Broken Heart Because of Sin

Yesterday was Abigail's birthday. My oldest girl is now 9. As I sat across from her yesterday during devotions, I could not help but be amazed at how quickly time has flown. Meg put it well yesterday. There is no need to rush her out of her innocence of childhood. She is just 9 years old, though she is very mature, we can cherish these times with her and prayerfully instruct her in Biblical femininity.

Now even though it was Abigail's birthday, sin does not take a break. We had a fairly busy day yesterday and about 2:00 pm we had a moment when we were all together. Thankfully Caleb and Abigail reported on a situation that took place that they were upset about.

As they discussed what took place and Meg and I were able to provide instruction and guidance. I noticed that our son was pretty upset. Clarifying why he was upset he said, "because I realize what I have done."

We discussed the appropriate reconciliation steps that would be best. He agreed that that was what he wanted to do but he said, "dad, can we pray first?" As he prayed for the other person and asked for forgiveness, his mother and I were so humbled by his understanding of his sin, but also by his broken heart for his sin. Caleb recognized that he was wrong and was so upset that he had hurt someone else, but he wanted to make things right with God first!

What a great reminder for Meg and I. We can sometimes recognize that we have done something wrong, but we excuse ourselves. "I'm just tired", "They were rude to me", "I was just saying", and so the excuses go on in our hearts, but all the while, the Holy Spirit waits for us to reconcile to God and to man.

Sometimes we know we have hurt someone and we make it right with man - but we don't make it right with God. We need to do both!

May our hearts not grow hardened to sin.

Meg's Miscellaneous Monday Mentions!

Welcome to another glorious Monday! Today is a special day in the Chavez household as we celebrate Abigail's 9th birthday. Needless to say, we were all up at the crack of dawn, everyone too excited to sleep! Six little pyjama-ed feet raced downstairs (ok, so Keziah didn't quite race...she had to be carried...as did Elisabeth, who is carrying a 'wrestling' injury to her foot!) to see what amazing decorations awaited them. It is honestly a joy to us as parents to see all of our kids getting so much joy out of celebrating their siblings' birthdays, rather than just their own.
This week I have thought a lot about Abby turning 9. The usual reflections and questions like, "How did she grow up so fast? When did she jump from 9 months to 9 years?" run through my mind. I ponder these questions with every child's' birthday as I see before my very eyes the changes that are taking place in all of them. I praise God for the people they are becoming, especially as the older ones deepen in their faith and understanding of God.

While recognising that their growing up and maturing is all part of Gods' plan for them, and that our job as parents is to help prepare them for adulthood, I am reluctant to allow the pull of our culture to drag them into adolescence or adulthood before their time. In light of this battle to keep our children 'little kids' for as long as possible, I thought that this quote from Melanie over at 'This Ain't New York' presents some good advice in regards to not letting society dictate when our children will grow up. It is aimed at girls, but I think can equally apply to letting boys be little boys as long as they can on their way to manhood.

We need to let our little girls be little girls. Let them wear their princess pj's a little longer. Let them get their knees dirty. Let them dress up just to dress up. Let them have a boy friend and not label it "boyfriend." Let them be Little.

There are little girls acting like pop stars, pop stars acting like little girls, and young teens cutting, starving, hurting themselves and each other. There are six-year-old girls playing with dolls that look like street walkers and street walkers gaining fame from governors.

You can read the rest of her post here. I highly recommend it, especially for those of you who have little girls. I hope this encourages you as you seek to parent your children for Gods' glory!

Lest We Forget!

Yesterday, here in Australia, we celebrated Anzac Day. A day where Australians remember soldiers who have fallen in battle.

The day starts early with dawn services held at different war memorials around the country that have been erected to remember those brave soldiers.

Some of these services are televised, so you can watch them from the comfort of your home, instead of the normal cold and sometimes wet environments that many of the soldiers would have been all too familiar with.

As a migrant to this country, I found this Anzac Day to be quite moving. As my wife and children sat around the TV watching the addresses and presentations, I could not help but remember the instructions of Deuteronomy 6. Here we find instructions to teach our children the laws and decrees from the Lord. Not only the laws and decrees but also of how the Lord had delivered them from the hand of Pharaoh in Egypt.

Dad's, I think it is important to remind our children that the freedom we have as a country is thanks to some very brave men who served their country - however, I believe it is more than that. You see, these men who fought for our country are heroes. They are to be applauded! But it is vital to teach our children that God is the one who gives the victory! For He is bringing about His plans and purposes. It is His ultimate end that we are headed. His eternal Kingdom!

Teach your children about the heroic actions of men who have laid down their life for our country. But don't miss the opportunity to tell them of the most amazing sacrifice - God loving sinners so much that he sent his one and only Son, so that we might have eternal life.

