Kathy Howard's Blog: Unshakeable Faith for Life, page 18

Jesus Can Calm the Storms in Your Life

This post is an excerpt from Kathy’s newest devotional book “Deep Rooted: Growing through the Gospel of Mark.” This book would make a great gift for any of the mothers in your life this Mother’s Day.

The forces of nature regularly demonstrate their power in our world. Tornadoes topple high rises like a toddler flattens block towers. Tsunamis sweep over cities burying them beneath the waves. Mankind is powerless against the funnel cloud and the rushing ocean. But there is One who has power over all these forces and more.

One night on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus gave His disciples a glimpse of His kingly glory by demonstrating His power over the natural world. After a long day of teaching, Jesus needed rest. As soon as the boat pushed away from the shore, Jesus laid His head on the cushion reserved for guests and quickly feel asleep. (See Mark 4:1-21 for the full story.)

Away from the safety of the shore a storm hit with fury. As the boat filled with water, even the experienced fishermen feared for their lives. But Jesus slept on. To the disciples it seemed as though Jesus did not care. But the big storm was an opportunity for Jesus to reveal something about Himself they did not yet know.

And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Mark 4:39, ESV

Only the Lord of all creation (Colossians 1:16-17) could calm the storm with a word. Only the God of the universe could speak peace to the tumultuous waves and still the whipping wind. “Peace! Be still!” The winds and the waves obeyed Him. Immediately the howling wind was silent. The thrashing sea became like glass.

Anyone would be afraid in a similar situation. Yet, after Jesus commanded the storm to cease, He asked the disciples why they feared, why they failed to trust Him to care for them.

Jesus Has the Power to Calm the Storms in Your Life

The disciples had heard Jesus’ authoritative teaching. They had seen Him heal broken and diseased bodies. But they had not seen power on this level. Trembling with fear and awe, they looked at each other. They thought they knew this man, but Jesus blew away their assumptions during the violent storm. What else did they not know about Jesus? This One who had authority over nature?

Storms of difficulty often hit our lives too. They rush in, often popping up quickly like that storm on the Sea of Galilee. We have little power to stop them.

When trouble comes, we may react much like the disciples in the storm. Fear may rise. Doubt about God’s concern for us may push in. And though He rarely works in the way we might expect, He will always work for our ultimate spiritual good and His own glory.

Every trial is an opportunity for God to teach us more about Himself, to reveal Himself to us in a new way. Each difficulty and struggle open the door for God to display His power in our lives. Trust Him to do what only He can do. He sees. He cares. And He is able.

What did Jesus teach you about Himself during the last “storm” you encountered?

Other posts/links you may find helpful:

Free Deep Rooted Scripture Art Card Printable See “Deep Rooted on Amazon What does it mean to be Deep-Rooted?

 

Jesus Can Calm the Storms in Your Life by Kathy Howard.

God WILL Give You More than You Can Handle

You’ve probably heard – or maybe you’ve even said – “God will never give you more than you can handle.” Sounds really good but there’s just one problem. The Bible doesn’t teach that.

Many people point to 1 Corinthians 10:13 to back up this “Christian teaching.” But is that what Paul meant when he wrote: “God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear?” Let’s take a quick look at that passage.

What is the Promise of 1 Corinthians 10:13?

This verse is often taken out of context, so let’s pull back and look at the surrounding passage to find out what Paul was talking about. (See this post for more information on “biblical context.”)The topic of 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 is temptation and being prepared to resist it. At the end of chapter 9, Paul encouraged the believers in Corinth to practice strict spiritual discipline like he did.

Chapter 10 begins with a “for” (1 Corinthians 10:1 NIV). Paul wanted them to be self-disciplined because he did not want them to follow the bad example of Israel in the wilderness who gave into temptation and disobeyed God.

Because of their disobedience that generation died in the desert and never entered the promised land. Their story was recorded as a warning for the Corinthians and for us (1 Corinthians 10:11).

