The Weight of Fatherhood

Being a father can be an overwhelming job. The amount of responsibility that God has placed on men can at times, make men feel like complete failures. Apart from the grace and strength of God, being the kind of father that brings God glory is not possible. Sure you can be a father--if you define it by just having children--and make it "OK" in life, if that's your goal. But for those who want to bring glory to God through their leadership in their homes, the status-quo just isn't good enough.

God hasn't called men to mediocrity, He hasn't called men to simply provide, or to just stay married. No, no, He has called us to so much more. He has called us to lead and provide, build and protect, in a way that is counter-cultural. The way God wants His men to lead in their homes should make the non-Christian men shake their heads in disbelief. They should wonder why we choose to love the way we do. Why we provide the way we do. Why we discipline the way we do. Why we educate the way we do, and why we protect the way we do. If they aren't noticing how you lead your home, then my friend, how are you leading your home?

Admittedly, leading a home in a counter-cultural way isn't easy. It isn't going to get you on the cover of any men's magazines--well, maybe Vision Forum's--but that's it! It isn't' going to allow you to live as others may be living. You might find yourself working when others are playing. You may find yourself at home when others are out. You may find yourself surrounded by kids when others are surrounded by "big boy toys." You may wonder if it's worth it at times, and you may be tempted to lower your standards in order to live the life you "think" you're entitled to live. So let me remind you--in case you feel weighed down by life--you're serving the Lord. The decisions you're making now, for your wife and children, will reap a harvest for the Lord in the future. So hang in there.

As God told Elijah--when he was on the run from Jezebel and feeling very alone, scared, and weary--you are not alone. God said that He had preserved thousands of others who hadn't bowed the knee to Baal. He saved a remnant for His purposes and for His battles. So it is with us as well. God has called and saved a remnant who haven't bowed the knee to cultural normativity or caved in to the demands of the prosperity whore who decides what you need. He has raised up an Army to engage in the battle for the souls of the next generation. You are not alone. He has put in the hearts of thousands of men the desire to disciple their children in such a way that brings Him glory. You are not alone. He has also put in those men's hearts the desire to preserve the Godly calling and biblical legacy of virtuous motherhood, and not sacrifice the vitality of their brides at the altar of modernity which waits like a hungry jackal in the work place for the heart and soul of our wives.

The weight of fatherhood is enormous, and on our own, we're destined to ruin it like so many before us have done. But God, the God of the bible has a different plan. He desires to see us live for His glory, and with that desire, has provided a way for this to be accomplished. Draw strength from the blood of those who have gone before you. Hear their voices calling to you from the grave. Hear the voices of Apostles and Prophets from the words of scripture, and hear the voice of the One who hung on the cross and bore it all. He stretched out His arms to die, setting an example of Godly manhood for those would call Him Lord, and now calls us to pick up our cross and follow Him!

Protecting Daughters

Let's face it, Men, there are a lot of ways our daughters can be hurt in today's society. We need to be diligent in our protection of them and not shy away from those we believe may be a predator in the lurking.

Our culture comes at our daughters fast and furious, and in ways that on the surface may seem "harmless" or even "good." One of these ways is through the attempted hijacking of our daughters hearts through "boy bands." In my era it was "New Kids on the Block." Today, it's groups like the Jonas Brothers, who, if ever wanted to come near my girls would end up on the back of a milk carton as missing. These boys aren't anything I would ever hope my girls would marry and find it appalling that many Christian's actually push these dweebs on their girls and even hint at them being "good catches." PLEASE!

Don't forget it was a Jonas boy who dated Miley Cyrus and received photos of her in her under-garments via their cell phones. Godly standard? Not even close!

Another area our daughters need protection in is from those who may find them attractive. As your daughters grow older and enter into those years when they begin changing and go from being your "little" girl to being your "young" lady, you're not the only one who will notice the changes! Men are men, and men (Christian and especially Non) are looking for easy targets. They may be especially attracted to your girls if you're raising them to be feminine and are cultivating Godly character in them. Femininity and a quiet spirit are two Male magnets, so be on the look out.

For those guys who may think I'm going too far, or doubt what I'm saying, just think back to your BC days (before Christ). You know how you were, at least I do, and it wasn't a pretty thing. So be on your guard against guys who remind you of......well..... YOU! Your daughters will be very thankful that you stood up for them in the face of adversity and protected their heart from those who had wrong motives, and just for clarity, anything other than a lifetime commitment in the covenant of marriage, is a wrong motive!

You have one shot at raising your daughters, so don't blow it. If defending your girls means losing some relationships, lose them. If defending them means looking foolish, look foolish. If defending them means you get talked about, get talked about. I think there may be another group talking about you not from the world....like the Trinity, and the Angels!

The word of God says in the Song of Songs not to "awaken love before it's time," and how I see it, it isn't time until she's ready for marriage. So I leave you with this verse, and hope to God you have no regrets on your daughter's wedding day, which is possible with the grace and power of God:

"Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong."
-1 Corinthians 16:13

Are You Worth Imitating?

What is your family catechism? By that, I mean, what are you teaching your children about the Lord?

You see friends, we all teach our children about God, all the time.

You teach them values, morals, ethics, doctrine, and so on, and all these teach about God. Your children are always learning. Even in the fun stuff, you're teaching your children about God.

Now, you want to hear something frightening? Good, hear it is--Your values will be their values--Your morals will be their morals--Your ethics will be their ethics--And your doctrine will be their doctrine.

Ouch! I know, that stinks....or does it? If we wouldn't want our children embracing our values, then why do we embrace our values??

If we wouldn't want our children embracing our morals, then why do we embrace our morals??

If we wouldn't want our children embracing our ethics, then why do we embrace our ethics??

And if we wouldn't want our children embracing our doctrine, again, then why do we embrace our doctrine??

Are there exceptions to this, absolutely! Thank you Lord! But for the most part, our children will become who we are. So, the question is; "Who are you?" Are you someone worth becoming? Just in case you're wondering, your children are becoming you to a large degree.

That private movie stash, will be theirs one day...

Those private magazines, will be theirs one day...

Those secret relationships, will be theirs one day...

The God you serve, will be theirs one day...

Knowing this, wouldn't you want to change a few things in your life? Wouldn't you want your view of God to be so awe-inspiring that it inspires your children?

Don't you want your relationships to be honorable before the Lord, so that your children's relationships remain honorable before the Lord?

And don't you want your morals and values to be honorable before the Lord, so that your children's morals and values are honorable before the Lord?

