Category Archives: Proven Path Ministries

Children's Ministry, Confessions of a Christian Wife, Proven Path Ministries

Family Power

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Today was the parenting seminar that was hosted by my church. Yesterday both my girls went with me to help me set up for the event. They both worked with me to move tables and stack chairs and straighten up. As we were arranging tables and chairs my youngest asked me what I was teaching… and I told her I was not teaching I was attending. She got the funniest look on her face and said “But there’s nothing wrong with the way you parent. I love you as my mommy. I don’t want you to change. What kind of things are they going to teach you?” 

I have heard it said many times that if your child does not tell you they hate you at least once then you are not being a good parent…

I don’t think it has to be that way.

I truly believe we can parent well and still maintain the love and respect of our children.

I am not saying that you are a bad parent if it does happen… I am just saying you can be good parent and it not happen. You are an authority in your child’s life… if they have an issue with authority… and you are maintaining your God-given authority over them… then yes, they indeed will clash with you.

Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.

Romans 13:2-4

However, as a parent, I also must be careful to maintain my character and integrity before my child, so that if they were to “butt heads” with me… it is them that is put to shame…

 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong 

1 Peter 3:15-17

There was a time that I carried so much hurt in my heart that I would turn and lash that hurt onto my girls. I can remember screaming at them with a vileness that makes me absolutely nauseous now when I think about it. I can remember lashing out at them over ridiculous things as they would become the target of my own hurt… and then blaming them for causing the reaction.

“Why can’t you…”

“How many times do I have to…”

“Will you ever…”

“I am sick and tired of you…”

I don’t remember the event, or the reason, I don’t recall the words yelled, but I remember the day that I lashed out at my precious Shelby and Bekah. I remember I was running their bath water and I had went over the edge. The events of the day had been more than I could handle and instead of going to my knees and calling on grace I chose to relish the anger and feed on my flesh. As I lashed out my disgusting flesh on them I remember the look that came across their eyes and I saw terror… I have never felt so small.

Trust me, there have still been moments.

Moments of hormonal, sleep deprived, irrational crazed insanity when I am carrying my own hurts, thoughts, and frustrations instead of laying them down at the foot of forgiveness and repentance and grace and I could…can… feel the build coming and its poison almost seeping out… but by the mercy of God and the power of His Spirit within me… I am held more often than not. Yet now even in the not I find I am caught, stilled, and able to turn and look my little ones in the eyes and let them know that it really was not them… it was me fleshing out.

A fool always loses his temper,
But a wise man holds it back.

Proverbs 29:11

So when my child looks at me and says what she said that day about my parenting ability and style… I am broken by the mercy of God. I am broken as I think how can she see that when I feel like such a failure in this momma thing, when I have used sarcasm way to much, when I have sent the “I am so disappointed, upset, irritated, just wait til we get home” eye across the room, when I have said “not now” just one to many times, when I have raised my voice unnecessarily loud, huffed and puffed my frustrated disapproval after explaining the same thing one more time… she says that. Immediately I was reminded of a verse… or two.

 Hatred stirs up strife,
But love covers all transgressions.

Proverbs 10:12

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Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another,

because love covers a multitude of sins.

1 Peter 4:8

Momma’s out there, I don’t know what kind of day you have had. I don’t know what hurts you are trying to carry on your own. I don’t know what things you have said or done to your children and the guilt that you carry because of it… I don’t know… but what I do know is that I serve a God who is in the redemption and forgiveness business. I serve a God that is in the healing and restoring business.

I can testify to you… that His word is true. Love indeed covers a multitude of sins. Not the worlds idea of love mind you… but God’s. Love that speaks and lives truth, that seeks to honor God and others. Love that is willing to forgive because they have been forgiven. Love that offers hope to another because they know they so desperately need it themselves.

Today in the parenting seminar Dr Turansky and Mrs Miller shared how the family is God’s laboratory to help us grow and become who He created us to be and to help us understand who He is… and it’s so true.

I jotted down a quote as I stood in the back of the room listening at the end, “Family life is all about forgiveness and moving on“

That’s it.

This life is a mess. We mess up. We get irritated. We get “fleshy” We do so with our parents, with our brothers and sisters, with our spouses, with our children… but in this fleshy, irritating, messy life their is family. Family is a powerful thing. It is to be a part of THE FAMILY that God sent Christ.

And because there is Christ there is forgiveness.

And because there is forgiveness there is hope.

And because there is hope there is a future.

And because there is a future we have the strength, courage, and desire to learn.

And if we choose to learn we can be changed.

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,

for I am gentle and humble in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls.

Matthew 11:29

Book Reviews, Devotional Studies Through the Bible, Proven Path Ministries

A Review on Devotions From Genesis

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A review on my book Devotions From Genesis, It’s Not Just Ancient History 

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Review of “Devotions From Genesis” by Nicole Love Halbrooks Vaughn

reviewed by Marilynn Dawson

at Songdove’s Musings

 

Nicole asked if I’d review her devotional, “Devotions From Genesis” back in January 2013.  I was looking for devotional avenues at the time and agreed, choosing to do it Monday to Friday every week.  At 50 chapters in Genesis, I thought at first I’d be done by mid-March, but discovered that Nicole had other plans. 

 

Nicole draws parallels from the characters in Genesis to God’s desire to interact with mankind throughout the Bible and how we might apply that to ourselves today.  She divides Genesis into three parts:  Discovering God’s character through the fall of man, learning obedience to God and the consequences of disobedience, and the final section, learning about the parallels between Joseph and Christ.

 

This is a fresh look at the Book of Beginnings.  I very much enjoyed all the Scripture she used throughout the study.  Not once did she take any Scripture reference out of context, which is a big thing for me.  Her use of Scripture even in her closing prayer of each session is sure to help the reader who might not be familiar with the thoughts she expresses to God.