Then, in 1 Corinthians 10:12-13, Paul outlines what we should do instead of giving into temptation:

Keep up our guard – Thinking we are too strong to fall into sin makes us vulnerable.Don’t believe the lie that our temptation is extreme or unusual – No temptation will come our way that hasn’t already been part of the human experience.Look for God’s escape plan – God is faithful. He will not allow any temptation to come our way that is too great for us to resist. He will always provide a way for us to say no and the strength to bear up under the pull of sin.

Okay, did you see that? Number 3 is the real promise of verse 13. God will never allow us to be tempted to sin beyond what we can resist. 

So what about this question: “Does God ever give us more hardship than we can handle?” The short answer is “yes.” But let’s turn to another one of Paul’s letters for a more in-depth explanation.

God Will Give You More than You can Handle

In his second letter to the believers in Corinth, Paul wrote about hardships he experienced in Asia:

We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:8-9, NIV

The same biblical author that wrote 1 Corinthians 10:13 also wrote 2 Corinthians 1:8-9. Paul knew that God would allow him to experience more hardship than he could bear. He had lived it. He had pressure in Asia that was far beyond his ability to endure.

Why? Why did God allow Paul – and why does God allow us – to experience trials and difficulties, grief and pain, more than we can bear? One reason is found right in this passage – so that we will rely on God and not on our own strength and power. (See also “6 Ways God Uses Trials in a Believer’s Life.“)

Hear Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 1:10:

He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us. 2 Corinthians 1:10, NIV

When we are unable to deliver ourselves, God is able. When we are unable to stand up under the pressure, it will be God’s strength in us.

No, God does not promise that He will never give us more than we can handle. Instead, He holds out His hand and tells us to lean on Him.

Have you ever misunderstood the promise of 1 Corinthians 10:13? What comfort can you take in the real promise?

For more about how God uses trials in our lives see these posts:

6 Ways God Uses Trials in a Believer’s Life Trials Prove our Faith Works 3 Reasons for Joy in Trials

 

God WILL Give You More than You Can Handle by Kathy Howard.

5 “Probing” Questions to Help You Meditate on Scripture

(This post includes a free printable to use as a tool to meditate on Scripture.)

If we want God’s Word to do its best and most comprehensive work in us, we must meditate on Scripture. Like tough meat requires low, slow heat to tenderize it, we stubborn humans need to ruminate on the rich truths of God’s Word in order to get the most life-changing benefits.

What is biblical meditation?

True biblical mediation is NOT anything like the meditation of Eastern religions and mysticism. The goal of Eastern meditation is to empty the mind of conscious thought. When a Christian mediates on Scripture, her goal is to fill her mind with spiritual truth in order to better understand it, apply it, and be transformed by it.

“Meditating” on a Bible passage includes the ideas of pondering, contemplating, questioning, reflecting, thinking, speaking, and musing. It’s taking apart a Scripture and deeply and thoroughly inspecting it from every angle to discover everything God has for us within it.

How do we mediate on Scripture?

One of the best ways to meditate on Scripture is to ask questions of a verse or passage that particularly impacted you as you read. Linger over that verse or verses and ask God questions. “Listen” for His answers and record what He says in a journal. Below are five “starter” categories you can ask of the passage. These five categories of questions form the acronym PROBE:

Pray – How can I use this Scripture to pray for myself? Others? (See also “The 5 Ps of the Lord’s Prayer.”)Repent – What sin or area of disobedience does this Scripture call to mind of which I need to repent?Obey – Does this Scripture point out decisions I need to make? Directions I need to follow? Commandments I need to obey?Believe – What does this Scripture teach about God’s character, nature, or ways? About the nature of man? The way of salvation? (See also “10 Observation Tips for Better Bible Study.“)Express – In what ways does this Scripture prompt praise or thanksgiving?

Feel free to print the PROBE meditation sheet for future use!