I know I do...and I also know they haven't always been that. Were it not for God's grace and His redemptive work in my life, I, and my children, would be without hope. With His grace and redemption though, we can smile at the future, knowing that He who began a good work in us, will perfect it until the day of Christ's return!

So stand on God's grace--take a stance for your family--make some hard decisions--and forge a new future for you and your children. The more Christ-likeness you see developing in you, the more you can hope to see developing in your children. His grace is sufficient, and His gospel is beautiful. Embrace it, and pray the same for your kids!

A Faithful Generation...

This Friday night, June 5th, I have the honor of speaking to the 2009 Homeschool Graduates of Northwest Indiana, in Schererville, IN..

The Lord has put on my heart to speak to them about remaining faithful as His children, even when their leaders aren't around. My text is Exodus 32, the story of the Golden Calf.

Even after all that God did in the midst of Egypt for the nation of Israel, they still worshiped false idols when they perceived their leader, Moses, to be taking too long to return from Mount Sinai.

Might we do the same to the Lord? How quickly we demand something tangible to fulfill us. We are idolaters at heart, and it needs to be addressed, both in my heart and yours. Thank God for the gospel!

So if you remember, keep me in your prayers. Pray that the Lord would speak to me and through me this Friday night. May God be glorified!

Obama's Supreme Court Nominee: Bitter Sweet for Latino Christians

As a Mexican-American, part of me wants to rejoice in the fact that soon, the highest court in the land will better reflect the diversity of the American people. Sonia Sotomayor, President Obama's Supreme Court Nominee, is a girl who has come up through the ranks and I'm sure has made her family proud.

Now, she stands only a few weeks away from becoming the first Hispanic ever to serve as a Supreme Court Justice, and oh how I wish I could rejoice in this, but I can't...

As a Latino Christian, I know that Sonia Sotomayor embraces an ideology that my Bible speaks against. She stands side by side with the radical far Left ideology that President Obama himself embraces, and because of this, I can't say this is a good day for the Hispanic community.

Some in my community, or might I say, most, will see this as a great moment to celebrate. Just as most in the African-American community saw the election of Mr. Obama as a great moment to celebrate. They see our country advancing past ethnic divides and moving toward a more inclusive future that will open doors to our children and will hopefully put to rest the bigotry and racism that has besmirched our Nation for far too long. And to this, I rejoice with you. No one wants to see these sins carry on into to the future, No One!

To see our Nation move forward in the area of racial diversity and racial inclusiveness is a very worthy goal that I desperately want to see occur as well. But at what cost? The price we pay as Americans to move forward an agenda of "inclusiveness" and "diversity" should never come at the expense of righteousness. It shouldn't come at the expense of Godliness, or morality either.

There are things more important than having our first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice, at least in my eyes, and one of those would be wisdom. Another, holiness. And yet another, integrity. These traits come through the fear of the Lord. The word of God declares that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." The kind of people we should hope to have leading our land are God fearing people who evidence their faith through good works and and a biblical worldview.

When one doesn't fear the Lord, there isn't anything that's sacred. Whether it be an unborn child created in the image of God, or the sanctity of marriage between a Man and a Woman. If God isn't feared, everything is subjective. If God's moral law isn't held as holy, all laws become subjective and arbitrary. This is where I believe we're headed as a Nation.

If I sound pessimistic, I am. In an earthly sense. If it weren't for the gospel of Jesus Christ, I'd have no reason for hope at all. All would be doom and gloom. Perhaps I'd have my own conservative talk show to lament for the next 8 years!

Yet, I am hopeful, because the gospel cannot be legislated out of our Nation. It cannot be voted on by the American people. It cannot be removed from power by the President. Nor can it be made powerless by Godless human beings.

So, let us renew our hope, and strengthen our witness. If God could change Judea and Samaria with twelve Spirit filled Men, surely He can change America with several million who call Christ Lord!

2008 CTA Bus Rodeo Competition

I know it's a bit late, but just thought I'd post it anyway.

Last year I was fortunate to make it to the "Winning Circle" portion of the CTA's Bus Rodeo. The Winning Circle are the top 40 operators in the system, 5 from each of our 8 garages, who made the cut from round 1 competition. It was fun, and I hope to return again this year.

The CTA gave us all some very nice prizes, and fed us well too. I seen old friends there, and made some new ones, like Jairo Naranjo. He has won it all four years in a row.

The competition consisted of driving an obstacle course in a set time. The course tested your abilities in a number of manouvers, such as: Y backs, driving through diminishing barrels at 40mph, going through tennis balls that weren't visible, making perfect L/R turns, and much more!

Below are some pics I snapped on my cell phone...

Above: Me in front my bus before driving the course!
Below: The Champ, Jairo Naranjo! (Bald one)

Above: Jairo and Joe walking through the diminsighing barrels!
Below: New Flyer bus used in competition!

This year's competition will begin this spring...we'll see how it goes!

Memorial Day - 2009

This Memorial Day, fly the flag, and fly it proud!

Thank a Veteran for serving to protect your freedom from those who seek to perpetuate evil, and cause harm.

God calls Men to protect their homes, their children, and their wives, with the use of the sword. If you're a pacifist who doesn't believe in violence, it's ok, just stay behind me and I'll protect you!

Above: My Navy Grad photo
Below: Me aboard the USS Midway
in front of an FA-18 Hornet)

Below: Graduation day in Orlando, FL
with my parents.

(Below are some photos taken at a WWII tribute
that my family attended in May)

This is Mr. Bill Sweeney. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge during WWII.
It was an honor to meet him!

Below are my two boys, Stephen and Ravi with two
young soldiers!

Below is my wife, June, and our eight children!

Manhood...Defined!

Who defines Manhood?

Bible...or...Culture?

Answer: The Bible!

Check this verse out;

1 Corinthians 16:13

13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. (English Standard Version)

Here it is in the Amplified Bible;

13Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith (your conviction respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, keeping the trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it). Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength!

Isn't it great to know that as Men, we don't have to be effeminate to follow Christ. We can, and are called to be, masculine. Spurgeon once said: "There has gone abroad the notion that in order for a Man to follow Christ he must sink his manliness."

What strikes me about the above verse is the gender specific command that Paul places on the Men at Corinth. How I wish we heard more of this type of language on Sunday mornings. We need Pastors to lay it on thick when it comes to being Men in the biblical form that Paul describes in the text. Perhaps if they did call us out more, we might see an uprising of spiritually strong, firmly devoted, family loving, Christ glorifying, masculine men!

