Category Archives: Following

Advice, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Direction, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Faithfulness, Following, God's Will, Inspirational, Mentoring, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting, Perseverance, Sanctification, Scripture, Testimony, Thoughts

GIRDING

1 PETER 1:13

“Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Girding! That’s a funny word to me. The phrase “prepare…for action” could be translated as “gird.” The Greek word is only used right here in verse 13. Do you know what gird means? It has the word picture of someone wearing a long garment (as they did back in Peter’s day), reaching down, pulling it up and wrapping it around the waste. This was done when they had to move quickly or do some work which required bending and stretching. This gave them some freedom to move easily.

So, why would Peter use this word to talk about our minds? Because so many things can entangle our minds and not allow us think clearly and respond quickly. He is basically telling us to clear our minds of unnecessary things. That can be hard, can’t it? But we must do that to be ready to respond to the things of God.

APPLICATION

This can be a fun verse to talk about with your kids. Your little ones will especially like this. Get some fabric or find a long garment, one that goes to your child’s ankles. Now, you need to wear one too. They will love that, Dad. Once you are all dressed, go outside and have a race. See how easily you can run and jump with that long garment on.

Now it’s time to “gird” yourself. Show them how to reach down, gather up the fabric and secure it around their waist. Once you have all done that, do some more running and jumping. They will be amazed at that difference. Read the verse and make the application. They will get it and probably won’t quickly forget it (or seeing dad in a dress, lol). Visuals are so good with kids.

What’s hindering your action today? Do you need to rid your mind of some things to allow it to react quickly? God will show you how to gird your mind, to prepare it for action. But you must be willing to let some things go or at least put them on the back burner. Nothing is more important than being prepared to act when God calls. Are you ready?

Cleanse my mind today, O Lord. Let my thoughts be focused on You. Show me what You would have me do.

Standard
Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Confession, Courage, Cowardice, Denial, Direction, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Faithfulness, Following, Holy Spirit, Inspirational, Joy, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting, Persecution, Scripture, Shame, Testimony, Witnessing

DANG ROOSTER

MATTHEW 26:33-35

“33 But Peter said to Him, ‘Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away.’ 34 Jesus said to him, ‘Truly I say to you that this very night, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.’ 35 Peter said to Him, ‘Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You.’ All the disciples said the same thing too.”

Unfortunately, this is one of the most famous stories about Peter. He had pledged his undying allegiance to Jesus here in these verses only to deny Him three times (just as Jesus said) hours later. We forget that he wasn’t alone. The rest of the disciples (with the exception of John) deserted Him as well. Peter, however, bears the shame since Jesus addressed him directly.

I bet Peter couldn’t eat chicken for a while after this event. He had been so sure of himself. He would never fall away. He would never deny Him. Ask yourself what you would have done. We sit here 2000+ years later and say we wouldn’t do exactly what Peter did. Until you are facing death for your faith, you don’t know how you will respond. Don’t judge Peter too harshly.

APPLICATION

What is the application for us? Loyalty, I think. We need to work on our loyalty to Christ in the smallest of ways. This is what we teach our children. What do I mean by that? I mean, standing up for our beliefs when we are challenged. It means walking away from friends who are telling that “off-color” joke. It means not being ashamed of the gospel when the Holy Spirit prompts us to share.

We may not ever be faced with a life or death choice concerning our faith. We can, however, stand with Jesus every day. We can show our children our pride and joy of being known as a true believer. We can BE Jesus to our neighbors, even those who do not believe. Our children are watching us, just as those around that fire were watching Peter. What will you do?

Today you may be faced with a challenge to your faith. How will you respond? Will you shrink away or stand tall? People will test you. Satan will tempt you. Let your testimony be known among those you encounter today. Let there be no doubt with whom you stand – the King of Ages. He will stand with you.

I will not fall away. I will not deny You. Let my words be true. I do not want to fail You, Lord.

Standard
Angels, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Comfort, Confession, Contentment, Encouragement, Eternity, Faith, Following, Godliness, Heaven, Holy Spirit, Inspirational, Modeling, Parenting, Praise, Salvation

CURIOUS ANGELS

1 PETER 1:12

“It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look.”

Did you catch that last phrase? “things into which angels long to look.” What does that mean? What are angels longing to look on? Do you understand that they are amazed at our salvation? God’s pardon of our sins blows them away. Why? Because they know the holiness of God. They have seen His majesty for centuries. How could such a holy God forgive such wicked sinners?

