Following the "Godly Man's Picture" Series

Over at the CBMW (The Council on Biblical Manhood & Womanhood) they are running a series on 'The Godly Man's Picture'. I have found this to be a really helpful read. (If you click on the title of the series you can read the post in full.)

Jeff Robinson has done a brilliant job helping us see that there is more to our role as men/husbands/fathers than to lead, protect & provide. He mentions that part of our role has to do with sanctification. And this is rarely mentioned when we are attempting to lead, protect & provide for our family.

In this article, Robinson is committed to reminding himself as well as others of the God given task we have been called to, in leading our homes & churches. But not only what we have been called to - but what we must be first. This list is challenging and yet exciting.

Let me share with you the six attributes that Robinson has borrowed from the Puritan Pastor, Watson and what he says a godly man is: (you can read the article to read the explanation of each attribute)

1) A man of knowledge.
2) A man moved by faith.
3) A man fired with love.
4) A man like God.
5) A man careful about the worship of God. (challenged afresh by this one)
6) A man who serves God, not men.

Lord may we experience YOUR grace as we attempt to apply these attributes to our lives & then in our leadership.

You gotta see this...

When you find something that is awesome, don't you want to tell everyone about it? I do!

Look what I found: CLICK on VERSE CARD MAKER...

This is a wonderful way for us to serve our families and lead them in Scripture memory! A great initiative for 2010 - to have your family meditating on God's Word.

Men Loving Each Other? A Helpful Place To Start

I'm learning that there are alot of guys out there who love Jesus and want to serve others. This is greatly encouraging and exciting, to say the least!

I have only read this blog a few times, but each time I do I find wonderful encouragement. Hope you will enjoy this article. It' is called Men Loving Each Other? A Helpful Place To Start. I think these three suggestions offered will serve all of us in our quest to provoke others to godliness.

It will definitely serve our sons when they see their daddy's putting this into practice.

OK - You GOTTA read this...

Brothers - This article/post that I am recommending, really ministered to me today! It hit me right between the eyes! In fact it wounded me to the cross & I pray it will do the same for you.

This guy, Erik Raymond has been used by God to encourage me several times & today was one of those days that I wanted to be encouraged and boy did I get it.

Erik's Blog is called Irish Calvinist. Here is a picture from his blog that he says, sums him up: I reckon this is way cool!


Anyway, CLICK on the bold typing: to read this encouraging post about what true theology is... - IRISH CALVINIST

I trust you will be encouraged. If it does, encourage Erik with his ministry!

What's your perpective in times of trials?

What kind of perspective do you keep when you are going through a trial? Ashamedly, my perspective can sometimes depend on how I am feeling. Am I tired, irritated, frustrated or lethargic.

So what is a trial? When I speak of a trial I am meaning: the act of trying, testing or putting to the proof. (a trial of one's faith). an attempt of effort to do something. a trying, distressing or annoying thing or person.

Trials are very testing, are they not? They can discourage us, frustrate us, tempt us to sin and for some become to much and we give up hope. If you are facing trials of many kinds can I remind you of what James 1:2-4 says? "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Listen to this insightful reflections from Milton Vincent on Perspective in Trials:

"More than anything else could ever do, the gospel

enables me to embrace my tribulations and thereby

position myself to gain full benefit from them. For the

gospel is the one great permanent circumstance in

which I live and move; and every hardship in my life

is allowed by God only because it serves His gospel

purposes in me.When I view my circumstances in this

light, I realize that the gospel is not just in piece of

good news that fits into my life somewhere among all

the bad . I realize that the gospel makes

genuinely good news out of every other aspect of my

life, including my severest trials. The good news

about my trials is that God is forcing them to bow to

His gospel purposes and do good unto me by

improving my character and making me more

conformed to the image of Christ.

Preaching the gospel to myself each day provides a

lens through which I can view my trials in this way and

see the true cause for intelligent rejoicing that exists in

them. I can then embrace them as friends and allow

them to do God's good work in me."

This is of great encouragement to me & helps me remember that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purposes. I trust it will serve and encourage you in your current trial or future trial...

Is God glorious in our eyes?

Psalms 24:8 says, 'Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle!'

Is the Lord seen as glorious in your eyes?

If not, may I persuade you to consider what the Lord has done on our behalf?

Jesus, upon Calvary defeated and conquered every enemy, breaking every weapon of the enemy into pieces by His finished work of complete obedience. Not only that but He triumphantly rose from the dead and ascended. CH Spurgeon comments that, "when this happened He completely overturned the hopes of hell leading captivity captive, making a show of our enemies openly, triumphing over them by His cross." How mighty & glorious is our Lord!

You know, every arrow of guilt that Satan might have shot at us is broken, because who can charge us? Our Lord is mighty!

What victories has grace won in our evil hearts? Can you rejoice when Jesus' work in your life has subdued your will, and sin is dethroned? What a mighty Lord!

Brothers, the name of Jesus is great beyond compare! For we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. Through Him, we shall cast down the powers of darkness which are in the world. Spurgeon writes that "by our faith, and zeal, and holiness; we shall win sinners to Jesus, we shall overturn false systems, we shall convert nations, for God is with us, and none shall stand before us." Praise HIS HOLY NAME!

What a Mighty LORD!!! He is GLORIOUS!!!

'Obedience Borne of Romance'

I have often heard the question, "How do I love God with all my heart, soul and mind?" If you are interested in an answer: I want you to do me a favor. Read the following:

"To love God with all my heart, soul, mind and

strength is the greatest commandment in the Law.

If I could simply fulfill this one commandment, I

would gladly fulfill all others as a natural matter

of course.

So how can I come to love God with all of my

being ? The Bible teaches that genuine love in my

heart for God is generated by an awareness of His love

for me, and nowhere is the love of God more clearly

revealed than in the gospel. Therefore, preaching the

gospel to myself is a great way to keep God's amazing

love before my eyes, so that I might experience its

power to produce in me a passionate love for Him in

return . Romanced by His love in this way , my

increasingly smitten heart will burn to do His will and

will feast itself on doing so."

I reckon that is a helpful response! Thank you Milton Vincent.

Encouraging Our Children WHEN They Attempt To Share Their Faith

I came home from work the other day and my son filled me in on his day. He said, "Dad, I need to talk to you about something that happened today when we were out." My first thought was, uh-oh, he's got a sex question. "No worries son" I replied, and promised we would catch up before bed.

