Teach Children The Bible Is Not About Them

by Sally Lloyd-Jones

When I go into churches and speak to children I ask them two questions:

First, how many people here sometimes think you have to be good for God to love you?

They tentatively raise their hands. I raise my hand along with them.

And second, how many people here sometimes think that if you aren’t good, God will stop loving you?

They look around and again raise their hands.

These are children in Sunday schools who know the Bible stories. These are children who probably also know all the right answers — and yet they have somehow missed the most important thing of all.

They have missed what the Bible is all about.

They are children like I once was.

As a child, even though I was a Christian, I grew up thinking the Bible was filled with rules you had to keep (or God wouldn’t love you) and with heroes setting examples you had to follow (or God wouldn’t love you).

I tried to be good. I really did. I was quite good at being good. But however hard I tried, I couldn’t keep the rules all the time so I knew God must not be pleased with me.

And I certainly couldn’t ever be as brave as Daniel. I remember being tormented by that Sunday school chorus, “Dare to be a Daniel” because, hard as I tried to imagine myself daring to be a Daniel, being thrown to lions and not minding... who was I kidding? I knew I’d be terrified out of my skull. I knew I would just say: “OK yes whatever you say! Just don’t throw me to the lions! Don’t pull out my fingernails! Make it stop!”

I knew I wasn’t nearly brave enough. Or faithful enough. Or good enough.

How could God ever love me?

I was sure he couldn’t.

One Sunday, not long ago, I was reading the story of Daniel and the Scary Sleepover fromThe Jesus Storybook Bible to some 6 year olds during a Sunday school lesson. One little girl in particular was sitting so close to me she was almost in my lap. Her face was bright and eager as she listened to the story, utterly captivated. She could hardly keep on the ground and kept kneeling up to get closer to the story.

At the end of the story there were no other teachers around and I panicked and went into automatic pilot and heard myself — to my horror — asking, “And so what can we learn from Daniel about how God wants us to live?”

And as I said those words it was as if I had literally laid a huge load on that little girl. Like I broke some spell. She crumpled right in front of me, physically slumping and bowing her head. I will never forget it.

It is a picture of what happens to a child when we turn a story into a moral lesson.

When we drill a Bible story down into a moral lesson, we make it all about us. But the Bible isn’t mainly about us, and what we are supposed to be doing — it’s about God, and what he has done!

When we tie up the story in a nice neat, little package, and answer all the questions, we leave no room for mystery. Or discovery. We leave no room for the child. No room for God.

When we say, “Now what that story is all about is…”, or “The point of that story is…” we are in fact totally missing the point. The power of the story isn’t in summing it up, or drilling it down, or reducing it into an abstract idea.

Because the power of the story isn’t in the lesson.

The power of the story is the story.

And that’s why I wrote The Jesus Storybook Bible. So children could know what I didn’t:

That the Bible isn’t mainly about me, and what I should be doing. It’s about God and what he has done.

That the Bible is most of all a story — the story of how God loves his children and comes to rescue them.

That — in spite of everything, no matter what, whatever it cost him — God won’t ever stop loving his children… with a wonderful, Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love.

That the Bible, in short, is a Story — not a Rule Book — and there is only one Hero in the Story.

I wrote The Jesus Storybook Bible so children could meet the Hero in its pages. And become part of his Magnificent Story.

Because rules don’t change you.

But a Story — God’s Story — can.

________

Sally Lloyd-Jones is one of the speakers at our National Conference this September, along with Carolyn McCulley, Elyse Fitzpatrick and others. Visit the event page to learn more and register.

Kitty UFC

Not our video; it was just too awesome not to share!

@ Brookfield Zoo on Fathers Day

The Great Wall Marathon

Anyone who has been to and attempted to scale The Wall will appreciate just how nuts this is. The pictures say it all!

The marathon along the Great Wall of China includes more than 5,000 stairs

more »

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Every year, several hundred runners freely subject themselves to a torture even worse than a regular marathon.The Great Wall Marathon takes place along the Tianjin section of the Great Wall of China east of Beijing. It involves running (or walking or crawling) up and down over 5,100 stone steps…

(Images: Last Man Running,Travel TST, Mark Griffith, Fine Art America, Great Wall Marathon, Michael Yamashita,Runners)

The Eternal Fatherhood

GLENN T. STANTON|

Fatherhood: The Core of the Universe

Far the most important thing we can know about George MacDonald is that . . . an almost perfect relationship with his father was the earthly root of all his wisdom. From his own father, he said, he first learned that Fatherhood must be the core of the universe. He was thus prepared in an unusual way to teach that religion in which the relation of Father and Son is of all relations the most central. --- C.S. Lewis, George MacDonald: An Anthology

Fatherhood as the core of the universe.