This is just the beginning. The Bible tells us we can mediate on God’s Word “day and night.” Those moments we spend with the printed Word in front of us, plants it in our hearts and minds so we can turn our thoughts back to it again and again throughout the day. We can speak it to ourselves and talk about it to others.

What are the results of biblical meditation?

As we consistently and constantly meditate on the truth of God’s Word, we will not remain the same. God will use His truth to transform, use, and bless us!

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. Psalm 1:1-3, NLT

Let’s talk: Have you ever spent time meditating on  Scripture? If so, what tools or helps have you used?

I’d be honored if you’d take a look at my new devotional, “Deep Rooted: Growing through the Gospel of Mark.” 

5 “Probing” Questions to Help You Meditate on Scripture by Kathy Howard.

The Cross is Not Enough… 5 Reasons we Need the Resurrection

Without the resurrection we have no hope for eternity. Jesus’ death on the cross is not sufficient to provide the abundant and eternal life God has promised us.

The apostle Paul firmly believed the cross was not enough. Read what he wrote to the Corinthian Christians:

And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins. In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world. 1 Cor 15:17-19, NLT

Peter also knew that our eternal hope depended on the resurrection of Christ:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, 1 Peter 1:3-4, NIV

So why do we so often leave out the Resurrection when we share the Good News of Jesus? We don’t forget to talk about the Cross. And yes, praise God, the death of Jesus on the Cross of Calvary provided the payment that my sins – and yours – has earned. Our sins deserve the death penalty. Our sins brought us spiritual death and separation from our holy God. But Jesus Christ took that penalty on Himself. Without the cross of Christ we would still be dead in our sins. But that is only part of the Gospel message.

The #Gospel is incomplete without the #Resurrection
Click To Tweet

In 1 Corinthians 15 Paul succinctly expressed the Good News. He boils down the message to its most important components.

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.  1 Cor 15:3-4, NIV

5 reasons we need the resurrection

Yes, Jesus’ death paid the price of our sin, but His resurrection provided our hope for life – both now and eternally. Don’t miss these important truths:

It proves everything Jesus said and did was true. See John 14:20Jesus’ resurrection defeated death! That victory is His and ours! See Romans 6:9It provides us with new life in God. See Romans 6:10, Col 3:1Jesus’ resurrection guarantees our physical resurrection. See Rom 8:11, 1 Cor 15:20-21The resurrection gives us power for this life. See Philippians 3:10, Romans 8:11

5 reasons the Cross is not enough. We need the #resurrection
Click To Tweet

The resurrection is the power of God for those who believe! Because Christ has been raised, we will be raised! Believers, we have the same power living in us that raised Christ from the dead! Let’s shout it out!

Do you tend to forget about the resurrection? I’d love to hear your thoughts about the power of the resurrection in your life.

Want to learn more about God’s saving grace for you and your life? Check out these resources:

“God’s Truth Revealed: Biblical Foundations for the Christian Faith“Find out more about a saving relationship with Jesus“Lavish Grace” – 9-week Bible study on Paul’s experiences with and teachings about God’s grace

The Cross is Not Enough… 5 Reasons we Need the Resurrection by Kathy Howard.

8 Characteristics of Godly Wisdom

Godly wisdom fuels godly decisions. Lack of wisdom produces decisions that may result in trying or even devastating circumstances. We experienced some huge challenges over the last 12 months – many beyond our control. But as we look around our world and our country today, we can see that some of the biggest problems we face are of our own making.

Every decision we make has consequences. Sometimes these consequences don’t reveal themselves for years. Others are immediate. I’ve been praying that our elected officials will be able to get past all the political junk and come together to make wise decisions. To do what’s best for America. I’ve also been praying that every decision I make will reflect true godly wisdom.

Whether watching our country’s leaders or seeking to live our own lives with God’s wisdom, it’s important to know what His wisdom looks like so we can recognize it and live by it.

What is Godly Wisdom?