I went to see my wife and she filled me in on her day and then gave me a heads up about what Caleb was going to be speaking to me about. To my great delight it was not about sex, but it was about how to share the gospel with other kids more effectively.

My son shared with me how he met a boy, who was a couple years younger than him, who asked him if he believed in God. My son quickly confirmed his belief in God and then asked the boy if he believed in God. The other boy readily confessed that he did not believe in God and did not believe that Jesus was God's Son.

As I was drawing my son out he said to me, "dad, if only I could have remembered the verses you taught me about sharing my faith. I just couldn't remember anything", he said disappointingly.

It was then, that I was able to care for my son and remind my son that it is the Holy Spirit that draws all men to Himself. I was also able to encourage him that it is important to memorise God's Word so that we can share them with others. Yet, I wanted to caution him about his disappointment.

You see, some of that disappointment is good and right. I think it served him to sit with it and be discontented with his effort. My prayer is that God will use this to stir my son into becoming a better evangelist.

However, I thought it appropriate to share with my son that his dad has struggled and fumbled when sharing his faith too. You see, I myself have felt as though my tongue has been tied, or my words were incoherent, but I attempted to give an account for the hope that lies within me. So I encouraged my boy that God uses our words even though we don't think He could, because we shared so poorly. And sometimes when we feel disappointed, this disappointment makes us feel as though, because we can't articulate our thoughts properly, we shouldn't, so we stop.

This can only be a ploy from the evil one. I encouraged my son that we must work hard (together) and practice sharing our faith, and practice giving an account for the HOPE that lies within us!

Not sure if you have thought about equipping your 12 or 10 year old children how to share their faith... but if not - please do!

Another Gift Idea

Hey - here's another fantastic book that you can purchase for yourself or for a friend. The book is called, 'War of Words' Getting To The Heart Of Your Communication Struggles. The book has been written by Paul David Tripp and you can purchase a copy by clicking on the title of the book.

If you are unsure about the book's content, have a read of these questions at the end of chapter 1. I trust it whets your appetite!

1. Does your talk with others lead to biblical problem solving?

2. Does your talk have a "stand together" or a "me against him/her/them" posture?

3. Do your words encourage others to be open and honest about their thoughts and feelings?

4. Are you approachable and teachable or defensive and self-protective when talking with others?

5. Is your communication healthy in the principal relationships in your life?

* parent - child

* husband - wife

* extended family

* sibling relationships

* employer - employee

* friend - friend

* body of Christ

* neighbor - neighbor

6. Does your talk encourage faith and personal spiritual growth in those around you?

7. Do you talk with others to develop relationships with them, or do you only talk to solve problems during times of trouble?

8. Do you speak humble and honest words of confession when you sin and words of sincere forgiveness when others sin against you?

9. Do your words reflect a willingness to serve others or a demand that they serve you?

10. As you face the struggles of talk, do you do so with a recognition of the gospel - God's forgiveness, his enabling grace, and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit?

As you can see, some powerful questions and if you want to have a look at Galatians 5:22-23 (click on it) and evaluate yourself, it may serve you well. This will be something I go through with my wife and kids. I am sure it will serve us well!

A CD You Gotta Buy!

Hey, if you are looking for a present to buy someone that will encourage them in their everyday walk with the Lord, could I recommend this:
If you click here: Sons & Daughters - you will be able to purchase this albulm for $12.00 US + a bit of postage. The Aus dollar is very good against the 'Green Back'! Good time to shop like this...

There is a song on this albulm called: God Delights in You! WOW - written by Eric Grover and composed by George Romanacce. It is a wonderful song with a great melody but what's great are the lyrics. I have been hitting repeat, repeat, repeat!


Let me share the words with you:


Calling every daughter
Calling every son
All who've been adopted
Through a sacrafice of love
There's no need for you to fear
Your debts have been cleared


Calling all the downcast
Who feel like they're alone
Anyone who's longing
For a family of their own
God's prepared a place for you
He's calling you to


CHORUS:
Come and sing, come and dance
The Father's singing over you
Come rejoice and be glad
For God delights in you, in you
Calling all who've wandered
Gone off on their own
Anyone who wonders
If they're welcome back at home
The God of grace makes all things new
He's calling you to


BRIDGE
You choose us to be the objects of your love
In spite of what we have done
You gave your beloved Son to die for us
To make us daugters and sons

c. 2009 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP)




Boy these words humble me! I am grateful for some blokes who worked to serve their brothers and sisters in Christ, all over the world, to reflect on the God of Grace who makes all things new & calls us to come and sing and come and dance...

Got 5 or 10 Minutes? Read this about NOT going to Church...

Have you observed or heard how not being apart of a church is an acceptable idea these days? The 'Jesus & Me' idea has been adopted instead of the 'Jesus & We' instruction. Are you with me? Perhaps you yourself are beginning to entertain this ideology? Could you read this article?


A man that I greatly respect and have alot of time for, is a guy by the name of Jeff Purswell. He is a Dean of the Pastor's College and a pastor at Covenant Life in Gaithersburg Maryland.

He has written a humbling and exciting article entitled, 'Don't Go to Church?'. If you click on the title of this article you will be able to read the article for yourself. I trust you will, it oughta take you about 5-10 minutes!

Friend, I trust this encourages you and challenges you to pray for family & friends who are disillusioned, discouraged, disgruntled or who find no time for the Church. If you yourself find yourself in one of the categories mentioned above, please speak to a trusted Christian friend or a pastor. If you don't know of one, please leave a message & I will seek to serve you any way I can!

What's an Eternal Perspective? Part 2

Glad you came back to check about getting a vision for your family! It's a way we as father's can serve our family! So, before we can put a vision in place perhaps it may serve us to quickly consider what is eternal:


Eternity is a mystery that is very profound. This topic can really do your head in. Especially if you read some of the great minds who attempt to dumb it down for us. And there are many and varied views about this topic, but in any case, because we find it difficult to understand, we shouldn't just put it in the 'too hard basket'. I think we ought to wrestle with this idea because frankly, whether we like it or not, eternity is real!

How do I know this? Well because I believe what the Bible says. The Bible makes several references to heaven, judgement, eternal life (Jn. 3:16). The Bible also talks about being absent from the body and being present with the Lord. In fact, when Jesus left the earth He said, "I am going to prepare a place for you... that where I am there you may be also..." (Jn. 14). This confirms that something happens after we die. What happens? Well according to the Bible it's either heaven or hell.

