Acts 5:29 “But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’”

TOUGH CHOICE

Don’t you just love Peter’s response here? What a change in a man who just a few weeks prior had gone back to fishing. Now, here he stands before the religious leaders of his day telling them he is boldly representing Jesus whom he had denied three times on that fateful night.

There are times when we must choose obedience to God over obedience to man. Those times may become more and more frequent in the days ahead. We must be ready. What will you choose? When (notice I said “when” not “if”) you are faced with that decision which could cost you your job or maybe even your life, what will you do?

TEACHING MOMENT

Our children are more than likely going to face these same decisions. They may face these decisions in school when faced with a project that flies in the face of their faith. With your knowledge and support, will they choose to take the zero and voice their opposition respectfully? Or will they silently just do the project even though they know it is against everything they believe?

We must help them be bold in the face of a world that is doing everything it can to tear down and destroy our faith. They are being bombarded by ideas and words that tell them their faith is stupid, ridiculous and intolerant. What will they do when faced with the tough choice? Will they be strong or weak?

I will ask you again. What will you do? What example will you give them? How far will you go to take your stand for Christ?

Genesis 5:24 “Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.”

NO DEATH

There were only two men in the Bible who never died a physical death, Enoch and Elijah. We have many stories about Elijah, but all we know about Enoch is he was the father of Methuselah. That’s it! Oh yeah, Enoch lived on the earth for 365 years, the shortest lifespan of anyone mentioned at this point in the Bible, except for Abel whom Cain killed.

So what was special about Enoch? It just says “Enoch walked with God.” What does that mean? Why did God decide to take him at such a young age (compared to others in chapter 5)? The Bible doesn’t tell us, but we have to believe that Enoch was special to Him. So special that He wanted him closer to him than to earth.

TEACHING MOMENT

When was the last time you took a walk or hike with your child? There is something peaceful about walking in the woods down a trail. Little Elrod is exploring every little stick and rock. You are admiring the beauty of creation. What a perfect time to share this verse with your son or daughter. Tell them how Enoch was just walking with God, and God decided He loved him so much He wanted him home.

Now, don’t scare your child into thinking that if they walk with God He is going to kill them. That would be wrong. But they do need to know that when we walk with the Lord and focus on spending time with Him, we had much rather be with Him than here. We look forward to the day when we will see Him face to face. Don’t you imagine Enoch was thrilled to come face to face with His God?

Are you walking with Him? A word of warning: Don’t become so heavenly minded that you are no earthly good! You may have heard that before. But most of us are never in danger of that. We probably could all afford to be a little more heavenly minded.

Now, take that step today with Him!

Acts 1:3 “To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God.”

THERE THEY ARE AGAIN

Have you ever had the experience when you kept running into the same person everywhere you went? You go to the grocery store, and there they are. You stop off to get gas for your car, and they pull up beside you. You go out to eat and, lo and behold, there they sit. You finally begin to look for them wherever you go.

I bet people started feeling that way about Jesus during this 40 day period. It says He was “appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God.” They not only saw Him. They heard Him. He was still teaching.   But now, in His resurrected body, they were listening even closer.

TEACHING MOMENT

The next time you “pop in” and surprise your child, mention this verse to them. They need to know that Jesus’ physical body is not necessary (like yours is) to be present among them. He is there all the time, through the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives (if they are a believer). They don’t have to look for Him. They don’t have to search for Him anymore.

But that also means that everywhere they go, they take Him with them. He is aware of everything they say or think. He knows which friends are best for them. He knows the words they should use when someone is mean to them. All they have to do is talk to Him and He will direct them.

I don’t know about you, but I forget that sometimes. I get so frustrated with my situation that I start to “figure it out” for myself instead of pushing the pause button and asking the Lord to guide me. Jesus doesn’t have to “pop in” in my life. He is there. I just have to listen.

Will you listen today to the ever present Christ in you?

Daniel 12:1-2 “1 ‘Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. 2Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt.’”

THE BOOK

Is your name in the book? I attended a wedding recently, and as I entered the building there was a guest book for me to sign. Now that book had multiple blank lines for all the guests to sign their name and address, so the bride and groom would know who attended. But signing that book did not give me the right to enter. I had already been invited to attend.

The difference in that book and the one mentioned in our passage today is I will not be granted permission to even enter heaven unless my name is ALREADY written in the book. I have to have a reservation in advance. I am not worried, though. I know my name is in the book and my check-in date has been predetermined. I am ready.

TEACHING MOMENT

I am sure at some point in the next days or weeks you will have the chance to sign something while you are with your kids. Why not take that opportunity to share this verse? Talk about how when you accepted Christ (or if your child is a believer when they did) your name was written down in the Lamb’s Book of Life. It was signed with permanent marker. No one or nothing can erase your name.