Too extreme? Not for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

(photos courtesy of Herald Sun)

Awake in the Night?

For some reason I was wide awake at 2:30 AM. This has happened twice now, since my wife has been away. I must confess, there has been an element of fear inside, but on my lips, the name of "Jesus" springs forth. I have nothing to fear. He is with me!

So after I preach to myself, I get up and move around. Today, my wife and kids are coming home. I am quite excited about that!

This got me thinking about others. How many others awake in the night and struggle with fear?

I heard a wonderful sermon one time about being awake in the night. The sermon pointed us to the Psalms, which tells us of what David did in the night. "He remembered your name in the night, O Lord, and kept your law" (Psalms 119:53). "At midnight I rise to praise you, because of your righteous rules" (Psalms 119:62).

Do you think like this? If not, may I encourage you to alter your thinking in this way?

For me, there is alot happening in our lives as a family. I am finishing my degree, and new things are on the horizon. It is an exciting time, and yet as a father, knowing I have 7 other people in tow, I am mindful of how these changes will effect each and everyone of my family members. I am aware of the strengths of each member of my family in handling change, but also the weaknesses and temptations they will face.

Now I have a part to play in this change, but my role is not supreme. You see, I am learning that God is in control. He is the one who brings about His plan's and purposes. My job is to pray and encourage and remind and rejoice and celebrate and correct and rebuke and exhort my family members as we keep our eyes on Him through these unknown days and times. I can't lead my family in the ways of the Lord, unless I am spending time with Him. Sometimes it is at 2:30 in the morning!

Can I tell you something - these are sweet times!

What a wonderful, awesome privilege it is to lay our burdens down and declare how great and awesome, and worthy, and holy, and gracious, and majestic our God is!

Encouragement for the Heart!

My wife is once again serving me. She has taken all 6 children to her mum's place so that I can get some work done. I am so blessed!

These times can be challenging when we are apart because, as I am at home studying, Meg is at her mum's serving our kids and training them regarding issues of the heart.

While she is away, I have the privilage of studying God's Word and being freshly amazed by how great God is. How worthy He is of all of our life.

I sent my wife this text message yesterday to encourage her. These words are from John Piper, in his book, 'Desiring God'. "The tree of faith grows only in the heart that craves the supreme gift that Christ died to give: not health, not wealth, not prestige but God!"

How good are these words. Do we crave gifts from God - or do we crave God? Now for me, as I read words like this, I am humbled and encouraged. I want to share these words with everyone! So ... I am telling you too! God ALONE is to be our desire, first and foremost! Do you live with this truth?

Let me give you one more quote, and then I better get back to the books. John Piper says, "All sin comes from not putting supreme value on the glory of God. This is the very essence of sin."

How confronting and uncomfortable is this? As I read this, I thought of all the ways I have lacked in putting supreme value on the glory of God in my life. I can see the truth in this. You see, I put myself, my desires, my lusts, my ideas, my finances, my family as supreme instead of God. When I put myself first - I am not putting God first. I then fulfill the desires of my flesh instead of living and loving the Lord with all my heart, all my soul & all my mind.

May our prayer be something like this: Forgive me Lord! Please forgive me for not putting supreme value of your glory in my Life. You are so worthy oh Lord! Help me, change me, draw me and help me to place you in your rightful position. There is no one like you Oh Lord! May Your Kingdom come and may Your Will be done! In Jesus Name, AMEN!

Tongues and Rudders

Today I want to share with you from James 3:1-12. It is a very powerful passage, that challenges us about the use of our tongues. Though a small bit - leaves lasting impressions.

To master this most uncontrollable and contradictory member of the body is to have perfect self-control. Boy I desire this. When you think about it, only a spark can light a massive forest fire. In the same way, a single word can be just as destructive. How are you using your tongue?

The other image that James uses is that of a ship rudder. Now there are huge vessels in the sea that are being moved about by these small rudders. How easy it is for the small instruments in our mouth, called the tongue, to direct our conversations. When you think of it, our tongues can be used to encourage or to really hurt and wound others.

James 3:1-12 (New International Version)
1) Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2) We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. 3) When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4) Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5) Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6) The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 7) All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed by man, 8) but no man can tame, the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9) With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10) Out of same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11) Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12) My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

There is so much in this passage of Scripture. Allow me to highlight something else for you in verse 6, which may be difficult to get our heads around. It seems to mean that through the tongue, 'all evil characteristics of a fallen world find expression'. I think that we can understand this to mean that, it not only pollutes the whole personality, it's evil influence, continues through the whole course of life. So you hurt others with your words as a kid, you may grow up practicing this type of behavior as an adult. Damaging everyone in your life.

