Passion Burns Within » parenting

The Future

passionburnswithin — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:49:29 +0000

What is the one thing essential to the survival of our civilization? What one thing if left uncared for and ignored will result in a complete and utter destruction of everything we have worked to accomplish? The answer is CHILDREN. If a society does not care for and raise up children with values and integrity then the future of the society itself is in danger. So is the case of the church. The church today in most places is exceedingly aging. And while our adults and senior adults are valuable and still have a lot to give we must look toward the future and remember that when we are gone someone has to continue the work. Accept this is no ordinary work this is the honoring of our God and the salvation of souls. If you look around the congregation at Reedy Fork on a Sunday morning you will notice that there is a terrible lack of children and young families in our ranks. And contrary to belief it is not because they are hidden away in children’s church or nursery or somewhere else. It is because they are not here at all. It is an epidemic that is slowly chiseling away at the fabric of our future.

So what is the solution? First, leadership must ask themselves “WHY”. Several weeks ago I sensed that things were declining in youth group on Wednesday nights and I had to take a tough look at what I was doing. I had to be critical of myself and it hurt. I had to make changes to things that I had all planned out and was quite satisfied with but I knew it had to change. We too need to take that same look churchwide whether it be in youth or children’s ministry or in our worship service or any other ministry we must ask the tough questions. Second we need to encourage our families to be here. Note the wording there is encourage and not scold. Fussing and fuming and condemnation will not bring people back into our fold only love, care and concern will. Thirdly if you are a young family reading this YOU need to be here. There is nothing more important than your commitment to God and His church and allowing yourself to drift into the apathy of casual church attendance will do nothing but harm to your relationship with God. I understand that the world is enticing you with all the wonders of what it has to offer but there comes a time when you have to make the decision that God is most important above all and that time is now.

Do Not Disregard

passionburnswithin — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:59:56 +0000

Leviticus 10 sets up a sobering scene. Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu were offering incense to God, problem was that they were doing it incorrectly. God was extremely displeased and responded by immediately striking them dead without warning. Furtehrmore he forbid Aaron and his other sons to participate in mourning for their fallen loved ones. They had to show that they were in aggreement with what the Lord had done.

This is an incredible story. How many pastors today are doing things in their church out of selfishness and pride. How many have overlooked what is pleasing to God at the cost of His church. What about plain old Christians. I know so many people who have blamed God for their children’s death when in all actuality if their child had been living a life that was acceptable to God more than likely they would not have been in the situations that led to their death. Could we show total acceptance of God’s will in those situations. It makes me wonder and pause to evaluate where I am at in my walk with our Lord.

I like Moses’ summation of these events. In short Moses reminded Aaron that God had said to never disregard His commands. That was the command and the warning. God had a one and done policy. I am thankful that when I screw up I receive grace. How about you?

6 years

passionburnswithin — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 17:54:32 +0000

Six years ago today my wife gave birth to two beautiful children, one boy one girl. We named them Kelsey and Isaac. For some reason we always call Kelsey’s name first even though Isaac was born a minute sooner. I don’t know why. Over the last 6 years we have had many ups and downs. From financial troubles to working two jobs with a wife in school to Kelsey’s terrible threes when she would through huge screaming fits in the car when she didn’t get her way, to being out of work and looking for a new place to call home for my ministry to big moves and new experiences. The last six years have been a series of major changes, changes I would not trade for the world.

It is bittersweet to arrive at this point my firstborn are no longer babies or tots they are children , growing smarter and more adventurous every day. I miss them being little I do not miss them having temper tantrums. I love them with all my heart and pray for them every day. I wonder what they will become I hope that they will make great choices. I wan to hold them here in this moment for forever….but alas I cannot.

Kelsey and Isaac I love you and Happy Birthday!!