Don't know where you are at, but for me, it helps me to live with eternity in mind. And yet, this also begs the question, how do we do this?

As a father I am learning more and more. I am responsible to equip my wife and children with the truth. If I don't do this, then I am not loving them or caring for them. Even if I don't understand the topic or the consequences, I don't think this releases me from my responsibility. I need not abdicate my role as a husband and father, however I need to be diligent and intentional about equipping my wife and children with truth. Now here's the catch: I need and want to serve my family with Biblical truth not worldly wisdom. There is a difference. And I think that right there is how you put into place a vision that has an eternal perspective for your family.

Let me offer you where I would start - I would start with the "GOOD NEWS" = the GOSPEL! Can I offer you this warning? Never grow comfortable or familiar with this story, but rehearse its' mysteries and truths daily! It's a temptation I face and you may too, so I offer this warning! But in saying that, if you do this, you will find it will help you put into place a vision for your family that seeks to glorify God and will, in turn, bless your wife and kids socks off!

I think it would be appropriate for me to remind myself of this amazing Good NEWS!!! Jesus (what a Savior) is born of a virgin, living a perfect/sinless life. Healing and delivering many people, as well as teaching thousands the ways of God. He is later falsely accused, lied about, misrepresented and yet never sinning or retaliating (staggering to consider), is nailed to a cross and dies on our behalf. Then 3 days later He raises from the dead, conquering death! Praise His Holy Name! After He rose from the dead, He then reveals himself to approximately 500 witnesses and ascends to heaven many days later, and took His rightful place at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us! Wow & Hallelujah!



Brothers, putting a vision together for your family will look different than mine because my wife and children will be different than yours. Your wife's temptations and weaknesses will be different as will your children's. But here's where the hard work is required. You must listen and observe your wife and children... and after you have done that for a few weeks, and spent some time praying and asking God for wisdom, then I reckon you will have come up with a wonderful vision for your family that will glorify the God who gave you life, a wife & those kids...

May you plan & parent with an eternal perspective, for the glory of our Great GOD & King!

What's an Eternal Perspective? Part 1

Hey Guys -

Do you know what an eternal perspective is?

When I speak of an eternal perspective, I am speaking of a vision or view that goes way beyond this life time.

Eternal means: "without beginning or end; lasting forever; always existing; enduring; immutable; perpetual; ceaseless; endless."

Whereas perspective means: "a view or vista; a mental view or outlook; a point of view" (definitions courtesy of dictionary.com).

So guys - whats your vision for your family? To be rich, healthy, smart, popular, athletic, chic magnet, ladies man, "nice guy", a beauty, school captain? What is the vision you have for your family?

What? You don't have a vision?

Ahhhh - join the crowd! Many don't! In fact, I didn't either. I was just letting life pass me by. Unaware of who was influencing my children and telling them what they should become. TV adds, magazines, teachers, peers, sports stars, movie stars, radio commentators, adds at the shops! You know what I'm talken about - aye? Our kids are getting it every which way they go.

SO here we must first of all get a vision for our family. OK -now how do I do that you ask?

Glad you asked - cause I want to share with you how to get an vision that has an eternal perspective -

so come back soon and let's look at what is eternal!

Preparing for your daughters to Marry...

Hey Dads...

Do you remember when you saw your wife walking down the isle? I do, almost like it was yesterday. My bride to be took my breath away... I must find a picture to show you all how stunning she looked - One day, I will do that!

Anyway - my wife has been culling and attempting to down-size some of the things we have. So it's a perfect time for us to be going through boxes and trying to rid ourselves of more "stuff" and in the process many memories and things have been found, one being her wedding veil. So my wife sent out Keziah in her wedding veil and I was dumb founded!

She (Keziah) said, "daddy, I'm getting married!"

Of course then she asks if "I think she looks pretty?" I readily affirm her beauty as I am still trying to get over the shock of seeing my little girl in her mummy's wedding veil.


What a special thing when you consider your daughter one day marrying a godly guy who will lead her and spend his life with her... I hope he will do a better job that I have done with my bride - but that's another story...

All I know is... I need to go and pray - because I have five daughters and that means I will have 5 son in laws, poor dudes! LOL
















I must say - what a responsibility parenting 5 daughters with an eternal perspective... Grace - we need Grace!!!

Preaching vs. Worship?

WOW - have you ever read something that you really agree with, and yet there is this tinge of barb that comes with it? That 'barb' actually stings as you read it. You want to argue it - you want to excuse it & yet you know that what you are reading is right, however it requires adjusting your thinking and also perhaps your practises. In fact as you ponder the truth a bit longer you realise that it is going to cost? Cost? Yea, cost when some of your closest and dearest won't agree with your conviction.

This is what I experienced when I read Jeff Purswells article: 'Preaching vs. Worship? '

I trust this article challenges you and serves you too...

Church Planting

Here is a really helpful article by Dave Harvey - who explains why Sovereign Grace seek to plant churches...

I hope this serves you and encourages you...

Here is the article 'Why Plant Churches?' by: Dave Harvey

Have you ever had someone speak so rudely to you?

Have you ever had someone speak to you so rudely you wanted to clock them? Well if so, read on!

This week was really difficult for me. Why? Because I have never been spoken to so disrespectfully! This week I was assisting some senior high kids with their end of year assessments. It was like extracting teeth or something. I was totally unprepared for what I was thrown into, however, God in His kindness revealed so much to me.

Here's what I learned in a big nut-shell: When I was spoken rudely too by these young kids - I totally got angry! I wanted to yell and swear back at them. Why? because I don't deserve to be spoken to like that! Yet when I was driving home from work, that night, I thought about my Savior walking down the Via Dolarosa... It was a long walk ! - He has just been beaten bloody. And yet He walked this long path to Golgotha, and on the way, insults were hurled at Him. He was spat upon, His hair pulled, His beard yanked, & face slapped - and HE
N-E-V-E-R - retaliated!!! - WHY NOT???? He had every right!!!

You know as I sat in the car and thought, I was so humbled! These kids have no idea who the Savior of the world is. They have no idea the cost that has been paid for them - or they don't understand. They don't understand why Jesus Christ died for us and yet I was there once. Not caring and blinded by my own pride, selfishness and anger.

