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Why Am I Doing What I’m Doing?
One of my favorite songs is called Shine by Newsboys. The song goes through a series of “about-face” changes that can happen when you “Shine before all men and glorify the Lord.” The line that catches me most says, “The truth is in the proof is when you hear your heart start asking what’s my motivation?” What IS my motivation? Why am I in the ministry I am in? Why am I scheduling this outreach or using this curriculum? What’s my motivation?
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Preparing for Jesus: Lessons from Buddy the Elf
Tis the season for Holiday movies! As a movie junkie, the overindulgence of classic holiday films is just one of the superficial perks of the season. I mean, it isn’t Christmas unless you’ve watched the Grinch steal Christmas only to discover the true joy in giving through the witness of young Cindy Lou Who. Or shed a tear over the redemption of Charlie Brown’s pathetic tree coupled with the precious retelling of the true Christmas story from Linus. The list goes on and on…but I won’t 😀
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The Son Who Stayed Home was MORE Lost than the Prodigal…
My family and I visited a friends church this past Sunday. The scripture passage was Colossians 3-Spiritual Growth. In regard to the lack of spiritual growth and the condition of mankind, the pastor said,
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Letting Go
“Sometimes you have to let go of the good to do the great.” Mary Demuth I heard these words at a Christian writer’s conference this past week where one of the speakers delivered them to a group of 100 or so…but I knew they were for me. As a chronic “yes” person who thrives on helping and serving, I knew that God was telling me it is time to focus. As I relay these words to you, no doubt there is at least one person who will say, “These words are for me!”
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On the Prowl
1 Peter 5:5-8 I love the imagery in this passage. If you’ve ever watched the discovery channel you’ve probably witnessed the depiction of a gazelle grazing in the field. A cool breeze tussles the grass and ripples the water. Suddenly, coming into focus, a lioness patiently and quietly watching, waiting for the perfect time to strike. The crazy part is that the gazelle, sensing danger, will look up from time to time and survey the grounds. Not seeing the predator, he will ignore his instincts and continue to graze. Moments later, he is devoured.
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“I haven’t chosen Jesus but I haven’t chosen satan, so, I’m ok…right?”
Children are able to understand and implement many basic spiritual truths. For instance, they understand they are a sinner, they cannot go to Heaven because of their sin, they are separated from God and they must accept the gift of payment for sin through the blood of Jesus Christ to be forgiven.
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When Parents Are Not Involved or Unsupportive
Ideally, the role of the children’s leader is to accompany parents in nurturing a solid faith in Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, many children are not brought to church but rather dropped off or brought by someone else. Sadly, even in Christian homes, there are parents who do not see the need or take the time to nurture faith and foundational truths in their children; even though the bible clearly states that it is the parents responsibility to teach the commands of God (Deuteronomy 6:6-9).
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Take Captive Negative Thoughts
This past week, I had the privilege of leading a workshop to help camp counselors learn to have "God talks" with their campers. One of the participants posed the question, "What you do if the kid knows more about the Bible than you?" Another asked, "What if they ask you something and you don't know the answer?" These questions cross the mind of pretty much every person who considers working with children or teens. Too often, these fears will keep people from taking part in ministry.
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Godly Principles for Classroom Discipline
Classroom discipline is one of the most difficult aspects of children’s ministry. Tactics we may use at home with our own children are not permissible when dealing with other people children. Recently, I started rereading the book of Genesis and I found myself drawn to the method of God’s discipline when dealing with the sin of Adam and Eve. It speaks to me particularly as a parent yet provides excellent principles to follow in regard to discipline in my classroom as well.
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The Value of Attending a Conference
As a children's director, if you are like me, you rarely make it through a full service let alone have the opportunity to attend a small group or special class. So what can you do to refresh your spirit and renew your ministry fervor? Attend a conference. The atmosphere itself is invigorating as teams of tired children's ministry workers pack in-giddy with excitement at the thought of spending quality time with like minded adults.