I wonder what you all think about the Men in church today. Are they masculine? Courageous? Firm in their faith? Alert? Responsible? Strong? Chivalrous? Godly?

Let me know what you see!

Contemplative Quote...

"Tolerance is the virtue
of a Man
with no conviction"
- G K Chesterton

Some Pics from The Gospel Coalition Conference

Here's few photos I snapped at the GCN conference I attended with my Dad, and brother, Israel. We had a great time listening to some dynamic speakers. All the messages can be viewed, or listened to, at the GCN website!

Voddie Baucham from 'Desiring God' '06

10 Ways to Know Your Pastor Isn't Called!

Top Ten Reasons You Know
Your Pastor Isn't Called

10. He doesn’t agree with you.
9. He cheats at golf.
8. He thinks “Pyromaniacs” is a disco group.
7. He thinks Thomas Nelson wrote the Bible.
6. She doesn’t wear enough makeup.
5. He wears too much makeup.
4. He thinks Plato is the original Greek.
3. He has “applause” lights on the front of the pulpit.
2. He thinks the movie “The Godfather” denied the Trinity.
1. He insists on including eunuchs in his altar calls.

Dumb Church Sign

How'd you like to call this church home?? I took this pic on my cellphone last summer driving home. They've since changed it, thankfully...

I wonder what God thinks when He looks down at those who call Him Father???

Gospel Coalition Conference '09

This past week, I took a few days out of my vacation, and kitchen rehab project, to attend the Gospel Coalition Network's 2009 conference entitled; "Entrusted With The Gospel; Living the Vision of 2 Timothy"

I attended with my brother Israel and my Dad. It was a nice chance to hang with family and see and hear from Men who God is using to advanc His kingdom. Men like Tim Keller, John Piper and Mark Driscoll to name just a few. To see the full line-up, and to hear or watch the video's from the conference, click here.

There were so many good things that went on and I went away with much to chew on, and much to ponder. It was really cool sitting less than 10 feet away from Tim Keller and D.A. Carson during one session. It was awesome spending about an hour and a half talking wth Jeff Louie over lunch and gleaning from him nuggets of truth on the state of the church and how we must remember the lowly in our society.

Attending gave me an opportunity to see Men I admire and respect again and say hi to them for a few minutes. Men like Scott Thomas and Tyler Powell, who are the Director and Asst. Director of Acts 29, a church planting network doing some amazing things for God's kingdom.

I saw some good friends from New Life Community Church in Chicago, along with the crew from Bethel Church in Crown Point, IN. Seeing friends who are doing their parts to move the kingdom forward is always a great thing. And today, with cyberspace, we're always just a click away from staying in touch.

I also went away with about $150 in free books! This helps ease the pain of $5.50 sloppy joes. :-)

So all in all, it was a good time. I cut it a day short and went home early to celebrate my son Ravi's 8th birthday. As good as the conference was, it doesn't compare to being a Dad and hanging with my crew at home. Reality set back in as I looked at my kitchen which was gutted of all the old cabinets and flooring, and needed to be put back together before I go back to work on Monday.

So be sure and vist the GCN's website for the messages from a really great conference, then go out and advance the kingdom for your King!

Marriage and Men

The sermon, "Marriage and Men," by Mark Driscoll, should be required listening for any Man who wants to be a follower of Christ, or is a follower of Christ!

OK, maybe "required" is a bit much, but not by far. If you haven't heard it yet, you must. If your a husband, or have a husband, if your a son, or have a son, if your a man, or want to be a man (whatever that means), you need to listen to this sermon.

Ladies, who read my wife's blog, listen to this sermon and then make your husband listen to it. You won't regret it!

Click here for the link to the sermon!

Are American Christians Committed to the Church?

In my last post, "Growing On Your Own," my good friend, Kevin, raised an interesting point with this comment:

"Statistically, many Americans already believe they don't need the church in order to be spiritually growing people. And that's the problem. The church doesn't fit into the growth plan of most people who want to be spiritual."

I'd like to know what you think about this. Do you want to be spiritual? And if so, does the church fit into this desire?

Do you think "most" people who want to be spiritual think they can accomplish this without the church? And a bigger question is, "Can this be accomplished without the church?"

Look forward to hearing what you think about this issue! And gentlemen, (or ladies), don't hold back!

And for those who live outside the US, I'm curious about how committed you see the Christians in your country are toward the church?

Growing On Your Own

If you left your church, for whatever reason, would you keep growing in your walk with Christ?

If your church shut-down, split, went belly up, etc., would you keep growing in your walk with Christ?

If you moved, got transferred, enlisted in the service, or found yourself alone in life, would you keep growing in your walk with Christ?

If your "fellowship" ended on your last day at your old church, would you keep growing in your walk with Christ?

Sometimes the walk of a Christian calls us to keep growing on our own. You may not always find yourself surrounded by other Christian Men, but the biblical injunction to keep growing still applies.

The Martyrs of near and distant lands often went to their deaths alone, with not a sole to comfort them, except for their Christ. He is sufficient. He is all we need. He is the gospel, and the gospel is what we stand in, are saved by, and propels us forward in the face of adversity. The battle for the kingdom summons you to bear arms, you must continue to fight for the heart of your King even if you look around and it's just you on the battlefield. Courage is not the absence of fear, but doing what is right in the face of adversity. Are you courageous-- are you a warrior your Christ can count on-- or do you shrivel and cower when the arrows of life and your enemy start flying?

As I write this, I'm listening to "Beautiful Day" by U2, and it's helping me think about the fact that everyday is a beautiful day that is walked with the precious Lord Jesus Christ. He gave all in the face of opposition. He shed His blood when His orders called Him to. He is our great God and King and is calling all His mighty Men to do battle in the arena of life. Can you hear the trumpet? Can you hear the roar of the Lion of the tribe of Judah? Will you show up for battle?

I hate hearing of Men who once walked with Christ, but now, because they're not "in church" anymore, have lost their way and turned their backs on Christ. What was the church to them? A nursery? A playground? Or was it what it's suppose to be, a training center, equipping Men to go into battle ready to deal the enemy a death blow every chance he got. Equipping Men to keep growing in their walks with Christ when they're on their own. Ready to lead his family with courage, to disciple his children with diligence, and to love his wife with unwavering devotion!

