Category Archives: Children

Children, Doubt / Lacking Faith, Faith / Trusting God, Humility, Pride

Childlike Faith: Receiving the Kingdom with Humility and Trust (Luke 18:15-17)

What does it mean to have childlike faith?

In Luke 18:15-17, Jesus shows us the value of a simple, trusting heart that approaches God with humility, just like a child.

Key Verse: “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” – Luke 18:17 (ESV)

Background Context: In Luke 18:15-17, parents are bringing their children to Jesus so that He might bless them. However, the disciples try to stop them, likely thinking that Jesus had more important matters to attend to. But Jesus responds by welcoming the children and teaching a profound lesson: unless we receive the kingdom of God like a child, we cannot enter it. This passage invites us to examine the nature of our faith and our relationship with God. Jesus highlights the importance of humility, trust, and openness—qualities often seen in children—as essential to entering His kingdom.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Luke 18:15-17

    15And they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He would touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them. 16But Jesus called for them, saying, “Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17“Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.”

Reflection on Luke 18:15-17:

  • Jesus Welcomes the Children: The disciples’ initial reaction to the children being brought to Jesus was to rebuke the parents (Luke 18:15). They may have thought that Jesus was too busy or too important to be interrupted by children. But Jesus’ response is completely different—He not only welcomes the children but also uses them as an example of how we should approach God. Jesus values every person, regardless of their age or status, and He emphasizes the importance of caring for and blessing even the “least” in society. This challenges us to reconsider how we view others and reminds us that everyone is valuable in God’s eyes.
  • Childlike Humility and Trust: Jesus says that to enter the kingdom of God, we must receive it “like a child” (Luke 18:17). Children are naturally dependent on others for their needs. They trust, they are open, and they are humble. In the same way, God calls us to approach Him with humility and trust, recognizing that we are dependent on His grace and provision. We cannot earn our way into the kingdom of God through our achievements or status. Instead, we are called to come to God with open hearts, ready to receive His love and grace, just as a child would. This is a reminder that faith is not about self-sufficiency but about surrendering to God’s care and trusting in His goodness.
  • A Heart Ready to Receive: Children are receptive—they are willing to receive gifts and trust in the goodness of those who care for them. When Jesus speaks of receiving the kingdom of God like a child, He is emphasizing the importance of having a heart that is open and willing to receive what God offers. Sometimes, as adults, we can become guarded, skeptical, or overly self-reliant, thinking that we must work for or prove ourselves worthy of God’s love. But Jesus teaches us that the kingdom of God is a gift to be received, not earned. We are invited to come to God with a heart that is ready to receive His grace, love, and direction.
  • Entering the Kingdom of God: Jesus’ statement in verse 17 is striking: “whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” This is not just a suggestion—it’s a requirement for entering God’s kingdom. To receive the kingdom of God like a child means to let go of our pride, self-reliance, and illusions of control. It means acknowledging that we are dependent on God for everything—our salvation, our daily needs, and our purpose in life. Jesus calls us to a relationship with Him that is built on trust and dependence, not on our own efforts or merit.
  • The Simplicity of Faith: Children often have a simple, straightforward faith. They are not burdened by complicated questions or doubts; they simply trust. While it is natural for our faith to grow deeper as we mature, Jesus reminds us that at the heart of our relationship with God should be a simple, trusting faith. A faith that says, “I trust You, God, even when I don’t understand.” This kind of faith allows us to experience the fullness of life in the kingdom of God, where we rely on His love, provision, and guidance each day.

Summary Key Points:

  • Jesus Welcomes Everyone: Jesus values and welcomes even the smallest and most vulnerable, reminding us that everyone is precious in God’s eyes.
  • Childlike Humility and Trust: We are called to approach God with the humility and trust of a child, recognizing our dependence on Him and His grace.
  • A Heart Ready to Receive: Like children, we are to have hearts that are open and ready to receive God’s gifts—especially His kingdom, which is a gift of grace.
  • Entering the Kingdom Requires Humility: Jesus teaches that we must receive the kingdom of God like a child—letting go of pride and self-sufficiency and coming to Him in faith and dependence.
  • The Simplicity of Faith: A childlike faith is marked by trust and simplicity, allowing us to rest in God’s care and experience His kingdom in our daily lives.

