Fruit of the Spirit–Podcast 2!

Howdy folks! Here is my second podcast on the Fruit of the Spirit. As I said before, I don’t know how many I will do a week, but I’m doing them as the Spirit leads. These are geared toward the Teens that Sarah and I work with, but anyone is welcome to watch. Enjoy and leave me a comment below!

Drive Thru History “The Gospels”–A “Wow! Wow! Wow! Homeschool Review Crew Review

 

I have mentioned it before in my reviews that we love history. Because of that, we have explored many different curriculum options. One option that has always seems to come up is Drive Thru History®. I have heard wonderful things about them but we have never had the chance to really use any of their great videos. When it was announced that I might get the chance to review of their video series I was super excited. However, it wasn’t the history part that made me excited, but it was what the series, Drive Thru History® – “The Gospels”, was about. I don’t usual quote from a company’s website in my review but this time I am because when doing my research on the series before I was selected for the review, this really caught my eye:

Dave travels to over 50 ancient sites in Israel to deliver the Gospels in a fresh way, show the evidence for the truth of scripture, and encourage families to get excited about reading the Bible again.

Most of you know that my wife and I are full time missionaries and work with low income families in our community. We do Bible studies, mentor, provide rides and help with food banks, and a lot more things where we try to show Christ the families that we work with. A couple of years ago God led me to begin a Bible study for teen boys. The boys that God has led to our study are kind of a rough lot. They have been through a lot of things in life and have a lot of questions. Many of them question the Bible and it’s validity. They want proof! When I read the above statement I thought that this would be a fantastic study for my boys. I was not disappointed! It has been wonderful.

 

Before I tell you about the great discussions we have had, let me tell you what is included in the series. This series once again features Dave Stotts who is hilarious and very entertaining. He really makes the videos fun to watch. The Special Edition set that we received (pictured above) comes with three DVD’s and super nice study guide that also serves as a case for the DVD’s. On the DVD’s are 18 lessons that cover every aspect of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) in 18 approximately 30 minute long videos that cover Jesus’s life and ministry from before birth to his resurrection. Here are the 18 Episodes and what they cover:

Episode 1: The Historical Landscape
Episode 2: The Announcements
Episode 3: Jesus is Born
Episode 4: Jesus Grows Up
Episode 5: Jesus Starts His Ministry
Episode 6: Jesus Returns to Galilee
Episode 7: Jesus Begins His Miracles
Episode 8: Jesus Teaches with Authority
Episode 9: The Sermon on the Mount
Episode 10: Jesus Travels the Sea of Galilee
Episode 11: Jesus Travels North
Episode 12: A Final Trip to Jerusalem
Episode 13: Jesus Arrives in Jerusalem
Episode 14: The Last Supper
Episode 15: The Trial of Jesus
Episode 16: The Crucifixion of Jesus
Episode 17: The Resurrection of Jesus
Episode 18: Who is Jesus?

The episodes are indeed fascinating as well as funny (as I mentioned before). Dave travels to over 50 places in Israel and surroundings areas to give you historical information and to show you exactly where different events in the Bible happened. I haven’t been able to watch all of the videos yet, but so far we have seen dozens of fascinating places that really help us understand what the times were like and help us put into perspective Jesus’ life and miracles. Just recently we were fascinated with the palaces of Herod and how powerful of a man he was. When Dave talked about the supposed place where Jesus was born we were in awe. Those are just two of the many spots he travels to and really helps us understand scripture even more. I’ll talk about that late, but first let me tell you about the accompanying study guide.

 

 

The 100+ page study guide is equally as interesting. For each lesson it provides a summary of what is going to be covered, scripture that goes along with the lesson, five discussion questions to ask if you are using the series in a Bible study, and a brief section called “Side Road” for each lesson. The “Side Road” briefly discusses things that might not have been covered in the video, or maybe could have been covered in more detail but time didn’t allow. The guide also has dozens of pictures of many of the same places that are talked about in the video. We have really had some lively discussions in our Teen Boy’s Bible Study, which leads me to my next paragraph.

 

 

 

Above are two pictures from just last night. In the top picture you may see Jacob, my youngest – 11 years old. He has found these videos fascinating. The videos are geared toward middle school to adults, but all ages can can enjoy them.

 

We have had some super lively discussions after watching the videos at our Bible Study. Of course the teens seem bored at times when they are watching, but they sure know the answers to the discussion questions and have some great questions themselves. Because Dave Stotts uses a lot of outside history texts from Biblical days intertwined with the Gospel accounts, and also travels to all of these spots to show historical evidence that these events did happen, it has made the boy’s think. We have great talks about why the virgin birth is important, the wise men, Herod and more. It is really getting everyone to contemplate the scriptures which is what I really wanted. It has been great.

