Come Thirsty - Max Lucado

Come Thirsty - No Heart Too Dry for His Touch
Max Lucado

I have always enjoyed Max Lucado books. He is a master at telling stories that illustrate biblical truths. One more than one occasion, I have "lifted" an illustrative story to drive home biblical truths as I preach.

This book is built around the following outline:

"Drink with me from his bottomless well. You don't have to live with a dehydrated heart.
Receive Christ's Work on the Cross,
the energy of His Spirit,
His lordship over your life,
His unending, unfailing love.

My favorite part of the book was the closing chapter in which Lucado writes a chapter, "If God Wrote You a Letter." He then bases a letter from God to each reader that is very interesting. He traces Scriptural truths throughout the letter centered on the above outline. It really is powerful.

I would encourage this book for a new believer that is struggling in their walk with God. Lucado does a very good job of clarifying how God is "for" you rather than some God above who is constantly critically scrutinizing people. It focuses on the resources and work that God has provided - the same resources and work that we try and accomplish even though God has completed the work.

This also is a good book for a believer who is trying to gain God's approval through human efforts. Lucado systematically illustrates God's Love and Provisions He provides for His children. They aren’t “earned or deserved - but are gifts - completed gifts - that have already been given.

Lucado also deals with issues such as fear, worry, and guilt in such ways that touch both head and heart. Something that Lucado is masterful at doing.

I enjoyed this book greatly. If you read it - let me know your favorite part!

What Books Are Next - November

Here is my reading list for November. I will be reporting on these books in the next few weeks.

Come Thirsty: No Heart Too Dry For His Touch - Max Lucado
A New Kind of Christian: A Tale of Two Friends on a Spiritual Journey - Brian McLaren
The Day I Was Crucified as Told by Jesus Christ - Gene Edwards
Know Fear: Facing Life's Six Most Common Phobias - Ed Young Jr.
Getting Through the Tough Stuff - Charles R. Swindoll
Feeding Your Appetites: Take Control of What's Controlling You! - Stephen Arterburn
Tender Warrior: God's Intention for a Man - Stu Weber
Every Man, God's Man: Courageous Faith and Daily Integrity - Stephen Arterburn
Letters to a Devestated Christian: Healing for the Brokenhearted - Gene Edwards
Exquisite Agony - Gene Edwards

Each Day I am also reading a chapter from A Godward Life - John Piper

By the way, I have taken advantage of ordering many books from Amazon - but using the "Used Book" option found on each selection. I have saved some major money using this option and have had no problems at all.

If you have any suggestions for other books - leave a comment and I will check it out.

Book Review: Emerging Worship by Dan Kimball

Emerging Worship - Dan Kimball

One of the things we do each week at Staff Meeting is read a chapter or two of a book and talk about it as a Staff. The book we have just completed was this book. This is a book that discusses worship for postmoderns ... or POMO's. I am sure they love that designation.

I am challenged and disturbed by this book all at the same time. This book talks about styles of worship that almost make no sense to me ... but at the same time ... I realize that not everybody is like me. (And all God's People said .... Amen)

I think this book sheds light on worship styles that are emerging in churches that are striving to reach the postmodern population around them. The styles of worship described in this book seem very "touch feely" to me ... but that doesn't mean they are invalid ... they just don't float my boat.

At one point early in the book Kimball writes, "I understand that for some people, this type of rethinking is extremely difficult. Anyone used to doing ministry - and thinking of church and worship services - in a modern way will find it hard to grasp new ways to engage the postmodern culture." pg 16. In the margin, I wrote a big, "That's Me!" Still - much of what Kimball wrote looked like small group study than that of a large worship setting.

This book made me feel old and out of touch at time. It was much like reading a missionary's book to a foreign land. At the same time, it was a challenge to me - for I realize that there are some with this mindset that attend Bayshore now. Please understand - the Bay Area we live in is not - I repeat - NOT - a hot bed of postmodern thinking. (smile) But I still should strive to understand the thinking and reasoning behind this movement. It is difficult - for I am very modern - logical in my reasoning and thinking.