You hear that, 'sticks and stones may break bones, but words will never hurt'? Well it is clearly not true! Children are hurt by words. I have done it to my own children. Careless, unhelpful comments are not going to build up our family members. They are going to tear down and destroy.

I was speaking to my wife this morning and telling her about this passage. She did not have to say a word. I know in myself - this is something I need to work on! But actually, I need to repent of this before my Heavenly Father and ask Him to guide my speech. You see, I can't do this on my own! Oh, I can try to fix it myself - but that won't last. God has to change my heart!

May God change our heart's men! For His Glory!

Sabbath

May your Sabbath day be used to refocus your thoughts on Him and His Word!

Remember the cross and what that means for you!

Remember where we are headed!

And be ENCOURAGED!!!

Special Family Outing

Yesterday, we loaded the kids in the van and headed to Acer Arena. There we were, in the crowd of others watching Troy & Gabriella, in High School Musical on Ice.

Now I have to make a confession. I am not a lot of fun at events like this. I don't know why, other then I get aggravated by the highway robbery of the event holders pushing their merchandise. Meg rightfully pointed out to me that, I need to smile more. I hear this often, so possibly I do need to.

The kids were so excited and I must confess, I had so much fun watching my kids expressions, more then I did watching the actual show. What a joy it is to see your kids enjoying themselves. Laughing, smiling and... uhhhh... singing at the top of their lungs... We are truly blessed!

Enjoy your kids this weekend. Tell them that you love them! You know, one way you can show your kids that you love them, is by taking care of your bride! Love her in front of the kids. Respect her in front of the kids. This sets an example for them!

Blessings!

Tempting our Children to SIN?

Caleb and I did not get to have our time together last night because, I had a few mates around for dinner. However, knowing that our plans were altered, Caleb and I spent some time together on Tuesday.

On Tuesday morning we headed out to a place that I had not been before. We were going to collect some furniture. Now I am directionally challenged, as my wife puts it. It is true! However because I know this, it causes me to be quite anxious within myself. My pride then does not want to show that I am a bit timid, to be tracking to somewhere new. Fearful that I may get lost and not be able to find my way home! Silly? Yes!

Well, my wife wrote out directions and as we got closer to our time of departure I was getting snippy and irritable. I brought a bit of tension into the home! Then I exited the home leaving my wife with five children. Now on our way out the way door, I am snapping at my son about his "irresponsibility" in asking for some chewing gum, just as we are leaving. Surely he knew that his mum would be left to deal with the other children not getting gum at 9:00AM in the morning.

So within 3-5 minutes, I had upset the household.

Caleb and I got into the car and began to drive, and I was re-playing what just took place and thinking, why Patrick? Why do you do this? Why do you take your anxiety out on your family instead of placing them at Jesus' feet? Why don't you just talk to your Heavenly Father about it? I looked over at my son and was reminded that I am role modeling for him. Is that how he should treat his wife and children? ABSOLUTELY NOT!

After wrestling with my pride for a few kilometers, I apologised to Caleb. He is so quick to forgive me! I don't understand why! But I am so grateful.

Then as we traveled, we had a wonderful time of discussion. We discussed what I and his mom do, that tempts him to sin. That may be a foreign concept to you. Discussing what tempts children to sin, but as I have listened to other men teach about raising children this is a helpful conversation to be had.

Some ways that Caleb shared with me are these:

• When we are inconsistent
  
• When we are grumpy (with each other)
  
• In our tones of voice (being demanding)
  

I don't know about you, but knowing how my behavior tempts my son to sin, motivates me to action.

Ephesians 6:4 teaches me that, 'I am not to exasperate my children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.'

May we do this well - For HIS glory!

Faith w/o Works is Dead

James 2:14-26 is a fairly confronting passage of Scripture. Look at these words:

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has not deeds? Can such faith save him? 15) Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16) If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17) In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18) But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. 19) You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that - and shudder. 20) You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21) Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22) You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23) And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. 24) You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. 25) In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26) As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

When you read God's word, I pray it shapes your thinking. You see, this is how we understand what God desires for us. This is how we learn from scripture. Faith is required just as are works. Faith is believing in what we cannot see. However, Abraham, Noah, Moses, Rahab and so many others did not see the Christ. Yet their faith motivated them to action.

How is your faith? Is it dead?

I love verse 19. You believe in God? Good! - even the demons believe... They tremble at his voice, and they flee!

We must live out our faith! We must apply God's Word to our lives. In my 1599 Geneva Bible, the notes that assist in bringing understanding to God's Words are helpful. It says. "The conclusion; faith which bringeth not forth fruits and works, is not faith, but a dead carcass."