 

As you can see I am a complete fan of Drive Thru History® – “The Gospels”. It has been fantastic. I would really encourage you to use it either in your homeschool setting or perhaps in a teen Bible study setting such as what we have. To find out more about this series and other Drive Thru History® products just click on any one of the highlighted links above. You can also check them out on social media through the links below. Many other members of the Homeschool Review Crew reviewed this great product and you can find what they had to say by clicking on the banner below. Happy Bible Studying!

 

Social Media Links:
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/drivethruhistory/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/drivethruhistory
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/drivethruhistory/

       

We Love The Manhood Journey Father’s Starter Kit–A Homeschool Review Crew Review

 

When I was given the opportunity to possibly review the Manhood Journey Father's Starter Kit from Manhood Journey & City on a Hill Studio I debated about whether to ask for it or not. After all, I had just reviewed it about a year ago and used it with my Teen Boy’s Bible Study. Unfortunately, though, that was also the time when three of the boy’s were taken and put in foster care and didn’t have a chance to go through the study. We are very blessed to be able to call those three boys our sons now and I thought it would be an awesome idea to take them through the study as well. I had all of the material, but since we have moved, it has been lost in the shuffle so I was very excited when we were chosen once again to review it.

I absolutely love the Manhood Journey Father's Starter Kit and the author. I didn’t have any reason to contact him for any reason this time, but I had a few questions the first time around and he was so helpful and personally responded to my questions and even gave me some personal tips on how to use it with the group of boys that were attending the study at the time. The author and material are fantastic.

The Manhood Journey Father's Starter Kit consists of five parts:

• The Manhood Journey introductory CD.
• The Manhood Journey Embarking Group Guide
• The Manhood Journey 1 on 1 Guide
• A Pack of 10 Manhood Journey Maprochures
• A complementary copy of Wise Guys: Unlocking Hidden Wisdom From the Men Around You by Kent Evans

 

There are actually six modules in Manhood Journey. Embarking is the first module and although the other five modules can be done in any order, it is recommended that Embarking be done first since it sets the tone for the other modules. All of the studies should be done with boy’s ages 8 through there teen years and their fathers if possible, but, if the actual father is absent from the boy’s life for some reason, another male figure that acts as the father, such as an uncle or mentor, can attend.

The Embarking study itself is a six week study that, as I said, is an introduction to the other modules. It talks about the five major things that should go into a boy’s (or man’s) life to make him a Godly man. They are called the “Five Big Rocks” and there is a fantastic object lesson in the first week’s study that introduces the whole concept. If the five big rocks of Trust God, Know His Word, Pray Fervently, Build Relationships, and Serve Others, are in a man’s life then all of the other less significant things will fall into place. The other five lessons cover those “rocks” in detail.

The Manhood Journey Embarking Group Guide is excellently written with an introduction and opening time, Bible and discussion times, and a closing time with Father/Son homework. Everything that you need is included in the Group Guide down to the questions that you ask the fathers/and or sons. Even the Bible verses, in the NIV version (unless otherwise indicated) are written out for the leader. I really love the discussion time. The verses are right to the point and the questions are thought provoking but also fun. Some of the questions could be a little difficult for younger children, but can easily be adjusted. This group time can easily be done in about an hour.

Another thing that I really like is the Manhood Journey 1 on 1 Guide. It is to be used during the week, between group studies, by the father and son. It involves a message to the dad before they begin. It then goes on to give a review of the previous week’s lesson and then a further discussion of the lesson. Again, everything is written out in detail including the verses and the questions. If the father wants to go into more detail with his son, there is also a “Digging Deeper” section. Although this guide is for the father and son to use during the week, between the group studies, it can also be used by a father and son by itself if there is no group study available to attend. I really like that.

 

The Introductory CD and the Mapbrouchures are just supplementary material that go along with all of the modules. The Introductory CD is simply an introduction to all of the modules while the Mapbrochure is a fold out map that can be hung on the wall to track your progress as you work your way through all six of the modules in the Manhood Journey studies.

Wise Guys: Unlocking Hidden Wisdom From the Men Around You – is an excellent bonus book that was written by the author of the Manhood Journey studies, Kent Evans. This 200+ page book talks about how a man of any age can seek out and use wisdom from other men who have walked through life before them. It is filled with humor and a lot of wisdom. I would recommend this book for anyone whether you are going through the Manhood Journey study or not.

We absolutely love the the Manhood Journey Father's Starter Kit from Manhood Journey & City on a Hill Studio. Although we are not completely done with the six modules, we have loved what we have done so far. To find out more about this awesome product just click on any one of the highlighted links above. To find what other members of the Homeschool Review Crew have said about this product just click on the banner below. You can also connect with them through social media. Those links are listed below as well.

