There is more to life than what I see. I see only what is near me. My family, my job, my church. My focus has been on what is near me. My focus has been on making sure those things that I look at are all they can be. I want to be the best husband I can be. I want to be the best father I can be. I want to be the best employee I can so I can be the best provider for my family that I can be. I want to serve and be in relationship in the church so that I can grow and be the man, the husband and the father I should be. When I think about it that way, it is pretty clear how selfish I really am.

I don’t think God called me to just be a good husband or a good father or a good employee. He didn’t even call me to be excellent at any of those things. He called me (and you) to something much bigger than the little world we live in. He called us to preach the Gospel to all nations. He called us to disciple the world. He called us to be lights.

But what light can I be? Are we all called to be missionaries to a distant land? No. We are all called to affect the world around us. Many have said to others or themselves that their means of responding to “the call” is to provide funding. I think that is valid, but I also think it is a cop out. Funding is required and many of us are required to contribute to make it possible for others to do their work. But, when I send money and then look back at my own little world and its issues and don’t look outside my short focus, I’m copping out. There is something I should be doing to affect the world around me and it should be more than just raising “good” or even Christian children.

Jesus changed the culture around Him. The disciples changed the culture around them wherever they took the Gospel. If the Gospel is here in America, or at least our portion of it, are we driving the culture? Or is the culture driving us? Are we letting the secular thinkers, secular politicians, secular artists and musicians shape the culture around us? I believe we have. As a nation of Christians we have. It has come to the point that our President has stated that the United States of America is not a Christian nation. “One of the great strengths of the United States,” the President said, “is … we have a very large Christian population — we do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation. We consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values.” (1) What I hear is a disrespect and disowning of the source of our culture and the root of our ethics. There is a desire to further separate who we are now from what we were and redefine who we will be in the future. Is that acceptable to us?

This statement by President Obama is a statement that effectively demonstrates that we have not discipled our nation.

Mat 28:18-20 “And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, ‘All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’”

We have not influenced who we are as a nation. We, the Body of Christ, have not properly influenced our nation for many decades. We have allowed others to present their opinions and beliefs without challenge. The US constitution allows everyone to state their own opinion, but that doesn’t mean it should be unchallenged by the Church.

So, how does this relate to me being more than just a good father, husband and employee? I think I have failed to recognize and accept the role of being a culture shaper. I have let the different opinions, and forces behind those opinions, go unchecked and even unchallenged. Perhaps I have succeeded in teaching my family what is right and wrong for themselves, but have I taught them to fight the culture around them for what is right? Have I taught them to take on the challenges against our Judeo-Christian ethic system or put blinders on like I have and hope that it won’t get too bad before Jesus comes back?

I challenge us each to pick a cause. It could be an individual cause or a familial cause. Whether it is feeding the homeless, reaching those in Asia who don’t know the Gospel, caring for those with HIV/AIDS in Algeria, standing against the homosexual agenda against traditional marriage or taking back the entertainment industry. Pick a cause beyond your own little world, train your children to affect the culture they live in and not be passive against the forces that are working to erase the Judeo-Christian culture we live in. Don’t just fight for you and yours; fight for our culture to fulfill the call to make disciples.

References: (1) http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/06/obama-us-not-a-christian_n_183772.html

Permission granted by Tim and Ami Loper of Miracle Books.  The original version of this article can be found in the Summer 2009 edition of “Oh Yeah”.

233 years ago, on July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress, voted to approve the “Declaration of Independence; declaring the 13 original colonies separation from Great Britain. Those Patriots were willing to take a stand against what they and others considered Parliament’s encroachments on colonial rights – the original idea in 1774 was to attempt to define America’s rights, place limits on Parliaments’ power and a few other things. Actually, to gain a better understanding of what was taking place and to make more sense out of what’s happening in 2009, I would encourage you to visit www.history.com click on Topics and then click on Fourth of July under Holidays. It will be well worth the time it takes to read about ‘how and why’ the United States of America actually started. And for those with school age children, reviewing a little history will provide wonderful opportunities for discussion and teaching some very valuable lessons.

