I think I found it in Hezekiah.
Do you love your Bible? Most Christians will tell you they do, but did you know that 60% of Christians in the United States don’t read it? In an article in Christianity Today, Ed Stetzer tells us the biblical illiteracy rate among churchgoers is awful—he says almost 1 in 5 say they never read the Bible1. If that’s the case, no wonder they can’t name the Gospels, the disciples, or more than 5 of the 10 Commandments2. How often do WE read the Bible? And how often to our KIDS? Mom and Dad, as Christians our top priority is to train them in the way of the Lord. How can we do that if we’re not READING His handbook? Get our free Keys for Kids app and start today. 1 LifeWay Research study, as quoted in “The Epidemic of Bible Illiteracy in Our Churches” by Ed Stetzer, ChristianityToday.com 2 From Barna Research Group, as quoted in “The Scandal of Biblical Illiteracy: It’s Our Problem” by Albert Mohler, AlbertMohler.com
Four kids in sports? What am I going to do?
Cara is a mom with four boys. She says, “Cost, time...no matter how you shake it, it’s a challenge.” She suggests one sport per kid per season. Even THAT’S expensive and time-consuming. She actually prays over her calendar every season, and so far God has provided. Because eating together is a priority for her family, “portable meals at fields or chips and cheese after games” when they get home are frequent. But she says, “DO WHAT IS BEST FOR YOUR FAMILY”—and never feel guilty about “what…works for you.” She says sometimes she misses being home, but while it’s crazy-busy, it’s fun watching your kids “do what they love, try new things, step out of their comfort zone, and learn.” Spiritual lesson? Don’t let these events become idols.
“You’re homophobic”—is that good or bad?
That comment came from a young person claiming to be a Christian. The adult who was the target of that criticism was a bit taken back by it. First, the accused was shocked that the person had said that about him. Secondly, he wondered if he failed to love people who need Jesus who practice that way of life. The accuser said, “You HATE being around gay people.” To which he said, “Well, I’m uncomfortable around openly dogmatic gay people, but I’m also uncomfortable being around drunks, people who swear, and gossipers.” Jesus was accused of being a friend of sinners. What will our kids say about us? Do we love people—even sinners? Let’s teach our kids to follow Jesus’ example and share God’s Good News, which IS love.
My kids told me they’re divorcing.
I went to the gym this week. A gym acquaintance was there. But, this day was a little different. He was on his stomach looking at his phone and tears filled his eyes. “I know God doesn’t give us more than we can handle, but…” In one week he lost his father-in-law, two sons are in the hospital (one critical), and his other son announced that he and his wife were divorcing. I prayed with him and then asked, “What are you going to do?” He said, “Trust God and continue to speak the truth and love. That’s all I can do.” As we stand beside our adult kids, they need to see that, despite the trials, we STILL trust God. No matter their walk, all involved will see God giving strength in the storm.
I don’t even WANT to be around that kid.
I heard that comment recently from a Sunday school teacher. This was somebody who taught for YEARS. She was so frustrated by the lack of respect shown to her by some of her fifth-grade students. Lack of engagement. Blurting out. Utter rudeness. I get requests all the time from parents asking me to address this issue. So, here it is. Mom and Dad, if our kids are rude, it’s because of sin, no doubt. But WE need to help resolve the problem. TEACH respect. Boys open doors for girls. Look adults in the eye when you talk to them. “Yes, sir” and “Yes, ma’am” should be standard responses. PRACTICE it. If our kids can’t respect adults, how are they going to respect God and His Word?
