This past Sunday, I witnessed "Jesus in disguise". I was at church walking in the lobby of our church in between our services, and I greeted a man and his wife, who shook my hand and then handed me an envelope. Recognizing that this envelope was given for a specific reason, Mandy and I opened it and noticed a large sum of money that was designated for our adoption. In the card was a short not saying, "money for one way ticket to USA" (meaning it was meant for Levi to come home with us).
After Mandy and I got over our intitial reaction of being both humbled and overwhelmed, I picked up the phone and called this person (who except for two inteactions, I hardly knew who this man and woman were). When "Jesus in disguise" answered the phone, I immediately said "thanks". He said "you're welcome. My friend had already heard why Mandy and I were adopting, so I simply wanted him to know that we truly appreciated his extrememly generous gift (which became so much more significant to us seeing that I had very little relationship with him and his wife). What followed in our 4 minute phone call impacted me and Mandy. He said that when he was a young boy, he always wanted to be rescued. He desperately wanted someone to come and rescue him from his childhood. He then told me that no one ever came and he was never rescued. The reason why he and his wife gave us this sum of money was because he knows what it feels like not to be rescued. This drove him to be a part of what we are doing in adopting Levi. He then asked if the money could be used to fly Levi back to America, because he wants to "be a part of this rescue."
This is powerful. It's powerful for two simple reasons. First, he and his wife hardly know Mandy and I. This is a true picture of unselfish and selfless love. Secondly, this was powerful because our friends embodied Jesus...to give and expect nothing in return. We had and will have nothing to offer our friends, except the word, "thanks". They gave to "the rescue" knowing that they would get nothing back from us in return. The applause of God is all over this couple and their love for God and Levi.
This is Jesus living. This is "Jesus in Disguise".
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Our New Son has Finally Arrived!!!
Well, one of the best days of my life was yesterday. It was so incredible to finally get the news about our new little boy in Ethiopia. It was so surreal to look at his pictures, check out his medical history and personal and family history. It's been a long road as we originally felt the call that God wanted us to adopt from Ethiopia in 2007. Mandy has started a blog exclusively related to our adoption and the journey that we're on. She journaled about our experience yesterday as we received the news. You can check out the blog and the "play by play" at www.psalm-2714.blogspot.com.
Enjoy. Keep praying for us. Mandy and I will keep writing and blogging as we anticipate our trip to Ethiopia.
Enjoy. Keep praying for us. Mandy and I will keep writing and blogging as we anticipate our trip to Ethiopia.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Thoughts on Psalm 91
I just finished reading Psalm 91. What an incredible chapter, filled with so many timeless and timely promises from God. The verses in this famous chapter ring true in the life of everyone who has clinged to God when all they had to cling to, was God. C.S Lewis said that "he who has God and everything else has nothing more than he who has God alone." In other words, if all we have is God, could this really be enough? Is God all that we need?
Scripture is filled with so many instances of average people who had there backs against the wall, and in dire circumstances and God came through. He delivered. It's not just evident in the bible, but all through human history, God's been showing His greatness, His power and how all sufficient He really is. "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty" (verse one). George Meuller knew that God was enough. This great man was not only a pastor but an orphan advocate. Every year, Meuller (who lived in the early 1800's), clothed, fed and and taught over 2,000 orphans. Stories are told of times when Meuller had his back against the wall, and there was no food to care for these orphans, and God miraculaously provided. Bread showed up on his doorstep. Milk or money showed up on his kitchen counter. There were times when Meuller ahd nothing but God and His promises. George Meuller knew what it meant to have God and God alone.
When we make God our hiding place, we have in Him everything that we need. Peter knew this too. Remember when He was on the water. All He had was the Christ to cling to. The only hand He had was the hand of Jesus. The woman caught in adultery knew this. When she was criticized and mocked by the crowds, the only one who loved her unconditionally was Jesus. The forgiveness that she longed for and the clean heart that she craved only came from God. The interaction with Jesus was all that she needed to take away the shame and guilt that had invaded her life and captivated her thinking. I could go on and on with stories of real people who only had God, and it was enough.