 

This study is not a workbook.  There are no places to answer questions or to write things down.  To that end, the devotional reader will want to keep their journal nearby to jot down thoughts, Scriptures, and answers to questions that the text might raise for them.  Many find it a healthy practice to keep a prayer journal or a study journal nearby anyway, so going through this particular study will continue that habit.

 

This study is also not a historical expose’ of the times in which the events occurred.  Nicole’s primary focus is on the spiritual applications of the events and people in Genesis moreso than matching up those events to verifiable records.  That would require a much more indepth look at the book of Genesis and has been covered by other authors.  As a devotional, there isn’t room for this kind of discussion.

 

So if the reader is interested in how the lessons found in Genesis apply to their lives today, this is the devotional to pick up.  Read each chapter in Genesis before you carry on in the text.  This gives a great background for the day’s session.  If you are not pressed for time, taking time to open your Bible to each of the remaining Scripture references for that day will help to internalize that day’s thoughts as well.  Then, if you are like me, you will be tempted to write out your own commentary on what God is teaching you as you travel with Nicole through the pages of Genesis.  It was all I could do at times not to begin writing my own commentary of what God was teaching me.  But to keep from potentially overshadowing Nicole’s efforts for the purposes of this review, I refrained except for a couple times.

 

Great read, great devotional, nothing out of context, even the prayers have Scripture in them. . . I give this devotional a five out of five.

 

Marilynn is the author of a series entitled Becoming the Bride of Christ: a Personal Journey. She lives with her two teenagers in Kelowna BC Canada.

You can also follow Marilynne at her Facebook page

 

To experience Devotions From Genesis, It’s Not Just Ancient History for yourself go here to get a paperback or ebook edition! Purchase on Amazon and leave a review.
Devotions From Exodus Part One, Learning to Live in Freedom is also now available for pre-order here: Pre-Order Devotions From Exodus.
The official release date is October 1, 2013
Devotions from Exodus Cover
Proven Path Ministries

Your Mother Tongue

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When heaven is really your motherland, then prayer is really your mother tongue, and you can’t help but yearn to speak in the language of your Father now.
~ Ann Voskamp

Prayer should flow from the tongue of a believer as easily as our breath. I don’t mean hands folded, head bowed, eyes closed, no one looking around prayer. I mean constant communion with the Father. Everyday, constant, good morning, what are you up to, how’s it going, what do you think I should do about, kind of prayer… praying without ceasing.

 

Rejoice always;

pray without ceasing;

in everything give thanks;

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 

My husband and I began our relationship Memorial Day weekend, 15 years ago. Since that time we have spoken every day… even if just for a moment through a phone call, but every day nonetheless. Even when he flew out the following week 15 years ago to China for a month… everyday from China to America we spoke.

When we were on our 2nd year of marriage, and our first child together was 3 months old, he was sent to Portugal for a month. Two weeks into his time in Portugal his company head there called him into the office. He was reprimanded for the phone bill he had accrued while there, and was told that he was no longer allowed to call home everyday…

My husband quickly and firmly replied that he spoke to me every single day at home and he would speak to me every single day from Portugal, or they would put him on a plane home.

Needless to say, he remained in Portugal… and he continued to speak to me every day. I was “home” and no one on this earth could keep him from calling home.

As a Christian in America there is much debate over the topic of prayer… however, there should never really ever be a debate for true believers.

There was no debate with my husband as to whether or not he would be allowed to call home… he didn’t leave room for a debate. He was calling home. Period.

As a believer. I am calling Home. Period.

If I am truly in the habit of praying without ceasing and my prayer is not just for moments of show before others… then no one on this earth can keep me from calling Home.

I am calling…

 Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You…

Psalm 32:6

 

So… today… is prayer your mother tongue?

Confessions of a Christian Wife, Proven Path Ministries

The Joy of the Lord

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And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:2-4

This morning I awoke and came downstairs and kept hearing this strange noise. I was not quite awake yet and well, I don’t get very concerned about “strange” things, I am more a shoulder shrugger with a “hmmm oh well” and go on about my task at hand.

After I got my first cup of coffee almost down, I was awake enough to be able to have visual ability again… so I took my morning glance outside to enjoy the beauty and quiet of an early Saturday morning… to be jolted wide awake by at least six hot air balloons that I thought were about to land in our front yard or on our roof.

balloons

Of course I screamed and ran up the stairs to awaken my children who were so looking forward to sleeping in this first Saturday (in forever) that they did not have to be somewhere at daybreak…

The child in this 36 year old had burst forth. I was just as giddy as they were at the sight of all these beautiful balloons in the sky and the sound of them was like sitting on the shore of the beach listening to the waves roll in.

I didn’t care that it was only a little after 7am and neither did my girls.

We were just excited to see the site!

The sacrifice that had to be made to be a part of it was well worth the prize of seeing the ballons.

As I watched these balloons, my children, and examined my own heart before the Lord as I lived in this moment He had given us, I realized that this joy we experience as we watched these balloons, as we looked with hopeful expectation as to when and where the next one would break over our horizon, is the same joy that God desires that I have for Him as I look to Him and seek His hand in my life.

As I studied through Psalm 13 with Chuck Swindoll this morning I read:

…when trials are dealt with in the flesh, the eyes bear the marks of that fact. We cannot hide it. Our entire countenance becomes rigid and inflexible, lacking the “sparkle” and the “light” that once manifested itself from our hearts. When inner joy leaves, so does the “shine” from our eyes.

~ Swindoll

I watched my children’s eyes shine this morning. I could see the joy in their eyes as they watched these balloons. I see that same joy in their eyes quite often. My husband and I notice it and we can’t wait to gauge each other and point it out to one another when we see it. We love seeing our children full of joy with eyes bright with glorious shine. The kicker, every time I look into my husband’s eyes, when he is watching their eyes during this time, I see that same shine in his eyes. His joy is made full as he watches the fullness of joy in his daughters’ eyes.

Joy reflects joy.

Love reflects love.

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:18

I know when my eyes are not shining. Others know when my eyes are not shining, especially others that know the Lord, because those that belong to Him when they look in the eyes of another that belongs to Him, we are all with unveiled faces beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord… When the glory of the Lord is not shining in my eyes it is obvious to those that know what it is to have that shine in their own eyes.