Then this morning, I read Ephesians chapter 2 and it was verses 4&5 that caught my attention: "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ - by grace you have been saved -"

Brothers, God is so amazingly rich in mercy it truly is indescribable. That's why Jesus never retaliated! Because being God, He is rich in mercy and He knew we were dead in our trespasses and He was about His Father's business!

As I reflected on this I thought about my lack of mercy to others when they speak in a way that is harsh, rude or degrading. You see, here's the thing, I don't deserve the grace I have been given and when I go down that track of thinking about what I deserve - that's asking for trouble, because what I deserve is, hell! Yet God in His great love, loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses... For it is truly by grace that I have been saved...

Once we truly understand this & continue to preach the truth to ourselves instead of buying into worldly thinking, we will be able to be about our Father's business praying for those we work with to have an encounter with our mighty Savior, Jesus Christ.

Brothers, if you have a boss or colleague that is rude, demanding, unkind, hurtful or sarcastic: let me encourage you to shower them with grace - the same grace that God extended to you when you were once in darkness, because perhaps they are in darkness and don't know what the Savior has done for them!

Visiting our new Church Family

Some of you may know that I am part of a team of people who are planting a church called Sovereign Grace Ministries Australia. Well this past week we were in Sydney with folk who are going to be apart of this process.

It was truly humbling and amazing. In fact we are so excited about this, though it has been a tough process, and yet, as one friend put it, "First and foremost just give God some serious praise for the way He has provided for me and blessed my socks off throughout my time here", and that is something my family and I have experienced over the past 11 months of being where we are.

You know, we are so grateful to God for His kindness and goodness to us - especially in sending this dear couple to us from Wales!

Dave & Emma Taylor... We thank God for you!

We are excited about what lies ahead! But also about doing life with this fine group of men and women! YEEOW!!!

Prayer

Today I want to share some thoughts with you from my hero: CH Spurgeon.

He writes, "Prayer is instantly noticed in heaven." How incredible to consider that. Think with me for a moment, how many times do our childen come to us and call our name, but we are doing something different and we don't quite give the child our full attention? And yet, when we pray there is an instant notice from God to us, His children!

Spurgeon goes on to state that, "Our God not only hears our prayers but also loves to hear it." Doesn't that just make you want to pray now? God not only hears our prayers but He loves to hear our prayers! That is so amazing...

As I have thought about this today, and today has been challenging for me, I think of how often I don't pray but just think about things instead of talking to God and asking for wisdom, or love or insight...

I am reminded today :

"Faith asks no signal from skies,

To show that prayers accepted rise,

Our Priest is in His holy place,

And answers from the throne of grace."

Jesus says, "I Am the True Vine"

In the Bible, there are many books with many great and amazing truths. Lately I have been reviewing and studying and meditating on John 15:1-11.

Jesus says that we are to "abide" in Him and He in us (vs. 4).

What does abiding look like? Well... here's what I am discovering:

Abide means to: remain; continue; stay. It can mean to dwell or reside with, to continue with, to put up with, to tolerate, to stand with, to endure, sustain, to wait for, to accept without opposition or question, to remain steadfast or faithful to.

Let me tell you, abiding is not easy. Oh, I want to abide with Him and I sure want Him to abide in me...

Abide my brother... Abide in Him because as verse 5 promises, "whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is who bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

May we see fruit in our wife & children as we abide in HIM...

Fathers & Sons, Stand Fast

I am reading another great book. It's called, 'Fathers & Sons, Stand Fast'. It is written by Douglas Bond (you can pick up a copy of it, by clicking on the title).


In reading this book, I have been refreshed, challenged, encouraged & rebuked. And I must add, I am so grateful for a read like this. As a father, I want to glean as much as I can, from those who have been where I am going. We have so much to learn from others, who have gone before us.

Mr Bond, in his book, has served us fathers well! He has selected relevant & key issues to address with our sons. And yet while raising these issues, he uses lots of biblical truths, stories, examples and experiences and explains them thoroughly and clearly. One of my favorite bits of his book is at the conclusion of each chapter, because he offers some 'Resolves', a scripture memory verse, some questions for discussion, a hymn & some further study options.

I have worked through a few of the chapters with my son & have walked away refreshed and excited. I must confess that it is quite humbling as a father, when you are able to discuss and learn from God's Word with your son. While discussing a few of the chapters, my son and I have been freshly reminded by the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to save sinners like us, as well has having some transparent and honest conversations about the issues in the book that have been raised.

One topic, which I want to blog about later, is respect for women, girls, & our elders...

Anyway - get a copy! It's a great $22.95 investment...

Memorizing Scripture

I want to keep this brief ...

Dad's, teach your kids to memorize scripture!

Here are a few ideas: Commit to doing a verse a week or a month. You pick the verse and then discuss it with your children. Have an incentive to memorize it. I did, and it worked a treat!

Here's some verse ideas to start with:

Proverbs 16:24 - "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."
Psalms 119:9 - "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word."
Isaiah 6:3 - "And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.""

Now these verses can work for your family for either three weeks or three months, depending on what will serve your family best!

Where do you go after that? Well that's really up to you, but here is a suggestion. Psalms 119:11 says, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." - If your family are struggling in an area of sin or are unfamiliar with an area of doctrine, perhaps you could pick a verse that might serve them to grow in that area (?)...

What ever you do, teach your children to memorize scripture.

It's another way we can, 'parent with an eternal perspective...'

Don't Be Ordinary - by John Younts

Parenting is a big job, especially as they get older. I am discovering that it becomes a little more serious to address issues of the heart.

Younts, in his book 'everyday talk' challenges parent's to consider how we will talk to our children when they disobey our directions. Great challenge, Mr Younts!

So when I did a hurried evaluation, I recognized a need for grace in the way I respond to my children when they disobey. Younts is right when he writes, "they ([y]our children) will be stubborn, deceitful, manipulative and rebellious. They will complain, whine and grumble. Your job (as parent's)is to recognize their sin for what it is and teach them how to deal with it God's way."

Wow - what a powerful and grace motivated truth. We do have an amazing job that God has called us to. But more than calling us to this task, He has provided us with loving instructions in His Word on how to be the parent He wants us to be. Younts encourages parent's by calling us to "remember, Christ loved you when you were unlovely." Oh how true that is. When I read this I laughed, because I am so aware of the deficiencies I carry as a husband and father. I am often amazed that God would have me on His team. When I remember this, I am reminded that if He can be that patient with me, then He can equip me to be patient with my wife and children, just as He has ALWAYS been with me.

