When to turn for help?

When to turn for help is often a question most people don’t get to.  They don’t get to it because they often rolled past that point a long time back, or so they think.

Here’s the truth, it is never too late to turn for help.  Nor is it too early to turn for help.  We can always ask for help, we just aren’t always willing to do so.  Or, again, it comes to a matter of not knowing where to turn.

When its a matter of willingness or being stubborn, we can simply love the person.  This means doing everything we can to stay in contact with them, checking on them, prayerfully encouraging them to seek professional help.  By being there and doing our best to support them, we pray God will open the door for an opportunity to seek help.  Unless it is a matter of somebody being harmed, including the individual, we cannot force a person to seek professional help.  We can only encourage.  If you are the person who is unwilling to seek help, I would encourage you to pray that God open your heart and mind to opportunities He has provided for you.

If whatever they are struggling with is interrupting their life, help needs to be sought.  Signs of this could be tiredness, indifference, apathy, not completing necessary projects, etc…Do not try to just write something off as a phase they will pass through.  This may be the case, or it may not be.  It is important to encourage the person to seek help, even if it is just a phase they are passing through.

Life is not always easy-going.  Life has struggles.  Life has trials and temptations.  Life has issues.  Life has sin.  We do have hope in the death and resurrection of Christ that all of these will come to an end.  That’s one facet of the good news of Jesus Christ.  But, remember the passage from yesterday, Ephesians 4:2.  We are to bear each others burdens until the day comes that Christ returns and puts an end to the pain of this life.  He will always be by our side, Matthew 28:20, but He also works through professionals, pastors, friends, and families to bring us comfort and peace.

Seeking professional help does not in any way make a person less of a Christian or less of a person.  The professionals who work in areas of mental health are there to help a person enjoy life to the fullest.  Christ came to bring life and life to the fullest (John 10:10).  When the sin of this world tries to keep us from living life to the fullest we turn, first to Christ, and then to those He has given the gift of service and help to bring us through.  It is ultimately Him who can transform us, heart and mind, but He works through those around us to accomplish this some times.

Tomorrow we will discuss where to turn for help, good resources to seek out, and even some questions you might want to ask before signing up for help.

Look!

This week we are going to be discussing the importance of seeking help, especially when it concerns one’s mental or emotional health.  This could be talking over the loss of a loved one to seeking help for severe depression.  The importance of this cannot be diminished.

Here’s part of the problem.  We don’t often know what we actually need help for.  This is usually based on not knowing how bad an issue truly is.  We try to write off the pain we are dealing with, physically or emotionally, as something that will pass.  Sometimes we even try to quote Scripture in doing so, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 typically show up somewhere in the discussion.  Its true, some pain will pass with time.  But, too often the pain we are trying to dismiss doesn’t, and we go on with it year after year.

Or, another part of the problem is that we don’t want to admit that we need help.  It becomes a matter of pride.  “I can work my way out of this.”  Or, “They can’t help me anymore than my buddy down the street.”  What’s interesting about this is that’s not how God created us to operate.  Go to Ephesians 4:2 for a second.  What does that seem to say about this?  We are in this together.  If you’re feeling pain, I’m feeling pain.  If you’re celebrating, I’m celebrating.  That’s part of being called into the one body of Christ.  We are in this together.

Sadly, a third problem often encountered is that an individual feels they are the only one who has ever experienced this.  Here, it would be appropriate to quote Eccl. 3:1-8.  If we are experiencing pain or struggle, somebody before us has most-likely experienced it as well.  There are very, very, very few things in this life that can be considered rare.  In fact, most of the issues people struggle with in marriage, in parenting, as an individual, co-worker, whatever, are actually normal for people in each of these vocations.  It’s part of living in a world full of sin.

But, as Christians, we have hope in Christ Jesus that all things can be redeemed.  Even we have been redeemed in His death and resurrection.  There is hope in Christ.  There is always hope in Christ.

This week we will begin looking at ways we can help each other out, and we can help somebody seek help.  So, please be sure to come back.  Go ahead and check out the Family Connection for this week as a good opportunity to get the conversation rolling.

Family Connection-April 29

Did you get away from it all?

I was being serious when I told you to go take a hike!  Its an amazing stress relief, great exercise, and a wonderful opportunity to experience God in ways you may not have thought you could.  I’m not going to gaurantee that you will have this amazing experience.  It may rain on you.  It may be muddy, or it maybe really, really warm that day.