Application: Take time to reflect on your own relationship with God—are you approaching Him with the humility, trust, and openness of a child? Are there areas where you’ve been relying on your own strength or accomplishments instead of trusting in God’s grace? Consider how you can cultivate a childlike faith, one that is simple and trusting, knowing that God is a good Father who cares for you. Let go of the desire to control or earn your way into God’s favor, and instead come to Him with an open heart, ready to receive His love and guidance.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come to You with humble hearts, recognizing our need for Your grace and mercy. Teach us to approach You with the trust and openness of a child, knowing that we depend on You for everything. Help us to let go of pride and self-sufficiency, and instead receive Your kingdom as a gift. Give us a simple, trusting faith that rests in Your love and care. Thank You for welcoming us into Your family. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Children, Father / Yahweh, Parenting, Traditions / Holidays

Guided by YHWH: The Path of a Good Father

Fatherhood is a sacred calling, reflecting YHWH’s own relationship with His people. As we celebrate Father’s Day, it’s essential to recognize the qualities that define a good father—qualities rooted deeply in biblical teachings. These guidelines help fathers align with Christ’s example, positioning YHWH at the forefront of their lives and setting a standard of spiritual leadership within the family.

Biblical Foundations for Fatherhood:
The scripture provides clear and practical guidance for fathers, emphasizing the balance between discipline and compassion, leadership, and service.

  1. Spiritual Leadership and Discipline:
    • Ephesians 6:4 advises fathers not to provoke their children to anger but to raise them with discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord, fostering a nurturing yet guiding environment.
    • Proverbs 22:6 underscores the long-term impact of instilling the right values in children, ensuring they carry these teachings into adulthood.
  2. Compassion and Understanding:
    • Psalm 103:13 compares a father’s compassion to that of the LORD, highlighting the depth of understanding and care fathers should aspire to embody.
    • Colossians 3:21 warns against exacerbating children, which could discourage them, advocating instead for encouragement and empathy.
  3. Valuing and Cherishing Children:
    • Psalm 127:3-5 beautifully illustrates children as blessings from the LORD, describing them as arrows in the hands of a warrior—valuable and impactful.
  4. Leading by Example:
    • Luke 11:11-12 uses metaphorical language to discuss a father’s responsibility to provide appropriately for his children, ensuring their needs are met with wisdom and kindness.
    • Joshua 24:14-15 serves as a powerful declaration of serving the LORD faithfully, setting a profound example for the household and reinforcing the role of a father as a leader committed to righteousness.

Application:
These scriptures not only define the traditional role of fathers but also encourage modern dads to see their responsibility as a divine mandate. Fathers are called to reflect YHWH’s character, showing grace, strength, and wisdom as they guide their families.

Call to Action:

  1. Reflect and Engage: Spend time this Father’s Day reflecting on the scriptures mentioned. Consider how these teachings can influence your approach to fatherhood.
  2. Seek Growth: Continually seek ways to grow in spiritual leadership. Join or form a fathers’ group in your community or church to support and encourage each other in your parenting journey.
  3. Spread Wisdom: Share insights about biblical fatherhood with other fathers. Encourage one another with stories of success and lessons learned.
  4. Celebrate and Appreciate: Take today to celebrate the fathers in your life—your own father, friends, and community members. Acknowledge their efforts and sacrifices in striving to embody the qualities of a good father.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the model of fatherhood You provide through Your Word and Your own example. Bless the fathers who strive each day to lead and love according to Your principles. Strengthen them, grant them wisdom, and fill them with Your compassion. Help them to be beacons of Your light within their families and communities, reflecting Your love and righteousness. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Children, Humility, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Obeying God, Study the Word

Growing in Wisdom: Jesus as Our Example (Luke 2:39-52)

Have you ever marveled at the growth and development of a child, witnessing their journey from infancy to maturity? In Luke 2:39-52, we are granted a glimpse into Jesus’ formative years, where He embodies the perfect balance of humility and wisdom, setting an example for us all.