I trust you will not quit or give up in your calling of parenting with an eternal perspective...

Wait on the Lord - Psalms 27:14

"Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord."


Do you find it easy to wait?

Not long ago I posted about, 'waiting on the Lord'. Brothers the lesson was once again put to the test.

Spurgeon says that waiting is "one of the postures a Christian soldier learns not without years of teaching".

If you think about it, that is so true. Doing something, even if it is not going to produce anything, helps us feel better. It's hard not to think like this when you hear the likes of Oprah Winfrey explaining that 'God helps those who help themselves'. This is so untrue!

The thing that we need to do is W-A-I-T. How can we wait?

Three suggestions: 1) Wait in prayer! 2) Wait in faith! 3) Wait in quiet patience!

What does that look like? My hero, Spurgeon explains it like this:

1) Wait in prayer - "Call upon God, and spread the case before Him; tell Him your difficulty, and plead His promise of aid."

2) Wait in faith - "Express your unstaggering confidence in Him; for unfaithful, untrusting waiting, is but an insult to the Lord. Believe that if He keep you tarrying even till midnight, yet He will come at the right time; the vision shall come and shall not tarry."

3) Wait in quite Patience - "not rebelling because you are under the affliction, but blessing your God for it." Spurgeon goes on to instruct us not to "murmur against the second cause, as the children of Israel did against Moses; never wish(ing) you could go back to the world (Egypt) again, but accept the case as it is and put it as it stands, simply and with your whole heart, without any self will, into the hand of your covenant God, saying, 'Now, Lord, not my will, but Thine be done'. I know not what to do; I am brought to extremities, but I will wait until Thou will do."

I am in no way advocating we aren't to "do" anything - I am saying that it can be hard to wait on the Lord & when we are required to wait on the Lord - I wanted to suggest these three ideas that Spurgeon so wisely offers. I found them helpful and I trust you will too!

ManUp

Thought of a way to describe what a man, who Man'sUp, would look like. I'm thinking that a ManUp man would be the following:

1) Man of God

2) Accountable

3) Nuts about his families - Church family and biological family

4) Ultimate servant

5) Purposefully planning

Would you think this is a good summary?

What would you say?

What would you say to 75 young men, in 45 minutes, about 'growing into fatherhood'?

I'm thinking of encouraging them that it is good for single men to aspire to marriage and fatherhood - and if they are not aspiring to this - I want to ask them, "why not"? This should grab their attention! Not so sure they would have been challenged like this, especially at this age. I think they are thinking about how to satisfy the desires of their flesh and living in the moment instead of guarding their hearts and seizing the opportunities that lie ahead to assist them in preparing themselves for a wife and children.

Oh, I can hear the arguments - shouldn't you be talking to them about college & careers and sports and setting themselves up before you begin talking to them about becoming a father?

Actually, I think this is perfect to talk to them about marriage and fatherhood, because I am trusting that this will help them focus on manning up and becoming a man who follows God instead of following their fleshly desires.

Mark Driscoll correctly, I think, asks, "Is it not right that men aspiring to be fathers should, AFTER cultivating their own souls and being lovers of God, be instructed by the older men in their church to pursue a godly woman as a wife and mother?" He then concedes that, he knows "this is totally different than a good time, girlfriend, or date: however, wise young men will pursue a woman they can both love as a wife and see as the mother of their children."

I remember, as a young man in my own pursuit of marriage, I totally thought about my potential wife as a lover, friend, wife & then mother to our children. Even at 16! When I was courageous enough to pursue Meg, I asked her many questions about her ideas of family and the way she felt about ministry and God and the church. Thankfully, her answers confirmed that she was someone I wanted to be my wife. And by God's AMAZING GRACE - this remarkable & beautiful woman - that I truly do NOT deserve said, "yes" to me!

I think it will serve these young men to add a bit of history about the decline of male leadership. According to Carolyn Gragilia, author of Domestic Tranquility, she writes that in the 1950's, men were not doing a good job of leading and loving their families, but that the wives did not have the power and authority to overthrow their husbands and rule the families as they desired. So the wives simply recruited their children as allies against their husbands. If they could undermine the father's authority and respect in the home, then the wife and children could control and manipulate and drive out the husbands and rule over the family. Amazingly, in Proverbs 19:13 we discover how we got from the 1950's to the anarchy of the 1960's - namely, foolish men married godless woman who recruited their own children to overthrow their fathers and usher in anarchy.

If you doubt this statement or question this idea - simply watch one of the countless sitcoms on T.V. where the husband is portrayed as an inconvenience, an idiot, the butt end of the joke and the wife trash-talks him in front of the kids. This humor is viewed by millions and leaves impressions on countless young ladies and young boys.

Let me ask you - how is this funny?

Yet - whose fault is it? I can't help but think that it's men's fault. Why? Because men have not manned up and loved God first.

What are your thoughts?

Sovereign Grace, Australia!!!

After years of praying, we are so excited to see a Sovereign Grace Church ready to come to Sydney, Australia in 2010. Check out the website here, or join the Facebook group to keep up to date on the latest developments & news. Please join us in praying for this church plant & the further spread of the Gospel throughout Sydney & Australia.

Mercy

The Mercy of God!

What is the mercy of God? In Psalms 52:8 mercy is described as, "God's unfailing love"!

I reckon that if we dared to meditate on the mercy of God we would recall the tenderness of His mercies. We would recall that it is with a gentle, loving touch that He heals the broken hearted, and binds up their wounds. It truly is a great mercy, for as Spurgeon reminds us, "There is nothing little in God; His mercy is like Himself - it is infinite." That means that God's mercy is unable to be measured.

Consider with me how great this mercy is:

His mercy forgives great sins and great sinners, and I am one of them. Amazingly, even after great lengths of time, He then gives great favors and great privileges. For example, - allowing us access to the Father, eternity with Him; feasting at the royal banquet, to be called, 'sons of God'!

Truly His mercy is undeserved mercy.

I dare you to meditate on His mercies - for they are new every morning...

Children Learning About Biblical Manhood and Womanhood

Courtney Reissig has written a very thoughtful article on Children's Ministry. 'The Training Ground for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood'! You can read the article in its entirety by clicking on the title.

