This is the two-hundred-fifteenth lesson in author and pastor Mel Lawrenz&#8217; How to Live the Bible series. If you know someone or a group who would like to follow along on this journey through Scripture, they can get more info and sign up to receive these essays via email here. No matter who we are [&#8230;]
The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2022/06/how-to-live-the-bible-proclaim-liberty/">How to Live the Bible — Proclaim Liberty!</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog">Bible Gateway Blog</a>.

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This is the <a title="See all the lessons of How to Live the Bible on Bible Gateway" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/category/how-to-live-the-bible/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">two-hundred-fifteenth lesson</a> in <a title="Browse books by Mel Lawrenz in the Bible Gateway Store where you'll enjoy low prices every day" href="https://biblegateway.christianbook.com/page/tcg/biblegateway/bible-gateway-promotions/bg-mel-lawrenz?p=1172374&amp;utm_source=bg&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=bookpromo" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">author</a> and pastor Mel Lawrenz&#8217; <a title="Sign up to receive weekly email lessons on How to Live the Bible from Bible Gateway" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/landing/how-to-live-the-bible/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How to Live the Bible series</a>. If you know someone or a group who would like to follow along on this journey through Scripture, they can get more info and sign up to receive these essays via email <a title="Sign up to receive weekly email lessons on How to Live the Bible from Bible Gateway" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/landing/how-to-live-the-bible/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.
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No matter who we are or the position in life we occupy, we all value the wonderful privilege of freedom. But freedom is an easy ideal to voice, but a hard-won reality. Multitudes of men and women have gone to war and lost their lives to win the freedom of the masses. It is easy for us to assume freedom, and not recognize that there are people all around us who are limited and bounded even in so-called “free” societies.
<img width="90%" class="aligncenter" alt="Pastor Mel Lawrenz says we must remember that it is for freedom that Christ has set us free so we can freely live in obedience to Christ." src="https://bg3-blog.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/29151823/How-To-Live-The-Bible-Freedom-Chains-Doves.jpg">

Then there is the mistaken notion that freedom means the ability to do whatever we want. To decide for ourselves what is right and wrong. To think that we can generate our own personal morality which no one else can question.
This is not freedom. It is bondage to the self.
If you go to the city of Philadelphia today, you can visit a historic 18th-century building which contains a room called Independence Hall. This ordinary room was the place where, on July 4, 1776, men signed the Declaration of Independence and where, in 1787, the Constitution of the United States was drafted. A huge bell, which we know as the Liberty Bell, hung in the bell tower there. Inscribed on its side are the words of Moses written 3,000 years earlier declaring a year of Jubilee: “Proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus+25%3A10&amp;version=NIV&amp;resource_entry=encyclopedia-of-the-bible/Liberty&amp;tab=study" title="Read Leviticus 25:10 on Bible Gateway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Leviticus 25:10</a>).
They rang the bell in that tower before the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence, as they had rung it on important occasions before. But only decades later did the bell become a kind of icon when it was first depicted on the cover of a new magazine called Liberty, a publication devoted to the cause of the abolition of slavery. Freedom in this new nation was not just freedom from the taxes of the king of England. It had to be freedom for every man and woman, boy and girl—the freedom that is the God-endowed dignity of the human race.
[Watch “<a href="https://thebrooknetwork.org/2017/07/15/a-prayer-for-the-nation/" title="Watch the video, A Prayer for the Nation" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">A Prayer for the Nation</a>”]
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We know that liberty is important to God, because the Bible talks over and over again about the <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+12&amp;resource_entry=encyclopedia-of-the-bible/Exodus&amp;tab=study" title="Read Exodus 12 on Bible Gateway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Exodus from Egypt</a> as God’s great act of salvation and the hint of his ongoing liberating work in the world.
God knows we all have taskmasters. One person is enslaved to alcohol or drugs, another to a domineering person. One person is trapped in guilt and shame imposed by others, another is in the bondage of being the taskmaster—an addiction to control. Whole classes of people are stuck in institutional limitations defined by race or gender, the ongoing injustice of generations of social stratification.
All people need to hear the sound of liberty ring loudly and clearly through their hearts and minds. And only the living God can deliver that kind of liberty.
The sound of freedom rings throughout the New Testament. For instance, the apostle Paul says something in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+5%3A1&amp;version=NIV&amp;resource_entry=ivp-nt/Set-Free-Freedom&amp;tab=study" title="Read Galatians 5:1 on Bible Gateway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Galatians 5:1</a> that seems obvious: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened by a yoke of slavery.”
Why did the apostle Paul say, “it is for freedom that Christ has set us free”? When someone is set free, aren’t they free? Not necessarily.
A convict can be set free, but still think like a convict, talk like a convict, and behave like a convict. Constricted, suppressed, and afraid. Like a person who lived for a long time in a controlling, abusive relationship, he or she may go on cowering in life even when the oppression is gone.
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+5&amp;resource_entry=bible-panorama/Gal.5&amp;tab=study" title="Read Galatians 5 on Bible Gateway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Galatians 5</a> talks about a bondage to the way of the law. It&#8217;s the belief that we achieve a truce with God our creator if we follow all the rules just right, make visible displays of righteousness, and track all our spiritual accomplishments. That was the way of Pharisees—and Paul had had enough of it. He was really good at it, but he saw it as spiritual death.
When Jesus came—Jesus who liberates us from every form of bondage—everything changed. He demonstrated that while the Law came through Moses (and that law was necessary to teach the human race that there is a difference between right and wrong), he brought grace and truth. By God’s mercy, we&#8217;re allowed to repent and turn to God for a whole new life. He frees us from the childish way of following “do’s” and “don’ts” so we can freely live in obedience to Christ. We do what is right because we are right with God and our instincts have been trued up to who he is.
But we must remember that we are free. We must rehearse it. Any person can become a Pharisee on any given day. We can turn faith into performance, like a kid trying to gain mom or dad’s favor by being a star player on the soccer field.
No. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Proclaim liberty! 
___________

___________
[If you believe this series will be helpful, this is the perfect time to forward this to a friend, a group, or a congregation, and tell them they too may <a title="Sign up to receive weekly email lessons on How to Live the Bible from Bible Gateway" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/landing/how-to-live-the-bible/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sign up for the weekly emails here</a>]
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Mel Lawrenz (<a title="Mel Lawrenz Twitter stream" href="https://twitter.com/MelLawrenz" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@MelLawrenz</a>) trains an international network of Christian leaders, ministry pioneers, and thought-leaders. He served as senior pastor of Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, Wisconsin, for ten years and now serves as Elmbrook’s teaching pastor. He has a PhD in the history of Christian thought and is on the adjunct faculty of Trinity International University. Mel&#8217;s <a title="Browse books by Mel Lawrenz in the Bible Gateway Store where you'll enjoy low prices every day" href="https://biblegateway.christianbook.com/page/tcg/biblegateway/bible-gateway-promotions/bg-mel-lawrenz?p=1172374&amp;utm_source=bg&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=bookpromo" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">many books</a> include <a title="Buy your copy of Spiritual Leadership Today in the Bible Gateway Store where you'll enjoy low prices every day" href="https://store.faithgateway.com/products/spiritual-leadership-today-having-deep-influence-in-every-walk-of-life?variant=13756491726959&amp;utm_source=bg&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=bookpromo" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spiritual Leadership Today: Having Deep Influence in Every Walk of Life</a> (Zondervan, 2016). See more of Mel&#8217;s writing at <a href="http://www.wordway.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WordWay</a>.
The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2022/06/how-to-live-the-bible-proclaim-liberty/">How to Live the Bible — Proclaim Liberty!</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog">Bible Gateway Blog</a>.

This is the two-hundred-fifteenth lesson in author and pastor Mel Lawrenz’ How to Live the Bible series. If you know someone or a group who would like to follow along on this journey through Scripture, they can get more info and sign up to receive these essays via email here.
No matter who we are or the position in life we occupy, we all value the wonderful privilege of freedom. But freedom is an easy ideal to voice, but a hard-won reality. Multitudes of men and women have gone to war and lost their lives to win the freedom of the masses. It is easy for us to assume freedom, and not recognize that there are people all around us who are limited and bounded even in so-called “free” societies.


Then there is the mistaken notion that freedom means the ability to do whatever we want. To decide for ourselves what is right and wrong. To think that we can generate our own personal morality which no one else can question.
This is not freedom. It is bondage to the self.
If you go to the city of Philadelphia today, you can visit a historic 18th-century building which contains a room called Independence Hall. This ordinary room was the place where, on July 4, 1776, men signed the Declaration of Independence and where, in 1787, the Constitution of the United States was drafted. A huge bell, which we know as the Liberty Bell, hung in the bell tower there. Inscribed on its side are the words of Moses written 3,000 years earlier declaring a year of Jubilee: “Proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants” (Leviticus 25:10).
They rang the bell in that tower before the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence, as they had rung it on important occasions before. But only decades later did the bell become a kind of icon when it was first depicted on the cover of a new magazine called Liberty, a publication devoted to the cause of the abolition of slavery. Freedom in this new nation was not just freedom from the taxes of the king of England. It had to be freedom for every man and woman, boy and girl—the freedom that is the God-endowed dignity of the human race.
[Watch “A Prayer for the Nation”]

Create your own Bible Gateway free personal account and you’ll immediately upgrade your Bible Gateway experience. Do it right now!

We know that liberty is important to God, because the Bible talks over and over again about the Exodus from Egypt as God’s great act of salvation and the hint of his ongoing liberating work in the world.
God knows we all have taskmasters. One person is enslaved to alcohol or drugs, another to a domineering person. One person is trapped in guilt and shame imposed by others, another is in the bondage of being the taskmaster—an addiction to control. Whole classes of people are stuck in institutional limitations defined by race or gender, the ongoing injustice of generations of social stratification.
All people need to hear the sound of liberty ring loudly and clearly through their hearts and minds. And only the living God can deliver that kind of liberty.
The sound of freedom rings throughout the New Testament. For instance, the apostle Paul says something in Galatians 5:1 that seems obvious: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened by a yoke of slavery.”
Why did the apostle Paul say, “it is for freedom that Christ has set us free”? When someone is set free, aren’t they free? Not necessarily.
A convict can be set free, but still think like a convict, talk like a convict, and behave like a convict. Constricted, suppressed, and afraid. Like a person who lived for a long time in a controlling, abusive relationship, he or she may go on cowering in life even when the oppression is gone.
Galatians 5 talks about a bondage to the way of the law. It’s the belief that we achieve a truce with God our creator if we follow all the rules just right, make visible displays of righteousness, and track all our spiritual accomplishments. That was the way of Pharisees—and Paul had had enough of it. He was really good at it, but he saw it as spiritual death.
When Jesus came—Jesus who liberates us from every form of bondage—everything changed. He demonstrated that while the Law came through Moses (and that law was necessary to teach the human race that there is a difference between right and wrong), he brought grace and truth. By God’s mercy, we’re allowed to repent and turn to God for a whole new life. He frees us from the childish way of following “do’s” and “don’ts” so we can freely live in obedience to Christ. We do what is right because we are right with God and our instincts have been trued up to who he is.
But we must remember that we are free. We must rehearse it. Any person can become a Pharisee on any given day. We can turn faith into performance, like a kid trying to gain mom or dad’s favor by being a star player on the soccer field.
No. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Proclaim liberty!
___________
[If you believe this series will be helpful, this is the perfect time to forward this to a friend, a group, or a congregation, and tell them they too may sign up for the weekly emails here]
Mel Lawrenz (@MelLawrenz) trains an international network of Christian leaders, ministry pioneers, and thought-leaders. He served as senior pastor of Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, Wisconsin, for ten years and now serves as Elmbrook’s teaching pastor. He has a PhD in the history of Christian thought and is on the adjunct faculty of Trinity International University. Mel’s many books include Spiritual Leadership Today: Having Deep Influence in Every Walk of Life (Zondervan, 2016). See more of Mel’s writing at WordWay.
The post How to Live the Bible — Proclaim Liberty! appeared first on Bible Gateway Blog.

This is the two-hundred-fifteenth lesson in author and pastor Mel Lawrenz’ How to Live the Bible series. If you know someone or a group who would like to follow along on this journey through Scripture, they can get more info and sign up to receive these essays via email here. No matter who we are […]
The post How to Live the Bible — Proclaim Liberty! appeared first on Bible Gateway Blog.

How to Live the Bible — Proclaim Liberty!

How does cultivating a healthy fear of God liberate us from our fear of others, our fear of the future, and even our fear of death itself? What does the Bible mean when it says &#8220;fear God and do not be afraid&#8221;? How can we live with a fear of God that drives out the [&#8230;]
The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2022/06/fear-god-and-do-not-fear-an-interview-with-michael-horton/">Fear God and Do Not Fear: An Interview with Michael Horton</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog">Bible Gateway Blog</a>.

How does cultivating a healthy fear of God liberate us from our fear of others, our fear of the future, and even our fear of death itself? What does the Bible mean when it says “fear God and do not be afraid”? How can we live with a fear of God that drives out the fear of everything else?
Bible Gateway interviewed Dr. Michael Horton (@MichaelHorton_) about his book, Recovering Our Sanity: How the Fear of God Conquers the Fears that Divide Us (Zondervan, 2022).

What is the message you’re communicating with this book’s title?
Michael Horton: The church in America today—I mean, the ones that uphold Scripture as the written and inerrant Word of God—are projecting a profile of Christianity that is totally at odds with what we find there.  I include myself.  We’re afraid of so many things.  Many of them are legitimate concerns.  But they’re badly ranked.  God should be our number one fear.  He’s holy, we’re not, and that’s a problem.  If that’s solved, we have a secure place from which to address our daily anxieties.

[Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, Core Christianity: An Interview with Michael Horton]

Why is fear more rampant today than say a generation ago?
Michael Horton: One survey I’ve found says that kids used to say their top fears were things under their bed at night.  Now it’s fear of abuse, divorce, drug abuse, and so on.  The climate is changing.  That’s a fact.  So is inflation.  Even if people can find work, basic things—like gas—are ridiculously expensive.  How do we talk to our kids when they’re on those stupid iPhones and digital “communities” seem more real for all of us today than actual relationships with people in our neighborhood who may be different from us?  We’re scared of everything.  Our neighbors—especially the ones who don’t actually live in our neighborhood—are threats to our security, happiness, and prosperity.  That’s how we look at things.  Then we’re afraid of persecution by an ideologically-driven educational system and media.  The LGBTQ+ agenda has become incredibly powerful in a relatively short period.  But what if some our own youth in the church are struggling with their sexuality?  Do we treat them as “Them” or as “Us” who need our love and compassionate help?  So many “threats.”  We’re like deer caught in the headlights.
[Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, Ordinary Spiritual Growth: An Interview with Michael Horton]
How is it possible that the Bible says to “fear God” and also to “fear not”?
Michael Horton: We fear God first not because of anything he can do to us but just because of who he is.  He is not just true, good, and beautiful but the source of all Beauty, Truth, and Goodness.  He is the Holy One of Israel.  In his presence, Isaiah could say, “I am undone, for I am a man of unclean lips and dwell among a people of unclean lips, for I have seen the Holy One of Israel.”  God is majestic in his holiness, which means he is not like anything or anyone you or I know.  But then he’s also our judge. We fear him because he is righteous and we’re not.  To know about all of this is called wisdom in the Bible. “The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10).  Starting every day in a posture of prostration before God means that we’re living with the grain of reality.  We are in God’s hands, for good or for ill.  We need a Mediator, and only with the Good News that Christ has fully satisfied God’s justice on our behalf can our fear of God as judge be turned to a sort of fearful admiration or awe of his goodness, grace, gentleness, and mercy.  That’s why the Psalmist can say, “But with you there is forgiveness; therefore, you are feared” (Psalm 130:4).  We can follow him, worship him, bring our fears and anxieties to him because he has forgiven us our sins and accepts us in Christ as righteous.
[Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, What Does the Bible Say About Worry?]
Why can’t we fight fear by seeking the absence of fear altogether?
Michael Horton: Fear is a natural reaction God designed in our makeup.  “Fight or flight” is a natural instinct.  If a semi-truck is hurtling toward us, we don’t deliberate.  We just run.  That’s a terrific gift.  But our problem today is that, especially with 24-hour cable news and social media, we’re constantly being put on high alert—for everything.  That means we’re not deliberating about anything.  Complicated problems can’t be solved because we’re just reacting 24/7.  And we’re basically regurgitating whatever our “Preferences” tell us we want to hear.  It’s an echo-chamber, on the left and the right, of hostile, angry, resentful, and fearful people who make a pretty good living off of stoking our fears.  This actually drowns out the good and proper fear we should have and makes us crazy.  No thought, no deliberation, no conversations—just fight or flight.

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What does it mean to fear God?
Michael Horton: What’s the #1 moral and spiritual problem in America today?  Take a minute and think about it.  If you’re like me, the top 10 get filled in pretty quickly—the sins of “the others” (or my own that I keep secret).  Now, what’s the #1 sin in the whole of biblical history?  “There is no fear of God before their eyes” (Genesis 20:11; Deuteronomy 25:18; Psalm 36:1; Romans 3:17, etc.).  We try to domesticate it: “Fear doesn’t really mean fear; it means respect.”  Well, it includes respect, but it’s being super scared—phobos in Greek, as in “phobia.”  Why do we think that people shouldn’t be afraid of God?  That’s where our problems begin.
So, inspired by Daniel 4, I began to think of how we’re all little Nebuchadnezzars prancing on the roof of our personal palace boasting in our heart, “Is this not the great Babylon I have built by my power and for my glory?”  Humbled—actually, humiliated—by God, the king realized the hard way that God is sovereign not just in general but in particular, over him.  “I raised my eyes to heaven,” he said, “and my sanity was restored.”
How should people confront their fears?
Michael Horton: What we need are thicker, richer communities.  Houses of worship, neighborhoods, civic organizations, and clubs: these used to be the glue.  At your kids’ football game, it didn’t matter to your neighbor beside you whether you were a Democrat or a Republican.  It didn’t at church either.  These thick communities are disintegrating especially as we imagine that this alternative reality called euphemistically “social media” can even come close to embodied, engaged, and embedded relationships with actual human beings.
One day in sixth grade a bunch of bullies were using me as a punching bag, taking my lunch.  When my older football-player-brother showed up, they scattered.  Paul calls Death “the last enemy.”  How do I know that for sure?  Because Jesus has been raised as the beginning of the resurrection of the dead.  “Look at him—that’s what you’re going to be like!”, Paul explains.  Same for my loved one who dies in the Lord.
I just watched two dear friends say goodbye—one, to an 8-month-pregnant daughter killed by a drunk driver and the other to her husband of 45 years.  The anguish of the former was exacerbated by the fact that my friend isn’t a believer.  He has a pretty impressive resumé, but he talks about suicide.  The other friend lost a son to a drug-overdose suicide.  He and his wife were beside themselves with grief.  Months later, they still expect for a second to find him in his room before they realize he’s gone.  But the strength they have is amazing and it’s coming from outside of themselves.  It’s the strength of a Father who so loved them and their son that he gave his only-begotten Son so that all who trust in the Redeemer will never perish but have everlasting life.  The pain will never go away, but neither will the promise.
Another dear sister lost her husband of 45 years two weeks ago.  She still wakes up thinking he’s lying beside her and goes through highs and lows.  But the constant is that she doesn’t have to wonder about his ultimate health or safety or whether her sorrow matters any more than an elephant herd mourning over a calf.  “You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?” (Psalm 56:8).
I’m a 56 year-old guy raising teens.  I have fears, believe me.  In no other period have social convictions about right and wrong changed dramatically in such a short period of time.  But that includes insulting people’s dignity by “cancelling” them.  That used to not be ok.  But now many Christians think it’s fine because we’re good and they’re bad—really bad.
When we get to the place of cancelling, we’ve closed our hearts and turned off our minds.  Now it’s just emotional blackmail, manipulation to get what we want.  We sort of started this with boycotting Disney and then others back in the 1980s.
Peter tells us, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.”  That’s well-placed fear.  Next sentence: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”  It’s been said that a quarrel kills a good argument.  If I can’t listen and formulate a good argument, I’ll just toss verbal grenades and slogans at people.  “Well, you’re just a homophobe” or “You’re a Social Justice Warrior.”  We throw out epithets like “Critical Race Theory” (or just “CRT”) or “Christian Nationalist” as if the person we’re talking to can be dismissed with a label.  And there’s one more sentence in 1 Peter 3:15: “But do this with gentleness and respect.”  I can do that when I fear God instead of my neighbor.
The Bible gives us a story in which the stories of the daily news can be interpreted properly.  Instead, we often interpret the Bible in light of the daily news.  The church reflects the same worldly divisions.  There are “FOX” churches and “CNN” churches.  We’re certainly not getting the fear of God from those outlets.  They’re just stoking our other fears—and making a lot of money in the process.
Jesus is the “right side of history.”  He went to the cross but was raised on the third day and is glorified at the right hand of the Father, interceding for sinners, until he returns to establish final justice, righteousness, peace, and life.  We’re called to care about the common good of our neighbors in this life—indeed, more than expecting the world to treat us well.  But we’re longing ultimately for their salvation and incorporation into Christ’s body.  When we see our neighbors through his eyes, through the lens of his love and mercy, we begin to honor them as created in his image and in need of Christ just like us.  We don’t cancel fellow image-bearers of God.
What the world needs to see are not fearful, angry, and proud Christians making the same stand that Republicans and Democrats make.  The world doesn’t need the church to make a statement by wearing or not wearing masks.  The world needs to hear good news, good arguments, and see Christians (on their knees with the tax-collector instead of in the peanut gallery with the Pharisee, confessing their sins and being forgiven.  Because, let’s face it, Christians have done some pretty bad stuff in Jesus’ name.  “You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law,” Paul indicts.  “For, as it is written, ‘The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” (Romans 2:23-24).
Precisely because we live in Jesus’ story, we take justice and righteousness seriously but know that it won’t ever be established perfectly and finally until Jesus does it in person.  Not just “Others” but “We” will be praying, “Have mercy on me, a sinner,” until Jesus returns.
As I said, actual institutions mediating between the state and the individual are disintegrating.  This is where the kingdom of Christ really stands out—or should, at least.  When Jesus said, “I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it,” he wasn’t talking about a Platonic idea.  He meant concrete, local, embodied branches of himself as the Vine.
In a world of soundbites and surrogates, we go to church to actually encounter the God who made and redeemed us.  We’re not just hearing the story again but being re-casted by the Holy Spirit from the dead-end stories of this fading age into the greatest story ever told: reality.  Here, God makes a real promise with real words from the lips of another sinner, uses real water to seal that promise, and keeps pledging with real wine and bread.  It’s where we hear, sing, and pray God’s word together, confess our sins together, and confess our common faith in the Triune God, hear God’s absolution.  We become what the word says.  CNN and FOX won’t be covering that, but it’s the “breaking news.”  And we’re no longer afraid.

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What is a favorite Bible passage of yours and why?
Michael Horton: Hard to pin down.  But one of my favorites is Romans 5:1-11:
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, wea have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,  and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,  and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.  For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.  For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.  For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.  More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
What are your thoughts about Bible Gateway and the Bible Gateway App and Bible Audio App?
Michael Horton: Of course, one of the benefits of digital technology is that we have greater access to the things that matter most.  We just have to turn to those resources before we give our allegiance to the noise.  That’s why I love Bible Gateway.  It’s a fantastic way to engage Scripture in our everyday lives.  The notes and commentaries are also a great resource.
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
Michael Horton: As Christians we say we believe in “the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.”  But often we live as if death and its symptoms—loneliness, job-loss, moral decay and injustice, climate change, health and politics—are in charge.  That’s what I mean by “we worship what we fear.”  If I’m most afraid of losing my job, then I’m finding my security in someone or something other than Christ.  If I’m afraid of not being happy, I’ll make my wife and kids bear the burden of ultimate satisfaction—and maybe ditch them or ignore them when they don’t.  If I’m afraid of all the social, political, economic, and moral changes, I’ll blame “Them”—whoever they are—for my unhappiness.
When we imagine we’re in charge, that we can transform ourselves or our world, or that the government or entertainment or a political figure can do this for us, it’s literally insane.  It’s living against the grain of reality. But when we raise our eyes to heaven like Nebuchadnezzar, our sanity is restored.  That’s just living with the grain of reality.
Recovering Our Sanity is published by HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the parent company of Bible Gateway.
Michael Horton (PhD) is Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics at Westminster Seminary in California. Author of many books, including The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way, he is founder and Editor-in-Chief for Sola Media and also hosts the White Horse Inn podcast program. He lives with his wife, Lisa, and four children in Escondido, California.
Bio: Michael Horton (PhD) is Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics at Westminster Seminary in California. Author of many books, including The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way, he is founder and Editor-in-Chief for Sola Media and also hosts the White Horse Inn podcast program. He lives with his wife, Lisa, and four children in Escondido, California.
Expand your Bible reading experience using our valuable library of more than 50 top resources by becoming a member of Bible Gateway Plus. Try it during a FREE trial period right now!

The post Fear God and Do Not Fear: An Interview with Michael Horton appeared first on Bible Gateway Blog.

How does cultivating a healthy fear of God liberate us from our fear of others, our fear of the future, and even our fear of death itself? What does the Bible mean when it says “fear God and do not be afraid”? How can we live with a fear of God that drives out the […]
The post Fear God and Do Not Fear: An Interview with Michael Horton appeared first on Bible Gateway Blog.

Fear God and Do Not Fear: An Interview with Michael Horton

By Craig Groeschel I heard the voice of the LORD saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” Isaiah 6:8 Years ago, I heard a pastor tell a story that I’ll never forget. This seasoned preacher described how each week, after the Sunday service, [&#8230;]
The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2022/06/god-can-use-a-person-whose-heart-is-like-this/">God Can Use a Person Whose Heart Is Like This</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog">Bible Gateway Blog</a>.

