New Year's Resolutions

When we look at the new calendar year, we tend to make resolutions about things we want to start, finish, or maintain.  I have found a practical way at keeping those resolutions with a high percentage.  How?

I start them early in December or even at the end of November.  If I can stick with it for that long before the New Year, then I know it's a legitimate resolution. If not, I need to find something else or just forego any that year.

I also make an effort to set models goals period no matter the time of year.  I've heard it said that we underestimate what we can do in five years but overestimate what can do in one year.  Simply put, it's the diligent faithful steward that bites off a little at a time, and, before he realizes it, he has accomplished far more than he expected.

Press on, and especially make a faithful effort to read God's Word regularly this year!

In the News: Probation Officers in Schools

In the Metro Atlanta area, at least one public school appears to be putting probations officers on campus to monitor students on probation.  This is yet another reason why sending your child to be trained by the government is setting them up for failure.  Just the idea of having to place the probation officers in government schools magnfies how bad government education is. 

After the cheating scandals, shootings, drugs, and bad education, why would one continue to send his or her child to government education? 

That's just how it's been done, and, if you question it, you're a heretic of the highest degree, yet that is a heresy that I most joyfully bask in.

Merry Christmas!

May He Who took on flesh and laid down His life for His sheep bless you this Holiday Season! Amen!

The Praise of Man: What will people think?

Have you ever heard the question "What will people think?" or something to that effect. Do we strive to receive praise from God or man? We consume ourselves with what other people think about us yet give little thought to what God thinks. This is because we want the approval of man and not God. It is hard to have a backbone in a godless age where false accusations run rampant. The truth is that the Apostle Paul dealt with the same thing, for his 2nd letter to the Corinthians is dealing with just that. There is nothing new under sun.

Our response flows from our heart. We are not to be fake on the hand, yet we are not to act rudely on the other. Blessing those that curse us and who make false accusations about us is quite difficult. Every fiber of our being wants to lash out, yet we must let the strength of the Lord keep us calm. For many years, I always gave a retort when falsely accused, yet now I leave room for the vengeance of God, for He will always enact a better judgment than I could ever conjure up.

As painful as such gossip may be, in time you really find out who is trustworthy and who is not. You begin to notice who has your back and who doesn't. At times, those who become the most trustworthy are those that you may even once had a serious beef with before. I have seen this is on my own life. Biblically, we are not to be doormats but rather confront those with whom we have a difficulty with. When both sides acknowledge their sin, then an incredible reconciliation occurs to the point where both people think highly of each other and become true friends and/or comrades.

Some refuse to admit their sin, and reconciliation becomes bleak, yet we must not harbor bitterness towards such people. That does not mean we have to act as if we have not been wronged, and it does not mean that we are to regard the person with a high level of trust. However, we are to still love the person, which means that we are willing to come to their aid should aid be needed. In doing so, we heap burning coals upon their head (Rom 12). I have been on both ends of that as the Lord's vengeance is given. Verily, it is far better to repent and seek reconciliation if at all possible, for it is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the Living God when we live with bitterness and resentment! Amen!

More Than Luck: Consistency In Disciplining Your Children

Disciplining children can get old rather quickly, but it is a critical element of parenting.  Though it may not seem to bear immediate fruit, you will notice changes over time Lord willing.  For example, our oldest one is much quicker to obey than the younger ones, and both of the older ones can usually sit and behave in Church.  Wow, aren't we lucky! No, it's called work!

The Scripture is adamant that we neither provoke our children to wrath nor exercise too much leniency.  It does take time to discern when and how to be gracious, yet it can be done.  For example, when the child is seriously ill, we are quick to be gracious, though not condoning any particular sin.  However, when there is nothing provoking the child, the rod is always quick to its work. 

Will my children be afraid of me if I use the paddle?  No, if you do it right.  It actually builds respect, and children are out playing and hugging again in just a few minutes after a spanking.  It gets to the point quickly, and then the day goes on.  Bottoms were made for sitting and spanking; that's why they're padded.

Therefore, love your children by disciplining them when it is needed, and, remember, delayed obedience is disobedience.

To Him be the glory! Amen!

Praying for Pregnant Women

Many of us take for granted our own briths and all the hardships that our mothers went through to bring us to the point of birth.  Some women don't suffer as much as others, but many experience a tremendous amount of nauseau along with severe complications during birth.

Pain in childbirth is the result of the Fall as is clearly laid on in Genesis 3. Nonetheless, we are still empowered by the Lord to pray for grace during such times, which can be very grueling and difficult for pregant women. 

If your are married, take special care of your wife when she is pregnant, and be gracious when she is nauseous and can't do much.  Pick up the slack often. After all, you partook in bringing this about, glorious yet arduous at times.

In The News: Death of Kim Jong Il

Kim Jong Il, the ruthless dictator of North Korea, has died.  His young son is now at the helm, and only time will tell as to what kind of leader he will be.  If he is anything like his father, then massacres will continue.  Let us pray for our Christian brethren in North Korea, for they are especially persecuted in their attempts to bring the gospel into a dark world.