Reconnect: Reflecting on Luke 2:39-52, we revisit Jesus’ upbringing in Nazareth, observing His growth in wisdom and stature. As we delve into this passage, let’s glean insights from His childhood that continue to resonate with us today.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture)

Luke 2:39-52

Return to Nazareth

     39When they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth. 40The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

Visit to Jerusalem

     41Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42And when He became twelve, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast; 43and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But His parents were unaware of it, 44but supposed Him to be in the caravan, and went a day’s journey; and they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem looking for Him. 46Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. 48When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You.” 49And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” 50But they did not understand the statement which He had made to them. 51And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart.

      52And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Summary Key Points:

  1. Rooted in Obedience to God: Mary and Joseph faithfully adhered to Jewish customs, presenting Jesus at the temple and fulfilling the requirements of the Law. Their obedience reflects a commitment to honoring God’s commands and nurturing Jesus in His identity as the Son of God.
  2. Growing in Wisdom and Favor: Despite His divine nature, Jesus underwent a process of growth and maturation, progressing in wisdom and stature before God and humanity. His example underscores the importance of continuous growth and development in our own lives, both spiritually and intellectually.
  3. Seeking Understanding in God’s House: At the age of twelve, Jesus engages in deep theological discussions with the teachers in the temple, demonstrating His profound understanding of Scripture. His inclination towards spiritual pursuits reminds us of the value of seeking wisdom and knowledge in God’s Word.

Call to Action:

  1. Cultivate Humility and Obedience: Like Jesus, let us cultivate humility and obedience in our relationship with God, surrendering to His will and faithfully following His commands.
  2. Commit to Growth and Learning: Embrace a posture of continuous growth and learning, seeking wisdom and understanding in God’s Word and through spiritual disciplines such as prayer, meditation, and study.
  3. Engage in Spiritual Community: Find opportunities to engage with like-minded believers and mentors who can encourage and challenge you in your faith journey. Participate in discussions, Bible studies, and fellowship gatherings to deepen your understanding of God’s truth.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of Jesus, who grew in wisdom and stature before You and humanity. Help us to emulate His humility, obedience, and commitment to learning as we navigate our own journeys of faith. May we continually seek wisdom and understanding in Your Word, drawing closer to You with each passing day. Amen.

Arrogance, Children, Courage / Fear, Discerning / Judging, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Faith / Trusting God, Greed, Hypocrisy, Parenting, Purposeful / Intentional, Selfishness, Study the Word, Tongue / Gossip / Slander

Navigating Perilous Times (2 Timothy 3)

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the challenges of the times we live in, uncertain about how to navigate through the complexities of life?

In 2 Timothy 3, the apostle Paul offers timeless wisdom for facing adversity and standing firm in faith amidst perilous circumstances.

Reconnect: In the preceding chapters of 2 Timothy, Paul writes to his beloved disciple Timothy, imparting crucial instructions for ministry and exhorting him to remain steadfast in the face of opposition. As we delve into chapter 3, we find Paul addressing the prevailing challenges of the last days, offering guidance that remains relevant for believers today.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

2 Timothy 3

“Difficult Times Will Come”

     1But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, 4treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these. 6For among them are those who enter into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses, 7always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the faith. 9But they will not make further progress; for their folly will be obvious to all, just as Jannes’s and Jambres’s folly was also.