What has been helpful in this book is that it forces me (and the staff) to wrestle with some of the questions that Kimball raises about worship. Also it does a fairly good job of contrasting post modern thinking about church with more modern or traditional view.

There are times though that he comes off as condescending when comparing the two. There were moments when reading the book that I thought he felt he found "it" and if you didn't find "it" you weren't going to be able to reach anybody for the next 30 years. That may be more of an indicator about me than it was about his writing.

Again - much of what he describes as worship does not appeal to me ... but that does not mean that I cannot learn from it. I did learn things from this book. It challenged me to rethink some of the news ways people are striving to "connect" with God.

I think it would be wise for anyone in vocational ministry to read this book.

Chapter Six: How Churches Help to Raise Spiritual Champions

Transforming Children Into Spiritual Champions
Chapter Six: How Churches Help to Raise Spiritual Champions

This was a magnificent chapter – one of the most challenging to me as a Pastor.

I really liked how Barna differentiated between change and transformation in the lives of people. While he addressed this to children, it could be applied to all people. “Change is a shift that may or may not last, tends to happen at a discrete and identifiable moment in time and is often incremental in nature – almost imperceptible in many cases. Transformation, however, is an enduring process in which the person is radically reformed and does not revert to his or her precious condition. The distinction is monumental, because transformation is Spirit driven which change is program driven. Transformation is facilitated but unpredictable, and change is caused and inevitable under the right conditions and stimuli. The most effective churches recognize that the goal is to facilitate transformation, yet they understand they cannot engineer it no matter how sincere, professional, comprehensive and biblical their approach may be. Only God brings about lasting transformation in a persons life.” pg 97-98

Question: Have we as believers in general accepted “change” rather than “transformation” as an indicator of a person inviting Christ into their lives?
Does “change” become “transformation” if the change is permanent?
Can “change” be the outworking of an inward “transformation?”

Most of these questions look more to adult conduct of public professions of faith rather than that of children’s ministry …. But still good questions to ask.

Barna again reiterates the importance of the church and family partnering for effective children’s ministry. “One of the key elements of that ministry philosophy is the acknowledgement that the spiritual development of children is first and foremost the responsibility of the parents and that a church is best poised to assist rather than lead in the process.” pg 98 A churches goal should be to become the greatest friend and best support a parent ever had.

Barna suggests that you can define success in a children’s ministry by three criteria:

1. There is widespread involvement of the parents in the spiritual development of the children.
2. The church is strategically equipping parents to help children develop spiritually.
3. These are transformations in children lives – not the mere recitation of facts, but lifestyle transitions that suggest a deeper renovation of the heart and spirit.

I also like Barna’s “Five Streams of Prayer Offered to God”

1. Prayer from Teachers about the youngsters
2. Teachers Praying as a Team
3. Intercessors praying for Children and Teachers
4. Entire Congregation praying for Children’s Ministry
5. Parents praying for their children and teachers.

Barna also observed the effective ministries tend to provide three important elements in balance:

1. Ministries convey important information and lessons in what the student relates to
2. Ministries are keenly responsive to the adult-child ratio in their activities.
3. Ministries balance activities done in small groups with those done in a large group setting.
   

I think this is incredible information to digest. In January we are going to be moving into a brand new children’s building. This is a great opportunity to reevaluate many area of our children’s ministry and it’s effectiveness. Especially, how the church relates to the efforts to teach and train our children.

As Pastor, I have much to ponder in this area.

Book Review: The Divine Romance by Gene Edwards

I have just finished reading The Divine Romance by Gene Edwards. The book is intriguing - however, I enjoyed The Prisoner in the Third Cell and The Tale of Three Kings better.

