Blog https://www.rinconpres.org Mon, 18 Mar 2024 19:22:49 -0700 http://churchplantmedia.com/ What's History Got To Do With It? https://www.rinconpres.org/blog/post/whats-history-got-to-do-with-it https://www.rinconpres.org/blog/post/whats-history-got-to-do-with-it#comments Fri, 18 Nov 2022 12:00:00 -0800 https://www.rinconpres.org/blog/post/whats-history-got-to-do-with-it
  • If you have not read Pastor Lauterbach’s November 4 post: “What’s Thanksgiving got to do with it?” -  go straight to it and read it.  What he said!
  • Because of the presence of Thanksgiving Day on our calendar, at some point we should wonder, “How did it get there and why?” We remember what we’ve heard in the past, but what does that mean to us?
  • This past week I had a wonderful conversation with a friend who has written an outstanding resource for educators called the “Ethos Logos” curriculum. I recommend it, especially for home use (warning: it’s expensive, but if you are homeschooling, ESA will pay for it!).
  • One of this friend’s motivations is (as we have heard often of late) that American public schools either do a poor job of teaching history, or actually distort it. I agree.
  • If you are wondering how and why I know this to be true, that is a story for another time.
  • One the things that attracted me to classical Christian education as far back as the 1990s is that it emphasizes the use of original source materials as much as possible.
  • When it comes to the Pilgrims and early New England history, most classical Christian schools use William Bradford’s journal, Of Plimouth Plantation
  • A book I came across recently, First Thanksgiving: What The Real Story Tells Us About Loving God and Learning From History, debunks much of the mythology about the first Thanksgiving that has come to dominate popular discourse about that occasion.
  • Written by a real historian, Robert Tracy McKenzie, and published by InterVarsity Press in 2012, it is the most thorough analysis about what is true and what is embellishment in the popular accounts of Thanksgiving that have dominated American culture.
  • McKenzie also recommends Bradford’s journal as the most reliable source.
  • Two of the chapters, “Discarding False Memories” and “Understanding Revisionism” ought to be required reading for any serious student of history.
  • There is a copy of this book in the Rincon Mountain Presbyterian Church library. If you borrow it, bring it back. If you can’t find it, someone has already borrowed it. If you can’t wait, you can order it here:  https://www.amazon.com/First-Thanksgiving-Loving-LearningHistory/dp/0830825746/ref=sr_1_1?crid=34Q1P53VKHLCW&keywords=the+first+thanksgiving+by+robert+tracy+mckenzie&qid=1668206407&sprefix=first+thanksgiving+by+McKenzie%2Caps%2C217&sr=8-1
  • McKenzie emphasizes (among many other things) that God’s Sovereignty means that while history is truly His story (God’s), we should be interested in truth, not popular opinion. 
  • McKenzie points out that while history is important, we should be looking for God’s revelation first, in God’s Word. Then we should open our eyes to what He is saying to us about our own time in history.
  • In my teaching career, I have seen a plethora of children’s books about Thanksgiving that are what we classical Christian educators call “twaddle.” Amazon’s pages are full of such books. 
  • If you want a children’s book that is not twaddle, I recommend Eric Metaxas’ Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving.
  • I will have a copy of the Metaxas book in my tote bag on Sunday, November 20 (Lord willing), and will cheerfully hand it over to the first person who asks me for it that day.
  • Happy Thanksgiving!

    ]]>
  • If you have not read Pastor Lauterbach’s November 4 post: “What’s Thanksgiving got to do with it?” -  go straight to it and read it.  What he said!
  • Because of the presence of Thanksgiving Day on our calendar, at some point we should wonder, “How did it get there and why?” We remember what we’ve heard in the past, but what does that mean to us?
  • This past week I had a wonderful conversation with a friend who has written an outstanding resource for educators called the “Ethos Logos” curriculum. I recommend it, especially for home use (warning: it’s expensive, but if you are homeschooling, ESA will pay for it!).
  • One of this friend’s motivations is (as we have heard often of late) that American public schools either do a poor job of teaching history, or actually distort it. I agree.
  • If you are wondering how and why I know this to be true, that is a story for another time.
  • One the things that attracted me to classical Christian education as far back as the 1990s is that it emphasizes the use of original source materials as much as possible.
  • When it comes to the Pilgrims and early New England history, most classical Christian schools use William Bradford’s journal, Of Plimouth Plantation
  • A book I came across recently, First Thanksgiving: What The Real Story Tells Us About Loving God and Learning From History, debunks much of the mythology about the first Thanksgiving that has come to dominate popular discourse about that occasion.
  • Written by a real historian, Robert Tracy McKenzie, and published by InterVarsity Press in 2012, it is the most thorough analysis about what is true and what is embellishment in the popular accounts of Thanksgiving that have dominated American culture.
  • McKenzie also recommends Bradford’s journal as the most reliable source.
  • Two of the chapters, “Discarding False Memories” and “Understanding Revisionism” ought to be required reading for any serious student of history.
  • There is a copy of this book in the Rincon Mountain Presbyterian Church library. If you borrow it, bring it back. If you can’t find it, someone has already borrowed it. If you can’t wait, you can order it here:  https://www.amazon.com/First-Thanksgiving-Loving-LearningHistory/dp/0830825746/ref=sr_1_1?crid=34Q1P53VKHLCW&keywords=the+first+thanksgiving+by+robert+tracy+mckenzie&qid=1668206407&sprefix=first+thanksgiving+by+McKenzie%2Caps%2C217&sr=8-1
  • McKenzie emphasizes (among many other things) that God’s Sovereignty means that while history is truly His story (God’s), we should be interested in truth, not popular opinion. 
  • McKenzie points out that while history is important, we should be looking for God’s revelation first, in God’s Word. Then we should open our eyes to what He is saying to us about our own time in history.
  • In my teaching career, I have seen a plethora of children’s books about Thanksgiving that are what we classical Christian educators call “twaddle.” Amazon’s pages are full of such books. 
  • If you want a children’s book that is not twaddle, I recommend Eric Metaxas’ Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving.
  • I will have a copy of the Metaxas book in my tote bag on Sunday, November 20 (Lord willing), and will cheerfully hand it over to the first person who asks me for it that day.
  • Happy Thanksgiving!