As I read this article and continue to reflect on it, I must confess I wonder how committed we really are to living out Biblical Manhood and Womanhood as well as instructing our children about Biblical Manhood and Womanhood.

So let me ask you: How do you view this topic? Archaic, relevant, something to be applied or debated and studied - what are your thoughts?

I truly believe that our sons and daughters need to know that God made man and woman equal in value but different in their roles. This is not something to be ashamed of, but celebrated. It is not to be seen that men are superior and women are inferior: however, I think that a correct teaching of Biblical Manhood and Womanhood ought to begin at an early age...

Have a read of the article and let me know your thoughts...

Comedy in Devotions

Today in our family devotions I spent some time with the younger 5 equipping them with how to answer a friend who may ask them, how they can know and follow God.

I borrowed three simple ideas, and was attempting to train Noah, Beth & Belle, in particular, to learn them.

So I shared that they may want to tell their friend, that in order for them to know and follow God they can pray and 1) thank God for His Son Jesus. 2) seek forgiveness from God for the sins they have committed. 3) ask God to live in their hearts.

Fairly basic and simple, I thought! So we reviewed and reviewed and then thought we could do a role play.

So Caleb, Abigail & Noah were reporters following the famous Chavez twins who were out shopping. News had hit the press that the Chavez twins were now followers of God and the reporters wanted to know how they could know and follow God as well.

As Caleb, Abigail & Noah are spitting out their introduction and finally ask the question of the twins, out shopping, how they could know and follow God, Bella answers:

She says: "You have to die and go to heaven"

We erupted in laughs and poor Bella cried... but then after a few cuddles - was all smiles again & wanted to see the pictures...

Welcome Tabitha Grace Chavez

WELCOME

- Tabitha Grace Chavez...

I am so thrilled to raise another young lady - for the Lord!

She weighed 7.8 pounds


Her Length was 21 inches or 51 cm



Tabitha and Mother are doing so well!


And so are the grandparents...







To this and for this - we thank our Heavenly Father - who is the best Father of all!

Training Your Son...

I share this with you because - it is real!

Lately I have been struggling with how to train my son. Do you know what I am talking about? You know, when you think you are being clear about something - but then your son does not seem to be "getting" it - even though he nods in agreement - that he understands what you are asking of him or telling him - but the actions are not following?

Yesterday I was really shocked by something that happened. And to be honest, I had been overlooking other offences and when this happened, I unleashed my fury which was ashamedly quite ungodly! Have you had one of those moments?

As I was "training" (ie lecturing) my son, I could hear accusation after accusation escape from my lips: "how can you be so irresponsible"? "don't you think before you do"? "are you kidding me - have you ever seen your mum or I do anything so stupid"? - That right there is a stupid question in and of itself! Of course he has not seen us do anything so stupid - because he was not around when we were 11 years old!

Finally it hit me - square between the eyes - Patrick, STOP! Stop with the accusations and let's recall all your failures and inconsistencies for a moment. And by the way - who has trained your son in this area? Have you ever told him not to do what you are "lecturing" him about?

There was this horrible sinking feeling! YOU, Patrick are condemning your son instead of showing grace. The grace that you want to be shown - you are not showing!

Oh brothers - the reality of that moment was priceless.

You see - I can expect my son to know what to do - but why should I expect that of him if I have not trained him in it?

For quite some time now, I have sensed the leading of the Holy Spirit to be going through Proverbs with my son. Together! Not just sending him to read Proverbs and hoping he gets it. But together!

I already know that I am going to have to fight and protect this time, but I believe it is going to serve him and myself to be reading through this wonderful book together!

You see Proverbs 1:7 says: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction".

My son does not want to be a fool, and I don't want him to be one either, however I need to train him with what God's Word says. And by doing this - do you know what I find? When you "TRAIN" your children with the Gospel - you can't help but remember what a sinner you yourself are - but also the hope of God's correction. God is faithful to discipline those whom He loves. And His discipline is for our good - not for our harm! And most importantly - God's forgiveness to us when we confess our sins! How can we not be amazed and rejoice? Discipline then becomes some wierd and joyous occassion!

Us men need this sort of correction and care from our Heavenly Father! We then in turn, need to model this sort of forgiveness and care to our families - so they get a true representation of their Heavenly Father!

I wanted to keep this post brief - but I want to let you dads know - that training our children is such a great investment! It is hard work - but what a joy to train our children in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

I just love parenting with an eternal perspective! What about you?

Baby 7

JULY 31st is fastly approaching! In fact it is in just a few more sleeps and that is when our 7th baby is due!

We value your prayers...

"Blessed is the man who's quiver is full"!

We are so looking forward to this baby coming & I need to be extra vigilant in leading my wife and children because we can get stuck on a date and forget that this baby's days are numbered and have been ordered by the Lord.

It's not our timing - but His!

We wait on you Lord...

Poorly Dressed Beggar...

Check out this site: Of First Importance - living each day in the good of the gospel...

Imagine that your prayer is a poorly dressed beggar!

"Imagine that your prayer is a poorly dressed beggar reeking of alcohol and body odor, stumbling toward the palace of the great king. You have become your prayer. As you shuffle toward the barred gate, the guards stiffen. Your smell has preceded you. You stammer out a message for the great king: " I want to see the king".

Your words are barely intelligible, but you whisper one final word , 'Jesus , I come in the name of Jesus.' At the name of Jesus, as if by magic, the palace comes alive. The guards snap to attention, bowing low in front of you. Lights come on, and the door flies open. You are ushered into the palace and down a long hallway into the throne room of the great king, who comes running to you and wraps you in his arms.

The name of Jesus gives my prayers royal access. They get through. Jesus isn't just the Savior of my soul. He's also the Savior of my prayers. My prayers come before the throne of God as the prayers of Jesus, 'Asking in Jesus' name' isn't another thing I have to get right so my prayers are perfect. It is one more gift of God because my prayers are so imperfect. "

by: Paul Miller 'A Prayer Life'

Godward Orientation

Godward Orientation! Have you ever thought about it?

Tedd Tripp illustrates Godward orientation like "the set of the sail in a child's life". I get what he is describing. If the sail (influence), in our child's life, is set to head south - it's going to go south. Likewise if the sail (influence) is set to move towards the north, it will head north.

So with that being said, take some time with your bride to consider the influences that are shaping your child(ren)'s life - and then evaluate the Godward orientation.

