Thursday

Imagine...A Christian Parent Considering the Future



What do you long for your children? When you think of your child's future, what comes to mind? What will he be like? What will she accomplish? Are you exited or afraid? Are you full of faith or worried?

I would love to get your feedback on this video. What thoughts did it bring to your mind? How did it affect you?

Here is the link to the video on YouTube.

Right and Wrong Views of our Father God

What is God like? How does He act? What are His attributes?

What has been your working understanding of God? How do you naturally think of Him and His interactions with you and others in the course of everyday life?

What does Scripture say? How do your thoughts and Scripture compare?

Recently I came across a good resource by Neil T. Anderson that included a list of lies we can believe about God and the truth that counters each lie.

It reminded me how easy it is to be deceived, even in something as important as our view of God. I was sobered to think of the potential problems that can stem from a wrong understanding of God and His ways, but I was excited as I considered the truths to counter specific wrong beliefs.

Here is a link to a church website that summarized Dr. Andersons points. Take some time to work through the list and look up the Scripture references.

Have you believed any lies? If so, counter the lie, reject and the false belief, and embrace the truth about our Father God. Let your heart be warmed, your mind at peace, and your faith strengthened as you consider the amazing, loving, powerful triune God who adopts us into His family.

To Him be the glory for ever and ever. Amen!

Wednesday

The Biggest Wake Up Call Ever

Have you been one of the many millions of individuals to catch Susan Boyle’s Britain’s Got Talent performance on YouTube?

My wife showed it to me, and I’ve watched the seven minute clip in fascination multiple times. What captivates me? What has stunned so many? Why is this story so compelling?

What was your initial impression in the clips leading up to the song? What were you expecting when Ms. Boyle walked on stage and talked with the judges?

…then she sings….

The second judge to speak, Amanda Holden, says something profound and humble. She said that was “the biggest wake up call ever.” She said it right after referring to the entire audience being against Ms. Boyle and all (including the judges and me) being cynical. But what did she mean?

I was challenged to not judge a person by his or her outward appearance and by first impressions. But I do it all the time…the tall person must be good a basketball, the parents with the screaming child in the restaurant are negligent parents, the man in the sharp suit has it all together…

I quickly look at the external and make conclusions. I even assume I’m right. I think the wake up call is that I am frequently wrong.

What does God look at? How does He judge a person? Scripture says He looks at the heart. He cares about the inside – the thoughts, the motives, and the intentions. This doesn’t mean He ignores the external, but it does mean He starts with the heart and cares most about the true person on the inside. And He always gets it right…no wake up calls.