Tag: Family

Family Worship Month

On By BrianIn Family/Single Life

I have mentioned before the idea of Family Worship – a regular time for the family to gather together around the Word and prayer.  My family has been doing it for several years – and it is a highlight of our kids’ day. 

To help promote the idea, some folks have declared January to be Family Worship Month, and January 29 to be Family Worship Sunday.  Their blog has numerous articles from various Christian leaders (living and dead) on the importance of Family Worship.  Well worth checking out.

For a brief but helpful book introducing Family Worship, pick up Donald Whitney’s book.

Family Quotes To Ponder

On By BrianIn PASSION Quotes

The Christian is supposed to love his neighbor,
and since his wife is his nearest neighbor,
she should be his deepest love.
– Martin Luther

Let the measure of God’s grace to you in the cross of Christ
be the measure of your grace to your spouse.
– John Piper

Which of you by being angry can add a single hour to his span of life?
Or any affection to your marriage?
– John Piper

God often disapproves of his children’s behavior.
But he never treats us with contempt.
Imitate him in your disapproving.
– John Piper

Happy is that family where the worship of God
is constantly and conscientiously maintained.
– John Newton

Passion Points – Prayer

On By BrianIn PASSION Points

As we are nearing the end of our focus on prayer, here are some good posts on prayer for your weekend reading:

First, John Piper suggests several things that are happening when we pray.

Second, Mark Altrogge reminds us that God is both rich and generous – so just ask!

Third, James Grier reminds us (via Chris Brauns) that knowing God as OUR Father implies that we will pray together.

Fourth, sometimes we can learn a lot from other people’s prayers.  So here is a good hymn/prayer by John Newton via Desiring God.  And then another good prayer by Mike at Hunger and Thirst.

Finally, some thoughts to ponder on teaching our children to pray – Part One and Part Two by Burk Parsons.  And a prayer for children by Amy Carmichael via Trevin Wax.

May God help us continue to grow in prayer. 

Have a great Lord’s Day with your local church!

Passion Week With Children

On By BrianIn Family Collection, Holidays

Easter bunnies, easter eggs, easter baskets, candy, gifts, and so much more.  Nothing wrong with these things in and of themselves.  But they can be a distraction from the true meaning of Easter.  In the midst of all these things, how can we help our children focus on what Easter is really all about?  Thriving Family magazine offers daily crafts and activities to do together as a family during Passion Week to help your family focus on Christ.  Check it out here.

Passion Points

On By BrianIn PASSION Points

Here are some good posts for your weekend reading.

The Gospel

Trevin Wax outlines six counterfeit gospels – and I suspect each of us are tempted to lean towards one of them. 

Tim Chester discusses our desire to be our own Savior.

Tullian Tchividjian reminds us that our identity is not found in possessions or position or anything but Christ (we need to be reminded of this again and again!).

Family

Sam Crabtree discusses the importance of affirmation in marriage.

Mark Altrogge suggests several ways that we provoke our children to anger (do some of them sound a bit too familiar?).

More Good Stuff

Stephen Altrogge considers how we should respond when someone confesses sin to us.

John MacArthur offers some helpful questions to ask related to issues that Scripture does not specifically address.

Hope you have a wonderful Lord’s Day worshipping the Lord with your church family!

Passion Points – Family

On By BrianIn Family Collection, PASSION Points

In keeping with the theme of the last few posts, here are some good links on marriage and the family.

First, Jared Wilson gives some direction for a grace-driven marriage.  Justin Taylor gives some thoughts from John Piper on the husband’s call to lead in reconciliation after the inevitable quarrels of marriage.

You might also check out some helpful booklets on marriage from RBC Ministries that you can view on-line:

Building Blocks To A Strong Marriage

What Is The Promise of Marriage?

Abigail & Leah: Living In A Difficult Marriage

When The Flame Flickers: Rekindling Intimacy In Your Marriage

Finally, here are some helpful links related to some family issues recently in the news:

Albert Mohler gives some helpful commentary on President Obama’s recent announcement that the Justice Department will no longer defend the Defense of Marriage Act.  You might also consider John Piper’s reaction.

Meanwhile, Joel Northrup, a high school student in Iowa, refused to wrestle  against a girl in the state championship wrestling tournament.  Despite there being good moral reasons for Northrup to take this stand, much of the media has lambasted him.  Albert Mohler and John Piper again give helpful commentary on this clash of worldviews related to the family.