For now I’d like us to ponder the following:

From John Adams to his wife Abigail “The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.” [ref. Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, 3 July 1776, Adams Family Papers. Massachusetts Historical Society. Wikipedia]

While John Adams did include events that seem to have taken priority in our day of celebrating ‘Independence Day’ – we as a Nation and peoples have drifted from his first acknowledgment, God Almighty. As parents, it is our responsibility to make sure our children have an understanding of our past and to see how important it is that we keep our focus on the only One Who is the source of true freedom. Also, to see what happens to a Nation when as a people, they begin to ignore the truth God has left us in His Word. Yes, we have the nation of Israel, but that was such a long time ago and so far away – in sharing the history of their country, we can help them see that the results are always the same for people who chose to ignore God. And we can help them see that God always has a ‘remnant’ that He uses to make sure His truth is proclaimed. Your family is part of that remnant to serve as Ambassador’s for His Kingdom.

Another site worth visiting is www.heritage.org, using the ’search’ to find The Founder’s Almanac and then “A note on the signers of the Declaration of Independence… “…. we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” Well you can find it or for that child who enjoys ’searching’ the Internet, this could be a fun family event for him or her.

While these thoughts are geared to the U.S. holiday, I know that each country represented through the Growing Families ministry has it’s own story and history to pass on for parents to pass on to their children and we all have God’s truth to share.

Blessings as you continue the journey of life,
Anne Marie

What are you celebrating this Memorial Day weekend? I am sure that you will be celebrating a three day weekend. You will probably be celebrating the coming of summer (at least those of us in the Northwest.) What I am wondering, is when I mention Memorial Day do you think of the purpose for this holiday?

Memorial Day, formerly called Decoration Day, dates back to May 30, 1868 when it was enacted to honor Union soldiers that died in the Civil War. The 30th of May was set aside as a time to visit and decorate the grave to honor those that had fallen. “Many people observe this holiday by visiting cemeteries and memorials. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Another tradition is to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff from dawn until noon local time. Volunteers often place American flags on each grave site at National Cemeteries. Many Americans also use Memorial Day to honor other family members who have died.” (www.wikipedia.com, Memorial Day)

It was after World War I that the commemoration was expanded to include all fallen soldiers from any war or military action. The alternative name, Memorial Day, was first used in 1882 and would be more commonly used after World War II. It became the official name by Federal Law in 1967. The Uniform Holiday Bill passed on June 28, 1968 moved Memorial Day (President’s Day and Veterans Day) to a fixed Monday to allow for a three day weekend. Memorial Day has been celebrated on the last Monday of May since the law took effect in 1971.

As we consider the significance of Memorial Day (and several other National Holidays) for the follower of Jesus, it is hard to find a Biblical parallel; however, the Scripture do have much to say about “remembering” the past. In each of the passages that come to mind, we are called to remember God’s provision and deliverance (Deuteronomy 8 and Psalm 106), and even the leaders who have modeled a Godly life (Hebrews 13:7). We also know that all of the Old Testament Feasts served as a reminder of Jehovah’s provision in the past while pointing to a future fulfillment in the coming Messiah. Even the New Testament celebration of the Lord ’s Table (based on the Passover feast) remembers the work of Christ on the Cross while looking forward to His return (1 Corinthians 11:26). And in the seventh verse of Romans 13 the Bible also speaks of the importance for you as a follower of Christ to participate in holidays like Memorial and Veteran days. “”Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.” Romans 13:7 ESV

The purpose for this three day weekend is not to celebrate the beginning of summer, or even a time to get away, but to remember those whom have given their lives for our great country. You can honor those whom have given their lives by offering a prayer of thanks at one of your family meal times. It would be appropriate to send an email to a military widow(er), or parent, thanking them for the sacrifice of their spouse/ child. It would be even better to take a family field trip Monday to visit a local veterans’ cemetery. Memorial Day is a time to remember those that have given their lives for our country. Pastor Joe

The following newsletter came today and after reading it, thought about all the dedicated parents who are part of our GFI family and the ‘difference’ you and your children are making. Sometimes it doesn’t seem like much and you may even think, ‘is it all worth it? Yes, our family is ‘different’ but are we making a difference?’ The fact that as parents and children you are committed to ‘putting on Christ’ each day, being that ‘living epistle’ that Paul speaks of, light in a dark world. Remember, none of the people we read about in the Bible [except Jesus] were aware of the difference they would make for millennia to come. They were ‘ordinary people, used by God to do extraordinary things for His Kingdom sake’ Be encouraged and continue being a ‘difference maker’ in your home and community, God will take care of the rest. Blessings, Anne Marie

We all appreciate “difference makers”. The hope held by the American people is that our newly elected president and his team will make a difference! Those of you that are into football are watching the activities of free agency and wait for the big April event, the NFL Draft, with the hopes that their team will select a “difference maker”. So the question is, are you a “difference maker”?