      10Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, 11persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me! 12Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 13But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

Summary Key Points:

  • Recognizing the Signs of the Times: Paul begins by describing the characteristics of people in the last days, warning that perilous times will come. He highlights traits such as selfishness, pride, and a lack of self-control, indicating the moral decay and spiritual deception that will abound in the end times.
  • Remaining Grounded in God’s Word: Amidst the prevailing darkness, Paul emphasizes the importance of Scripture as a source of truth and guidance. He reminds Timothy that all Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness, equipping believers for every good work.
  • Standing Firm in the Faith: Despite the challenges and opposition, Paul encourages Timothy to continue in the things he has learned and firmly believe. He underscores the necessity of holding fast to sound doctrine, remaining faithful to the teachings passed down from the apostles, and rejecting false teachings and deceptive ideologies.
  • Persevering in the Face of Adversity: Paul himself serves as an example of endurance and perseverance in the midst of trials. He recounts his own experiences of persecution and suffering for the sake of the gospel, encouraging Timothy to endure hardship and follow his example of unwavering faithfulness to Christ.

Call to Action:

Let us heed Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 3 by:

  • Studying God’s Word Diligently: Like Timothy, let us immerse ourselves in Scripture, allowing it to shape our beliefs, values, and actions. Let us commit to regular study and meditation on God’s Word, seeking wisdom and guidance for navigating the challenges of our times.
  • Discerning the Times: In a world marked by moral relativism and spiritual deception, let us remain vigilant and discerning, recognizing the signs of the times and standing firm in the truth of God’s Word. Let us be wary of false teachings and deceptive philosophies, holding fast to the unchanging truth of Scripture.
  • Remaining Steadfast in Faith: Despite the pressures and trials we may face, let us remain steadfast in our faith, trusting in the promises of God and relying on His strength to sustain us. Let us persevere in following Christ faithfully, knowing that He is with us always, even to the end of the age.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, grant us wisdom and discernment to navigate the challenges of the times we live in. Strengthen our faith and fortify our hearts with the truth of Your Word, that we may stand firm amidst the shifting sands of this world. Help us to remain steadfast, unwavering in our commitment to You, and empowered by Your Spirit to live lives that honor and glorify Your name. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Children, Church / Body of Christ, Leadership, Marriage, Submitted / Servant

Qualities of Servant-Leaders: A Closer Look at 1 Timothy 3

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a servant-leader in the community of faith?

In the Apostle Paul’s first letter to Timothy, we discover a valuable guide that outlines the qualities and characteristics of those who aspire to serve as overseers and deacons in the early Christian church. This guidance, found in 1 Timothy 3, offers timeless wisdom for all who seek to lead and serve within the body of believers.

Reconnect: Before we delve into 1 Timothy 3, let’s remember the context. Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, a young leader in the early Christian community, to provide guidance on various matters within the church. In this chapter, Paul focuses on the qualifications and expectations for overseers and deacons.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture)

1 Timothy 3

Overseers and Deacons

     1It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. 2An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. 4He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5(but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 6and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. 7And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

      8Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, 9but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. 13For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

      14I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; 15but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.

16By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness:
He who was revealed in the flesh,
Was vindicated in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Proclaimed among the nations,
Believed on in the world,
Taken up in glory.

Summary Key Points:

  1. The Role of Overseers: Paul begins by addressing the qualifications for overseers, also known as bishops or pastors. These individuals are called to provide spiritual leadership, guidance, and oversight to the congregation. The qualities Paul highlights include being above reproach, faithful in marriage, temperate, self-controlled, hospitable, and able to teach.
  2. The Role of Deacons: Paul also outlines the qualifications for deacons, who serve alongside overseers in various practical and administrative roles within the church. Deacons are to be dignified, sincere, not given to excessive drinking, and committed to holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
  3. Family Life: In addition to personal character, Paul emphasizes the importance of family life in evaluating potential overseers and deacons. He discusses the qualities of being a good husband and father, highlighting that one’s management of their own household is a reflection of their ability to serve in the household of God.
  4. The Church as God’s Household: Throughout this passage, Paul underscores the significance of the church as God’s household. He reminds Timothy that these guidelines are meant to ensure the church functions with integrity, honor, and orderliness.

As we reflect on the qualities of servant-leaders outlined in 1 Timothy 3, we are called to examine our own lives and leadership roles within the community of faith.

Whether we aspire to formal leadership positions or simply seek to be faithful servants, let us strive to embody the qualities of character, integrity, and humility that Paul highlights.