Here is a description of the book, "The most beautiful love story ever told! A book of power, beauty and grandeur. Rarely has a piece of Christian literature combined the simplicity of the storytelling art with the profound depths of the Christian faith. In this sweeping saga, spanning from eternity to eternity, you will discover some of the deepest riches afforded the believer. Like some mighty symphony, here is a majestic rendition of the love of God.
Behold the story of the Crucifixion and Resurrection as it has never been presented... from the view of angels! Be there when rising from the dead, the Lord brings forth his beautiful bride. The story concludes at the consummation of the ages, when a victorious Lord takes his bride to himself. This truly is the greatest love story ever told."

Edwards does an interesting job in tracing a thread through the Creation of Eve from Adam through the creation of a people and nation, to God's Creating a Bride for Himself through Jesus Christ. It may just be a reflection of my personality, but at times I was uncomfortable with the level of anthropomorphic allegories Edwards attributed to God and His desire for a Bride. It was very well written and incredibly insightful.

What Edwards is masterful at is taking the written text of God's Word and imagining what was left unwritten. And while doing that, not violating any of the written text. His insights of what might have been are amazing. However, one must be very careful not to equate this with the written text of God's Word.

The next Edward's book I will read is, The Day Christ Was Crucified.

Book Review: The Lost Choice - Andy Andrews

Book Review: The Lost Choice by Andy Andrews

One of the skills I wish to impress on my boys, Joseph and Nathan, is the skill of lifelong reading. I have said before, "A person who does not read has no advantage of a man who cannot read." While Nathan is still a bit young, Joseph and I read books together from time to time.

I just finishing reading this book and will Joseph will be starting it soon. It is a great book which intertwines history and its story through its pages.

Here is a brief description of the book:

In their Denver suburb, journalist Dorry Chandler and her detective husband, Mark, discover a strange object bearing a message etched in an ancient language. Joining forces with anthropologist Dylan Langford and his archaeologist girlfriend, Abby Warner, the team is enthralled by the mysterious artifact and its baffling message that appears to date back thousands of years.

Uncovering a trail of clues, the anticipation builds as each piece of evidence sheds additional light on the object’s significance. The Chandlers may have unearthed a fragment of one of the most profound relics in mankind’s history—and the key to understanding the extraordinary achievements of esteemed men and women throughout time.

Will the team discover the secret behind this mysterious historical object? Or will its message be lost forever?

From the author of the New York Times bestseller The Traveler’s Gift comes a gripping quest to uncover mankind’s destiny. Elegantly blending riveting fiction, extensive research, and a powerful message of hope, The Lost Choice illuminates the timeless principles for transforming the world.

Are you ready to make the personal discovery of a lifetime?

I would recommend this book for anyone over 10-12 years of age. It is a good read. My only question is that who historical accuracy about the individual hisitorical figures it referances.

Supplemental Post - Article - Your Kids Need You

I ran across this article and thought that it fit in well as a supplement to Barna's Book - Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions. I thought I would post it for you to see.

Your kids need you
by Rebecca Hagelin

The apple whizzed by her head so fast you could barely see it. Not to be outdone by her brother, Kristin grabbed a particularly putrid rotting apple from the ground and lobbed it at Drew with the greatest of delight. Ah, these are the moments family memories are made of!

It was a perfect crisp fall day accentuated by a cloudless sky of the clearest blue. We drove about 90 minutes from our home in DC to the beautiful Virginia countryside to pick apples. Along for the adventure was our “son” (ok, not really our son, but we love him like one), Michael; our two teen boys, Drew and Nick; and our 12-year-old daughter, Kristin. My husband and I had been planning the trip for several days anticipating family time filled with the simple pleasures in life. We were not disappointed.

When you take three teenage boys and one younger sister on a road trip you’ve got to make a conscious decision in advance that you are going to have a great time filled with the joys of teen-male antics – if you don’t, you’re likely to go stark raving mad. It’s also helpful if the little sister is a tough little cookie. Our group has spent many hours of togetherness in the family van on such jaunts and everyone sort of figured out their roles, mischievous tricks, defensive measures, and counter-attacks long ago. As my once-little children continue to grow older and taller and more occupied with their own activities and friends, I’ve come to relish such adventures.