<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-69624" src="https://bg3-blog.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/27072417/Groeschel3_Portrait2.png" alt="In this article, pastor &amp; author Craig Groeschel explores what it means to be fully surrendered to God &amp; prioritize his will in your life." title="Craig Groeschel" width="33%" srcset="https://bg3-blog.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/27072417/Groeschel3_Portrait2.png 280w, https://bg3-blog.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/27072417/Groeschel3_Portrait2-150x150.png 150w, https://bg3-blog.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/27072417/Groeschel3_Portrait2-120x120.png 120w" sizes="(max-width: 280px) 100vw, 280px" />By Craig Groeschel
I heard the voice of the LORD saying, 
“Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” 
Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+6%3A1-8&amp;version=NIV&amp;resource_entry=asbury-bible-commentary/b-the-commission-6-8-13&amp;tab=study" title="Read Isaiah 6:1-8 on Bible Gateway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Isaiah 6:8</a>
Years ago, I heard a pastor tell a story that I’ll never forget. This seasoned preacher described how each week, after the Sunday service, he’d stand by the door of the church to greet people as they left for their cars. He described the joy of hugging the grandmas and high-fiving the younger kids week after week. The pastor admitted openly that he loved when his parishioners would praise his message, complimenting him on how God used him to speak to them.
But then the pastor described an encounter he had with a guy, Matt, that he’d seen regularly at church but had never gotten to know well. Matt was probably in his mid-40s, graying slightly around the temples. Lines around his eyes indicated he might have had some challenging years in his life, but his warm smile and confident handshake led the preacher to believe that Matt was probably in a better season in life at the moment.
Then one Sunday after the service, Matt grasped both of the pastor’s hands firmly and said, “Pastor, I want you to know that my answer is yes. Now what’s the question?”

The pastor looked at Matt curiously. Poor guy, what’s he talking about? The answer is yes? What does that mean? Not wanting to make it awkward, the pastor grinned at the man, nodded, and said, “Thank you, Matt. God bless you.”
The next Sunday after church, Matt approached the pastor at the door and said the exact same thing. With heartfelt sincerity, he looked the pastor directly in the eyes and said, “Pastor, I want you to know that my answer to you will always be yes. Now what’s the question?”
The pastor assumed he wasn’t hearing Matt correctly. It just didn’t make sense. Once again, he nodded and shook Matt’s hand and kept the line moving.
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The following Sunday, it happened again. This time the pastor knew that he’d heard Matt correctly. But the pastor was still confused. What does he mean by that? The answer is yes—the answer to what?
Not wanting to stop the greeting line for a longer conversation, he asked Matt if they could visit later over coffee. Matt smiled broadly and handed the pastor his business card for his contact information. “Of course we can have coffee! I told you my answer is yes.”
On Tuesday that week, the two men met at the coffee shop. After finishing the obligatory small talk, the pastor leaned in slightly and said, “I’ve been wondering about what you said to me. What do you mean the answer is yes?”
Matt leaned back with a look of deep satisfaction, as if he’d been waiting his whole life for the pastor to ask him that question.
He started talking slowly, carefully choosing his words. “I was not always the man that I am today. I did a lot of bad things in my life, hurt a lot of people. I was addicted to alcohol, pornography, and gambling. Those addictions ruled my life. I betrayed my wife, crushed my children, caused so much pain.” Matt choked up, and the pastor could see tears forming in the man’s eyes.
Assuming they were tears of pain and regret, the pastor was startled to hear Matt say, “But I’m thankful now for those low times. Because that’s what helped me to be open to Christ. You see, when I hit bottom, a friend invited me to church. And that’s when I heard you preach about <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2%3A8-9&amp;resource_entry=nivac-sample/Eph.2.8-Eph.2.10&amp;tab=study" title="Read Ephesians 2:8-9 on Bible Gateway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the grace of Christ</a>.”
When the man said the word Christ, the tears started to flow. Matt continued telling his story without even trying to hide his obvious emotion. “At first, I just listened, not sure if I could believe it was true for me. But after a few months, I invited Christ into my life, and he changed me.”
At that point, the pastor couldn’t keep his own tears back. The two men sat there silently for a moment. Both changed by the same Savior. Both grateful for the brief, holy moment they shared together over a cup of coffee.
Then the man said, “Pastor, that’s why I want you to know my answer to you is always yes. Because of how Jesus changed my life through our church, I will always be available to him—and to you. If you ask me to mow the church yard, I will be honored to do it. If you need money to help a single mom, I will give without hesitation. If you need someone to drive a widow to church, I’m your driver. Pastor, I want you to know that my answer is yes. So just let me know the question.”
Now that’s the heart of a person that God can use.
[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2020/02/dare-to-pray-these-dangerous-prayers-an-interview-with-craig-groeschel/" title="Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, Dare to Pray These Dangerous Prayers: An Interview with Craig Groeschel" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, Dare to Pray These Dangerous Prayers: An Interview with Craig Groeschel</a>]
Such openness is the essence of this dangerous prayer. When Isaiah experienced the presence of God, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+6%3A1-5&amp;resource_entry=dictionary-of-bible-themes/1065-God-holiness&amp;tab=study" title="Read Isaiah 6:1-5 on Bible Gateway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">he became aware of his own sinful brokenness</a>. Then the <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+6%3A6-8&amp;resource_entry=dictionary-of-bible-themes/6028-sin-Gods-deliverance&amp;tab=study" title="Read Isaiah 6:6-8 on Bible Gateway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">seraph touched his lips</a> with the flaming coal and God forgave his sin. Because of God’s goodness, God’s grace, and God’s love, Isaiah’s response was bold. Send me. Anywhere. Anytime. I will sign my name to a blank contract of availability. God, you just fill in the details.
Use me. My life is completely yours. May <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A9-10&amp;resource_entry=ivp-nt/Showing-Righteousness-God&amp;tab=study" title="Read Matthew 6:9-10 on Bible Gateway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">your will become my will</a>. Your plan, my plan.
[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2018/09/what-it-means-to-hope-in-jesus-an-interview-with-craig-groeschel/" title="Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, What It Means to Hope in Jesus: An Interview with Craig Groeschel" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, What It Means to Hope in Jesus: An Interview with Craig Groeschel</a>]
<a href="https://store.faithgateway.com/products/dangerous-prayers-because-following-jesus-was-never-meant-to-be-safe-audiobook-unabridged?variant=39627666784392&amp;utm_source=bg&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=bookpromo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><img class="alignright" title="Buy your copy of Dangerous Prayers: Because Following Jesus Was Never Meant to Be Safe audiobook in the FaithGateway Store where you'll enjoy low prices every day" alt="Buy your copy of Dangerous Prayers: Because Following Jesus Was Never Meant to Be Safe audiobook in the FaithGateway Store where you'll enjoy low prices every day" src="https://bg3-blog.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/27100912/Dangerous-Prayers-audiobook.jpg" width="20%"></a>
Notice Isaiah didn’t ask for any details. He didn’t ask God where. Or when. Or what would happen. This is why this prayer can feel so dangerous. “God, send me. Use me. I’m not asking for details. I don’t need to know the benefits. Or if it will be easy. Or if I will enjoy it. Because of who you are—my God, my King, my Savior—I trust you. Because you are sovereign over the universe, I surrender my will to you, every part of me. Take my mind, my eyes, my mouth, my ears, my heart, my hands, and my feet and guide me toward your will. I trust you. God, my answer is yes. Now what’s the question?”
Imagine if you prayed this way. Are you sick of safe prayers? Are you tired of living for things that don’t matter? Do you despise halfhearted, lukewarm Christianity? Then pray the dangerous prayer.
Here I am, Lord. 
Send me. 
Use me. 
________
<a href="https://store.faithgateway.com/products/dangerous-prayers-because-following-jesus-was-never-meant-to-be-safe?variant=29480529133679" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" class="alignright size-full wp-image-69626" src="https://bg3-blog.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/27091154/DangerousPrayers_Cover2.png" alt="Dangerous Prayers" width="280" height="280" srcset="https://bg3-blog.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/27091154/DangerousPrayers_Cover2.png 280w, https://bg3-blog.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/27091154/DangerousPrayers_Cover2-150x150.png 150w, https://bg3-blog.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/27091154/DangerousPrayers_Cover2-120x120.png 120w" sizes="(max-width: 280px) 100vw, 280px" /></a>Adapted from <a href="https://store.faithgateway.com/products/dangerous-prayers-because-following-jesus-was-never-meant-to-be-safe?variant=29480529133679" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dangerous Prayers: Because Following Jesus Was Never Meant to Be Safe</a> by Craig Groeschel. <a href="https://store.faithgateway.com/products/dangerous-prayers-because-following-jesus-was-never-meant-to-be-safe?variant=29480529133679" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here</a> to learn more about this book.
Do you ever wonder, &#8220;Why doesn&#8217;t God answer my prayers?&#8221; Do you wish you could see the evidence that prayer changes lives? Are you tired of playing it safe with your faith? In <a href="https://store.faithgateway.com/products/dangerous-prayers-because-following-jesus-was-never-meant-to-be-safe?variant=29480529133679" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dangerous Prayers</a>, New York Times bestselling author Craig Groeschel helps you unlock your greatest potential and tackle your greatest fears by praying stronger, more passionate prayers that lead you into a deeper faith.
Prayer moves the heart of God—but some prayers move Him more than others. He wants more for us than a tepid faith and half-hearted routines at the dinner table. He&#8217;s called you to a life of courage, not comfort.
This book will show you how to pray the prayers that search your soul, break your habits, and send you to pursue the calling God has for you. But be warned: if you&#8217;re fine with settling for what&#8217;s easy, or you&#8217;re OK with staying on the sidelines, this book isn&#8217;t for you. You&#8217;ll be challenged. You&#8217;ll be tested. You&#8217;ll be moved to take a long, hard look at your heart.
But you&#8217;ll be inspired, too.
You&#8217;ll be inspired to pray boldly. To pray powerfully. To pray with fire. You&#8217;ll see how you can trade ineffective prayers and lukewarm faith for raw, daring prayers that will push you to new levels of passion and fulfillment. You&#8217;ll discover the secret to overcome fears of loss, rejection, failure, and the unknown and welcome the blessings God has for you on the other side.
You&#8217;ll gain the courage it takes to pray dangerous prayers.
Craig Groeschel is a New York Times bestselling author and the founding and senior pastor of Life.Church, an innovative church meeting in multiple locations around the United States and one of the largest churches in the world. He is the author of several books and hosts the Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast. He is the Summit Champion for the Global Leadership Network, which reaches hundreds of thousands of leaders around the world annually. Craig and his wife, Amy, live in Oklahoma. Visit <a href="https://www.craiggroeschel.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.craiggroeschel.com</a> to connect with Craig.
The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2022/06/god-can-use-a-person-whose-heart-is-like-this/">God Can Use a Person Whose Heart Is Like This</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog">Bible Gateway Blog</a>.

By Craig Groeschel
I heard the voice of the LORD saying,
 Isaiah 6:8
Years ago, I heard a pastor tell a story that I’ll never forget. This seasoned preacher described how each week, after the Sunday service, he’d stand by the door of the church to greet people as they left for their cars. He described the joy of hugging the grandmas and high-fiving the younger kids week after week. The pastor admitted openly that he loved when his parishioners would praise his message, complimenting him on how God used him to speak to them.
But then the pastor described an encounter he had with a guy, Matt, that he’d seen regularly at church but had never gotten to know well. Matt was probably in his mid-40s, graying slightly around the temples. Lines around his eyes indicated he might have had some challenging years in his life, but his warm smile and confident handshake led the preacher to believe that Matt was probably in a better season in life at the moment.
Then one Sunday after the service, Matt grasped both of the pastor’s hands firmly and said, “Pastor, I want you to know that my answer is yes. Now what’s the question?”

The pastor looked at Matt curiously. Poor guy, what’s he talking about? The answer is yes? What does that mean? Not wanting to make it awkward, the pastor grinned at the man, nodded, and said, “Thank you, Matt. God bless you.”
The next Sunday after church, Matt approached the pastor at the door and said the exact same thing. With heartfelt sincerity, he looked the pastor directly in the eyes and said, “Pastor, I want you to know that my answer to you will always be yes. Now what’s the question?”
The pastor assumed he wasn’t hearing Matt correctly. It just didn’t make sense. Once again, he nodded and shook Matt’s hand and kept the line moving.

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The following Sunday, it happened again. This time the pastor knew that he’d heard Matt correctly. But the pastor was still confused. What does he mean by that? The answer is yes—the answer to what?
Not wanting to stop the greeting line for a longer conversation, he asked Matt if they could visit later over coffee. Matt smiled broadly and handed the pastor his business card for his contact information. “Of course we can have coffee! I told you my answer is yes.”
On Tuesday that week, the two men met at the coffee shop. After finishing the obligatory small talk, the pastor leaned in slightly and said, “I’ve been wondering about what you said to me. What do you mean the answer is yes?”
Matt leaned back with a look of deep satisfaction, as if he’d been waiting his whole life for the pastor to ask him that question.
He started talking slowly, carefully choosing his words. “I was not always the man that I am today. I did a lot of bad things in my life, hurt a lot of people. I was addicted to alcohol, pornography, and gambling. Those addictions ruled my life. I betrayed my wife, crushed my children, caused so much pain.” Matt choked up, and the pastor could see tears forming in the man’s eyes.
Assuming they were tears of pain and regret, the pastor was startled to hear Matt say, “But I’m thankful now for those low times. Because that’s what helped me to be open to Christ. You see, when I hit bottom, a friend invited me to church. And that’s when I heard you preach about the grace of Christ.”
When the man said the word Christ, the tears started to flow. Matt continued telling his story without even trying to hide his obvious emotion. “At first, I just listened, not sure if I could believe it was true for me. But after a few months, I invited Christ into my life, and he changed me.”
At that point, the pastor couldn’t keep his own tears back. The two men sat there silently for a moment. Both changed by the same Savior. Both grateful for the brief, holy moment they shared together over a cup of coffee.
Then the man said, “Pastor, that’s why I want you to know my answer to you is always yes. Because of how Jesus changed my life through our church, I will always be available to him—and to you. If you ask me to mow the church yard, I will be honored to do it. If you need money to help a single mom, I will give without hesitation. If you need someone to drive a widow to church, I’m your driver. Pastor, I want you to know that my answer is yes. So just let me know the question.”
Now that’s the heart of a person that God can use.
[Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, Dare to Pray These Dangerous Prayers: An Interview with Craig Groeschel]
Such openness is the essence of this dangerous prayer. When Isaiah experienced the presence of God, he became aware of his own sinful brokenness. Then the seraph touched his lips with the flaming coal and God forgave his sin. Because of God’s goodness, God’s grace, and God’s love, Isaiah’s response was bold. Send me. Anywhere. Anytime. I will sign my name to a blank contract of availability. God, you just fill in the details.
Use me. My life is completely yours. May your will become my will. Your plan, my plan.
[Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, What It Means to Hope in Jesus: An Interview with Craig Groeschel]

Notice Isaiah didn’t ask for any details. He didn’t ask God where. Or when. Or what would happen. This is why this prayer can feel so dangerous. “God, send me. Use me. I’m not asking for details. I don’t need to know the benefits. Or if it will be easy. Or if I will enjoy it. Because of who you are—my God, my King, my Savior—I trust you. Because you are sovereign over the universe, I surrender my will to you, every part of me. Take my mind, my eyes, my mouth, my ears, my heart, my hands, and my feet and guide me toward your will. I trust you. God, my answer is yes. Now what’s the question?”
Imagine if you prayed this way. Are you sick of safe prayers? Are you tired of living for things that don’t matter? Do you despise halfhearted, lukewarm Christianity? Then pray the dangerous prayer.
Here I am, Lord.
Adapted from Dangerous Prayers: Because Following Jesus Was Never Meant to Be Safe by Craig Groeschel. Click here to learn more about this book.
Do you ever wonder, “Why doesn’t God answer my prayers?” Do you wish you could see the evidence that prayer changes lives? Are you tired of playing it safe with your faith? In Dangerous Prayers, New York Times bestselling author Craig Groeschel helps you unlock your greatest potential and tackle your greatest fears by praying stronger, more passionate prayers that lead you into a deeper faith.
Prayer moves the heart of God—but some prayers move Him more than others. He wants more for us than a tepid faith and half-hearted routines at the dinner table. He’s called you to a life of courage, not comfort.
This book will show you how to pray the prayers that search your soul, break your habits, and send you to pursue the calling God has for you. But be warned: if you’re fine with settling for what’s easy, or you’re OK with staying on the sidelines, this book isn’t for you. You’ll be challenged. You’ll be tested. You’ll be moved to take a long, hard look at your heart.
But you’ll be inspired, too.
You’ll be inspired to pray boldly. To pray powerfully. To pray with fire. You’ll see how you can trade ineffective prayers and lukewarm faith for raw, daring prayers that will push you to new levels of passion and fulfillment. You’ll discover the secret to overcome fears of loss, rejection, failure, and the unknown and welcome the blessings God has for you on the other side.
You’ll gain the courage it takes to pray dangerous prayers.
Craig Groeschel is a New York Times bestselling author and the founding and senior pastor of Life.Church, an innovative church meeting in multiple locations around the United States and one of the largest churches in the world. He is the author of several books and hosts the Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast. He is the Summit Champion for the Global Leadership Network, which reaches hundreds of thousands of leaders around the world annually. Craig and his wife, Amy, live in Oklahoma. Visit www.craiggroeschel.com to connect with Craig.
The post God Can Use a Person Whose Heart Is Like This appeared first on Bible Gateway Blog.

By Craig Groeschel I heard the voice of the LORD saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” Isaiah 6:8 Years ago, I heard a pastor tell a story that I’ll never forget. This seasoned preacher described how each week, after the Sunday service, […]
The post God Can Use a Person Whose Heart Is Like This appeared first on Bible Gateway Blog.

God Can Use a Person Whose Heart Is Like This

Read this week&#8217;s Bible Gateway Weekly Brief newsletter ⇨ Bible Gateway Weekly Brief ⇨ Newsletter signup ▼ Support Bible Gateway—Find the Resources You Need At: ⇨ FaithGateway Store ⇨ Christianbook.com Order Resources in Bulk At: ⇨ ChurchSource ▼ ⇨ See Bible News Roundup weekly posts Get biblically wise and spiritually fit. Become a member of [&#8230;]
The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2022/06/weekly-brief-week-of-june-19-2022/">Weekly Brief – Week of June 19, 2022</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog">Bible Gateway Blog</a>.

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<blockquote>
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The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2022/06/weekly-brief-week-of-june-19-2022/">Weekly Brief – Week of June 19, 2022</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog">Bible Gateway Blog</a>.

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The post Weekly Brief – Week of June 19, 2022 appeared first on Bible Gateway Blog.

Read this week’s Bible Gateway Weekly Brief newsletter ⇨ Bible Gateway Weekly Brief ⇨ Newsletter signup ▼ Support Bible Gateway—Find the Resources You Need At: ⇨ FaithGateway Store ⇨ Christianbook.com Order Resources in Bulk At: ⇨ ChurchSource ▼ ⇨ See Bible News Roundup weekly posts Get biblically wise and spiritually fit. Become a member of […]
The post Weekly Brief – Week of June 19, 2022 appeared first on Bible Gateway Blog.

Weekly Brief – Week of June 19, 2022

From time to time we like to take a look at our stats to see if we can learn anything new about how people are using Bible Gateway. This morning we looked up statistics on traffic from major cities over the past month. We were specifically looking to see what passages people in different cities were looking up. What follows is a list of the top ten cities based on traffic from the past month to Bible Gateway as well as the top five passages&#8212;irrespective of translation&#8212;that each city was reading....
The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2022/06/top-five-passages-from-our-top-ten-cities/">Top 5 Bible Passages From Bible Gateway&#8217;s Top 10 Cities</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog">Bible Gateway Blog</a>.

With nearly 3 million searches per day—more than 2,000 per minute around the clock—being generated by tens of millions of people in more than 200 countries and territories, search trends on Bible Gateway offer an impression of how people engage with the Bible on the world’s most visited Christian website.
The following map and chart show the cities that have the most traffic to Bible Gateway and the Bible passages people searched for in those cities over the last past 12 months.
New York
Dallas
Atlanta
Los Angeles
Chicago
Houston
Bogota
Sydney
Lagos
Singapore

The placemarks on this custom Google map show the top 10 cities and each marker includes the top 5 Bible passages—irrespective of translation—listed on it:

View Top Cities with their Top 5 Verses in a larger map
[Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, Taking Comfort from Psalm 91]
Some points of interest:
Only 6 books of the Bible—Genesis, Psalms, Matthew, Romans, 1 Corinthians, Philippians—and 12 Bible passages are represented on the 50 position list.
Neither book—John and Jeremiah—containing the #1 and #2 overall most-popular Bible verses—John 3:16 and Jeremiah 29:11—searched for, read, and shared on Bible Gateway for at least every year of the last decade are on the list.
The themes of the 12 Bible passages encompass
 God as our creator
 God as our caregiver
 God as our vindicator
 God as our forgiver
 God as our refuge
 God as our shielding sovereign
 the elements of righteous living
 the assurance of God’s redemption
 the admonition not to worry
 the endurance of God’s love
 the definition of love, and
 the instruction to pray and rejoice in the Lord.
Psalm 91 is the top Scripture people searched for in 8 out of the top 10 cities.
Psalm 23 is the second most popular passage in 8 out of the top 10 and is third in the remaining two.
The people of Lagos seem to especially like the Psalms as all 5 ranking positions for that city are for that book.
5 continents—North America, South America, Oceania, Africa, Asia—are represented on the top 10 list.
[Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, God Is Our Shepherd: Meditate on the 23rd Psalm]
Each chapter reference is linked to its location on Bible Gateway, along with a summary of that chapter from The Bible Panorama study resource:
New York
Dallas
Atlanta
Los Angeles
Chicago
Houston
Bogota
Sydney
Lagos
Singapore


Psalm 91
Psalm 91
Psalm 91
Psalm 91
Psalm 91
Psalm 91
Salmos 91
Genesis 1
Psalm 91
Matthew 6


Psalm 23
Romans 8
Psalm 23
Psalm 23
Psalm 23
Psalm 23
Salmos 23
Matthew 5
Psalm 23
Psalm 23


Genesis 1
Psalm 23
Romans 8
Genesis 1
Romans 8
Romans 8
1 Corintios 13
Psalm 23
Psalm 121
Matthew 5


Matthew 6
Matthew 6
Matthew 6
Romans 8
Genesis 1
Genesis 1
Salmos 27
Genesis 2
Psalm 35
Genesis 1


Romans 8
Matthew 5
Philippians 4
Matthew 6
Matthew 6
Matthew 6
Génesis 1
Matthew 6
Psalm 51
Romans 8




[Read Bible Gateway Blog posts concerning the book of Psalms]
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The post Top 5 Bible Passages From Bible Gateway’s Top 10 Cities appeared first on Bible Gateway Blog.

From time to time we like to take a look at our stats to see if we can learn anything new about how people are using Bible Gateway. This morning we looked up statistics on traffic from major cities over the past month. We were specifically looking to see what passages people in different cities were looking up. What follows is a list of the top ten cities based on traffic from the past month to Bible Gateway as well as the top five passages—irrespective of translation—that each city was reading....
The post Top 5 Bible Passages From Bible Gateway’s Top 10 Cities appeared first on Bible Gateway Blog.

Top 5 Bible Passages From Bible Gateway’s Top 10 Cities

This is the two-hundred-fourteenth lesson in author and pastor Mel Lawrenz&#8217; How to Live the Bible series. If you know someone or a group who would like to follow along on this journey through Scripture, they can get more info and sign up to receive these essays via email here. A small group of children [&#8230;]
The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2022/06/how-to-live-the-bible-looking-for-dignity/">How to Live the Bible — Looking for Dignity</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog">Bible Gateway Blog</a>.