Social Media Links:
Manhood Journey
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/manhoodjourney
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/manhoodjourney  @manhoodjourney
City on a Hill
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FollowCityOnAHill
Twitter: https://twitter.com/COAHStudio

 

 

God Doesn’t Require Paperwork!

 

This just hit me like a ton of bricks tonight - or maybe I should say God laid it on my heart tonight – as I was thinking about what to write.

Aren’t you glad that God doesn’t require paperwork?

I have spent hours upon hours the past two or three weeks getting together statements, signing documents, downloading, faxing, filling out, copying, calling on the phone, you name it – all to get paperwork done for our home purchase and for the foster care of our three fantastic foster sons.

I have had super full days the past two days and half of the time it was ministry and half of the time it was getting paperwork done.

As I was preparing to blog this evening I thought to myself that I am so glad that God doesn’t require paperwork.

He accepts us just as we are - with all of our faults, flaws and baggage. He loves us even though we aren’t lovable and we don’t deserve it.

He doesn’t require us to get our behavior score (credit score) up to a certain level.

He doesn’t require gifts as a down payment.

He doesn’t require proof of sacrifice as paperwork to show that we have everything together for this great thing that we are purchasing. In fact, we can’t purchase it at all!

We can’t act good enough. We can’t do enough or give enough. We can’t sacrifice enough. There is no way that we can get it all together enough.

God has never once sent out a letter or an email say “Congratulations! You qualify for Heaven!”.

Because, we don’t qualify. Only Jesus qualifies. He’s the only one that has it all together. He’s the only one that deserves it. He’s the only one that has earned it by living a perfect, sinless, life.

We can do nothing – nothing at all – to get to Heaven. We are doomed.

Doomed, that is, if we try to do it ourselves because we can’t.

There is no way we can get one of those perfect houses in that perfect place called “Heaven”. We are doomed to live in hell.

Jesus, however, didn’t want us to live on that side of the tracks. He wanted us to live on His side of the tracks. So, He paid the price so that we could get that house in Heaven.

He has the perfect behavior (credit) score.

He paid the ultimate down payment.

He made the sacrifice and filled out all of the paperwork for us.

And He did it so that we could have eternal life and live in that perfect house in that perfect place called Heaven.

He did it all for us as a gift and all we have to do is accept that free gift.

We can do nothing but accept it.

Have you accepted that free gift or are you still trying to get all of the paperwork together and get your behavior score up to par? You can’t do it if you are! There is no way you can get everything together. Jesus is the only one that has it all together.

A few months ago I posted a great video done by a friend of mine explaining how you can accept that free gift. If you haven’t accepted that free gift or aren’t sure if you have please watch this short video carefully. I pray that after watching the video you will accept the free gift of eternal life from Jesus. If you do, leave a comment or send me an email at tink38570@gmail.com.

For by Grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8, 9

Five Days of Goal Setting–Day 1–Spiritual Goals

Last year was a fantastic year spiritually for me. God gifted me greatly during 2016 in ways that I would have never thought imaginable. So many breakthroughs in so many areas and boldness to do things that I never thought I would do. I want all of those things plus more to continue in 2017. I know that God is there for me, but I must be willing to do what He says and walk in the power that He has given me. To do that I have to continue to grow. Here are some of the goals that I have for myself spiritually to keep myself open for God to continue to challenge me, use me, and grow me and my family.
Personal Goals:

• Read through the Bible two times in the next year. Well, at least finish what I began on November 1 and then read it through one more time if not more, Last year I was able to complete the one year Bible that I had begun the year before. Then I read another version of the Bible in five months. So, I know that I can do it. I try not to just read through the Bible, though. I also want to pray and meditate over what I am reading. I grew so much! I want that again.
• Continue with a concentrated prayer time. I have always prayed, but I never really had a concentrated, down on my knees, prayer time. When I began to do that last year it was fantastic. God spoke in so many ways and did wondrous things in mine and my families life. I longed for more fellowship with the Lord and often I would have three or four prayer times a day. I have begun to get a little lax on that and I don’t like it! I want to remain in close communion with the Lord.
• Begin a more concentrated in depth Bible study again. Probably a Precept Bible Study. I have done, many, many Precept studies and love them. I haven’t done one in about two years and I really miss doing them. I don’t know how that will fit in with my daily Bible reading time but I know it will.