So, could God really be enough for me? Is He really? Verse four gives some awesome imagery, when it says, "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge." Just as feathers on a bird provide warmth, security and protection, God wants to be that for us. He wants to be our protection. He wants to be our security. He wants us to trust Him for His provisions. He's everything we need. If He was enough for George, Peter and that woman caught in adulter, He's enough for me. And listen to this: He's enough for you too. Regardless of circumstance...you gotta' believe it. Sometimes all you may have is God. Remember, it's enough. Nothing more and nothing less. It's enough!
Scripture is filled with so many instances of average people who had there backs against the wall, and in dire circumstances and God came through. He delivered. It's not just evident in the bible, but all through human history, God's been showing His greatness, His power and how all sufficient He really is. "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty" (verse one). George Meuller knew that God was enough. This great man was not only a pastor but an orphan advocate. Every year, Meuller (who lived in the early 1800's), clothed, fed and and taught over 2,000 orphans. Stories are told of times when Meuller had his back against the wall, and there was no food to care for these orphans, and God miraculaously provided. Bread showed up on his doorstep. Milk or money showed up on his kitchen counter. There were times when Meuller ahd nothing but God and His promises. George Meuller knew what it meant to have God and God alone.
When we make God our hiding place, we have in Him everything that we need. Peter knew this too. Remember when He was on the water. All He had was the Christ to cling to. The only hand He had was the hand of Jesus. The woman caught in adultery knew this. When she was criticized and mocked by the crowds, the only one who loved her unconditionally was Jesus. The forgiveness that she longed for and the clean heart that she craved only came from God. The interaction with Jesus was all that she needed to take away the shame and guilt that had invaded her life and captivated her thinking. I could go on and on with stories of real people who only had God, and it was enough.
So, could God really be enough for me? Is He really? Verse four gives some awesome imagery, when it says, "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge." Just as feathers on a bird provide warmth, security and protection, God wants to be that for us. He wants to be our protection. He wants to be our security. He wants us to trust Him for His provisions. He's everything we need. If He was enough for George, Peter and that woman caught in adulter, He's enough for me. And listen to this: He's enough for you too. Regardless of circumstance...you gotta' believe it. Sometimes all you may have is God. Remember, it's enough. Nothing more and nothing less. It's enough!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Redemption in Action
The city of Warren where I live is a depressed area. The local economy is summed up in its unemployment rate which is over 18%. People have lost jobs, benefits, and their homes as the Warren area has consistently been one of the most affordable housing markets in the United States (in this case, not a great bragging point). People struggle with depression in Warren, their is plenty of crime, lots of drugs and Warren has one of the highest divorce rates in the United States. Pretty sad. Extremely depressing.
Periodically, I'll find a story of someone who is trying to bring about some redemption in midst of our hurting and depressed city. I recently read in our local paper the story of a local pastor who has undertaken a neighborhood improvement project that city officials in Warren are hoping will spill into other areas of our city.
This local pastor created a non-profit organization that he is using to purchase vacant houses and repair them to be rented. All of the houses purchased thus far are in close proximity to the church that he pastors and it's in a dilapidated and worn down area in our city. So far, this local pastor has invested around $100,000 to purchase these five different homes with the purpose of renovation and breathing hope back into his neighborhood.
This is redemption in action. God calls us to lose our tendency to complain and instead be people (like this pastor) who bring redemption to an arena of life that is hopeless. God calls us to be innovative, creative and daring in bringing redemption to a family or even a crisis in a city. Whether its purchasing a home for renovation purposes, or taking in a foster child, or cleaning up a local park, God wants us to redeem the very things that have been taken from our communities. God is calling us to be people who bring redemption into their churches, their neighborhoods, their work places and to their cities...just like the pastor in Warren.
Redemption...what will you redeem?
Periodically, I'll find a story of someone who is trying to bring about some redemption in midst of our hurting and depressed city. I recently read in our local paper the story of a local pastor who has undertaken a neighborhood improvement project that city officials in Warren are hoping will spill into other areas of our city.