<center><img width="640" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-16229" alt="howtostudythebible" src="https://bg3-blog.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/19094916/howtolivethebibleheader.jpg"></center>
This is the <a title="See all the lessons of How to Live the Bible on Bible Gateway" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/category/how-to-live-the-bible/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">two-hundred-fourteenth lesson</a> in <a title="Browse books by Mel Lawrenz in the Bible Gateway Store where you'll enjoy low prices every day" href="https://biblegateway.christianbook.com/page/tcg/biblegateway/bible-gateway-promotions/bg-mel-lawrenz?p=1172374&amp;utm_source=bg&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=bookpromo" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">author</a> and pastor Mel Lawrenz&#8217; <a title="Sign up to receive weekly email lessons on How to Live the Bible from Bible Gateway" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/landing/how-to-live-the-bible/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How to Live the Bible series</a>. If you know someone or a group who would like to follow along on this journey through Scripture, they can get more info and sign up to receive these essays via email <a title="Sign up to receive weekly email lessons on How to Live the Bible from Bible Gateway" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/landing/how-to-live-the-bible/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.
<hr>
A small group of children see me taking photos of their school building and scamper to jump in front of the camera. Seven of them altogether, four boys and three girls. They giggle, hop about, squeeze in, arms around shoulders, to get in the frame. Each flashes a broad smile, one boy with a large gap where two front teeth used to be. Their school uniforms include navy blue shorts, blue gingham shirts, and white and blue striped ties. And how they laugh when I show them the digital images of them on the back of the camera.
<img width="90%" class="aligncenter" alt="Mel Lawrenz explains the importance of human dignity in this article." src="https://bg3-blog.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/22124045/How-to-Live-the-Bible-Children-India.jpg">

These are a few fortunate children who are being helped to escape the troublesome ditch of their social class–the Dalits, the outcasts, the untouchables of India. The untouchables drink from clay cups that no one in another class will have to touch. They have no access to medical care. The best job available may be nothing more than pushing a broom. Here in the school in the city of Secunderabad these fortunate children from Dalit homes benefit from a mission school where they learn English and other basic subjects, and they learn something about themselves that they did not get in their upbringing: a view of themselves as valuable, as having worth. Across India the vast majority of the 250 million Dalits lead lives of endless uncertainty.
Dignity is the word we use for this. Summed up in this one word is a truth embedded in the creation account:
So God created man in his own image, 
in the image of God he created him; 
male and female he created them. (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1%3A27&amp;version=NIV&amp;resource_entry=nivac-sample/Gen.1.24-Gen.1.31&amp;tab=study" title="Read Genesis 1:27 on Bible Gateway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Genesis 1:27</a>).
“Inalienable rights” is the way some national constitutions and declarations of human rights define dignity. The Abrahamic faiths see in “the image of God” far more:
<ul>
<li> purpose</li>
<li> design</li>
<li> beauty</li>
<li> intelligence</li>
<li> intentionality</li>
<li> self-awareness</li>
<li> spirituality</li>
<li> morality.</li>
</ul>
This is life with value. Inestimable value. Yet the indignities of life–those imposed on us and those we bring on ourselves–undermine the value of life.
<blockquote></blockquote>
<center><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/login/" title="Create your own Bible Gateway free personal account to upgrade your Bible Gateway experience" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Create your own Bible Gateway free personal account</a> and you’ll immediately upgrade your Bible Gateway experience. Do it <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/login/" title="Create your own Bible Gateway free personal account to upgrade your Bible Gateway experience" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">right now!</a></center>
<blockquote></blockquote>
Everything is at stake regarding our beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors regarding dignity.
Are we outraged by the bullying many kids are subjected to in their schools every day? Is anyone there for the woman who is raped and who needs to know that the violation of her body and her personhood has not lessened her worth? Will the perpetrators and victims in a tribal conflict come to a place or recognizing the mutual violation of their dignity which perhaps may have been going on for generations? Will they see indignity as the class wound that keeps them wounding each other? Are there ways for criminal justice systems to help convicts rehabilitate their lives instead of just punishing and discarding? What will it take for husbands to stop belittling their wives or wives their husbands? Why do some parents worship their children and others abuse them–in either scenario foiling any proper development of dignity?
[to be continued] 
___________

___________
[If you believe this series will be helpful, this is the perfect time to forward this to a friend, a group, or a congregation, and tell them they too may <a title="Sign up to receive weekly email lessons on How to Live the Bible from Bible Gateway" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/landing/how-to-live-the-bible/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sign up for the weekly emails here</a>]
<hr>
Mel Lawrenz (<a title="Mel Lawrenz Twitter stream" href="https://twitter.com/MelLawrenz" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@MelLawrenz</a>) trains an international network of Christian leaders, ministry pioneers, and thought-leaders. He served as senior pastor of Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, Wisconsin, for ten years and now serves as Elmbrook’s teaching pastor. He has a PhD in the history of Christian thought and is on the adjunct faculty of Trinity International University. Mel&#8217;s <a title="Browse books by Mel Lawrenz in the Bible Gateway Store where you'll enjoy low prices every day" href="https://biblegateway.christianbook.com/page/tcg/biblegateway/bible-gateway-promotions/bg-mel-lawrenz?p=1172374&amp;utm_source=bg&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=bookpromo" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">many books</a> include <a title="Buy your copy of Spiritual Leadership Today in the Bible Gateway Store where you'll enjoy low prices every day" href="https://store.faithgateway.com/products/spiritual-leadership-today-having-deep-influence-in-every-walk-of-life?variant=13756491726959&amp;utm_source=bg&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=bookpromo" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spiritual Leadership Today: Having Deep Influence in Every Walk of Life</a> (Zondervan, 2016). See more of Mel&#8217;s writing at <a href="http://www.wordway.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WordWay</a>.
The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2022/06/how-to-live-the-bible-looking-for-dignity/">How to Live the Bible — Looking for Dignity</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog">Bible Gateway Blog</a>.

This is the two-hundred-fourteenth lesson in author and pastor Mel Lawrenz’ How to Live the Bible series. If you know someone or a group who would like to follow along on this journey through Scripture, they can get more info and sign up to receive these essays via email here.
A small group of children see me taking photos of their school building and scamper to jump in front of the camera. Seven of them altogether, four boys and three girls. They giggle, hop about, squeeze in, arms around shoulders, to get in the frame. Each flashes a broad smile, one boy with a large gap where two front teeth used to be. Their school uniforms include navy blue shorts, blue gingham shirts, and white and blue striped ties. And how they laugh when I show them the digital images of them on the back of the camera.


These are a few fortunate children who are being helped to escape the troublesome ditch of their social class–the Dalits, the outcasts, the untouchables of India. The untouchables drink from clay cups that no one in another class will have to touch. They have no access to medical care. The best job available may be nothing more than pushing a broom. Here in the school in the city of Secunderabad these fortunate children from Dalit homes benefit from a mission school where they learn English and other basic subjects, and they learn something about themselves that they did not get in their upbringing: a view of themselves as valuable, as having worth. Across India the vast majority of the 250 million Dalits lead lives of endless uncertainty.
Dignity is the word we use for this. Summed up in this one word is a truth embedded in the creation account:
So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27).
“Inalienable rights” is the way some national constitutions and declarations of human rights define dignity. The Abrahamic faiths see in “the image of God” far more:
 purpose
 design
 beauty
 intelligence
 intentionality
 self-awareness
 spirituality
 morality.
This is life with value. Inestimable value. Yet the indignities of life–those imposed on us and those we bring on ourselves–undermine the value of life.

Create your own Bible Gateway free personal account and you’ll immediately upgrade your Bible Gateway experience. Do it right now!

Everything is at stake regarding our beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors regarding dignity.
Are we outraged by the bullying many kids are subjected to in their schools every day? Is anyone there for the woman who is raped and who needs to know that the violation of her body and her personhood has not lessened her worth? Will the perpetrators and victims in a tribal conflict come to a place or recognizing the mutual violation of their dignity which perhaps may have been going on for generations? Will they see indignity as the class wound that keeps them wounding each other? Are there ways for criminal justice systems to help convicts rehabilitate their lives instead of just punishing and discarding? What will it take for husbands to stop belittling their wives or wives their husbands? Why do some parents worship their children and others abuse them–in either scenario foiling any proper development of dignity?
[to be continued]
___________
[If you believe this series will be helpful, this is the perfect time to forward this to a friend, a group, or a congregation, and tell them they too may sign up for the weekly emails here]
Mel Lawrenz (@MelLawrenz) trains an international network of Christian leaders, ministry pioneers, and thought-leaders. He served as senior pastor of Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, Wisconsin, for ten years and now serves as Elmbrook’s teaching pastor. He has a PhD in the history of Christian thought and is on the adjunct faculty of Trinity International University. Mel’s many books include Spiritual Leadership Today: Having Deep Influence in Every Walk of Life (Zondervan, 2016). See more of Mel’s writing at WordWay.
The post How to Live the Bible — Looking for Dignity appeared first on Bible Gateway Blog.

This is the two-hundred-fourteenth lesson in author and pastor Mel Lawrenz’ How to Live the Bible series. If you know someone or a group who would like to follow along on this journey through Scripture, they can get more info and sign up to receive these essays via email here. A small group of children […]
The post How to Live the Bible — Looking for Dignity appeared first on Bible Gateway Blog.

How to Live the Bible — Looking for Dignity

Here are the top most popular, most read articles on the Bible Gateway Blog since the beginning of the year: What Does the Bible Say About Worry? Chart of Israel’s and Judah’s Kings and Prophets When Was Each Book of the Bible Written? The 100 Most Read Bible Verses at Bible Gateway Taking Comfort from [&#8230;]
The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2022/06/most-popular-most-read-articles-on-the-bible-gateway-blog/">Most Popular, Most Read Articles on the Bible Gateway Blog</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog">Bible Gateway Blog</a>.

<center>
<h1>Here are the top most popular, most read articles on the Bible Gateway Blog since the beginning of the year:</h1>
</center> 
<img class="alignright" alt="This is a list of the most popular articles on the Bible Gateway Blog" title="See what people are reading on the Bible Gateway Blog" src="https://bg3-blog.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/21131012/most-popular-square-scaled.jpg" width="37%">
<ol>
<li> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2022/01/what-does-the-bible-say-about-worry/" title="Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, What Does the Bible Say About Worry?" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">What Does the Bible Say About Worry?</a></li>
<li> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2017/07/updated-chart-of-israels-and-judahs-kings-and-prophets/" title="Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, Chart of Israel’s and Judah’s Kings and Prophets" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chart of Israel’s and Judah’s Kings and Prophets</a></li>
<li> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2016/02/when-was-each-book-of-the-bible-written/" title="Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, When Was Each Book of the Bible Written?" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">When Was Each Book of the Bible Written?</a></li>
<li> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2009/05/the-100-most-read-bible-verses-at-biblegatewaycom/" title="Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, The 100 Most Read Bible Verses at Bible Gateway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The 100 Most Read Bible Verses at Bible Gateway</a></li>
<li> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2022/03/taking-comfort-from-psalm-91/" title="Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, Taking Comfort from Psalm 91" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Taking Comfort from Psalm 91</a></li>
<li> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2022/04/why-are-protestant-catholic-and-orthodox-bibles-different/" title="Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, Why Are Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox Bibles Different?" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Why Are Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox Bibles Different?</a></li>
</ol>
<hr>
The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2022/06/most-popular-most-read-articles-on-the-bible-gateway-blog/">Most Popular, Most Read Articles on the Bible Gateway Blog</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog">Bible Gateway Blog</a>.

Here are the top most popular, most read articles on the Bible Gateway Blog since the beginning of the year:



 What Does the Bible Say About Worry?
 Chart of Israel’s and Judah’s Kings and Prophets
 When Was Each Book of the Bible Written?
 The 100 Most Read Bible Verses at Bible Gateway
 Taking Comfort from Psalm 91
 Why Are Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox Bibles Different?
The post Most Popular, Most Read Articles on the Bible Gateway Blog appeared first on Bible Gateway Blog.

Here are the top most popular, most read articles on the Bible Gateway Blog since the beginning of the year: What Does the Bible Say About Worry? Chart of Israel’s and Judah’s Kings and Prophets When Was Each Book of the Bible Written? The 100 Most Read Bible Verses at Bible Gateway Taking Comfort from […]
The post Most Popular, Most Read Articles on the Bible Gateway Blog appeared first on Bible Gateway Blog.

Most Popular, Most Read Articles on the Bible Gateway Blog

By Michael Klassen and Thomas Freiling Have you ever faced a mountain that seemed impossible to overcome? Perhaps you encountered a dilemma that required more than you could give. Is there a battle right around the corner that has you feeling ill-equipped? The various mountains we face— difficult relationships destructive and sinful habits work situations [&#8230;]
The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2022/06/prayers-of-faith-to-move-your-mountains/">Prayers of Faith to Move Your Mountains</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog">Bible Gateway Blog</a>.

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/collaborativepublishing/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"><img class="alignright" title="Michael Klassen" src="https://bg3-blog.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/16112825/Michael-J-Klassen.jpg" alt="Michael Klassen offers a prayer that moves mountains" width="27%"></a>By Michael Klassen and Thomas Freiling
Have you ever faced a mountain that seemed impossible to overcome? Perhaps you encountered a dilemma that required more than you could give. Is there a battle right around the corner that has you feeling ill-equipped?
The various mountains we face—
<ul>
<li> difficult relationships</li>
<li> destructive and sinful habits</li>
<li> work situations</li>
<li> stresses that don’t seem to go away—</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomfreiling/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"><img class="alignright" title="Thomas Freiling" src="https://bg3-blog.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/16112805/Thomas-Freiling.jpg" alt="Thomas Freiling explains what it means that faith can move mountains" width="27%"></a>reinforce to us that we’re human. Yet mountain or molehill, these battles cannot be overcome without the intervention of a loving heavenly Father who alone possesses the ability to scale the unscalable.
Mountains are beneficial because they serve as reminders of our inability and God’s ability. The <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2020/12/getting-to-know-the-major-characters-of-the-new-testament-part-2-peter-stephen-paul-john/#Paul" title="Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, Getting to Know the Major Characters of the New Testament: Part 2 (Peter, Stephen, Paul, John)" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">apostle Paul</a> wrote that our God is “able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+3%3A20&amp;version=NKJV&amp;resource_entry=nivac-sample/Eph.3.20-Eph.3.21&amp;tab=study" title="Read Ephesians 3:20 (NKJV) on Bible Gateway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ephesians 3:20 NKJV</a>, emphasis added). Any power at our disposal comes not from the power resident within us, but the grace of God working through us.

Does prayer change people, or does prayer change things? Somewhere in the middle of the crossfire lies the heart of true prayer. God desires first and foremost to change the hearts of men and women. His ultimate goal is to bring glory to Himself as His kingdom spreads throughout the earth. But through the changed hearts of His people, He chooses to do His work here on earth—through prayer. Prayer changes people, and, through changed people, prayer changes things.
<a href="https://store.faithgateway.com/products/battle-prayers-100-prayers-of-hope-and-encouragement?variant=39516022964360&amp;utm_source=bg&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=bookpromo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><img class="alignright" title="Buy your copy of Battle Prayers: Faith to Move Your Mountains in the FaithGateway Store where you'll enjoy low prices every day" alt="Buy your copy of Battle Prayers: Faith to Move Your Mountains in the FaithGateway Store where you'll enjoy low prices every day" src="https://bg3-blog.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/10125709/Battle-Prayers.jpg" width="25%"></a>
Jesus chose a mountain to illustrate the awesome power of prayer (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+11%3A22-24&amp;resource_entry=dictionary-of-bible-themes/8024-faith-blessings-God&amp;tab=study" title="Read Mark 11:22–24 on Bible Gateway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mark 11:22–24</a>) to address the countless “whatever things” that fill up our lives, be they great, small, or otherwise. Especially in the days before bulldozers and earthmovers, mountains symbolized the immovable. Mountains exemplified anything so ominous in a person’s life that it couldn’t be removed apart from the power of God. Mountains represented not only the seemingly insurmountable battles that strike fear in a person’s heart, but also the smaller daily struggles that persist in undermining our confidence in our faith walk with the Lord. And that is the power Jesus gave to his church through the Holy Spirit.
Pride, lust, an unsaved spouse, a broken relationship—all function as mountains in the lives of ordinary people. Some mountains are self-inflicted; others are inflicted upon us. Regardless, we all have mountains to climb and battles to fight. Fortunately, God doesn’t leave us alone on the side of those mountains to be buffeted by the gale-force winds they present.
<blockquote></blockquote>
<center>It only takes a minute to <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/login/" title="Create your own Bible Gateway free personal account to upgrade your Bible Gateway experience" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">create your own Bible Gateway free personal account</a> and you’ll immediately upgrade your Bible Gateway experience. Do it <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/login/" title="Create your own Bible Gateway free personal account to upgrade your Bible Gateway experience" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">right now!</a></center>
<blockquote></blockquote>
Throughout the Bible, mountains have symbolized not only the battles we face, but also the place where people encounter God’s life-giving presence.
Had an angel of the Lord not stopped him, Abraham would have offered his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice on the side of Mt. Moriah (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+22&amp;resource_entry=wiersbe-be-bible-study/genesis-22&amp;tab=study" title="Read Genesis 22 on Bible Gateway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Genesis 22</a>). Moses encountered the burning bush and received the Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+3&amp;resource_entry=matthew-henry/Exod.3.1-Exod.3.22&amp;tab=study" title="Read Exodus 3 on Bible Gateway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Exodus 3</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+19&amp;resource_entry=bible-panorama/Exod.19&amp;tab=study" title="Read Exodus 19–20 on Bible Gateway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">19–20</a>). The <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/encyclopedia-of-the-bible/Jerusalem-Temple" title="Read about the Temple in the Encyclopedia of the Bible on Bible Gateway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Temple</a>, the center of Jewish worship, was built on Mt. Zion. The surrounding nations, understanding the connection, referred to Israel’s God as the God of the hills (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Kings+20%3A28&amp;resource_entry=dictionary-of-bible-themes/5029-knowledge-God&amp;tab=study" title="Read 1 Kings 20:28 on Bible Gateway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">1 Kings 20:28</a>).
<a href="https://store.faithgateway.com/products/battle-prayers-audiobook-unabridged?variant=39516024111240&amp;utm_source=bg&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=bookpromo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><img class="alignright" title="Buy your copy of Battle Prayers: Faith to Move Your Mountains audiobook in the FaithGateway Store where you'll enjoy low prices every day" alt="Buy your copy of Battle Prayers: Faith to Move Your Mountains audiobook in the FaithGateway Store where you'll enjoy low prices every day" src="https://bg3-blog.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/10125719/Battle-Prayers-audiobook.jpg" width="25%"></a>
In Jesus’ life, the mountain was both a place of temptation where his humanity was tested (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+4%3A8&amp;resource_entry=dictionary-of-bible-themes/5564-suffering-Jesus-Christ&amp;tab=study" title="Read Matthew 4:8 on Bible Gateway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Matthew 4:8</a>) and the transfiguration where his divinity was revealed (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+17%3A1-2&amp;resource_entry=ivp-nt/Jesus-Glorious-Lord&amp;tab=study" title="Read Matthew 17:1–2 on Bible Gateway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Matthew 17:1–2</a>). Last of all, we look forward to the day when the mountain of the Lord’s temple is raised up for all the earth to see and where all the earth’s inhabitants will gather (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+2%3A2&amp;resource_entry=dictionary-of-bible-themes/2376-kingdom-God-coming&amp;tab=study" title="Read Isaiah 2:2 on Bible Gateway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Isaiah 2:2</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Micah+4%3A1&amp;resource_entry=dictionary-of-bible-themes/2565-Jesus-Christ-second&amp;tab=study" title="Read Micah 4:1 on Bible Gateway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Micah 4:1</a>).
So, mountains operate as the location where both our battles and God’s presence meet. And oddly enough, the two are related. Our battles can lead us into the presence of God. The temptations we face can lead us into Jesus’ transfiguring presence, that is, when we go to him in prayer.
Most Christians understand that it’s important to pray. We all realize that prayer is essential to growing in our relationship with Jesus Christ and that, in some way, prayer makes a difference. It’s the hows and whats of prayer that seem to keep us from doing what we really know we should do. And what we want to do.
Ask people to describe the biggest hurdles they face in prayer, and you will probably hear one of two answers:
<ol>
<li> “I just don’t have the motivation and commitment to make it a vital part of my life.”</li>
<li> “I’d pray longer, but after five or ten minutes, I don’t know what to say.”</li>
</ol>
But if you knew that your prayers would really make a difference in your life and the lives of others, would you be more inclined to pray?
<blockquote></blockquote>
<center>Sign up to <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/landing/know-the-bible/" title="Sign up to get the Know the Bible free email lesson series from Bible Gateway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">get the</a><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/landing/know-the-bible/" title="Sign up to get the Know the Bible free email lesson series from Bible Gateway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Know the Bible free email lesson series</a> from Bible Gateway.</center>
<blockquote></blockquote>
<h3>A Prayer for Today</h3>
This day, O God, I choose to bless your name (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+34%3A1-4&amp;resource_entry=wiersbe-be-bible-study/1-bless-lord-vv-1-3&amp;tab=study" title="Read Psalm 34:1–4 on Bible Gateway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Psalm 34:1–4</a>). I bless you because you are great, and your greatness does not depend upon my circumstances. The problems of this world are mere child’s play in comparison to your ability to overcome. So, I choose to focus on the Problem Solver rather than any problem. I will boast in you, O God, because nothing is impossible for you (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+19%3A26&amp;resource_entry=dictionary-of-bible-themes/1105-God-power&amp;tab=study" title="Read Matthew 19:26 on Bible Gateway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Matthew 19:26</a>). Only you can make the impossible possible.
I proclaim your name, O Lord. I ascribe greatness to you, my God, for you are the Rock. Your work is perfect and all your ways are just (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+32%3A3-4&amp;version=NKJV&amp;resource_entry=asbury-bible-commentary/v-moses-closing-exhortatory-words-and-acts-31-1-33-29&amp;tab=study" title="Read Deuteronomy 32:3–4 (NKJV) on Bible Gateway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Deuteronomy 32:3–4</a>). For this reason, I place my trust in you with confidence. You are greater than my problems; greater than my sins; greater than my sickness; greater than those who oppose me; greater than the powers of darkness; greater than my own shortcomings; greater than the failings of Your people; greater than the powers of human government; greater than my limited conceptions of how big You really are. My God you are greater!
My power to overcome any situation comes only from you, because greater is he who is in me than he who is in the world (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A4&amp;resource_entry=dictionary-of-bible-themes/5598-victory-over-spiritual&amp;tab=study" title="Read 1 John 4:4 on Bible Gateway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">1 John 4:4</a>). My heart’s desire is that Your great name will be made known throughout the earth, beginning in my life.
I lift my arms in surrender to the One who reigns above the heavens and the Earth. There is no power on Earth greater than yours. No love stronger. No wisdom deeper. You alone stand above the earth, but you have willingly chosen to also stand beside me.
The fact that you are great, yet you choose to reveal yourself to me through your Son, Jesus, through your Word, and through your Holy Spirit, drives me to my knees in gratitude. You didn’t have to reveal yourself to me, but you did. Now may your greatness be revealed in my life so that others may see your glory as well (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+38%3A23&amp;resource_entry=matthew-henry/Ezek.38.14-Ezek.38.23&amp;tab=study" title="Read Ezekiel 38:23 on Bible Gateway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ezekiel 38:23</a>).
<blockquote>The above article is excerpted from <a href="https://store.faithgateway.com/products/battle-prayers-100-prayers-of-hope-and-encouragement?variant=39516022964360&amp;utm_source=bg&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=bookpromo" title="Buy your copy of Battle Prayers: Faith to Move Your Mountains in the FaithGateway Store where you'll enjoy low prices every day" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Battle Prayers: Faith to Move Your Mountains</a> by Michael Klassen and Thomas Freiling. Copyright © 2022 Michael Klassen and Thomas Freiling. Published by Harper Renew. Used by permission of Thomas Nelson. <a title="thomasnelson.com" href="https://www.thomasnelson.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">www.thomasnelson.com</a>. All rights reserved.</blockquote>
<hr>
<a href="https://store.faithgateway.com/products/battle-prayers-100-prayers-of-hope-and-encouragement?variant=39516022964360&amp;utm_source=bg&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=bookpromo" title="Buy your copy of Battle Prayers: Faith to Move Your Mountains in the FaithGateway Store where you'll enjoy low prices every day" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Battle Prayers: Faith to Move Your Mountains</a> is published by HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the parent company of Bible Gateway.
<hr>
Bio: Michael Klassen is a pastor, freelance writer, and associate editor for Christian Bookclub. He lives in Wellmon, Iowa
Thomas Freiling is a former publisher and acquisitions editor at Creation House. His residence is Vienna, Virginia.
<blockquote>
<center>Become a member of <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/plus/?utm_source=bg&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=bgplus" title="Try Bible Gateway Plus during a free trail period starting right now" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bible Gateway Plus</a>. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/plus/?utm_source=bg&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=bgplus" title="Try Bible Gateway Plus during a free trail period starting right now" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Try it right now during a free trail period!</a></center></blockquote>
The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2022/06/prayers-of-faith-to-move-your-mountains/">Prayers of Faith to Move Your Mountains</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog">Bible Gateway Blog</a>.

By Michael Klassen and Thomas Freiling
Have you ever faced a mountain that seemed impossible to overcome? Perhaps you encountered a dilemma that required more than you could give. Is there a battle right around the corner that has you feeling ill-equipped?
The various mountains we face—
 difficult relationships
 destructive and sinful habits
 work situations
 stresses that don’t seem to go away—
reinforce to us that we’re human. Yet mountain or molehill, these battles cannot be overcome without the intervention of a loving heavenly Father who alone possesses the ability to scale the unscalable.
Mountains are beneficial because they serve as reminders of our inability and God’s ability. The apostle Paul wrote that our God is “able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV, emphasis added). Any power at our disposal comes not from the power resident within us, but the grace of God working through us.

Does prayer change people, or does prayer change things? Somewhere in the middle of the crossfire lies the heart of true prayer. God desires first and foremost to change the hearts of men and women. His ultimate goal is to bring glory to Himself as His kingdom spreads throughout the earth. But through the changed hearts of His people, He chooses to do His work here on earth—through prayer. Prayer changes people, and, through changed people, prayer changes things.

Jesus chose a mountain to illustrate the awesome power of prayer (Mark 11:22–24) to address the countless “whatever things” that fill up our lives, be they great, small, or otherwise. Especially in the days before bulldozers and earthmovers, mountains symbolized the immovable. Mountains exemplified anything so ominous in a person’s life that it couldn’t be removed apart from the power of God. Mountains represented not only the seemingly insurmountable battles that strike fear in a person’s heart, but also the smaller daily struggles that persist in undermining our confidence in our faith walk with the Lord. And that is the power Jesus gave to his church through the Holy Spirit.
Pride, lust, an unsaved spouse, a broken relationship—all function as mountains in the lives of ordinary people. Some mountains are self-inflicted; others are inflicted upon us. Regardless, we all have mountains to climb and battles to fight. Fortunately, God doesn’t leave us alone on the side of those mountains to be buffeted by the gale-force winds they present.