Do you know what I realized this morning… that shine leaves my eyes, the same way it left David’s in Psalm 13.

When I begin to face anything in the flesh.

Whether it be trials or sin or service… the moment we begin to exalt the enemy that has come against us, or exalt  sin, or exalt the to-do list before us, instead of exalting the God that is with us and for us… that’s when the shine in our eyes fades.

When we begin looking out at the enemy instead of looking up to Christ, or when we choose to disobey the Word of our God and hide sin in our heart instead of His Word, or when we begin seeing “the stuff” as a burden instead of a gift, slowly we will begin to feel the joy of the Lord being sucked out of us and our eyes begin to lose their shine and our service becomes work and rote not an act of love and obedience.

We begin to no longer serve our God with joy. We no longer are looking at life through clear eyes of gratitude with a glad heart, but through shaded eyes of burden and a fainting heart.

This is not what God wants for us…

Our Heavenly Father wants to see joy shining in our eyes just as much, even more so, as we want to see joy shining in our children’s eyes as they look in awe and wonder of the beauty of this world and all the many little gifts of glory that our Father gives us… gifts we don’t deserve.

His joy, His mercies, His glory, His presence is new every morning. He is a beautiful gift that He gives us when we choose to open our sleepy eyes and seek Him. We must choose to awaken each morning looking with hopeful expectation for the when and where that He will break over our horizon and enter our site in all His majesty.

The joy of the Lord is always available to those who belong to Him and seek Him.

Let His joy reflect in your eyes today.

Come before Him as a child. Trusting in Him. Looking up to Him. Enjoying Him. Obeying Him.

If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love;

just as I have kept My Father’s commandments

and abide in His love. 

These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you,

and that your joy may be made full. 

John 15:11

Children's Ministry, Confessions of a Christian Wife, Proven Path Ministries

Raise the Bar

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Last Wednesday night was the Awana Awards Ceremony at our church. During the awards the kids all share some of the things that they learned during the year and they share some of the Scripture verses that are supposed to be memorized and treasured in their heart…

I went over my child’s verse with her repeatedly.

She knew it.

I knew that she knew it.

Yet she walked up on stage with a cheat sheet and began to read off the verse and was stumbling all over it. Before I knew it I had given the “momma finger snap” and told her out loud that she needed to put that paper down and say her verse.

Once the cheat sheet came down the verse flowed out smooth and clear.

There is a standard my husband and I hold for our children.

First things first.

God is to be first.

If my child can sing the Dora Explorer theme song at 2 years old while playing with her Dora doll in the tub, she can memorize Scripture.

If my child can learn the entire part of Imogene Herdman in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at age 8 she can memorize Scripture.

Last Sunday I had to confront my 12 year old on why she was walking out the house to church without her Bible in hand.

She responded that everything was in her Sunday school book, she didn’t need it.

Not an acceptable answer for this mom…

She has not been raised to be spoon fed off another’s plate. She’s been raised to feed herself… why on earth would we expect her to leave the children’s ministry carrying her own Bible and enter the youth without it. She doesn’t use someone else’s glove or bat when she steps on to the softball field… should we expect less when it comes to stepping into church.

We have lowered the bar in so many areas in what we expect from our kids in the area of their spiritual growth and even academics yet we have raised it to almost unreachable levels when it comes to sports and other hobbies. Of course the excuse for the drive is always for a “college scholarship” As if going to college will be their salvation in this life. Sadly when they get their and have put so little into their character and integrity many end up in a pit that they can’t get out of and end up losing that scholarship along with their name and their respect.

We need to learn to raise the bar in the right areas…

When we look at history we see that Jonathan Edwards entered Yale College at 12 years old. By the age of 17 he had graduated as valedictorian and by 19 years of age, after two years of study in theology he was filling a pulpit. By the age of 30 he was key in being used by God to begin the Great Awakening.

By the age of 11 years old J0hn Quincy Adams was a congressional appointed secretary to his father who was the American ambassador to France, by 14 years old he was appointed secretary to our ambassador to Russia, and by 16 years old he was recognized by the President of the United States, George Washington, as one of the most valuable characters abroad representing our country.

When we look to the Scriptures we see that at 8 years of age Josiah became king of Israel and by his eighteenth year as king, at 26 years of age, he read the book of the Law for the first time and brought revival to a nation.

Today, at 26 years of age in America grown adults are still required by law to be able to mooch off their parents insurance, even if they are healthy, strong, supposedly intelligent individuals.

There was a day when a 13 year old boy was considered a man.

Today we look at a 30 year old and still call them a kid.

Today we expect little, little is invested, therefore little is achieved.

In this great day of knowledge and technology and our supposed so far advancement from the dark ages… how is it that our knowledge grows , but our ability to be responsible for own actions and personhood diminishes.

We have a President today that mocks our past greatness… He stands on the platform of Planned Parenthood and mocks the foundations of this country and the integrity and character on which it was built… because some people seem to have a problem with men and women who call themselves doctors, who took an oath to heal and help, yet instead choose to kill and destroy.

Mr President if we were so dumb and backwards back then, why all the greatness of men and women who brought true and good change to our nation as they supported and strove for the rights of equality of life for all mankind, no matter age, sex, race, or religion?

If we have achieved such knowledge and grandeur in this day, how is it that in this country’s beginning an 11 year old was committed and cognitive enough to be an official ambassador representing our country and yet today in our country an 11 year old is doing good to be able to go to the bathroom by themselves and read Cat in the Hat?

I don’t believe this is the governments fault. I don’t believe it’s the schools fault. I don’t even believe it’s the cultures fault.

It’s our fault, dads and moms, our fault.

There was a day where it was the parent’s responsibility to teach their child. They understood it was their responsibility to teach their kids to succeed and learn and grow. It was their responsibility and great honor and desire and privilege to invest in the lives of their kids. It was their responsibility to tell their kids… You are not a kid anymore. What you say and what you do matters and has an effect on others. You were born to make an impact in the lives of those around you and that starts now. 