This local pastor created a non-profit organization that he is using to purchase vacant houses and repair them to be rented. All of the houses purchased thus far are in close proximity to the church that he pastors and it's in a dilapidated and worn down area in our city. So far, this local pastor has invested around $100,000 to purchase these five different homes with the purpose of renovation and breathing hope back into his neighborhood.
This is redemption in action. God calls us to lose our tendency to complain and instead be people (like this pastor) who bring redemption to an arena of life that is hopeless. God calls us to be innovative, creative and daring in bringing redemption to a family or even a crisis in a city. Whether its purchasing a home for renovation purposes, or taking in a foster child, or cleaning up a local park, God wants us to redeem the very things that have been taken from our communities. God is calling us to be people who bring redemption into their churches, their neighborhoods, their work places and to their cities...just like the pastor in Warren.
Redemption...what will you redeem?
Sunday, March 8, 2009
The Micro-Credit Solution
Six months ago I came across a book at Borders entitled, "Banker to the Poor". The title of the book caught my attention so I picked it up to read. I'm glad that I did. The book taught me about micro-credit and how it is being used in the poorest countries of the world to eradicate poverty. Following my reading of this book, I've been doing more reading on this "micro-loan" industry and to say the least, I'm very intrigued with it.
In a nutshell, micro-credit is something that started in the 1970's with a man from Bangladesh starting the Grameen Bank (with only $27.00 in his pocket) and seeking to lend money to the poorest people in the world. The money is lent at a low-interest rate and strives to give poor people capital that in turn brings revenue which ultimately brings hope to the very people who found themselves stuck in poverty. Mircro-loans can help start businesses, purchase material or supplies for businesses or for education purposes. These loans are small-scale loans ranging from 25.00 to $250 per loan, and are typically paid back on a bi-weekly basis or monthly basis to a collector or officer that works with the organization.
It's an intriguing model because it empowers the individual to work and earn money that in turn pays back the loan amount. Interesting enough, the Grameen bank has a 98% return rate and every year millions of dollars are loaned to individuals in some of the poorest countries of the world.
I've continued in reading and studying up on "micro-credit" and looked at other reputable organizations that do this here in the United States. The vision amongst these organizations is driven by the desire to see hope given to the world's poorest people. Instead of giving a hand-out, miocro-credit lending strives to equip and then empower the individual so that they can become productive and responsible workers who can sustain an income and in turn provide for themselves and their family.
What a vision this is. As I see the works of Opportunity International (www.opportunityinternational.org) and Hope International (www.hopeinternational.org), and other non-profit organizations I see a movment of concerned and caring citizens who want to put an end to injustices in our world through the empowerment of the world's poorest people (those living on less than a $1.00 a day).
When I returned from my first trip to Africa in 2006, I told God that I would do more do correct the injustices that take place on that great continent. I told God that I would use more of my time, energy and resources to bring hope and solutions to those people stuck in poverty and those who are suffering from malnutrition and other preventable diseases. If this is your heart...keep reading. If you have a desire to rescure, to empower and to be used by God to bring hope to the poorest people in our world...keep on reading.
Over the course of the next year, I want to bring awareness to world poverty and specifically how micro-credit can be a part of the solution to this world-wide problem. If you have very few resources, but you'd be willing to contribute a small amount, please let me know. If you (like me) are a little intigued with the micro-lending revolution that is happening in some of the world's poorest countries, let me know. I'd like to fan this flame in your heart. Over the course of the next several months, I'll be sharing some specific ways that you can get involved in creating and making micro-loans to the poor of our world. If this excites you, and you have a desire to be a part of this (or if you simply want some more information on micro lending)...I'd like to know about this. Email me today at parmitage@northmarchurch.com and join me in this adventure!
Go Make a Difference with your life!!!
In a nutshell, micro-credit is something that started in the 1970's with a man from Bangladesh starting the Grameen Bank (with only $27.00 in his pocket) and seeking to lend money to the poorest people in the world. The money is lent at a low-interest rate and strives to give poor people capital that in turn brings revenue which ultimately brings hope to the very people who found themselves stuck in poverty. Mircro-loans can help start businesses, purchase material or supplies for businesses or for education purposes. These loans are small-scale loans ranging from 25.00 to $250 per loan, and are typically paid back on a bi-weekly basis or monthly basis to a collector or officer that works with the organization.