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Throughout the Bible, mountains have symbolized not only the battles we face, but also the place where people encounter God’s life-giving presence.
Had an angel of the Lord not stopped him, Abraham would have offered his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice on the side of Mt. Moriah (Genesis 22). Moses encountered the burning bush and received the Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai (Exodus 3, 19–20). The Temple, the center of Jewish worship, was built on Mt. Zion. The surrounding nations, understanding the connection, referred to Israel’s God as the God of the hills (1 Kings 20:28).

In Jesus’ life, the mountain was both a place of temptation where his humanity was tested (Matthew 4:8) and the transfiguration where his divinity was revealed (Matthew 17:1–2). Last of all, we look forward to the day when the mountain of the Lord’s temple is raised up for all the earth to see and where all the earth’s inhabitants will gather (Isaiah 2:2; Micah 4:1).
So, mountains operate as the location where both our battles and God’s presence meet. And oddly enough, the two are related. Our battles can lead us into the presence of God. The temptations we face can lead us into Jesus’ transfiguring presence, that is, when we go to him in prayer.
Most Christians understand that it’s important to pray. We all realize that prayer is essential to growing in our relationship with Jesus Christ and that, in some way, prayer makes a difference. It’s the hows and whats of prayer that seem to keep us from doing what we really know we should do. And what we want to do.
Ask people to describe the biggest hurdles they face in prayer, and you will probably hear one of two answers:
 “I just don’t have the motivation and commitment to make it a vital part of my life.”
 “I’d pray longer, but after five or ten minutes, I don’t know what to say.”
But if you knew that your prayers would really make a difference in your life and the lives of others, would you be more inclined to pray?

Sign up to get the Know the Bible free email lesson series from Bible Gateway.

A Prayer for Today
This day, O God, I choose to bless your name (Psalm 34:1–4). I bless you because you are great, and your greatness does not depend upon my circumstances. The problems of this world are mere child’s play in comparison to your ability to overcome. So, I choose to focus on the Problem Solver rather than any problem. I will boast in you, O God, because nothing is impossible for you (Matthew 19:26). Only you can make the impossible possible.
I proclaim your name, O Lord. I ascribe greatness to you, my God, for you are the Rock. Your work is perfect and all your ways are just (Deuteronomy 32:3–4). For this reason, I place my trust in you with confidence. You are greater than my problems; greater than my sins; greater than my sickness; greater than those who oppose me; greater than the powers of darkness; greater than my own shortcomings; greater than the failings of Your people; greater than the powers of human government; greater than my limited conceptions of how big You really are. My God you are greater!
My power to overcome any situation comes only from you, because greater is he who is in me than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). My heart’s desire is that Your great name will be made known throughout the earth, beginning in my life.
I lift my arms in surrender to the One who reigns above the heavens and the Earth. There is no power on Earth greater than yours. No love stronger. No wisdom deeper. You alone stand above the earth, but you have willingly chosen to also stand beside me.
The fact that you are great, yet you choose to reveal yourself to me through your Son, Jesus, through your Word, and through your Holy Spirit, drives me to my knees in gratitude. You didn’t have to reveal yourself to me, but you did. Now may your greatness be revealed in my life so that others may see your glory as well (Ezekiel 38:23).
The above article is excerpted from Battle Prayers: Faith to Move Your Mountains by Michael Klassen and Thomas Freiling. Copyright © 2022 Michael Klassen and Thomas Freiling. Published by Harper Renew. Used by permission of Thomas Nelson. www.thomasnelson.com. All rights reserved.


Battle Prayers: Faith to Move Your Mountains is published by HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the parent company of Bible Gateway.
Bio: Michael Klassen is a pastor, freelance writer, and associate editor for Christian Bookclub. He lives in Wellmon, Iowa
Thomas Freiling is a former publisher and acquisitions editor at Creation House. His residence is Vienna, Virginia.
Become a member of Bible Gateway Plus. Try it right now during a free trail period!

The post Prayers of Faith to Move Your Mountains appeared first on Bible Gateway Blog.

By Michael Klassen and Thomas Freiling Have you ever faced a mountain that seemed impossible to overcome? Perhaps you encountered a dilemma that required more than you could give. Is there a battle right around the corner that has you feeling ill-equipped? The various mountains we face— difficult relationships destructive and sinful habits work situations […]
The post Prayers of Faith to Move Your Mountains appeared first on Bible Gateway Blog.

Prayers of Faith to Move Your Mountains

Here are four free email devotionals from Bible Gateway for your summer reading pleasure. At least one of them is sure to capture your particular interest. To subscribe to any or all of them, click one of the titles that links to the signup page. Tell your friends! Anchor Devotional This devotional guide by HAVEN [&#8230;]
The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2022/06/enjoy-any-or-all-of-these-free-email-devotionals-as-you-staycation-or-vacation/">Enjoy Any or All of These Free Email Devotionals as You Staycation or Vacation!</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/blog">Bible Gateway Blog</a>.

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Here are four free email devotionals from Bible Gateway for your summer reading pleasure. At least one of them is sure to capture your particular interest. To subscribe to any or all of them, click one of the titles that links to the signup page. Tell your friends!
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/landing/summer/" title="Sign up to receive the Anchor Devotional free email for your summer inspirational reading" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Anchor Devotional</a> 
This devotional guide by HAVEN Today radio broadcast features brief Scripture selections together with current insights and experiences woven into a few short paragraphs each day. For the month of June it is exploring different facets of early Christian history during the first three centuries AD. (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/anchor-devotional/today" title="Read the Anchor Devotional online at Bible Gateway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read it online at Bible Gateway</a>.)

<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/landing/summer/" title="Sign up to receive the Codes for Christian Living free email devotional for your summer inspirational reading" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Codes for Christian Living</a> 
Delve into the joyful riches of Scripture through the Code series from bestselling author O.S. Hawkins. Start now and last all year: these 52 once-a-week emails feature excerpts from the following devotionals:
<ul>
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Here are four free email devotionals from Bible Gateway for your summer reading pleasure. At least one of them is sure to capture your particular interest. To subscribe to any or all of them, click one of the titles that links to the signup page. Tell your friends!
Anchor Devotional
Read it online at Bible Gateway.)

Codes for Christian Living
 The Jesus Code
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(Read it online at Bible Gateway.)
Encouragement for Today Devotions
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Salt and Light

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The post Enjoy Any or All of These Free Email Devotionals as You Staycation or Vacation! appeared first on Bible Gateway Blog.

Here are four free email devotionals from Bible Gateway for your summer reading pleasure. At least one of them is sure to capture your particular interest. To subscribe to any or all of them, click one of the titles that links to the signup page. Tell your friends! Anchor Devotional This devotional guide by HAVEN […]
The post Enjoy Any or All of These Free Email Devotionals as You Staycation or Vacation! appeared first on Bible Gateway Blog.

Enjoy Any or All of These Free Email Devotionals as You Staycation or Vacation!

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Explore the Many Ways Bible Gateway Helps You Study the Bible

<img width="620" height="337" src="https://blog.faithlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screen-Shot-2020-04-15-at-1.53.58-PM.jpg" class="attachment- size- wp-post-image" alt="woman singing a worship song about trusting God in hard times" loading="lazy" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" srcset="http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screen-Shot-2020-04-15-at-1.53.58-PM.jpg 620w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screen-Shot-2020-04-15-at-1.53.58-PM-300x163.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" />Some years ago, Carl Trueman asked a question churches today are reckoning with: What can miserable Christians sing? In the midst of a pandemic, people in your services are likely struggling with fear, anxiety, grief, and uncertainty. We can’t know what the future will hold, but we know this: our hope in Christ is secure. [&#8230;]

<img width="620" height="337" src="https://blog.faithlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screen-Shot-2020-04-15-at-1.53.58-PM.jpg" class="attachment- size- wp-post-image" alt="woman singing a worship song about trusting God in hard times" loading="lazy" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" srcset="http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screen-Shot-2020-04-15-at-1.53.58-PM.jpg 620w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screen-Shot-2020-04-15-at-1.53.58-PM-300x163.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" />
Some years ago, Carl Trueman asked a question churches today are reckoning with: What can miserable Christians sing?<a href='https://blog.faithlife.com/10-worship-songs-about-trusting-god-in-hard-times/#easy-footnote-bottom-1-25506' title='https://www.9marks.org/article/what-can-miserable-christians-sing/'>1</a>



In the midst of a pandemic, people in your services are likely struggling with fear, anxiety, grief, and uncertainty. We can’t know what the future will hold, but we know this: our hope in Christ is secure.



Songs are one of the Church’s most powerful tools to reinforce the truth of the gospel during difficult times. They make truth &#8216;portable&#8217;—meaning, people rarely remember word-for-word quotes from sermons, but they often know every word of some songs.&nbsp;



To help you equip your people to suffer with joy (James 1:2), here are 10 worship songs about trusting God you can use in the coming weeks.



<h2 id="h-worship-songs-for-steadfastness-in-trials">Worship songs for steadfastness in trials</h2>



<h3 id="h-1-it-is-well-with-my-soul-by-horatio-spafford-and-philip-bliss">1. &#8216;It Is Well with My Soul&#8217; by Horatio Spafford and Philip Bliss</h3>



When peace like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like the sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, ‘It is well with my soul.’



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="It Is Well With My Soul - Audrey Assad" width="716" height="403" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zY5o9mP22V0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>


<h3>2. &#8216;He Will Hold Me Fast&#8217; by Ada Habershon and Matt Merker</h3>
When I fear my faith will fail Christ will hold me fast When the tempter would prevail He will hold me fast I could never keep my hold Through life&#8217;s fearful path For my love is often cold He must hold me fast.
<h3>3. &#8216;Raise a Hallelujah&#8217; by Jonathan David Helser, Melissa Helser, Molly Skaggs, Raquel Vega</h3>
I raise a hallelujah, with everything inside of me I raise a hallelujah, I will watch the darkness flee I raise a hallelujah, in the middle of the mystery I raise a hallelujah, fear you lost your hold on me
<a href="https://ebooks.faithlife.com/free-book-of-the-month?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=10worshipsongstrusting&amp;utm_campaign=promo-howtochurch2020"><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-28597 size-full" src="https://blog.faithlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pasted-image-0.jpg" alt="Ad reading &quot;A Free Book for You. Get it this month from Faithlife Ebooks.&quot;" width="1024" height="256" srcset="http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pasted-image-0.jpg 1024w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pasted-image-0-300x75.jpg 300w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pasted-image-0-768x192.jpg 768w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pasted-image-0-716x179.jpg 716w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pasted-image-0-820x205.jpg 820w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a>
<h3>4. &#8216;Great Is Thy Faithfulness&#8217; by Thomas Chisholm and William Runyan</h3>
Great is thy faithfulness Great is thy faithfulness Morning by morning new mercies I see And all I have needed thy hand hath provided Great is thy faithfulness Lord unto me
<h2>Worship songs for being honest with God</h2>
<h3>5. &#8216;Lord from Sorrows Deep I Call&#8217; by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa</h3>
Storms within my troubled soul Questions without answers On my faith these billows roll God, be now my shelter Why are you cast down my soul? Hope in Him who saves you When the fires have all grown cold Cause this heart to praise You!


<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Lord From Sorrows Deep I Call (Psalm 42)" width="716" height="403" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KYGhnbXtqbU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>


<h3>6. &#8216;I Will Wait for You (Psalm 130)&#8217; by Keith and Kristyn Getty</h3>
Out of the depths I cry to you In darkest places I will call Incline your ear to me anew And hear my cry for mercy, Lord
<h3>7. &#8216;Lord, I Need You&#8217; by Christy Nockels, Daniel Carson, Jesse Reeves, Kristian Stanfill, Matt Maher</h3>
Lord, I come, I confess Bowing here I find my rest Without You I fall apart&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; You&#8217;re the One that guides my heart
<h2>Worship songs for setting hopes on eternity</h2>
<h3>8. &#8216;Is He Worthy?&#8217; by Andrew Peterson and Ben Shive</h3>
Do you feel the world is broken? We do Do you feel the shadows deepen? We do But do you know that all the dark won’t stop&nbsp; The light from getting through? We do Do you wish that you could see it all made new? We do


<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Andrew Peterson - Is He Worthy?" width="716" height="403" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OIahc83Kvp4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>


<h3>9. &#8216;We Will Feast in the House of Zion&#8217; by Sandra McCracken and Joshua Moore</h3>
We will not be burned by the fire He is the Lord our God We are not consumed, by the flood Upheld, protected, gathered up
<h3>10. &#8216;Way Maker&#8217; by Osinachi Kalu Okoro Egbu</h3>
Waymaker Miracle Worker Promise Keeper Light in the darkness My God That is who You are
***
Save time (and typos) by importing your song lyrics into <a href="https://faithlife.com/products/proclaim?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=mainCTA-10worshipsongstrusting&amp;utm_campaign=promo-howtochurch2020">Faithlife Proclaim Church Presentation Software</a>. Pro tip: You don’t need to manually import song lyrics from SongSelect by CCLI. You can <a href="https://support.faithlife.com/hc/en-us/articles/360007128252??utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=10worshipsongstrusting&amp;utm_campaign=promo-howtochurch2020">directly connect your SongSelect account within Proclaim</a> to access every song available to you in CCLI.
<a href="https://faithlife.com/products/proclaim?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=mainCTA-10worshipsongstrusting&amp;utm_campaign=promo-howtochurch2020"><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-24760 size-full" src="https://blog.faithlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Faithlife-Proclaim-Paid-Ads-FLAN-ad-640-x-186-Close-Powerpoint-1.png" alt="Worship songs about trusting God blog" width="640" height="186" srcset="http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Faithlife-Proclaim-Paid-Ads-FLAN-ad-640-x-186-Close-Powerpoint-1.png 640w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Faithlife-Proclaim-Paid-Ads-FLAN-ad-640-x-186-Close-Powerpoint-1-300x87.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a>

Some years ago, Carl Trueman asked a question churches today are reckoning with: What can miserable Christians sing?1



In the midst of a pandemic, people in your services are likely struggling with fear, anxiety, grief, and uncertainty. We can’t know what the future will hold, but we know this: our hope in Christ is secure.
Songs are one of the Church’s most powerful tools to reinforce the truth of the gospel during difficult times. They make truth ‘portable’—meaning, people rarely remember word-for-word quotes from sermons, but they often know every word of some songs. 
To help you equip your people to suffer with joy (James 1:2), here are 10 worship songs about trusting God you can use in the coming weeks.
Worship songs for steadfastness in trials
1. ‘It Is Well with My Soul’ by Horatio Spafford and Philip Bliss
When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like the sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
‘It is well with my soul.’





2. ‘He Will Hold Me Fast’ by Ada Habershon and Matt Merker
When I fear my faith will fail
Christ will hold me fast
When the tempter would prevail
He will hold me fast
I could never keep my hold
Through life’s fearful path
For my love is often cold
He must hold me fast.
3. ‘Raise a Hallelujah’ by Jonathan David Helser, Melissa Helser, Molly Skaggs, Raquel Vega
I raise a hallelujah, with everything inside of me
I raise a hallelujah, I will watch the darkness flee
I raise a hallelujah, in the middle of the mystery
I raise a hallelujah, fear you lost your hold on me

4. ‘Great Is Thy Faithfulness’ by Thomas Chisholm and William Runyan
Great is thy faithfulness
Great is thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
And all I have needed thy hand hath provided
Great is thy faithfulness
Lord unto me
Worship songs for being honest with God
5. ‘Lord from Sorrows Deep I Call’ by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa
Storms within my troubled soul
Questions without answers
On my faith these billows roll
God, be now my shelter
Why are you cast down my soul?
Hope in Him who saves you
When the fires have all grown cold
Cause this heart to praise You!





6. ‘I Will Wait for You (Psalm 130)’ by Keith and Kristyn Getty
Out of the depths I cry to you
In darkest places I will call
Incline your ear to me anew
And hear my cry for mercy, Lord
7. ‘Lord, I Need You’ by Christy Nockels, Daniel Carson, Jesse Reeves, Kristian Stanfill, Matt Maher
Lord, I come, I confess
Bowing here I find my rest
Without You I fall apart   
You’re the One that guides my heart
Worship songs for setting hopes on eternity
8. ‘Is He Worthy?’ by Andrew Peterson and Ben Shive
Do you feel the world is broken? We do
Do you feel the shadows deepen? We do
But do you know that all the dark won’t stop 
The light from getting through? We do
Do you wish that you could see it all made new?
We do





9. ‘We Will Feast in the House of Zion’ by Sandra McCracken and Joshua Moore
We will not be burned by the fire
He is the Lord our God
We are not consumed, by the flood
Upheld, protected, gathered up
10. ‘Way Maker’ by Osinachi Kalu Okoro Egbu
Waymaker
Miracle Worker
Promise Keeper
Light in the darkness
My God
That is who You are
***
Save time (and typos) by importing your song lyrics into Faithlife Proclaim Church Presentation Software. Pro tip: You don’t need to manually import song lyrics from SongSelect by CCLI. You can directly connect your SongSelect account within Proclaim to access every song available to you in CCLI.

Some years ago, Carl Trueman asked a question churches today are reckoning with: What can miserable Christians sing? In the midst of a pandemic, people in your services are likely struggling with fear, anxiety, grief, and uncertainty. We can’t know what the future will hold, but we know this: our hope in Christ is secure. […]

10 Worship Songs about Trusting God in Hard Times

<img width="1200" height="630" src="https://blog.faithlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Ebooks-Weekly-Deals-Header-5.jpg" class="attachment- size- wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" srcset="http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Ebooks-Weekly-Deals-Header-5.jpg 1200w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Ebooks-Weekly-Deals-Header-5-300x158.jpg 300w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Ebooks-Weekly-Deals-Header-5-1024x538.jpg 1024w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Ebooks-Weekly-Deals-Header-5-768x403.jpg 768w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Ebooks-Weekly-Deals-Header-5-716x376.jpg 716w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Ebooks-Weekly-Deals-Header-5-820x431.jpg 820w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />Be All You Can Be: A Challenge to Stretch Your God-Given Potential Discover four key principles of success from John Maxwell: know, show, go, and grow. Learn what each means and how to follow through for successful leading and living. $16.99  $1.99 Read more   A Place to Belong: Learning to Love the Local Church Megan [&#8230;]

<img width="1200" height="630" src="https://blog.faithlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Ebooks-Weekly-Deals-Header-5.jpg" class="attachment- size- wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" srcset="http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Ebooks-Weekly-Deals-Header-5.jpg 1200w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Ebooks-Weekly-Deals-Header-5-300x158.jpg 300w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Ebooks-Weekly-Deals-Header-5-1024x538.jpg 1024w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Ebooks-Weekly-Deals-Header-5-768x403.jpg 768w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Ebooks-Weekly-Deals-Header-5-716x376.jpg 716w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Ebooks-Weekly-Deals-Header-5-820x431.jpg 820w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><h2>Be All You Can Be: A Challenge to Stretch Your God-Given Potential</h2>
<a href="https://ebooks.faithlife.com/product/20941/be-all-you-can-be-a-challenge-to-stretch-your-god-given-potential?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=ebooksweeklydeals&amp;utm_campaign=promo-ebooksQ2pubdeals2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" class="alignleft" src="https://files.logoscdn.com/v1/assets/1339868/optimized?w=250" alt="" width="139" height="218" /></a>Discover four key principles of success from John Maxwell: know, show, go, and grow. Learn what each means and how to follow through for successful leading and living.
<del>$16.99</del>  $1.99  <a style="clear: both;" href="https://ebooks.faithlife.com/product/20941/be-all-you-can-be-a-challenge-to-stretch-your-god-given-potential?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=ebooksweeklydeals&amp;utm_campaign=promo-ebooksQ2pubdeals2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read more</a>
 
<h2>A Place to Belong: Learning to Love the Local Church</h2>
<a href="https://ebooks.faithlife.com/product/192214/a-place-to-belong-learning-to-love-the-local-church?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=ebooksweeklydeals&amp;utm_campaign=promo-ebooksQ2pubdeals2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" class="alignleft" src="https://files.amberfile.com/v1/assets/10675682/optimized?w=250" alt="" width="140" height="224" /></a>Megan Hill answers a common question of churchgoers: What’s so great about the church? With rich theology, practical direction, and study questions for group use, Hill encourages and equips both first-time visitors and regular members to delight in being a part of the local church
<del>$15.99</del>  $3.99  <a href="https://ebooks.faithlife.com/product/192214/a-place-to-belong-learning-to-love-the-local-church?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=ebooksweeklydeals&amp;utm_campaign=promo-ebooksQ2pubdeals2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read more </a>
<h2>Seeking Refuge: On the Shores of the Global Refugee Crisis</h2>
<a href="https://ebooks.faithlife.com/product/56766/seeking-refuge-on-the-shores-of-the-global-refugee-crisis?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=ebooksweeklydeals&amp;utm_campaign=promo-ebooksQ2pubdeals2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" class="alignleft" src="https://files.logoscdn.com/v1/assets/1428559/optimized?w=250" alt="" width="148" height="223" /></a>Three experts from World Relief offer a practical, well-rounded, well-researched guide to the issue. Drawing from history, public policy, psychology, personal stories, and their own unique Christian worldview, the authors offer a nuanced and compelling portrayal of refugees’ plight and the extraordinary opportunity we have to love our neighbors as ourselves. 
<del>$10.99</del>  $5.49  <a href="https://ebooks.faithlife.com/product/56766/seeking-refuge-on-the-shores-of-the-global-refugee-crisis?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=ebooksweeklydeals&amp;utm_campaign=promo-ebooksQ2pubdeals2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read more</a>
<h2>Cold-Case Christianity for Kids: Investigate Jesus with a Real Detective</h2>
<a href="https://ebooks.faithlife.com/product/128079/cold-case-christianity-for-kids-investigate-jesus-with-a-real-detective?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=ebooksweeklydeals&amp;utm_campaign=promo-ebooksQ2pubdeals2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" class="alignleft" src="https://files.logoscdn.com/v1/assets/1323581/optimized?w=250" alt="" width="149" height="219" /></a>Detective J. Warner Wallace gets kids excited about testing witnesses, examining the evidence, and investigating the case for Christianity, showing them how to think rather than telling them what to think.
<del>$9.99 </del> $1.99 <a href="https://ebooks.faithlife.com/product/128079/cold-case-christianity-for-kids-investigate-jesus-with-a-real-detective?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=ebooksweeklydeals&amp;utm_campaign=promo-ebooksQ2pubdeals2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Read more</a> 
<h2>Top Ten Ways to Be a Great Leader</h2>
<a href="https://ebooks.faithlife.com/product/136323/top-ten-ways-to-be-a-great-leader?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=ebooksweeklydeals&amp;utm_campaign=promo-ebooksQ2pubdeals2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" class="alignleft" src="https://files.logoscdn.com/v1/assets/1331302/optimized?w=250" alt="" width="147" height="224" /></a>Dr. Hans Finzel shows readers the two most important words in a leader&#8217;s vocabulary, the skills a leader needs to communicate effectively, and more. Leaders in business, education, ministry, and the church will discover how to lead well and love what they do.
<del>$22.99</del>  $0.00  <a href="https://ebooks.faithlife.com/product/136323/top-ten-ways-to-be-a-great-leader?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=ebooksweeklydeals&amp;utm_campaign=promo-ebooksQ2pubdeals2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read more</a> 
<h2>Calming Angry Kids: Help and Hope for Parents in the Whirlwind</h2>
<a href="https://ebooks.faithlife.com/product/153583/calming-angry-kids-help-and-hope-for-parents-in-the-whirlwind?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=ebooksweeklydeals&amp;utm_campaign=promo-ebooksQ2pubdeals2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" class="alignleft" src="https://files.logoscdn.com/v1/assets/2164119/optimized?w=250" alt="" width="144" height="216" /></a>Tricia Goyer knows what it’s like to parent children with chronic anger. Here she draws on her own experience to help readers understand what’s going on in a child’s brain, focus on relationship over rules, teach a child how to handle frustrations without outbursts, control how they express their own anger, and establish a standard of respect in the home.
<del>$17.99</del>  $2.99  <a href="https://ebooks.faithlife.com/product/153583/calming-angry-kids-help-and-hope-for-parents-in-the-whirlwind?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=ebooksweeklydeals&amp;utm_campaign=promo-ebooksQ2pubdeals2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read more</a>
<h2>Reading Your Male: An Invitation to Understand and Influence Your Man’s Sexuality</h2>
<a href="https://ebooks.faithlife.com/product/29352/reading-your-male-an-invitation-to-understand-and-influence-your-mans-sexuality?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=ebooksweeklydeals&amp;utm_campaign=promo-ebooksQ2pubdeals2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" class="alignleft" src="https://files.logoscdn.com/v1/assets/1347619/optimized?w=250" alt="" width="140" height="213" /></a>Reading Your Male demystifies male sexuality and equips women to become a man&#8217;s greatest ally in the fight for victory. Using biblical insight and up-to-date research, Farrar also tackles some of the most elusive questions women are asking today. <del> $16.99</del>  $1.99  <a href="https://ebooks.faithlife.com/product/29352/reading-your-male-an-invitation-to-understand-and-influence-your-mans-sexuality?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=ebooksweeklydeals&amp;utm_campaign=promo-ebooksQ2pubdeals2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read more</a>
***
Come back each week for a fresh batch of massively discounted books that explore God’s Word and the Christian life. For even more savings, <a href="https://ebooks.faithlife.com/search?sortBy=Savings&amp;limit=15&amp;page=1&amp;filters=status-live_Status%2Bstorefront-vy_Available%20At&amp;ownership=unowned&amp;geographicAvailability=availableToMe&amp;utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=mainCTA-faithlifeebooksweeklydeals&amp;utm_campaign=promo-ebooksQ2pubdeals2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">check out our other books on sale</a>!

