As you lovingly teach your children that your spouse comes first, you are modeling healthy marriage for them, maintaining emotional security for them, and maturing your own marriage before them. Never neglect the task of shepherding your children in the ways of the Lord (Prov. 22:6; Eph. 6:4), but never forget that one of the main ways you can do that is by loving their other parent.
COVID-19 forced many parents to finish up the school year in a hybrid format. For those who were overwhelmed by that experience, that is not the same as homeschooling.
I have talked with so many parents who are concerned with the unknown situation regarding their children’s education during these anxious times we live in due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are now in July, and most parents are holding their breath awaiting an imminent decision with serious implications.
Since your child is unique, there is a unique approach to parenting them. Acknowledging how God has shaped them, we are called to affirm who they are but also to work on who they could become.
In many homes, the marriage is overcrowded due to how one or both partners have consumed pornography. This voyeuristic pandemic is robbing couples of marital oneness and sexual enjoyment.
As Jesus’ ministry grew, His circle of friends grew as well. While He called out 12 disciples to specific service, there was a growing number of disciples as well who were not counted within that initial group. Some of His nearest disciples proved to be two sisters named Martha and Mary. Jesus resurrected their brother, Lazarus, from the grave. When …
How distracted are you? What about others in your life? How preoccupied is your child? We live in a time when we are barraged with constant distractions. The pace of our lives and the setup of our technology has our minds in frantic disarray. Even as you read this short article, most likely, your mind will wander to your device …
These are my sons. Both of them. I have been asked before, “Are they really your sons?” “Oh, they are both quite real, so then I would suppose they are both really my sons.” They are my sons, and they are brothers. Real brothers. You might think I look at them differently. You are right. I do look at them …
Every parent is teaching every child something. But is it really what you want him or her to learn? I often hear parents comment on how they struggle to teach their children anything. That is simply untrue. We teach our children something every single day. The greatest pursuit of our lives comes through our speech, actions, and reactions. Every parent …
You want your family to follow Jesus. I’m right there with you. But each person has unique challenges to getting an adequate view. As you think about your family today, what greatest hindrances block their connection to Jesus? Doubt – Maybe your family member has intellectual blockades that oppose the idea that God is with him or her. Guilt – …
With the rise of COVID-19 around the world, it has caused everyone to get creative quickly. In ministry and church settings, we have been asked not to gather for a few weeks, but we are also aware that it could be longer. Many ministry leaders I have spoken with regret not having some things in place currently. They were going …
If each of us is promised to encounter trials in this life, that guarantees that those who are married will experience double the amount. Life will throw certain challenges at each of you, but they don’t have to come in between you. It’s time to go the 2nd mile in having a marriage triumphant through trials.
If you are concerned about your child’s spiritual development, you probably seek to place him or her in the best environment out there. What if I told you that the best spiritual environment was none other than your home? Psalm 127 helps guide us to what real parenting should look like. Somewhere between the psalm’s title and the beginning of …
Christians often feel tension with knowing how to respond to God based upon our blessings in the light of others’ misfortunes. If we give credit to God for our blessings, how should we show an adequate attitude of gratitude? Unfortunate Responses Ingratitude – A sense of false guilt regarding blessings does not show gratitude toward God. Disdain – A refusal …
While none of us know the time or the manner of our passing, we know we must be prepared. In an effort not to be a burden to others but to be a blessing to others at the time of our passing, you must make preparations now. By wisdom, a house is built, and by understanding, it is established; By knowledge, …
If you don’t make a plan for how you use your finances, someone or something else will make a plan for you. Preparing a budget shows you are a responsible steward with what God has entrusted to you. The wage of the righteous leads to life, the gain of the wicked to sin (Prov. 10:16). A good man leaves an …
We tend to polarize financial convictions, but the Bible provides surprising wisdom to obtain balance. If we learn God’s financial perspective, we will benefit from obeying biblical practices. Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her. -Prov. 8:10-11 Better is …
If you still want to be with your spouse at the end of your life, you must be heading in the same direction now. So many marriages struggle due to misalignment. The two partners simply pointed themselves in different directions. In reality, the danger is in the subtlety of it all. Rarely do people marry another who has an entirely …
While divorce may seem like a desirable path for some couples, it is never a simple escape from trouble. Before going down this path, there are many things that must be considered. How Bad Is It? How committed are you in order to make things work? How committed is your spouse to that end? What are the 1-3 things that …
While technology has incredible benefits, it also brings dangerous possibilities. Learn how you can protect yourself and your family from unwise technological usage. “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be enslaved by anything (1 Cor. 6:12). Incredible Benefits Relationship Strengthener– Technology allows us to …
The Bible has much to say regarding marriage. Here are 10 pivotal Bible verses on this blessed union. Gen. 2:24 – Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. Mark 10:9 – Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate. Song of Solomon 8:7 …