May we continually seek to grow in our walk with Christ, knowing that our leadership, in whatever capacity, is an opportunity to serve and honor God.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, we come before you with hearts filled with gratitude for the guidance you provide through your Word. We thank you for the wisdom found in 1 Timothy 3, which sets a standard for servant-leaders in your church.

Lord, help us to cultivate the qualities of character and integrity outlined in this passage. Grant us the humility to serve others with love and selflessness. As we seek to lead by example, may your Spirit empower us to live out these qualities in our daily lives.

We also pray for our church leaders, both present and future. May they be equipped with the qualities that honor you and serve your people effectively.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Discussion and Comment:

What aspects of the qualities outlined in 1 Timothy 3 resonate with you as important for servant-leaders?

How can these qualities be applied in various roles within the church and in daily life? Share your thoughts, engage in a discussion with friends or family, and feel free to leave your comments below.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Children, Faith / Trusting God, Jesus (hearing from God), Seeking God

Receive the Kingdom of God As a Child Would

We can easily get busy with our daily activities. Even when we are doing good or important activities, let us take care not to overlook the children.  Take time to appreciate and engage children, as Jesus did.  It is best not to think of children as a distraction, but rather as  gifts from God and as the wonderful creations they really are. The kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Jesus set a great example for us by making time for children even during His short and busy earthly ministry.

Mark 10:13-16

Jesus Blesses Little Children

      13And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. 14But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15“Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” 16And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them.

Children are remarkably open to accept the truth about Jesus. They listen with an open, unbiased mind. They are not yet led astray by the world and by those who make up reasons to reject God and then pressure others to reject Him also. Jesus takes the opportunity not only to show love for the children by making time for them, but also to make an important point. When he says that he the kingdom of God belongs to such as these, He is not only referring to children, but to those who receive the kingdom of God like a child.

Let us pay attention to both lessons that Jesus teaches in this scripture. Value and make time for children, even when you are busy. Secondly, challenge yourself to embrace the kingdom of God as a child, without reservation and doubt… wholeheartedly.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please help me to appreciate and encourage little children. Help me to not look on them as a distraction, but as a treasure. Help me to embrace You and Your kingdom with the faith of a young child, without reservation and doubt. Amen. 

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Children, Father / Yahweh, Parenting, Traditions / Holidays

Guided by YHWH: Embodying the Qualities of a Good Father

Good fathers should pursue after Christ and be spiritual leaders in their family. They should put YHWH first, their wife next and then the children in their priority list and then actually live their lives according to that standard. YHWH has said much about what it means to be a good father. It need not be a mystery.

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

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Psalm 103:13 Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.

Colossians 3:21 Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.

Psalm 127:3-5 Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; they will not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.

Luke 11:11-12 “Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? “Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he?

Joshua 24:14-15 “Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15“If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

Perhaps some scripture does not explicitly call out “fathers”, but as in Joshua 24:14-15… he demonstrates the role of a good father as a strong leader for his family committed to serving YHWH even if others refuse to do so. Psalm 127:3-5 shows a good father feels blessed to have received the gift of children.

There are many more such scriptures. I encourage you to do an internet search for “Bible scriptures about good fathers” and invest time to dive deeper. In fact, YHWH gives us the metaphor to think of Him like a Father and He is perfect. Thus we can learn a lot about being a good father from studying how He relates to His people.

Good fathers are not perfect… there is only one perfect Father. On behalf of all those fathers out there who are trying to lead, protect and provide for their families, we appreciate your grace and forgiveness when we get it wrong, and we welcome your prayers and encouragement on our behalf so we may become better and better at what YHWH has called us to be… fathers.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, thank You for the righteous fathers that are trying to lead their families in Your ways. Please help and encourage fathers to lead and love their families actively. Help fathers reflect Your character traits and be a light to others that do not know You and  godly example to their children. Amen.

 Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Children, Parenting

Let the Children Come

During His ministry in this world, Jesus was very busy. It was at times difficult for Him to find quiet time or rest because He has such a heart to teach and heal people who seek Him. Jesus consistently put others’ needs ahead of His own… as demonstrated in Matthew 19:13-14.