When I first read this statement more than a decade ago, two things struck me. One, it is a grand and sweeping claim. Two, I had no idea what MacDonald meant. Not a clue. But it intrigued me so much that I kept thinking, and it slowly started to make faith-shifting sense. Fatherhood is not merely a motif God chose as he revealed himself to us. Nor is it merely an anthropomorphic device to relate to us. Jesus called him Father because he is. As the Trinitarian God is the center of the universe and of all reality, so is Fatherhood and Sonship. Fundamentally, ontologically, metaphysically, truly, actually, really. As Lewis says, Christianity is that religion in which the relation of a Father and Son is prior to and more central to all other relations. And it has been this way eternally. Jesus tells us as much.

Francis Schaeffer noted that even though Scripture starts with "in the beginning," something was there before the beginning. John 1:1 speaks of what existed before Genesis 1:1, and John 17:24 clarifies, giving us the opportunity to eavesdrop on an intimate conversation between God the Son and God the Father. Jesus says, "Father . . . you loved me before the creation of the world." So before "in the beginning," there was a loving Father. And before "in the beginning," there was a real Son loving, adoring, praising, and enjoying a very real Father. Jesus, in John 17:5, says they also shared glory.

This is a mind-blowing and universe-shifting truth. It means that the universe is not a dark, empty, impersonal place. Just the opposite. At its core, it is an overwhelmingly warm, relational, personal place. This explains why broken and unhealthy relationships, loneliness, and abandonment are among the most painful of human experiences.

More specifically, consider why all cultures have a problem called "fatherlessness." People who don't suffer from the "father wound" are as fortunate as they are rare. It is not a cultural construct. It does not exist in the imagination. It exists because Satan despises and seeks to pervert and destroy---every day, every moment, everywhere in the world---that which God is. As such, he sets himself against the God-like, life-giving nature of mothers (see Genesis 4:1) through the human evil and pain of abortion. But he also loathes our fathers and those of us who are fathers. He recognizes fatherhood's power. He recognizes each earthly father's iconic nature. He realizes the pain it causes God and his image-bearing creatures when fatherhood is corrupted. And this delights our mortal enemy.

How many of us had a dad like the one who welcomed back the prodigal son mentioned inLuke 15:11? His heart is deeply compassionate, non-judging, and forgiving toward his son. He loves freely, openly, and boldly, without condition or expectation. Jesus tells us this is what his Father---and ours---is like. As such, it is reality's very character. We yearn so passionately for the true acceptance of our fathers and are crushed by their shame and judgment for the deepest of reasons.

The Christian Story: Rich in Fatherhood and Fatherlessness

What are the first recorded words of our Savior in the Scriptures? "I must be about my Father's business." Jesus' first words---when Mary and Joseph scold him for scaring the wits out of them after getting separated for three days---are about his Father and his house, as if to say, "Where else would I be?"

What are the words that got Jesus killed? The Lord is arrested and asked a pointed and very serious question by the high priest. He knows his answer will light the fuse. In Matthew 26 they ask, "I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God." Jesus responded "You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of power and coming on the clouds of heaven."

Jesus knew exactly what he was saying. The high priest knew exactly what he was saying, so he tore his clothes because of the blasphemy. Jesus is the Father's Son. Jesus was killed in a savage way for stating this truth. Satan was bent on attacking the divine sonship and fatherhood. And so Christ was condemned to die.

How do you wound a father more than by killing his only son?

What were Jesus' last words at his crucifixion? Matthew and Mark report they were, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" John records "It is finished" as the last words uttered. At noon on this terrible day, the sky went dark and remained that way for three hours. God turned his face from the Son because of the sin he bore for our behalf on that rugged cross. Words cannot adequately describe the significance of this forsakenness. The Evil One sought to attack fatherhood at its core by separating Father from Son. But we know the rest of the story. Image the glorious union between them in the Resurrection and Ascension!

In the Blue Like Jazz film, one character ruefully observes that God has a major PR problem in referring to himself as Father because of the raw deal that so many have gotten from their fathers. But have we ever considered that the sins of our fathers, being so hurtful in such wounding ways, offer evidence that fatherhood is indeed divinely profound? Or that the pain itself suggests the existence of a great, welcoming Father who has placed a desire for him in the deepest part of our being?

It does so indeed, in an intense and penetrating way. It does because Fatherhood is the core of the universe.

Beware V.V.S.!!!!!!

Izaiah Repair Update

This morning, Izaiah had surgery to close the front part of his palate. His surgeon said it went very well, though he may have more discomfort in recovery than after his previous procedures. The staff here is working hard to control his pain, but it has been a rough day so far. We would deeply appreciate prayer for Izaiah for quick healing and pain management. Also for his emotional well-being. He is 3 months older now than his last surgery and he seems more aware that he shouldn't be hurting like this. Will try to update soon. Love to all. -EnJ

Varsity Stackin' Practice!