While numerous cards and gifts are purchased to celebrate Father’s Day, there are many people who dread the holiday altogether. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 19.7 million children, more than 1 in 4, live without a father in the home. Whether that absence is due to death, desertion, decision, or detainment, the pain is real. Even in a society …
It is hard to fathom that we have been married for 15 years. In some ways, it has gone by so quickly. In other ways, when I realize all that has happened, it is amazing that it has all been crammed in within 15 years. I am still incredibly amazed that Amanda agreed to marry me. That’s not just obligatory …
Oftentimes, parents want to know what is wrong with their children. Why do they act the way they do? Why do they say the things they say? Every parent has lifted (or thrown) their child upwards towards the skies. While this movement is meant for the child’s delight, it is a symbol of what most parents what for their children …
Even though the term “midlife crisis” has only been used in recent decades, the cultural phenomenon is significant in its apparent impact. Usually described to happen between the ages of 35 to 60, people reach a critical juncture where they experience different levels of disappointment regarding one’s life. A person reaches midlife, looks around at his or her body, family, …
In 2008, I was deep in the middle of my doctorate studies when our first child, Obadiah, was born. A 10-day seminar was scheduled 6 weeks after his birth. As naive young parents, we thought it would be easier if we were all together. I had all-day classes and all-night reading and writing. Obadiah wasn’t sleeping well during those days and neither was …
As we registered our sons to play Upward Basketball at our church, there was one question lingering at the end of the form. The question read: “Would you be willing to coach your child’s team?” It should have included a checkbox for, “Do you want to be a glutton for punishment?” I realized that I had yet to coach my …
What a privilege to serve New Prospect Baptist Church in Inman, SC at their Gospel-Centered Parenting Event. Here are the notes for the 3 sessions on parenting with purpose. #1. Faith of a Child [Deut. 6:4-9] – How do you create your home to be an environment to help nurture the faith of your children? In this session, learn practical …
We were months away from being married. I was counting down the days. While I loved getting used to calling Amanda my fiancé, I was extremely eager to introduce her to others as my wife. I was looking forward to every aspect of marriage, but there was this thing that got in the way of it – it’s called …
Romance, nurture, and communication takes time. Setting an appointment to spend together is going the first mile, but that isn’t enough to have a thriving marriage. Do you want your relationship to feel vibrant again? It’s time to go the second mile by making time for your marriage. Subscribe to The 2nd Mile Podcast >> 5 Reminders The tragedy of how …
Recently, someone asked me a question regarding family discipleship and my wife responded for me, “How much time do you have?” I’m very passionate about the subject. It’s been a burden for our home and ministry. The topic was the focus of my doctorate. Since I talk about it a lot, I often get asked what Bibles or books do …
Soli Deo Gloria means “Glory of God alone.” When we discovered that a daughter was on the way, we wanted to name her Gloria. We envisioned that every time we would call her name could serve as a reminder of God’s glory and His glorious call upon her life. To the glory of God alone, our daughter Gloria has received the gospel. …
“After years of fighting for the passage of this essential protection for women, our moment has finally arrived. The New York State Assembly has kept the torch lit for years, and we are extremely excited to be able to pass the torch to a Senate dedicated to the respect of women and the protection of their basic right to make …
It was a Saturday adventure. We just decided to get in the car and drive to downtown Greenville and enjoy the afternoon as a family. As we drew closer, we noticed that traffic seemed busier than normal. Apparently, we had arrived at the Annual Duck Derby. We didn’t even know such a thing existed. As numerous people purchased a rubber …
If you are a disciple of Jesus in a dating relationship, how much consideration do you give towards boundaries? How do you stay pure during this season of dating? The most important conversation for a couple progressing in their relationship to have is concerning how far is too far in their physical relationship. This conversation is the E.T.B. or …
LifeWay Research conducted a national survey of 1,200 adults with children under 18 at home. They attempted to discover what parents defined as “successful parenting.” Their findings were interesting yet not shocking. 25% of those interviewed would view their jobs as parents as successful if their children were happy as adults. 22% were hoping their children would find success in …
In the summer of 2018, I got the privilege to preach for Fuge Camps at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. It was a part my alumni summer as I spent a week there and a week at North Greenville University in Tigerville, SC. I received my undergraduate from NGU and my masters and doctorate from Southern. It …
In our culture, too many people see marriage as the ol’ ball and chain. How shameful it is that we depict marriage like a burden. Like the rapper, KB has said, “If my wife’s a ball and chain, then I love being her slave.” Loving our wives is more than buying a few trinkets or working hard to provide for …
The tide is growing for family ministry in churches all over America. People see the need for a biblical approach to discipling all ages, but many are unsure of a path and fearful of initiating a change. Maybe you feel like the building blocks are there, but you don’t have the diagram to tell you where to start. As you …
As a pastor, I am a mandated reporter if I discover that abuse or neglect is transpiring within a home. Many people falsely assume that if something is confessed in a ministry counseling situation, the pastor is safe not to report it. That’s simply untrue. I am liable to the American government if I know about a situation and fail …
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