I'm a church guy. I believe Christ shed His blood for her. I believe whenever possible, Men should be servants in a local assembly, contributing to the prosperity of that church, helping her reach her community. If you're in a healthy, missional, gospel centered local assembly consider yourself blessed. Unfortunately, not all are. Not all have found what the scriptures call churches to be, and my point isn't to blame churches, but to call Men. To call Men to keep growing when everything in you is beckoning you to stop walking with Christ.

If you have stopped walking with the Lord because your "on your own," imagine where we'd be if Christ had done the same...

When Rockers Repent...

Read an article the other day about how Reginald Arvizu, better known as 'Fieldy' from the band Korn, had found God and repented of his past behavior and sins to his fellow band members. Fieldy is the second member of Korn to become a Christian. The first was Brian 'Head' Welch. You can read about his conversion here.

If Fieldy's repentance is real, and from what I've read it seems to be, I say Amen! Imagine the impact someone with his connections could have on the music industry. Think of the witnessing opportunities he could have within the crowd he runs with.

In the article cited, he said his Dad, a born-again Christian, had only one with on his death bed, and that was for his son to find God. And according to the facts, he was born-again the night his father passed away.

I'm sure you could point to things in his life, or Welch's, that may provoke some thought of "That isn't right." But be careful, because they might do the same to you. These guys coming to Christ from the industry they're in reminds me of the passage in Mark 2 when Jesus was having lunch with the "sinners and tax collectors," and told the Pharisee's, who hated to see him with such dregs of society, that he came not to call the righteous to repentance, but sinners. And according to scripture, these guys are 'sinners,' and me too!

Other notables who've gotten saved, according to their testimony and not my opinion, are: Deion Sanders, MC Hammer, RUN (of RUN DMC), Bono, and I'm sure you can name some.

My hope is that we see and hear about more stories of repentance and faith in Chirst as the years go on within the music industry, sports industry, hollywood, etc. These industries may be hard to conquer, but the gospel is powerful. Jesus said; "I will build my kingdom, and not even the gates of hell will prevail." If they're called, they'll get saved. Glory to God!

¹⁵ Later, Levi invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. (There were many people of this kind among Jesus’ followers.) ¹⁶ But when the teachers of religious law who were Pharisees saw him eating with tax collectors and other sinners, they asked his disciples, “Why does he eat with such scum?”

¹⁷ When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” - Mark 2: 15-17

Contemplative Quote...

“Worship is the submission of all of our nature to God.
It is the quickening of conscience by His holiness,
Nourishment of mind by His truth,
Purifying of imagination by His beauty,
Opening of the heart to His love,
And submission of will to his purpose.
And all this gathered up in adoration is the greatest of human expressions of which we are capable.” - William Temple

Men's Leadership Summit...Day 3

Well, I'm back home now and me and Stephen are still digesting everything we heard and experienced at the Summit. Even though my family has been home educating our children for over 14 years, and I've heard some of these men speak before, and their messages doesn't change throughout the years, it's always encouraging, exciting, challenging, and empowering to hear the message of why we do what we do articulated with clarity and passion from men who God has raised up for such a time as this.

There were many memorable moments and quotes from the conference. My son Stephen asking Doug Phillips, Voddie Baucham, Kevin Swanson, and the other who spoke what he should be doing now as young boy since he feels God calling him to be a Pastor. Also at the end of the last message, all the sons were asked to come forward as Scott Brown prayed God's blessing and favor over them as all the men in attendance raised their hands to the Lord, which was a very stirring moment!

Two quotes I thought were memorable are:

• "History is not made by majorities, but by dedicated minorities." - Doug Phillips
• "Let's stop using our children as canon fodder in the culture war." - Voddie Baucham

On the final day we started with a nice bible study geared at helping men in their marriages from the current President of ATI. Then we heard from Mike Cheney on the dynamics of "Leading and Bleeding" with your leadership team. And finally, after brunch, we heard some encouraging words from State Senator Kevin Lundberg on how God has saved a remnant in the Colorado State Legislature. He told us that 10 current State Senators had or are currently homeschooling their children. After Kevin Lundberg, came Kevin Swanson, who delivered the final call for Men to rise up to be the kind of Men God has called them to be. He laid out his 40 year vision for the homeschool movement and got a standing ovation that lasted at least 3 minutes. It was powerful to say the least!

For anyone interested in purchasing the messages that were delivered at this Summit, they are available at Resounding Voice. You can purchase individual sessions or the entire conference on CD or Mp3. If you're a homeschooling Dad especially, or just a Mom looking for encouragement, I'd spend the money in a heartbeat. Investing in you is investing in your children, and investing in your children is investing in the future of the kingdom of God.

So here's a few more photos from the event for you to enjoy, and perhaps we'll see one another at a future event. On the way home I met up with some friends at Fair Oaks Dairy Farm for some ice-cream and fellowship. It was a great three days with my son that I hope he never forgets...

Above is Colorado State Senator Kevin Lundberg.

He strongly supports home education!

Men's Leadership Summit 2009...Day 2

Me and Stephen are greatly rejoicing tonight as we turn in for a much needed night of rest. We've been on the go since 6:30 this morning and have enjoyed every bit of the day. It's now 11pm and as Stephen lays in bed I wanted to share a few thoughts and photos with you.

Today we heard from Doug Phillips, Brian Ray, Chris Klicka, Scott Brown, Kevin Swanson and Voddie Baucham. Wow, what a line-up! It was like drinking from a fire hydrant all day long, and loving every minute of it. They sounded the battle cry for the hearts of our children, the health of our families, and the legacy of our nation. And all I can say is, the message was received...

The highlight of the day wasn't having breakfast with Voddie Baucham, or meeting legends in the home discipleship movement like Norm Wakefield and Rick Boyer, who I spoke with over lunch, as great as those moments were. No, it was much more significant than that. It was helping my son Stephen ask the panel of Doug, Voddie, Kevin, Brian and Chris what he should be doing now as a young boy to help him prepare to be a preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ! And then hearing those Men of God as they looked him in the eye and offer their advice to him. That was golden!

Well, here's some photos from the day, hope you enjoy them...

Men's Leadership Summit 2009...Day 1

Me and Stephen, my 9 year old son, arrived in Indianapolis safe for our three day getaway at the Leadership Summit 2009 gathering. Me met some old and new friends and enjoyed two very stirring messages from Kevin Swanson and Voddie Baucham respectively.

Both Men laid out a clear and compelling vision for what Men need to do in order to break the cycle of children growing up in Christian homes and then walking away from the faith at an alarming rate of between 70-88% before the end of their freshman year of college.