Happy Memorial Day

"Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor".  -Romans 13:7

Spring Training!

Crashed Out @ Aunt Kathy's

The Conundrum

Izaiah Standing and Waving

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Sunny Spring Day

Hangin' Outside B4 Bedtime!

Stackin'

Mother's Day 2012

 

 

An Open Mothers Day Love Letter

Dear Wife- I just want to take a moment and publicly express my joy and gratitude for you; joy for being so blessed to be the one to share your first Mother's Day, and deep gratitude to be journeying through life with you. It's been an exceedingly long and difficult road that has brought you to this day. And yet today it is finally a reality. Watching you wrestle with fate and time, struggle with God in prayer, and learn through the deepest pain to submit to His higher and greater will has been a privilege and wonder to behold. You are, very simply, the most excellent mother and devoted and loving wife that any man on Earth could ever hope for. Thank you for sharing your beautiful heart with me, and for being the best friend I've ever known. 'What a long, strange trip it's been!' And we're just getting started!

Happy Mothers Day Wife,

Your adoring husband.

"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 

She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.

Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 

Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates".
             -Proverbs 31:26-31-

 

Counting with Mommy

Before and After: What 6 Months Can Do!!!

 

6 months ago today, we held our son for the very first time. It was love at first sight. We can't believe the transformation that we are blessed to witness as our baby boy rapidly grows and flourishes. On October 30th, he was 16 pounds and as frail as a newborn. Today he's a 26 pound tank, is scooting everywhere on his behind, stands (with assistance), sits up on his own, and is starting to get into everything he can!  He loves playing with his toys and will spend hours throwing things, flipping through books and filling his mind with everything around him. Just this week, he's learned "So Big" and to wave "goodbye/hello". When we ask him for a kiss, he now leans his head forward so we can plant a kiss on his forehead or cheeks. He kicks with excitement and laughs when he feels the wind in his face. He and his sister are playing together more and more, and it's wonderful to witness them showing genuine affection for each other. His next surgery to repair his hard palate is scheduled for early June. We are anxious to have this behind us so that he can begin eating solid foods without complications.  His lip will be closed at the end of summer, which will be bittersweet for his daddy and mommy, who love his beautiful smile just as it is. Izaiah brings joy and light into our lives every day in ways that we never could have imagined, and we praise our God for gifting him to us, as well as his wonderful, sweet and precious big sister. 

 

Booty Scooter

Do You Know Him?

Our Easter Lily

 

"Tea Anyone?"

 

Easter Pics

 

Happy Easter!!!

God Is The Resurrection-Gospel

by Tony Reinke

The whole point of Easter is that we get … blank.

How would you finish the sentence?

... we get justification.

… we get new life in Christ.

… we get the promise of imperishable physical bodies.

… we get the promise of eternal joy.

For all the right answers we could give, there's one even more fundamental purpose behind the holy week events, writes John Piper in his book God Is the Gospel: Meditations on God's Love as the Gift of Himself [(Crossway, 2005), 37, 147]:

Until the gospel events of Good Friday and Easter and the gospel promises of justification and eternal life lead you to behold and embrace God himself as your highest joy, you have not embraced the gospel of God. …

The best news of the Christian gospel is that the supremely glorious Creator of the universe has acted in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection to remove every obstacle between us and himself so that we may find everlasting joy in seeing and savoring his infinite beauty.

The saving love of God is his doing whatever must be done, at great cost to himself, and for the least deserving, so that he might enthrall them with what will make them supremely happy forever, namely, himself. Therefore, the gospel of God and the love of God are expressed finally and fully in God's gift of himself for our everlasting pleasure. "In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:11).

Good Friday

And how can I kneel here

And think of the Cross:

///The thorns and the whip

And the nails and the spear

The infinite cost

To purchase my pardon

And bear all my shame///

And think I have anything

Worth boasting in

Except for Your name

Because I am a sinner

And You are the Savior

And I want to make

Much of You Jesus

I want to make much of Your love

I want to live today

To give You the praise

That You alone are so worthy of

I want to make much of Your mercy

I want to make much of Your Cross

I give You my life

Take it and let it be used

To make much

Of You

"But far be it from me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world"

-Galatians 6:14

Video: Isaiah Sits Up!!!

 

Happy Birthday Lily Grace!!!!

Birthday "Cake Balls", Birthday dinner (Sushi Salad... YUM!!!) and Birthday Presents!!!!

Overdue Update!

Today is our daughter's 2nd birthday, though it is her first birthday with us.  Happy Birthday, Lily Grace.  We are very proud of you and love you so much!