Why aren’t we as blown away? Why aren’t we amazed? We come to God for our salvation and almost immediately begin to take it for granted. We forget how wicked we were and how much He forgave. We should look on with the same longing as the angels and give thanks every day for His grace.

APPLICATION

What have your children taken for granted? Their clothes? Their toys? The food on the table? Have you ever reminded them how blessed they are? I bet you have. The next time your child takes a blessing for granted, read them this verse.

This is when you confess your guilt of taking things for granted from God. When they hear you confess, perhaps they will be convicted themselves. Now, you are not the Holy Spirit. He will do the convicting.

Aren’t you thankful today for the grace He has shown you time and time again? Thank Him today. Live for Him today. Give Him the praise He deserves for the salvation He so freely bestows on you. Lead your children to do the same. Angels are watching and scratching their heads. Show them what it looks like to live for Jesus.

Lord, I am amazed! Your gift of salvation is beyond anything I deserve. Thank You for saving me.

Standard
Advice, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Contentment, Direction, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Eternity, Following, Giving, Heaven, Inspirational, Joy, Mentoring, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting, Scripture

HOW ABOUT ME?

MATTHEW 19:27

“Then Peter said to Him, ‘Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?’” 

Right after the rich, young ruler walks away from Jesus, Peter makes this statement. Surely, he was thinking, “That rich dude wouldn’t leave everything for You, Jesus, but we did. What do we get? Do we get to inherit the kingdom?” I don’t presume to know Peter’s motive for asking this question, but he was probably like a lot of us.

We tend to look out for ourselves. We want to make sure we are taken care of first, don’t we? Thinking unselfishly is hard. Trusting someone else to watch out for us can be difficult. But the Lord tells Peter in the following verses (28-30) that those who follow Him will inherit eternal life. What else could we ask for? We will live with Him forever in glory.

APPLICATION

Our kids are born selfish. Listen to most toddlers in a play area with other children. What word do you hear the most? Mine! Everything is “Mine.” We don’t like to share. We must teach our children to share. That is an important principle to learn. I believe if we are taught that well, we will have fewer disagreements with co-workers, neighbors and even spouses.

More importantly, if we are less concerned about ourselves and more concerned about others, we will want to share. I have been the recipient of many gifts through the years. Some of those have been large and some were small. It’s hard for me to receive sometimes. I get so much more joy in giving. That’s the joy we should want our children to experience. Teach them that by doing it yourself. Make them part of your sharing.

Stop a minute and think about what the Lord has promised you today. He was speaking to you when He said those who follow Him will inherit eternal life. Since you know your future is secure, why not give Him more of your “present”? Why not share as much of yourself as you can? I promise you He will restore everything plus more. His promises are true.

You have promised me eternal life which is more than I could ever hope for. Point my eyes to those to whom You would have me share. Turn my thoughts outward rather than inward.

Standard
Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Contentment, Direction, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Faith, Following, God's Will, Inspirational, Mentoring, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting

NOT MY WORDS

1 PETER 1:11

“seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.”

Can you recognize the central word of this verse? Nope – not Spirit. Nope – not Christ. It’s a little word, but oh, how important. It’s the pronoun “He.” Why do I say that? Peter is referring to the prophets in this verse, but “He” refers to God. Everything they spoke came from God. He gave them the message, and they delivered it.

So, in this verse God is predicting the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. The prophets weren’t making the predictions. Only God knew what was to come. That is true today. People may make predictions, but only God knows for sure. Be careful predicting the future. Make sure if you speak for God that they are His words.

APPLICATION

It is so important for our children to know this principle. We plan and plan for their future. Only God knows what that is. Now, it is important to plan. We need to teach our children to plan. You’ve heard it said that to fail to plan is to plan to fail. But we can’t plan without hearing from the Lord. That is the first and foremost principle our children need to learn from us.

How do we teach our children to hear from God and only speak His words? By keeping them in His Word and by praying to Him. Reading and speaking! Listening and meditating! Spending time with Him is the only way. If we don’t show them how important this is in our lives, they will never make it a part of their lives.

Are you hearing Him? Are you listening? Is He speaking? He always is. Once you hear you have the responsibility to speak for Him. God still uses you and me to speak to others. Speak boldly. Speak often. Let His words course through your veins and bring the good news to others.

I am listening, Lord. I want to only speak Your words, not mine. Speak through me.

Standard
Advice, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Courage, Direction, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Following, Forgiveness, God's Will, Inspirational, Mentoring, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting, Scripture, Testimony

ARE YOU GOOD AT MATH?