It's an intriguing model because it empowers the individual to work and earn money that in turn pays back the loan amount. Interesting enough, the Grameen bank has a 98% return rate and every year millions of dollars are loaned to individuals in some of the poorest countries of the world.
I've continued in reading and studying up on "micro-credit" and looked at other reputable organizations that do this here in the United States. The vision amongst these organizations is driven by the desire to see hope given to the world's poorest people. Instead of giving a hand-out, miocro-credit lending strives to equip and then empower the individual so that they can become productive and responsible workers who can sustain an income and in turn provide for themselves and their family.
What a vision this is. As I see the works of Opportunity International (www.opportunityinternational.org) and Hope International (www.hopeinternational.org), and other non-profit organizations I see a movment of concerned and caring citizens who want to put an end to injustices in our world through the empowerment of the world's poorest people (those living on less than a $1.00 a day).
When I returned from my first trip to Africa in 2006, I told God that I would do more do correct the injustices that take place on that great continent. I told God that I would use more of my time, energy and resources to bring hope and solutions to those people stuck in poverty and those who are suffering from malnutrition and other preventable diseases. If this is your heart...keep reading. If you have a desire to rescure, to empower and to be used by God to bring hope to the poorest people in our world...keep on reading.
Over the course of the next year, I want to bring awareness to world poverty and specifically how micro-credit can be a part of the solution to this world-wide problem. If you have very few resources, but you'd be willing to contribute a small amount, please let me know. If you (like me) are a little intigued with the micro-lending revolution that is happening in some of the world's poorest countries, let me know. I'd like to fan this flame in your heart. Over the course of the next several months, I'll be sharing some specific ways that you can get involved in creating and making micro-loans to the poor of our world. If this excites you, and you have a desire to be a part of this (or if you simply want some more information on micro lending)...I'd like to know about this. Email me today at parmitage@northmarchurch.com and join me in this adventure!
Go Make a Difference with your life!!!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Can Rich People Go to Heaven?
For the last several years I’ve struggled with this very question, “Can rich people go to Heaven?” This is a valid question and one that deserves a response. This question is an offensive question that makes people squirm and feel uncomfortable. Nevertheless, it’s still a good question that needs to be addressed. In Scripture, Jesus has plenty to say about Heaven and eternity, but even more about the subject of money. In fact, Jesus talks more about money than almost any other subject except the overarching themes in the bible like salvation, abiding in Christ and loving God with a pure heart.
Our world is filled with misinformed and misguided people who take a theological position in the name of convenience. For many, poverty is inconvenient so we avoid it and for the sake of convenience and comfort, we bask in the material things that this world offers. Let’s face it, it’s convenient to drop by a fast food restaurant and grab a “large heart attack to go” and it’s convenient to keep our house warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It’s convenient to drive in a car that has heated seats and makes us feel good. Living in America, the consumer is targeted on a daily basis to live their lives in convenience and comfort. Commercials, billboards, our schools, churches and our government screams in our ears to be comfortable, even at the expense of others living uncomfortably.
Enough of my personal rant, let’s get back to this pivotal question: “Can rich people go to Heaven?” The often quoted words of Jesus in Matthew 19:24 says, “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God”. WOW! Did you hear what Jesus said? He said it’s hard for a wealthy man to enter the kingdom of God (Heaven). I don’t know if you have ever seen a camel go through the eye of a needle, but for me, it’s hard to believe that this is attainable. Jesus is saying, “how much harder it is for the rich man to spend eternity with God”. Why did Jesus say this? Did He really mean what He said? Does Jesus dislike personal wealth?
As I study this passage, it’s clear that Jesus is saying that since the man (rich young ruler) was trusting in his personal wealth rather than the Lord to save him, he could no more enter the kingdom (Heaven) than a camel to go through the “eye of a needle”. Jesus is essentially saying that to be “perfect” or attain eternal life, one must come to a crisis or a moment in ones life where wealth and materialism are crucified.
Did Jesus have a Self-Esteem Problem?