 

We started our day like we most often do, saying a prayer to Jesus. But today it was a little more emotional.  We thanked Him for the day that Lily was born, for her sweet, beautiful spirit, for blessing daddy and mommy with the privilege to be her forever parents, and we asked Jesus to continue to stir into Lily's heart a deep desire, love and passion to know and serve Him.  These things we pray each day.

 

But then we also said a prayer for Lily's biological mother and father who live in China, that their hearts would be somehow comforted with the peace of Christ as they remember this day two years ago, and that somehow they would know that Lily was now with a family that loved and treasured her.  These words may seem sweet to read, but behind them lies a deeply emotional and very real story.  A story of sorrow and joy that touches many lives to the core.  A story that happens much too often throughout the world where sorrow is the main theme. 

 

We have now had our children, Lily and Izaiah, for five full months and already cannot believe how much they have grown physically and emotionally.  Here are some highlights:

 

•  Lily is a busy and very active girl with the most expressive face!  Oh how we love to see all her expressions.

•  She sleeps very well and during her naps, you will most often find her sleeping with her socks on her hands.  She is so funny!

•  Although she cannot identify colors yet, she does know how to sort them and put all the reds together, the blues, yellows, etc.

•  She has endless chatter but does have a limited vocabulary.  She walks around the house all day yelling, "Mama!"  She says, "Dada" too.  When you ask her if she wants to sing a song, she says, "Jesus" as we most often sing "Jesus Loves Me".  Other words she says:  juice, eye, teeth, two and poo.

•  Speaking of "poo", yes, we have started the potty training process and she is doing very well!  She won't tell us when she has to go yet, but she will very often, several times a day anyway, go potty and poo on her little toilet when we put her there.  She loves getting an M-n-M afterward as her treat.

•  Our girl is a reader!  She loves, loves, loves to read books.

•  She mostly feeds herself and is getting much better at eating with a spoon.

•  She loves to repeat animal sounds and is still working on this.  Her favorite are making sounds like a lion, snake, bumblebee, dog, cow and monkey.

•  Although she hated getting in the bathtub when we first got her, she now loves her bath time and will even lay in the water on her tummy.  Still doesn't like to get her hair washed though.

•  Mommy brushes Lily's teeth every morning and night but Lily always controls the toothbrush and finishes the job.  She loves brushing her teeth.

•  She loves music and dancing.  She also loves to play with her lego blocks and is starting to build things.

•  Lily is very helpful and even picks up her toys.  We can already tell that she is a meticulous girl, a child after Mommy's own heart!

 

 

 

Izaiah

 

These are things that he started doing at age 18 months:

 

•  He gives "high-five".

•  He now claps his hands and is so proud when he does.  This was really huge for him.

•  He loves music and swaying back and forth.

•  He loves bouncing and jumping--the bigger the movement, the better. 

•  This baby was always very ticklish and full of laughter, but now we get the biggest kick out of watching him laugh just because.  He loves to laugh at his sister and Sami too.

•  He eats very well and has gained 50% of his weight in the last 5 months.  He weights nearly 24 pounds today whereas 5 months ago, he weighed 16 pounds.  He mainly eats from a bottle, drinking formula mixed with baby cereal or pureed baby food, yogurt, applesauce etc.  This seems to be working very well for him.  He adjusted to syringe feeding for a period of 8 weeks during all of his surgeries in the months of January and February but we are now back to the bottle.  Izaiah loves being sang to when he is drinking his bottle. 

•  Izaiah started eating some soft/pureed foods initially by Mommy swiping her finger in his mouth, but now he will even let us put a spoon in his mouth!  This, too, was a major step forward.  He is still very limited to what he can eat due to his cleft palate and food getting stuck up there.  We are scheduled to have his hard palate surgery next month!

•  He loves being cuddled and kissed!  We will often kiss one side of his face and neck and then he will turn it so you can kiss the other, pressing his face hard against yours.

•  He loves, loves, loves to play ball!  This is clearly his favorite thing to do as he gets excited every time you roll the ball to him.  His arms and feet get to kicking and we must say, we won't be surprised if he is some kind of ball player because he is good at this!

•  We have four teeth!  His two front teeth are finally in.

•  Izaiah is very focused on whatever he does.  He loves to play with toys and is getting more and more interactive.

•  He started saying "mama" at 18 months and just recently now also started saying "gaga".  Every once in a while we will hear a "kkkk".  We believe these two new noises were enabled as a result of his soft palate surgery at the end of February.  It's exciting progress!

 

We'll try to keep this updated as often as we can, but as you may imagine our hands are very full, and time to sit and blog now has to be 'scheduled'!

 

Love to all.