    ]]>
    What's Thanksgiving Got to Do With It? https://www.rinconpres.org/blog/post/whats-thanksgiving-got-to-do-with-it https://www.rinconpres.org/blog/post/whats-thanksgiving-got-to-do-with-it#comments Fri, 04 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -0700 https://www.rinconpres.org/blog/post/whats-thanksgiving-got-to-do-with-it What’s Thanksgiving Got to Do With It?
    By Mark Lauterbach

    In a few weeks, we will celebrate Thanksgiving. Our sense of urgency about gratitude may be diluted by the busyness of the season. My question is this: Is giving thanks a high priority for us as people who have come to know the true God?

    God says it is. Does that surprise you? It shouldn’t.

    Paul summarizes the response of fallen humans to the revelation of God’s glory in creation.

    “For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God. . ..”
    (Rom 1:21 ESV)

    First, we do not honor him as God. That means we do not treat him as of greatest worth. We worship things created rather than the Creator.

    But then he surprises:

    “. . . they did not honor him as God or give thanks.” (Rom 1:21 ESV) 

    If I were writing Romans, I would not have made that #2. I would not have said that the first fruit of dishonoring God is not thanking God! God sees lack of thanksgiving to him as a great offense against his greatness. How can that be? Let me suggest a few possibilities:

    1. I refuse to give thanks because I do not like how God rules my world. When he does not run things as I would desire, I question his goodness and wisdom. I can thank him for good gifts but not be thankful to him when he sends trials.
    1. I refuse to give thanks because I think I deserve the good gifts he sends my way. Why thank God for doing what he is supposed to do? In a sense, I take him for granted.

    Let me summarize: If my life is characterized by grumbling, complaining, and a critical spirit – if I am never happy unless things go the way I want them to – I am accusing God of wrong-doing. I question his wisdom and goodness whenever he disappoints me or does not fulfill my expectations. That is slander.

    But it may also reveal another heart issue. If my heart is not a “grateful to God” heart, it may be an indication of a sense of entitlement.

    But we have a better hope and truth that enables us to reset our hearts and war against the roots of ingratitude.

    First, the Gospel is the amazing news that God worked our salvation by giving his Son for us. And he accomplished this through injustice, hatred, oppression, torture, and rejection. God wisely brought an infinite good through the vilest circumstances and sins against Jesus. If that is true, then surely, I can thank God he is able to do the same for me, even when he sends severe trials. My sorrows and suffering are not the last word. Jesus’ triumph in future glory is.

    Trust him and give thanks.

    Second, the Gospel is the amazing news that God does not deal with us according to our sins. That what we deserve is wrath, but what we receive is the full and free forgiveness of all our transgressions through Jesus’ death for us. My entitlement is not to mercy and goodness, it is to condemnation. So, I have every reason to give thanks to God now. I can look at all his favors and gifts to me and know they come from the hand of him who loves me and will only do me good.

    Trust him and give thanks.

    ]]>
    What’s Thanksgiving Got to Do With It?
    By Mark Lauterbach

    In a few weeks, we will celebrate Thanksgiving. Our sense of urgency about gratitude may be diluted by the busyness of the season. My question is this: Is giving thanks a high priority for us as people who have come to know the true God?

    God says it is. Does that surprise you? It shouldn’t.

    Paul summarizes the response of fallen humans to the revelation of God’s glory in creation.

    “For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God. . ..”
    (Rom 1:21 ESV)

    First, we do not honor him as God. That means we do not treat him as of greatest worth. We worship things created rather than the Creator.

    But then he surprises:

    “. . . they did not honor him as God or give thanks.” (Rom 1:21 ESV) 

    If I were writing Romans, I would not have made that #2. I would not have said that the first fruit of dishonoring God is not thanking God! God sees lack of thanksgiving to him as a great offense against his greatness. How can that be? Let me suggest a few possibilities:

    1. I refuse to give thanks because I do not like how God rules my world. When he does not run things as I would desire, I question his goodness and wisdom. I can thank him for good gifts but not be thankful to him when he sends trials.
    1. I refuse to give thanks because I think I deserve the good gifts he sends my way. Why thank God for doing what he is supposed to do? In a sense, I take him for granted.

    Let me summarize: If my life is characterized by grumbling, complaining, and a critical spirit – if I am never happy unless things go the way I want them to – I am accusing God of wrong-doing. I question his wisdom and goodness whenever he disappoints me or does not fulfill my expectations. That is slander.

    But it may also reveal another heart issue. If my heart is not a “grateful to God” heart, it may be an indication of a sense of entitlement.

    But we have a better hope and truth that enables us to reset our hearts and war against the roots of ingratitude.

    First, the Gospel is the amazing news that God worked our salvation by giving his Son for us. And he accomplished this through injustice, hatred, oppression, torture, and rejection. God wisely brought an infinite good through the vilest circumstances and sins against Jesus. If that is true, then surely, I can thank God he is able to do the same for me, even when he sends severe trials. My sorrows and suffering are not the last word. Jesus’ triumph in future glory is.

    Trust him and give thanks.

    Second, the Gospel is the amazing news that God does not deal with us according to our sins. That what we deserve is wrath, but what we receive is the full and free forgiveness of all our transgressions through Jesus’ death for us. My entitlement is not to mercy and goodness, it is to condemnation. So, I have every reason to give thanks to God now. I can look at all his favors and gifts to me and know they come from the hand of him who loves me and will only do me good.

    Trust him and give thanks.

    ]]>
    What does it mean to be a Bride? https://www.rinconpres.org/blog/post/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-bride https://www.rinconpres.org/blog/post/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-bride#comments Fri, 07 Oct 2022 12:00:00 -0700 https://www.rinconpres.org/blog/post/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-bride In a week my daughter will become a bride. Ask me later to show you a photo of her in all of her bridal radiance. She is anticipating the day with great joy and some trepidation. There are beauties in marriage, to be sure. But to submit to another person in marriage is also to be vulnerable and to give up control; it requires great trust and creates opportunity for hurt. 