I not long ago had to have a conversation with my child about how her Sunday night class was treating their teacher. Her class is comprised of our 3rd – 5th graders. These kids seemed to be completely oblivious that their words and actions had power to affect the adults around them. They were too caught up in their own selves to even have concern for the one who was there trying to teach them. I explained to my child that the way she behaved demonstrated to her teacher whether she respected her or not, and whether she respected her or not demonstrated whether her teacher felt loved and appreciated and even liked.

Yes, at 8 years old what my child said and did and how she treated others had an affect on those around her… yes, even the adults around her. She needed to be made aware of that.

It’s not just about obedience and minding the teacher. It’s more about the fact that they should be aware that they carry an impact in this world.

They matter.

They matter in what they say and do and they matter in the fact that what they say and do has an effect on those around them which in fact impacts their community and their world.

Maybe you might think I am thinking too big… but I don’t think so.

Like I said, my husband and I expect much from our kids when it comes to the things of God and the things of kindness and common courtesy and using their heads.

We see the time, energy, and effort they are willing and able to put into things that have no eternal impact or benefit… why on earth would we expect and require less from them when it comes to the things that do?

It’s time to raise the bar in this nation.

It must begin with it being raised at home and it must be raised in our churches.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Children's Ministry, Proven Path Ministries, The Romans Study For Kids

Romans Study For Kids (Romans 5:1-11)

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Romans 5:1-11

 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.

3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;

4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;

5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die.

8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.

10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

11 And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

 

Read Romans 5:1. With what word does this verse begin?

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

Remember when we see a “therefore” we need to find out what the “therefore” is there for. We discover that information by looking at the verses that come before the “therefore”. When we do this we see that in Romans 4 the whole chapter was about how Abraham is God’s example to us that we are justified by faith, not works and not the Law.

 

Read Romans 5:1 again and fill in the blanks to complete the verse.

Therefore, having been __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ by __ __ __ __ __, we have __ __ __ __ __ with God through our __ __ __ __    __ __ __ __ __  Christ

 

Now that you have the verse completed, how do we have peace with God?

through __ __ __ __ __   __ __ __ __ __ __ 

 

 

THINK ABOUT IT…

The word peace in this verse in the Greek is eirene and it means exemption from the rage and havoc of war, peace between individuals.

Have you ever thought about the fact that before you are saved you are at war with God?

 

Read Romans 5:2. Who did we obtain our introduction by faith into the grace of God through? (hint: you find the answer in Romans 5:1)

__ __ __ __ __

 

Read Romans 5:2 again. Knowing that we are justified by faith and have peace with God through Jesus what can we now exult in? (the word exult means to boast in)

in __ __ __ __  of the __ __ __ __ __  of God

When we have peace with God we no longer are afraid of His glory, but we boast about it. We no longer hate Him, but we hope in Him.

 

Read Romans 5:3. What else do we exult in if we have been justified by faith and have peace with God. Unscramble the words to help you find the answer.

snoibirtulta    __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

 

Read Romans 5:3-4 and put in order what we know about our tribulations when we are saved.

tribulation, brings about __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

perseverance, proven __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

proven character,  __ __ __ __

 

Read Romans 5:5. What do we learn about hope? 

hope  __ __ __ __    __ __ __  disappoint

 

Read Romans 5:5 again. How can we know that hope in the glory of God does not disappoint?

because the __ __ __ __ of God has been poured out in __ __ __    __ __ __ __ __ __  through the

__ __ __ __     __ __ __ __ __ __  who was given to us.

 

 

Let’s take a moment to learn a little bit about the Holy Spirit.

Look up and read John 14:15-17.

Who did Jesus say that the Holy Spirit would be to us?

the __ __ __ __ __ __

 

Look up and read John 14:25-26.

How did Jesus say that He would help us?

He will be __ __  you

He will __ __ __ __ __ you all things

He will bring to __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __  all that Jesus says to us

 

Look up and read Ephesians 1:13-14. 

Let’s put in order what happens in these verses.

1) after __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ to the message of truth, the __ __ __ __ __ __  of salvation

2) having also __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

3) you were __ __ __ __ __ __ in Him (Jesus) with the __ __ __ __    __ __ __ __ __ __   of promise

 

When was the Holy Spirit promised? Circle the correct answer.

When Jesus was talking with His disciples in John 14.

When Noah got off the ark in Genesis 9

When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden in Genesis 3.

 

Look up Acts 1:1-9 and Acts 2:1-4. When did the promise Jesus made concerning the Holy Spirit come?

the day of __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

 

Look up and read Acts 2:38. We have already learned that faith is a gift, that being justified is a gift, and that Jesus is a gift, now who else is a gift to us from God? 

the __ __ __ __    __ __ __ __ __ __

 

Read Romans 5:6. Why is it important that God was willing to give us all this as a gift.

we were  __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

 

Read Romans 5:6 again. Did Jesus die for us because we were good, loved God, and deserved it?

Circle your answer.

Yes           No

 

How does Romans 5:6 describe us?

helpless and __ __ __ __ __ __ __

 

Read Romans 5:6-8. How does God demonstrate how much He loves us?

while we were yet __ __ __ __ __ __ __ ,

__ __ __ __ __ __   died for  __ __

 

THINK ABOUT IT…

WOW! So God did not wait until we were good before He sent His Son to die for us. He also does not wait until we are good before He shares with us the Gospel and gives us the gift of faith and justification. He meets us where we are and gives us His Word to help us if we will just believe Him. He loved us before we even wanted to be good.

How about we take a moment to tell Him how that makes us feel. 

 

Read Romans 5:9. How does this verse begin?

__ __ __ __    __ __ __ __   then

Have you ever seen an infomercial on television? A commercial were someone offers you a product and they begin to tell you what all you are going to get with it and then they say, “But wait, there’s more!”