MATTHEW 18:21-22

“21 Then Peter came and said to Him, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’ 22 Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’”

I have always liked math. I know – call me a nerd. But there is something about solving math problems and completing the formulas. But I don’t think the Lord was playing math games with Peter here. This answer to Peter’s question was about much more than the number of times he was expected to forgive.

Jewish law taught they should only forgive someone three times. So, Peter was already more than doubling that number when he said seven. I bet he thought Jesus would say, “That’s more than enough.” But Jesus says, “Seventy times seven.” He didn’t mean four hundred and ninety. He meant we should always forgive. The number of offenses is not the issue. It’s all about our willingness to forgive.

APPLICATION

Has your child needed to forgive someone? How about more than once? If they have siblings, chances are they have. What a great verse to share with them the next time. Forgiveness is not for the person you are forgiving. Forgiveness is for you. You may have heard the expression that unforgiveness is the only poison you drink and hope the other person dies. When we don’t forgive, it eats at us, not them.

Now, I am not saying it is easy. I am not saying to forgive and instantly trust that person again. What is clear from this passage is that Jesus wants us to forgive them every time. That’s enough for me. He knows we can’t change their heart by our forgiveness. But He does know it will change our heart. That’s His message to us. Forgive!

Is there someone you need to forgive today? Have you told them? Why not go to that person and tell them so. They may not even be aware of the hurt you are feeling. They may be aware and not care. That’s okay. Forgive them anyway. Just think of the thousands of times the Lord has forgiven you.

Forgiveness is such a hard thing at times, Lord. Help me forgive those who are truly unforgiveable. I know You can give me the ability to do so.

Standard
Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Direction, Encouragement, Evangelism, Faith, Following, God's Will, Inspirational, Mentoring, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting, Religion, Scripture, Treasures

STILL FISHING

MATTHEW 17:24-27

“24 When they came to Capernaum, those who collected the two-drachma tax came to Peter and said, ‘Does your teacher not pay the two-drachma tax?’ 25 He said, ‘Yes.’ And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, ‘What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs or poll-tax, from their sons or from strangers?’ 26 When Peter said, ‘From strangers,’ Jesus said to him, ‘Then the sons are exempt. 27 However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and Me.’”

What a strange story. It seems to appear out of nowhere and have nothing to do with Jesus’ ministry. Oh, but it does. Did you know this tax for which they were collecting was for the support of the Temple? It wasn’t a Roman tax, but rather a Jewish tax. Jesus was fulfilling Jewish law by paying this. He was showing Peter that He meant to support the temple, not fight against it.

I bet Peter thought He was a little crazy, though, when He said to go catch a fish and find the tax money. I’ve caught a lot of fish and have found a lot of things in their mouths. But I have never found money. Boy, if I did I would fish every day, lol. Jesus was providing what was needed at the time, nothing more. He still does that today, does He not?

APPLICATION

The next time you write that check to the church or put money in the offering plate, you can tell this story. Your children will definitely think this story is cool. Money in a fish’s mouth? Really? But that miracle isn’t the point of the story. Make sure they understand that. The story is about Jesus fulfilling His Father’s will. He came to fulfill and complete the law.

Jesus just chose an interesting manner to do it. He was exhibiting His omnipotence to His followers and doing what was expected in paying this tax. Explain to your children that they too can be a part of a miracle by giving to support the church. Now, we don’t pull coins from fish, but we do support ministries that change lives. The church supports missionaries around the world who touch lives who may have never heard the name of Jesus.

I bet you could find some money in an unusual place today to give to the Lord. You may have something you are not using anymore that could be turned into cash for the kingdom. Your child may have some toys they have outgrown. Sell them and lead them to give that money to missions. They and you will be finding “coins in a fish,” in a sense. Now, that’s cool.

Father, all I have is Yours. Help me see how to make it all available to the furtherance of Your kingdom. I want to be faithful to whatever You ask me to give.

Standard
Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Encouragement, Following, Inspirational, Mentoring, Modeling, Obedience, Testimony

LISTEN TO HIM

MATTHEW 17:1-8

“1 Six days later Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. 2 And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. 4 Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ 5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, ‘This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!’ 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground and were terrified. 7 And Jesus came to them and touched them and said, ‘Get up, and do not be afraid.’ 8 And lifting up their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus Himself alone.”

