mentoring, Obedience, Parenting, Questions, Teaching

ANSWER A QUESTION WITH A QUESTI0N

LUKE 12:41

“Peter said, ‘Lord, are You addressing this parable to us, or to everyone else as well?’”

How many times have you answered a question with a question? Working with kids as long as I have, I have done it hundreds of times. I do it to get them thinking. I want them to figure it out for themselves. I could easily give them the answer, but they would forget it soon enough.

Peter wants to know if the parable Jesus is telling applies to them as well. You tell me. Read verses 42-48 and tell me what Jesus’ answer was to Peter. Remember, Jesus never wasted a teaching moment. He was always preparing His disciples for the days that were coming.

APPLICATION

Let me encourage you to do the same. Don’t let those teachable moments slip by, no matter how miniscule you may think they are. Our children can always learn new truths. We just have to take the time to teach them.

What can they learn from this story? List five things. I am not going to tell you my five. I want you to discover your five lessons you can teach your children. Chances are my five and your five won’t be the same. That’s okay. God speaks to us differently.

Do you read God’s Word looking for life lessons? Or do you read it out of habit to just get through it? Let the Word transform you daily. Let the truths of each passage speak to your heart and give you a message to share. The Lord gave it to us to spread to others. Do your part today.

Thank You, Lord, for your powerful Word. Thank You it speaks as powerfully today as ever. Give me an audience today to share.

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Advice, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Contentment, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Inspirational, Mentoring, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting, Salvation, Scripture

MILK

1 PETER 2:2

“like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,”

There’s nothing much better than a cold glass of milk with a plate of hot, right out of the oven chocolate chip cookies. But what if that first gulp of milk reveals a cold glass of sour milk? Not good and not enjoyable. Peter uses the word “pure” for a reason. Not just any old milk will do.

Also, you can’t put a T-bone steak in a baby’s bottle. They need milk first. That’s where their nourishment starts. In the same way, we have to begin with basic foundations in God’s Word. We can’t be concerned with the deep doctrinal studies until we are grounded in the basics.

APPLICATION

Bring your children to the kitchen and pour them three glasses of milk – whole milk, buttermilk and sour milk. Use glasses that they can’t see through and don’t tell them which is which. Now, to make this fun, give them some cookies too.

I guarantee you they will choose the whole milk. Ask them why. They will probably say because it’s sweet or it tastes good. Now, read them today’s verse. Explain to them why Peter compares the Word to pure milk. It nourishes. It’s sweet. It makes us stronger.

Have you had your daily dose of pure milk? You won’t get stronger spiritually without it. And unlike your gallon of milk in the fridge, this milk never runs out or sours. God has an endless supply of His Word to nourish you. Drink up!

Lord, I look forward to drinking deeply each day from Your Word. Help me spread the joy with others.

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Caregiver, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Comfort, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Faith, God's Will, Healing, Inspirational, Modeling, Parenting, Passion, Prayer

EYE WITNESS

LUKE 8:51

“When He came to the house, He did not allow anyone to enter with Him, except Peter and John and James, and the girl’s father and mother.”

Once again, we see Jesus choose Peter, James and John to witness something the other disciples didn’t. In this case, He wanted them to witness His healing powers. Everyone in the house told Him the little girl was dead. She probably was, but what is death to God?

Put yourself in Peter’s sandals. What would you have been thinking? Come on, Jesus. I know You have powers, but raising from the dead? This would not be the only time they would witness this, culminating with His own victory over death.

APPLICATION

I don’t expect you to show your children how to raise the dead. So, what is the message from this verse? Simple! God can do whatever He chooses to do whenever He chooses to do it. Your children need to know that. They need to know they can trust Him to work in their lives to protect and defend them.

But there is another message. Perhaps, the Lord will allow them to be an eyewitness to His workings in someone’s life. He may choose to use their prayers to heal someone. Now, hear me clearly. God heals, but He uses us to encourage and comfort. And those experiences build our faith.

Would you want to be an eyewitness? I would and I have been. I have seen people healed who should have died. In order to see those healings, you must believe. Believe God is good and desires only the best for each of His children. Let Him use you to comfort others. You may be surprised at what He allows you to see.

Father, use me as Your tool. If that means in healing, so be it. Just use me to accomplish Your desires.

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Advice, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Deception, Denial, Encouragement, Envy, Evil, Hypocrisy, Mentoring, Obedience, Parenting, Prejudice, Reputation, Slander

TAKE OUT THE TRASH

1 PETER 2:1

“Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander,”

Some things just stink. And whether we are born again or lost, stinky things seem to want to hang around us. That’s why Peter tells us to figuratively take out the trash. He lists five things that have no place in a believer’s life. Are they in yours?

Malice is just plain badness – enough said. Deceit is wrong every time – misleading others. Hypocrisy is pretending to be something you’re not – never good. Envy is holding a grudge which is the opposite of forgiveness. And finally, slander which is speaking evil of someone.

APPLICATION

Now, your kids are going to have to deal with all these things. Sometimes it may be them displaying these traits. If that’s the case, you need to deal with it quickly. Whether they are directing these to strangers, friends or family, these behaviors must be corrected.

They be the recipient of these traits. They never feel good. When you are attacked it hurts. These are the times when you must come alongside your child to encourage them and if need be, protect them. Teach your children to insulate themselves with the truth of the Gospel. Jesus is their true defender.

How are you doing with the trash? Have you put it all aside? Or are you hanging on to some of them? Our flesh loves to keep some “weapons” around, doesn’t it? Lay it all down. Put it all aside. Take out the trash. Don’t let the stinky things foul up your walk with Jesus.

Help me, Lord, to rid myself of those things that don’t smell like You. I want to reflect You in all my words and deeds. That’s not easy sometimes, but with You all things are possible.

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