We should not be surprised that many of the “difference makers” both in the real world and the Bible are/were common people. Several years ago, I heard a statement about the world being run by “C” students. As I teach through the Bible in our Real Bible Institute, I’ve been impressed with all the common people that made a difference for God! Luke has impressed me this past week, as we are studying his gospel. While some may have a more difficult time relating to him due to his professional manner (as a doctor), he was still a difference maker.

In many ways, Luke was an outsider and didn’t really “fit the mold”. The fact that his parents were Greek made him the only Greek writer of a New Testament book (In Colossians 4:10-14 he is not identified as one of “the circumcision”, or as a Jew). His heritage would also have made him an outsider during much of the first century Judeo-centric church. In addition, he did not possess a Jewish/Christian pedigree, and while we believe that he was similar in age to Jesus and Paul, it is doubtful that he was born into a believing home. Thus, it is very possible that Luke was an adult convert of Paul’s ministry.

Here are two lessons from Luke on being a difference maker:

He ministered. Luke did not allow himself to focus on his limitations; he just did it. He did not get hung up on who he was. He did not allow other gospel accounts to keep him from writing to an influential gentile friend, Theophilus. Neither did He allow his lack of pedigree keep him from writing a two-volume work on the life of Christ and the expansion of the church. The Gospel of Luke and Acts came to comprise 28% of the New Testament, his gospel being the longest work in the New Testament. He was also responsible for more New Testament content than any other author.

We also know that Luke was faithful. He rolled up his sleeves and got involved. He was a man who kept ministering through the ups and downs of life and Christian ministry. His use of “we” and “us” in Acts (16:10-ff) indicate that he joined Paul on his second missionary journey in the early A.D. 50’s, and continued to minister with Paul for the rest of his life, (almost 15 years; 2 Timothy 4:11).

What a testimony! Think of the people that have made a difference in your life… Chances are, they were just like Luke. What a challenge! How often do we fail to make a difference because we do not even try? How often do we give up or move on before God has a chance to work! You and I are no different than Luke or even Mark. Some of us have been raised in Christian homes and others of us came to know Christ later, but we can each make a difference. How will you make a difference this year?

- Pastor Joe

.  .  .  to the Republic for which is stands .  .  .

In the Growing Kids God’s Way Epilogue, we put forth a belief that a fundamental relationship exist between parenting and the preservation or destruction of our society. The principles shared in Growing Kids and other places aim first and foremost to help parents glorify God through their families. Yet, the same principles governing family conduct are also investments in the preservation of our Nation.

The moral and political destiny of any society will always be in the hands of the present parenting generation. By that statement, I do not mean to imply that God is not in control, but rather that His sowing/reaping principles are at work (Matthew 7:17-20; Galatians 6:7). What children become in the future will largely be a reflection of what their parents believe today. So the Nation follows. The family is the values-generating institution of our society. Once it becomes philosophically humanistic, there is little likelihood that it will return to the values that once made our Republic strong.

Biblical ethics clarifies our purpose in life by defining who we are and our duty to prepare the next generation to morally influence society. There is little hope for our collective future without a biblical sense of otherness, fairness, compassion, honesty, and justice. Can a Republic survive without biblical ethics? Can biblical ethics influence a society without a strong Christian witness maintained by each parenting generation?

America at one time had a collective moral conscience and our citizenship lived within a moral consensus. Biblical values guided that accord. That does not mean we were a Christian Nation, but it does mean we allowed a God-centered world view to guide our morality by providing fundamental virtues and values that had their origin in life, not cosmic chance. The more we lose our moral consensus as a Nation, the more we splinter into subgroups, each vying for power or striving to form coalitions of power. To maintain social stability more and more external laws are needed to replace the vacuum created by the loss of common values ─ common values that were at one time, intrinsically part of our commonness.

Our country has one of the greatest legal instruments ever written by man-the United States Constitution. It guarantees individual freedom to live without government intrusion. As great as it is, the instrument quickly loses value if we remove the moral foundations on which our liberty is based. Alter any underlying principles on which the Constitution was constructed and you alter the meaning of the Constitution. If we redefine the moral basis on which our liberty is granted, we inevitably redefine liberty itself. As each generation redefines the values that forged the Constitution they change the public character of authority that represents the Constitution. When that happens, the very premise of what a “Republic” is gets lost or muted.

We believe any generation of children not giving a working understanding behind the values that make a Republic what it is, is destined to lose the gift of true liberty. When it comes to parenting and values, we can help. When it comes to teaching your children the meaning of “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of American and to the Republic for which it stands. . .” here is a resource to consider: Our Republic