One note: I know that some of you may be wondering how in the world I had any other time in my day if I was reading and praying so much. Well, as you have probably heard before, God works in mysterious ways. When I was reading my Bible and praying at least two or three times a day, I seemed to get so much more done. More done around the house. More done in ministry. More done with my family. It was amazing!
Family Goals:

• Begin to have a family Bible and prayer time. We do that somewhat, but we need to do it on a more consistent basis. We often pray together in the car and at other times, but we don’t really have a set time to sit down as a family and have a prayer and Bible time. With the addition of our foster sons, I especially want to do that. I want all of my sons, biological and foster, to experience the joys of having a personal time with God. I feel that beginning to do that as a family will hopefully encourage them to have a prayer time on their own.
• Continue having a special prayer time with my wife. Sarah and I do have prayer times together regularly, but, again, it isn’t an everyday thing. I want that special time to be every day. The bonding that we have during that special time is awesome. God has used our prayer times so much this past year. I needs to continue into 2017 but even more!

Well, those are my spiritual goals for 2017. They go very closely hand in hand with my ministry goals. I know that some of you may have goals for your family that include helping others and missions but, since we are full time missionaries, that is really our life. Not that I don’t have goals for myself and my family in the ministry area, but I will talk about those when I talk about ministry goals.

I am going to have to adjust the days, now, since I was going to put Spiritual Goals and Ministry Goals on the same day, but I’m afraid this post will be too long. So, I’m not sure what tomorrow will bring yet. However, you can always click on the banner below to get to the introductory post for this series where you will find links all of the posts in this series as they are completed.

I pray that this inspires you to make some spiritual goals for you family this year. I was going to include a linky for you to add your posts to each day and still might. Until then, please feel free to include links to your goal setting blog posts or just talk about your goals in the comment section.

Until tomorrow!

Tim

I’ve joined a “Round Up”

What’s a Round Up? Well, it’s where a bunch of bloggers share posts centered around a specific theme. This particular round up is from the Homeschool Review Crew and the theme is 2017 Goals! Just click on the banner below and it will take you to all of the great posts that have been added. The post above is one of the posts that I’ve entered. Stop by to check out the other two posts that I also I linked up.

Happy New Year!

 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

I have been on social media this evening reading a lot of posts from people that are reflecting on the past year. I have gone back and forth about writing a “year in review” post myself. At first I really didn’t have any desire to do so, but then I thought about God’s goodness this past year and all of the amazing things that we have been through and thought I might share a little.

This past year has truly been an amazing journey! God has stretched me and my family in ways that I never thought were imaginable.

One of the areas where we have been stretched is our ministry with teens. Especially some of the down, out and forgotten teen boys that live in our small town. This ministry evolved into a ministry with boys in two different group homes when some of the teens were put into foster care. God has given us a love for these boys so much so that we are preparing to become foster parents to three teen brothers that need a family to love and nurture them for a while. Please pray with us in this awesome new journey that God has us travelling on.

Another area where we have been stretched is not a new area but it does constantly evolve and change. That is our ministry to low income folks in our area. God has brought us through and continuing to bring us through dealing with some really crazy situations. God has lead us to be bold in our ministry to these people and we often have to give a little tough love. I am not a tough love type person but He has led me to be very feisty at times.

In order to enlarge our family, we have to find a larger place to live. Thankfully, due to some inheritance money that we got from Sarah’s mom and some retirement from a previous job that I am cashing in, we are able to buy a new home. The journey has been super interesting and has certainly had a lot of ups and downs. Once again God has been faithful, though, and He led us to an awesome place for our family. Barring any problems we should be moving in the next month.

I can’t forget all of the great friendships Sarah and I have forged this past year. Some folks we have known for a long time, some we have just gotten to be friends with. But God has done some miraculous and amazing things this year through our friendships here at home, in Canada and elsewhere with folks I have never even met in person (this is a shout out to my crew family ). We thank God for our faithful and praying friends.

Last, but definitely not least, has been my spiritual journey this year. I have grown so much through my lifetime, but this past year has been a season of real growth. Perhaps someday I will write a separate post about everything that God has shown me, but it would be too much to post it all right now.

Well I guess I did what I thought I wouldn’t do. Write an “end of the year how God has blessed us” post. Tomorrow is another day and another adventure. Thank you for all of your prayers, for your friendship, and for continuing to read my posts. Until tomorrow . . .

It’s Back! It’s Back! Florida Bible College is Back!

I was very blessed to have been able to go to one of the best Bible colleges in the world. I don’t have time to tell you all of the story, but God does work in miraculous ways. Instead of me having to go to Florida Bible College, God moved Florida Bible College (FBC) to me! In the early 80s FBC found itself needing to move its campus from the location that they had been in for many years. They ended up buying a hotel, office complex, and a five model homes that were located less than two miles from my home. In the fall of 1982 I found myself enrolled and the rest is history. In 1986 I graduated with a degree in Bible and in Education with a minor in Christian Education.