Their challenge to us in the home discipleship movement is, with God's word guiding us, God's word informing, God's Spirit leading us, and God's Son saving us, can we do better? Must we do better? I think the answer is clear...

We have a long day scheduled tomorrow so by for now. Here's some photos from the first night...

Stephen: "Hi Mama"
Me: "Hey Kids, Hey June, Love Ya"

Contemplative Quote...

"Most Men lead lives of quiet desperation
and go to the grave with the song still in them."
- Henry David Thoreau

Your Life on Stage...What ending will yours have???

This skit is worth watching again and again. God's grace is never-ending and so is eternity. Are you ready for it??? If you feel far from God, it isn't because God's far from you!

Tithe Rap...

Driscoll on Nightline...

In case you didn't know, I'm a big Mark Driscoll guy. I'll go to bat for him, 'cause he'll go to bat for Christ, any day of the week! This is a new clip of him on Nightline that ran last week. Enjoy!

Church Is a Horrible Hobby...

Last night at work I was listening to my boy, Matt Chandler, via "The Village Church" podcast on my iPod and thought he made some interesting remarks.

He said that going to church and "trying" to be a "good Christian" is a horrible hobby. Trying to keep enough rules to be ok with God, trying to be good enough to make those around you happy and so on, is a horrible hobby. If it isn't out of love for Christ and an act of worship, it's drudgery. Admit it, he's right. I've been there, you've been there, we've all been there, I think, if we're honest.

He said it's like "Halloween" every week.

You put on your "Christian face," get all dressed up and pretend to be something you're not. When asked "how's it going?" you respond "good brother, praise the Lord." Then you walk away knowing you just lied and deep down in your heart you wish you could have told him the truth, sat down, and got some prayer.

Let's be honest about who we really are. We are born-again, Holy Spirit regenerated, Christ followers and Christ worshipers who struggle to live holy lives and battle against the enemy every day of our existence. We are men who everyday must be ready for battle the minute our feet hit the floor. We must be ready to fight at a moments notice for our souls, our families, and our God!

Although we can fool everyone in church, we cannot fool the one who presides over the church. Jesus sees us for who we really are. So why do we pretend on Sunday mornings? Why can't we just be who we are? Sinners saved by God's amazing grace!

Robert Robinson wrote about this in his hymn, "Come Thou Fount," with these words; "Prone to wander, Lord I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love. Here's my heart, o take and seal it. Seal it for thy courts above."

Does your heart betray you everyday like mine does ? You know the life you want to live, but you feel so prone to wander. Does the church invite the "messy" people like me in? Or do we have Halloween every week? Do Pastors set the example of how to repent of sin, cry out to God for mercy, and plead with the Lord to make us more like Christ every week from the pulpit? Or do they seem so untouchable that the only way to seem anything like them is to fake it, like many of them do? On the streets of Chicago this is called perpetrating, or false flagging. Pretending to be something you're not.

In the end, in some way, I guess we all play church on Sundays. Lord knows I do. Wouldn't want to disrupt the culture you know. If people really knew me for who I am inside they probably wouldn't like me very much. And if I knew them for who they really are, I probably wouldn't like them very much. So I guess we'll go on having Halloween every week in order to "keep the peace." After all, isn't that what good church folk do? God help us...

Going to FFH Concert with Janai...

Tonight I'll be escorting the prettiest little 16 year old girl in Northwest Indiana to Bethel Church in Crown Point to see the group "FFH" in concert. How do I know she's the prettiest little girl in the region? Because she's my daughter and she looks like me! :)

We're both looking forward to our Daddy date night!

Taking Kids To See Franklin Graham

My kids are excited and ready to go, because tonight we're heading to Moody Memorial Church in Chicago to see Franklin Graham as he closes out this year's Founders Week for Moody Bible Institute.

Franklin, in case you don't know, is the eldest son of Billy Graham, who is one the most well know Christians of all time. Franklin is also founder and president of Samaritans Purse, a Christian relief organization.

My oldest son, Stephen Josiah, is a huge Billy Graham fan, and has been waiting for this day to come for some time now. This is a great opportunity for me and my four oldest children to get some time together and do something that will inspire and encourage them in their faith for years to come.

We'll be leaving early to pick up my Mom and several of my nieces and nephews as well.

If you're in the Chicagoland area, carve out a Friday night and join us up there. Doors open 6pm, with the event beginning at 7:15pm!

One Thing You Can't Do In Heaven

I had the privilege last Sunday of hearing Mark Cahill speak live at Bethel Church in Crown Point, IN., and Man let me tell you, he shook me to the core.

His passion for evangelism is unparalleled and his call to the church in America is a much needed wake-up call.

Mark is a former basketball player who played his college ball at Auburn and was teammates with Charles Barkley. After getting his degree in Business and working in the field for a while the Lord called him out and he began his journey of sharing his faith and summoning the people of God to do the same.

He's written a couple of books, "One Thing You Can't Do In Heaven," and "One Heartbeat Away," which you find on Amazon. I would encourage you to visit his website and order his books, listen to his messages, get to know him, and let him challenge you. I don't think I'll ever be the same after hearing him speak. Just last night at work I was able to share my faith with an unbeliever and present the gospel message to him. To God be the Glory!

Educating Children Pt.4 - Education as Discipleship

In this, my last post on 'Educating Children,' I would like to write briefly about how the education of our children helps or hinders us as parents in our attempt to obey the scriptures and "bring up our children in the training and instruction of the Lord."

Over the years as a Father of 8 homeschooling children, I've been pleasantly observing the transitional language that those in the homeschool movement have begun to perpetuate.

I've seen the movement go from one of "homeschooling," to "home education," to "home discipleship." And I like the last statement the best. I believe it encapsulates what home educators are after. We're not trying to do public school at home, or trying to compete the public schools at all. We are after something much more significant. Much more substantial. Much more faithful to scripture.

Those families who we spend time with, who are also home educators, are after the multi-generational vision that the word of God sets forth for parents to pursue in the covenant relationship that they have with Him and their children.

The Lord doesn't save people to be cul-de-sacs. He saves them to be 6-way intersections, affecting lives in all direction. Telling others of His goodness, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and most of all His Son. And He expects parents to begin their missionary life by bringing up their children firmly grounded in His word, and thoroughly protected from those who would seek to harm them.

"...Remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses."
Nehemiah 4:14

Did you hear that Men? The Lord says to fight for your families, not to offer them on the alter of convenience in the name of education.