But, that’s the amazing part of this…knowing that God is there with you every step of the way.  Sure, we can remember that in our daily lives.  The problem is that there is so much that clouds that our vision and minds that we forget that God is right next to us.

Go to Matthew 28:20.  Jesus’ last words to His disciples before He ascended into heaven, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

He said this before He physically left their presence.  I think we often focus on the fact that Jesus doesn’t seem to be physically beside us instead of His promise that He is with us always.  Being in the middle of nowhere with nothing but your thoughts and Creation around you, it gives you some time to ponder this promise of Christ.  And we know God keeps His promises- Christ showed that with the empty tomb on Easter morning.

So, I invite you to actually get away from it all this week.  Spend some time with God, without any other distractions, and let Him remind you of His presence.  God’s blessings on your weekend and as you explore what He created with a little awe and wonder.

Here’s what we talked about this week, just in case you missed it.

Nature Deficit Disorder (not a real disorder)

Take a Hike!

Family Connection-April 22

 

Take a Hike!

This week, or if you can’t, this weekend, take a hike!

This is my request of you with your family.  It doesn’t have to be a very long one, or a very strenuous one.  But, it does need to qualify as a hike.  This means it needs to be on a dirt path, with a little bit of roughness to it.  There can’t really be cut grass or trimmed lawns around it.  Find a county or state park and take a hike!  Bring some snacks and water for everybody.

That’s my request.  And here’s why…When we are able to slow down and remove ourselves from distractions like phones, iPads, T.V.s, work, whatever it may be, we are actually able to take a breath and look around us.  We can actually take a few minutes to see the world around us, including each other.  Taking a hike is a great way to spend quality and quantitative time together.  And it’s a fantastic time to listen for the soft whisper of God in the breeze (1 Kings 19:12-13)

While out…try reflecting on the following passages of Scripture.  Invite everyone to share their thoughts on the passage as they look around them at Creation.

Genesis 1

Isaiah 65:17-25 (this is a passage concerning the future and the New Creation after Christ returns.  Of note, Creation will operate how God first created it to operate in Genesis 1)

Colossians 1:15-20 (note, in 1:19-20, Paul writes that because of Christ’s death and resurrection, not only are we saved and will live eternally, but all of Creation has been redeemed and reconciled to God)

Christ death and resurrection is hope for us because we now have our salvation secured in Him.  But, remember, Creation bears the burden of sin as well.  It is no longer “good” as God created it.  We see this in animals attacking one another, animals dying of disease, etc…but in the Easter story there is hope for Creation as well.  When Christ returns and calls the faithful into everlasting life, we have the joy of knowing we will eternally live in a renewed and restored Creation!  So enjoy it now, and just try to imagine how much better it will be on that Day.

Nature Deficit Disorder

No!  This is not an actual medical disorder.  But, it is a reference to a book titled, Last Child in the Woods, by Richard Louv.  This book is fantastic look at the fact that most children now days spend more time in doors, in front of technology, than they do out in God’s wonderful Creation.  Please note, Richard Louv does not say whether he is Christian or not, or even a believer in any god.

I don’t think society needs to necessarily go back to the good ole days of Andy and Opie walking down the dirt road to go do some fishing. I would prefer to do that, but I realize that everybody is not as inclined to such an idea.  Nor do I think the “golden days” were really any more “golden” than what we are currently experiencing.  I think circumstances have changed dramatically, but none the less, we are still living in God’s Creation as part of His Creation.

In his book, Louv begins by exploring the benefits of spending time in nature.  The mystery and exploration that occurs, the freedom one feels, the ease of life one might feel.  To be honest, these are all things I love about being out in creation.  I call to mind Psalm 98:1, “Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things; His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.”

That’s what I see when I go outside and experience the world that God designed and created with His hand and breath.  It leaves me in awe.  And that’s something I think society today is missing.  Most people don’t step outside and feel an awe, they either feel hot or cold, wet or dry and can’t wait to get back in the air-conditioned room they came from.

I would encourage you this week to take the time to step outside and be awed by God’s creation.  Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and just listen to all that is around you.  If you live in the middle of downtown, go to a park with trees and flowers and squirrels.  Just witness God’s creation with a sense of awe for what He’s created.

The rest of this week we will look at different ways to enjoy the outdoors, to be strengthened by God in your relationship to Him through these experiences, and even take a look at God’s own love for what He created.  For now, take a walk- let the air around you bring a sense of peace because God is with you.

