Proverbs 3:1-10

Read Proverbs 3:1-10.

There are five sets of two verses each.  Each set gives an admonition followed by a pleasant consequence.  The unit of ten verses is a father-son talk about how to be successful in life.

It is interesting that the unit doesn't begin with an admonition concerning God.  Instead, the unit begins with an admonition to submit to parental guidance (specific and cumulative).  If one will not submit to the most immediate, visible authority structure, then is there high likelihood that he will submit life, heart and treasure to God?  

(All this assumes that parental guidance is sensible.  Certainly, God isn't asking the reader to implement guidance that is immoral, illegal or unbiblical.)

Conversion Isn't Enough? (Mt. 18:3)

Read Matthew 18:3.

Conversion isn't enough?  The invitation is to be converted and become like little children.  How significant is that little conjunction!  It links the two expectations of entering the Kingdom.  In other words, conversion leads to conformity.  In the natural we say, "Oh, grow up!"  In the spiritual we're counseled, "Oh, grow down!"

What is it about a child?

• A child is simple.  He hasn't lived long enough nor been educated enough to complicate things. His world is simple, his vocabulary is simple, his understanding is simple.
• A child is quick to delight in small things.  Take a three-year-old for a walk in the park. See how long it is before he collects acorns, rocks, moss and bark.  Why?  He's intrigued by them.  Think not?  Watch what happens when you try to take the bag and threaten to scatter the contents!  He protests, thinking you're belittling his "treasures."
• A child is quick to trust, until parents or pain teach him not to.  Instinctively, he wants to go to people.  That child went to Jesus simply because Jesus called.
• A child easily imagines heroic accomplishments.  Watch that boy play with his plastic toy soldiers. He never loses a battle!  Listen to that girl tell you what she's going to do when she grows up.  It's never anything ho-hum, boring or ordinary.  With what vividness and passion she speaks!
• A child asks a ton of questions and expects honest answers.
• A child finds its security in its parents.  At least he or she wants to.  Dad or Mom or both are always "there."
• A child doesn't consider himself great until someone or something calls it out.  He's just too busy having fun being a child.

Color-Rogue

Photo taken 7-4-16 in Apollo, PA

July 4th isn't the time for foliage, so I'm not sure why this leaf decided to go color-rogue.  I snapped this photo because the one leaf was remarkably different from all others.  Then I thought about Daniel.

" . . . an extraordinary spirit, knowledge and insight, interpretation of dreams, explanation of enigmas and solving of difficult problems were found in this Daniel . . ." (Dan. 5:12)

I pray that the same will be true about my children.  May they not merely exist in this world but make a difference for Jesus.

Royal Rangers Awards Ceremony



Tomorrow morning, our Royal Rangers will have their awards ceremony as part of the morning service.  I'm proud of these young men!  They've worked hard and deserve the recognition they will receive. 

Children's Missions Service, April 10

The service will be at 6:00 P.M. I promise dismissal by 7:30 P.M. so the children won't be too tired for school on Monday.

Rev. Mike & Tina Hook are newly appointed missionaries to Scotland. They have a strong background in children's ministry. I can personally vouch for the quality ministry your children will experience. My own children benefited from the Hook's top-notch children's church.

Now is the time, parents, to put this on your calendar. Now is the time, grandparents, to ask for the grandchildren for a few hours that Sunday night. Now is the time to pray. I'm believing some children will meet Jesus that night! I'm believing some children might be healed that night! Perhaps a child is called into full-time ministry that night!

Adults, this evening won't work without you. You are the key to this evening's success. Please attend.

Plans for a Summer Kids' Outreach

I met with the children's church staff thismorning. We agreed we need to widen our "front door" emphasis for children. Children's Church has not had the evangelistic "pop" we hoped it would. We're content to have Children's Church primarily be a discipleship tool. That doesn't mean we can ignore the need to evangelize children.

If you were a kid, what kind of event would you want to attend? Here are some things that stood out during our dialogue: bright colors, goofy clowns, face painting, loud music, hot dogs, buttered popcorn, cotton candy, fun games, cool prizes, helium balloons, etc.

We'll meet again in March to set more strategy. I wanted to let you know up front what we're doing. The event will happen this Summer. We will need everyone at L.A.G. on board with this. There will be something for each person to do. I'll keep you updated. Ideas are welcome.