    In the book of Revelation, the apostle John refers to the Church as the Bride of Christ. What a remarkable honor and joy that our identity is to be the beloved Bride of our Savior! In Ephesians 5, Paul describes the mysterious relationship between Christ and the Church as exemplified by a husband and wife: 

    Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. (vv. 25-33)

    Look at the tenderness of the phrases used to describe our Savior Groom: “loved her,” “gave himself up for her that he might sanctify her,” “cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,” “to present the church to himself in splendor.” Christ “nourishes and cherishes” the church “because we are members of his body.” A bride’s heart can rest in the care of such a groom!

    Just before this, Paul gives a description of the role of wives:

    Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. (vv. 22-24)

    As wives we are called to submit to the headship of our husbands and to flourish within the boundaries given to us in Scripture. The first sin of mankind was when Eve stepped beyond the boundaries given by God and entertained the devil’s lie: “Did God really say…?”  Ever since that fateful choice, our sin nature has driven us as women to strive to take the control that God has given to our husbands. Modern culture reflects that rebellion against God’s design. Feminism tells us that women have the right to be in charge and that we should be able to have, be, and do all that men have, are, and do. 

    Yet contrary to the devil’s lies, this design created by God is not to our detriment. Christian apologist Alisa Childers posted recently about the mistaken assumption that gender role differences are equal to inequality, “as if whatever men do is the standard for what is good.” Our greatest glory comes instead in doing what we were created to do. It is no glory, in fact it is a disgrace, to disobey God and to force our way into a role that has been given by God to anyone other than ourselves. 

    As I watch my daughter step into this wonderous new role as wife, I am confident she will flourish and grow as she submits to God’s design.

     

    ]]>
    In a week my daughter will become a bride. Ask me later to show you a photo of her in all of her bridal radiance. She is anticipating the day with great joy and some trepidation. There are beauties in marriage, to be sure. But to submit to another person in marriage is also to be vulnerable and to give up control; it requires great trust and creates opportunity for hurt. 

    In the book of Revelation, the apostle John refers to the Church as the Bride of Christ. What a remarkable honor and joy that our identity is to be the beloved Bride of our Savior! In Ephesians 5, Paul describes the mysterious relationship between Christ and the Church as exemplified by a husband and wife: 

    Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. (vv. 25-33)

    Look at the tenderness of the phrases used to describe our Savior Groom: “loved her,” “gave himself up for her that he might sanctify her,” “cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,” “to present the church to himself in splendor.” Christ “nourishes and cherishes” the church “because we are members of his body.” A bride’s heart can rest in the care of such a groom!

    Just before this, Paul gives a description of the role of wives:

    Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. (vv. 22-24)

    As wives we are called to submit to the headship of our husbands and to flourish within the boundaries given to us in Scripture. The first sin of mankind was when Eve stepped beyond the boundaries given by God and entertained the devil’s lie: “Did God really say…?”  Ever since that fateful choice, our sin nature has driven us as women to strive to take the control that God has given to our husbands. Modern culture reflects that rebellion against God’s design. Feminism tells us that women have the right to be in charge and that we should be able to have, be, and do all that men have, are, and do. 

    Yet contrary to the devil’s lies, this design created by God is not to our detriment. Christian apologist Alisa Childers posted recently about the mistaken assumption that gender role differences are equal to inequality, “as if whatever men do is the standard for what is good.” Our greatest glory comes instead in doing what we were created to do. It is no glory, in fact it is a disgrace, to disobey God and to force our way into a role that has been given by God to anyone other than ourselves. 

    As I watch my daughter step into this wonderous new role as wife, I am confident she will flourish and grow as she submits to God’s design.

     

    ]]>
    A Marriage That Lasts https://www.rinconpres.org/blog/post/a-marriage-that-lasts https://www.rinconpres.org/blog/post/a-marriage-that-lasts#comments Thu, 22 Sep 2022 16:00:00 -0700 https://www.rinconpres.org/blog/post/a-marriage-that-lasts What kind of marriage do you want? 

    Your answer probably depends on your stage of life. In our younger years, we have stars in our eyes and hope to be swept off our feet. During our busy middle years we want an able-bodied partner who’ll share the workload of juggling duties and raising a family. But in our latter years, we simply desire the gift of companionship for as long as the Lord gives it.

    In every chapter we want a marriage that lasts. The question is, how do we get it?

    I interviewed several couples from RMPC (whose combined years of marriage totals 151 years!), asking them the two questions from Mark’s last blog post:

    • What two things have helped you grow in your marriage in Christ?
    • What two mistakes hindered you and how did you address them?

     

    Paul & Lynn Marien

    Paul and Lynn brought vastly different upbringings to their marriage, but neither of their families modeled good communication. That was the first barrier they tackled together, attending classes and retreats to gain better communication skills. These skills were often “caught” as well as “taught” from the older couples in our church community. The Mariens still describe themselves as learners! Along with these mentoring situations, they began to make morning prayer and Bible reading/devotions a priority. It “pointed our thinking early in the day towards our LORD and one another.”

    But when prayer was squeezed out by duties, things went downhill. They learned firsthand that casting their cares on the Lord together was not optional, but essential.

    One lesson they are still learning is to respect each other’s need for alone time, especially now that they are both retired. Checking in with each other early in the day and praying over tasks provides mutual support.

     

    Chuck & Barb Strothman

    Our answers to the two questions are basically wrapped into one. They are contained in and key elements of "A Simple Guide for a Strong and Loving Marriage,” available on the RMPC website HERE: https://www.rinconpres.org/marriage-guide. Of the "five words" detailed in the Guide, two stand as most influential in our marriage, "affirm" and "caress." Rather than expand upon them here, I refer you to the Guide for clarity on their meaning and importance.

    The second question is like the first. The mistakes we made (and still make) are when we do not practice the five words and particularly the two just mentioned, "affirm" and "caress." We had an intellectual knowledge of Jesus as head of our marriage but we really did not draw the connection between the strength of prayer and marital strength. We began years ago to pray daily together for our marriage and specifically for the five words in the Guide. We feel praying together daily is key to a strong and loving marriage.

    David & Sandy Sampson

    We had a rule-based marriage for the first nine years which worked pretty well. But our marriage was transformed when we both believed in Christ and began to grow together in Him. This was a new beginning for our life together. Biblical preaching and serving our church together spurred our growth. Small groups added a second layer of “iron sharpening iron” through prayer and accountability.