Use the 12+ years of educating your children as a precious time of molding them, shaping them, developing them, and directing them in the way they should go. The Lord promises that if we do this correctly, they will not depart from the faith when they get old! (Proverbs 22:6)

How sad it is when a Father and Mother hear the great commission in Mathew 28:19, and never think to begin with those living in the same household as them. If you think I'm exaggerating, think again. The following is true:

• Between 75-88% of children growing up in Christian homes are leaving the faith by the end of their 2nd year of college.
• Less than 1 out of 10 "churched" teenagers has a biblical worldview. (*Churched means they went to Sunday school and youth group for 13 years from ages 5-18)
• The average Christian Father spends less than 1 minute a day engaged in conversation with each of his children.
• Most Christian homes have no formal discipleship happening on a daily basis.
• Most Christian homes don't do Family Devotions at all, let alone on a regular basis.
• Fathers hearts aren't turned to their children as they are commanded to be in scripture. (Malachi 4:6)

Can we do better? absolutely! Will it be easy? nothing worthy is! Look to cross Men, and call upon the Lord for a fresh vision for your home!

Stand on His promises and enjoy the fruit of living under His sovereign Hand!

Educating Children Pt.3 - Educational Jurisdiction

OK... Part 3.. this time we're looking at the topic of 'Educational Jurisdiction.' In other words, who has God given the responsibility to for the education of His children?

Let's begin with some verses:

Eph. 6:4 4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Deut. 6:4-9 4 ¶ Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: 5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. {teach: Heb. whet, or, sharpen} 8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. 9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

Prov. 22:6 6 ¶ Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (This verse is very specific in the meaning of the words for 'train up' and 'the way he should go.' The education he/she receives should help, not hinder, the child to accomplish that which God wants to see happen in the life of that child, namely, that they love him and serve him for their whole lives.)

Psalm 78:1-4 1 ¶ Maschil of Asaph. Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth. {Maschil…: or, A Psalm for Asaph to give instruction}
2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
3 Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.
4 We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.

So we see that from the beginning, God's desires for the children of His children is that they be brought up in a covenantally faithful household, and a large part of the discipleship process is the how we educate our children.

We see this evidenced by what the Lord said of Abraham being covenantally faithful in the following verse: (Genesis 18:19 19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.)

Again, I'll repeat what I stated in another post, We as Christians cannot compartmentalize various areas of our lives and separate certain parts of them from the counsel of the Lord. Education is not spiritually neutral. In fact, education is inherently spiritual. Few things are more spiritual than education.

Why do Men who have a desire for ministry go to Bible college or seminary? Why not go to a government college? You know why! Because they wouldn't receive an education that would edify them and help them in their desire to serve the Lord faithfully in their calling. Right?

So is it different with our children? Don't they have a calling on their lives? Doesn't God desire for them to serve him faithfully all their lives, regardless of vocation? Yes He does. And he expects, no, let me rephrase that, He commands parents to help ensure that this happens and holds them directly responsible for how they turn out. For better or for worse!

The state has no jurisdiction over your children outside of keeping the rule of law. God didn't establish state governments to educate the children of His covenant members. In fact, he established it primarily to punish evil doers. So if you've been thinking that the state does have jurisdiction over the education of your children, they don't, You Do. Assume it, and set out on the path of giving your children a thoroughly biblical education. Your children may just thank you with their life for all eternity!

Educating Children Pt 2: The Pros and Cons of Public Schools, Private Schools and Home Schools!

OK, my 2nd post on 'Educating Children.' Today's title:

"The Pros and Cons of Public Schools, Private Schools, and Home Schools"

Hopefully, I'll be able to portray a pretty good picture of what I experienced in my own life as a public school student for 12+ years, and now a homeschooling Dad for 12+ years.

What I present is no way meant to be an exhaustive list of pros and cons, and may not accurately represent what you've experienced and have seen in your neck of the woods.

I understand that public schools in wealthier rural areas out perform public schools in poorer urban areas. My portrayal is based on national averages and overall behavioral patterns in general, not one district in particular.

We'll start with the pros and cons of Public or Government Schools, and end with the pros and cons of Home Schools.

Public or Government Schools:

Pros:

• Already paid for by your tax dollars. Out of pocket expenses are kept to a minimum, and limited to such things as field trips and perhaps fund raiser events. Depending on school, you may have to purchase uniforms as well.
• All the work is done for you. All you need to do is get 'em there. Either drive them yourself or have them ready for the school bus rain or shine.
• Your days are just that, YOUR DAYS. No kids to disrupt you while watching TV, surfing the web, making calls, running errands, etc., etc..
• Frees up Mom to pursue a career outside of the home where she can find her perceived happiness and true liberation from what the Lord says matters most.

Cons:

• Unbiblical world view is taught to your child for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, 9 months a year, for 12 years of their life.
• Negative and evil peer pressures surround your child for time stated above.
  
• Child is faced with all types of sin that most children are unable to walk away from because of immaturity and lack of time being trained by parents.
• Innocents of child is lost at an age when unable to process the things they hear and see such as: sexual misconduct, vulgar language, homosexuality, immodest dress, poor character, rebellion to authority, rebellion toward God, hatred of God, etc.
• Parents sin against child by placing them in an environment that is hostile toward what they believe and where the child will almost always be the one who's converted. A lack of charity toward our children is to sin against them.
• Class sizes are about 1 teacher to 30+ students.
• No biblical or jurisdictional authority over the education of your child.
• Parental authority in the life of the child is almost completely obliterated.
• Unnatural surroundings (age segregation) leave children ill-prepared for real world.
  
• One size fits all approach to curriculum, learning styles, etc.
  
• Virtually no one on one time with teachers unless they're deemed 'special need' or 'underachieving.'
• Slave to schools calendar and schedule.
  
• Child is forced to violate the commands in Psalm 1 which reads:

1 ¶ Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.

Private Schools:

Pros:

• The Same as for Public Schools, with the following added.
• Teachers try harder because they're paid better.
• In Christian Schools, at least the Teachers are suppose to have a biblical worlview. But according to the Barna Group, only about 20% of Evangelicals actually have a biblical worldview.
• Facilities are better maintained than at public schools.
• The sins of the students are more white-washed, giving the appearance of 'not-so-bad.'

Cons:

• The same as for Public Schools with following added.
• Students at Christian Private Schools act and think like their public school counterparts sending confusing signals to your child who you tell that the kids there are better because they're "Christian."
• With so many "Christian" students doing 'it', 'it' must be ok for your child to do it, or so they think.
• Many students there are there because their parents are hoping that private school will 'get out' what public school 'put in' for 8 years.
• No biblical or jurisdictional authority over the education of your child.
• Parental authority in the life of the child is weakened by time apart and by who the child views as "intelligent."
• Financial Costs. Can leave many families financially burdened, especially larger families with multiple students attending.

