Truth & Grace Memory Books

A couple weeks ago, I preached from Deuteronomy 6 that we must “teach our children diligently” the gospel of Jesus Christ. We know we have a duty to raise our kids up in the nurture and discipline of the Lord, but let’s face it, we’re not always sure where to start. Plus, life is busy and chaotic.

We won’t ever find extra time to train up our kids spiritually. We must deliberately make time in our family schedule.

One tool that could help you disciple your kids is the Truth & Grace Memory Book series by Founders Press. They are a simple guide for parents with Bible Memory verses, hymns, and catechism questions.

We have used these books some in our own home, and highly recommend them. There are three books in the series…

• Book 1 – for ages 2 through 4^th grade
• Book 2 – for grades 5 through 8
• Book 3 – for grade 9 through 12

Best of all, these books have just been released digitally. For a limited time, you can buy them on sale for only $.99 each. The ePUB and mobi editions will integrate seamlessly with your iPad, Kindle, PC, or smartphone so you can take them with you wherever you go.

Here’s the link to the digital editions. Or, the paper edition is still a great buy for only $5.25 here. It’s a small price to pay to make an eternal impact on our children.

Abby's surgery

Our seven-month old daughter Abigail is scheduled to have surgery next Monday, Sept. 26, at 9 am on her right kidney/ureter. While still in the womb, she was diagnosed with ‘hydronephrosis,’ or fluid on the kidney. As a result, her right kidney drains very slowly and is now almost twice the size of her left one.

The surgeon will make a small incision on her side, remove a piece of her ureter where it joins to the kidney, then reconnect the ureter to the kidney. The operation will take place at Loma Linda Children’s Hospital and should take 2-3 hours. If all goes well, most of her kidney will be saved, and she could be discharged as early as Tuesday afternoon.

Here are some ways you can pray for our family:

• Thank the Lord that doctors noticed her condition early, that she is not in any pain, and that her right kidney still has a lot of healthy tissue
• Pray that she will stay healthy, as she has been fighting off a cold and allergies this past week
• Ask God to guide the hands of Dr. Chamberlain, his staff, and medical students as they operate on our daughter
• Pray for God to sustain Natalie and me, as we are already tired from so many other medical crises in the past year
• Intercede for us, that we will not give into fear, but will rest in God’s sovereignty, his wisdom, and his love. We want to know our Savior better through this season of suffering
• Praise the Lord for Natalie’s parents who are watching Dylan and Heidi for the week so we can focus on caring for Abby. My mom will also be arriving in another week to help out.
• I’ve written about this trial in a “Minister’s Message" scheduled to be published next Wednesday in our local newspaper. Pray that God will use this article to draw other people to himself.
• Pray for Abby’s salvation. As she grows older, we hope God will give her a heart that loves and serves Jesus.

I will rejoice in the LORD;

I will take joy in the God of my salvation.

GOD, the Lord, is my strength

(Habakkuk 3:18-19)

Book Review: The Lord's Prayer

When the disciples asked, "Lord, teach us to pray," Jesus did not simply tell them. He showed them. He modeled for all of us how we can talk to God in words that are simple yet profound. This prayer, known as "The Lord's Prayer," has endured for two thousands years, and is now available in a new edition by Rick Warren and Richard Jesse Watson for a new generation to discover. I read this book last night to our 3-yr old daughter and 5-yr old son. We all enjoyed looking at the artwork and discussing the meaning of Jesus' precious words.

The Lord's Prayer introduces us to all the important elements of prayer: Adoration. Submission. Supplication. Confession. A longing for heaven. This kids' edition pairs the poetic beauty of the King James Version with the beautiful artwork of Richard Watson. Watson creatively depicts the wonder and almost whimsical nature of prayer through the trusting eyes of a child. At times, I would like to see a clearer connection between the illustrations and the content of Scripture. Some of the images are brilliant (a girl feeding sparrows to show how God supplies our daily bread), while others are just too abstract (two children walking hand-in-hand up a stairway to show God's eternal glory).

By depicting children from many countries, Watson gives the book a multicultural flavor and shows that God invites people of all ages and nationalities to talk to Him through His Son. The brief prayers and explanatory notes by Rick Warren at the back of the book are a great addition, and can provide great talking points for parents. All in all, The Lord's Prayer could be a good tool to help introduce children to the power and beauty of the Lord's prayer.

2010 Vacation Bible School

Here's a summary of last week's Vacation Bible School. This article and photo appeared in today's edition of the Hi-Desert Star.

Children entering First Southern Baptist last week were greeted by a 12-foot barn, pine trees, western murals, and a life-size ranch fence. The words “Saddle Ridge Ranch” were emblazoned across the large archway, welcoming kids into the 2010 Vacation Bible School.

On June 21-25, the church hosted games, crafts, music, and a Bible story each morning for local children. Families were invited back Friday night at 6 pm for Family Fun Night. Over 120 people attended the free BBQ followed by a closing concert and awards ceremony.

“This was a very special year for us,” said Pastor Stephen Jones. “We had record-breaking attendance and were able to make many new friends in the community. Both the kids and their parents were so enthusiastic. We give all the glory to God.”

Throughout the week, boys and girls competed to see who could bring the most missions offering. The boys barely edged out the girls on Friday, together raising over $240 for the Haiti Response Fund to provide food, water, medical supplies, and shelter for earthquake victims in Haiti.

Planning for next year’s VBS is already underway. The theme will be “The Big Apple Adventure,” featuring the sights and sounds of New York City.

First Southern Baptist Church is located at 56374 Onaga Trail in Yucca Valley. For more information about their regular services and kids programs, please call (760) 365-5771 or visit www.fsbcyv.org.