Wisdom is not the same as knowledge. We can know a lot of stuff and still be foolish. You don’t have to look far to see examples. I love this description of godly wisdom from Wayne Grudem in his book “Systematic Theology.” (By the way, this is a staple for your library if you want to study God’s Word!)

“God’s wisdom means that God always chooses the best goals and the best means to those goals. This definition goes beyond the idea of God knowing all things and specifies that God’s decisions about what He will do are always wise decisions: that is, they always will bring about the best results (from God’s ultimate perspective), and they will bring about those results through the best possible means.”

Applied to us, if we want to be truly wise, we will make decisions and act in ways to move toward God’s ultimate best.

How Do We Get Godly Wisdom?

Wisdom is found in and begins with God. We find true wisdom on the basis of our relationship with Him. We find true wisdom by humbly submitting to God and obeying His commands.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding.” Psalm 111:10

Here’s the kicker – the flip side of that is also true. If we don’t yield to God and His good leadership, but instead follow our own will, way, and “wisdom,” then we are really foolish.

#Wisdom. What it is, where it comes from, what it looks like
Click To Tweet

What does Wisdom Look Like? 8 Characteristics of Wisdom

8 characteristics of #GodlyWisdom from #James3
Click To Tweet

We could scour the book of Proverbs and come up with a long, long list of characteristics. (Also see “3 Tips to Help You Understand Proverbs.”) But there’s this great passage in James that packs a lot into just a few verses. The following characteristics are based on James 3:13-18:

Humble – Wise people don’t constantly brag, boast, or display a prideful attitude.Good deeds – Wise people live an upright and moral life.Gentle – Wise people treat others with care and respect.Considerate – Wise people put the needs of others ahead of themselves whenever possible.Peace-loving – Wise people don’t foster division. Instead they work to end strife and turmoil.Merciful – Wise people demonstrate compassion, forgiveness, and kindness to others.Sincere – Wise people are genuine, real, and honest; not deceitful, hypocritical, or false.Impartial – Wise people are fair and just. They do not show partiality to others for their own benefit.

This is a serious and specific list. Do you know anyone who is wise? Based on this list, do you consider yourself to be wise? I must admit, this list challenges me. I want my life to demonstrate godly wisdom. What about you?

8 characteristics of #GodlyWisdom. Any of the #candidates measure up??
Click To Tweet

Do you know anyone that is truly, biblically wise? I’d love to hear about them.

You may also be interested in this post: “Wisdom: Why, Where, and How”

Check out Wayne Grudem’s book “Systematic Theology”

8 Characteristics of Godly Wisdom by Kathy Howard.

9 Tips to Help You Stay Focused during Your Quiet Time

“What are your top two challenges when it comes to prayer, Bible reading, and study?” That’s the first question I asked on Facebook last week. Distractions and trouble focusing overwhelming topped the list.

So, I asked a second question. “What do you do to stay focused during your quiet time?”

I got so many great suggestions, I decided I had to share them with you here. (For some good general tips for having a quiet time see “11 Tips for a Quality Quiet Time with God.”)

