Christian community · Christian Living · Marriage and Family · The Word of God

Why Children Need Spiritual Instruction from Their Parents

We cannot expect our children to cling to their faith with conviction if they are only exposed to God for 3% of their life. Some will undoubtably cling to their faith because the Word of God is powerful whether we wield it or not, but if we neglect to teach our children, history (particularly biblical history) teaches us that only a remnant will remain. Parents, the job of spiritual instruction was never meant to rest squarely on the shoulders of the Bible class teachers.

Christian community · Christian Living · Marriage and Family

Five Habits for a Strong and Healthy Family

What will be our legacy as 21st-century Christian Parents? While we cannot control what our nation chooses to do, we each choose the direction in which we lead our families. The battle for the hearts and minds of our children doesn't begin in the schoolyard. Success cannot be found in a pew cushion. If we want a shot at winning this war, we prepare for the fight on our knees. God is not going to force us to be good parents nor will he force our children to robotically obey him. He will, however, equip us with the strength and wisdom to guide our families in the right direction.

encouragement · Marriage and Family

Encouragement for the Discouraged Homeschooler

The kids aren't alright, and neither is mom. Exasperated sighs and groans cover each math lesson. Tear drops glisten across those essay rough drafts. Mom's hair is standing on end and there just isn't enough coffee or chocolate in the world to combat her stress or exhaustion. Welcome to notorious November. Mid-year, many of us… Continue reading Encouragement for the Discouraged Homeschooler

Christian community · Christian Living

What’s the Point of Going to Church if I Can Worship God Anywhere?

“Why do I have to go to church?” “I can do “church” on my own.” “I don’t get anything out of it.” I’ve heard all of them. I used to say the last one in my weaker seasons. I once had a friend tell me, "I can worship God anywhere. I can do church in… Continue reading What’s the Point of Going to Church if I Can Worship God Anywhere?

Christian Living · Marriage and Family

Do You Have a Cell Phone? Does Your Child? Here’s a Film You Need to Watch.

If you don't have any major plans this evening (or Thursday), it would be worth your time to go out and see Kirk Cameron's new film "Connect.": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hiltak3hsZc This movie covers how the digital age is affecting our children and provides insight into how we can equip and protect them. Today's parents grew up with… Continue reading Do You Have a Cell Phone? Does Your Child? Here’s a Film You Need to Watch.

Christian Living

Am I Teaching My Children to Complain?

We can talk about our blessings all we want. We can make well-designed memes on giving thanks. We can give Texas-sized tributes to God’s gifts, but If we do not end the complaining, we negate the benefits of “thanksgiving.” Worse still, our children mimic the behavior, perpetuating the attitude of ingratitude. Before I correct the grumblings of my children, I should start by curbing my own. If I want my children to live like Christ, I need to model Christ-like behavior.

Christian community · encouragement · Marriage and Family

To The Parents with the Squirmy Kids at Worship

  I saw you on Sunday morning. I watched you walk down the aisle at least three times. On the first trip, you held a squirmy baby in one arm and a diaper bag in the other. Your second exodus involved a recalcitrant toddler, howling like a wolf at the moon. You made your last… Continue reading To The Parents with the Squirmy Kids at Worship

Knowing God · Marriage and Family · Prayer

Is Your Parenting on Cruise Control?

Parenting is inconvenient. Yes, I just said that. Once you have a child, your life will be forever changed. You will be humbled. Humiliated. Screamed at. Loved with abandon. Squeezed with unimaginable strength by those little arms. Amazed. Shocked. heartbroken. Overwhelmed with love. Filled with a newfound awe for your own parents. Unfortunately, once the baby… Continue reading Is Your Parenting on Cruise Control?

Christian community · Uncategorized

Why we need to pray for GenNext (Part 2)

This is the final article in the series “Raising GenNext.” You can read the previous post by clicking here. Yesterday, we looked at why prayer is so critical in the effort to raise GenNext. Remember, GenNext is not just children; GenNext also includes new converts and current Christians. Like Jesus, we long for the growth of those who… Continue reading Why we need to pray for GenNext (Part 2)

Marriage and Family · Prayer

Back to School Prayers

Clogged up parking lots. Fresh, clean backpacks. Crisp new clothes. Sharp pencils. Eager young faces... Yup, it's back-to-school time! No matter what form of education you choose for your child---homeschool, private school, or public school---we need to pray diligently through this season of life. The education process is indeed challenging. I realize that many children are… Continue reading Back to School Prayers