Be All You Can Be: A Challenge to Stretch Your God-Given Potential
Discover four key principles of success from John Maxwell: know, show, go, and grow. Learn what each means and how to follow through for successful leading and living.
$16.99  $1.99 
Read more
 
A Place to Belong: Learning to Love the Local Church
Megan Hill answers a common question of churchgoers: What’s so great about the church? With rich theology, practical direction, and study questions for group use, Hill encourages and equips both first-time visitors and regular members to delight in being a part of the local church
$15.99  $3.99 
Read more 
Seeking Refuge: On the Shores of the Global Refugee Crisis
Three experts from World Relief offer a practical, well-rounded, well-researched guide to the issue. Drawing from history, public policy, psychology, personal stories, and their own unique Christian worldview, the authors offer a nuanced and compelling portrayal of refugees’ plight and the extraordinary opportunity we have to love our neighbors as ourselves.

$10.99  $5.49 
Read more
Cold-Case Christianity for Kids: Investigate Jesus with a Real Detective
Detective J. Warner Wallace gets kids excited about testing witnesses, examining the evidence, and investigating the case for Christianity, showing them how to think rather than telling them what to think.
$9.99  $1.99
 Read more 
Top Ten Ways to Be a Great Leader
Dr. Hans Finzel shows readers the two most important words in a leader’s vocabulary, the skills a leader needs to communicate effectively, and more. Leaders in business, education, ministry, and the church will discover how to lead well and love what they do.
$22.99  $0.00
 Read more 
Calming Angry Kids: Help and Hope for Parents in the Whirlwind
Tricia Goyer knows what it’s like to parent children with chronic anger. Here she draws on her own experience to help readers understand what’s going on in a child’s brain, focus on relationship over rules, teach a child how to handle frustrations without outbursts, control how they express their own anger, and establish a standard of respect in the home.
$17.99  $2.99 
Read more
Reading Your Male: An Invitation to Understand and Influence Your Man’s Sexuality
Reading Your Male demystifies male sexuality and equips women to become a man’s greatest ally in the fight for victory. Using biblical insight and up-to-date research, Farrar also tackles some of the most elusive questions women are asking today.

$16.99  $1.99
 Read more
***
Come back each week for a fresh batch of massively discounted books that explore God’s Word and the Christian life. For even more savings, check out our other books on sale!

Be All You Can Be: A Challenge to Stretch Your God-Given Potential Discover four key principles of success from John Maxwell: know, show, go, and grow. Learn what each means and how to follow through for successful leading and living. $16.99  $1.99 Read more   A Place to Belong: Learning to Love the Local Church Megan […]

Faithlife Ebooks Weekly Deals: June 23–27, 2022

<img width="619" height="332" src="https://blog.faithlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/william-iven-8515-unsplash.jpg" class="attachment- size- wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" srcset="http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/william-iven-8515-unsplash.jpg 619w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/william-iven-8515-unsplash-300x161.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 619px) 100vw, 619px" />It’s summer. Families are traveling, attendance is sparse, but your budget hasn’t changed. How can you ward off the summer giving slump and encourage your congregation to give cheerfully so that you stay on track with your church budget? 1. Show the numbers Help people see the issue you see. If giving is behind budget, [&#8230;]

<img width="619" height="332" src="https://blog.faithlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/william-iven-8515-unsplash.jpg" class="attachment- size- wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" srcset="http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/william-iven-8515-unsplash.jpg 619w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/william-iven-8515-unsplash-300x161.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 619px) 100vw, 619px" />It’s summer. Families are traveling, attendance is sparse, but your budget hasn’t changed.
How can you ward off the summer giving slump and encourage your congregation to give cheerfully so that you stay on track with your church budget?
<h2>1. Show the numbers</h2>
Help people see the issue you see. If giving is behind budget, calmly let your congregation know and ask them to give.
It helps if you can point to a past year when giving was on track with the budget. “This week last summer, we were at 60% of our budget. This summer, we’re at 45%. We trust God to provide for our church, but it helps us plan for fall ministries if we know we’re on track financially.”
It’s a pretty simple message, but what’s the best way to get it out? I suggest multiple avenues:
<ul>
<li>Mention it during your worship services several weeks in a row. That way most of your regular attenders hear the announcement at least once. Plus, repetition is important for helping people take action.</li>
<li>Host a quick member’s meeting after a service, and announce the meeting repeatedly several weeks in advance. The mere act of gathering as members reinforces the commitment everyone made to support the church and stirs a sense of shared ownership. You can use the opportunity to explain how your church is adapting to your budget challenges—such as cutting luxury items or even delaying a new hire—or point out specific ministries that could struggle without financial support. An open conversation like this helps the reality of finances hit home.</li>
<li>Send several emails. Over the course of a month, send 2–3 newsletters covering the gist of the issue, and provide a financial graph if you have one.</li>
<li>Publish your church budget on the website. You don’t have to get into all the details, but when you show a high-level view of how your church stewards resources, your members see how their gifts fund the church’s mission.</li>
</ul>
Tip: Use your <a href="https://servantpc.com/?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=howtoencouragechurch-churchcapitalcampaign&amp;utm_campaign=promo-tofu-churchcapitalcampaign" target="_blank" rel="noopener">church management software</a>&#8216;s built-in communication tools to make the announcement. You can create simple graphs of your giving trends, then distribute them using your church&#8217;s digital newsletter or digital bulletin. You can also send the graphs to your church presentation in <a href="https://proclaim.faithlife.com/?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=howtoencouragechurch-churchcapitalcampaign&amp;utm_campaign=promo-tofu-churchcapitalcampaign">Proclaim</a>.
<h2>2. Encourage recurring gifts</h2>
Summer is a textbook example of one of the main benefits of recurring gifts: they aren’t at the mercy of our schedules.
If we rely on memory or being physically present in church to give, it’s likely we’ll occasionally forget—especially in the summer.
But if we set it and forget it with recurring monthly gifts, we make it a habit automatically. It’s also more convenient. It takes longer to write and address a check than it does to set up recurring giving, which you only have to do once.
Use the summer giving slump to reiterate why recurring online gifts are so helpful. They not only help churches plan better, but they help givers save time and be more consistent in their donations.
Tip: Anyone can make a first-time gift through <a href="https://servantpc.com/servantkeeper/online_giving.php?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=howtoencouragechurch-churchcapitalcampaign&amp;utm_campaign=promo-tofu-churchcapitalcampaign" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Faithlife Giving—included with Servant Keeper church management software from Faithlife—</a>in under 30 seconds. They can then create a free Faithlife account to set up recurring gifts. All their information is securely stored for fast, convenient giving anytime.  
<h2>3. Send giving receipts</h2>
This is a simple one: confirm when gifts are received. Getting a confirmation email or letter is one more touchpoint that keeps your church’s mission on peoples’ minds.
Ideally, your giving receipts are generated automatically anytime a gift processes.
Use that as an opportunity to reinforce your mission. Rather than simply saying, “Gift of X amount was received,” give a sentence or two addressing what the funds ultimately support: making disciples in your community and around the world.
You could even alter your giving receipt quarterly to highlight some events and ministries in your church that are made possible by donations—such as a local ministry to the homeless or an update from a missionary your church supports.
An extra step that goes a long way is mailing a personal thank-you note to everyone who gives to your church for the first time. When you send a handwritten note to a new giver, you demonstrate how your church cares about them and is thankful for each gift.
<h2>4. Send regular giving reports</h2>
This is more of a long-game play, but if you’re in the midst of a summer slump, there’s no better time to start.
Publish a newsletter—and make an announcement or presentation in church—about recent movement toward your church’s mission. Is a missionary overseas seeing progress? Is a local ministry blessing those in need? Did the kids just have an awesome week at summer camp?
Let your church know!
There are two reasons this is important.
One, As leaders, it’s easy to forget that for all the movement and progress you see, the average member in your church sees only a sliver of it. They’ll never know about it unless they’re told.
Two, sometimes people lose track of what they&#8217;re giving, especially when they use recurring giving. Regular reports help people remember their gifts make a difference. It might also stir them to increase their giving (or remember that they haven’t adjusted their giving to account for a recent raise).
Share the good news. Use it as an opportunity to remind people that God uses your church’s shared resources to accomplish these works, then encourage them to give.
<h2>5. Teach about biblical giving</h2>
If you’re a church leader or already consider giving a non-negotiable, you may take for granted its biblical precedent.
But many church-goers don’t hold a commitment to giving financially. In fact, statistics show that only 10–25% percent of Christians in America give.
That means well over 3/4 of your church may not be giving.
If that’s the case, it may be time for a sermon or series on giving—not a guilt-inducing one, of course, but one that grounds financial generosity in God’s goodness and generosity, as Scripture itself does.
Here are some passages you could teach or preach from:
Old Testament
<ul>
<li>Genesis 4:17–20</li>
<li>Genesis 28:22</li>
<li>Deuteronomy 12</li>
<li>Deuteronomy 14</li>
<li>Deuteronomy 26</li>
<li>Malachi 3:8</li>
</ul>
New Testament
<ul>
<li>Matthew 6:1–4</li>
<li>Matthew 23:23</li>
<li>Mark 12:41–44</li>
<li>2 Corinthians 9:6–10</li>
</ul>
Whichever of these five ways to ward off the summer giving slump you choose to pursue—and I recommend all five—don’t be hesitant to ask your congregation to give.
With a strong biblical foundation laid about the importance of giving, you can appeal to God’s generosity and the mission he has given to the church to encourage your members to give financially.

It’s summer. Families are traveling, attendance is sparse, but your budget hasn’t changed.
How can you ward off the summer giving slump and encourage your congregation to give cheerfully so that you stay on track with your church budget?
1. Show the numbers
Help people see the issue you see. If giving is behind budget, calmly let your congregation know and ask them to give.
It helps if you can point to a past year when giving was on track with the budget. “This week last summer, we were at 60% of our budget. This summer, we’re at 45%. We trust God to provide for our church, but it helps us plan for fall ministries if we know we’re on track financially.”
It’s a pretty simple message, but what’s the best way to get it out? I suggest multiple avenues:
Mention it during your worship services several weeks in a row. That way most of your regular attenders hear the announcement at least once. Plus, repetition is important for helping people take action.
Host a quick member’s meeting after a service, and announce the meeting repeatedly several weeks in advance. The mere act of gathering as members reinforces the commitment everyone made to support the church and stirs a sense of shared ownership. You can use the opportunity to explain how your church is adapting to your budget challenges—such as cutting luxury items or even delaying a new hire—or point out specific ministries that could struggle without financial support. An open conversation like this helps the reality of finances hit home.
Send several emails. Over the course of a month, send 2–3 newsletters covering the gist of the issue, and provide a financial graph if you have one.
Publish your church budget on the website. You don’t have to get into all the details, but when you show a high-level view of how your church stewards resources, your members see how their gifts fund the church’s mission.
Tip: Use your church management software‘s built-in communication tools to make the announcement. You can create simple graphs of your giving trends, then distribute them using your church’s digital newsletter or digital bulletin. You can also send the graphs to your church presentation in Proclaim.
2. Encourage recurring gifts
Summer is a textbook example of one of the main benefits of recurring gifts: they aren’t at the mercy of our schedules.
If we rely on memory or being physically present in church to give, it’s likely we’ll occasionally forget—especially in the summer.
But if we set it and forget it with recurring monthly gifts, we make it a habit automatically.
It’s also more convenient. It takes longer to write and address a check than it does to set up recurring giving, which you only have to do once.
Use the summer giving slump to reiterate why recurring online gifts are so helpful. They not only help churches plan better, but they help givers save time and be more consistent in their donations.
Tip: Anyone can make a first-time gift through Faithlife Giving—included with Servant Keeper church management software from Faithlife—in under 30 seconds. They can then create a free Faithlife account to set up recurring gifts. All their information is securely stored for fast, convenient giving anytime.  
3. Send giving receipts
This is a simple one: confirm when gifts are received. Getting a confirmation email or letter is one more touchpoint that keeps your church’s mission on peoples’ minds.
Ideally, your giving receipts are generated automatically anytime a gift processes.
Use that as an opportunity to reinforce your mission. Rather than simply saying, “Gift of X amount was received,” give a sentence or two addressing what the funds ultimately support: making disciples in your community and around the world.
You could even alter your giving receipt quarterly to highlight some events and ministries in your church that are made possible by donations—such as a local ministry to the homeless or an update from a missionary your church supports.
An extra step that goes a long way is mailing a personal thank-you note to everyone who gives to your church for the first time. When you send a handwritten note to a new giver, you demonstrate how your church cares about them and is thankful for each gift.
4. Send regular giving reports
This is more of a long-game play, but if you’re in the midst of a summer slump, there’s no better time to start.
Publish a newsletter—and make an announcement or presentation in church—about recent movement toward your church’s mission. Is a missionary overseas seeing progress? Is a local ministry blessing those in need? Did the kids just have an awesome week at summer camp?
Let your church know!
There are two reasons this is important.
One, As leaders, it’s easy to forget that for all the movement and progress you see, the average member in your church sees only a sliver of it. They’ll never know about it unless they’re told.
Two, sometimes people lose track of what they’re giving, especially when they use recurring giving. Regular reports help people remember their gifts make a difference. It might also stir them to increase their giving (or remember that they haven’t adjusted their giving to account for a recent raise).
Share the good news. Use it as an opportunity to remind people that God uses your church’s shared resources to accomplish these works, then encourage them to give.
5. Teach about biblical giving
If you’re a church leader or already consider giving a non-negotiable, you may take for granted its biblical precedent.
But many church-goers don’t hold a commitment to giving financially. In fact, statistics show that only 10–25% percent of Christians in America give.
That means well over 3/4 of your church may not be giving.
If that’s the case, it may be time for a sermon or series on giving—not a guilt-inducing one, of course, but one that grounds financial generosity in God’s goodness and generosity, as Scripture itself does.
Here are some passages you could teach or preach from:
Old Testament
Genesis 4:17–20
Genesis 28:22
Deuteronomy 12
Deuteronomy 14
Deuteronomy 26
Malachi 3:8
New Testament
Matthew 6:1–4
Matthew 23:23
Mark 12:41–44
2 Corinthians 9:6–10
Whichever of these five ways to ward off the summer giving slump you choose to pursue—and I recommend all five—don’t be hesitant to ask your congregation to give.
With a strong biblical foundation laid about the importance of giving, you can appeal to God’s generosity and the mission he has given to the church to encourage your members to give financially.

It’s summer. Families are traveling, attendance is sparse, but your budget hasn’t changed. How can you ward off the summer giving slump and encourage your congregation to give cheerfully so that you stay on track with your church budget? 1. Show the numbers Help people see the issue you see. If giving is behind budget, […]

How to Encourage Your Church to Give over the Summer

<img width="1200" height="630" src="https://blog.faithlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Fathers-Day.jpg" class="attachment- size- wp-post-image" alt="good dad with his family at baby dedication" loading="lazy" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" srcset="http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Fathers-Day.jpg 1200w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Fathers-Day-300x158.jpg 300w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Fathers-Day-1024x538.jpg 1024w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Fathers-Day-768x403.jpg 768w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Fathers-Day-716x376.jpg 716w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Fathers-Day-820x431.jpg 820w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />The answer to “how to be a good dad” could fill volumes. (Scroll to the end for a few.) But there’s one key that can help translate all the other advice for Christian dads, like the Rosetta Stone.  That’s allowing yourself to be a father shaped by grace.  Read why that matters so much and [&#8230;]

<img width="1200" height="630" src="https://blog.faithlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Fathers-Day.jpg" class="attachment- size- wp-post-image" alt="good dad with his family at baby dedication" loading="lazy" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" srcset="http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Fathers-Day.jpg 1200w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Fathers-Day-300x158.jpg 300w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Fathers-Day-1024x538.jpg 1024w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Fathers-Day-768x403.jpg 768w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Fathers-Day-716x376.jpg 716w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Fathers-Day-820x431.jpg 820w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />The answer to “how to be a good dad” could fill volumes. (Scroll to the end for a few.) But there’s one key that can help translate all the other advice for Christian dads, like the Rosetta Stone. 
That’s allowing yourself to be a father shaped by grace. 
Read why that matters so much and what it looks like in the excerpt below, adapted from <a href="https://lexhampress.com/product/22874/splashing-in-puddles-how-to-be-a-father-to-your-daughter?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=mainCTA-gooddad&amp;utm_campaign=promo-2021miscdays" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Splashing in Puddles: How to Be a Father to Your Daughter</a>. Though author David Van Heemst may have aimed his book toward fathers of daughters, we think fathers of sons will find it just as meaningful. 
***
Grace shapes our understanding of salvation, sanctification, and glorification. It also shapes our approach to our daughters. . . . That’s a pretty tall order. How can you begin?
<h2>A grace-shaped dad</h2>
A daughter needs her dad to bond with her. As a Christian dad, you get to bathe the entire bonding process in grace. A grace-filled dad is one who is wholly and unconditionally passionate about the growth and maturation of his daughter. 
I long to see my daughters love Jesus and his kingdom. I yearn to invest in them so that they will grow up loving God and his people. I long to see them filled with joy, focused on others, and positive. I want to see them develop their talents for the benefit of others. I long for them to be healthily connected to friends, family, and one day, a spouse. I know that my daughters’ understanding of me will shape a large part of their understanding of God. 
I long to give grace to them in a million ways so that they will flourish. I hope to do nothing to hinder their love for the Lord; instead, I aspire to fan the flames of their love for him. I hope to be part of God’s reconciling work in the fibers of their hearts. I hope to get close to loving them as they should be loved.
<h2>Grace and love</h2>
Grace-based fathering means this: loving your daughter as she deserves to be loved.
Grace means love. One of my students captured this father-daughter love eloquently, “I suggest cherishing daughters to any fathers who want their daughters to expect love and respect from their boyfriends, or to fathers who want their daughters to know that they are valuable, and because of this, they don’t need to give themselves away carelessly to men. A little love goes a long way.”
How do you practice grace toward your daughter? 
<h3>Sacrifice and humility</h3>
Sacrifice and humility are good starting points. I can remember literally going from a lecture hall filled with one hundred students who were hanging on my every word to coming home and cleaning up poop (during potty training), cloth diapers, and vomit on bed sheets. What if you started sacrificing by giving up some of the small things—such as one hour a week of television—and replacing it with one hour of your daughter’s favorite activity? What if you started practicing humility by being honest with your daughter instead of pretending to be the all-knowing guru?
. . . 
<a href="https://www.logos.com/basic?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=gooddad&amp;utm_campaign=promo-2021miscdays" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-30437 size-full" src="https://blog.faithlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1-2.jpg" alt="Free Bible Software. Priceless Insights. clickable image" width="1280" height="336" srcset="http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1-2.jpg 1280w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1-2-300x79.jpg 300w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1-2-1024x269.jpg 1024w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1-2-768x202.jpg 768w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1-2-716x188.jpg 716w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1-2-820x215.jpg 820w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></a>
Humility also prevents us from establishing practices that are too strict and frees us from the rigidity of sticking with our direction, regardless of consequences; instead, humility provides us with the freedom to practice trial and error. If we begin to live humbly, we will then have given ourselves the freedom to keep what works and chuck what doesn’t. Humility produces the honesty and self-awareness that we need to give and receive a lot of help in raising our daughters.
We find ourselves beginning to live out of a covenantal commitment to our daughters. Something about how we’ve connected with them in the past gives them a confident trust in how we’ll treat them in the future. 
. . . 
<h3>Giving &amp; receiving grace</h3>
As a dad, you are able to give the specific gifts of grace, sacrifice, and humility to your daughter because you are experiencing the reign of grace. We can articulate the specific ways in which, in the words of the prophet Jeremiah, we have experienced a God who “super-abounds” in giving grace to us. His grace rains upon us. In fact, it’s the very particular ways of relating healthily that shape us into the type of dad who engages his daughter in a covenantal manner.
What might the impact be on your daughter if you started engaging with her with grace-shaped eyes? 
These grace-shaped eyes equip you to focus on what’s really important: your daughter’s heart. 
By heart, I mean her insides, her core, her fundamental character, her inner being, her emotional, psychological, and spiritual health—who she is, the part from which all of her activities flow. Grace-shaped eyes see not only the heart as it is, they also dream what it might become. To always be committed to the well-being of your daughter—that comprises the heart and soul of grace-based parenting.
***
<a href="https://lexhampress.com/product/22874/splashing-in-puddles-how-to-be-a-father-to-your-daughter?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=mainCTA-gooddad&amp;utm_campaign=promo-2021miscdays">Splashing in Puddles: How to Be a Father to Your Daughter</a> is available now from Lexham Press.
<h3>Related resources</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://lexham-press.faithlifesites.com/product/80557/shattered-prayers-the-testing-of-a-fathers-faith?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=gooddad&amp;utm_campaign=promo-2021miscdays" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shattered Prayers: The Testing of a Father’s Faith</a></li>
<li><a href="https://ebooks.faithlife.com/product/44131/be-a-better-dad-today-10-tools-every-father-needs?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=gooddad&amp;utm_campaign=promo-2021miscdays" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Be a Better Dad Today! 10 Tools Every Father Needs</a></li>
<li><a href="https://ebooks.faithlife.com/product/45543/10-commitments-for-dads-how-to-have-an-awesome-impact-on-your-kids?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=gooddad&amp;utm_campaign=promo-2021miscdays" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10 Commitments for Dads: How to Have an Awesome Impact on Your Kids</a></li>
<li><a href="https://ebooks.faithlife.com/product/121287/the-good-dad-guide-7-things-that-matter-most-to-your-kids?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=gooddad&amp;utm_campaign=promo-2021miscdays" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Good Dad Guide: 7 Things That Matter Most to Your Kids</a></li>
</ul>
<a href="https://ebooks.faithlife.com/free-book-of-the-month?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=gooddad&amp;utm_campaign=promo-2021miscdays"><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-28597 size-full" src="https://blog.faithlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pasted-image-0.jpg" alt="Ad reading &quot;A Free Book for You. Get it this month from Faithlife Ebooks.&quot;" width="1024" height="256" srcset="http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pasted-image-0.jpg 1024w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pasted-image-0-300x75.jpg 300w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pasted-image-0-768x192.jpg 768w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pasted-image-0-716x179.jpg 716w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pasted-image-0-820x205.jpg 820w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a>

The answer to “how to be a good dad” could fill volumes. (Scroll to the end for a few.) But there’s one key that can help translate all the other advice for Christian dads, like the Rosetta Stone. 
That’s allowing yourself to be a father shaped by grace. 
Read why that matters so much and what it looks like in the excerpt below, adapted from Splashing in Puddles: How to Be a Father to Your Daughter. Though author David Van Heemst may have aimed his book toward fathers of daughters, we think fathers of sons will find it just as meaningful. 
***
Grace shapes our understanding of salvation, sanctification, and glorification. It also shapes our approach to our daughters. . . . That’s a pretty tall order. How can you begin?
A grace-shaped dad
A daughter needs her dad to bond with her. As a Christian dad, you get to bathe the entire bonding process in grace. A grace-filled dad is one who is wholly and unconditionally passionate about the growth and maturation of his daughter. 
I long to see my daughters love Jesus and his kingdom. I yearn to invest in them so that they will grow up loving God and his people. I long to see them filled with joy, focused on others, and positive. I want to see them develop their talents for the benefit of others. I long for them to be healthily connected to friends, family, and one day, a spouse. I know that my daughters’ understanding of me will shape a large part of their understanding of God. 
I long to give grace to them in a million ways so that they will flourish. I hope to do nothing to hinder their love for the Lord; instead, I aspire to fan the flames of their love for him. I hope to be part of God’s reconciling work in the fibers of their hearts. I hope to get close to loving them as they should be loved.
Grace and love
Grace-based fathering means this: loving your daughter as she deserves to be loved.
Grace means love. One of my students captured this father-daughter love eloquently, “I suggest cherishing daughters to any fathers who want their daughters to expect love and respect from their boyfriends, or to fathers who want their daughters to know that they are valuable, and because of this, they don’t need to give themselves away carelessly to men. A little love goes a long way.”
How do you practice grace toward your daughter? 
Sacrifice and humility
Sacrifice and humility are good starting points. I can remember literally going from a lecture hall filled with one hundred students who were hanging on my every word to coming home and cleaning up poop (during potty training), cloth diapers, and vomit on bed sheets. What if you started sacrificing by giving up some of the small things—such as one hour a week of television—and replacing it with one hour of your daughter’s favorite activity? What if you started practicing humility by being honest with your daughter instead of pretending to be the all-knowing guru?
. . . 

