No Spectators Please!

Those of us who live in the KC metro area and are basketball fans observed one of the greatest games in the history of the Missouri/Kansas rivalry.  Missouri trounced Kansas the first 25 minutes of the game.  Kansas rebounded and chipped away at the huge Missouri lead to come back and win the game in overtime.  It was an epic battle.


Interestingly, millions of people watched the game but only 15 guys played.  So much hype, preparation and energy was spent on one game in which only 15 people played.


Imagine for a moment that MU or KU asked YOU to play in this game.  While we would be honored to have the opportunity it is likely that nearly all of us would say, "NO WAY.  I'm not qualified.  I can't do it.  I'll just watch from the stands."  


In Luke 5, Jesus called Peter to be one of His disciples.  In the middle of the conversation Peter told Jesus to go away, claiming that he wasn't worthy to be a disciple.  But Jesus' love compelled him to use ordinary, broken people to reach others with His good news.  


We are no different.  God has called us to be a part of His story.  Don't sit on the sidelines as an observer thinking, "I am not qualified."  God has called YOU and given you everything you need to live a Godly life.  He wants you to show His love to others.  He has called you to model His character to your children.


If you are just a spectator in His story, recognize your calling.  Begin simply by giving some intentional time to model Christ before your family.  Use HomeFront as a resource.  There are great ideas for reviewing scripture with your family.  The weekly edition gives an advanced look at what we will learn next Sunday while the monthly version has all kinds of interactive ideas for the entire family.


HomeFront weekly for preschool and kindergarden is HERE.
HomeFront weekly for elementary is HERE.
HomeFront Monthly is HERE.

Remember The Time....

Traditions are important.  They give us anchors that keep us connected to important events, beliefs, people, etc.  God established a rhythm of tradition to keep their attention on Him.  Jewish feasts are a part of that rhythm.  This Sunday, we will remember the Feast of Harvest.

This feast, also known as the Feast of Pentecost or Weeks, corresponded with the nation’s harvest season. This feast is preceded by the Festival of First Fruits, during which the barley was harvested, and ushered in the time when wheat was harvested. During this festival, the Israelites thanked God again for His provision for their physical needs. In addition, they also thanked Him for providing a way into relationship with Him. Pentecost was set in motion as a remembrance of when God gave Moses the Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai. Pentecost means “50 days.” These 50 days leading up to Pentecost (after Passover) were a season of gladness, abundance, and thanksgiving for God’s provision.

So, you say you're not Jewish.  OK.  Me either.  But the Jewish rhythm of tradition is one we should learn from.  Ask yourself, "What traditions have we declared for our family that are good reminders of God's provision and love?"  Create your own series of "feasts".  Take time to remember and reflect.  These traditions will model a life of thanks and dependence on God.  They will display a passionate love relationship with the God who loved us first.  

By the way, why not reply to this entry with some ideas your family has come up with to remember and celebrate God's goodness.  Your idea may get another family's rhythm going!

To view HomeFront Weekly (it's REMEMBER AND CELEBRATE WEEK) click HERE.

Love and Respect

We find these words in 1 Corinthians 13:

We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!  But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.

Until we are made complete we have three things to lead us to get there, and the greatest one is love.


There could be no greater picture of extravagant love than Jesus Christ Himself.  Over the next four weeks we will spend time as families and a church looking at incredible stories of love.  Take a few minutes and begin this journey with your children by sharing HomeFront as a family.


Click HERE for HomeFront Monthly (February 19 thru March 11)
Click HERE for HomeFront Weekly for Preschool/Kindergarten)
Click HERE for HomeFront Weekly for Elementary)

Who's In Control?

Our elementary remember verse is from Mark 9:35:

If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.

This verse has a lot to say about being a servant but if you take a look at the context you'll soon discover that this admonishment to serve is in response to a deeper issue.


Just before Jesus delivered this message to His disciples they were busy arguing who would be granted a more important place in His kingdom.  They wanted the position of prestige and power.  They wanted control.


Giving up control is hard but necessary in becoming a servant.  Serving others means we submit to their requests.  It means we give up control of our time and resources!  When we give control to God He can use us to be His effective servants.


Are you watching for ways to serve?  They aren't that hard to find.  Wherever you go just ask, "What needs to be done?"


This Sunday, we'll look at some great examples of giving up control.  Give your children a preview of our stories with HomeFront Weekly.


Click HERE for preschool and kindergarten children.
Click HERE for elementary children.

HomeFront Weekly

Click HERE for HF weekly for preschool and kindergarten
Click HERE for HF weekly for elementary


Have a wonderful week!