Kids like security. They need it to thrive. They need it to grow in a healthy way, both physically and emotionally. More importantly, they need eternal security. Having the knowledge they are secure in Christ and that nothing can change that gives them (and us) peace. They are safe! They are promised an eternal home. Is there really anything any better? I don’t think so.

Luke 21:1-4 “1 And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury. 2 And He saw a poor widow putting in two small copper coins. 3 And He said, ‘Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them; 4 for they all out of their surplus put into the offering; but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on.’”

JUST A QUARTER

At the church where I serve our children take up an offering every week to support 3 children, two in Guatemala and one in Thailand. It doesn’t take a lot of money each month to do that ($32 each), and we encourage them to being one quarter a week to help with that. For some of our kids twenty-five cents is easy to come by. For others it is a challenge. But when they come forward each week in our Children’s Church to give their offering or when they put it in the basket during Sunday School, I know the Lord is pleased.

Jesus took the time to point out the poor widow’s gift. Most would have not even noticed her putting her two small coins in the offering. But Jesus wasn’t looking at her gift. He was looking at her heart. He saw beyond the amount and instead, saw they motive.

TEACHING MOMENT

How do you teach your children to give? Well, you have to give. They watch you give. Even if you give online, through a text, through automatic draft or in the offering plate, they need to see that. You need to help them give. Give them chores at the house where they can earn the money to give. Help them figure out their tithe or a “grace” gift above the tithe. Maybe they want to raise a special offering for a project or mission. That’s awesome! Do that! Give towards it! And then celebrate it.

We never know how the Lord can use the faithful act of giving to lead a child towards a lifetime of service. Who knows, maybe their giving will inspire your giving!

Daniel 10:5-6 “5 I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, there was a certain man dressed in linen, whose waist was girded with a belt of pure gold of Uphaz. 6 His body also was like beryl, his face had the appearance of lightning, his eyes were like flaming torches, his arms and feet like the gleam of polished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a tumult.”

THEOPHANIES

There are a few appearances of Jesus in the Old Testament, and this is one of them. The Lord Jesus Himself appears to Daniel on the bank of the Tigris River to encourage and strengthen him. But notice what Daniel had been doing? Go back and read verses 1-4. I’ll wait…..

He had been fasting and praying for his nation. He had prepared himself to hear from the Lord. He was ready. Those who were with him did NOT see Jesus. It doesn’t say whether they had been fasting or not, but they obviously weren’t ready to see Him. Are you?

TEACHING MOMENT

Our children must be prepared to see Jesus. Now I don’t mean to say they will “see” Jesus with their own physical eyes. I don’t want to put Jesus in a box and imply He can’t appear to them, but I am saying they need to be able to see with their hearts our living Lord and Savior. It is up to us, their parents, to prepare their hearts.

Do we force them to fast to see Him? Do we force them to wear sackcloth and ashes? No! But we do lay before them an environment that invites them to pursue Him. We live a life that draws them to Him. We give them opportunities to experience what holy living is. By doing these things they will be sensitive to His call and will “see” Him when He “appears” to them.

Will you be that Jesus to someone else? Will you show them what Jesus looks like? Will you let your life be so surrendered to His will that all people see is Jesus? Then others will see what you see!

Luke 18:15-17 “15 And they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He would touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them. 16 But Jesus called for them, saying, ‘Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.’”

LAYING ON HANDS

One of the joys of my ministry as a Children’s Pastor is seeing babies as soon as possible after they are born. I like to take them in my arms and pray for them and the family. I’ve said it many times, but I am amazed each time at the beauty of childbirth and the miracle of a new life. Jesus was too, I am sure of it.

The word for “babies” in verse 15 can be translated as newborn, infant or even a baby in the womb. Perhaps some of the moms came for Jesus to lay hands on their enlarged bellies. I have to imagine the love and power of Christ penetrated into the womb. Maybe when those babies were born and began talking they asked their moms what happened that day. Okay, I know, that is probably stretching it.

TEACHING MOMENT

Our children need to see us blessing others, especially other children. Do they have friends you can pray over with them present? When they have a friend over for the night, do you pray with them just like you do with your own child? If you do, don’t stop this as they get older. Pray over their teenage friends. Pray over the boy or girl they are dating (especially them).

Encourage your children to pray for their friends and other children. Encourage your children to do all they can to bring other children to Jesus. He said it clearly in this passage. He desires they all come to Him to “receive the kingdom.”

Be a bridge, not a moat!