Ways to Stay Focused During Your Quiet TimeTake advantage of your natural rhythm – Give God the most alert time of your day. If your brain is the clearest and sharpest first thing in the morning then schedule your time with Him then. On Facebook, my friend Mike said: “Most people have a natural rhythm in terms of being mentally alert. I am most productive in the morning, so I make prayer and study a priority during that time to help me stay focused. I plan meetings and interactions with people in the afternoon and evening. A regular routine is a must for me!” But Teresa said that late afternoon is her best time. “I save study time for late afternoon or evening so I can deeply absorb what I read.”Distance yourself from known distractions – We must be purposeful in reducing any possible distractions. For instance, email and social media pull me in. I had to commit – to God and myself – that I would not open my laptop before I spent time with God first. One Facebook friend said she leaves her phone in another room and closes the door. Obviously, we can’t eliminate all distractions but we can reduce them. Julie gets up before anyone else in the house so she can have quiet for her quiet time. What distracts you the most? If it’s your kids, you may have to get up before them or have your quiet time during nap time. (If kiddos is your biggest distraction, see “How to Have a Quiet Time When You have No Time that’s Quiet.” and “8 Tips for Moving Quiet Time from ‘Want to’ to ‘Get to.’“)Make Jesus as real as possible – When we pray and read our Bibles we are communicating with God! He hears us. We hear Him. Yet we sometimes lose sight of that reality. My friend Trenda works to keep that truth in mind. “I picture Jesus sitting there beside me, talking and listening. Sometimes we have coffee or tea together.”Write it down – Lots of Facebook commenters mentioned journaling and note taking. This is something that helps me too! There’s something about using my hand that keeps my mind focused on what I’m doing. For instance, I bullet or sometimes write out my prayers in a journal to keep my focused. I also use highlighters as I read my Bible and take study notes in my wide-margin journaling Bible. (See “Bible Journaling for Beginners,” “Bible Highlighting for More Effective Study” and “10 Observation Tips for Better Bible Study.”)Get Creative – There are different learning styles. Many of us need a more hands on approach. For instance, Melissa includes lots of artwork and color in her prayer journal. Others artfully depict Scripture in their Bible margins as they meditate on God’s Word. This can also involve traced or drawn pictures, archival quality writing/coloring pens. (For more about creative, artful Bible journaling, see “How to Start Bible Journaling for Beginners.“)Be vocal – I talk to myself all the time. It helps me concentrate. So, I heartily agree with Shanda’s experience that reading the Bible out loud helps her concentrate on what she’s reading. That’s true for praying out loud as well! If you’re having trouble concentrating try reading Scripture and praying out loud. And don’t worry about what anyone else in the house might think!Try shorter, intense times of prayer – Sometimes the longer I pray, the more my mind wanders. My friend Lucille has the same trouble, so she prays more often for shorter periods. Short bursts of intense prayer times. In fact, she prays as often as the Spirit prompts. Pray, stop, repeat often! Brain dump – I first saw this term used by Amy Hale and I started using it right away. Whenever I sit down with God in the morning, the first thing I do is open my journal and write down the top things occupying my mind. It’s a way of freeing up the space for Him. Others use similar tactics. When Kimberly is spending time with God, if a needed task pops into her mind she writes it down. That way, she won’t continue to dwell on it or worry she’ll forget it. Sheila does the same thing. She keeps a blank piece of paper handy to write down any random thought or chore she forgot. Those items are recorded for later and can be set aside for the moment.Train your heart and mind – Georgia has learned that the more she contemplates God throughout the day, the better she can focus on Him during the time she sets aside for prayer and Bible reading. For instance, Georgia listens to sermons while she works and hymns while she cleans. She constantly trains her mind to dwell on God, so when it’s time to focus, her brain more naturally lingers on Him.

Let’s talk! Do you struggle to stay focused? If so, what are some things you’ve tried to help? Which of these tips might be helpful to you?

 

9 Tips to Help You Stay Focused during Your Quiet Time by Kathy Howard.

4 Reasons Christians Compromise with the Culture

The world my grandchildren will know is very different from the world of my childhood. Or even the world my children grew up in. We live in a highly sexualized culture that permeates everything. Greed, selfishness, and self-indulgence also run rampant.

It seems it gets harder every day for a Christ-follower to navigate the landmines of our society. Morals and values have shifted dramatically away from God’s standards. Almost every day another story in the news demonstrates this ongoing clash between the world’s values and God’s standards. (For more info see Ed Stetzer’s article on Christian responses to cultural change in Christianity Today.)