Family Connection-April 22

Spend it All!

Ha!  Who would honestly tell you that when it comes to your money.  Well, as we discussed on Wednesday, I’m pretty sure Jesus did in the Gospel of Luke, but for the sake of taking away what impairs our relationship with God.

I realize we are trying to cover some hefty topics every week here on The Home Connection.  And, we probably often leave you with more questions than answers.  But really, that’s what we are shooting for- to get you thinking about something so you can begin to explore the topic for yourself.

You see, ultimately, I can’t tell you how to handle your financial situation.  Only you and your household can do that.  I can make some suggestions, or prod you a little to see if you are letting finances stand in the way of your relationship with God or with your family, but when it comes down to it, I’m not the one handling your money. Remember, money is just one of the many blessings God bestows upon us- and we do nothing to earn His blessings. He freely gives them to us.  And it is His discretion as to how He wants to give those blessings.

In the end…its Him we trust in alone, because He alone is the One who provides.  He has provided everything we need in His Son Jesus Christ, and He continues to lavish His gifts upon us.  As it says in Psalm 23:5, “my cup overflows.”

I would invite you to pray the Lord’s Prayer this evening as  you gather around the dinner table.  When you come to the petition “Give us this day our daily bread”, pause for a minute and let everyone begin to list the many blessings God has provided you with to sustain and enjoy life.  You might be surprised at how your children answer.

Here’s what you missed this week….

Money, Money, Money

Family Connection-April 15

Give it All Away

For the Young Adults

I Don’t Have Any Money

Give it all away

Take a look real quick at Luke 12:13-21.  What conclusion do you come up with after reading this parable about how we are to use our money, etc…?  Okay, go to Luke 18:18-25…what conclusion can you draw from this teaching?

GIVE IT ALL AWAY!!!  That seems to be the major theme between these two lessons from Luke, and for a good portion of the Gospels as well it might seem.  But, what about supporting your family?  What about enjoying life?  What about saving for future calamities?  What about X, Y or Z?

I think we quickly miss the point here when we jump to the conclusion that we are supposed to give it all away.  I’m not denying the power in Jesus’ words here though.  Maybe we do actually need to give it all away.   But, we need to consider why He said this.

What was keeping the rich man from following Christ?  His wealth and power would be lost…the very things he had sought after most of his life, the very things he trusted to bring him through.  Instead of praising God for His many blessings and trusting He would bring him through, the rich man was trusting in his wealth.  The reason Jesus told him to give it all away was because that was the only way the rich man was going to be able to see God.  Otherwise, his wealth was going to always impair his vision.

So, what does that mean for us?  Is there something that is blocking our vision from seeing and following Christ as He has redeemed us to do?  Maybe that is money.  If so, do you need to give it all away to clear your vision?  Where do you put your trust for the future?  In your retirement plan, or in the talents God has given you to always be able to serve, or in God Himself to provide your daily bread?

Do you see the subtle change of direction there?  It’s not saying to waste your money while you’re here because you can’t take it with you when you die.  Nor is it saying to store it all away (Luke 12:13-21) for the “rainy day” that may come.  And it’s certainly not saying trust in the talents God has given you to provide, it’s saying trust God to provide, and pray for His guidance to use His blessings in a pleasing manner to Him.

He is the One that sees us through every minute of every day.  He is the One that never leaves us or forsakes us.  He is the One who is always providing.  Which is why Jesus immediately follows the parable of the rich fool with a teaching on not worrying.  Luke 12:22-34.  It actually comes down to believing that God is going to do what He has promised…to care for us, His beloved children.

Money, Money, Money

It’s funny, money is often the most sought after thing in life, but nobody seems to be happy with it.  Those who don’t seem to have enough are always chasing after more.  Those who have plenty, always seem to be finding ways to either keep it to themselves or make more.  It’s a never ending cycle.

It’s here that I would normally bring up the famous Gospel passage from Luke 20 which, considering today is Tax Day in the United States, would be appropriate.  Read Luke 20:20-26.  It’ll bring a smile to your face.

But, what about all the money in between?  We give our money to Cesear (translation: current government), and we give our money to God (translation: tithing- you should be doing this no matter what)…but what about how we spend/use the rest of our money?

That is what this week’s Home Connection topic is going to be.  How do we teach our families to properly spend money?  How do we teach them to save money?