Florida Bible College changed my life in so many ways it is unbelievable. I can honestly say that if it weren’t for all of the miraculous things that God has done through FBC I wouldn’t be where I am today.

In the late 1990’s FBC had to close it’s doors but through it’s graduates its ministry has never ended. Recently FBC reorganized and reopened its doors. I have been following all of the details closely and am so excited by what I am seeing.



If you are looking for a great College to earn a Certificate, Associates Degree or Bachelors Degree in Biblical Studies or degree in one of their seven majors then I would encourage you to look into Florida Bible College. If you want to get your feet wet they are offering three online classes beginning next month. If you are interested in attending or would like more information on what the college is like you could go to their upcoming college for a day.

For more information on the college itself, the online classes, or the college for a day click here to go to their webpage!

Ephesians 2:8-10 New International Version (NIV)

⁸ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast. ¹⁰ For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Jesus Really is the Reason for the Season!

 

I love being able to tell people about Jesus and, believe or not, Christmas is a wonderful time to give the gospel and tell people about the good news of Jesus dying for our sins. Today I had the wonderful opportunity to tell about the saving grace of Jesus twice.

Almost every Sunday afternoon I go and visit two brothers who are in a boy’s group home. The brothers attended my teen boy’s Bible study before the state took them out of their home and they were placed in the group home. Several of the other boys at the home have really touched my heart. One in particular I recently have been praying for. For several reasons beyond he and his mother’s control, he hadn’t seen his mom in almost a year until a few weeks ago when his grandmother died and he went to the funeral. Finally, she is able to come and visit him more but it is still a sad situation. I have been wanting to tell the boy about Jesus for several weeks but had never gotten the chance until today. He sat down with us and I pulled out my pocket Evangecube and was able to tell him about Jesus. I wasn’t in a situation where I could really talk to him personally so I’m not sure if he trusted the Lord or not but I plan on following up on him next week.

This evening I had the great honor of telling the Christmas story to a group of kindergarten through forth graders. During the story I focused on the above verse and was able to give the gospel to them as well. I encouraged all of them to talk to one of the leaders if they weren’t sure they were going to Heaven.

Are you sure that you are going to Heaven? If you aren’t sure that you have ever trusted Jesus as your Savior please watch the video below.

The Spiritual Circle Journal for Kids and Teens - An Awesome Schoolhouse Review Crew Review!

I'm going to be super honest here. As full time missionaries it is so easy to work with others to try to build up their relationship with the Lord that you sometimes neglect your own family. I can't tell you how many times that the Lord has bopped me on the head (figuratively of course) when I was praying for other kids and asked me how many times I prayed for my own kids that fervently. 

One of the things that I so often do with other kids and then am convicted about my own kids is teaching them how to have a personal devotional time. So, I was super thrilled when I found out that I would be receiving the Spiritual Circle Journal for Kids and Teens from the makers of the Spiritual Circle Journal. I had looked it over on their website and it looked like just what I needed for the kids that I work with, but, especially for my own boys. 

The Spiritual Circle Journal for Kids and Teens is a journal, but, then again, it's not a journal. It has all of the elements of a regular devotional journal, but it is ingeniously made in such a way that it doesn't seem tedious for kids. So many times, children and teenagers will look at a journal or look at ways to journal and think that there is no way that they can do it. Often it looks like too much writing for a child and even some teens to handle. I know that with my two youngest, there is absolutely no way that they can write a lot because of small motor problems and other learning difficulties. The Spiritual Circle Journal does require some writing but it is in small but concise doses. 

The Spiritual Circle Journal for Kids and Teens is based on the adult version called . . . well . . . the Spiritual Circle Journal. As you can see by the picture above, your "journaling" is divided into nine prayer areas:

• Journal Entry
• Lyric/Verse
• Message
• Confession
• God Moving
• Lesson Learned Light-Bulb Moment
• Prayer
• Thank You/Adoration
• Actions 

Four of these prayer areas are based on what we might say to God and five are based on what God is saying to us. A child is to use his journal after a sermon, Sunday School or devotional time. 

I like everything about this concept, but here are a few things that I really like about the Spiritual Circle Journal for Kids and Teens:

1. I really like that, in the instructions, the author and creator of The Spiritual Circle Journal for Kids and Teens, Liz Lassa, really encourages us to teach the child about the nudging of the Holy Spirit in filling out these areas. To me that is very important. So many times we quickly process a sermon or devotional and make it fit how we are feeling instead of waiting for the Holy Spirit to teach us what He wants us to know. Our feelings are important to God and to our relationship with God, but that isn't the whole picture. We need to listen to the Holy Spirit as well.