Home Schools:

Pros:

• Controlled environment.
• Environment conducive to learning.
• Child is taught by parent or co-op leader who is under the authority of Jesus.
• Parent-child relationship strengthened throughout school year.
• Authority of parents in child's life is established and strengthened .
• One on one time of student/teacher.
• Class size limited to number of children in family.
• Curriculum tailored to child's' learning style(s).
• Supremacy of God in academics upheld.
• God's relevance in the world is taught to child throughout school year.
• Superior academic performance on SAT, ACT.
• Higher level of performance per grade level compared to public and private school students.
• Hebrew method of discipleship (walk beside, talk beside) established in child's life.
• Obedience to commands to "bring up" children "in the Lord". (Deut. 6: 4-9; Eph. 6:4)
• Family vision impressed upon child without negative influence dissuading child from it.
• Negative or ungodly behavior can be dealt with swiftly while still trainable.
• Complete control over calendar and schedule.
• Children mature much quicker.
• Adapts much easier to people of all ages and genders.
• And everything else I missed!

Cons:

• Children can suffer if parents are lazy and undisciplined.
• Parents don't take the eduction of their children seriously enough and leave child ill-prepared for life outside of home.
• Some parents who opt for the "relaxed" method to home educate their children are so relaxed that they sleep thru entire year of school.
• Boys can suffer identity issues and become feminine with Mom doing all the educating, if Dad isn't pro actively discipling his boys on how to Men and making them work hard outside of school.
• Added cost of curriculum per child every year.

Again, these aren't exhaustive lists by any means. Just what I've seen and experienced in my own life and in the lives of those around me.

Share your thoughts and add to any list you'd like via a comment or two!

Educating Children Pt 1: The Goal of Education

In this, my first post on 'Educating Children', I thought I'd start by asking the question, "What is the goal of childhood education?", then giving what I believe the bible says is the answer to the question.

How we answer this question will set the course for how we will go about educating our precious gifts from the Lord. And remember Men (and Ladies reading) we only get one chance to raise and educate our little ones. When it's done, it's done. You can't start over!

To preface my answer let me first turn to scripture, as this is good to do being a Christian!

Let's see what the bible says about education:

Genesis 1:1 1 ¶ In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 2:16-17 16 ¶ And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat;
17 "but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 4 ¶ "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one!
5 "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
6 "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.
7 "You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
8 "You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.
9 "You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (emphasis mine)

Ephesians 6:4 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (emphasis mine)

So why all the scripture on a Christian blog you ask? Good question. Let's try and answer it.

Obviously, if this were a sermon or lecture, I could systematically expound on each verse, support it, sustain, etc., etc.. This being a blog, I don't have that liberty. But let me at least say that I chose these from among the whole bible because they begin the process of laying a foundation for the the fact that God cares deeply how we as parents think and act and how we as parents teach our children to think and act. This is called orthodoxy (what we believe), and orthopraxy (how we act based on what we believe).

We see from the very beginning that God had an ideal in mind for his creation when it came to right belief and right conduct. He wanted them to obey Him and see the world as He sees it. When they didn't and that ideal was compromised, the result was mankind's loss of God-consciousness and him becoming self-conscience. One minute he's eating fruit in his birthday suit with his lovely wife Eve, the next minute he's hiding from God with leaves covering up his nakedness that only became an issue after he became a sinner, then began blaming his wife for his sin. Sharp contrast and poor headship!

So what about us and this post? OK, here's my answer. I believe the goal of childhood education should be to help our children see the world as God sees it, and help our children to act in this world as God intends for them to act. Any educational system that doesn't lead our children toward this goal is leading them down the wrong road in the wrong part of town and only the most diligent of parents will be able to overcome what is being taught to their children. It's Eden revisited; "Hath God really said?"

Can children who are being taught at Government Schools grow up to be Godly individuals? YES they can, and I know many who have. In fact, I'm a product of the Chicago Public Schools educational system myself. But more importantly, I'm a testimony of God's grace as well! But does this educational system make raising Godly individuals more difficult? The answer again is YES! I'm just being honest. If we Christians can't speak openly and honestly on these vitally important issues, then who can? If you don't hear this from someone who loves you as a brother in the Lord, then who will you hear it from?

As Christians, we cannot, and I repeat, we cannot separate education from our faith. A good education will help to strengthen our faith, not weaken it! All that we do in this world is an act of worship unto the Lord, including how we educate our children. Consider this question: Is acceptable worship rendered when we educate our children with an educational philosophy that at it's core, teaches that God is irrelevant and that all gods are equal? I'll let you wrestle with the answer to that. But remember, God doesn't stand at the top of the list of acceptable gods. Besides Jehovah there is no other God!

So let us consider whether or not the method we've chosen for our children to receive their education will in fact accomplish the goal of educating children. Regardless of what method you choose for your children; government schools, private schools, home school, or some other, God will still hold you as the parent, and Father's especially, responsible for how your children turn out!

So let us think deeply on this issue, and when we've all made our decisions, let us pray for one another and seek to help one another in raising up a Godly generation of young people!

Educating Children

These Posts first appeared on The Male Domain in August of 2007. I am re-posting them now for those who may be new to my blog. Let me know what you think!

Throughout the month of August, I will be presenting a series of posts on the topic of "Educating Children".

With the start of school just a few weeks away, I thought covering this topic might help some Men think through the whole area of how to go about educating their children.

We will look at:

• The Goal of Education
• The Pros and Cons of Public Schools, Private Schools, and Home-Schools
• Education as Discipleship, and
• Educational Jurisdiction

So be sure and check in throughout the month of August and be ready to share your thoughts with me!

I look forward to the conversation!

Are You Alive?

"The glory of God is in man fully alive."

- St. Irenaeus

Good Books for the New Year!

With the holidays over, I might be able to get up a few posts now and then. Hope your holidays were pleasant and peaceful like mine were. No drama, that's always a good thing!

Thought I'd share with you a few books that I've been working my way through along with my daily Life Journal which takes me through the bible in a year. If you're not on a daily bible schedule you need to be. Check out the Life Journal, I think you'll enjoy it.

Right now I'm reading through some great books to start the new year with and would recommend them all to you if you haven't read them. None of them are "brand new," but they're really good reads.