Did Jesus feel threatened by one’s personal wealth? Was He jealous? Did he ask his potential followers to lives of poverty and self examination because He was jealous of something that He didn’t have? No doubt about it, Jesus wasn’t rich. Although many prosperity preachers say that Jesus lived a lavish lifestyle, it’s clear in the pages of scripture that Jesus lived a life of simplicity where he placed more value on the eternal than the temporal and emphasized the discipline of giving more than he taught about receiving and personal gain.
So, why was Jesus so concerned about the personal wealth of some of his potential followers? Jesus unequivocally asked his disciples to be fully devoted to Him and His cause…anything less than this would not be tolerated. He wanted “all” of his followers. Anything less than being “fully devoted to Christ” is lukewarm and Jesus Himself said that He “would spit the lukewarm” out of His mouth (Revelation 3). Jesus wants our “heart, soul, mind and strength”. Jesus wants our affections. He wants our allegiance. He wants us to be completely dependent on Him for life, breath, health and the eternal things. Jesus wants any obstacle or interference to our intimacy with Him to be thrown off or cast aside. It’s not a self-esteem issue, but it’s jealousy for your heart and my heart. He loves us more than we can ever know. He made us for relationship…to be fully connected with Him and immersed into His flawless character. Jesus is jealous when we love “stuff” more than Himself. Jesus becomes jealous when our eye is constantly on what we wear, what we drive and who we are instead of living out the mission that He has called us to live…a mission that is complete dependency on Jesus himself and seeking to be hope and justice in the world that we live (this is the way Jesus lived).
Our world is filled with misinformed and misguided people who take a theological position in the name of convenience. For many, poverty is inconvenient so we avoid it and for the sake of convenience and comfort, we bask in the material things that this world offers. Let’s face it, it’s convenient to drop by a fast food restaurant and grab a “large heart attack to go” and it’s convenient to keep our house warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It’s convenient to drive in a car that has heated seats and makes us feel good. Living in America, the consumer is targeted on a daily basis to live their lives in convenience and comfort. Commercials, billboards, our schools, churches and our government screams in our ears to be comfortable, even at the expense of others living uncomfortably.
Enough of my personal rant, let’s get back to this pivotal question: “Can rich people go to Heaven?” The often quoted words of Jesus in Matthew 19:24 says, “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God”. WOW! Did you hear what Jesus said? He said it’s hard for a wealthy man to enter the kingdom of God (Heaven). I don’t know if you have ever seen a camel go through the eye of a needle, but for me, it’s hard to believe that this is attainable. Jesus is saying, “how much harder it is for the rich man to spend eternity with God”. Why did Jesus say this? Did He really mean what He said? Does Jesus dislike personal wealth?
As I study this passage, it’s clear that Jesus is saying that since the man (rich young ruler) was trusting in his personal wealth rather than the Lord to save him, he could no more enter the kingdom (Heaven) than a camel to go through the “eye of a needle”. Jesus is essentially saying that to be “perfect” or attain eternal life, one must come to a crisis or a moment in ones life where wealth and materialism are crucified.
Did Jesus have a Self-Esteem Problem?
Did Jesus feel threatened by one’s personal wealth? Was He jealous? Did he ask his potential followers to lives of poverty and self examination because He was jealous of something that He didn’t have? No doubt about it, Jesus wasn’t rich. Although many prosperity preachers say that Jesus lived a lavish lifestyle, it’s clear in the pages of scripture that Jesus lived a life of simplicity where he placed more value on the eternal than the temporal and emphasized the discipline of giving more than he taught about receiving and personal gain.