You see parenting is not just providing good input. In fact it is not just creating a good green house effect, though I do like the concept of a greenhouse, however: As parent's we are to be teaching our children the truths in Scripture. Psalms 58:3 tells us, "Even from birth the wicked go astray, from the womb they are wayward and speak lies." Consider Psalms 51:5 "Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me." These verses clearly tell us that our children, are never morally neutral. You see, our children will either respond to God by faith or they will suppress the truth in unrighteousness. Tripp writes, "If they respond to God by faith, they will find fulfillment in knowing and serving God. If they suppress the truth in unrighteousness, they will ultimately worship and serve the creation rather than the Creator."

Ultimately, God is sovereignly in control over our children's eternal destination. With that being said, I can't imagine standing before my Heavenly Father justifying my lack of Godward orienteering with my children.

My children / Your children - are going to worship something, and we have been given a short time to parent them with an eternal perspective...

Peace in Trials

So many I know, are going through really challenging and difficult times. We too experience some of those times - but what do we do when we are faced with these difficult times.

Do we grow afraid? Do we get angry? Do we run to friends, food, alcohol, porn or TV? I know of some who get angry with God. Some look for something else to do to distract their minds from the ensuing problems. Others find themselves "depressed".

In James 1:2-18 we read that our faith will be tested, and here is the instructions: "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete lacking nothing."

Many people are facing trials due to the economic crisis that the world finds itself in. What would you do? Would you count it all joy or would you be mad at God?

Hard to say, isn't it.

Here's what I imagine would help me & possibly others.

I would want to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to myself. Then I would need to preach to my wife and children the truth of God's Word. I would want encouragement from my pastor & mates around me - to help me run this leg of the race set before me.

Another thing I like to do is listen to music. Music that throws my mind on Christ. Here is a song that I think does just that. It is called: "Peace". It has been written by a guy names Bob Kauflin. Let me share the words with you:

Peace, You give me peace
When the storms come and I'm afraid
Peace, You give me peace
When I trust in the words You say
You give me peace

Verse 1
If You can calm the sea
Then You can comfort me
If winds obey Your voice
Why should I fear the noise
And though my eyes can't see
I know You're with me

Verse 2
When someone starts to fight
And does things I don't like
I hear Your gentle voice
Saying I have a choice
To make an enemy
Or to spread Your peace

Peace, You give me peace
When the storm comes and I'm afraid
Peace, You give me peace
When I trust in the words You say
You give me peace

Brother's in Christ - Peace, is found inside the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Because of the Gospel...

So often the Gospel can be assumed. A colleague of mine once informed me that there are three stages of Gospel phases. 1) Faithful to the Gospel 2) Assuming the Gospel 3) Rejecting the Gospel.

It made me think about how others would say they apply the Gospel in their marriage. I know when I have thought about it for myself, I honestly could not say that I was entirely faithful to applying the Gospel in my marriage

Let me ask you: are you faithfully rehearsing the Gospel for yourself and with your wife? Do you assume the Gospel in your marriage? That would be thinking something like: 'Oh yea, I know Jesus died for my sins'. Or have you rejected the Gospel in your marriage? So you think you just need to work harder on your marriage.

In the book I recommended yesterday, I gleaned 9 reasons why the Gospel is so important for our marriages (found on pg 22 & 23).

1) Because of the gospel, Christians have become new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). Therefore in our marriage, our past does not define us, confine us, or determine our future.

2) Because of the gospel, we are forgiven (Ephesians 1:7). Therefore we can live free of all guilt and condemnation for every sin, and we can trust that God, in His mercy, will be gracious to us.

3) Because of the gospel, we can forgive, just as Christ forgave us (Ephesians 4:32). Nothing done against us compares to our sin against God. Therefore all offenses, hostility, and bitterness between Christians can be completely forgiven and removed.

4) Because of the gospel, we are accepted by God (Romans 15:7). Therefore we are not dependent on a spouse for who we are or what we need.

5) Because of the gospel, sin's ruling power over us is broken (Romans 6:6,14). Therefore we can truly obey all that God calls us to do in our marriage, regardless of any circumstances or situation.

6) Because of the gospel, we have access to God through Christ (Hebrews 4:14-16). Therefore we can at any time take any need in our marriage to the One who can do all things.

7) Because of the gospel, we have hope (Romans 5:1-4). Therefore we can endure any marital difficulty, hardship, or suffering, with the assurance that God is working all to our greatest good (Romans 8:28).

8) Because of the gospel, Christ dwells in us by his Holy Spirit (Galatians 3:13-14). Therefore we are confident that God is always with us and is always at work in our marriage, even when progress is imperceptible (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).

9) Because of the gospel, we have power to fight and overcome remaining sin, which continues to swell and war within us (Romans 7:19-21; Galatians 5:16-17). This indwelling enemy represents the essence of what is called the doctrine of sin.

Do these 9 'because fo the gospel's' not encourage you? Boy I have been thinking about them all day! I am encouraged by these truths....

Love That Lasts, When Marriage Meets Grace

Have you heard of this book? Love That Lasts, When Marriage Meets Grace! (click on the title and you can purchase your own copy) Now I have been reading the preface of this book that I once read and am going to be rereading, because I want to refresh myself with the truths that are provided in this book!

Anyway, as I read the following statement I was freshly encouraged by this explanation for the remake of this book.

"Anyone familiar with the original book will notice the changes, beginning with the cover. Both books share the same title, but the original subtitle, "Making a Magnificent Marriage," while certainly a worthwhile goal, seemed to put the emphasis on human effort, for human ends. The new subtitle, "When Marriage Meets Grace," reminds us that it is God and his glorious power revealed in the gospel of Jesus Christ that are the beginning, the means, and the goal of marriage. What infinite help and hope that can bring to any and every marriage!"

I don't know about you but I want all the help I can get to have a rich marriage. Here's the key. I believe, as husbands, it's our responsibility to be seeking the Lord to have "Love That Lasts".

If you purchase this book you will find 8 very helpful chapters with questions for discussion, evaluation and application at the end of the book. Following are the chapters you can be prepared to read about... Let me tell you - Chapter 2 alone is worth the $9.00 USD ... It is gold...