    Two things hindered our marriage and relationship with Christ. In first place by far was pride. Pride can turn a very minor misunderstanding into a raging argument for strong-willed people like us. Then comes silence. Finally an apology. The second hindrance is that we were married so young we literally grew up together. The down side to this is that we think we know what the other is thinking, interrupt each other and dislike having to repeat ourselves.

     

    Isn’t it encouraging to hear how real the joys and struggles are for these three couples? Wouldn’t it be fun to sit with them over coffee and hear more?

    ]]>
    What kind of marriage do you want? 

    Your answer probably depends on your stage of life. In our younger years, we have stars in our eyes and hope to be swept off our feet. During our busy middle years we want an able-bodied partner who’ll share the workload of juggling duties and raising a family. But in our latter years, we simply desire the gift of companionship for as long as the Lord gives it.

    In every chapter we want a marriage that lasts. The question is, how do we get it?

    I interviewed several couples from RMPC (whose combined years of marriage totals 151 years!), asking them the two questions from Mark’s last blog post:

    • What two things have helped you grow in your marriage in Christ?
    • What two mistakes hindered you and how did you address them?

     

    Paul & Lynn Marien

    Paul and Lynn brought vastly different upbringings to their marriage, but neither of their families modeled good communication. That was the first barrier they tackled together, attending classes and retreats to gain better communication skills. These skills were often “caught” as well as “taught” from the older couples in our church community. The Mariens still describe themselves as learners! Along with these mentoring situations, they began to make morning prayer and Bible reading/devotions a priority. It “pointed our thinking early in the day towards our LORD and one another.”

    But when prayer was squeezed out by duties, things went downhill. They learned firsthand that casting their cares on the Lord together was not optional, but essential.

    One lesson they are still learning is to respect each other’s need for alone time, especially now that they are both retired. Checking in with each other early in the day and praying over tasks provides mutual support.

     

    Chuck & Barb Strothman

    Our answers to the two questions are basically wrapped into one. They are contained in and key elements of "A Simple Guide for a Strong and Loving Marriage,” available on the RMPC website HERE: https://www.rinconpres.org/marriage-guide. Of the "five words" detailed in the Guide, two stand as most influential in our marriage, "affirm" and "caress." Rather than expand upon them here, I refer you to the Guide for clarity on their meaning and importance.

    The second question is like the first. The mistakes we made (and still make) are when we do not practice the five words and particularly the two just mentioned, "affirm" and "caress." We had an intellectual knowledge of Jesus as head of our marriage but we really did not draw the connection between the strength of prayer and marital strength. We began years ago to pray daily together for our marriage and specifically for the five words in the Guide. We feel praying together daily is key to a strong and loving marriage.

    David & Sandy Sampson

    We had a rule-based marriage for the first nine years which worked pretty well. But our marriage was transformed when we both believed in Christ and began to grow together in Him. This was a new beginning for our life together. Biblical preaching and serving our church together spurred our growth. Small groups added a second layer of “iron sharpening iron” through prayer and accountability.

    Two things hindered our marriage and relationship with Christ. In first place by far was pride. Pride can turn a very minor misunderstanding into a raging argument for strong-willed people like us. Then comes silence. Finally an apology. The second hindrance is that we were married so young we literally grew up together. The down side to this is that we think we know what the other is thinking, interrupt each other and dislike having to repeat ourselves.

     

    Isn’t it encouraging to hear how real the joys and struggles are for these three couples? Wouldn’t it be fun to sit with them over coffee and hear more?

    ]]>
    Friendship in Marriage https://www.rinconpres.org/blog/post/friendship-in-marriage https://www.rinconpres.org/blog/post/friendship-in-marriage#comments Thu, 08 Sep 2022 16:00:00 -0700 https://www.rinconpres.org/blog/post/friendship-in-marriage Last August I officiated at the memorial service for one of my best friends. Though 20 years apart in age, God gave us a bond which endured more than 40 years, until he was overtaken by dementia. 

    Dick knew me as I considered proposing to Rondi and walked with me through marriage preparation. Then, with his wife, mentored us. Most of the mentoring took place while eating chocolate desserts (never the same one) at the end of a monthly meal together. 

    When we left Oregon in 1985, we decided we were covenant friends. Time and distance would not change our bond. We exchanged visits and phone calls for 25 years. They were the adopted grandparents to our kids.

    We opened our lives to them. After a week-long visit, there was a debrief. We asked for their observations about our marriage, our children, and our parenting. What blind spots we had! What help we received! Through their loving clarity, we pulled many weeds in our marriage and parenting before they had a chance to spread. Our marriage was enriched when pursued in close relationship with a few others.

    Through their counsel we made unity the big goal of marriage. Why? God says the purpose of the marriage (Gen 2:24) is that the two become one. From them we learned that whatever the decision, however we lived out our roles, the goal was being one. This required the deepest respect, thoughtfulness, patience, communication, and pursuit of agreement in major decisions. Christ, they said, was the center of marriage and the ground of unity.

    Through their counsel we learned that marriage can be work. They did not have an easy marriage. It is hard to imagine two people more different. He loved to read and discuss ideas. She was a doer. He loved camping. She enjoyed hotels. He was an extreme extrovert. She was an extreme introvert. But they lived out their unity with daily disciplines. They even asked for our help at times!

    Dick brought us simplicity. As a therapist with 25 years’ experience, I respected his vast experience. One day I asked him for a list all the reasons people have bad marriages. Notepad in hand, I waited. “Selfishness,” he responded. Sensing I was still alert for more, he said, “That’s it.” True words he spoke.

    Selfishness is broken by Christ, the servant. When we are selfish, we fight to get our way. Christ laid down his life for us. They taught us to have “un-fights.” An un-fight is a battle to serve. It’s a battle to prefer the other as more important than myself. 

    They taught us about budgeting, shopping, sharing housework, and about confession and forgiveness when we sinned against each other. We saw in them a humility, 20 years our seniors, to ask us for help in their marriage.

    Rondi and I have known the enrichment of our marriage because we invited others into our lives. Dick and Doris were the first. Others followed. 