How many more fall days are there for us to be together? It breaks my heart to realize that there’s only what is left of this season and then just one more autumn for us to enjoy as a family. Drew is a junior in high school and will be headed off to college much too soon, only to be followed by Nick and Michael the next year. I’m learning the hard way – and as so many parents before me have – that childhood is fleeting.

In today’s incredibly busy, media-saturated world I find it is ever more difficult to carve out time for our family to spend together. Even arranging family dinners can be a “hassle” – and sometimes, you get “hassled” a bit by teens who think they’re too mature for such togetherness. But coordinating schedules, turning off the tube, pushing other activities and homework aside, letting the dirty laundry sit, and ignoring all the other distractions of life that often rob us of the opportunity to be together are not only worth the effort, shutting out the world and concentrating on family is an essential element in producing healthy, happy kids.

The world has become a dangerous place for children. There’s terrorism at home and war abroad to worry about. And so many negative influences attack their sensibilities every day that the only way they’re going to find their way is if parents take the time to show them. Teaching kids values such as courage, and integrity, and how to rise above a sex-crazed culture that threatens their futures doesn’t just come from having serious chats – it also comes from having wacky fun on a family road trip or from the simple act of eating together on a regular basis.

My colleagues at The Heritage Foundation have combed through massive amounts of social science research from peer-reviewed journals and found that kids whose parents spend time with them are less likely to smoke, abuse drugs, drink or engage in sex. You can peruse the research yourself for free at www.familydatabase.org. Heritage researchers have also found that the best place for men, women and children is in a loving home environment. (This research, and more, is available at no charge on www.heritage.org.)

Our instincts tell us that individuals who live in loving families that spend time together make for better individuals – but how many of us actually live like we believe it? How many moms and dads have forgotten that what kids really want isn’t another television or more “stuff.” What they really want – and need – is time with you.

The trips don’t have to be expensive or filled with endless planned activities and tours, and the meals don’t have to be fancy. They just have to be. Whether it’s taking the time for a walk in the park, a picnic, biking, or doing something a bit more unconventional like providing the perfect environment for apple-bomb wars, you’ll be instilling in your children loving memories, values and a sense of security. And, like anytime you give such blessings to others, you’ll end up feeling pretty blessed yourself.

Rebecca Hagelin is a vice president of The Heritage Foundation, a Townhall.com member group.

Chapter Five: Taking On Appropriate Responsibility

Book: Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions
Chapter Five – Taking On Appropriate Responsibility

This is a tremendous chapter that all parents of children should read. In this chapter, Barna give several ideas, thoughts and ways that you and your family can teach spiritual truths to children.

Barna begins be telling us, “Our (Barna’s) national survey shows that while more than 4 out of 5 parents (85%) believe they have the primary responsibility for the moral and spiritual development of their children, more than two out of three of them abdicate that responsibility to the church.” pg 78

Barna states there are two major reasons for this behavior. First, parents are merely following the precedent that was set for them. They are raising their children the way that they were raised themselves. Secondly, most churchgoing parents are neither spiritually mature nor spiritually inclined and there for do not have a sense of urgency or necessity about raising their kids to be spiritual champions.

Personally, while I have found both of these to be true, I believe there is a third reason. It is hard, inconvenient, and incredibly tedious WORK – and we are too busy or lazy to really worry about it. We believe that if we drop them off at church, and “get them saved,” that everything will work out alright.

I think this would be a good place to ask for your comments on why you think this is true.

Barna writes, “When a church – intentionally or not – assumes a families responsibility in the arena of spiritually nurturing children, if fosters an unhealthy dependence upon the church to relieve the family of its biblical responsibility.” pg 81

God’s plan is for families to lead in the provision of spiritual development for their children.