* The Journey of a Lifetime (Where it all begins)

* Leading with Love (The Role of the husband)

* Walking in Wisdom (The Role of the wife)

* Relational Intimacy (The Goal of our communication)

* Grace to Those Who Hear (The content of our communication)

* The Heart of Conflict (Restoring communication)

* It Never Has to Get Old (The soul of romance)

* Just The Two Of You (The wonder of sexual intimacy)

Anyway guys - we all want great marriages, great sex, Godly children etc... This is a helpful read to help you Parent with an eternal perspective - I promise you...

Teach em to Pray for their PASTOR

I was freshly reminded the other day of an instruction given to us that I have not been doing. In the Bible, in 1 Thessalonians 5:25 we read; 'Brothers, pray for us.' - what a request from Paul to the Thessalonians. Paul knew that those who had been called, by God, into minsitry had a serious position and they needed prayer. So, he asked for it! Not only were the Thessalonians to be praying for Paul, but we today, ought to be praying for our own pastor's.

I don't know about you, but I have not been setting a good example of this or modelling this for my family. Nor have I spent alot of time discussing and teaching them about the God given responsibility of a pastor either.

Consider with me for a brief moment the major responsibility that rests upon those who have been anointed and appointed for such a task. These officers in Christ's army are observers of very sad backsliding, and it wounds their souls. They see millions perishing and their spirit's sink. They have temptations which we may never experience, they labor over the words to speak so that they are useful to sinners as well as saints. These tasks are some eternally significant responsibilities.

Here are some things that we have begun to be praying for our pastor:

1) His own walk with Christ
2) His marriage
3) His leadership in the home
4) His children
5) The health of his family
6) Favor with other pastor's & people in the community
7) Wisdom to lead those he has been entrusted to lead
8) Faithfulness to the Lord
9) Friendships that will build him up and encourage him
10) Humility

Husbands, fathers, brothers in Christ - You can make your own list but I encourage you to please: PRAY for your pastor & teach your children to do this to...

Smelly Pigs!!!

John Owen is quoted as saying: "He that hath slight thoughts of sin, never had great thoughts of God."

These are some words worth wrestling with. In other words, if you don't think much of sin - you wouldn't of thought, at any length of the greatness of God. You see - God is so much greater than sin. He is so much bigger than all our sins. And yet, we grow complacent with our sinful state.

I recently read of a man who in the late 1980's lived in the farm country of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This would be a beautiful part of the world, for sure! Anyway, he tells of life being pleasant in all respects but one. He never got used to the smell of manure. That's right, the smell of manure was the one down side. He claimed that it was the pig manure that was the worst. However interestingly though was the fact that he found the pig odor disgusting, and yet he never noticed the pigs being disgusted by their own smell.

J.C. Ryle once put it, "The very animals whose smell is most offensive to us have no idea they are offensive and are not offensive to one another."

Robin Boisvert rightly points out that "Fallen man, it seems, can have no adequate idea what a vile thing sin is in the sight of a holy and perfect God."

How true! I wonder if you have grown complacent or comfortable with your sins? Are you justifying or rationalizing your sin away, instead of repenting or confessing sin?

Brother, the Gospel tells us that God loved us so much He sent His Son, Jesus who was born of a virgin; who lived a sinless life; who was crucified; buried & rose again 3 days later, then revealing Himself to many witnesses; ascended into heaven and now at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us - so that we might find forgiveness and freedom. What love is this? He loves us very much. Though He, God cannot tolerate sin, He sent His Son to pay the price that we might have life. He paid the debt!

What a Savior...

This is just a tiny glimpse at how Great God is in comparison to sin. Do your kids know this?

Serving your Bride when a baby comes...

Hey Guys -

Found a great read for you to either read yourself or pass on to your bride...

As we ourselves approach another baby coming - I am thinking how I will provide time for my bride to read her Bible and have personal time alone with the Lord? It is very important that this happens...

Check this out: Our friend, Nichole Starling over at 168 Hours has provided testimony and helpful websites for your wife to view and be encouraged... however I strongly suggest you have a look yourself too - so you can be leading your wife and not leaving her to fend for herself... Perhaps you could recommend some helpful things you saw there... if not, it hopefully raises your awareness that your bride needs time alone with God & this time has to be fought for, during the early days, months & even years of a baby coming home...

Real Freedom in Jesus :: Desiring God

Real Freedom in Jesus :: Desiring God

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Battles of the Flesh...

How often do you struggle with your fleshly desires? How often are you overcome by your fleshly desires? Are you winning the battle of the flesh?

I am challenged, encouraged and rebuked when I read verses like these in Galatians 5: 16-26

Walk by the Spirit

"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another envying one another."

Thankfully brothers our Great High Priest, Jesus, knows our temptations. He was tempted in every way and yet NEVER succumbed to any of them. Hence our justification, Oh praise His holy name! You see, Jesus did what we cannot do. We are going to fail. We are going to fall yet in the same breath, by His Spirit, we can live by the Spirit, instead of fulfilling the desires of the flesh. However when we fall, quickly run to the cross and find forgiveness there. 1 John 1:9 and Romans 8:1 are powerful verses in helping us biblically deal with sin.

I find it such a good reminder that we are in a battle. In order to win this battle of the flesh I/we need the full armor of God. By putting on the full armor of God - this is a way that we can protect ourselves from the temptations that can lure us to feed our flesh:

In fact, I have a friend who has a picture on his refrigerator at home, and he and his wife stand together, while they are waiting for their morning coffee , and they pray for each other and help each other assemble themselves for the day with these wonderful spiritual garments. You can read about them here in Ephesians 6: 13-18.

What a great way to equip yourself each day for battles of the flesh, but also what a great way to lead your family...

The Importance of Theology - from some wise men...

" A wise man has said that your Christian life is like a three-legged stool. The legs are doctrine, experience, and practice. In recent years many Christian people have not kept these three together". J.I. Packer

"You have heard the adage, 'Ignorance is the mother of superstition.' Unfortunately, many people's theology is the crystallizing of ignorance more than the systematizing of God's revelation. They wander about in the theological dark, formulating doctrines that belong in the world of witch doctors. Therefore, we need to say more than that everyone has a theology when asked, Why theology? We need to distinguish between right theology and wrong theology. For theology is like a backbone. Right theology will have you walking straight and fit. Wrong theology will have you hunchbacked and paralyzed." James Cantelon

"The conviction that Christian doctrine matters for Christian living is one of the most important growth points of the Christian life." Sinclair Ferguson