    What about you? Would you benefit from asking people you trust into your marriage? What might be the benefit of a first conversation around these two questions:

    • What two things have helped you grow in your marriage in Christ? 
    • What two mistakes hindered you and how did you address them?
    ]]>
    Last August I officiated at the memorial service for one of my best friends. Though 20 years apart in age, God gave us a bond which endured more than 40 years, until he was overtaken by dementia. 

    Dick knew me as I considered proposing to Rondi and walked with me through marriage preparation. Then, with his wife, mentored us. Most of the mentoring took place while eating chocolate desserts (never the same one) at the end of a monthly meal together. 

    When we left Oregon in 1985, we decided we were covenant friends. Time and distance would not change our bond. We exchanged visits and phone calls for 25 years. They were the adopted grandparents to our kids.

    We opened our lives to them. After a week-long visit, there was a debrief. We asked for their observations about our marriage, our children, and our parenting. What blind spots we had! What help we received! Through their loving clarity, we pulled many weeds in our marriage and parenting before they had a chance to spread. Our marriage was enriched when pursued in close relationship with a few others.

    Through their counsel we made unity the big goal of marriage. Why? God says the purpose of the marriage (Gen 2:24) is that the two become one. From them we learned that whatever the decision, however we lived out our roles, the goal was being one. This required the deepest respect, thoughtfulness, patience, communication, and pursuit of agreement in major decisions. Christ, they said, was the center of marriage and the ground of unity.

    Through their counsel we learned that marriage can be work. They did not have an easy marriage. It is hard to imagine two people more different. He loved to read and discuss ideas. She was a doer. He loved camping. She enjoyed hotels. He was an extreme extrovert. She was an extreme introvert. But they lived out their unity with daily disciplines. They even asked for our help at times!

    Dick brought us simplicity. As a therapist with 25 years’ experience, I respected his vast experience. One day I asked him for a list all the reasons people have bad marriages. Notepad in hand, I waited. “Selfishness,” he responded. Sensing I was still alert for more, he said, “That’s it.” True words he spoke.

    Selfishness is broken by Christ, the servant. When we are selfish, we fight to get our way. Christ laid down his life for us. They taught us to have “un-fights.” An un-fight is a battle to serve. It’s a battle to prefer the other as more important than myself. 

    They taught us about budgeting, shopping, sharing housework, and about confession and forgiveness when we sinned against each other. We saw in them a humility, 20 years our seniors, to ask us for help in their marriage.

    Rondi and I have known the enrichment of our marriage because we invited others into our lives. Dick and Doris were the first. Others followed. 

    What about you? Would you benefit from asking people you trust into your marriage? What might be the benefit of a first conversation around these two questions:

    • What two things have helped you grow in your marriage in Christ? 
    • What two mistakes hindered you and how did you address them?
    ]]>
    Prayer Walking https://www.rinconpres.org/blog/post/prayer-walking https://www.rinconpres.org/blog/post/prayer-walking#comments Fri, 26 Aug 2022 22:00:00 -0700 https://www.rinconpres.org/blog/post/prayer-walking I hesitate to write on a personal spiritual discipline because of the two-fold danger that (1) it may sound judgmental toward other practices favored by different believers (2) it may come across as “prescriptive.” “Everyone should do it this way, because it’s how I do it.”  

    I deny both. This is not meant to be either judgmental or prescriptive. In fact, in my sixty-plus years as a believer, I have followed many different paths in the world of personal devotions and prayer. You may likewise try out a variety of spiritual disciplines during your own life journey.

    When we first moved to Northridge Villas in 2008, I’m pretty sure we were the youngest couple in the neighborhood. The centerpiece of the neighborhood is a sunken pool (well below street level) with an attached ramada for HOA meetings and other gatherings. From the various side streets, one can see any number of seniors getting their exercise walk each AM.  Soon Linda and I were among them.

    At first my neighborhood walks were just for physical exercise, although there were periods when I would use the time for reviewing scriptures I had previously memorized. My trips around the pool area became prayer walking because of my (aging) tendency to fall asleep during extended periods of prayer (Yes, Phil was talking about me in his admonition to stay awake last Sunday!).

    Since I have found success in praying alertly while ambulating, my format has varied from time to time. Let me tell you about the current iteration.

    The first sixty yards from my house to the pool area is the only uphill portion of the walk. I use this time for praise and adoration, by reciting the Te Deum (Book of Common Prayer version)*. As the stately Catalinas come into view in the early dawn light (did I mention that I start at 6:30 AM?), there is something soul-satisfying about intoning the words, “Heaven and earth are full of the majesty of thy glory!”

    On the first half lap around the pool, I intercede for global problems and the United States. It’s great to unburden myself of these concerns right away, as I “cast my cares” on Him (I Peter 5:7). The remaining lap and a half around the pool are filled with numerous intercessions, beginning with friends who are ill (including several with cancer treatments in progress). As you can imagine, there have been prayers for various friends as they struggled with COVID recovery.

    Included in this list are those who are struggling spiritually. One source for this list are requests made directly to me. I confess: I do haunt Facebook, and my prayer list gets frequent updates from what I read there.

    The final sixty yards back downhill is filled with prayers for wisdom for a long list of pastors, teachers, and missionaries. All of these lists are updated as needed.

    The net result of Prayer Walking for me is that I can begin the day undistracted, with the peace of heart and mind that come from having greeted the day out in God’s creation, in communion with His Spirit. 

    It’s great!

     

    * https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Te_Deum

    ]]>
    I hesitate to write on a personal spiritual discipline because of the two-fold danger that (1) it may sound judgmental toward other practices favored by different believers (2) it may come across as “prescriptive.” “Everyone should do it this way, because it’s how I do it.”  

    I deny both. This is not meant to be either judgmental or prescriptive. In fact, in my sixty-plus years as a believer, I have followed many different paths in the world of personal devotions and prayer. You may likewise try out a variety of spiritual disciplines during your own life journey.

    When we first moved to Northridge Villas in 2008, I’m pretty sure we were the youngest couple in the neighborhood. The centerpiece of the neighborhood is a sunken pool (well below street level) with an attached ramada for HOA meetings and other gatherings. From the various side streets, one can see any number of seniors getting their exercise walk each AM.  Soon Linda and I were among them.