For today, I would like to present a real simple activity to help you teach your children how to handle their money.  You will need three jars, boxes, or whatever you can use to put money into and three $1.00/person.

Give your child three $1.00 bills.  Label one jar “spending”, one jar “saving”, one jar “tithing”.  Show them how they take the $3.00 they have just received from you and put $1.00 in each of the jar.

Why do this?  Why not put all of the money into one jar?  When considering our money, its important to remember that all blessing come from God, including our money.  He has called us to remember and rejoice in those blessings, while also supporting the greater work of His Kingdom- this is the tithing jar.

But, we also need to save money for what may come up in the future.  This is not not trusting  in God… but using what He has given to us to prepare for the future- the saving jar.

And finally, its okay to use God’s blessings in fun ways, as long as it is appropriate and does not become something we desire more than God Himself.  So, its good to set aside a little money just for spending-the spending jar.

Pray for God’s continued blessings, wisdom and guidance as you endeavor to use what He has blessed you with in a pleasing manner to Him.

 

Now, I realize our monthly budget is much, much more complicated than this.  However, this is a good way to begin to help your family understand the importance of being sure to thank God for all of His blessing, including providing what we need to sustain and enjoy this life, while being able to support the work of His Kingdom on Earth.  Proper handling of money really comes down to where we put our faith and trust…and the answer should be God.  Be sure to come back this week and read more articles on how to get a handle on this very important area of our lives.

What I left behind

My college mentor and professor is getting ready to retire at the end of this Spring semester and this has drawn up quite a few memories for me.  I have thought about the four years I spent at Concordia University-Texas and all  of the memories tied to that campus.  Some of them are quite good, some of them, well…not so much.

I spent a fair amount of time learning this or that…but I spent a great deal more goofing off, building friendships (one of which led to a marriage to my beautiful wife), and causing a little mischief too.  It has only just hit me recently what I left behind.

When I talk to friends from college, its about the “good ole days” when we used to hang out, or we would go to our friends’ concert (they were in a country band), or what we did to pass the time on a weekend.  Its not very often that we remember the conversations about our faith and belief that we had on countless occasions.  Maybe there were so many that it became a mundane part of our college life- most of us were studying for some form of work in the Church.

But, I realize now how much more important those conversations were than all of the other memories I have from college.  Unfortunately, that’s not what I often left behind in the minds of others.  I can’t go back and change that.  Nor would I ever change anything from my college years except maybe telling my wife I loved her a lot sooner.

As I consider my Family legacy this week, I wonder what people will remember of me now, what will I leave behind.  What will you leave behind?  Will it be good times and funny stories and nothing else?  Or will conversations of our risen Christ show up in the mix too?

Here’s what happened this week…

Family Connection-April 8

What is a Legacy?

For the young adults…

Crossing the River

What is a legacy?

“What do you want your headstone to say?”  “What would you want people to say about you at your funeral?”

Those have always been the questions I’ve heard people ponder when the idea of a legacy comes up.  The answer is generally centered on how one led a good life, or a godly life.  While, this is might be a good way to start the conversation, I would invite you to take a deeper look at this issue.

Consider with me for a second the words of Joshua 24: 14-15.  We’ve the a few of the words from the passage on many walls in many homes.  And they are great words to post.  But, I think we often forget why they are so important.

Joshua has led the people into the Promised Land, and Land they had desired since God’s promise to Abram in Genesis 12.  This was the moment they were waiting for.  Joshua leads them to choose…will they follow the ways of the Land they are taking hold of, or will they continue to follow the ways of God.  It was their decision to make, for the sake of their families and the nation of Israel.

This isn’t a decision many parents are willing to make for their children.  They let them decide whether they want to go to church, whether they want to do this or do that.  Yes, there is a point when a parent can no longer “decide” for their child.  But, I think we have let society lower that age every year.

What is your family legacy going to be-that you let your children decide to follow God, or that you, as their parent jubilantly say, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!”?

God’s love and mercy is not dependent on how strictly you raise your children, or how often you don’t fail and choose God above everything else in this world.  He has already laid out your salvation in His Son Jesus Christ.  That is what we just celebrated at Easter.  But, it is now our time to tell our families, to tell our households, to tell those around us what God has done for us in Christ Jesus and to serve Him in the freedom He has now won for us.

I will boldly proclaim, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!”  It is my prayer that you will join us.

 

Here’s the new Family Connection-April 8 for this week.