• Parents should provide the primary spiritual training of children. Deut. 1:31; 6:4-0; 11:18-21; 21:28-19; Psa. 78:5-8; Eph. 6:4.
• The purpose of spiritual training is to instill a passion to love, obey and serve God. Matt. 10:37; 12:48-50; 1 Tim. 4:7; 2 Tim 3:15-17.
• Parents must start the spiritual training of children when they are young. Isa. 7:15; Acts 26:4
• Worshipping God is one of a believer’s most significant responsibilities. Deut. 16:11; 29:18; 1 Sam 1:19.
• Spiritual development is a lifelong, continual process. Deut. 6:7; 11:19; Prov. 22:6
• Part of the parental responsibility is to introduce appropriate discipline into children’s lives and to avoid pampering them. Prov. 3:11-12; 13:1; 19:18; 23:12-14; 29:15-17; Col. 3:20
• Parents are called to introduce their children to appropriate behavior, as modeled by the church’s patriarchs and saints. Num. 18:11; Deut. 15:20; 16:11
• Spiritual transformation requires us to rely upon God’s grace and power; we much therefore pray for the child we seek to impact for God. 1 Sam 1:10-16; 2 Sam 12:16; Lam. 2:19
• The basis for spiritual training is the Bible Prov. 30:5; Matt 4:4; 21:16; Rom 15:3-4; 2 Tim 3:15
• The family will grow in spiritual maturity as it serves God and people as a family unit Gen 7-9; Exod 27:21-30:30; Josh 24:15
• Young people will retain childish perspectives and reasoning unless their parents help them grow beyond such limited thinking. Prov. 17:21; 1 Cor 13:11
• Parents are encouraged to work in tandem with reliable spiritual partners – such as the church – but should be sure those partners are committed to the things of God. 1 Sam 1:27-28; 3:1-10; Rom 14:19; Eph 4:11-13
• The worldview of children should be shaped after the worldview of the parents. Luke 6:40
• The father is charged with passing on the spiritual blessing to the children. Gen. 27; 2 Sam. 6:20; 1 Chron. 16:43
• Before God will hand over great spiritual responsibility to an adult who has children, the parent must give proof of being a dedicated and effective parent. 1 Tim 3:4-5, 12

Wow ...... Anyone esle feel inadeuate to the task?

Barna lists several ways and ideas that will help parent raise spiritual champions. I found this section to be pretty superficial – but I think it was intended to be so. I think parents should study their children – look and find what the best is method to communicate biblical truths to their children. Each child is different. Each learns differently. There is no “one” right way for everyone. Amazingly enough – God tells us what He wants us to teach – and gives great freedom in how to teach it.

I do like what Barna states in one section about how a child responds to a parent who is acting in a hypocrital way. “When an inconsistency is identified, a child is prone to do two things: 1) ignore the instruction itself and 2) conclude that there is no specific command that they must obey.” pg 85

The list of “tools” Barna suggests are: Behavior Modeling; Formal Instruction; Reading; Creative Applications (journaling – diaries); Personal Experiences; Discipline; and a Combination of these methods.

There was a tremendous amount of information in this chapter – it covered the responsibility of the parents toward their children. It will be interesting to see how Barna develops the church’s responsibility in this task. That is the next chapter.

Chapter Four: What Kids Need

Book: Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions
Chapter Four: What Kids Need

Barna states that human development is a complex mixture of growth in five core areas: the moral, spiritual, physical, emotional and intellectual dimensions of life. He contends that the basis of each one of these areas in one's spiritual foundation.

He illustrates by writing, "To distinguish right from wrong, we need to establish whether morals are absolute or situational - that is, whether they are always the same, regardless of the situation, or whether they are determined according to circumstances. In order to arrive at that point of decision, we must identify the source of our moral standards. Most Americans contend that morals are relative because they are based upon a person’s feelings, experiences, personal philosophy or personal needs. Relatively few Americans - barely 25% say there is an absolute moral standard and that it is contained in the Bible." pg 53

I have found in my experience that it is incredibly enlightening to ask a person what they base their choices on ... or how do they determine what is right or wrong. Quite honestly, many people just stare blankly back at you -- really not know how to respond. Most of the time, people muddle through life doing what is convenient - letting ease determine what is right or wrong. Others let the law determine what is right or wrong -- but just because something is legal does not make it right -- i.e. abortion, drunkenness, and illicit sex. Some let pragmatism be the determining factor in their decisions -- I'll do whatever I can to get what I want.

