Hannah desperately wanted a child of her own. She received little sympathy from her husband, was persecuted by her husband’s other wife, and was even misjudged by the high priest. Her only hope to reverse her barrenness from the LORD was the LORD. So, she prayed and cried and prayed some more–and the LORD answered…
Tag: Children
Leviticus is for First Graders
It had been at least five years since we did a major expired food clean-up out of what we call the “deep freeze” in these parts. All sorts of unidentifiable food encased in ice had to be chiseled out of the bottom shelf. My son and I enjoyed chipping out Zip-lock bag after Zip-lock bag,…
Just Say No…to Say Yes
In 1982, First Lady Nancy Reagan introduced the slogan “Just Say No” in an effort to combat the rise of illegal drug use among youth. Growing up in that era, I’m not sure how much it curbed the drug use of my fellow high schoolers, but it was certainly a good message. Unfortunately, we have…
On Rainbow Flags and Boy Scouts
As a symbol of gay and lesbian pride, the rainbow flag has been around a long time–actually since 1978. But your children may ask you about it more often as of late, since it is showing up in all sorts of places–and is rumored to be making appearances in children’s television shows and movies. So…
In Honor of the National Spelling Bee
The Super Bowl. The BCS Championship. The World Series. March Madness. These are just a few of the best championships in all of sports. I enjoy them all, especially when my favorite team is not involved (that stress takes all the fun out of it). But I must confess that my favorite championship is the…
Put the “Bible School” Back into VBS
It’s that time of year again! Vacation Bible Schools will be starting up all over the country very soon. This summer will be my eighteenth VBS to coordinate, and I have to say, I love it more every year. It truly has become my favorite week of the ministry calendar. It’s what led me to…
Tragedies Should Break our Hearts
Soon after the Boston bombing and the massive explosion at a Texas fertilizer plant, I wrote about how Tragedies are Teachable Moments. Now we’ve witnessed the massive tornadoes striking the Midwest, especially in Moore, Oklahoma. To me, what makes this event even more devastating are the initial stories of children sitting in the hall of their…
The Joy of Spiritual Archery
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. (Ps. 127:3-5) I have always loved Psalm 127:3. My children have definitely…
It’s Not Political, It’s Biblical!
We now have the first active NBA player to publicly proclaim his homosexuality. The drumbeat is getting louder for a federal gay marriage law. Mr. Obama has become the first sitting American president to give a speech to Planned Parenthood, lauding it for its commitment to women’s rights, contraception, and abortion. The FDA lowers the…
Just Answer the Question!
Children ask questions. Lots of questions. And when you have lots of children, as in my case, the questions grow exponentially. In my most recent estimation, I believe I am asked a question by a child of mine every 2.7 seconds I’m around them (my wife clocks in at about one every 1.9 seconds). Now,…
The Problem of Spiritual Short-Term Memory Loss
We were just innocently waiting for one of our favorite TV shows to begin. I made the mistake of flipping the channel to a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. I should have known better. Those four words are almost as pleasing to my wife as Based on a True Story. And, if the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie is…
Tragedies are Teachable Moments
In just the space of just a few days in April, the nation has witnessed a terrorist bombing in Boston and a horrific explosion at a Texas fertilizer plant. It wasn’t too long ago that we watched the senseless murders in Newtown. The reality is, that as long as we live in this fallen world,…
One Story Ministries 