Tag: children

No Middle Ground

1 John 5:14-21

Those who reject walking in obedience to God, by default, align themselves with the will of satan. There are many people who have good intentions and oftentimes do good deeds, but all things done outside of the will of God, are equivalent to filthy rags. There’s no straddling the fence when it comes to Good vs. evil. Either God will be the source of one’s life choices and moral compass, or the devil will rule and abide in their hearts.

When God leads a man’s heart, living in a world of sin can become a bit easier to understand and navigate through. On the contrary, when we live outside of God’s will, we open ourselves up to all kinds of evil, and inevitable deception. The enemy hates mankind, and will do whatever is in his power to keep men from drawing close to God. Men and women all over the world, are distracted by things that seem appealing, but are strategically placed to turn their focus from the truth. God loves all men, and wishes that no one perish, but despite all the time, patience, and love He bestows to man, many will fail to enter God’s eternal kingdom.

Tips for Holy Living

Colossians 3

MORTIFY – to kill (literally or figuratively): become dead, (cause to be) put to death:
●Fornication – to be utterly unchaste, indulge unlawful lust (of either sex), or (figuratively) practice idolatry:
●Uncleanness – impurity (the quality), physically or morally, contamination:
●Inordinate affection – unholy passions:
●Evil Concupiscence – unholy longing (especially for what is forbidden:
●Covetousness – to set the heart upon wrongfully, desire, envy, be jealous over:

PUT OFF – to take off (in various senses), carry away, lead (away), put to death, take away
●Old Man – former behavior, character, deeds prior to regeneration:
●Anger – violent passion:
●Wrath – fierceness, indignation:
●Malice – the desire to harm someone or the feeling of pleasure at someone’s misfortune:
●Blasphemy – vilification or evil speaking against God:
●Evil Communication – unholy, unhealthy, or unprofitable words spoken:

PUT ON – array, clothe (with), endue:
●New Man – renewed in knowledge after the image of Christ:
●Bowels of Mercies – overabundance od compassion:
●Kindness – fraternal affection, brotherly love:
●Humbleness of Mind – having a modest view of oneself; not feeling superior over others:
●Meekness – lowly; submissive:
●Longsuffering – patient; able to quietly tolerate suffering:

Father’s Day

Ephesians 6:4

“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

Fathers, povoke not your children to wrath, by avoiding severity, anger, harshness, and cruelty. Cruel parents generally have bad children. The proper way to discipline is, to correct, and not punish. Punishment is from a principle of revenge, whereas correction is from a principle of affectionate concern. Children are to be nourished with wholesome discipline and instruction, which will bend them toward God, and His way of living.

– Inspired by Finis Jennings Dake

The Butterfly Song

If I were a butterfly
I’d thank you Lord for giving me wings
If I were a robin in a tree
I’d thank you Lord that I could sing
If I were a fish in the sea
I’d wiggle my tail and I’d giggle with glee
But I just thank you Father for making me, me

For you gave me a heart and you gave me a smile
You gave me Jesus and you made me your child
And I just thank you Father for making me, me

If I were an elephant
I’d thank you Lord by raising my trunk
If I were a kangaroo
You know I’d hop right up to you

If I were an octopus
I’d thank you Lord for my fine looks
But I just thank you Father for making me, me

If I were a wiggly worm
I’d thank you Lord that I could squirm
If I were a fuzzy, wuzzy bear
I’d thank you Lord for my fuzzy, wuzzy hair

If I were a crocodile
I’d thank you Lord for my great smile
But I just thank you Father for
making me, me

For you gave me a heart and you gave me a smile
You gave me Jesus and you made me your child
And I just thank you Father for making me, me

(Written and composed by Brian M. Howard 1980)

Listen And Live

Psalm 81

If the children of Isreal had only listened to, and obeyed the commands of the Lord, they would have avoided years of unnecessary shame and punishment. Their lives would have been completely different, had they not ignored the voice of God, while heedind to strange gods, and seducing spirits. What was so fascinating about worldly lusts, that drew them away from the God who performed many mighty works before their own eyes? What more could they have wanted God to do for them, when He had already delivered them from bondage, sustained their health, garments, and wealth for years? Our texts reads, if the people had only hearkened to the Lord, and walked in His ways, He would have subdued their enemies, and turned His hand against their adversaries. God called His own people, “haters”, because they literally loved the world, and hated His ways.