Amazingly, most adults I have asked this question to usually have not taken time to think about what determines right and wrong in their life. This question is vital to a follower of Christ to determine. It is God and His Word that is the determining factor of what is right and wrong.

Banra writes, "The bottom line is that a person's moral foundation is either based on Christian Principles and thus drawn from God's Word, or it is based on worldly perspectives." pg 53

Barna then takes several pages and discusses what influences children and when. Basically, the younger the child - the more influence parents and authority will have on their lives. As the move into adolescence, the less influence parents and authority will have and the more the media (music, movies, TV, internet) will have on their lives.

Barna list four cornerstones for helping children build a solid biblical foundation:

1. The Bible
2. A Commanding Knowledge of Biblical Content
3. The Identification of Organizing Principles
4. A Burning Desire to Obey God

He also listed seven questions that we should make sure we discuss from a biblical perspective with our children as they mature. They are the basis for a solid and sound biblical world perspective.

1. Does God Exist?
2. What is the character and nature of God?
3. How and why was the world created?
4. What is the nature and purpose of humanity?
5. What happens after we die of earth?
6. What spiritual authorities exist?
7. What is truth?

You say this doesn't apply to your 6 year old - but at some point your 6 year old will walk into a High School Science Class and be confronted with differing views on these questions. Views that ridicule God and His Word. The question is, Who is preparing your child for that day?

That is a primary responsibility of the parents to train up their children with this view.

By the way - Barna states, "By the age of nine, most of the moral and spiritual foundations of a child are in place." pg 58

Don't wait too long. The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes.

Chapter Three: Why Kids Matter

Book: Transforming Children Into Spiritual Champions Chapter Three - Why Kids Matter In this chapter, Barna sets for his argument as to why kids should be a priority in a church's ministry. His first argument is the children matter to God.

• Children are a gift from God
• Adults receive special blessings through their children
• Children are desirable
• Children need to be taught how to think and act in relation to God and His ways
• To have a fruitful relationship with God, children must be taught to obey Him
• Children as so valuable to God that He commands us to protect them
• God wants to have a genuine relationship with His children
• God enjoys the nature and personality of children.

Completing his argument is the statement, "If children matter this much to God, then they should matter as much to us too." pg 45 Personally, I have never worked at or attended a church that would so brazenly say that children's ministry didn't matter. However, I think was Barna is arguing for is that children should be looked at more as a primary area of ministry rather than seeing it as taking care of the children while mom and dad are learning about God. Reflections of this thinking could be seen in the quality of what we offer our children as well as the funding and resources we commit to a children's ministry.

Barna makes a compelling augment, "Anyone who wishes to have significant influence on the development of a person's moral and spiritual foundations had better exert that influence while the person is still open-minded and impressionable -- in other words, while the person is till young. By waiting until a person is in his or her late adolescent or teenage years, the nature of influential attempts must be significantly different, because the spiritual foundation has already been formed and integrated into a person's life." pg 47

He follows this up with an interesting thought, "You simply cannot raise a child to be a compliant workhorse and then expect him or her to turnaround and become a majestic thoroughbred when he or she is older." pg 49

In closing this chapter, Barna states the he believes the spiritual battlefront today is found in the minds, hearts and souls of our children. pg 50 At this point, Barna has made a compelling case for a either an evaluation or reevaluation of any churches ministry to children. He has convinced me that it must be a priority -- not merely an afterthought. But the question I believe -- I hope -- he will answer in the subsequent chapters is how this ministry should look -- what this ministry should contain -- and what should be the objectives of a children's ministry.

I have been challenged personally to not look at children's ministry simply as an afterthought - but rather an intentional ministry of investment that may pay great dividends far into future generations.

Book Review: The Prisoner in the Third Cell

After reading Edwards book, "A Tale of Three Kings," I ordered "The Prisoner in the Third Cell" from Amazon. In this dramatic story, John the Baptist, imprisoned by Herod and awaiting death, struggles to understand a Lord who did not live up his expectations.