Humility also prevents us from establishing practices that are too strict and frees us from the rigidity of sticking with our direction, regardless of consequences; instead, humility provides us with the freedom to practice trial and error. If we begin to live humbly, we will then have given ourselves the freedom to keep what works and chuck what doesn’t. Humility produces the honesty and self-awareness that we need to give and receive a lot of help in raising our daughters.
We find ourselves beginning to live out of a covenantal commitment to our daughters. Something about how we’ve connected with them in the past gives them a confident trust in how we’ll treat them in the future. 
. . . 
Giving & receiving grace
As a dad, you are able to give the specific gifts of grace, sacrifice, and humility to your daughter because you are experiencing the reign of grace. We can articulate the specific ways in which, in the words of the prophet Jeremiah, we have experienced a God who “super-abounds” in giving grace to us. His grace rains upon us. In fact, it’s the very particular ways of relating healthily that shape us into the type of dad who engages his daughter in a covenantal manner.
What might the impact be on your daughter if you started engaging with her with grace-shaped eyes? 
These grace-shaped eyes equip you to focus on what’s really important: your daughter’s heart. 
By heart, I mean her insides, her core, her fundamental character, her inner being, her emotional, psychological, and spiritual health—who she is, the part from which all of her activities flow. Grace-shaped eyes see not only the heart as it is, they also dream what it might become. To always be committed to the well-being of your daughter—that comprises the heart and soul of grace-based parenting.
***
Splashing in Puddles: How to Be a Father to Your Daughter is available now from Lexham Press.
Related resources
Shattered Prayers: The Testing of a Father’s Faith
Be a Better Dad Today! 10 Tools Every Father Needs
10 Commitments for Dads: How to Have an Awesome Impact on Your Kids
The Good Dad Guide: 7 Things That Matter Most to Your Kids

The answer to “how to be a good dad” could fill volumes. (Scroll to the end for a few.) But there’s one key that can help translate all the other advice for Christian dads, like the Rosetta Stone.  That’s allowing yourself to be a father shaped by grace.  Read why that matters so much and […]

How to Be a Good Dad: One 5-Letter Word Is Key

<img width="1200" height="630" src="https://blog.faithlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Doubts-as-Dad.jpg" class="attachment- size- wp-post-image" alt="father holds swaddled newborn baby" loading="lazy" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" srcset="http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Doubts-as-Dad.jpg 1200w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Doubts-as-Dad-300x158.jpg 300w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Doubts-as-Dad-1024x538.jpg 1024w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Doubts-as-Dad-768x403.jpg 768w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Doubts-as-Dad-716x376.jpg 716w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Doubts-as-Dad-820x431.jpg 820w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />There’s a palpable pressure that comes with being a parent. 

The great responsibility to meet your children’s needs and train them up in the way they should go can be paralyzing. I feel this burden enough with my first four children; the pressure is compounded—for various reasons—with my fifth child, whom we adopted.

<img width="1200" height="630" src="https://blog.faithlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Doubts-as-Dad.jpg" class="attachment- size- wp-post-image" alt="father holds swaddled newborn baby" loading="lazy" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" srcset="http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Doubts-as-Dad.jpg 1200w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Doubts-as-Dad-300x158.jpg 300w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Doubts-as-Dad-1024x538.jpg 1024w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Doubts-as-Dad-768x403.jpg 768w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Doubts-as-Dad-716x376.jpg 716w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Doubts-as-Dad-820x431.jpg 820w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />By Joseph R. Dodson
There’s a palpable pressure that comes with being a parent.
The great responsibility to meet your children’s needs and train them up in the way they should go can be paralyzing. I feel this burden enough with my first four children; the pressure is compounded—for various reasons—with my fifth child, whom we adopted.
With Caspian, I constantly doubt myself. My fears are increased by the disapproving looks and whispers I get from my small-town neighbors whenever they hear my black son call me “dad.” Am I a good dad to Caspian? When he grows up will he appreciate or, heaven forbid, resent me? Who do I need to be in order to be the father he never had?
The other day Caspian was outside playing with two friends. When I went to check on them, they gave me toothy grins and a reassuring thumbs-up. As I walked back to the house, I heard Caspian whisper to them, “He’s the best dad ever.” I broke down in tears. I knew it wasn’t true—I am far from being a great dad—but that he believed those words choked me up.
<h2>Similar doubts from another earthly father</h2>
I wonder if Joseph ever struggled with similar doubts as he raised his adopted child: Jesus Immanuel Christ.
When Joseph woke up from his prophetic dream, did he feel like he stumbled out of the gate for discounting Mary’s claims about the angel of the Lord and the overshadowing of the Spirit? Did he worry about how, as a refugee, he was going to physically protect and spiritually nurture his family when they got to Egypt—so far from his own home, religious base, and family support system? Did he have to strain to make a living in a foreign land, since he couldn’t depend any longer on his usual Aramaic-speaking customers in Nazareth?<a href='https://blog.faithlife.com/did-joseph-deal-with-doubts-as-a-dad/#easy-footnote-bottom-1-26526' title='&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I suppose it depends on how much gold the magi gave (&lt;a href=&quot;https://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Matt%202.11&quot;&gt;Matt 2:11&lt;/a&gt;). Did Joseph have to stay up late, after Mary and Jesus had long retired so he could learn enough Egyptian and Greek to do business?'>1</a>
Moreover, how did Joseph take 12-year-old Jesus’ question at the temple?
Didn’t you all know I had to be in my Father’s house? (<a href="https://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Luke%202.49">Luke 2:49</a>)<a href='https://blog.faithlife.com/did-joseph-deal-with-doubts-as-a-dad/#easy-footnote-bottom-2-26526' title='&lt;br /&gt;
My translation and italics. The Greek text reveals that Jesus is asking this question to more than one person.'>2</a>
While Mary was treasuring these things in her heart (<a href="https://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Luke%202.51">Luke 2:51</a>), did that question cut Joseph to the core? Was this yet another reminder to Joseph that he was indeed not the father? In an honor-shame culture, did Joseph ever want to respond to the scarlet letter people pinned on him and Mary amid rumors of an illegitimate son?
My most burning question, however, concerns how much influence Joseph had on Jesus. I wish the evangelists would have told us, but they obviously had more pressing details to relate. Yet do the Gospel authors give us any information to help fill in some of the gaps? According to <a href="https://www.logos.com/search?query=longenecker&amp;sortBy=Relevance&amp;limit=30&amp;page=1&amp;ownership=all&amp;geographicAvailability=availableToMe?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=didjosephdealdoubts&amp;utm_campaign=promo-2020miscdays" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bruce W. Longenecker</a> in Hearing the Silence, they do.<a href='https://blog.faithlife.com/did-joseph-deal-with-doubts-as-a-dad/#easy-footnote-bottom-3-26526' title='&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Bruce W. Longenecker, &lt;i&gt;Hearing the Silence &lt;/i&gt;(Eugene, OR: Cascade Books, 2012).'>3</a>
<h2>Insight from the gaps</h2>
Drawing from literary theorists, Longenecker discusses how “under-narrated” plotlines serve to mobilize our imagination so that we ask probing questions and try to connect missing links in the narrative.
Matthew does leave hints that demonstrate the legacy Joseph passed down to his adopted son.
One scholar Longenecker cites is Kathy Reiko Maxwell, who argues that ancient authors intentionally left out details in their stories to encourage something called “gap reading.”
<a href='https://blog.faithlife.com/did-joseph-deal-with-doubts-as-a-dad/#easy-footnote-bottom-4-26526' title='Kathy Reiko Maxwell, &lt;em&gt;Hearing Between the Lines&lt;/em&gt; (London: T&amp;amp;T Clark, 2010) Maxwell writes: “At times authors use silence to speak to their audience. A gap, an unexpected hole in the presentation, impels the audience to do more than merely receive the story. If not provided in the narrative, the missing information must come from elsewhere. The silence of intentional gaps invites the audience to speak, to engage the unfolding rhetoric, and to become part of the stories themselves” (1).'>4</a>
Gap reading occurs when a curious audience seeks to piece together bits and fragments from sparse details in the story, especially from information they find elsewhere in the book.
<a href="https://www.logos.com/product/175815/the-lords-prayer-a-guide-to-praying-to-our-father?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=didjosephdealdoubts&amp;utm_campaign=promo-2020miscdays" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-24634 size-full" src="https://blog.faithlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Lexham-2019-The-Lords-Prayer-Release-FLAN-Ad-728x90-1.jpg" alt="" width="728" height="90" srcset="http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Lexham-2019-The-Lords-Prayer-Release-FLAN-Ad-728x90-1.jpg 728w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Lexham-2019-The-Lords-Prayer-Release-FLAN-Ad-728x90-1-300x37.jpg 300w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Lexham-2019-The-Lords-Prayer-Release-FLAN-Ad-728x90-1-716x89.jpg 716w" sizes="(max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px" /></a>
While the lack of details about Joseph’s influence on Jesus may not qualify as a proper gap, Matthew does leave hints that demonstrate the legacy Joseph passed down to his adopted son. For example, although Jesus was not from the bloodline of Joseph, Matthew gives us Joseph’s genealogy to demonstrate that Joseph was “a son of David,”<a href='https://blog.faithlife.com/did-joseph-deal-with-doubts-as-a-dad/#easy-footnote-bottom-5-26526' title='&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Also note that the angel of the Lord addresses Joseph as “son of David” (&lt;a href=&quot;https://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Matt%201.20&quot;&gt;Matt 1:20&lt;/a&gt;).'>5</a> the messianic title handed down to Jesus as the Gospel proceeds.<a href='https://blog.faithlife.com/did-joseph-deal-with-doubts-as-a-dad/#easy-footnote-bottom-6-26526' title='&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;See &lt;a href=&quot;https://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Matt%209.27&quot;&gt;Matthew 9:27&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Matt%2012.23&quot;&gt;12:23&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Matt%2015.22&quot;&gt;15:22&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Matt%2020.30-31&quot;&gt;20:30-31&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Matt%2021.9&quot;&gt;21:9&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Matt%2022.42%E2%80%9343&quot;&gt;22:42–43&lt;/a&gt;. '>6</a>
But of course, whereas Joseph was a son of David, the Gospel will go on to show that Jesus is the Son of David—the Christ, the Son of the Living God (<a href="https://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Matt%2016.16">Matt 16:16</a>).
Gap reading points to another example of the connection between Joseph’s calling and that of his adopted son. When Matthew narrates how Joseph saves his family by going to Egypt, he intends to remind us of Joseph the patriarch—who also heard from the Lord in dreams and whose exile in Egypt also saved his family (Israel) from famine and death. If Joseph’s story takes us back to Genesis, then it sets up Jesus’ ministry as a new exodus and Jesus himself as a new kind of Moses who will save his people from their sins (<a href="https://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Matt%201.21">Matt 1:21</a>).<a href='https://blog.faithlife.com/did-joseph-deal-with-doubts-as-a-dad/#easy-footnote-bottom-7-26526' title='&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This image underscores Matthew’s comment about Jesus’ exile fulfilling the Scripture: “Out of Egypt, I called my Son” (2:15). For more on this, see Joseph R. Dodson, “The Good News of Jesus” in Reading Scripture Deeply (eds. Rick Hess and Randy Richards, 2015), 61–72.'>7</a>
My favorite resonance centers on Matthew’s first description of Joseph. Although he was a righteous man, faithful to the law, he didn’t want to shame Mary openly (<a href="https://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Matt%201.19">Matt 1:19</a>). To be sure, if Joseph were a law-abiding citizen, he would have obeyed Moses’ command in <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Deut%2024.1">Deuteronomy 24:1</a>, which calls for a husband to write a certificate of divorce to an indecent woman and then send her on her way (see also <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Matt%205.31">Matt 5:31</a>; <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Matt%2019.7">19:7</a>). Joseph was in a tough place. If he refused to expose his fiancée as an adulteress, then it would seem to everyone else that he must have been the one who impregnated her in the first place. He would have lost his reputation as a righteous man.<a href='https://blog.faithlife.com/did-joseph-deal-with-doubts-as-a-dad/#easy-footnote-bottom-8-26526' title='&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Although the command to expel a woman did not include public shaming, it did not preclude it either. In light of the Joseph typology, it is worth noting how Judah treated Tamar—the first woman mentioned in Matthew’s genealogy. In Genesis 38, when Judah finds out Tamar is pregnant, he sentences her to public execution. She is spared, of course, when Judah discovers that he is the father of the child.'>8</a>
In his embarrassment, it would have been natural for Joseph to consider treating Mary like the woman caught in adultery in John 8—to condemn her and cast the first stone. What’s more, in addition to publicly shaming Mary, it was within Joseph’s legal rights to impound her dowry and demand a refund for the bride price he had paid.<a href='https://blog.faithlife.com/did-joseph-deal-with-doubts-as-a-dad/#easy-footnote-bottom-9-26526' title='&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Later Jewish law demanded a man charge his wife immediately if she was not a virgin. Roman law accused any man who failed to do so to be a pimp who was exploiting his wife as a prostitute. For more on these matters and the background of Matthew 1, see Craig Keener, The Gospel of Matthew (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2009) and Craig A. Evans, Matthew (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2012.'>9</a>
Without anyone begrudging him, Joseph could have then gone on to find another wife, one without so much baggage.
Joseph taught Jesus much more than woodworking. He modeled for his adopted son how, for God’s glory, he must drink the Father’s cup no matter the cost and choke it down despite its bitter shame.
But as you know, after that fateful dream, Joseph obeyed the angel of the Lord. And in the face of the damning derision he would catch, Joseph agreed to take Mary as his wife and her son as his own child.<a href='https://blog.faithlife.com/did-joseph-deal-with-doubts-as-a-dad/#easy-footnote-bottom-10-26526' title='&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;And, like the Joseph in Genesis, Joseph of Nazareth exerted extraordinary sexual restraint. “He did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son” (&lt;a href=&quot;https://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Matt%201.25&quot;&gt;Matt 1:25&lt;/a&gt;; my translation).'>10</a>
<h2>A legacy of humility</h2>
Therefore, if we read in the gaps, we find a significant legacy Joseph left his son. For the sake of God’s kingdom and the salvation of his people, Joseph, a righteous man, likely spent the rest of his days enduring the unjust condemnation of raising a bastard, a child born in sin. Until his death, he had to grimace every time he heard Jesus derided by his Nazarene neighbors as “the carpenter’s son.”<a href='https://blog.faithlife.com/did-joseph-deal-with-doubts-as-a-dad/#easy-footnote-bottom-11-26526' title='See &lt;a href=&quot;https://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Matt%2013.55&quot;&gt;Matt 13:55&lt;/a&gt; (italics mine).'>11</a>
If this gap reading is correct, Joseph taught Jesus much more than woodworking. He modeled for his adopted son how, for God’s glory, he must drink the Father’s cup no matter the cost and choke it down despite its bitter shame.
Nevertheless, just as God took away Jesus’ shame by raising him from the dead, I cannot help but believe he will do the same for Joseph on the day of resurrection. How awesome will it be when Jesus, the Lord of all, honors his adopted father, who suffered so much for him and yet refused to deny his son before men (<a href="https://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Matt%2010.33">Matt 10:33</a>)? I bet Joseph will break down in tears when his adopted son says to him before his heavenly Father and all humankind, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Blessed are you whom people said all kinds of evil against because of me.”
Maybe then Jesus will even add: “You’re the best (earthly) dad, ever.”
<a href="https://www.logos.com/basic?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=didjosephdealdoubts&amp;utm_campaign=promo-2020miscdays" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-28747 size-full" src="https://blog.faithlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1.jpg" alt="Free Bible Software. Priceless Insights. clickable image" width="1280" height="336" srcset="http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1.jpg 1280w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1-300x79.jpg 300w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1-1024x269.jpg 1024w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1-768x202.jpg 768w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1-716x188.jpg 716w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1-820x215.jpg 820w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></a>
***
This post is adapted from the November/December 2018 issue of <a href="https://www.logos.com/search?query=longenecker&amp;sortBy=Relevance&amp;limit=30&amp;page=1&amp;ownership=all&amp;geographicAvailability=availableToMe?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=didjosephdealdoubts&amp;utm_campaign=promo-2020miscdays" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bruce W. Longenecker</a>. The title and subheads are additions of an editor. Joseph R. Dodson is associate professor of biblical studies at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

By Joseph R. Dodson
There’s a palpable pressure that comes with being a parent.
The great responsibility to meet your children’s needs and train them up in the way they should go can be paralyzing. I feel this burden enough with my first four children; the pressure is compounded—for various reasons—with my fifth child, whom we adopted.
With Caspian, I constantly doubt myself. My fears are increased by the disapproving looks and whispers I get from my small-town neighbors whenever they hear my black son call me “dad.” Am I a good dad to Caspian? When he grows up will he appreciate or, heaven forbid, resent me? Who do I need to be in order to be the father he never had?
The other day Caspian was outside playing with two friends. When I went to check on them, they gave me toothy grins and a reassuring thumbs-up. As I walked back to the house, I heard Caspian whisper to them, “He’s the best dad ever.” I broke down in tears. I knew it wasn’t true—I am far from being a great dad—but that he believed those words choked me up.
Similar doubts from another earthly father
I wonder if Joseph ever struggled with similar doubts as he raised his adopted child: Jesus Immanuel Christ.
When Joseph woke up from his prophetic dream, did he feel like he stumbled out of the gate for discounting Mary’s claims about the angel of the Lord and the overshadowing of the Spirit? Did he worry about how, as a refugee, he was going to physically protect and spiritually nurture his family when they got to Egypt—so far from his own home, religious base, and family support system? Did he have to strain to make a living in a foreign land, since he couldn’t depend any longer on his usual Aramaic-speaking customers in Nazareth?1
Moreover, how did Joseph take 12-year-old Jesus’ question at the temple?
Didn’t you all know I had to be in my Father’s house? (Luke 2:49)2
While Mary was treasuring these things in her heart (Luke 2:51), did that question cut Joseph to the core? Was this yet another reminder to Joseph that he was indeed not the father? In an honor-shame culture, did Joseph ever want to respond to the scarlet letter people pinned on him and Mary amid rumors of an illegitimate son?
My most burning question, however, concerns how much influence Joseph had on Jesus. I wish the evangelists would have told us, but they obviously had more pressing details to relate. Yet do the Gospel authors give us any information to help fill in some of the gaps? According to Bruce W. Longenecker in Hearing the Silence, they do.3
Insight from the gaps
Drawing from literary theorists, Longenecker discusses how “under-narrated” plotlines serve to mobilize our imagination so that we ask probing questions and try to connect missing links in the narrative.
Matthew does leave hints that demonstrate the legacy Joseph passed down to his adopted son.
One scholar Longenecker cites is Kathy Reiko Maxwell, who argues that ancient authors intentionally left out details in their stories to encourage something called “gap reading.”
4
Gap reading occurs when a curious audience seeks to piece together bits and fragments from sparse details in the story, especially from information they find elsewhere in the book.

While the lack of details about Joseph’s influence on Jesus may not qualify as a proper gap, Matthew does leave hints that demonstrate the legacy Joseph passed down to his adopted son. For example, although Jesus was not from the bloodline of Joseph, Matthew gives us Joseph’s genealogy to demonstrate that Joseph was “a son of David,”5 the messianic title handed down to Jesus as the Gospel proceeds.6
But of course, whereas Joseph was a son of David, the Gospel will go on to show that Jesus is the Son of David—the Christ, the Son of the Living God (Matt 16:16).
Gap reading points to another example of the connection between Joseph’s calling and that of his adopted son. When Matthew narrates how Joseph saves his family by going to Egypt, he intends to remind us of Joseph the patriarch—who also heard from the Lord in dreams and whose exile in Egypt also saved his family (Israel) from famine and death. If Joseph’s story takes us back to Genesis, then it sets up Jesus’ ministry as a new exodus and Jesus himself as a new kind of Moses who will save his people from their sins (Matt 1:21).7
My favorite resonance centers on Matthew’s first description of Joseph. Although he was a righteous man, faithful to the law, he didn’t want to shame Mary openly (Matt 1:19). To be sure, if Joseph were a law-abiding citizen, he would have obeyed Moses’ command in Deuteronomy 24:1, which calls for a husband to write a certificate of divorce to an indecent woman and then send her on her way (see also Matt 5:31; 19:7). Joseph was in a tough place. If he refused to expose his fiancée as an adulteress, then it would seem to everyone else that he must have been the one who impregnated her in the first place. He would have lost his reputation as a righteous man.8
In his embarrassment, it would have been natural for Joseph to consider treating Mary like the woman caught in adultery in John 8—to condemn her and cast the first stone. What’s more, in addition to publicly shaming Mary, it was within Joseph’s legal rights to impound her dowry and demand a refund for the bride price he had paid.9
Without anyone begrudging him, Joseph could have then gone on to find another wife, one without so much baggage.
Joseph taught Jesus much more than woodworking. He modeled for his adopted son how, for God’s glory, he must drink the Father’s cup no matter the cost and choke it down despite its bitter shame.
But as you know, after that fateful dream, Joseph obeyed the angel of the Lord. And in the face of the damning derision he would catch, Joseph agreed to take Mary as his wife and her son as his own child.10
A legacy of humility
Therefore, if we read in the gaps, we find a significant legacy Joseph left his son. For the sake of God’s kingdom and the salvation of his people, Joseph, a righteous man, likely spent the rest of his days enduring the unjust condemnation of raising a bastard, a child born in sin. Until his death, he had to grimace every time he heard Jesus derided by his Nazarene neighbors as “the carpenter’s son.”11
If this gap reading is correct, Joseph taught Jesus much more than woodworking. He modeled for his adopted son how, for God’s glory, he must drink the Father’s cup no matter the cost and choke it down despite its bitter shame.
Nevertheless, just as God took away Jesus’ shame by raising him from the dead, I cannot help but believe he will do the same for Joseph on the day of resurrection. How awesome will it be when Jesus, the Lord of all, honors his adopted father, who suffered so much for him and yet refused to deny his son before men (Matt 10:33)? I bet Joseph will break down in tears when his adopted son says to him before his heavenly Father and all humankind, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Blessed are you whom people said all kinds of evil against because of me.”
Maybe then Jesus will even add: “You’re the best (earthly) dad, ever.”

***
This post is adapted from the November/December 2018 issue of Bruce W. Longenecker. The title and subheads are additions of an editor. Joseph R. Dodson is associate professor of biblical studies at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

There’s a palpable pressure that comes with being a parent. 

The great responsibility to meet your children’s needs and train them up in the way they should go can be paralyzing. I feel this burden enough with my first four children; the pressure is compounded—for various reasons—with my fifth child, whom we adopted.

Did Joseph Deal with Doubts as a Dad?

<img width="1200" height="630" src="https://blog.faithlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Garden-tomb.jpg" class="attachment- size- wp-post-image" alt="Garden tomb in Jerusalem" loading="lazy" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" srcset="http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Garden-tomb.jpg 1200w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Garden-tomb-300x158.jpg 300w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Garden-tomb-1024x538.jpg 1024w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Garden-tomb-768x403.jpg 768w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Garden-tomb-716x376.jpg 716w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Garden-tomb-820x431.jpg 820w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />Can knowing geography help us know God better? When it comes to Bible geography, the answer is yes. This month’s free book shows how. Going Places with God: A Devotional Journey Through the Lands of the Bible offers 90 devotional readings, each based on a specific biblical place. This excerpt from day 54 gives a [&#8230;]

<img width="1200" height="630" src="https://blog.faithlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Garden-tomb.jpg" class="attachment- size- wp-post-image" alt="Garden tomb in Jerusalem" loading="lazy" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" srcset="http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Garden-tomb.jpg 1200w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Garden-tomb-300x158.jpg 300w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Garden-tomb-1024x538.jpg 1024w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Garden-tomb-768x403.jpg 768w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Garden-tomb-716x376.jpg 716w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Garden-tomb-820x431.jpg 820w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />Can knowing geography help us know God better?
When it comes to Bible geography, the answer is yes. <a href="https://ebooks.faithlife.com/free-book-of-the-month?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=junefb&amp;utm_campaign=promo-ebooksfreebookjun2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">This month’s free book</a> shows how.
<a href="https://ebooks.faithlife.com/free-book-of-the-month?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=junefb&amp;utm_campaign=promo-ebooksfreebookjun2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Going Places with God: A Devotional Journey Through the Lands of the Bible</a> offers 90 devotional readings, each based on a specific biblical place.
This excerpt from day 54 gives a look at the types of insights you can expect.
***
<h2>No rivers run through it</h2>
<h3>Deuteronomy 11:10–14</h3>
When we think of the land God prepared for his people, we might imagine another garden of Eden—a land of grassy meadows, fertile forests, and rivers aplenty. But Canaan was far from paradise.
God fashioned the land to cultivate a particular response and behavior from his people: the response of faith and the behavior of faithfulness. The Lord took his people to a place where, through their dependence on him to meet their physical needs, he would develop their spiritual lives.
Unlike Egypt, which had the Nile, and Mesopotamia, which had the Euphrates, Canaan had no major river or water source to guarantee life. Because water remained the most important variable in the land of Canaan, God used the climate to encourage Israel to trust and obey Him. The land, the Lord said, “Drinks water from the rain of heaven” (Deut 11:11). In Hebrew, the word for “water” (mayim) is related to the word for “heaven” (shamayim). So, even in their language, God reminded his people that they drew their very existence from him.
We find the same true in our lives today. God has not placed us in paradise but in places where he can give us something far more valuable—himself. Through our health, finances, family, and constant struggles, God shapes our spiritual lives by revealing our inability to meet our own needs. He takes us to places of dependence because he loves us. The struggle prompts us to admit we must depend on him to receive the life that is life indeed.
Mighty God, it seems I live where either the water is scarce or it threatens to swamp me. You have placed me in a land where I must walk closely with You if I am to survive. Thank You for keeping me dependent on You.

