As a model for my approach to these athletes, I looked to Abraham, the Old Testament patriarch. His greatness was found in his hospitality to strangers (Genesis 18:1–8), his obedience to God (Genesis 26:5), and the blessing of the Lord upon his family and his life (Genesis 24:1). In three separate places found in God’s Word, we see Abraham called a “friend of God”. How encouraging! I want to be known as a friend of God.
How did Jesus make disciples? He used a small group approach. He took twelve very common guys and poured His life into theirs. Christ taught by example and with short stories. He connected with His followers in both attitude and action. They had real fellowship with the Master.
Our culture wants to discourage believers by dispelling the claims of the Bible. Many of the social icons within this nation are a host of blasphemers and hypocrites. Our societal norms have been adjusted to accept all kinds of behavior that only two decades ago would have been ludicrous. Even a few of those running for political offices around the country deny that our moral compass is off. It would seem that getting the vote is more important than taking a stand. Some suggest that charisma is more important than character.
I was reminded of God’s faithfulness to another group almost 3,500 years ago. Under the leadership of Moses, God had directed the Israelites to endure many hardships during their 40 years in the desert. He regularly allowed opportunities for His chosen to prove their obedience and faith through the testing of their courage and commitment.
How can grandparents use their “grand positions” to the best advantage? God’s Word says that grandchildren are “a crown to the aged” (Proverbs 17:6). I believe we wear that “crown” by actively investing in their lives. There are five tools I’ve found helpful in being a grandparent or adopted grandparent:
Grandparents have another magical ingredient that parents often lack – TIME. Kornhaber has found that children who are close to at least one grandparent are more emotionally secure than other children; and they have more positive feelings about older people and about the process of aging.
Billy Graham prophetically said, “I realize that my ministry would someday come to an end. I’m only one in a glorious chain of men and women God has raised up through the centuries to build Christ’s church and take the Gospel everywhere.”
Without a doubt, the thing we most hope to leave our children and grandchildren is a spiritual legacy that lives on in subsequent generations.
When darkness appears to be your only friend, remember that we have a loving, grace-filled God who is the Father to the fatherless, a Comforter to His children, the Author of light, and an Encourager to those who are struggling.
When Jesus challenged His twelve disciples with the words “follow me”, He directed them to relationship. Christ desired them to have a relationship with God and then their families and communities.
If ever there was a time when unity is needed in our faith, country, sports arenas, and families it is now! So many people I meet are discouraged and depressed about life in part because of the lack of unity. Democrats hate Republicans, Republicans detest the media, conservatives are in dispute with the liberals…
I find too many believers are struggling with personal issues taking away the joy of their salvation. And then there are the many believers who have conflicts with others in the church. We may have forgotten what the Apostle Paul said to the Ephesians: “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you”.
We need to stand strong for God’s truth, no matter what the rest of the world is telling us. We need to persevere in our faith and obedience.