Again, Edward does an amazing job a filling in the biblical narrative with what might have happened. One cannot forget that it is speculation, but Edwards offers tremendous insights to life and trials of John the Baptist.

A thread that winds through the book is when God doesn't meet your expectations. Edwards ponders what might have been going through the mind of people whom Jesus did not heal - the Bible is clear - many were healed, but not all. What do you do with a God who does not live up to your expectations?

Edwards also ponders what John the Baptist's view of Jesus might have been. The stark desert dwelling preacher preaching repentance paving the way for the Messiah who laughed, ate with sinners and went to parties. Interesting insights into what might have been.

I would recommend this book to those whom have struggled when God didn't meet their perceived needs. Another book that more thoroughly deals with this subject is Phillip Yancey's Disappointment with God.

Just for the record, I have ordered more of Edwards Books and will review them as I read them. They are a quick read - but give thoughts that linger with you, especially in the quietness of a reflective heart.

Chapter Two - Spiritual Health of Children

Book: Transforming Children Into Spiritual Champions

Chapter Two - The Spiritual Health of Our Children

Barna states that every dimension of a person’s experience hinges on his or her moral and spiritual condition. I have found this to be true. Although man external factors can contribute (i.e. health, wealth, etc.) ones spiritual condition allows for a proper perspective in each stage of life. Without seeing life from a proper biblical perspective one cannot find purpose or true lasting joy in any strata or stage in life. How people view God and His role in their lives determines how the handle the cards dealt to them.

Barna then states, “We can strive to give our youngsters all the advantages the world has to offer, and motivate them to make the most of available opportunities and resources; but unless their spiritual life is prioritized and nurtured, the will miss out on much of the meaning, purpose and joy of life.” pg 29

Barna goes on to defend that all decisions are spiritually based. “Every choice we make is ultimately a spiritual decision. No matter what issue or challenge we face, our decision comes down to what we believe is right or wrong, which is based squarely on our sense of truth and purpose. Our perspective on such matters comes from our spiritual beliefs, since our notions of meaning, purpose, truth, value, integrity, morality and ethics all stem from our ideas about the ultimate determinate of life.” pg 30

When I read that, I wished that the moderator of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential debates would ask each candidate the following question, “What criteria determines what is right and wrong in your life?” I think there may be no more telling question to a person’s behavior and character than the true answer to that question.

In the next section, Barna lists many statistics about children and their understanding of spiritual truths. One statistic seemed to sum up all of his findings. Just 4% of children would classify themselves as one who strongly affirmed the accuracy of all biblical teachings, the personal responsibility to share their faith in Christ with non-believers, the centrality of faith in a person’s life, the inability to attain eternal salvation except through the grace of God through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, the nature of God as the creator and sustainer of all that exists, the existence of Satan as a real being, not merely a symbol of evil. pg 33

I have to grin when I read that. I wondered how many adults would be classified as evangelical by answering questions on such a litany of questions.

Amazingly, Barna answers question on the next page. Specifically 4% of 13 years olds were evangelicals compared to just 6% of adults. In other words, by the age of 13, your spiritual identity is largely set in place. pg 34

WOW – look at that again. By the age of 13, ones spiritual identity is largely set in place.

Ponder that for a second. How important does that make effective children’s ministry at Bayshore? At your church? In our homes?

The rest of the chapter is anti-climatic. Barna asks the same questions as listed above and uses statistics to show that most churches are short-changing children’s ministry at their church.

Again - By the age of 13, ones spiritual identity is largely set in place.

I look forward to your comments on this section. Is this what you have found to be true in your own children?

Book Review: A Tale of Three Kings

A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards.

More Information on book click here

Short Description: Those facing the pain and brokenness that result from unfair treatment by other believers will be encouraged by this powerful story of David, Saul, and Absalom.

I read this incredible book in one setting. It deals with authority - using David, Saul and Absalom as examples. As each reader goes through this book, they will find they have a little of each of these men in them.