As study through the rest of Romans 5 and really the rest of the book of Romans we are going to see what all we receive in this gift of grace and justification by faith through Jesus Christ. 

 

Go ahead read through Romans 5:9-11 and count how many times you read “much more”. 

How many times did you read it?

_____

 

Read Romans 5:9. Now that we are justified by His blood what else will be saved from because of what Jesus did when He died for us?

the __ __ __ __ __ of God

 

Read Romans 5:10. Romans 5:6 tells us that we were helpless and ungodly when Jesus died for us. What do we learn about ourselves in Romans 5:10?

we were __ __ __ __ __ __ __ of God

 

Read Romans 5:10-11. If we believe that Jesus died for us to reconcile us to God while we were helpless, ungodly, sinners, and His enemies, then what should we also know?

we shall be __ __ __ __ __ by His life.

 

What happened after Jesus died on the cross and was buried? Did He stay dead and buried? Circle your answer.

Yes            No

 

Read Romans 5:11. What can we do through Jesus Christ once we are reconciled to God?

__ __ __ __ __  in God

(To reconcile is to reestablish a close relationship between. It is to make peace between. To settle a matter.)

 

THINK ABOUT IT…

If not for what Jesus did by coming to earth as the Son of God and the Son of Man we could never have a relationship with God. 

Why don’t you get out a piece of paper and draw a picture or write a story about how Jesus makes us friends with God again. 

 

Previous posts for Romans Study For Kids: The Romans Project

 

Proven Path Ministries

Death Is No Respecter To Person

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Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world,

and death through sin, and so death spread to all men,

because all sinned—

Romans 5:12

 

No matter how great the sinner or how great the saint… no matter how mighty the king or how weak the child… death is no respecter of person. It doesn’t care who you think you are or how smart you think you are in your attempt to defeat and defy it… it does not fear you at all.

A week ago I learned of the death of a loved one… I did not find out about his passing until 15 minutes before the graveside service.

(I suppose that’s one of the downfalls of not reading or watching the news… I would not even be aware of what happened in Oklahoma if not for my husband telling me about it.)

Having just been made aware of the passing of this man I was so very fond of, a man who had been a father and grandfather to my cousin and friend for thirty of her thirty-five years…

(I don’t know what it is like in other areas of the world, but here in Alabama, at least in my part of Alabama, your first best friends are your cousins. I have always considered even my 4th and 5th cousins as close as my double 1st, because I really actually did grow up with them all. They are a lasting part of the memories of my childhood and even now in my adulthood and we are purposeful to make sure our kids know who each other are.)

I only had time to shoot her a text. I just wanted her to know that I knew and I was so very sorry and I was praying for them.

The next day I went to her mother’s house, taking a chance that they might be there. I am thankful that they were indeed there. We sat on the front porch and talked and cried and I listened as she told me what happened.

He awoke that morning as usual. Got up to eat his breakfast as usual,and was picking on and cutting up with his grandchild that had spent the night with them. He left the room to shower and get ready to head out on an outing with my cousins husband, his son-in-law, by every right. He entered back into the room not feeling well and chose to take an aspirin and sit down… he got up and left the room… and came back to take another aspirin and sit for a moment… then said he felt fine. He went on to shower and get dressed and came into the living room in his jeans and t-shirt with his shoes in hand feeling fine.

Then by the time he got his shoes on, he was concerned again and asked my aunt, his wife, to take him on to the hospital… they left the house and got into the car… and she said that before she could get backed out of the driveway… he leaned his head back on the seat and was gone. He never said a word. He was there. Then he was gone.

He was a healthy man Friday night… and Saturday he was gone.

Death is no respecter to person.

It doesn’t ask our permission. It doesn’t care if we had plans that day. It reigns where and when it will. It is not concerned with how healthy we are or how much we are loved and needed by others. It doesn’t care who will miss us. It doesn’t care if we are so young that our life is still developing in the womb or if we have lived so long that our flesh is shriveling and wrinkling and sagging with age.

Death is the curse. It is the curse that fell not only upon man, but upon the whole earth.

Cursed is the ground because of you;

Genesis 3:17

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For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.

Romans 8:19-22

This earth that was created by our God to sustain and provide for us life now turns herself on us to destroy and deprive us of life. Yet she groans. She groans because she knows it was not what she was created to do. She knows she was created for glory. So she suffers. We see her sufferings in the earthquakes and hurricanes and the likes of the recent Oklahoma tornadoes. Death dances her victory dance over the broken pieces of our hearts.

It’s not global warming… it’s not climate change… it’s sin and the wages of sin is death. Death proves it over and over. We might attempt to deny the reality of sin, but we cannot deny the reality of death.

It’s the groans of a creation of God that has been subjected to slavery because of sin and now is under the control of the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2), the one in whose power the whole world lies (1 John 5:19), and death reigns in her and yet she knows she was created to produce living things… not death. She groans. She suffers. She anxiously longs for redemption.

The question as we look at the reign of death around us… is do we groan, do we suffer, do we anxiously long for redemption with her.

I know that I do.

I don’t like death.

Death hurts because it separates.

However, there is one death that shocked the very depths of death… death appeared and took its prize and drug Him into the grave in triumph. Death self-proclaimed itself as king… and why should it not… it was indeed undefeated. No one who had ever died had ever escaped its grasp. It reigned victorious over every man.

Until One Man appeared.

He snatched many from death’s grip as He walked on this earth… yet death did not fear much, because death knew they would return to its grave… and death waited for that One who appeared to be playing games with the grave.

Yet this One did not come to play games.

This One was the Only One who was really ever in it to win it.

Death opened her throat and swallowed Him whole. Death willingly paid sin for its prize and filled its belly with another soul… yet something was not quite right this time. The belly of death began to rumble with displeasure. It rolled and contorted and groaned for the first time ever with the awareness that it had just consumed something that was not to be consumed. The belly of death shook and revolted and finally vomited out its prize just as the belly of the whale vomited Jonah out many years ago…

This One death could not hold.