    At first my neighborhood walks were just for physical exercise, although there were periods when I would use the time for reviewing scriptures I had previously memorized. My trips around the pool area became prayer walking because of my (aging) tendency to fall asleep during extended periods of prayer (Yes, Phil was talking about me in his admonition to stay awake last Sunday!).

    Since I have found success in praying alertly while ambulating, my format has varied from time to time. Let me tell you about the current iteration.

    The first sixty yards from my house to the pool area is the only uphill portion of the walk. I use this time for praise and adoration, by reciting the Te Deum (Book of Common Prayer version)*. As the stately Catalinas come into view in the early dawn light (did I mention that I start at 6:30 AM?), there is something soul-satisfying about intoning the words, “Heaven and earth are full of the majesty of thy glory!”

    On the first half lap around the pool, I intercede for global problems and the United States. It’s great to unburden myself of these concerns right away, as I “cast my cares” on Him (I Peter 5:7). The remaining lap and a half around the pool are filled with numerous intercessions, beginning with friends who are ill (including several with cancer treatments in progress). As you can imagine, there have been prayers for various friends as they struggled with COVID recovery.

    Included in this list are those who are struggling spiritually. One source for this list are requests made directly to me. I confess: I do haunt Facebook, and my prayer list gets frequent updates from what I read there.

    The final sixty yards back downhill is filled with prayers for wisdom for a long list of pastors, teachers, and missionaries. All of these lists are updated as needed.

    The net result of Prayer Walking for me is that I can begin the day undistracted, with the peace of heart and mind that come from having greeted the day out in God’s creation, in communion with His Spirit. 

    It’s great!

     

    * https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Te_Deum

    ]]>
    Review of Answers to Prayer by George Mueller https://www.rinconpres.org/blog/post/review-of-answers-to-prayer-by-george-mueller https://www.rinconpres.org/blog/post/review-of-answers-to-prayer-by-george-mueller#comments Fri, 29 Jul 2022 10:00:00 -0700 https://www.rinconpres.org/blog/post/review-of-answers-to-prayer-by-george-mueller “I prefer by far this life of almost constant trial if I am only able to roll all my cares upon my Heavenly Father, and thus become increasingly acquainted with Him.” –George Mueller

    In 1836, George Mueller undertook to open an orphanage in Bristol provided for solely by prayer. Answers to Prayer is the chronicle of God’s faithfulness in this endeavor. 

    “The first and primary object of the work was (and still is): that God might be magnified by the fact, that the orphans under my care are provided with all they need, only by prayer and faith without anyone being asked by me or my fellow-laborers whereby it may be seen, that God is faithful still, and hears prayers still.” While most of the world would label this foolish, Mueller knew that putting his faith in God was the most fool-proof way to provide for the orphans in his care. “They that trust in the Lord shall never be confounded!” asserted Mueller. 

    Mueller believed that “either we trust in God, and in that case we neither trust in ourselves, nor in our fellow men, nor in circumstances, nor in anything else besides; or we DO trust in one or more of these, and in that case do NOT trust in God.” In Mueller’s view, there was no “helping God out” by cleverly worded solicitations for donations or by going into debt. When there was not bread for the orphans’ tables, the only recourse was to kneel and pray. And without fail, the need was met.  

    Mueller knew that his pattern of faith was rare. But he also knew that it was biblical, and that the mountain-moving he experienced could be accessed by any believer who chose to believe God for His promises. Mueller was grieved to see believers bowed down with worry and care; he longed to demonstrate that God “does not forsake, even in our day, those who rely upon Him.” 

    Prayer is a practice of faith and was Mueller’s constant work. Though frequently seemingly without means to meet their daily needs, Mueller never lost his sense of peace. Total confidence in God’s goodness and provision kept his heart at rest, even when he didn’t know how he would feed the 2,100 orphans in his care that day. Mueller’s journals are a constant contrast of his great need and God’s great generosity. For months at a time, the ministry would operate on a day-to-day basis. Yet God was always faithful to provide their daily bread for 62 years until George Mueller went home to be with his Heavenly Father. 

    The Lord provided faithfully, but not in comfortable ways. “God’s ways lead always into trial, so far as sight and sense are concerned.” Trials are but means for strengthening our faith, according to Mueller, and thus we must embrace them and welcome the opportunity to see God at work on our behalf. “Truly, it is worth being poor and greatly tried in faith, for the sake of having day by day such precious proofs of the loving interest which our kind Father takes in everything that concerns us.” 

    ]]>
    “I prefer by far this life of almost constant trial if I am only able to roll all my cares upon my Heavenly Father, and thus become increasingly acquainted with Him.” –George Mueller

    In 1836, George Mueller undertook to open an orphanage in Bristol provided for solely by prayer. Answers to Prayer is the chronicle of God’s faithfulness in this endeavor. 

    “The first and primary object of the work was (and still is): that God might be magnified by the fact, that the orphans under my care are provided with all they need, only by prayer and faith without anyone being asked by me or my fellow-laborers whereby it may be seen, that God is faithful still, and hears prayers still.” While most of the world would label this foolish, Mueller knew that putting his faith in God was the most fool-proof way to provide for the orphans in his care. “They that trust in the Lord shall never be confounded!” asserted Mueller. 

    Mueller believed that “either we trust in God, and in that case we neither trust in ourselves, nor in our fellow men, nor in circumstances, nor in anything else besides; or we DO trust in one or more of these, and in that case do NOT trust in God.” In Mueller’s view, there was no “helping God out” by cleverly worded solicitations for donations or by going into debt. When there was not bread for the orphans’ tables, the only recourse was to kneel and pray. And without fail, the need was met.  

    Mueller knew that his pattern of faith was rare. But he also knew that it was biblical, and that the mountain-moving he experienced could be accessed by any believer who chose to believe God for His promises. Mueller was grieved to see believers bowed down with worry and care; he longed to demonstrate that God “does not forsake, even in our day, those who rely upon Him.” 

    Prayer is a practice of faith and was Mueller’s constant work. Though frequently seemingly without means to meet their daily needs, Mueller never lost his sense of peace. Total confidence in God’s goodness and provision kept his heart at rest, even when he didn’t know how he would feed the 2,100 orphans in his care that day. Mueller’s journals are a constant contrast of his great need and God’s great generosity. For months at a time, the ministry would operate on a day-to-day basis. Yet God was always faithful to provide their daily bread for 62 years until George Mueller went home to be with his Heavenly Father. 