3 ways Christians deal with the #CultureClash
Click To Tweet

3 ways Christians Deal with the Culture ClashSeparate from the world – Granted, it’s easier to live by God’s standards if we remove ourselves from the influence of the world. But there’s one big problem with that. In doing so, we also remove the influence of Christ from the world. Jesus calls us to go out into the world and take the Gospel (John 17:14-18), not hunker down in a holy bunker.Live by God’s standards out in the world – This is the hardest road to walk. But God promised that through His divine power, He has given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). With discipline, intentionality, and constant dependence on the Holy Spirit, we can live lives that please God and honor the name of Christ.Compromise in one or more areas – Although some believers do simply throw up their hands without even trying to live by God’s standards, the majority of us simply straddle the fence here and there. Sometimes we compromise. Sometimes we think God’s way is “too hard” or “too boring” or just “too weird” compared to the world.

4 reasons #Christians #compromise with the culture
Click To Tweet

4 Reasons Christians Compromise with the Culture:

So why do we do it? Why do followers of Christ sometimes follow the world? Here are four reasons based on time in God’s Word and a bit of observation:

Indulge our own desires – This is probably the most frequent reason. We have sinful desires and sometimes we give in to them. Let’s remember – We never have to give in to temptation. God will always provide a way out if we will take it (1 Corinthians 10:13).Ignorance of God’s Word – Sometimes believers live like the world in one or more areas simply because they don’t know God’s standard. Yet God calls us to “not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance,” but to be holy in all we do (1 Peter 1:13-15). Thankfully we can learn since we have full access to His Word! (Also see “God’s Truth Trumps Culture Every Time.”)Fear of being “labeled” – Sometimes believers worry more about what the world will think of us than what God will think of us. We don’t want to be considered a “bigot” or “self-righteous.” We don’t want to be different or stand out in a crowd. So we compromise to fit in.Misguided attempt to be relevant – I’ve heard and seen Christians – even Christian leaders – dress and speak in questionable ways in an attempt to connect with the culture. If our speech or dress or behavior shocks or offends even a handful of Christians in the room, we should reconsider. Jesus and His message of salvation are always relevant. We don’t have to compromise to share them.

Do you find it hard to live by God’s standards in this world? Is one of these four reasons a bigger struggle than the others? Why do you think that is?

 

4 Reasons Christians Compromise with the Culture by Kathy Howard.

21-Day Easter Bible Reading Plan ✝️

When did God plan Easter? When did He decide that Jesus had to die and rise again to provide salvation for the world?

God crafted His plan of redemption long before the nation of Israel fell into idolatry. Before He instituted the Old Covenant with the sacrificial system. Even before Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden God determined that Jesus would die on the cross to pay our sin debt and rise again to defeat death.

Easter was always God’s Plan A. Jesus coming to earth, dying, and then walking out of the tomb was not the back-up plan after God’s other efforts to save the world fell through.

For you know that is was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you by your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 1 Peter 1:18-20 NIV

Everything in God’s Word points to Christ and His provision for us. From Genesis to Revelation we read God’s story of redemption. (See also “4 Guidelines to Help You Understand the Bible.“) Everywhere we look we see shadows and pictures of our Redeemer. From God’s covenant with Abraham and Passover to the Tabernacle and the Sacrificial system everything is a picture of Christ’s work.

I invite you to spend the next three weeks immersing yourself in the biblical story of redemption. Download and print the 21-day Easter Bible reading plan. The selected readings start in Genesis and continue through Jesus’ ascension. The one-page plan also includes questions for reflection and application. (Start Monday, March 15th to finish on Sunday, April 4th the day before Easter. Or adjust for your preference.)

21-DAY EASTER BIBLE READING PLAN

Let’s talk! What is your favorite picture or shadow of Christ in the Old Testament?

BIBLE STUDY FEATURE:

Want to learn more about God’s grace? My Bible study “Lavish Grace: Poured Out, Poured Through, and Overflowing” is a 9-week study of Paul’s life and teachings that will help you recognize, rest in, and share the free-flowing, glorious grace of Christ.

21-Day Easter Bible Reading Plan ✝️ by Kathy Howard.