Death marched right back up to sin and asked for its payment back.

Yet sin had its pay… this was death’s problem.

Death had met its match and death lost. Death lost big. Death attempted to consume Christ, yet Christ consumed death. Now Christ stands with His life wide open inviting us to die in Him. This death does not separate… for the first time in all time, there is a death that unites to life.

For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him.

Romans 6:5-9

Death still tromps around this earth, and this earth continues to groan, because sin remains. We never know when death will show up at our door claiming sin has required its payment… however we don’t have to live in fear of this payday… if we have died in Christ.

When death comes knocking at my door requesting that sin wants its pay… I shall smile and hand death my receipt that says Paid In Full

Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, 

It

is

finished!

And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.

John 19:30

 

Whether my life on this earth be ripped from me through the winds of a tornado, by a destroying disease, by an out of nowhere accident, or by sudden failing of heart. It doesn’t matter. I am ready. I pray that if you are reading this… you are as well.

I pray that if you are a parent this is foremost in the front of your minds for your children… you never know when you put them on the bus or drop them off at daycare or send them home with a friend if this is the last time you will see them… do they know the Gospel… do they know about death in Christ… do they know that you know… do they know if death came to snatch you away from them that Christ would be there to make the interception because He had already paid your price?

Death is no respecter to persons.

Praise God, neither is Christ!

 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Romans 10:8-13

 

Proven Path Ministries

The Charge of a Mother

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On May 11th I spoke at a Mother Child Tea. As I studied while I prepared to speak in my fullness I posted The Meaning of Mother and then the The Call of a Mother. I am going to finish sharing what I learned through a series of post. Today we will look at the charge of a Mother…

As I studied through the book of Jeremiah I had never realized how well the study of this book could relate to the cry of a mother’s heart… As I read passages like

‘Return, faithless Israel,’ declares the Lord;
‘I will not look upon you in anger.
For I am gracious,’ declares the Lord;
‘I will not be angry forever.
‘Only acknowledge your iniquity,
That you have transgressed against the Lord your God
And have scattered your favors to the strangers under every green tree,
And you have not obeyed My voice,’ declares the Lord.
‘Return, O faithless sons,’ declares the Lord;
‘For I am a master to you,
And I will take you one from a city and two from a family,
And I will bring you to Zion.’

Jeremiah 3:12-14

 

One of the hardest things to watch as a parent is to see your children making wrong choices and living in the deceit of them instead of trusting in your words of truth to them. It is even harder when this thing is in absolute rebellion to God. There is nothing but the leaning into the sovereign arms of the Lord that can comfort a mother who is watching her child walk stubbornly and stiff-necked right into the death of sin…

To the Christian mother of today’s United States in the abundance of promoted immorality and having the seeds of evil and lies of Satan so fervently  sown in every direction no matter where you turn… the call of a Mother to pluck up and break down and destroy and overflow becomes all the more crucial and overwhelming.

How on earth can we win this fight?

How on earth can we build on the solid foundation and plant the good seed fast enough, deep enough, secure enough to keep the seeds of evil and lies from taking root and to keep the enemy of our souls from throwing up his make-shift shanties where the temple of the Holy Spirit of the Living God should be.

We hear the call, but how can we accomplish this call?

Thus the charge of a mother…

For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you,

which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois

and your mother Eunice,

and I am sure that it is in you as well. 

For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh 

the gift of God which is in you

through the laying on of my hands. 

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity,

but of power and love and discipline.

2 Timothy 1:5-7

First, be aware that God is mindful of the sincere faith that is within you. Be aware that God sees the desire of your heart to raise your children up in truth and to fight the powers of hell on their behalf. Be aware, mother, that He sees and He knows.

Then, remember what you have been taught by the generation before you. Why are you where you are today with this heart for God. Who has invested in you and how did they invest in you. Follow their example. Pour into your child the hope that was poured into you.

Then, kindle afresh the gift of God that is within you… His Holy Spirit… His Word. Never let the wellspring of the Living Water run dry in you. Never let the fire of His Spirit be quenched within you… keep yourself under the mentorship of other strong mature believers who can pray with you and encourage and exhort you. Stay in the Word and stay in the fellowship.

Finally, never ever forget that God has not given you a spirit of timidity. He has given you a spirit of power and of love and of discipline. You can answer this call of a mother because God Himself has prepared and supplied you with everything you need to do so.

Notice the list is power – love – discipline 

If love is not at the center in how you answer this call, then power and discipline will backfire and uproot all that you plant and destroy all that you build… be careful to keep love at the center. You can do this if you remember who you are in Him and remember that is Him who watches over His Word to perform it. It is not your job to force it… but His to perform it.

 

 

 

Children's Ministry, Proven Path Ministries, The Romans Study For Kids

Romans Study For Kids (Romans 4)

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The last handouts made for the Romans Study for Kids were on Romans 3:25-31. Today I am posting the Handouts for Romans 4. So this is a long post… but here is a study for Romans 4 that I believe you will be able to use with your kids to help them learn the glorious truth in this chapter.

Romans 4:1-8

What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found?

2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.

3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

4 Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due.

5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness,

6 just as David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:

7  “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, And whose sins have been covered.

8  “Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will not take into account.”

 

In Romans 4 Paul shows us how God uses Abraham as an example to show all of us that justification is by faith and not by our works or by the Law.

Read Romans 4:1-2. Even if Abraham had worked really hard and been really good and was able to be justified by his works, could he boast about that before God? Could He impress God with his works? Circle your answer.

Yes              No

 

Read Romans 4:3. What does the Scripture say about how Abraham was justified or declared righteous? Fill in the blanks with your answer.

Abraham __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __  God and it was

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __  to him as righteousness

 

Read Romans 4:4. What do you learn about works and credit?

Now to the one who works, his wage is __ __ __ credited

as a favor, but as what is __ __ __

 

If you work for something is your payment a favor as a gift or is your payment due to you because you earned it? Circle your answer.

favor             due

 

Read Romans 4:5. What happens to the one who does not work , but believes in God who justifies the ungodly?

his  __ __ __ __ __  is  __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __  as righteousnessThe word “faith” in the Greek is pistis and it means conviction of the truth, belief. 