How should you respond when you are targeted by someone who is abusing their power or position? The author asks the question speaking about David, "What do you do when someone throws a spear at you?" The author also wrestles with the question, "How can you tell if your king (leader, pastor, boss) is the Lord's annointed?"

Speaking of Saul, "Keep in mind that some who have been given the very power of God have raised armies, defeated the enemy, brought forth might works of God, preached and prophesied with unparalleled power and elquence ... and thrown spears, and hated people, and attacked others, and plotted to kill, and prophesied naked, and even consulted witches."

This is a must read for any leader. At times, we will be faced with some of the same decisions wrestled with in this book. If you are looking for easy answers - this is not the book for you. However, if you are looking for peircing questions that cut to your own motives, then this book can be used by the Spirit of God to move your heart.

After you read this book - leave your thoughts in the comments below. I welcome them and would enjoy responding.

Chapter One - The State of American Children

Chapter 1 – The State of American Children

This chapter is filled with statistics that tell us about American children. Barna defines children as 5-12 year olds. This group, some 31 million strong, represents nearly half of the under 18 year olds in the country. Pg 18.

I like Barna’s reasoning when he states, “If you want to shape a person’s life-whether you are most concerned about their moral, spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional or economic development—it is during these crucial eight years that lifelong habits, values, beliefs and attributes are formed.” Pg. 18

Barna states, “Our children will define the future, which makes them our most significant and enduring legacy. After all, God never told His followers to take over the world through force or intelligence. He simply told us to have children and then raise them to honor God in all that they do.” Pg 18

A scripture reference could be: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. [5] Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. [6] These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. [7] Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. [8] Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. [9] Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

Barna then lists the Four Dimensions of Our Children’s Well-Being and fill each section with statistics which are enlightening. They are Educational Achievement and Intellectual Development; Health and Physical Development; Economic State; and Emotional and Behavioral Development.

One of the most startling statistics was the one out of three babies born in the United States are born to an unmarried woman. Additionally, one out of four presently lives with a single parent. Pg 22-23

Those statistics astounded me. I was staggered by that number.

Those who are commenting on this study—Do you find these numbers to be true in your areas of influence? Are there any school teachers who find these statistics valid among your students? Please leave comments on how it effects you interaction with the student’s parent.

Chapter One paints a picture of the lives and culture of the children he implores both the church and family to impact.

Introduction - Children into Spiritual Champions

Introduction

Many times people skip the Introduction of a book and cut right to the first chapter. It would be a mistake to do this in any book the George Barna writes. In his Introduction he tells what his methodology was in gathering data and coming to the conclusions he includes in his book. That is vital – for if his methodology is flawed – then there is a good chance his conclusions will be also.

“After considerable observation, discussion, prayer and reflection, I conduct primary research and analyze the results. Armed with the data, I seek confirmation of my interpretations through the real-world ministry experiences of churches and individuals. Confident that there is something valid to present, I then share the results through the written word.” Pg. 13

Barna then lists what his Five Goals are in writing this book.

1. Reach agreement.
2. See spiritual development as necessary.
3. Motivate to action.
4. Facilitate the appropriate linkage.
5. See what it looks like.

Under his first goal – his tell us what his thesis is for the book, “If you want your life to count for God’s Kingdom, there are many viable ways to use your gifts, talents and resources. However, if you want to have the greatest possible impact (i.e., to achieve a lasting legacy of spiritual dividends), then consider employing those resources to ministry to young people.” Pg. 14

I also like what he says under his fourth goal: “The local church is crucial in this process, but a child’s family is central. Gaining a proper perspective on the partnership between parents and church in the mutual effort to raise God-loving and God-fearing children is paramount.” Pg. 14

At this point, he has clearly and concisely set out his methodology and his goals for writing this book.

My goals in reading this book are:

1. Am I doing all I can as a Father to raise Joseph and Nathan as Spiritual Champions?
2. What can Bayshore do to increase our effectiveness in this area?
3. How can we as a church partner will parents in increasing our effectiveness?

At this point – what are you thoughts and/or goals in reading this book?