13 One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.

14 But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” 15 And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left.

Jesus has a special place in His heart for children. In particular, He rejoices when we help children to understand His word and to be surrounded and raised with Jesus as a central part of their lives. Please do not overlook children and the example you set as you interact with them and lead your daily life. They need our example as Christian adults to set them on the right course… a path leading to a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ.

Please check out our website Kids Zone section for a collection of material we have found helpful to share Jesus with young children in a way they really enjoy. These are just examples. You will get the idea and be able to look for more material like this for your family. We have divided into several sections:

Together we can raise godly children for the next generation!

Children, Father / Yahweh, Parenting

Honor Your Father and Mother and Things Will Go Well for You

People generally accept that children should obey their parents as an expectation of a healthy family dynamic. There are easy-to-recognize reasons for this such as children not being able to take care of themselves in even basic ways. They do not recognize hazards like running in the street, etc.

The Bible supports this instruction for children but also adds more depth to it and direction for us fathers as well in Ephesians 6:1-4.

6 Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord,[a] for this is the right thing to do. 2 “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: 3 If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”[b]

4 Fathers,[c] do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

These instructions are repeated again in Colossians 3.

20 Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged.

It is critical for us to bring our children up in the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. To challenge them without aggravating them to the point of being discouraged and feeling inadequate. This scripture is a good reminder for us that we need to pay attention to the cues from our children on how they react to our instruction. Each child is different and needs a different style of parenting. We need to adjust our parenting approach to fit each child, not force each child to adjust to our parenting approach.

Give thanks to God that He provides such a great example to us of what it means to be a father and show that kind of love to us so we can in turn show it to our children.

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ

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Children, Divorce, Marriage, Parenting

Advice for a Follower of Christ Who Is Married to an Unbeliever

I appreciate how Paul clearly identifies when it is his opinion or recommendation rather than instruction directly from the Lord. He provides some specific suggestions for how a believer should handle themselves if they are married to an unbeliever. First, let us be clear that a believer should not marry an unbeliever. That is not what Paul is commenting on.

2 Corinthians 6:14-15

    14Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?

However, if in marriage, one spouse converts and submits to Christ as Lord, and the other does not, they can find themselves in this situation.

1 Corinthians 7:12-15

      12But to the rest I say, not the Lord, that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he must not divorce her. 13And a woman who has an unbelieving husband, and he consents to live with her, she must not send her husband away. 14For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband; for otherwise your children are unclean, but now they are holy. 15Yet if the unbelieving one leaves, let him leave; the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such cases, but God has called us to peace. 16For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife?

Do not take this out of context to conclude that you should encourage your unbelieving spouse to leave. You should not. You should work at your marriage as unto God. You should try to keep your marriage together. That is the primary goal Paul speaks to first. Consider also 1 Peter 3:1-2.

1 Pet 3:1-2

   1In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior.

I think this largely applies to husbands who have wives who are disobedient to the word as well, in that the husbands should demonstrate the godly role of the husband as defined by God.  A key is that you still live for God and put Him first. I think that is the point Paul is making. If your unbelieving spouse insists on leaving because you follow and obey Yeshua, then you can not stop following just so they will stay.

The spouse who has submitted to Jesus as Lord is to live to a different standard than the non-believer. Marriage is to be holy before God. It is to be set apart and done His way. While it is Paul, and not God speaking in this passage, he certainly has a lot of credibility in how to live in a way that is pleasing to God. If you find yourself as a believer married to a non-believer, consider Paul’s words carefully and pray that the Father would help you have the wisdom, courage, and patience to endure the situation. Pray the Holy Spirit will fill you and guide you for it is difficult for any believer to face… so don’t face it alone.

Take some time and ask God to help you in this situation if it applies to you. If it applies to someone you know, please take time to pray for them. If it does not apply to you, you can also give thanks to God that you and your spouse are both pursuing Christ and ask Him to draw you even closer.

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