Daniel 7:9-10 “9 I kept looking until thrones were set up, and the Ancient of Days took His seat; His vesture was like white snow and the hair of His head like pure wool. His throne was ablaze with flames, its wheels were a burning fire. 10 A river of fire was flowing and coming out from before Him; thousands upon thousands were attending Him, and myriads upon myriads were standing before Him; the court sat, and the books were opened.”

DID YOU SEE THAT?

Have you ever come across a scene that is both terrifying and incredible? I mean, you want to turn away but you just can’t. You have to try to take it all in. Every part of you screams, “Turn away! Stop looking.” But you have to keep staring at the scene.

I imagine Daniel felt like that when he had this vision. Chapters 7-12 of Daniel are the prophecy section of the book. Fortunately for us, God did not leave him hanging. He not only gave him the vision of the end times, but he gave him (and us) the meaning. I just think it is fitting that these chapters begin with the vision of God on His throne. Terrifying but inviting! Astonishing and amazing!

TEACHING MOMENT

On your next road trip or vacation you may have the opportunity to see something amazing. Your kids will probably drop their jaws and scream, “Wow!” Take that opportunity to share this verse. Their imagination can fill in the picture. Explain to them that God sitting on His throne will be magnificent. And we, as believers, will see that one day. We will approach that throne with confidence, not in fear. We will see His glory! We will be bathed in His light.

Kids love to imagine stuff. Some of your children may have the artistic ability to draw or paint. Why not have them draw this scene? Let them put their imagination on paper! Why not? You may even get a glimpse of His glory through your child.

Luke 14:26 “’If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.’”

SAY WHAT?

At first glance you may think Jesus is contradicting Himself. His message was one of love. Didn’t He say to love your enemies? So, why would He say that we must hate our families? Well, you have to look at that word “hate” a little closer.

This word does mean to detest or hate, but it is a comparative word, which means compared to your love for Him, your love for your family will seem like hate. Got it? He is NOT saying we should hate our families. He would never want that. He died for all men, women, boys and girls. He wants us to bring them along as we follow Him.

TEACHING MOMENT

Now I am sure that sometime in the past or sometime soon one of your cute, little, precious angels will say to their sibling or to you, “I hate you.” They get mad sometimes, don’t they? These words may slip right out of their mouths. What a perfect verse to use to correct them. You could say, “Funny, you say that. Did you know Jesus said we should hate our father, mother, wife, children, brothers and sisters?” They will probably say, “What? No way!” Then you can teach them about love.

It just never ceases to amaze me how the Bible has an answer to every child raising situation. People say we aren’t given a manual when we have a child. Wrong! We have the best “how to” manual ever written. We just have to use it. But in order to use it, we have to first live it. There’s the rub!

Are you willing to love Jesus so much that in comparison your love for your own child seems like hate? Too many parents put their children before their spouse and the Lord. Their whole world revolves around little Gertrude. Stop it!

The Lord has to be first in your life. He must be the very center of all your choices. But I promise if you do that, He will take care of all those around you. He will give you more than enough love and time for others, if you first give Him your devotion. Do that today!

Daniel 5:27 “’’TEKĒL’-you have been weighed on the scales and found deficient.’”

STRONG MESSAGE

Belshazzar had a problem. He had received a handwritten message on the wall of the palace (ancient graffiti) but couldn’t read it. He and his drunken partiers had seen a hand write the message and were terrified. Only Daniel was able to interpret it. While part of that message does not apply to us (We won’t be overthrown by the Medes or Persians), I believe this phrase does.

I don’t know about you, but I have always struggled with my weight. I have probably lost and gained 5 tons in my lifetime. I have never had someone tell me “You have been weighed on the scales and found deficient.” But that is NOT what the Lord is referring to here. The king’s character and humility were deficient. How about yours?

TEACHING MOMENT

Our children will definitely glean from us how we live our lives. They will model our humility or pride. They will remember our integrity or dishonesty. They will repeat many of our selfish or selfless acts. So what are you teaching little Susie or Bobby? There is no guarantee they will follow our godly examples. Belshazzar didn’t follow his father’s repentant behavior. Instead he partied hard. He thumbed his nose at the very God who had punished and delivered his father.

But we parents must do all we can to set the godly example for our children to follow. We do not want them to be “weighed on the scales and found deficient” anymore than we want to be told that. Will you vow this year to weigh every action you take in light of how your children will repeat it? Will you ask yourself, “Do I want my son/daughter to do what I am doing?”

I know I will never be perfect, but I sure want to be. Why? Because my Father in Heaven is. I want to be just like Him. I want to be remembered as a replica of Jesus. How about you?