Are you in a position in life, where things could have turned out better, if you had only listened to, and obeyed God’s word? Unlike the children of Israel, we are still alive to change our ways. Take a moment now to talk to God (as you would a loving Father), and apologize for allowing other things to take priority in your life over Him. Then, make it your business, to always seek first the kingdom of God, so that your next outcome will benefit from God’s favor, and not His judgment.

Manifold Wisdom

Ephesians 3

While it is impossible to fully understand the ways of God, because His thoughts and ways are not like our own, it is possible to navigate through life by His wisdom. Man’s wisdom is solely based on human understanding, and knowledge of things known, but the God of heaven gives His people insight and strategy beyond what the eyes of men can see. The children of God suffer in the earth in similar ways as those of the world. For example, those who are the righteousness of God, also suffer sickness, struggle financially, and even deal with the tedious rigmarole of the workplace. Fortunately, God helps His children endure the struggles of life, while maintaining the proper perspective. Worldly men consider suffering as punishment, or lack of effort to be better. While there is truth to that statement, some suffering is necessary to keep people humbled, or protected from potential circumstances. God’s wisdom guides and protects the Saints through all their daily occurrences. Whether meandering through the grocery store, or visiting sick loved ones, there’s never a moment when we should refuse to acknowledge the manifold wisdom of God.

Who Am I?

What have I done to deserve this?! Why are all these things happening to me?! I prayed daily for my wife and family. I took care of all which the Lord provided for me. I served as a good example for my children to follow. Lord, why am I suffering so much? Why did I lose all of my possessions? Why did you take the lives of all my children? Why is my wife speaking nonsense? Why are my friends accusing me of sin? What are these sores all over my skin? Father, you know I’ve been faithful and diligent in my service to you. I do not understand the reason for my suffering but, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…”

A Difficult Marriage

(Excerpts from TC3 Church)

Those who marry will have troubles. That’s what Paul told the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 7:28). Even the best couples can struggle to protect their marriage vows. But what happens when marriage troubles become unbearable? Is there a point at which couples should end a bad marriage? Or is there hope for something better? Walk through the following steps as you prayerfully evaluate your situation.

Unfortunately, many marriages end today over troubles that could have been overcome. University of Texas researcher Norval Glenn has found that divorces today are often blamed on problems such as “lack of commitment,” “too much conflict and arguing,” “unrealistic expectations” and “lack of preparation.” These are problems that both husband and wife can and should work to overcome. Despite what friends, family or popular culture might say, these issues are no reason to end a marriage – especially in light of the serious long-term impact of divorce on your children.

Major trouble occurs when someone either abuses or abandons their role in a marriage – when they break faith with their spouse and violate their vows. While God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16), He permits it for marital unfaithfulness (Matthew 19:1-8). In God’s grace, He allows, but does not command, men and women whose spouses have been unfaithful to start over. However, God is in the business of helping couples redeem what many would see as a hopeless situation. “Even marriages that have faced one or more of the big ‘A’s – abuse, affairs or addictions – can be saved.” If your relationship is marked by physical or severe emotional abuse, you may find yourself confused, frightened and unsure about what to do. The most important thing you can do right now is take steps to protect yourself and your children from harm.

Even if you want to save your marriage, you should not risk the safety of your children or yourself. A period of structured and therapeutic separation may be needed and can make it possible for you to get the help your marriage needs while making your family less vulnerable.

Whatever situation you’re in, don’t struggle through a difficult marriage alone. You need the Lord like never before. He is eager to hear your prayers and walk this journey with you. Whether you are praying together or praying for your marriage alone, the power of prayer can make all the difference. You also need the church body like never before – for perspective and advice, counseling and encouragement, and hope for God’s redemption.

https://real-life.tc3.church/felt-needs/difficult-marriage/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8-f2vYyQ9wIVV-TICh3yWAN5EAAYBCAAEgKxhPD_BwE