Marching Forth!

The old saying goes, "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree."  The meaning behind this phrase is usually that children exhibit character or qualities also found in their parents.  One could also say, " Like father, like son ."  The genetic information in the seeds of apples grow trees that produce the same variety of apples, and genetics are passed down in people as well.  While physical appearance, personality traits or mannerisms can closely resemble parents, every child is uniquely created by God.  It would be presumptuous to credit or blame parents as entirely responsible for their children's choices and behaviour. It is assumed by some people are the product of their environment, family and society, almost fated by external factors to respond in a particular way.  There are so many exceptions to this I wonder how it could be assumed true.  Many people who have grown up in a worldly environment have been born again by faith in Jesus, and others ...

A way parents can undermine their credibility and respect of their children is to adopt a, " Do as I say and not as I do " approach.  It may be one thing concerning bedtimes or age-restricted activities by the government like drinking alcohol or driving a car, but entirely another when it comes to moral choices like cursing, lying or stealing.  A parent who scolds or punishes their child for swearing but does so all the time plays the hypocrite, and we can be guilty of hypocrisy at any age. It is imperative we look to God and His word to guide us in our choices and conduct.  God never invokes a "Do as I say or do" approach but rather commands us to "Be as I am."  This goes to the heart of being born again and a new creation by faith in Jesus Christ.  This is what Paul was getting at in  Galatians 6:15 :  " For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation ."  There is no possible way we can successful...

" Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble ." Matthew 6:34 We would like to justify our preoccupation with upcoming events as a modern necessity, yet Jesus spoke to correct this tendency in His day.  Planning ahead is required for holidays, to book flights or accommodation, but that does not mean we are capable of the mental and physical load worry over the future brings.  Jesus commanded His followers not to worry about tomorrow, and it is helpful for me to consider this in terms of not "stressing" over it. Today I woke on this New Year's day in Australia singing in my heart, "This is the day the LORD has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."  This is the start of a new year in our diaries but we need not carry a burden of a whole year, month or even tomorrow.  God has given us today, and we can rejoice in our LORD who makes all things new--including us.  It is ...

" Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue;  43  for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God ." John 12:42-43 This observation of John gives us insight into the hearts of the rulers of the Jews who believed in Jesus, that they " loved the praise of men more than the praise of God ."  Men ought to always praise God, yet we see God also gives praise to men who believe in Jesus Christ and confess Him.  Because a distinction is made between the praise of men and the praise of God, our actions demonstrate whether we value the praise of men or God more. When God says "Well done!" to His good and faithful servants, this is praise.  While God is worthy of all praise, by His grace and strength His people can do what is praiseworthy because we are in Him.  Webster defines "praise" as, " Commendation bestowed on a pers...