They are:
1. Axiom: Powerful Leadership Proverbs by Bill Hybels
2. Launch: Starting a Church from Scratch by Nelson Searcy
3. Wide Awake by Erwin McManus
4. Vintage Jesus by Mark Driscoll

If you've read any of these let me know what you've thought about them.

Looking forward to the new Year!

A Masculine Christianity: The Lion and the Lamb (Pt.1)

The imagery of Jesus as the Lion and the Lamb is one that we Men can learn much from. There are times when courage and bravery are called for in this life, then, there are times when utter dependence and peacefulness are the need of the moment.

We see this dualism lived out in the life of Jesus Christ. He was the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and also, the Lamb of God. When confronted by the Pharisees, He vigorously fought against them, knowing that these religious leaders were attempting to hijack the nation and use it as a means of self-aggrandizement. These men were everything Jesus called them; liars, thieves, serpents, wolves, hypocrites, blasphemers, etc., and needed to be dealt with harshly. And I believe as Men, we are called upon at times to function as Lions in our own lives, with our own families.

Is someone threatening the spiritual or physical well being of your wife and children? Is someone seeking to steal the hearts of your wife and children and lead them down a path of spiritual ruin? Are philosophies entering your home through people, programs, or relationships that are not in keeping with faithfulness to Jesus Christ? Well, if any or all of these are present in your life at this time, you need to rise up and be the leader and protector that God has called and commissioned you to be.

Don't worry about what others might say, because they'll say it anyway, just listen to the Lord and Man-up! Step up to the plate and protect your home. You have one shot in this life to do it right, don't let life pass you by as Satan attacks your home like he did in the Garden, when Adam succumbed to his seduction and plunged the human race into utter chaos and lost what was most precious to him and his wife Eve, their relationship to the Father of Creation.

Men, hear me well, especially if you have teenage daughters. Any boy who ain't looking for a wife is looking to score with your precious little girl. If you disagree with me, you should change your name to Adam as well. Think about your teenage years, what were you like? Especially if you're a first generation Christ follower like myself. You know your intentions weren't good with other Men's daughters, so why would you think it's different now? Wake up, step up, put your cup on, and fight, like you're called too in Scripture...

14And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, "Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes."
Nehemiah 4:14 (ESV)

Don't be a Lamb when you need to be a Lion. You're daughters need you to protect them, God has called you to protect them, now find your sword and kill a beast. Whether the beast has a name, (maybe someone you know personally), or is a "perceived role model," who is stealing their hearts in more subtle ways, whichever the case, they must be dealt with swiftly and decisively.

One example of a "perceived role model" stealing the hearts of teenage girls subtly is none other than Miley Cyrus. If you think I'm exaggerating, just Google her name and click 'images' to see what's she's promoting. Do I blame her? Partly, but mostly her Dad, Billy Ray, who's pimping his daughter for the o' mighty dollar.

So I leave you Men with this thought; Is anything threatening your family? Not just physical threats which are much easier to detect. But spiritually, which may even be more important. You know, where the heart lies. Are your wife and children being protected by you there, where it counts most? If not, are you willing to be a Man and defend those God has entrusted to you? If you won't fight for your family, who will you fight for?

Next up, functioning as Lambs for the well being of our homes...

Have a Great Thanksgiving...

As you prepare to celebrate
Thanksgiving tomorrow,
take a moment to remember
the good fortune we enjoy as a nation.
The struggles we face can be met
with the assurance that Almighty God
will never leave us nor forsake us
according to His word!

This helped the Pilgrims of Plymouth during their maiden voyage
and subsequent arrival in America,
and it should help us today as well as we look to the future
of our Great Nation!

Love it or leave it!
So wherever you find yourself this Thanksgiving, I hope
your day is filled with God's blessing and favor!

Happy Thanksgiving World, we serve a Mighty God...

That Which Divides...

This must be how we look to the watching world. One true church with many faces.

I've been thinking about the things that divide Christians and decided to jot some of them down. I'm sure you can add to this list, so please, feel free to do so with a comment or two.

Some of these are meaningless, and wouldn't stop two Christians from socializing or joining the same church. But, for some, these would keep them from socializing with you and you couldn't join their church if you wanted.

My recommendation; if someone withholds fellowship from you because of these, let it go. Pray for them and move on.

So, here we go...

That which divides:

• Bible versions: KJV, ESV, NIV, NASB, etc., etc., (I know you KJV guys are HOT now, ain't-cha?
• Church size: Small, medium, large, mega
• Church building: Traditional, house, cathedral, organic house
• Church mode: One meeting, multi-service, one location, multi-site, multi-campus
• Church Government: Senior Pastor, Lead Pastor, Deacons, No Deacons, Elder led, Congregational led, Women Pastors, Women Deacons, etc.
• Spiritual Gifts: Cessationist, full gospel (all gifts still exist), all speak in tongues, tongues don't exist anymore, no more "super-natural" gifts, etc.
• Church structure: Program driven (programs for every family member), relational driven (little to no programs that would divide families), Youth groups, No youth groups, Children's ministry, No Children's ministries, etc.
• Attire: Ripped jeans and shorts OK, Suit and tie preferred, Dresses for gals preferred, etc.
• Smoking: Can, should Christians smoke squares, cigars?
• Alcohol: BIGGY...Can, should Christians drink alcohol?
  
• Communion: Weekly, monthly, quarterly. Grape juice, or red wine?
• Worship style: Look out now...Contemporary, Hymns only, a blend of both, or something entirely different.
  
• Worship music: Instruments, no instruments, organs, drums, electric guitar, or acapella?
• Educating children: Homeschool, private school, public school (type 'education' to search this blog to see what I've wrote about this)
• Working Wives: Can, should women work outside the home?
• Eschatology: The study of end times. Pre-trib, mid-trib, post-trib, and so on. (Thank God our salvation isn't based on knowing that which Christ said only the Father knows!) OK boys, put away the charts... :D
• Tattoos
• Men wearing earrings
• Modes of baptism
• Paedo baptist vs. Credo baptist
• Denominations: (There are over 300 branches of Christians, with over 38,000 different denominations. Yikes!)
  

And the list can go on, and on, and on, and for some, it does. Like Pharisees, some believers get so caught up in what divides us, rather than focusing on what unites us. And for that I have a list as well...

That which UNITES Christians:

• The Gospel of Jesus Christ!
• Amen...
  

PS - My own personal views for the above mentioned subjects are found in the Bible. What it teaches, I believe!