2. I like that this method is super easy. For people that like to journal it is okay to write lines and lines of what God is teaching us, but for a beginner and for children, sometimes it can be overwhelming to think that is what we have to do. With the Spiritual Circle Journal for Kids and Teens, a child is encouraged to just write one line for each area. In fact, if a child can't think of something for an area or if the Holy Spirit isn't nudging him in a specific area, they can leave it blank. Which brings me to the next area.

3. I like that it is super flexible. As I just mentioned you don't have to fill in every area. Or, you can fill in some areas today, pray and think about things, and then fill in other areas tomorrow. I like that it can be used once a week, a few times a week, or every day. The parent is encouraged to make it fun for the child. There is also a space above the journal page where a child can draw a picture, place stickers or pictures or whatever to help in his experience.

4. I like that in the instructions the parent is encouraged to be very pro active in his child's devotional/journaling experience. That is very important to me. I think that a parent needs to know what is going on in his child's life. Not necessarily to read his private journal, but to have a relationship where there is good communication.

I think it is very evident that I like the Spiritual Circle Journal method and the Spiritual Circle Journal for Kids and Teens. I say "I", because I wanted to try this method out first before trying it out with my kids. My oldest regularly journals through the Bible but this is new to my two youngest. They are such different learners that I wanted to know what it was like before teaching it to them. I think they will love it. It may take some time, but I know my boys and I think this is just what they need. 

To find out more about the Spiritual Circle Journal for Kids and Teens just click on any one of the highlighted links above. To find what other members of the Schoolhouse Review Crew thought just click on the banner below. Happy Journaling!

What if I Stumble? Will You Still Love Me? - Scripture Sunday

because God has said,

"Never will I leave you;

Never will I forsake you."

Hebrews 13:5b (NIV)

I have been reading through the book of Judges in the Bible lately. When God led His people, the Israelites, into the promised land He told them to not associate with the nations around them. He warned them that if they did, they would begin to worship the gods that their neighbors served. 

Time and time again, though, the Israelites would wander away from God and begin to worship those other gods. And, time and time again, God would have to show them the error of their ways and, like any good father, sometimes punish them. Then, after the Israelites begged God to forgive them He would break the bondage that the other nations had on the Isrealites and He would allow them to live in peace for a number of years. Then, undoubtedly, the cycle would repeat itself.

As I would read all of this, I would almost face palm myself and wonder why the Isrealites just didn't get it. Then, God would gently remind me that I am the same way. I mess up time and time again. God helps me out of the situation and tells me what to do but then, after a while, I mess up again.

Sometimes I wonder if God will ever decide that He had had enough and just leave me. I am so thankful for the verse above. I know that my God is a Perfect Father and will never leave me! It reminds me of an old DC Talk song from years ago. I looked it up recently and want to share it with you all. Listen carefully to the words. We all are going to stumble and fall periodically, but if we have trusted the Lord as our Savior, He will never leave us.

For Such A Time As This

 

And who knows

but that you have come to your royal position

for such a time as this?

Esther 4:14

 

I've been thinking about the above verse for a few days now. It began when I was doing my daily Bible reading and praying. I was reading the first chapter of Daniel and God gave me a thought that compared Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to the teen boys that God is using me to work with.

 

So many of the boys have so many things that have happened in their past. Some of them are going through things now that are unimaginable to me. God revealed to me that, yes, many of them are going through things in order for Him to teach them things and for them to get their lives in order. At the same time, however, God may have put them in certain situations for others to see Him through their lives. Just as Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego glorified God even in the terrible situation that they were in, so we need to glorify God in the bad situations that we are in.

 

The three boys that are in foster care are a good example. God gave me a great devotional to use with two of the brothers last weekend when I was able to visit them. He wanted me to tell them that yes, they were to learn something themselves while they were in the group home, but that He also wanted them to be a light for Him while they were there. Those two boys may be the only light of Jesus that some of the other boys ever see. I challenged the two brothers to pray for the other boys there and I also promised to pray for all of the boys in the home.

 

How about you? Are you going through tough situations right now. Have you ever thought that perhaps God has put you in that situation maybe not just for you to learn something and grow but so that His glory could be shown to others through the situation. Perhaps you are there For Such A Time As This!



I Went to Court the Other Day. He Sobbed!

 

 

I went to court the other day. I went to support a family that was having problems with their boys. Well, let me take that back. It's really a combination of problems. The boys, who attend my teen boy's Bible Study, do have some problems, but some of the difficulties are because of the parents as well.

Two of the brothers are already in a group home because of truancy while the other was under the care of a group whose goal was to keep him in the home.