So it was Abraham’s conviction of the truth, his belief in God and what God said that justified him.

 

Read Romans 4:5 again. Who does God justify?

the __ __ __ __ __ __ __

 

Look back at Romans 1:18-19 and Romans 3:10-18. According to what you have learned in Romans so far, who are the ungodly? Circle all that apply.

Jews     Gentiles     Everyone    Noone

 

Read Romans 4:6. Who also speaks to us about God crediting righteousness apart from works?

__ __ __ __ __

 

What does David call this credit of righteousness?

a  __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

The word “blessing” in the Greek is Makarismos and it means declaration of blessedness, to utter a declaration of blessedness upon one, to pronounce one blessed.

According to this definition, do you earn a blessing? Circle your answer.

Yes                 No

 

Read Romans 4:7-8. These verses come from Psalm 32:1-2. According to these verses who is blessed?

1)  those whose lawless deeds have been

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

2) those whose sins have been __ __ __ __ __ __ __

3) those whose __ __ __ the Lord will not take into account

 

The greatest blessing and gift we can receive is God forgiving our lawless deeds and not crediting us the wage of our sin. Read Romans 6:23 to see what the wages of sin is. What is the wage for sin?

__ __ __ __ __

 

When we believe God and His promise to us He credits us with righteousness and He pays sin for us. We did not earn the blessing, the forgiveness, or the righteousness… it is all the favor and gift of God to us for simply believing Him.

 

Romans 4:9-25

 

Is this blessing then on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say, “Faith was credited to Abraham as righteousness.”

10 How then was it credited? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised;

11 and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while uncircumcised, so that he might be the father of all who believe without being circumcised, that righteousness might be credited to them,

12 and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised.

13 For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith.

14 For if those who are of the Law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise is nullified;

15 for the Law brings about wrath, but where there is no law, there also is no violation.

16 For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,

17 (as it is written, “A father of many nations have I made you”) in the presence of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist.

18 In hope against hope he believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, “So shall your descendants be.”

19 Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb

20 yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God,

21 and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.

22 Therefore it was also credited to him as righteousness.

23 Now not for his sake only was it written that it was credited to him,

24 but for our sake also, to whom it will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead,

25 He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.

 

Read Romans 4:9-10. What question does Paul ask about Abraham’s faith being credited to him as righteousness?

Did Abraham receive this blessing when he was

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ or

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ ?

 

Look up and read Genesis 15:1-18. In what verse do we read that Abraham believed God and God reckons (or credits) Abraham as righteous?

Genesis 15:___

 

In what verse do we read that God make a covenant with Abraham?

Genesis 15:___

We learn that God made a covenant with Abraham on the same day that Abraham believed God and He credited it to him as righteousness.

 

Now look up and read Genesis 17:7-13. What did God say would be the sign of the covenant?

you shall be __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

 

According to what you have read in Genesis put the following in the order that they happened.

Circumcision           1. ___________

Believed God          2. ___________

Covenant made       3. ___________

 

What came last?

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

 

If circumcision came last can it be what made God justify Abraham? Circle your answer.

Yes           No

 

Read Romans 4:10-12. When did Abraham have faith? Before or after he was circumcised?

Circle your answer.

Before        After

 

Read Romans 4:11 to find out why this is so important to know. Why was Abraham credited righteous before he received the sign of circumcision?

So that he might be the father of __ __ __ who

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ without being circumcised

 

According to what you have learned so far in Romans and the chapters you have read in Genesis, does a person have to be circumcised to be justified? Circle your answer.

Yes       No

 

Read Romans 4:13. Did Abraham receive his promise from God through the Law? Circle your answer.

Yes         No

 

When did Abraham receive the promise from God?

Look up and read Genesis 12:1-4 to find out.

 

When did God give Israel the Law?

Read Exodus 20:1-18 to find out.

 

According to the Bible what came first, the promise to Abraham or the Law? Circle your answer.

Promise         Law

 

Go back and read Romans 3:20. What is the purpose of the Law?

Through the Law comes the __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ of __ __ __

 

Read Romans 4:15. What does the Law bring about?

__ __ __ __ __

 

Read Romans 3:21-22. How do we receive the righteousness of God? Circle your answer.

Through the Law        Through faith in Jesus

 

Who can receive this righteousness? Circle your answer.

Those who are circumcised

Those who have the Law

Those who believe God.

 

Think about what you have learned so far in Genesis, Exodus, and Romans. Look at the list below and put everything in the order that they occur and put the Scripture reference that proves it.

Law                      1. ________________

Promise                2. ________________

Circumcision           3. _________________

Believed God          4. _________________

Covenant made       5. _________________

What came first?  _________________

 

What did Abraham believe? Circle your answer.

The Law       The Promise

 

THINK ABOUT IT….

What promise has God made that He has asked us to believe so that we might be saved?

Read John 3:16. 

Is there anything that God says we have to do before we believe? 

Is there anything that God says that we have to do after we believe?

 

Read Romans 4:16. How does this verse begin?

__ __ __    __ __ __ __     __ __ __ __ __ __

 

This verse tells us why God did not make the Law or circumcision the way for us to be justified and credited righteousness. If we were justified by the Law, who could be saved? Who can keep the Law and never break it? Can anyone? Circle your answer.

Yes                No

 

Read Romans 4:16 again. Fill in the blanks to complete the verse.

For this reason it is by __ __ __ __ __, in order that it may be in accordance with __ __ __ __ __, so that the __ __ __ __ __ __ __ will be guaranteed to __ __ __ the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us __ __ __

 

How can Abraham be the father of us all? Remember that Paul is writing this letter to the church, to the saints in Rome. Remember this and read Galatians 3:29 printed below.

And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise. 