When we read this story in Matthew when Jesus took Peter, James and John, we normally focus on the appearance of Moses and Elijah and the transfiguration of Jesus. That’s understandable. That would have been totally amazing. I can’t imagine what Peter was thinking. It’s no wonder he asked to build tabernacles (tents) for them. He was awestruck.

But I want us to look at what God said. A bright cloud appeared and a voice (God’s voice) said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” Look at those last three words. God tells them to listen to Jesus. What a reminder for us. We may not see Jesus transfigured or see Moses and Elijah, but we need to listen to His beloved Son.

APPLICATION

How many times a day do you say to your child, “Listen to me”? Why do you say that? Because you want them to hear what you say. Are your words worth hearing? Before you say “yes,” are you sure? The next time you say, “Listen to me,” ask yourself if you are listening.

You see, you can’t expect your kids to listen if you aren’t listening to God. He may not take you on a mountain of transfiguration, but He is telling you to listen to His Son. What is He telling you? What is Jesus saying right now? He is the same transfigured Son of God and wants you to listen to Him as much as He wanted Peter to listen. Will you?

Sometimes our listening gets sidetracked by our looking. Peter, James and John were so enamored by the sights. God had to tell them to listen. Will you stop looking so intently that your ears stop working? Stop, get quiet and listen today. You may just hear exactly what the Lord wants you to do.

My ears are open. I bow my head before You and yield to Your leading. Speak to me!

Standard
Advice, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Direction, Following, God's Will, Inspirational, Parenting, Scripture, Testimony, Trust

BE CAREFUL WHO YOU REBUKE

MATTHEW 16:21-23

“21 From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day. 22 Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, ‘God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You.’ 23 But He turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.’”

Rebuke sounds like such a harsh word, and it can be. But here Peter isn’t harshly rebuking Jesus. He was just saying, “Don’t talk like that. You don’t mean that.” Peter didn’t want to hear Jesus talking like that. He had his own ideas of what Jesus should do.

But it’s important before you try to correct someone that you know what’s really going on. Peter was still clueless. Look at Jesus’ words. “for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests.” We do the same thing. We have our own thoughts about stuff without even asking the Lord what He would have us do or so.

APPLICATION

What can we teach our children from this verse? We need to put the Lord’s plans above our own. What we desire for ourselves or others is not important unless those desires line up with the Lord’s desires for us. And we know His desires are always for our good. How can our children learn this?

Prayer is the answer. Seeking His will daily through surrender delivers us into His desires for our life. The Lord may lead us in a direction that seems unreasonable or even absurd. But when we trust Him, He will clarify His vision for us. Even as Jesus corrected Peter, He was showing Peter His way was better.

What has the Lord told you recently that confused you? Rest assured He is not a God who confuses. Believe Him! Trust Him! Let Him give you the direction He chooses. Wherever He leads is the right place. We can always follow Him, knowing that His footsteps take us closer to being like Him.

Father, help me to take Your words as truth. I will follow You and submit to Your leading. Your words are life. I choose to live by them.

Standard
Child Raising, Child Rearing, Comfort, Encouragement, Faith, Faithfulness, Following, Inspirational, Modeling, Peace, Perseverance, Purity, Trust

PROVEN PRECIOUS

I PETER 1:7

“so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” 

Our faith is precious, more precious than gold. And Peter reminds us how gold is proven to be precious. It is tested by fire. The same is true about our faith. It, too, will go through testing.

One scholar wrote,
“Christians should be willing to pass through trials: (a) They will purify their religion, just as the fire will remove dross from gold.

(b) They will make it shine more brightly, just as gold does when it comes out of the furnace. (c) They will disclose more fully its value. (d) They will furnish an evidence that we shall be saved; for that religion which will bear the tests that God applies to it in the present life, will bear the test of the final trial.”

APPLICATION

So, how do you apply this verse? By living through those testings. As you encounter hard times, you have the God given opportunity to trust Him to prove your faith. Your children are watching. As you talk to them about how you are trusting the Lord in the process, they are listening.

You may not think these moments will be remembered by them. After all, they are young. But, oh, they will remember. God will make sure of that. Trusting moments stick. Faith producing moments make impacts, especially on young lives. And when God brings you through, and He will, celebrate that with your children.

Are you in a trial right now? Is your faith being put through the fire? Thank the Lord that He is purifying it. Thank Him that You know it is more precious than gold. Gold will not last forever. Even it is eventually destroyed. But not our faith. With each “firing” it becomes stronger. Believe that!

I praise You for the fires! I may not enjoy the process, but I am thankful for the outcome. Purify me, Lord!

Standard