A young pastor in one of my Soul Shepherding Groups asked all of us pastors seated around him, “Please pray for me. Everyday I can’t finish my work so I have to bring it home, but my four year old son wants to play with me. Most of the time I have to tell him no.…
Happy Mother’s Day to all of you who are mothers! For you and for all of our mothers — and all women who, even if they are not biological mothers, are spiritual mothers — I’d like to offer thanks and praise to our Lord Jesus Christ who has ministered God’s love through you. Jesus alone is…
Do you see a dominant running back when you look at me as a boy in my green football uniform? Neither did I. Nor did my junior high school football coach who saw a fumble waiting to happen! So he stuck me in the middle of the offensive line as a guard. He wanted me…
Our youngest child is eighteen years old and in college! Where did the years go? Here’s a journal entry I wrote eleven years ago when I was still “Daddy.” It reminds us that the primary way we experience God’s love, especially when we’re children, is through people. When I woke up this morning I saw…
Recently I led a retreat for 18 pastors and their wives who serve at churches in Mexico. It was called, “Embrace Abba with Me.” I’d like to share with you one of our times of reflection and prayer on the father wound that proved to be powerfully healing for everyone. There were many tears, hugs,…
A family devotional time is a great tool to help your children put their trust in God and develop their identity in Christ. But it needs to be done in the context of loving and affirming relationship and with understanding about the process of discipleship to Christ. I believe that the primary purpose of Christian…
During our family devotions at dinner recently Briana (age seven) asked me a question I’ll never forget. It illustrates the importance of children receiving a father’s blessing. Words of affirmation from someone you love and respect are powerful. Many people have not received this from their father. Much of who I am and who you…
Last year I went whitewater rafting on the Kern River with my 11-year old son David and his by Boy Scout trip. What a thrilling adventure! And scary too! Driving on the highway along the river we saw a sign that said, “264 people have died in the Kern river since 1962.” Then when we…
What are the key Bible verses on baptism? If you or your child want to be baptized in water here are Bible verses on baptism to discuss. A Rite of Passage Kristi and I have each been water baptized to publicly identify ourselves with Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. We are thankful that…