The Most Precious Thing To Pass To Your Children

The most precious thing we can pass down to children is our faith–the confident conviction that God is who He says and will do all He has promised. Timothy’s strong relationship with Christ didn’t materialize out of thin air; it grew as a result of his mother and grandmother’s example.

Here are ways we, too, can hand down a rich legacy to the next generation:

1. Teach practical biblical principles. Kids need to know God’s views on material wealth (Psalm 24:1), meeting needs (Philippians 4:19), and direction in life (Proverbs 3:5-6).
2. Model character through lifestyle. How we live–whether with transparency, peace, and perseverance, or with fear, anxiety, and self-reliance–loudly communicates what we believe about God.
3. Serve God by serving others. Actions show that our faith is real (James 2:26). If we want kids not to develop a self-centered perspective, servanthood is key.
4. Intercede for them. Children won’t forget hearing us pray regularly for them.
5. Communicate love. Young people need to know we love them the way God loves us–unconditionally rather than based on what they do or don’t do. Spoken words of love breathe life into their hearts. And as we affirm them for trusting God, they see that we value their spiritual growth.

As parents, we must be intentional about leading and inspiring our sons and daughters to follow Christ. But even those without children of their own can leave a legacy. The example to follow is Paul: though neither married nor a natural parent, he was a spiritual father to many (1 Corinthians 4:14-16).

3 Specific Things That Point to the End Times

Books, movies, and speculations have been made about the end times, to the point that people have become almost calloused toward the thought. Sadly, the phrase “zombie apocalypse” has become more of a popular idea than the second coming of Jesus Christ.

For Christians, the “end of all things” ushers in the return of Jesus and the culmination of our faith. But even Christians grow complacent in the waiting. We get caught up in everyday life and forget about the much awaited day when every eye will see and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. (Philippians 2:9-11)

How can we be sure the end is near? What are the signs that Jesus’ return is right around the corner? Here are 3 specific things that point to the end times.

1. Growing corruption

Today’s culture has fulfilled every description in 2Timothy 3:1-5. Daily, we hear about greed, deceit, and horrific crimes being committed by people who are unloving and unholy. Despising what is good, people have decided to live their lives based on the inclinations of their own hearts. Unfortunately, the Bible warns that our hearts are deceptive and full of wickedness. (Jeremiah 17:9)

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

As corruption continues to grow. we can remain steadfast, looking to the Author and Perfecter of our faith—Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 12:2)

2. Increased war

Battle and strife between people groups has been an issue since the beginning of creation. However, in the last days, wars and rumors of wars will only increase. From this basic timeline of wars across the centuries, we can see that world peace simply isn’t a reality.

As Jesus said in Matthew 24:6-7, there will continue to be wars and rumors of wars. Nation will rise against nation before His return. There really is only one true source of peace—Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

3. A rise in deceivers

Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.” (Matthew 24:4)

In this century alone, more than half-a-dozen men have claimed to be the Christ. Deceiving the weak and vulnerable, they are fulfilling what Jesus warned about in Matthew 24. Christians must be on guard against this kind of deception.

For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. (Matthew 24:24 ESV)

We must know what the Bible says in order to guard our own hearts from being deceived. No matter what sign or wonder is performed, nothing will compare to the glorious coming of the Savior. In the end, there will be no “guess-work” as to whether or not Jesus is who He says He is.

Instead of relying on books and movies to inform us of the end times, let’s rely on the only source of true wisdom—the living word of God.

“Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” (Revelation 22:7)

Jesus’ Encouragement to our Troubled World

In John 16 we find Jesus speaking to his disciples of events that would soon unfold. They needed to hear His words of encouragement and Truth more than ever, for He knew the darkness of the hour still to come. He taught them about the power of praying in His name. He told them how they would soon be scattered, but that those who belong to Him would never be alone. For God is always there, close. He reminded them that they should not be surprised at the tension they would feel in an unbelieving world.

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace (security, safety, undisturbed, blessed state). In the world you have tribulation (trouble, oppression, pressure, affliction), but take courage (be of good cheer, take heart), I have overcome (carried off the victory, conquered) the world.”
– John 16:33

Words that have such meaning, that hold such power still today. These were some of the last words Jesus spoke to His disciples before his journey to the cross.

Last words always contain rich meaning. These are important for us to hold onto today.

He reminds us that only in Him can true peace be found.

He reminds us that in spite of the struggles we will face in this life, we never walk alone, for He is with us. He will never abandon us in our trials or leave us to work it all out on our own.

He reminds us to take courage.

He reminds us He has overcome. He has won the victory, and through Christ, we too are more than conquerors.

Jesus never called us to embrace the world and all it offers. But He calls us to follow Him, to be salt and light, and to walk in love.

It’s a whole new day ahead. And He has plans for you, for me, to make a difference in these days, in the life of another soul, for His purposes.

To be a friend.

To encourage.

To offer care and show compassion in a world that is broken.

Praying that His huge grace, wisdom, and strength cover us today. And that in Him, we will find freedom from worry, letting go of the stress that clings too tightly, the pressing needs of tomorrow, and struggles we battle today, and fully embrace His peace.

Take courage my friends…

For He’s the Overcomer. And we are never alone.

Do you sometimes struggle with feeling like you’ve been left all alone in your troubles? Choose to take courage today, reminding yourself of this truth: God promises peace in the midst of all we walk through. He will never leave us and is faithful to see us through.

Allow Nothing To Hold You Back

I’ve read that a successful Olympic athlete will work out an average of four hours a day, 310 days a year for six years to prepare for competition. Olympic athletes have to be disciplined, because they’re competing for the gold.

On more than one occasion, the Bible uses the analogy of running a race. For the Christian, the race of life is knowing God and having a relationship with Him. But it isn’t enough just to run the race. We have to finish the race we’ve begun, and that takes discipline.

I know the trend today, especially among younger people, is to say that we don’t really have winners or losers. You get a participation trophy for just showing up. But that isn’t real life. We need to understand that in the race of life, there are winners and losers.

God wants us to win the race that we’re running right now. The Bible tells us, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us” (Hebrews 12:1 NLT).

We don’t want anything to hold us back. There are things that help us run faster, and there are things that stop us from making progress. But obeying the Lord isn’t a duty; it should be a delight.

I’ve met runners who enjoy running. Sometimes after they go for a run, they’ll say, “That was a great run!” I’ve never had a great run, by the way. I’m always looking forward to when it ends.

But if you’re walking with the Lord, if you’re running your race for Him, then you’ll discover there’s joy in it. So run to win.