4 Ways to Pass Down a Spiritual Legacy

A legacy is inevitable. You will pass things down to the next generation. Even if you don’t have much materially to leave behind, you will instill character traits, talents, hobbies, skills and more in your children and grandchildren. But how valuable will your legacy be? Will you leave anything that has relevance and benefit for this life and eternity?

The most valuable legacy we can pass to our children, grandchildren, and other children in our lives is a spiritual legacy – the legacy of faith in Christ. Although every individual must make his or her own decision for Christ, there are things we can do to create an atmosphere where faith can thrive. When we consistently show them the value and relevancy of faith in Christ, that’s a legacy not easily tossed aside.

God knew the necessity of one generation passing the torch of faith to the next. He even laid out a plan for us in His Word. When Israel was poised to enter the Promised Land, God – through Moses – told them how vital it would be to not only model faith to their children, but to also purposefully teach them God’s Word. (See Deuteronomy 6:1-9.) Knowing and obeying God would keep them right in the center of His will and blessing.

Do you want to foster knowledge and obedience of God in the lives of your own children? Here are four principles right from Deuteronomy to help us do just that!

4 Ways to Leave a Spiritual Legacy1. Start with yourself

The best way to prove to your children the value and relevance of faith in Christ is to be a living demonstration of that truth. If we compartmentalize our faith or allow our priorities to get out of whack, they’ll “learn” that Christ really isn’t all that important. But if we make Christ central in our lives, if we diligently foster our relationship with Him and imbed God’s Word in our hearts, they’ll learn that life is all about Jesus. Don’t be afraid to live your faith in front of your kids – all the great, exciting, difficult, and messy parts. They’ll see your faith is real. Authentic. Relevant.

2. Give them God’s Word

In a recent survey conducted by Barna, 24% of Millennials (adults 18-29), said they were “skeptical” of the Bible. Almost a quarter of America’s young adults believe the Bible is just a book written by men full of stories and advice. We can stop this growing trend by teaching our children to know and love God’s Word. We must be purposeful. We cannot leave it solely to the church. Make a plan – have family devotions, read Bible stories at bedtime, play worship music that comes straight from Scripture, develop a family Scripture memory program. Instill God’s truth in their hearts any way you can! And “as you walk along the road,” shine God’s Word on all the daily circumstances of their lives.

3. Tell Your Family’s Stories

Share the stories that tell of God’s miraculous activity around you and of His faithfulness to you and your family. Weave them into the fabric of your family history. Don’t let yourself or your children forget! You can help them remember these God stories with spiritual markers. (See “3 Benefits of Spiritual Markers.“)

4. Stand Firm in Shaky Times

Trials not only work our faith, they can also prove our faith works. If you make the truth of God’s Word the bedrock for your life, when difficulty comes you will stand firm. An unshakeable faith in shaky times is the most effective testimony you can give your children. (Also see “6 Ways God Uses Trials in a Believer’s Life” and “Trials Prove Our Faith Works.“)

Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, friends, you will impact the next generation. What kind of legacy will you leave? What are you doing right now with your family to instill faith in Christ in them?

 

My newest book is coming in September! Check out this Resource for a Spiritual Legacy Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith

Do the faith stories of your ancestors inspire you? Do the heroes of faith in the Bible encourage you to live out your faith for your family? These 52 heart-felt devotions weave stories of faith and family history with Scripture, beautiful artwork, and ancestry research tips and techniques. Each devotional reading also offers practical spiritual insight to help you live out and leave a legacy of faith for your family. In Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith, faith from the past will inspire you to live out your faith today in ways that will impact your family tomorrow.

Preorder on Amazon Now!

 

Video Bonus!

I shared this “Hope of Legacy” message with my own church family a while back! I would be honored for you to watch.

4 Ways to Pass Down a Spiritual Legacy by Kathy Howard.

God’s Truth Trumps Culture Every Time

Who has the right to establish truth? Our culture think it does. And sadly, many Americans agree. Including some Christians.

