Sermon Notes

Notes. Is there such a concept anymore? In this world of tweets, I-pods, and I-pads, does anyone take good ol" fashioned paper and pencil notes? Well, one girl does. Perhaps my technological skills haven't quite kept up with the fast-paced changes, yet there is something about the constant of the hand-written word, it stands the test of time, unless a puppy is in the room (did I just type that?)

My husband started to post notes a few times before and it got me to thinkin bout how great of a habit this really is. I do enjoy engaging my brain to focus on the message by writing as I hear, yet a second, even more important purpose is to re-visit the lesson throughout the week and even as the future spurs a memory jog.

As Aaron so kindly transported our son to his baseball tournament Sunday morning, the girls and I attended church for a fun Mother's Day morning. We were serenaded by a smashing rendition of the B-I-B-L-E, and I'm in the Lord's Army by our preschool children (proud Momma watched our youngest not miss one word!) We enjoyed watching little ones dedicated to the Lord by their families, and we also heard a lesson straight from the Spirit Himself. Pastor Denny talked with us, and I do mean with us, about handing down our faith, starting with 2 Timothy 1:1-7.

He gave us 5 keys words to keep in mind:

1. Possess it - is our faith sincere, genuine, authentic, not a hokey-pokey type of faith with one foot in and one foot out?

2. Proclaim it - Deuteronomy 6:4-6 talks about impressing, literally leaving a mark. How? Simply talking about it. Funny how we talk about the things that are important to us. When? sitting at home (formal instruction), along the road (perhaps the car, going from place to place), when they lie down and get up (last things they think about at night, first thing that think of in the morning). What do we surround ourselves with? The Bible talks about writing it on our "doorframes".

3. Don't Provoke - Ephesians 6:4 says do not exasperate your children. Exasperate meaning to stir up bitterness or resentment. How do we do this? By comparing, withholding praise, expecting too much, or even physical and verbal abuse. Do we abuse our children with sarcasm or superior argument?. Do we say things to our kids that we wouldn't say to others? Instead, help them be able to please you like they want to.

4. Participate - Ephesians 5:29 says we are to nurture to maturity. 6:4 Talks about us bringing children up in the training and instruction of the Lord. We are to be communicators of truth, and our pastor's role is to be a teammate in this process. We are cautioned to think of how WE, as parents, are to be participator's, not only having the mindset of how others will participate in this instruction.

5. Be Persistent - pray for strength to persist, Galatians 6:9 claims, let us not be weary in doing good. 1 Corinthians 9:25,26 talks about focus in being persistent. We are warned and reminded that Satan is smart, cunning, and patient. If we've been faithful followers for say 25 years, can we still get off track? If this is Paul's concern, shouldn't it be ours as well?

Well, how exactly can we tackle these 5 "P"s? Denny challenged us with the basics - read the Bible WITH them (short, engaging sessions at that), pray with them, and teach them a biblical worldview.

From one parent to perhaps another, this was a great reminder for me. So often we have great intentions and great "resolve" as to sticking with a new spiritual plan, but all too often we get off track. I love the reminder that His mercies are new every morning, and that we can begin again, and again, and again. It's a joy and a privilege to "train up a child in the way they should go". May I never take this lightly or for granted. A priority in my life will be a priority in my children's lives as well. Thanks for obeying the Spirit Pastor Denny! May you enjoy a blessed week!