"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!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
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?
Thursday, August 20, 2009
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?
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?
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
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.
Monday, August 17, 2009
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...
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...
Thursday, August 13, 2009
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...
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...
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
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...
Thursday, August 6, 2009
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!
Monday, August 3, 2009
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?
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?
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