God hath in himself all power to defend you . . . all grace to enrich you . . . all goodness to supply you.
—Thomas Brooks
See maps on pages 28–29, 42–43, 56–57.<a href='https://blog.faithlife.com/going-places-with-god-free-book/#easy-footnote-bottom-1-34252' title='Wayne Stiles, &lt;em&gt;Going Places with God: A Devotional Journey through the Lands of the Bible&lt;/em&gt; (Ventura, CA: Regal, 2011).'>1</a>
***
<a href="https://ebooks.faithlife.com/free-book-of-the-month?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=junefb&amp;utm_campaign=promo-ebooksfreebookjun2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Get Going Places with God for free today!</a>
<a href="https://ebooks.faithlife.com/free-book-of-the-month?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=junefb&amp;utm_campaign=promo-ebooksfreebookjun2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-28597 size-full" src="https://blog.faithlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pasted-image-0.jpg" alt="Ad reading &quot;A Free Book for You. Get it this month from Faithlife Ebooks.&quot;" width="1024" height="256" srcset="http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pasted-image-0.jpg 1024w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pasted-image-0-300x75.jpg 300w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pasted-image-0-768x192.jpg 768w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pasted-image-0-716x179.jpg 716w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pasted-image-0-820x205.jpg 820w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a>

Can knowing geography help us know God better?
When it comes to Bible geography, the answer is yes. This month’s free book shows how.
Going Places with God: A Devotional Journey Through the Lands of the Bible offers 90 devotional readings, each based on a specific biblical place.
This excerpt from day 54 gives a look at the types of insights you can expect.
***
No rivers run through it
Deuteronomy 11:10–14
When we think of the land God prepared for his people, we might imagine another garden of Eden—a land of grassy meadows, fertile forests, and rivers aplenty. But Canaan was far from paradise.
God fashioned the land to cultivate a particular response and behavior from his people: the response of faith and the behavior of faithfulness. The Lord took his people to a place where, through their dependence on him to meet their physical needs, he would develop their spiritual lives.
Unlike Egypt, which had the Nile, and Mesopotamia, which had the Euphrates, Canaan had no major river or water source to guarantee life. Because water remained the most important variable in the land of Canaan, God used the climate to encourage Israel to trust and obey Him. The land, the Lord said, “Drinks water from the rain of heaven” (Deut 11:11). In Hebrew, the word for “water” (mayim) is related to the word for “heaven” (shamayim). So, even in their language, God reminded his people that they drew their very existence from him.
We find the same true in our lives today. God has not placed us in paradise but in places where he can give us something far more valuable—himself. Through our health, finances, family, and constant struggles, God shapes our spiritual lives by revealing our inability to meet our own needs. He takes us to places of dependence because he loves us. The struggle prompts us to admit we must depend on him to receive the life that is life indeed.
Mighty God, it seems I live where either the water is scarce or it threatens to swamp me. You have placed me in a land where I must walk closely with You if I am to survive. Thank You for keeping me dependent on You.
—Thomas Brooks
See maps on pages 28–29, 42–43, 56–57.1
***
Get Going Places with God for free today!

Can knowing geography help us know God better? When it comes to Bible geography, the answer is yes. This month’s free book shows how. Going Places with God: A Devotional Journey Through the Lands of the Bible offers 90 devotional readings, each based on a specific biblical place. This excerpt from day 54 gives a […]

Going Places with God (Free Book)

<img width="1200" height="630" src="https://blog.faithlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/People-Praying.jpg" class="attachment- size- wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" srcset="http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/People-Praying.jpg 1200w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/People-Praying-300x158.jpg 300w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/People-Praying-1024x538.jpg 1024w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/People-Praying-768x403.jpg 768w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/People-Praying-716x376.jpg 716w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/People-Praying-820x431.jpg 820w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />First Thessalonians beckons us to pray without ceasing. As we think of those who’ve given their lives for our country and those they’ve left behind, we sense the need for prayer more deeply. These prayers for Memorial Day weren’t written for the holiday, but they address many needs we feel today and focus us on [&#8230;]

<img width="1200" height="630" src="https://blog.faithlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/People-Praying.jpg" class="attachment- size- wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" srcset="http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/People-Praying.jpg 1200w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/People-Praying-300x158.jpg 300w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/People-Praying-1024x538.jpg 1024w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/People-Praying-768x403.jpg 768w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/People-Praying-716x376.jpg 716w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/People-Praying-820x431.jpg 820w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />First Thessalonians beckons us to pray without ceasing. As we think of those who’ve given their lives for our country and those they’ve left behind, we sense the need for prayer more deeply.
These prayers for Memorial Day weren’t written for the holiday, but they address many needs we feel today and focus us on the God who provides every day.&nbsp;
<h2>Memorial Day prayers from The Book of Common Prayer</h2>
<h3>Prayer for those in the armed forces of our country</h3>
Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. <a href='https://blog.faithlife.com/5-memorial-day-prayers-for-our-country-our-service-and-our-enemies/#easy-footnote-bottom-1-26092' title='&lt;span style=&quot;font-weight: 400;&quot;&gt;The Episcopal Church. (2007).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.logos.com/product/42767/the-book-of-common-prayer-1979&quot;&gt; &lt;i&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-weight: 400;&quot;&gt;The Book of Common Prayer and Administration of the Sacraments and Other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-weight: 400;&quot;&gt; (p. 823). New York: Church Publishing Incorporated.&lt;/span&gt;'>1</a>&nbsp;
<h3>Prayer for our country</h3>
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. <a href='https://blog.faithlife.com/5-memorial-day-prayers-for-our-country-our-service-and-our-enemies/#easy-footnote-bottom-2-26092' title='&amp;nbsp;Ibid., 820.'>2</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://ebooks.faithlife.com/free-book-of-the-month?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=5memorialdayprayers&amp;utm_campaign=promo-2020miscdays" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-28597 size-full" src="https://blog.faithlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pasted-image-0.jpg" alt="Ad reading &quot;A Free Book for You. Get it this month from Faithlife Ebooks.&quot;" width="1024" height="256" srcset="http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pasted-image-0.jpg 1024w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pasted-image-0-300x75.jpg 300w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pasted-image-0-768x192.jpg 768w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pasted-image-0-716x179.jpg 716w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pasted-image-0-820x205.jpg 820w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a>
<h3>Prayer for peace</h3>
Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and forever. Amen. <a href='https://blog.faithlife.com/5-memorial-day-prayers-for-our-country-our-service-and-our-enemies/#easy-footnote-bottom-3-26092' title='&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-weight: 400;&quot;&gt;Ibid., 815.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-weight: 400;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXO215688698&quot;&gt;'>3</a>&nbsp;
<h3>Prayer for a person in trouble or bereavement</h3>
O merciful Father, who hast taught us in thy holy Word that thou dost not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men: look with pity upon the sorrows of thy servant for whom our prayers are offered. Remember him, O Lord, in mercy, nourish his soul with patience, comfort him with a sense of thy goodness, lift up thy countenance upon him, and give him peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. <a href='https://blog.faithlife.com/5-memorial-day-prayers-for-our-country-our-service-and-our-enemies/#easy-footnote-bottom-4-26092' title='Ibid., 831.'>4</a>&nbsp;
<h3>Prayer for our enemies</h3>
O God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. <a href='https://blog.faithlife.com/5-memorial-day-prayers-for-our-country-our-service-and-our-enemies/#easy-footnote-bottom-5-26092' title='&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-weight: 400;&quot;&gt;Ibid., 816.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-weight: 400;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXO215688698&quot;&gt;'>5</a>&nbsp;
***


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<a href="https://www.logos.com/mobile-app?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=5memorialdayprayers&amp;utm_campaign=promo-2020miscdays" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-30437 size-full" src="https://blog.faithlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1-2.jpg" alt="Free Bible Software. Priceless Insights. clickable image" width="1280" height="336" srcset="http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1-2.jpg 1280w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1-2-300x79.jpg 300w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1-2-1024x269.jpg 1024w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1-2-768x202.jpg 768w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1-2-716x188.jpg 716w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1-2-820x215.jpg 820w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></a>

First Thessalonians beckons us to pray without ceasing. As we think of those who’ve given their lives for our country and those they’ve left behind, we sense the need for prayer more deeply.
These prayers for Memorial Day weren’t written for the holiday, but they address many needs we feel today and focus us on the God who provides every day. 
Memorial Day prayers from The Book of Common Prayer
Prayer for those in the armed forces of our country
Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 1 
Prayer for our country
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 2 

Prayer for peace
Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and forever. Amen. 3 
Prayer for a person in trouble or bereavement
O merciful Father, who hast taught us in thy holy Word that thou dost not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men: look with pity upon the sorrows of thy servant for whom our prayers are offered. Remember him, O Lord, in mercy, nourish his soul with patience, comfort him with a sense of thy goodness, lift up thy countenance upon him, and give him peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 4 
Prayer for our enemies
O God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 5 
***
With the free top-rated Logos Bible app, you can add prayer requests that appear on your home screen so you can remember to pray for needs big and small, plus have everything you need for deeper Bible study in one place. It comes with study Bibles, devotionals, commentaries, and more. Try it today!

First Thessalonians beckons us to pray without ceasing. As we think of those who’ve given their lives for our country and those they’ve left behind, we sense the need for prayer more deeply. These prayers for Memorial Day weren’t written for the holiday, but they address many needs we feel today and focus us on […]

5 Memorial Day Prayers for Our Country, Our Service, and Our Enemies

<img width="1200" height="630" src="https://blog.faithlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/jaime-lopes-0RDBOAdnbWM-unsplash.jpeg" class="attachment- size- wp-post-image" alt="Youth leader" loading="lazy" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" srcset="http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/jaime-lopes-0RDBOAdnbWM-unsplash.jpeg 1200w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/jaime-lopes-0RDBOAdnbWM-unsplash-300x158.jpeg 300w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/jaime-lopes-0RDBOAdnbWM-unsplash-1024x538.jpeg 1024w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/jaime-lopes-0RDBOAdnbWM-unsplash-768x403.jpeg 768w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/jaime-lopes-0RDBOAdnbWM-unsplash-716x376.jpeg 716w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/jaime-lopes-0RDBOAdnbWM-unsplash-820x431.jpeg 820w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />A lot of Christians think they aren&#8217;t cut out to be a youth leader. But if you love Jesus and you care about kids, everything else falls into place. In my five years working with middle school students I&#8217;ve met multiple 80 year olds who are incredible youth leaders—and it’s not for their spunky personalities [&#8230;]

<img width="1200" height="630" src="https://blog.faithlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/jaime-lopes-0RDBOAdnbWM-unsplash.jpeg" class="attachment- size- wp-post-image" alt="Youth leader" loading="lazy" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" srcset="http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/jaime-lopes-0RDBOAdnbWM-unsplash.jpeg 1200w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/jaime-lopes-0RDBOAdnbWM-unsplash-300x158.jpeg 300w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/jaime-lopes-0RDBOAdnbWM-unsplash-1024x538.jpeg 1024w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/jaime-lopes-0RDBOAdnbWM-unsplash-768x403.jpeg 768w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/jaime-lopes-0RDBOAdnbWM-unsplash-716x376.jpeg 716w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/jaime-lopes-0RDBOAdnbWM-unsplash-820x431.jpeg 820w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />A lot of Christians think they aren&#8217;t cut out to be a youth leader. But if you love Jesus and you care about kids, everything else falls into place.
In my five years working with middle school students I&#8217;ve met multiple 80 year olds who are incredible youth leaders—and it’s not for their spunky personalities and crazy dance skills. They love Jesus and they love kids. When you boil it down, that&#8217;s what really matters.
If you start with Jesus, all of the intricacies of youth ministry should align conceptually, biblically, and practically. You should be able to trace everything back to Jesus.
Here are ten things every youth leader should know:
<h2>1. Have a purpose for everything</h2>
Let&#8217;s be honest. From the outside looking in, there&#8217;s a lot of weird stuff that happens at youth groups. Beach ball ballet, cricket-spitting contests, fruit baseball, and an endless list of games, skits, and programs that don&#8217;t seem in any way connected to&nbsp;sharing the gospel.
But if you know the purpose behind each component, then even the goofy and weird parts make sense.
Some games give lonely, left out, or neglected kids the chance to be noticed, cheered, and celebrated. Other games force kids to work together—regardless of who they&#8217;re friends with at school.
Wacky leader skits can create laughter, break down walls, and show kids that there is a childlike joy in everyone. For leaders, those same activities can offer an opportunity to step out of their own comfort zone and put kids before themselves.
I&#8217;ve worked with leaders who refused to put themselves in front of kids and be goofy alongside them because &#8220;it wasn&#8217;t their gifting.&#8221; It&#8217;s definitely important to recognize what you&#8217;re good at and what you&#8217;re not good at (so you know how you&#8217;re best suited to serve your team), but if we understand the why behind each aspect of youth group, it becomes a lot less about us and a lot more about the kids, Jesus, and the ways we let God use us.
<a href="https://faithlife.com/ministry-resources/equip/guide/how-to-empower-church-leaders?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=betteryouthleader&amp;utm_campaign=promo-faithlifegroups" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-24372 size-full" src="https://blog.faithlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/95Network_Display-A_640x186-1.jpg" alt="" width="620" height="180" srcset="http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/95Network_Display-A_640x186-1.jpg 620w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/95Network_Display-A_640x186-1-300x87.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /></a>
<h2>2. Humble yourself</h2>
The more cool, holy, or amazing you present yourself as, the more distant kids will feel from you.
You&#8217;re also the person who happens to be proclaiming the gospel and sharing about Jesus—do the math.
Leaders should show kids that Jesus meets them right where they are, loves them as they are, and desires to be a part of their lives right now—not once they become as cool, holy, and amazing as their leaders.
You were a kid once. If you&#8217;re made of flesh and blood, you probably sinned once, too. It&#8217;s not always best to share all the details of your sin without a relational foundation, but the more vulnerable you are with kids, the more likely they are to share the sin in their lives too. If we hide, so do they.
Humility isn&#8217;t just important for our relationships with kids. If you serve in a youth ministry, chances are good that you work with a team of volunteers.
Serving in ministry together is a surprisingly dangerous opportunity for selfishness to creep into our lives. It&#8217;s easy to feel like by being on the team we are fulfilling our duties, checking the box, or doing our time. But if you&#8217;ve committed to being a part of the team, share the load. Don&#8217;t dump everything onto one person—especially not the person giving the message. If someone else on your team is directly communicating the gospel, help that leader give kids their best by allowing them to focus on preparing their message.
<h2>3. Seek the kids in the corners</h2>
No matter how awesome your youth group is, there will always be kids in the corners. The ones who show up because their parents made them come, or a cute boy or girl is there too. They think the games are dumb and the leaders are weird. Or maybe they just want everyone else to think they&#8217;re too cool to be there. Either way, God has brought them to your youth group, and he&#8217;s entrusted them to you for an hour or two each week.
Sometimes kids genuinely aren&#8217;t interested in what&#8217;s going on, and you can&#8217;t and shouldn&#8217;t force them to join in. But sometimes kids stand in the corners to see if anyone will notice.
If a kid without friends comes to youth group, where he/she doesn&#8217;t have friends, how do you make the body of Christ look different than school? Involve them. Love them. Imitate God&#8217;s relentless pursuit of their hearts.
<h2>4. Share the joy of the gospel</h2>
The gospel isn&#8217;t boring. A lot of kids think it is, because their only exposure to it is from reading a translation of a 2,000-year-old book, or listening to messages crafted for adults. Jim Rayburn, founder of Young Life (a youth ministry designed for kids who don&#8217;t go to church), once said &#8220;It&#8217;s a sin to bore a kid with the gospel.&#8221; Whether or not you agree with Rayburn, Christians can&#8217;t overlook the potential damage of presenting the most exciting truth in the history of the world as stale, old, and irrelevant. The Bible is living and active (Hebrews 4:12), and there are countless ways to show kids that the life and truth it contains is applicable to their lives today.
<h2>5. Know your kids</h2>
Knowing your kids means more than just knowing who they are. It means knowing how they will respond to different situations, and preparing your events with them in mind.
Some kids love being the center of attention, and some kids fall apart when you put them in front of a group. It&#8217;s important to give kids equal opportunity to shine, but the risk of humiliating a kid or making them feel alone and outcast is not worth the potential reward of making them feel adored.
If a kid is checking out your youth group for the first time and you&#8217;ve never had any interaction with them, you might want to be careful about throwing them into a game that requires them to be outgoing and comfortable in front of everyone.
It&#8217;s also important to know where your kids are at spiritually. This doesn&#8217;t mean you should ask every kid who comes through the door, &#8220;Do you believe in Jesus?&#8221; Those conversations should happen, but not before you develop a relationship with them and earn the right to ask those deeply intimate questions.
There are countless reasons why a kid might walk in through the doors of your youth ministry, and a lot of them aren&#8217;t Jesus (at least, not from the kid&#8217;s perspective). Over-spiritualizing a kid&#8217;s experience can actually prevent them from having a spiritual experience. <a href="https://www.logos.com/products/search?Author=5093%7cFrancis+of+Assisi?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=betteryouthleader&amp;utm_campaign=promo-faithlifegroups">St. Francis of Assisi</a> is often attributed with saying, “Preach the gospel always, and if necessary, use words.” Youth ministry is an excellent context to practice reflecting Christ through the way you love and live.
<h1><a href="https://logos.com/basic?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=betteryouthleader&amp;utm_campaign=promo-faithlifegroups" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-28747 size-full" src="https://blog.faithlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1.jpg" alt="Free Bible Software. Priceless Insights. clickable image" width="1280" height="336" srcset="http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1.jpg 1280w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1-300x79.jpg 300w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1-1024x269.jpg 1024w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1-768x202.jpg 768w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1-716x188.jpg 716w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1-820x215.jpg 820w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></a></h1>
<h2>6. Don&#8217;t embarrass kids*</h2>
Kids live in constant fear of humiliation. The last place they should have to live out their worst nightmares is at youth group—where they are also learning that they are loved and valued by God.
*See #5 and #1. If you know a kid well enough and you&#8217;re confident that their class-clown spirit will allow them to embrace and appreciate the experience, and the embarrassment serves a purpose, mild embarrassment may be acceptable.
<h2>7. Meet parents</h2>
You could be the nicest, most caring and trustworthy person on the planet, but if parents don&#8217;t know you, how can you expect them to trust you with their kids?
Building a relationship with parents is especially important for middle school and elementary school ministries, where kids are fully dependent on their parents to even be able to show up at your events. Sometimes meeting parents is effortless because they actively seek out the leaders who work with their kids. Other times, meeting parents takes work.
Even if they don&#8217;t care who you are or who their kids hang out with, it will always be worth it to you in your ministry to get to know the people who have raised the kids God has placed at your feet. When kids leave, walk them out to whoever picks them up. Better yet, offer to give them a ride, and use it as an opportunity to introduce yourself to their parents. Don&#8217;t let the inside of the church be the only place your life overlaps with your kids&#8217;.
<h2>8. Put your relationship with Jesus first</h2>
This may seem selfish in a way, but the reality is, the more we put Jesus first, the more we love those around us. When you put your relationship with Jesus first, the purpose and significance of everything you do and say to others is amplified, not reduced.
Phrases like, &#8220;You can only lead someone as far as you&#8217;ve gone&#8221; may be cliché, but they still carry weight. If you aren&#8217;t pursuing your own relationship with Jesus, how can you honestly encourage kids that it&#8217;s important to their faith? If you aren&#8217;t <a href="/why-you-should-read-the-bible-every-day/">reading your Bible</a>, praying, and surrounding yourself with Christians who are wiser than yourself, you aren&#8217;t offering your best to your ministry, your kids, or God.
These are your tools of the trade, and if you aren&#8217;t using your tools, how can you do your job?
<h2>9. Honor your commitment</h2>
Hopefully getting involved with a youth group wasn&#8217;t just a passing fancy you had in church one day. Stepping into ministry of any kind is something that should be prayerfully considered, discussed with God and with wise people in your life, and surrounded with spiritual preparation.
If you&#8217;ve committed to leading kids at your church or through another ministry, honor God, your kids, and the leaders on your team by being trustworthy, accountable, and invested in the work you are doing together.
Today&#8217;s kids have been dubbed <a href="/25-million-youths-without-fathers-and-one-man-on-a-mission/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&#8220;the fatherless generation.&#8221;</a> Youth leaders can&#8217;t abandon them too. Leaving ministry should be considered just as carefully and prayerfully as entering it.
<h2>10. Get a mentor</h2>
One of the biggest dangers facing people in ministry is <a href="/church-volunteer-burnout/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">burnout</a>. It&#8217;s easy to be excited about something when you first get going, but after a couple years, or a decade, how do you stay excited? And more importantly, how do you draw from your experience while still treating each experience and each kid as something entirely new and wonderful?
The key is having a mentor.
If you are constantly pouring into the lives of kids and nobody is pouring into you, sooner or later you&#8217;re going to feel empty. Whether that mentor is a pastor, a more experienced leader, or a wise friend from church, you need somebody who can offer you fresh perspective, hold you accountable, pray for you, love you, and inspire you to keep going (Hebrews 10:24).
<h3><a href="https://faithlife.com/ministry-resources/equip/guide/how-to-empower-church-leaders?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=betteryouthleader&amp;utm_campaign=promo-faithlifegroups" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-30953 size-full" src="https://blog.faithlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Churcher-Leaders-Guide.jpg" alt="Get a Deeper Bench: How to Raise Up New Ministry Leaders: Get Free Guide ad" width="620" height="150" srcset="http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Churcher-Leaders-Guide.jpg 620w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Churcher-Leaders-Guide-300x73.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /></a></h3>
<h3>Related articles</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://blog.faithlife.com/millennials-gen-z-leaving-church/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Millennials &amp; Gen Z Are Leaving Church. What Can We Do?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://blog.faithlife.com/confessions-of-an-unqualified-youth-leader/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Confessions of an Unqualified Youth Leader</a></li>
</ul>

A lot of Christians think they aren’t cut out to be a youth leader. But if you love Jesus and you care about kids, everything else falls into place.
In my five years working with middle school students I’ve met multiple 80 year olds who are incredible youth leaders—and it’s not for their spunky personalities and crazy dance skills. They love Jesus and they love kids. When you boil it down, that’s what really matters.
If you start with Jesus, all of the intricacies of youth ministry should align conceptually, biblically, and practically. You should be able to trace everything back to Jesus.
Here are ten things every youth leader should know:
1. Have a purpose for everything
Let’s be honest. From the outside looking in, there’s a lot of weird stuff that happens at youth groups. Beach ball ballet, cricket-spitting contests, fruit baseball, and an endless list of games, skits, and programs that don’t seem in any way connected to sharing the gospel.
But if you know the purpose behind each component, then even the goofy and weird parts make sense.
Some games give lonely, left out, or neglected kids the chance to be noticed, cheered, and celebrated. Other games force kids to work together—regardless of who they’re friends with at school.
Wacky leader skits can create laughter, break down walls, and show kids that there is a childlike joy in everyone. For leaders, those same activities can offer an opportunity to step out of their own comfort zone and put kids before themselves.
I’ve worked with leaders who refused to put themselves in front of kids and be goofy alongside them because “it wasn’t their gifting.” It’s definitely important to recognize what you’re good at and what you’re not good at (so you know how you’re best suited to serve your team), but if we understand the why behind each aspect of youth group, it becomes a lot less about us and a lot more about the kids, Jesus, and the ways we let God use us.

2. Humble yourself
The more cool, holy, or amazing you present yourself as, the more distant kids will feel from you.
You’re also the person who happens to be proclaiming the gospel and sharing about Jesus—do the math.
Leaders should show kids that Jesus meets them right where they are, loves them as they are, and desires to be a part of their lives right now—not once they become as cool, holy, and amazing as their leaders.
You were a kid once. If you’re made of flesh and blood, you probably sinned once, too. It’s not always best to share all the details of your sin without a relational foundation, but the more vulnerable you are with kids, the more likely they are to share the sin in their lives too. If we hide, so do they.
Humility isn’t just important for our relationships with kids. If you serve in a youth ministry, chances are good that you work with a team of volunteers.
Serving in ministry together is a surprisingly dangerous opportunity for selfishness to creep into our lives. It’s easy to feel like by being on the team we are fulfilling our duties, checking the box, or doing our time. But if you’ve committed to being a part of the team, share the load. Don’t dump everything onto one person—especially not the person giving the message. If someone else on your team is directly communicating the gospel, help that leader give kids their best by allowing them to focus on preparing their message.
3. Seek the kids in the corners
No matter how awesome your youth group is, there will always be kids in the corners. The ones who show up because their parents made them come, or a cute boy or girl is there too. They think the games are dumb and the leaders are weird. Or maybe they just want everyone else to think they’re too cool to be there. Either way, God has brought them to your youth group, and he’s entrusted them to you for an hour or two each week.
Sometimes kids genuinely aren’t interested in what’s going on, and you can’t and shouldn’t force them to join in. But sometimes kids stand in the corners to see if anyone will notice.
If a kid without friends comes to youth group, where he/she doesn’t have friends, how do you make the body of Christ look different than school? Involve them. Love them. Imitate God’s relentless pursuit of their hearts.
4. Share the joy of the gospel
The gospel isn’t boring. A lot of kids think it is, because their only exposure to it is from reading a translation of a 2,000-year-old book, or listening to messages crafted for adults. Jim Rayburn, founder of Young Life (a youth ministry designed for kids who don’t go to church), once said “It’s a sin to bore a kid with the gospel.” Whether or not you agree with Rayburn, Christians can’t overlook the potential damage of presenting the most exciting truth in the history of the world as stale, old, and irrelevant. The Bible is living and active (Hebrews 4:12), and there are countless ways to show kids that the life and truth it contains is applicable to their lives today.
5. Know your kids
Knowing your kids means more than just knowing who they are. It means knowing how they will respond to different situations, and preparing your events with them in mind.
Some kids love being the center of attention, and some kids fall apart when you put them in front of a group. It’s important to give kids equal opportunity to shine, but the risk of humiliating a kid or making them feel alone and outcast is not worth the potential reward of making them feel adored.
If a kid is checking out your youth group for the first time and you’ve never had any interaction with them, you might want to be careful about throwing them into a game that requires them to be outgoing and comfortable in front of everyone.
It’s also important to know where your kids are at spiritually. This doesn’t mean you should ask every kid who comes through the door, “Do you believe in Jesus?” Those conversations should happen, but not before you develop a relationship with them and earn the right to ask those deeply intimate questions.
There are countless reasons why a kid might walk in through the doors of your youth ministry, and a lot of them aren’t Jesus (at least, not from the kid’s perspective). Over-spiritualizing a kid’s experience can actually prevent them from having a spiritual experience. St. Francis of Assisi is often attributed with saying, “Preach the gospel always, and if necessary, use words.” Youth ministry is an excellent context to practice reflecting Christ through the way you love and live.