    The Lord provided faithfully, but not in comfortable ways. “God’s ways lead always into trial, so far as sight and sense are concerned.” Trials are but means for strengthening our faith, according to Mueller, and thus we must embrace them and welcome the opportunity to see God at work on our behalf. “Truly, it is worth being poor and greatly tried in faith, for the sake of having day by day such precious proofs of the loving interest which our kind Father takes in everything that concerns us.” 

    ]]>
    Prayer https://www.rinconpres.org/blog/post/prayer https://www.rinconpres.org/blog/post/prayer#comments Mon, 25 Jul 2022 11:00:00 -0700 https://www.rinconpres.org/blog/post/prayer Perhaps I was naïve. Perhaps I lacked doctrinal understanding. As a new Christian, I got it into my head that God invites us to ask him to work. And he promises he will answer.

    There it was, in plain English:

    “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:13–14 ESV)

    I understood that there was a qualification. God was not giving me a blank check, but he was promising that he did his work and fulfilled his purposes in the world as his people pray.

    From what I could tell in the rest of the Gospels, Jesus often encouraged prayer. He did so because God is good and hears and responds.

    In the simplicity of new faith, I prayed. I prayed for what I knew was according to Jesus’ name.

    What did I pray for?

    I prayed for a friend, who was a Christian in name, but had stepped back from following Christ. I prayed that God would get his attention and bring him to repentance.

    God did. For a period of weeks, God brought affliction to this friend. The affliction got his attention and he turned back to God.

    I prayed for God to give me an A on a final. He did not. Maybe that was not according to Jesus’ name?

    I made a list of prayer targets for my family and for my brothers and sisters in Christ. The more specific the better. And I asked God to work. In several situations, God responded to my prayers.

    Being convinced by God’s word that God invites his adopted sons and daughters to pray, I began to talk up the importance of prayer. Few were responding.

    Then I read a book about Hudson Taylor. Influenced by George Müller, Taylor sought to build a missions movement to China by praying. He was convinced that God can move the hearts of men in answer to prayer alone.

    So, I prayed to God alone to move people to pray without my nagging them. Based on Zechariah 12, I asked God to pour out a spirit of prayer upon his people.

    God did. Friends began to share that they were feeling convicted to pray!

    God sometimes says “No” to my requests. Many times, he says “Wait.”  

    I do not always pray first. Sometimes it is a last resort. But my Father is kind and hears me.

    I have learned to argue God’s promises with him. “Father, you said this. I am asking you to keep your promises.”

    I have learned to pray specifics. When we pray, God is asking, “What is it you want me to do?” Name it. One time, deeply discouraged, I asked God to send me an encouraging email. He did.

    God invites us to pray, to ask, to pour out our hearts to him. He promises to respond.

    ]]>
    Perhaps I was naïve. Perhaps I lacked doctrinal understanding. As a new Christian, I got it into my head that God invites us to ask him to work. And he promises he will answer.

    There it was, in plain English:

    “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:13–14 ESV)

    I understood that there was a qualification. God was not giving me a blank check, but he was promising that he did his work and fulfilled his purposes in the world as his people pray.

    From what I could tell in the rest of the Gospels, Jesus often encouraged prayer. He did so because God is good and hears and responds.

    In the simplicity of new faith, I prayed. I prayed for what I knew was according to Jesus’ name.

    What did I pray for?

    I prayed for a friend, who was a Christian in name, but had stepped back from following Christ. I prayed that God would get his attention and bring him to repentance.

    God did. For a period of weeks, God brought affliction to this friend. The affliction got his attention and he turned back to God.

    I prayed for God to give me an A on a final. He did not. Maybe that was not according to Jesus’ name?

    I made a list of prayer targets for my family and for my brothers and sisters in Christ. The more specific the better. And I asked God to work. In several situations, God responded to my prayers.

    Being convinced by God’s word that God invites his adopted sons and daughters to pray, I began to talk up the importance of prayer. Few were responding.

    Then I read a book about Hudson Taylor. Influenced by George Müller, Taylor sought to build a missions movement to China by praying. He was convinced that God can move the hearts of men in answer to prayer alone.

    So, I prayed to God alone to move people to pray without my nagging them. Based on Zechariah 12, I asked God to pour out a spirit of prayer upon his people.

    God did. Friends began to share that they were feeling convicted to pray!

    God sometimes says “No” to my requests. Many times, he says “Wait.”  

    I do not always pray first. Sometimes it is a last resort. But my Father is kind and hears me.

    I have learned to argue God’s promises with him. “Father, you said this. I am asking you to keep your promises.”

    I have learned to pray specifics. When we pray, God is asking, “What is it you want me to do?” Name it. One time, deeply discouraged, I asked God to send me an encouraging email. He did.

    God invites us to pray, to ask, to pour out our hearts to him. He promises to respond.

    ]]>
    Introducing... Pioneer Club! https://www.rinconpres.org/blog/post/introducing-pioneer https://www.rinconpres.org/blog/post/introducing-pioneer#comments Fri, 01 Jul 2022 13:00:00 -0700 https://www.rinconpres.org/blog/post/introducing-pioneer This fall Rincon Mountain is starting our Wednesday Kids Club. The program we have chosen for this year is Pioneer Club. This year’s theme is “Walking with Jesus,” and through the year we will teach our kids about who Christ is, starting with His birth and ending with His ascension and the fact that believers will spend eternity with Jesus. 

    They will also learn how to hide God’s word in their hearts by memorizing His word. Additional practical life skills like biking, hiking, basic first aid, manners, and other things will be taught on a weekly basis. It is a wonderful program and will serve a definite need in our church and in our community.

    The program is open to Kinder-5th grade, and kids who don’t attend Rincon are more than welcome to attend. This is a ministry that is intended to serve Rincon’s Covenant Kids and our greater community. Our launch date is Wednesday, September 7th, 2022, at 4:00 PM.

     

     

    How can you help?