His parents had obligations to fulfill as well. The parents are divorced and both remarried. Three out of the four have problems of one type or another that the court wanted addressed.

Unfortunately the parents weren't handling their problems and addictions as quickly as the judge would have liked so he removed the remaining boy from the home and put him into foster care.

When the young 13 year old brother heard the judge he began to sob.

My heart began to sob as well.

My heart cried for the boys. They are trying so hard to do what is right. A couple of months back I asked for permission to visit the boys. I explained what I did and my relationship to them. The state workers put me on the list to visit and, then, asked if I would be willing to attend all of the court and DCS meetings as "positive support" for the boys and the family. So, as well as doing Bible studies with the boys and the parents, I have also become part of the team of people that meet together and try to resolve things so that the boys can return home.

My heart cried for the parents. They are not perfect by any means and they know it. There are times that I would like to wring their necks! But, at the same time, they are God's children. If God is never going to give up on us or them and if I am to strive to be like God then I need to love them, forgive them, and not give up on them. They live in an area that most people have given up on. They've given up on the people and given up on the trailer park where they live. I choose not to. I choose to love them and continue to seek God's wisdom as to how to help them. God is still in the miracle business!

Change has not come without difficulty, but things are progressing. The parents are finally beginning to do what they should. The boys will hopefully be put together in one home in the near future after the two oldest are dismissed from the group home.

Please continue to pray for these boys, their family, and me as I continue to pray with and for them, lead a Bible study that some of the parents attend, and try to teach them, with God's guidance to do the right things.

Sometimes ministry is really hard. Especially when you see a 13 year old boy sob. But, I know God can work miracles.

Romans 8:28 says:

And we know that for those who love God

all things work together for good,

for those who are called

according to his purpose.

 

I know that these boys love God, so I know all things are going to work together for good. There may be some painful times ahead, but they will make it with God's help.

 

Thank you for your prayers for these boys and our ministry. Your prayers are definitely felt!

 



God Still Works in Children's Hearts!

 

 

Two brothers have been coming faithfully to my 5-day Club this week. They were on the bus the other day when the other little boy trusted Christ as his Savior. When a child shows interest in salvation I usually don't talk to them in front of the other kids but this boy was so eager that I did. All of the kids heard as I explained salvation to the boy, had him repeat it back and they even heard his sweet prayer to the Lord.

Today a new boy came so I made sure to give the plan... of salvation again. I asked if he had ever trusted the Lord. The two brothers immediately spoke up that they had. When I asked them about it they said that they remembered what I had taught and what the other little boy had done and they wanted to accept Christ as well. So, in their bedroom yesterday afternoon the older brother accepted the Lord and then the younger brother did!

Praise the Lord! Thank you all for your prayers for our ministry!

 

Pictures from this weeks 5-day Club in the public housing area.

 

 

Serious Pose

 

Funny Pose

 

Regular Pose



Summer Ministries are in Full Swing!

Sorry I've been so quiet on my blog the past month but our summer ministries are in full swing! Check out these pictures and video from our first week of Five Day Bible Clubs. Week One was in Hidden Valley Trailer Park and, as you can see in the pictures, it was with a bunch of young ones. We had fun none the less and my teen helper, Robert, was a huge help!



The video (soon to be added if it's not here already) is of some of the kids saying one of the verses to me. Even the younger ones were able to say it with the motions.

Please continue to pray for these children. I may be doing another Five Day Club in their area in a couple of weeks since there were some kids that were unable to attend the first week. I would also like to start a weekly Bible Club there in the fall.



Pray, also, for next week as we do another Five Day Bible Club in the middle of The Livingston Housing Authority.

No One Was Coming to Visit so He Went to Bed.

 

His page was empty.

It had been empty for weeks.

No one was coming.

He went to bed rather than listen to all of the other families having fun.

He and his brother had been taken by DCS to a boy's group home because of truancy from school and other mistakes he had made. They knew it was there fault. They knew they were stupid mistakes. What do you do however when all you know are mistakes? Their whole family is a history of mistakes. According to the town they live in their last name is synonymous with the word mistake. 

Sunday afternoon is free visitation. That's when families and friends can come and visit for a few hours as long as they had permission from DCS. I had been seeking permission for a few weeks to visit the boys. They are two of the teen boys that attended my weekly Thursday night teen boy Bible study that I have at Burger King and I wanted to keep in touch with them. First I was permitted to write letters, then, finally, Sarah's and my name were put on the list of people able to visit them on Sunday afternoon.
 
Sarah was sick on the first Sunday after we were given permission so I went alone. The GPS said the group home was about an hour away. It finally led me down some back country roads to a beautiful facility. The sign said to check in at the office and had an arrow pointing to a log building. However, the door was locked. After knocking a couple of times, I heard a lady calling from the top of the hill behind me.