So, why was Jesus so concerned about the personal wealth of some of his potential followers? Jesus unequivocally asked his disciples to be fully devoted to Him and His cause…anything less than this would not be tolerated. He wanted “all” of his followers. Anything less than being “fully devoted to Christ” is lukewarm and Jesus Himself said that He “would spit the lukewarm” out of His mouth (Revelation 3). Jesus wants our “heart, soul, mind and strength”. Jesus wants our affections. He wants our allegiance. He wants us to be completely dependent on Him for life, breath, health and the eternal things. Jesus wants any obstacle or interference to our intimacy with Him to be thrown off or cast aside. It’s not a self-esteem issue, but it’s jealousy for your heart and my heart. He loves us more than we can ever know. He made us for relationship…to be fully connected with Him and immersed into His flawless character. Jesus is jealous when we love “stuff” more than Himself. Jesus becomes jealous when our eye is constantly on what we wear, what we drive and who we are instead of living out the mission that He has called us to live…a mission that is complete dependency on Jesus himself and seeking to be hope and justice in the world that we live (this is the way Jesus lived).
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
17 Ways You Can Invest $25.00 or Less and Impact a Life
Purchase flowers for nursing home residents (and then visit them)
Purchase and then plant some flowers for an elderly person
Make a one time donation (or ongoing commitment) to Compassion or World Vision to sponsor a hungry child (http://www.compassion.com/)
Make food and then serve food at the Warren Family Mission (arrange with Mission ahead of time)
Bless a Principal or a Favorite Teacher with a gift.
Buy Shoes for Children in Warren City Elementary Schools (and deliver them)
Purchase and give out bottled water at a local school’s basketball game (in the name of Jesus)
Buy Pizzas, deliver them and then spend time at Fairhaven School.
Do a spring cleaning at someone’s house.
Cut someone’s grass who is unable (or shovel their driveway).
Visit and give a gift to children staying in Trumbull Hospital.
Send a care package to one of our missionary families (http://www.northmarchurch.com/)
Donate $25.00 to Opportunity International (http://www.opportunityinternational.org/) to provide a micro-loan for an impoverished person.
Give away clothes that you no longer wear to the Warren Family Mission (and then go sort them at the mission)
Tutor Warren City School children with “Mind, Body and Soul” (a non-profit organization in Warren)
Make a donation to the Great Commission Fund (the fund that pays for Alliance missionaries)
Cook, deliver and eat a meal with a widow that lives on your street (this is true religion)
Purchase and then plant some flowers for an elderly person
Make a one time donation (or ongoing commitment) to Compassion or World Vision to sponsor a hungry child (http://www.compassion.com/)
Make food and then serve food at the Warren Family Mission (arrange with Mission ahead of time)
Bless a Principal or a Favorite Teacher with a gift.
Buy Shoes for Children in Warren City Elementary Schools (and deliver them)
Purchase and give out bottled water at a local school’s basketball game (in the name of Jesus)
Buy Pizzas, deliver them and then spend time at Fairhaven School.
Do a spring cleaning at someone’s house.
Cut someone’s grass who is unable (or shovel their driveway).
Visit and give a gift to children staying in Trumbull Hospital.
Send a care package to one of our missionary families (http://www.northmarchurch.com/)
Donate $25.00 to Opportunity International (http://www.opportunityinternational.org/) to provide a micro-loan for an impoverished person.
Give away clothes that you no longer wear to the Warren Family Mission (and then go sort them at the mission)
Tutor Warren City School children with “Mind, Body and Soul” (a non-profit organization in Warren)
Make a donation to the Great Commission Fund (the fund that pays for Alliance missionaries)
Cook, deliver and eat a meal with a widow that lives on your street (this is true religion)
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
FOR PARENTS ONLY (the most important connection)
Let’s face it. Probably the most important connection you can make on behalf of your teenager is to introduce them to God, His plan and His incredible love for their lives. Parents often try so hard to ensure that their student is successful in the social arena by launching them into school functions and activities and keeping them “occupied”. Students think that success is defined by their involvement in “activities” instead of being defined by what they stand for, or better yet, “who they are”.
Teenagers are busier today more than ever, and they thrive on a busy schedule. Many students that I interact with have very little margin in their lives and have commitments from dawn to dusk. Although these students are busy, are they necessarily connected to God? Is their time in their schedule to learn what it means to be a Christ-follower and to become better acquainted with the “ways of God”?
Here are five action steps that I feel every family needs to incorporate into their family (including my own) if we truly want to see the connection made between God and our children:
#1. EAT WITH YOUR FAMILY regularly. Make this a priority, and you’ll be thankful. Eating together for 30-45 minutes will allow your family to talk with each other, listen to each other and ultimately learn more about each other. If you don’t have time to eat together, either you or your family is way too busy.