Galatians 3:29

According to this verse how do we become heirs to the promise and Abraham’s descendants?

if you belong to __ __ __ __ __ __

 

Look up and read Romans 10:9. How can we belong to Christ?

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved

 

Read Romans 4:16 again. Read Ephesians 2:8-9 printed below and answer the questions. 

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

How are you saved?

by __ __ __ __ __ you have been saved through

__ __ __ __ __

 

Read Romans 3:24 and compare it to Ephesians 2:8-9, what do both of the verses tell us about being saved?

it is a __ __ __ __ of __ __ __

 

Read Romans 3:27-28 and Romans 4:2 and compare it to Ephesians 2:8-9. Is there any one who can brag or boast about doing enough works to get themselves saved? Circle your answer.

Yes               No

 

Go ahead and read Romans 4:16-25. When you finish sit down with your mom and dad or another trusted adult as we study through and think about these last verses in Romans 4. As you read remember that Abraham is an example to us as to how God saves and keeps His promise to us. 

 

THINK ABOUT IT…

When we read about Abraham and Sarah in the book of Genesis we learn that Abraham was 75 years old when God gave him the promise. If we look all the way back to Genesis 3:15 we see that this promise was made first to Adam and Eve. Then it was made to Noah in Genesis 6:18. Now God gives it Abraham in Genesis 12:1-4. God promises that he would become the father of many nations. God gives the promise, but Abraham still has to believe the promise. As we read about Abraham we learn that he makes a lot of mistakes as He tries to obey God, but He keeps trying. In Genesis 15 we learn that Abraham really believes the promise that God made him, and so God credits him righteous, God saves Him. Then Abraham and Sarah tried to help God keep His promise, but they only made things worse. God wanted them and us to know that our works and our efforts do not determine whether or not God keeps His promise. God keeps His promise because He is God.

So God made Abraham and Sarah wait until both their bodies were unable to make a baby on their own. Their baby making parts were as Romans 4:17-19 says, dead.

But dead does not mean anything to the God who creates life out of nothing. So when Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah was 90 years old, Isaac was born. God brought their baby making parts from death to life and fulfilled His promise… all because they believed Him.

In the same way our spirit inside of us is dead. It died when Adam and Eve disobeyed God. But God says if we believe in His promise, if we believe in Jesus, He will make our dead spirit alive. We will learn more about this as we study through the rest of Romans. It’s very exciting!

I want you to close your study today with working on memorizing Romans 4:20-21. Do this together with your mom and dad or your brother or sister. This is a very important passage to have hidden in your heart and mind. There is nothing more important than knowing that God will keep His Word. 

yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.

Romans 4:20-21

Write this verse on a card and read it three times a day.

You can also take a dry erase marker and write it on the mirror in your bathroom or bedroom. This way you can read it every time you go in there. 

Children's Ministry, Confessions of a Christian Wife, Proven Path Ministries

Purposeful Parenting

 

 

 

shiloh logo

 

If you are Christian parent you cannot deny that the enemy of our souls, Satan, the serpent of old, the accuser of the brethren, the deceiver… is after the hearts of our kids. Today is not a day that we as parents can sit by on the sidelines and just try to make it through the day. We must choose to purposefully parent in this day. This requires diligence and effort and training on our part. It also is going to require a strong support system and accountability.

Beginning on September 8th, 2013 Shiloh will begin a year of focusing on how to parent with purpose. We will start with an eleven week study, Raising Godly Children in an Ungodly World.

 

raising godly children

Parents and parents-to-be will benefit from this Parenting Study Kit. With thought-provoking discussion questions and engaging homework assignments, parents at all stages are challenged and encouraged as they examine how to “train up their children in the way that they should go” … according to God’s Word!

In addition to the teaching of Ken and Steve, Christian parents who are currently navigating the same parenting challenges that you are offer biblical insights and practical parenting tips.

Discover what the Bible teaches about:

  • the roles of husband, wife, and children in the family
  • how we should discipline our children
  • how to make Scripture come alive for our children
  • important topics like communication, stewardship, and relationships
  • … how we can leave a godly legacy!

An 11-session, DVD-based study!

Raising Godly Children in an Ungodly World lesson titles

  • Session 1: The Genesis Family 
  • Session 2: The Genesis of a Worldview 
  • Session 3: Vegemite Kids 
  • Session 4: God-Given Roles in Marriage 
  • Session 5: God-Given Roles in the Family 
  • Session 6: Discipline: Producing a Harvest of Peace and Righteousness 
  • Session 7: Communicating Biblically with Your Children 
  • Session 8: Growing a Godly Heritage 
  • Session 9: The Family Fortress 
  • Session 10: Developing a Biblical Mindset About Money and Possessions 
  • Session 11: Parenting Practices 

Parents attending this study are encouraged to purchase the book, Raising Godly Children in an Ungodly World. The study guide and DVD’s will be made available during the class time.

As this study concludes with Parenting Practices we will then begin a study that will take us through the rest of the year, The Christian Parenting Handbook. This study will teach us hands on how to apply everything we learned in the previous study. 

 

bookandhandbook

 

Nuggets of parenting wisdom condensed into 50 short chapters, each one biblical, practical, and relevant for parents of children ages 2-18. Learn appropriate ways to correct, instruct, and set limits. Glean wisdom for dealing with emotions, conflict, and developing closeness in your family… and much more. These 50 strategies provide you with hands-on tools for parenting children of any age. 

You will learn

• A practical tool to stop children’s arguing
• How to separate firmness from harshness
• A strategy to help children change their hearts
• Ways to teach kids to add energy to family life
• Solutions for sibling conflict
• The relational side of parenting
• What to do when parents don’t agree
• How to help kids who are blamers
• and much more.

Parents attending this class are encouraged to purchase The Christian Parenting Handbook and Companion Guide. We will go through one chapter a week so that we can focus on and have an opportunity to put into practice what we learn without overload of information.

To check out more information on parenting go here:

Parenting seminar

 

 

I sincerely hope you will make plans to join us…

 

 

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