abandoned to Christ.

The primary goal for me and my husband as parents, has never been to be our children's buddy, or to win their love. We've never intended to be their best friend or someone they admired. We greatly desire for our children to spend their lives making much of Jesus, rather than making much of us...or themselves. We've always wanted to give our sons what neither of us ever had—parents who love the Lord Jesus Christ with all their hearts, souls, minds and strengths, and love others as themselves (Matt 22:37-40). We can't think of any greater gift or legacy a parent can pass on to their children, except the love of God (Rom 13:8) and the Gospel of Jesus Christ which alone has the power to save and perfectly reveal the righteousness of God (Rom 1:16-17). "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of...

The love that we’re all looking for, can only be found in the Person of Jesus Christ (John 15:13). Regardless of your religious affiliations or spiritual inclinations, the Creator God, made every human being in His image, and put the desire to love and be loved into every heart. That’s why we all seek it so desperately and some are left utterly despondent when they can’t find it. Everyone needs and wants the forever, unconditional, faithful, and exclusive love that only seeks the benefit of the object of its love, with no thought to how it will effect the giver. This is agape love; the love of God. This exclusive love that everyone desires is known solely by Christians, because we know God —who is love (1 John 4:8). It’s only logical to conclude that if God Himself is the very definition of love, then without Him, love is left undefined, therefore unattainable. While we may have some warm feelings, affections, passions and attachments to one another, none of these wil...

What is "genuine Christian love"? Let's see how God defines it. "Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." ~Romans 12:9-13 (ESV) Jesus said that it is by our love for one another that the world will know that we are His disciples (Jn 13:34-35). The Lord did not say, it is by our theology, doctrine, knowledge, memorization of Scripture, our "service" or ideas of what holy living is, that will be the evidence to the world that we are, in fact, His disciples , He said, it is by our love for one another...just as He has loved us. Let's break down each verse and examine our own hearts in the light of God's holy word so that we...

One of the greatest blessings in a marriage is having children. And one of the most damaging aspects of a marriage are—having children. How do you keep your marriage and parenting the blessings that God meant them to be? You do it by remembering these four things: why God created marriage and children, what purpose they serve, who they're for, and the priority they have. God created both marriage and children to make you holy rather than provide you with temporal and sporadic periods of happiness. Marriage and children should always draw you to your knees in prayer and thanksgiving to God as you humbly ask for His wisdom and love so that you might deal rightly and kindly with your spouse and your children (Philippians 4:4-6). All aspects of a Christian's life is contained in the greatest commandment, "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength" and to "love your neighbor as ...

Oh my, oh my, oh my... indeed! What happened to "be holy, for I am holy." What happened to light not having anything to do with darkness? What happened to living as a new creation of God, in the Spirit of Christ and not as the old creature who lived enslaved by his/her own passions and lusts? What happened to living in this world yet not of it? What happened to being distinguished as children of the Most High God, rather than blending with the rest of the world? What happened to watching or listening to things that build up our faith, things that are innocent, pure and good; things that do not defile our minds with sordid images and our hearts with lyrics that only praise and promote self love? What happened to biblical Christianity? "Therefore, preparing your minds for action , and being sober-minded , set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ . As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of ...

One of the hardest things to do as a parent is to teach our children how to endure anything that causes them pain. Moms seem have the most difficult time in this area. Like mother hens, we want to run and shelter them with our wings from all the thundering verbal abuses, torrents of physical bullying, and the gusting winds of emotional distresses that rage against our precious little ones as they face the world each day. No matter how young or old they are, we always see them as our little chicks and we so desperately want them spared from such evils. We don’t mind if all these adversities come thrashing down on us. We’ll take it. We’ll persevere. And we’re willing, ready and able to cover our children while pecking at all that dares to harm them. But then -- we hear our Savior say: “But I say to you who hear , Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you... But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing...

Most of us are well acquainted with Proverbs 3:5-7 and could probably recite it in our sleep. But it seems often, that the Scriptures we’ve heard for years, no longer reverberate as the simple, most integral note of our every heart beat— trusting God in everything , for everything . Remember when you first became a Christian? When you first met our Savior, heart to heart? Remember how scared you were to take a breath or even a single step without His voice (through His Word) leading you? Remember how quickly you would obey and how slowly you were inclined to do anything you weren’t sure of, just in case it was not God's will for your life...specifically? Remember when you didn’t trust your own knowledge of His Word (Prov 3:5), but would go back over and over again to make sure you read it right; then would pray for the Holy Spirit to teach you God’s truth so you would not only know Scripture, but understand it according to God’s heart and not yours (Jer 9:23-24, 1 ...

Recently Day Spring® contacted me and requested I review some of their latest Back-to-School products. Included in this review are pictures of the samples I received as well as information on other school supplies offered by Day Spring®. The supplies on the left include 1 folder and 1 pencil pouch from the Love is Real (John 3:16) collection and 1 folder from the Life Goes on Forever (John 17:3) collection. Each collection includes: 1", 3-ring binder w/2 interior pockets and vinyl cover 2-pocket folders w/glossy finish 80 page spiral notebook w/glossy finish Composition notebook w/glossy finish Pencil pouch These two folders are from 2 of the 4 designs Day Spring® offers for girls of all ages. All the designs are pretty, tasteful, fun, and bright. Whether you have girls in elementary school or secondary school, they will all be able to find something they like...or they may want to mix and match from all 4 collections. If you'd like to purchase these items online, Day Sp...

There is often a heated debate within the Christian community as to which type of education is best for our children: Homeschool, Private Christian School or, Public School Parents within all positions seem to have very strong opinions regarding this topic, specifically, the parents who Homeschool their children versus the parents who send their children to Public School. Sadly, this topic has been used by Satan to divide the children of God on a matter which should unify us in much prayer, comfort and encouragement for one another. But alas, like Silly String, careless and belittling words are strewn all over the priceless and exquisite mantle of Christ’s love—rather than thoughtful, kind and considerate words of God’s wisdom (James 3:17-18). Here's a sampling of judgmental and holier than thou accusations and condemnations that have flown out of the mouths of both parties who seem to be the most up at arms with one another: Homeschoolers vs. Public Schoolers. It ...

When our husband's come home from a long, hard day at work, what are they expecting? Is it what they find when they get home? I'm often asked about being a biblically submissive wife and what does it "look like". The following,  are some of the questions that arise quite often from mothers with younger children: How can we lay a welcome mat of love for our husbands after a long day of hard work? How can we make our homes inviting places where Daddy longs to be at the end of a long day? How can we involve our children in this process and teach them to show reverence to their Daddy? "The heart of her husband trusts her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life." ~Proverbs 31:11-12 About fifteen years ago when I set out to becoming a Proverbs 31, biblically submissive wife, I not only apologized to my husband for the specific ungodly acts I committed against him, but I also asked him what things ...

If you have a children from the ages of 13-24, or you know anyone who does, please pass this along. You won't want to miss this! Unfortunately, the conference in Charlotte is already closed. To register for this conference, click the link below: The Rebelution Conference 2008