    First and foremost, please be praying for this program and for the children and volunteers who are coming.  Several of our members at Rincon came to Christ from non-believing families through children’s ministries like Pioneer Club or VBS because they were invited by believing families. Please be praying that God allows this same thing to happen with Pioneer Club.

    Second, invite people. This is a great way to reach out to neighbors or family who aren’t believers. Let them know this program exists and is a free weekly program. Pastor Phil will also be teaching a parenting class during Pioneer Club.

    Third, please volunteer. We at Rincon Mountain have made a vow before God to help raise our covenant kids in the fear and admonition of God. Serving at Pioneer Club is a great way to fulfill that commitment.

    Registration will open in July on the website.

     

    For more information contact Meagan Mott at mmott@rinconpres.org

    ]]>
    This fall Rincon Mountain is starting our Wednesday Kids Club. The program we have chosen for this year is Pioneer Club. This year’s theme is “Walking with Jesus,” and through the year we will teach our kids about who Christ is, starting with His birth and ending with His ascension and the fact that believers will spend eternity with Jesus. 

    They will also learn how to hide God’s word in their hearts by memorizing His word. Additional practical life skills like biking, hiking, basic first aid, manners, and other things will be taught on a weekly basis. It is a wonderful program and will serve a definite need in our church and in our community.

    The program is open to Kinder-5th grade, and kids who don’t attend Rincon are more than welcome to attend. This is a ministry that is intended to serve Rincon’s Covenant Kids and our greater community. Our launch date is Wednesday, September 7th, 2022, at 4:00 PM.

     

     

    How can you help?

    First and foremost, please be praying for this program and for the children and volunteers who are coming.  Several of our members at Rincon came to Christ from non-believing families through children’s ministries like Pioneer Club or VBS because they were invited by believing families. Please be praying that God allows this same thing to happen with Pioneer Club.

    Second, invite people. This is a great way to reach out to neighbors or family who aren’t believers. Let them know this program exists and is a free weekly program. Pastor Phil will also be teaching a parenting class during Pioneer Club.

    Third, please volunteer. We at Rincon Mountain have made a vow before God to help raise our covenant kids in the fear and admonition of God. Serving at Pioneer Club is a great way to fulfill that commitment.

    Registration will open in July on the website.

     

    For more information contact Meagan Mott at mmott@rinconpres.org

    ]]>
    Some of Our Most Important Members https://www.rinconpres.org/blog/post/some-of-our-most-important-members https://www.rinconpres.org/blog/post/some-of-our-most-important-members#comments Fri, 17 Jun 2022 11:00:00 -0700 https://www.rinconpres.org/blog/post/some-of-our-most-important-members [13] Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, [14] but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” [15] And he laid his hands on them and went away. Matthew 19:13–15

     

    “Wait until I get my hands on you!”

     

    Depending on the tone with which you read that startling statement, it can either be an invitation for a warm hug from a doting mother or it can be a stern warning that you’d better stay out of arms reach.

     

    Jesus couldn’t wait to get his hands on the children that were brought to him. He was eager to bless them and hold them tight. Getting his hands on the kids around him was not a bad thing. It was a good thing. A time of blessing and seeking success in life for them. I do not doubt that Jesus found the lack of judgment and criticism in the children a great respite from the constant questions and tests and pleas. He had humbled himself by leaving the glories of heaven to become a man. What did he have to lose in other’s eyes by getting on the floor of the roof to wrestle with one of his nephews? Nothing was too low for him; no little ones were overlooked when he came over for dinner.

     

    When you enter the east doors of the narthex to come into the building on Sunday, you can hardly miss the largest sign in the building staring you right in the face, “Covenant Kids.” There’s a reason for that. The spiritual formation of our children from the earliest ages is critical—it is at these ages that they move from owning the faith you have passed on to them to owning their faith as their own. I’m not sure who said it, and I won’t get the quote exactly right, but someone (might have even been me) once said, “Win a soul over 60 and you’ve won a seasoned sinner to Christ. Win a child under six to Christ and you set them free to serve the Lord for a lifetime.” The angels rejoice over both conversions, but the consistent discipleship of our children and youth produce kingdom workers who can participate in the sowing of seeds and reaping of the harvest for many, many years.

     

    We are blessed to have a large number of children in our body and a large number of visiting children to our VBS and Trunk or Treat events. They are a source of joy, and they are signs of God’s grace to us. Loving our “littles” is a great sign of a healthy body.

     

    [27] Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27

    ]]>
    [13] Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, [14] but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” [15] And he laid his hands on them and went away. Matthew 19:13–15

     

    “Wait until I get my hands on you!”

     

    Depending on the tone with which you read that startling statement, it can either be an invitation for a warm hug from a doting mother or it can be a stern warning that you’d better stay out of arms reach.

     

    Jesus couldn’t wait to get his hands on the children that were brought to him. He was eager to bless them and hold them tight. Getting his hands on the kids around him was not a bad thing. It was a good thing. A time of blessing and seeking success in life for them. I do not doubt that Jesus found the lack of judgment and criticism in the children a great respite from the constant questions and tests and pleas. He had humbled himself by leaving the glories of heaven to become a man. What did he have to lose in other’s eyes by getting on the floor of the roof to wrestle with one of his nephews? Nothing was too low for him; no little ones were overlooked when he came over for dinner.

     

    When you enter the east doors of the narthex to come into the building on Sunday, you can hardly miss the largest sign in the building staring you right in the face, “Covenant Kids.” There’s a reason for that. The spiritual formation of our children from the earliest ages is critical—it is at these ages that they move from owning the faith you have passed on to them to owning their faith as their own. I’m not sure who said it, and I won’t get the quote exactly right, but someone (might have even been me) once said, “Win a soul over 60 and you’ve won a seasoned sinner to Christ. Win a child under six to Christ and you set them free to serve the Lord for a lifetime.” The angels rejoice over both conversions, but the consistent discipleship of our children and youth produce kingdom workers who can participate in the sowing of seeds and reaping of the harvest for many, many years.

     

    We are blessed to have a large number of children in our body and a large number of visiting children to our VBS and Trunk or Treat events. They are a source of joy, and they are signs of God’s grace to us. Loving our “littles” is a great sign of a healthy body.

     

    [27] Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27

    ]]>