The pull of the cultural tide is a powerful force. The changing current of society calls us to jump in and go with the flow. It woos us with rationalizations.

The water’s fine. Everybody’s doing it. The Bible is outdated and irrelevant. Times are different now.

Okay, that last statement is true. Times are different now. And times will continue to change. What’s still outside the bounds of acceptable behavior in our culture today may be celebrated next year.

Unless we stand firm, that charging, changing tide will sweep us away with it.

What is “truth?”

According to Dictionary.com, the noun “truth” is “the true or actual state of a matter; conformity with fact or reality.” But our culture teaches that “truth” – fact and reality – is relative. That it varies depending on the circumstances and the individual. That everyone gets to decide what’s “true” for themselves.

In our culture, “truth” fluctuates based on what seems good, or feels good, or sounds good to them. People who want to be heard declare the “truth” they think others want to hear. Sadly, this even happens in the church (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Some Christians today – even prominent Bible teachers and ministers – have yielded to pressure from the culture to compromise on God’s truth. (Also see “A Heavy Burden on My Heart” , “4 Reasons Christians Compromise with the Culture,” and “How to Know the Difference Between Wise and False Teaching.”)

But by definition, truth is not relative. Truth reflects fact and reality. Truth is permanent, unchanging, and unaffected by temporal things.

Where do we find truth?

The Greek word translated as “truth” in the Bible signifies reality and refers to that which is accurate and trustworthy. Jesus used this word a lot. One key instance is on the night He was betrayed.

That night in the garden, He prayed for His disciples. He asked the Father to “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:17). There’s something vital in this verse. Jesus didn’t merely use an adjective to describe God’s word as “true.” Instead, Jesus used a noun to declare God’s Word to be “truth.”

I love how Wayne Grudem expounded on this in his book Systematic Theology:

The Bible is God’s Word, and God’s Word is the ultimate definition of what is true and what is not true: God’s Word is itself truth. Thus, we are to think of the Bible as the ultimate standard of truth, the reference point by which every other claim to truthfulness is to be measured. Those assertions that conform with Scripture are “true” while those that do not conform with Scripture are not true. What then is truth? Truth is what God says, and we have what God says (accurately, but not exhaustively) in the Bible.”

Why is God’s Word True?

The Bible reveals truth because the Bible reveals God.

The Bible declares itself to be the very words of God (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21). A revelation breathed out by our Creator for His creation. God’s words reveal Him. They reflect His character and nature.

Here are just a few aspects of God’s character that are reflected in His Word:

God cannot lie (Titus 1:2, Hebrews 6:18)God does not change (Malachi 3:6, James 1:17)God possesses perfect knowledge of all things (Job 37:16)God is true (John 3:33, 1 Thessalonians 1:9) and God is truth (John 14:6)

The one true God embodies truth. The Creator of all that exists establishes truth. Our holy, exalted God defines truth. And God infused His Word with truth.

Culture constantly changes. So why would we base our values, ethics, and behavior on what the culture accepts or doesn’t accept? The Bible must be our basis for morality. We cannot allow the culture to interpret Scripture. Instead let’s use Scripture to speak to the culture. (Also see, “Do You Read the Bible All Wrong?”)

God’s Word is the eternal constant that declares unchanging truth. The Bible is relevant today and forever. Scripture crosses all cultural barriers, language differences, and geographical borders.

Popular “truth” shifts beneath our feet, but the Bible is our solid foundation that is established forever (Psalm 119:151-152). The Bible is the constant against which everything should be measured. (To see more about how Christians should interact with the culture, see “Should Christians Judge the Word?”)

Government can’t legislate truth. Cultural mores can’t reshape truth. Human desire can’t bend truth.

When culture conflicts with the Bible, God’s truth trumps culture every time. Every time.

 

God’s Truth Trumps Culture Every Time by Kathy Howard.