"Could I help you?" she called.

"I'm here to visit a couple of boys." I hollered back.

"Ugh!" was her answer. "Did you use GPS? You are the third person today. Your GPS led to the wrong place. This is the camp, the residential home is on the other side of the mountain. I'm sorry but only four wheelers can make it on the only direct path. You'll have to drive around the mountain. The directions are easy, but it will take you about 20 minutes."

She gave me the simple directions but I also found that I had the visitation times incorrect. She said that the visitation ended at three and it was already after two.

With much prayer that I would make it on time I drove away. I did, indeed, arrive on time. Again, after a drive down back, country dirt roads. The two boys were in two different houses on the same property. I visited the older brother first. The small parking lot and driveway were so full of cars I had to park almost a quarter of a mile from the house. As I walked I could see the house surrounded by families and boys laughing and having a good time of visitation.

On the porch a young man pointed the way to the check in office. After my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I walked down a small hall and turned the corner. There he was sitting on a counter talking to the check in person. He looked at me with a shocked look on his face and jumped off of the counter.

The man began to leaf through the book for my friends page. I could see pages that were filled with signatures of family and friends that had come to visit different boys, but when he finally found my friends page it was blank. He had been there for over a month and no one had come to visit him. I had to print and sign my name and then put down my relationship. When I asked what I should put down my teen friend said to put down that you're my uncle. I knew that I couldn't put that down and after some discussion with the attendant I put down that I was a pastor.

After some small talk I asked him how he was doing. At first he answered that he was okay but after a little pressing he got a tearful look in his eyes and said that he wanted to go home.

But he can't go home.

He can't go home until the judge says that he can. Or he can work his way through the program that is set up for boys who are sent there. Even after he works through the program, though, the judge still has to give permission for him to go home.

After praying with him I left to visit his brother. Before I drove away, however, he hinted to me that I was allowed to bring him something next time if I wanted.

"You know." He said. "Like McDonalds or Burger King or a meatball sub from Subway."

I smiled at the not so subtle hint and told him I would see what I could do.

The visit with his brother went much the same. Only they had to wake him up when I got there. He didn't think anyone would come. After all, no one had come any of the other Sunday's since they had been there.

He walked out groggy eyed but surprised. As with his brother we chatted for a little while then I asked him how I could pray for him throughout the week.

"What?" Was his response. "What do you mean?"

"You know. Is there anything that you want me to pray for? I answered.

After thinking for a while, he asked me to pray that he could go home soon. I prayed over him as well before I left. I never told him what his brother had hinted about but before we left he told me the same thing. Only he didn't mince words. He came right out and asked for the meatball sub from Subway!

I drove away with a heavy heart. I know that this is an age old problem with kids and families. I know that many have tried to help them before. Still, I thought, there has got to be some way to help these boys (and girls) who feel unloved and unwanted. Who have no training at home and have to wander through life aimlessly. Or perhaps their parents try but somehow things just got messed up.

These are the children that always seem to fall through the cracks in so many churches and ministries. These are the children that I feel like God has led me to work with.

Would you please pray with me as I minister to these children and families. It is a big task. There are dozens of children in our small town that are just like these two brothers that I went to visit.

I have been reading David Wilkerson's book "The Cross and the Switchblade" on how he began Teen Challenge in the worst neighborhoods of New York City. One thing that really spoke to me was when he asked one boy what he thought the worst problem that boys who joined gangs had. Immediately the boy responded that it was loneliness.

I realized then that the boys in my small town weren't that much different than the boys in 1960 that lived in New York City. They are lonely. They need the Lord. They need to know that there is someone who loves them far greater than any earthly father or mother could love them. That is Jesus Christ. He died on the cross for their sins and all they have to do is accept His free gift of eternal life. Then they will have a perfect, heavenly Father!

Pray for the lonely boys and girls not just in my town but in yours as well. And for those all around the world. Pray that someone will come into their lives to introduce them to their heavenly father.

PS. Sarah and I went to visit the boys again this past Sunday. We were a little late getting started and didn't have to time to pick up anything special for them. The younger brother had been moved into the same house as his brother so they were both waiting on the porch for us to show up. With a whoop I heard one of the boys yell "There they are!" We had a good visit and they were excited to see Sarah.

I don't know if I can go back this weekend. It's Memorial Day weekend and my anniversary. I am definitely planning on going back next weekend though. I plan on leaving early enough to stop someplace to make sure there are two hot meatball subs from Subway sitting on the seat beside me.

 

Some of the members of my teen boy Bible Study

out to eat at Burger King with me and my kids.