Enjoying the Journey

5 Books To Read To Help Young People

Much of my ministry has been connected to young people. It was my privilege to serve for many years as a church youth director. I enjoyed teaching youth ministry at a college level and continue to enjoy working with camps and youth conferences. The most important “youth ministry” I have been part of is having teenagers of our own! I wish that there were many books that I felt comfortable recommending on youth ministry. Far too much that is written is man-centered and felt-needs oriented. We must always begin with God’s truth and then make the application to people of every age. Here are a few books that provide a variety of helps for young people and those who work…

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5 Ideas For Teens @ This Time

If you are a teenager I am quite sure that your social life has been disrupted and your school year has been less than you imagined. (Or perhaps, better than you imagined – depending on your perspective!) After a few days at home most young people begin to get bored. Maybe you are way past that. First let me say, join the club. We are all a little stir crazy. The truth is that throughout life there will be things that disappoint and interrupt. The sooner you can learn to accept and adapt to these changes the better your whole life will be. Please do not think that I am minimizing the impact that COVID-19 has had on your life.…

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Reaching A Generation

We are all concerned about the direction of our communities and our country. It is easy to spend all of our time listening to the commentators and talking about how wicked the world has become. God’s people have a work to do – the one work that can truly make a difference. Only the gospel of Christ can change hearts and homes. All people need the gospel. My pastor often said, “You can’t witness to the wrong person!” People of every age and background need the Lord Jesus. Yet in many ways the heat of the battle for souls is to be found among young people. As go the young people so goes another generation. Satan knows this. Adolph Hitler…

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How To Help Your Kids Make The Most Of School Days

All over the country young people are returning to school. Our own children start back this week. New beginnings are a wonderful opportunity to set so many things in motion. Regardless of what school your children are in, parents are always key to the education of their own children. Little things can make a big difference. What can you do to encourage your children to make the most of every day? Get ready the evening before. One secret to fruitful days is in how the previous evening is spent. Prepare so that the morning hours are not spent in “emergency mode.” Play good music around the house during the morning routine. Encouraging, Christ-honoring music will help everyone’s spirit. Take a Bible…

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What Is Going On In Our Schools?

This generation needs the good news of Jesus Christ! Young people are growing up in a world of violence and hate. Only the love of God can make the difference. In the past months we have seen repeated shootings on school campuses. Students are hurting. Families are afraid. Bullying is on the rise. Kids are angry. Even some good kids have started carrying weapons. Darkness and depression have crept over campuses across our nation. What is the answer? The problem is not guns; so the solution cannot be laws. The issue is spiritual and only a heart remedy can meet that need. People need the help and hope found only in Christ. I have been encouraged to see many effectively…

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How to Make This A Great School Year

Our children have just begun a new year at a new school. We have been blessed to have had our children in a wonderful school through the years and are truly thankful that the Lord continues to provide that opportunity for our family. Across the country this is the time when schools resume – elementary, middle school, high school, and college students are beginning the next step of their education. As a teacher for many years, I always enjoyed walking into a classroom filled with new students and new possibilities. As a parent, I want my children to make the most of their opportunity. If you are a Christian, this school year should be dedicated to Christ. Whether enrolled in…

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