#2. MAKE CHURCH LIFE APART OF THEIR ACTIVITIES. Get your student involved at North-Mar Church (or any church that preaches the Bible). We have an active student ministry (www.northmarchurch.com) that is ready to compliment and reinforce what you are already trying to teach your student. Make room in the spring and fall for a retreat or a mission’s trip…and get them there on Wednesday or Thursday nights. The truth is this: Students who are not actively involved in a church youth group are “less likely” to follow God.
#3. SAY THE WORDS, “I LOVE YOU” OFTEN. In your marriage and in your parenting, these three words should be flowing out of our mouths constantly. Teenagers need to hear these words from both parents (every single day). Hug your family often, and verbally tell them that you’re absolutely crazy about them. This type of language will create a security in teenagers, knowing that they have a mom and a dad who loves them. More than anything else in life, teenagers want someone to love them.
#4. MAKE SURE YOUR KIDS KNOW WHAT YOUR FAMILY VALUES ARE. Make sure you let your family know what you’re all about. Have “family convictions” and hold fast to them. Teenagers today WANT convictions and rules. Just remember this: “Rules without relationship leads to rebellion” (#3 and #4 go hand in hand). Use the Bible and the character of Jesus to determine what your values should look like.
#5. STAY IN AUTHENTIC COMMUNITY with other Christ-followers. Develop meaningful friendships with other parents and people who can provide support for you and mentoring for your children. Intentionally surround your teenager with friends (their own age) who love God. Be open with people. Don’t be afraid to admit failure to friends. Small groups are the best way to incorporate authentic community into your life.
Go love God, and passionately love your kids…this is our #1 calling!!!
Teenagers are busier today more than ever, and they thrive on a busy schedule. Many students that I interact with have very little margin in their lives and have commitments from dawn to dusk. Although these students are busy, are they necessarily connected to God? Is their time in their schedule to learn what it means to be a Christ-follower and to become better acquainted with the “ways of God”?
Here are five action steps that I feel every family needs to incorporate into their family (including my own) if we truly want to see the connection made between God and our children:
#1. EAT WITH YOUR FAMILY regularly. Make this a priority, and you’ll be thankful. Eating together for 30-45 minutes will allow your family to talk with each other, listen to each other and ultimately learn more about each other. If you don’t have time to eat together, either you or your family is way too busy.
#2. MAKE CHURCH LIFE APART OF THEIR ACTIVITIES. Get your student involved at North-Mar Church (or any church that preaches the Bible). We have an active student ministry (www.northmarchurch.com) that is ready to compliment and reinforce what you are already trying to teach your student. Make room in the spring and fall for a retreat or a mission’s trip…and get them there on Wednesday or Thursday nights. The truth is this: Students who are not actively involved in a church youth group are “less likely” to follow God.
#3. SAY THE WORDS, “I LOVE YOU” OFTEN. In your marriage and in your parenting, these three words should be flowing out of our mouths constantly. Teenagers need to hear these words from both parents (every single day). Hug your family often, and verbally tell them that you’re absolutely crazy about them. This type of language will create a security in teenagers, knowing that they have a mom and a dad who loves them. More than anything else in life, teenagers want someone to love them.
#4. MAKE SURE YOUR KIDS KNOW WHAT YOUR FAMILY VALUES ARE. Make sure you let your family know what you’re all about. Have “family convictions” and hold fast to them. Teenagers today WANT convictions and rules. Just remember this: “Rules without relationship leads to rebellion” (#3 and #4 go hand in hand). Use the Bible and the character of Jesus to determine what your values should look like.
#5. STAY IN AUTHENTIC COMMUNITY with other Christ-followers. Develop meaningful friendships with other parents and people who can provide support for you and mentoring for your children. Intentionally surround your teenager with friends (their own age) who love God. Be open with people. Don’t be afraid to admit failure to friends. Small groups are the best way to incorporate authentic community into your life.
Go love God, and passionately love your kids…this is our #1 calling!!!
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