6. Don’t embarrass kids*
Kids live in constant fear of humiliation. The last place they should have to live out their worst nightmares is at youth group—where they are also learning that they are loved and valued by God.
*See #5 and #1. If you know a kid well enough and you’re confident that their class-clown spirit will allow them to embrace and appreciate the experience, and the embarrassment serves a purpose, mild embarrassment may be acceptable.
7. Meet parents
You could be the nicest, most caring and trustworthy person on the planet, but if parents don’t know you, how can you expect them to trust you with their kids?
Building a relationship with parents is especially important for middle school and elementary school ministries, where kids are fully dependent on their parents to even be able to show up at your events. Sometimes meeting parents is effortless because they actively seek out the leaders who work with their kids. Other times, meeting parents takes work.
Even if they don’t care who you are or who their kids hang out with, it will always be worth it to you in your ministry to get to know the people who have raised the kids God has placed at your feet. When kids leave, walk them out to whoever picks them up. Better yet, offer to give them a ride, and use it as an opportunity to introduce yourself to their parents. Don’t let the inside of the church be the only place your life overlaps with your kids’.
8. Put your relationship with Jesus first
This may seem selfish in a way, but the reality is, the more we put Jesus first, the more we love those around us. When you put your relationship with Jesus first, the purpose and significance of everything you do and say to others is amplified, not reduced.
Phrases like, “You can only lead someone as far as you’ve gone” may be cliché, but they still carry weight. If you aren’t pursuing your own relationship with Jesus, how can you honestly encourage kids that it’s important to their faith? If you aren’t reading your Bible, praying, and surrounding yourself with Christians who are wiser than yourself, you aren’t offering your best to your ministry, your kids, or God.
These are your tools of the trade, and if you aren’t using your tools, how can you do your job?
9. Honor your commitment
Hopefully getting involved with a youth group wasn’t just a passing fancy you had in church one day. Stepping into ministry of any kind is something that should be prayerfully considered, discussed with God and with wise people in your life, and surrounded with spiritual preparation.
If you’ve committed to leading kids at your church or through another ministry, honor God, your kids, and the leaders on your team by being trustworthy, accountable, and invested in the work you are doing together.
Today’s kids have been dubbed “the fatherless generation.” Youth leaders can’t abandon them too. Leaving ministry should be considered just as carefully and prayerfully as entering it.
10. Get a mentor
One of the biggest dangers facing people in ministry is burnout. It’s easy to be excited about something when you first get going, but after a couple years, or a decade, how do you stay excited? And more importantly, how do you draw from your experience while still treating each experience and each kid as something entirely new and wonderful?
The key is having a mentor.
If you are constantly pouring into the lives of kids and nobody is pouring into you, sooner or later you’re going to feel empty. Whether that mentor is a pastor, a more experienced leader, or a wise friend from church, you need somebody who can offer you fresh perspective, hold you accountable, pray for you, love you, and inspire you to keep going (Hebrews 10:24).

Related articles
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A lot of Christians think they aren’t cut out to be a youth leader. But if you love Jesus and you care about kids, everything else falls into place. In my five years working with middle school students I’ve met multiple 80 year olds who are incredible youth leaders—and it’s not for their spunky personalities […]

10 Things Every Youth Leader Should Know

<img width="1200" height="630" src="https://blog.faithlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/church-plant.jpg" class="attachment- size- wp-post-image" alt="people talking and having coffee at a church plant" loading="lazy" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" srcset="http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/church-plant.jpg 1200w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/church-plant-300x158.jpg 300w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/church-plant-1024x538.jpg 1024w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/church-plant-768x403.jpg 768w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/church-plant-716x376.jpg 716w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/church-plant-820x431.jpg 820w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />By Douglas Heck I heard what I thought was God’s voice saying, “You have the wrong sermon for tomorrow.” It was late Saturday night and I had just completed the last touches for preparing my sermon to preach the next morning at our new church plant in urban Seattle. “But Lord,” I contended, lying on [&#8230;]

<img width="1200" height="630" src="https://blog.faithlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/church-plant.jpg" class="attachment- size- wp-post-image" alt="people talking and having coffee at a church plant" loading="lazy" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" srcset="http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/church-plant.jpg 1200w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/church-plant-300x158.jpg 300w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/church-plant-1024x538.jpg 1024w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/church-plant-768x403.jpg 768w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/church-plant-716x376.jpg 716w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/church-plant-820x431.jpg 820w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />By Douglas Heck
I heard what I thought was God’s voice saying, “You have the wrong sermon for tomorrow.” It was late Saturday night and I had just completed the last touches for preparing my sermon to preach the next morning at our new church plant in urban Seattle.
“But Lord,” I contended, lying on the floor, face down and my chin propped in the crack of my open Bible, “I have been working on this all evening, and it’s late now and I am tired and need some sleep. You could have stopped me earlier.” There was no response.
Since God was no longer talking, I did the next best and intelligent thing: I closed my eyes, and thumbed blindly through my Bible, intent on letting my finger fall randomly where it would and claiming that Scripture passage as my sermon text. My finger fell on Genesis 23:9: “so he will sell me the cave of Machpelah, which belongs to him and is at the end of his field. Ask him to sell it to me for the full price as a burial site among you.”
“Well, that doesn’t work,” I said aloud into the quiet night. My thoughts continued: “If college buddies could see what I am reduced to now, they would get a real kick out of this. You can’t encourage a new church with talk of Abraham trying to buy a grave for his wife who died.” Then I heard God’s Spirit say, “That is it. Look carefully.”
I meditated on the story context as the night wore on. It was all there, and I had never seen it before. The truth revealed became my first important lesson in church planting: You don’t plant a church first, but you plant a man, and then around him grows a church. Let me explain.
<a href="https://www.logos.com/preaching-suite?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=churchplanting&amp;utm_campaign=promo-2022miscdays" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone" src="https://files.logoscdn.com/v1/files/50476657/assets/11825340/content.png?signature=pX6hiw3QXuu8VTaDB9Eo9om7qs0" alt="Preaching Suite: The Complete Solution for Preaching" width="728" height="90" /></a>
<h2>Fully buying in</h2>
In Genesis 23:4, Abraham points out to the inhabitants of the land that he was a sojourner and foreigner among them. He was temporary. But now he no longer wanted to be temporary; he wanted to settle. In this culture, any foreigners who died were buried in borrowed graves. Later, when the person’s clan or tribe decided to move on, they would collect their dead and carry the bodies with them. In purchasing a grave for Sarah, Abraham was clearly stating that he was no longer moving. He had arrived. This was the place to settle.
“That’s it!” I proclaimed loudly, filling my silent house and nearly waking my wife and four sleeping children. I knew in that moment we were in Seattle permanently.
<blockquote>The first key to planting is not to build a church service, a discipleship system, or a denominational model, but to plant my heart.</blockquote>
I must decide that this is permanently it. I will love this city, love this people, and settle here and make it my place. For me, this meant selling our home in Eugene, Oregon. We weren’t going back. Seattle was our place, and we needed to buy in.
That is exactly what happened, swept along by miracles from the Holy Spirit and our faith. It was a gateway through which we entered—30 years ago now—into what became not only a mature church, but a mother church to multiple plants in many cities and countries.
<h2>Truly belonging</h2>
In planting a man in a place, two important factors are honored: the individual identity of the planter and the individual identity of the place. This follows the pattern of the cornerstone church planter, Jesus. He is the planter, we are the place.
The heart of the matter is relational, not geographical. Too many times, church planters pick a place—a city or neighborhood—and tend to commodify “the people.” Genuine love is lacking, and “the people” can sense it. “Authenticity” is a buzzword today, both in business and in church planting circles. This is always at the top of the list of things people are seeking in life, and of course it follows in seeking a new church.
There must be a deep sense of value in the place and in the people. This can be as simple as getting out of an office or church facility and visiting people at their workplace. (Don’t underestimate the value of this little tip. You will be astonished.) And of course, visiting people in their home, not just at a coffee shop, is still fashionable. In these incarnational settings, people feel loved, honored, and valued. You have become part of their life, and now it’s your life, your people, your church—an authentic community, a place of belonging.
So what did I learn that night from Abraham buying the cave of Machpelah? Abraham bought into his promised land. It became the place of blessing, and from there he could emerge as a blessing to the nations. The same happened for me, and it can happen for you. Whether you’re starting a church or simply living out your Christian witness, be planted in a place. Love and accept people, and true community will emerge. It is a work of Jesus.
***
This article originally appeared in the April 2019 issue of Ministry Team magazine.
Douglas Heck has planted multiethnic churches since 1995. He is the founder and pastor of Horizon Church (horizonchurches.org) and founded Horizon College of Ministry (horizoncollege.us), which has graduated students from nine nations into ministry positions and church plants.
<a href="https://www.logos.com/basic?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=churchplanting&amp;utm_campaign=promo-2022miscdays" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-30437 size-large" src="https://blog.faithlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1-2-1024x269.jpg" alt="Free Bible Software. Priceless Insights. clickable image" width="716" height="188" srcset="http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1-2-1024x269.jpg 1024w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1-2-300x79.jpg 300w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1-2-768x202.jpg 768w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1-2-716x188.jpg 716w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1-2-820x215.jpg 820w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Blog-Footer-Ad-L9-Basic-640x168-1-2.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 716px) 100vw, 716px" /></a>

By Douglas Heck
I heard what I thought was God’s voice saying, “You have the wrong sermon for tomorrow.” It was late Saturday night and I had just completed the last touches for preparing my sermon to preach the next morning at our new church plant in urban Seattle.
“But Lord,” I contended, lying on the floor, face down and my chin propped in the crack of my open Bible, “I have been working on this all evening, and it’s late now and I am tired and need some sleep. You could have stopped me earlier.” There was no response.
Since God was no longer talking, I did the next best and intelligent thing: I closed my eyes, and thumbed blindly through my Bible, intent on letting my finger fall randomly where it would and claiming that Scripture passage as my sermon text. My finger fell on Genesis 23:9: “so he will sell me the cave of Machpelah, which belongs to him and is at the end of his field. Ask him to sell it to me for the full price as a burial site among you.”
“Well, that doesn’t work,” I said aloud into the quiet night. My thoughts continued: “If college buddies could see what I am reduced to now, they would get a real kick out of this. You can’t encourage a new church with talk of Abraham trying to buy a grave for his wife who died.” Then I heard God’s Spirit say, “That is it. Look carefully.”
I meditated on the story context as the night wore on. It was all there, and I had never seen it before. The truth revealed became my first important lesson in church planting: You don’t plant a church first, but you plant a man, and then around him grows a church. Let me explain.

Fully buying in
In Genesis 23:4, Abraham points out to the inhabitants of the land that he was a sojourner and foreigner among them. He was temporary. But now he no longer wanted to be temporary; he wanted to settle. In this culture, any foreigners who died were buried in borrowed graves. Later, when the person’s clan or tribe decided to move on, they would collect their dead and carry the bodies with them. In purchasing a grave for Sarah, Abraham was clearly stating that he was no longer moving. He had arrived. This was the place to settle.
“That’s it!” I proclaimed loudly, filling my silent house and nearly waking my wife and four sleeping children. I knew in that moment we were in Seattle permanently.
The first key to planting is not to build a church service, a discipleship system, or a denominational model, but to plant my heart.

I must decide that this is permanently it. I will love this city, love this people, and settle here and make it my place. For me, this meant selling our home in Eugene, Oregon. We weren’t going back. Seattle was our place, and we needed to buy in.
That is exactly what happened, swept along by miracles from the Holy Spirit and our faith. It was a gateway through which we entered—30 years ago now—into what became not only a mature church, but a mother church to multiple plants in many cities and countries.
Truly belonging
In planting a man in a place, two important factors are honored: the individual identity of the planter and the individual identity of the place. This follows the pattern of the cornerstone church planter, Jesus. He is the planter, we are the place.
The heart of the matter is relational, not geographical. Too many times, church planters pick a place—a city or neighborhood—and tend to commodify “the people.” Genuine love is lacking, and “the people” can sense it. “Authenticity” is a buzzword today, both in business and in church planting circles. This is always at the top of the list of things people are seeking in life, and of course it follows in seeking a new church.
There must be a deep sense of value in the place and in the people. This can be as simple as getting out of an office or church facility and visiting people at their workplace. (Don’t underestimate the value of this little tip. You will be astonished.) And of course, visiting people in their home, not just at a coffee shop, is still fashionable. In these incarnational settings, people feel loved, honored, and valued. You have become part of their life, and now it’s your life, your people, your church—an authentic community, a place of belonging.
So what did I learn that night from Abraham buying the cave of Machpelah? Abraham bought into his promised land. It became the place of blessing, and from there he could emerge as a blessing to the nations. The same happened for me, and it can happen for you. Whether you’re starting a church or simply living out your Christian witness, be planted in a place. Love and accept people, and true community will emerge. It is a work of Jesus.
***
This article originally appeared in the April 2019 issue of Ministry Team magazine.
Douglas Heck has planted multiethnic churches since 1995. He is the founder and pastor of Horizon Church (horizonchurches.org) and founded Horizon College of Ministry (horizoncollege.us), which has graduated students from nine nations into ministry positions and church plants.

By Douglas Heck I heard what I thought was God’s voice saying, “You have the wrong sermon for tomorrow.” It was late Saturday night and I had just completed the last touches for preparing my sermon to preach the next morning at our new church plant in urban Seattle. “But Lord,” I contended, lying on […]

The First & Biggest Step to Planting a Church

<img width="1205" height="630" src="https://blog.faithlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Mom-2.jpg" class="attachment- size- wp-post-image" alt="Mother with child" loading="lazy" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" srcset="http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Mom-2.jpg 1205w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Mom-2-300x157.jpg 300w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Mom-2-1024x535.jpg 1024w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Mom-2-768x402.jpg 768w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Mom-2-716x374.jpg 716w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Mom-2-820x429.jpg 820w" sizes="(max-width: 1205px) 100vw, 1205px" />The other morning I woke up while my children were still sleeping and began to pray. I started thinking about my identity. Who am I? As I settled into my prayer time, I began to rejoice at the thought that I am a mother. It is part of who I am. To my children, it is my name: Mom.

<img width="1205" height="630" src="https://blog.faithlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Mom-2.jpg" class="attachment- size- wp-post-image" alt="Mother with child" loading="lazy" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" srcset="http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Mom-2.jpg 1205w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Mom-2-300x157.jpg 300w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Mom-2-1024x535.jpg 1024w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Mom-2-768x402.jpg 768w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Mom-2-716x374.jpg 716w, http://3755m57z6oq15b6iq3xq9f8h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Mom-2-820x429.jpg 820w" sizes="(max-width: 1205px) 100vw, 1205px" />
By Trillia Newbell



The other morning I woke up while my children were still sleeping and began to pray. I started thinking about my identity. Who am I? As I settled into my prayer time, I began to rejoice at the thought that I am a mother. It is part of who I am. To my children, it is my name: Mom.



The modern mom doesn’t always like to be identified as a mother. We have names and identities of much greater significance. Even the Christian mommy would prefer to keep her mom identity in check. “I am a Christian first and foremost,” we might say, which is true and good. First and foremost, we are united to Christ. He has redeemed us and therefore our identities are wrapped up in his righteousness. But this doesn’t mean we must deny the significance of being a mother.



Rather than shed the title of mother, we must see the true significance of this name. One great example of a mother’s significance can be found in the biblical account of Timothy. Timothy was the son of a believing Jewish mother and an unbelieving Greek father (Acts 16:1–2). And we get some crucial information about his mother, Eunice.



Timothy was a young pastor and Paul’s child in the faith (1 Tim. 1:2). Paul loved Timothy for his faithfulness to the sacred texts and for his friendship (2 Tim. 3:15, 10–11). When everyone abandoned Paul during his imprisonment in Rome, Timothy remained faithful to Paul through prayers and tears (2 Tim. 1:3–5). Paul was greatly affected by the ministry and love of his apprentice. And Paul attributes Timothy’s faith and character to his mother’s and his grandmother’s faithful witness.



Paul references the legacy of these women in two places. First, we see their influence when Paul thanks God for Timothy and his faith. He reminds him that his sincere faith dwelt first in his grandmother Lois, and then his mother Eunice, and “now, I am sure, dwells in you as well” (2 Tim. 1:5). Later, Paul encourages Timothy to stay strong in the word, not being deceived under the persecution that surely comes from those who follow Christ (2 Tim. 3:12–14). Here again Paul reminds Timothy of the word that he learned and firmly believed from a young age, “from childhood” (2 Tim. 3:15).



Moms, Timothy’s story is very significant. Eunice and Lois invested in Timothy to teach him about God. The gospel was passed on to Timothy and from Timothy to other generations. More importantly, Timothy now enjoys the benefits of being with Christ, forever.



God has called us, Moms, to train up our children in the way they should go (Prov. 22:6). This is Great Commission work. We don’t need to shed our titles as moms, we leverage our titles for what they mean for the glory of Christ. We can embrace our roles without grumbling and with the full assurance of God’s sovereign goodness. God promises that as we shine light into this world (and that includes into our kids) we will know that our labor was not in vain (Phil. 2:12–16).



On this side of heaven we may never know the significance of our mothering, but we know Lois’s and Eunice’s. As a result of their faithfulness to embrace their role in the life of one little boy named Timothy, generations of sinners have been saved.1



***



This excerpt is taken from <a href="https://ebooks.faithlife.com/products/48898/mom-enough-the-fearless-mothers-heart-and-hope?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=amazingcallingofmotherhood-mothersday2019&amp;utm_campaign=promo-mothersday2019" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mom Enough: The Fearless Mother’s Heart and Hope</a>. To hear more from <a href="https://www.logos.com/search?query=Trillia%20Newbell&amp;sortBy=Relevance&amp;limit=60&amp;page=1&amp;ownership=all&amp;geographicAvailability=availableToMe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trillia Newbell</a>, watch Logos&#8217; <a href="https://blog.logos.com/women-in-theology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">roundtable on women in theology</a> featuring Trillia, Sharon Hodde Miller, and Wendy Widder.



<h2 id="h-read-more-from-trillia-newbell-in-these-books">Read more from Trillia Newbell in these books</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.logos.com/product/48898/mom-enough-the-fearless-mothers-heart-and-hope?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=amazingcallingofmotherhood-mothersday2019&amp;utm_campaign=promo-mothersday2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mom Enough: The Fearless Mother&#8217;s Heart and Hope</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.logos.com/product/185674/sacred-endurance-finding-grace-and-strength-for-a-lasting-faith?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=amazingcallingofmotherhood-mothersday2019&amp;utm_campaign=promo-mothersday2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sacred Endurance: Finding Grace and Strength for a Lasting Faith</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.logos.com/product/156637/if-god-is-for-us-the-everlasting-truth-of-our-great-salvation?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=amazingcallingofmotherhood-mothersday2019&amp;utm_campaign=promo-mothersday2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">If God Is for Us: The Everlasting Truth of Our Great Salvation</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.logos.com/product/192834/companions-in-suffering-comfort-for-times-of-loss-and-loneliness??utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=amazingcallingofmotherhood-mothersday2019&amp;utm_campaign=promo-mothersday2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Companions in Suffering: Comfort for Times of Loss and Loneliness</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.logos.com/product/225044/52-weeks-in-the-word-a-companion-for-reading-through-the-bible-in-a-year??utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=amazingcallingofmotherhood-mothersday2019&amp;utm_campaign=promo-mothersday2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">52 Weeks in the Word: A Companion for Reading through the Bible in a Year</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.logos.com/product/197323/faithful?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=amazingcallingofmotherhood-mothersday2019&amp;utm_campaign=promo-mothersday2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Faithful</a></li>
</ul>



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1 Fox, Christina, Gloria Furman, Christine Hoover, Rachel Jankovic, Rachel Pieh Jones, Carolyn McCulley, and Trillia Newbell. <a href="https://ebooks.faithlife.com/products/48898/mom-enough-the-fearless-mothers-heart-and-hope?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=amazingcallingofmotherhood-mothersday2019&amp;utm_campaign=promo-mothersday2019">Mom Enough: The Fearless Mother’s Heart and Hope</a><a href="https://www.logos.com/why-logos?utm_source=blog.faithlife.com&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_content=amazingcallingofmotherhood-bpsale&amp;utm_campaign=promo-bpsale">. Minneapolis, MN: Desiring God, 2014.</a>

By Trillia Newbell
The other morning I woke up while my children were still sleeping and began to pray. I started thinking about my identity. Who am I? As I settled into my prayer time, I began to rejoice at the thought that I am a mother. It is part of who I am. To my children, it is my name: Mom.
The modern mom doesn’t always like to be identified as a mother. We have names and identities of much greater significance. Even the Christian mommy would prefer to keep her mom identity in check. “I am a Christian first and foremost,” we might say, which is true and good. First and foremost, we are united to Christ. He has redeemed us and therefore our identities are wrapped up in his righteousness. But this doesn’t mean we must deny the significance of being a mother.
Rather than shed the title of mother, we must see the true significance of this name. One great example of a mother’s significance can be found in the biblical account of Timothy. Timothy was the son of a believing Jewish mother and an unbelieving Greek father (Acts 16:1–2). And we get some crucial information about his mother, Eunice.
Timothy was a young pastor and Paul’s child in the faith (1 Tim. 1:2). Paul loved Timothy for his faithfulness to the sacred texts and for his friendship (2 Tim. 3:15, 10–11). When everyone abandoned Paul during his imprisonment in Rome, Timothy remained faithful to Paul through prayers and tears (2 Tim. 1:3–5). Paul was greatly affected by the ministry and love of his apprentice. And Paul attributes Timothy’s faith and character to his mother’s and his grandmother’s faithful witness.
Paul references the legacy of these women in two places. First, we see their influence when Paul thanks God for Timothy and his faith. He reminds him that his sincere faith dwelt first in his grandmother Lois, and then his mother Eunice, and “now, I am sure, dwells in you as well” (2 Tim. 1:5). Later, Paul encourages Timothy to stay strong in the word, not being deceived under the persecution that surely comes from those who follow Christ (2 Tim. 3:12–14). Here again Paul reminds Timothy of the word that he learned and firmly believed from a young age, “from childhood” (2 Tim. 3:15).
Moms, Timothy’s story is very significant. Eunice and Lois invested in Timothy to teach him about God. The gospel was passed on to Timothy and from Timothy to other generations. More importantly, Timothy now enjoys the benefits of being with Christ, forever.
God has called us, Moms, to train up our children in the way they should go (Prov. 22:6). This is Great Commission work. We don’t need to shed our titles as moms, we leverage our titles for what they mean for the glory of Christ. We can embrace our roles without grumbling and with the full assurance of God’s sovereign goodness. God promises that as we shine light into this world (and that includes into our kids) we will know that our labor was not in vain (Phil. 2:12–16).
On this side of heaven we may never know the significance of our mothering, but we know Lois’s and Eunice’s. As a result of their faithfulness to embrace their role in the life of one little boy named Timothy, generations of sinners have been saved.1
***
This excerpt is taken from Mom Enough: The Fearless Mother’s Heart and Hope. To hear more from Trillia Newbell, watch Logos’ roundtable on women in theology featuring Trillia, Sharon Hodde Miller, and Wendy Widder.
Read more from Trillia Newbell in these books


Mom Enough: The Fearless Mother’s Heart and Hope
Sacred Endurance: Finding Grace and Strength for a Lasting Faith
If God Is for Us: The Everlasting Truth of Our Great Salvation 
Companions in Suffering: Comfort for Times of Loss and Loneliness
52 Weeks in the Word: A Companion for Reading through the Bible in a Year
Faithful




1 Fox, Christina, Gloria Furman, Christine Hoover, Rachel Jankovic, Rachel Pieh Jones, Carolyn McCulley, and Trillia Newbell. Mom Enough: The Fearless Mother’s Heart and Hope. Minneapolis, MN: Desiring God, 2014.

The other morning I woke up while my children were still sleeping and began to pray. I started thinking about my identity. Who am I? As I settled into my prayer time, I began to rejoice at the thought that I am a mother. It is part of who I am. To my children, it is my name: Mom.

The Amazing Calling of Motherhood

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Date: June 26, 2022 Filled with the Spirit The Point: The Holy Spirit enables us to live as fully devoted disciples. Get Into the Study Use the following to introduce today’s session. The original Gerber baby, Ann Cook, has died at the age of 95. A charcoal sketch of Ann at five-months-old became the face [&#8230;]
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IN YOUR PRESENCE by Tara-Leigh Cobble GET TO KNOW THE CAPTIVATING GOD OF THE TRINITY. IF YOU HAD TO DESCRIBE God’s personality, what would you say? Not what He does, but His demeanor. Not what He’s capable of, but what He’s like. Here’s how King David described Him: You “made him glad with the joy […]
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Sunday, June 12, 2022Preschool and Kids: Lydia Believed in Jesus
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Date: June 12, 2022 Born Again by the Spirit The Point: The Holy Spirit brings us into a new life as we place our trust in Jesus. Get Into the Study Use the following to introduce today’s session. How are you planning for the future? What are you doing to meet your retirement goals? There [&#8230;]
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Date: June 12, 2022 Born Again by the Spirit The Point: The Holy Spirit brings us into a new life as we place our trust in Jesus. Get Into the Study Use the following to introduce today’s session. How are you planning for the future? What are you doing to meet your retirement goals? There […]
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