As the spring festival season approaches and we look forward to the Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread, there are preparations to be made. The rich and deep spiritual significance of this time calls for sober reflection, while the heart lifts with the joy, expectation and gratitude for this very special time. Here are some recipes you and your child may enjoy making together as your family
celebrates this very special time of year.
Cheese Bread
½ lb longhorn cheese 3 eggs
½ lb jack cheese 1 1/3 cups milk
1 cup flour ½ cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
Grate cheeses, mix all ingredients and pour in greased pan. Bake 350 for 45 minutes.
Brownies
2/3 stick butter ½ cup flour
2 squares unsweetened chocolate 1teaspoon vanilla
1 cup sugar Pinch of salt
2 eggs
Melt butter and chocolate. Cool slightly. Sift flour sugar and salt together. Add eggs, vanilla and mix
with chocolate mixture. Pour in greased pan. Cook at 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
The Disciples Feet Are Washed By Jesus
As we enter the Passover Season, read to your children about how Jesus washed the feet of His Disciples. The story is found in John 13:1-17.
The story of the Passover in the Gospel of John is one of great tenderness. Judas Iscariot had already been prompted by the Devil to betray Jesus. The disciples that remained were those who truly loved Jesus. Jesus loved the disciples. Jesus ministered to them and He served them. To understand how Jesus may have felt this evening, knowing that He only had hours to live, think of people who are terminally ill. Many times those who know they only have a very short time to live want to go home and be with their family and friends. Sitting with the disciples, the men Jesus spent so much time with, must have been like going home for Him. While Jesus is with the disciples He teaches them how to have a continued intimacy and fellowship with God.
During Bible times there were public and private baths. The people of the day wore sandals. The roads were dusty. It was a common practice that when a guest came to your home a servant would wash the guest’s feet to remove the dust from the road. The lesson here for the disciples and for us today is to be humble. You are humble when you care about the needs and worth of others over yourself. Jesus taught that the greatest person in God’s kingdom is the servant of all (Matthew 18:1-5). Jesus and the disciples had supper together. By the time the meal was over the devil had prompted Judas Iscariot to betray Jesus. Jesus spent His final hours with the disciples teaching them before His crucifixion. He had tremendous love for them and for all in the world.
“Jesus rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded” (John 13:4, 5). Peter did not want Jesus to wash his feet. The mere thought that Jesus would serve him by washing his feet upset him. Peter could not believe that Jesus would stoop to the level of a common household slave. Jesus was Peter’s Lord, so why would Jesus serve him. If Peter did not allow Jesus to wash his feet, he would not be allowed to fellowship with Christ. Upon this realization, Peter says, “Not my feet only, but also my hands and my head” (John 13:9). Jesus asked the disciples, “Do you know what I have done to you?” (John 13:12). Christ asked this question because He wanted to be sure the disciples understood He was showing and teaching them His love through His actions. Since Christ, our Lord and Master humbled himself to serve the disciples by washing their feet, then the disciples and you and I should be willing to serve others just as Christ did.
Sometimes, you may do service for reward or recognition. This is not the attitude of service that Christ was looking for. Christ said, “Whosoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant” (Mark 10:43). If your goal is to please God, you will do so by serving others with a humble heart. Even when you are not thanked or noticed, remember God knows about your good work and He is pleased with you. Jesus said, “For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you” (John 13: 15). Jesus is the teacher and He taught the lesson through His example. He wants us to serve one another with a humble heart.
The story of the Passover in the Gospel of John is one of great tenderness. Judas Iscariot had already been prompted by the Devil to betray Jesus. The disciples that remained were those who truly loved Jesus. Jesus loved the disciples. Jesus ministered to them and He served them. To understand how Jesus may have felt this evening, knowing that He only had hours to live, think of people who are terminally ill. Many times those who know they only have a very short time to live want to go home and be with their family and friends. Sitting with the disciples, the men Jesus spent so much time with, must have been like going home for Him. While Jesus is with the disciples He teaches them how to have a continued intimacy and fellowship with God.
During Bible times there were public and private baths. The people of the day wore sandals. The roads were dusty. It was a common practice that when a guest came to your home a servant would wash the guest’s feet to remove the dust from the road. The lesson here for the disciples and for us today is to be humble. You are humble when you care about the needs and worth of others over yourself. Jesus taught that the greatest person in God’s kingdom is the servant of all (Matthew 18:1-5). Jesus and the disciples had supper together. By the time the meal was over the devil had prompted Judas Iscariot to betray Jesus. Jesus spent His final hours with the disciples teaching them before His crucifixion. He had tremendous love for them and for all in the world.
“Jesus rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded” (John 13:4, 5). Peter did not want Jesus to wash his feet. The mere thought that Jesus would serve him by washing his feet upset him. Peter could not believe that Jesus would stoop to the level of a common household slave. Jesus was Peter’s Lord, so why would Jesus serve him. If Peter did not allow Jesus to wash his feet, he would not be allowed to fellowship with Christ. Upon this realization, Peter says, “Not my feet only, but also my hands and my head” (John 13:9). Jesus asked the disciples, “Do you know what I have done to you?” (John 13:12). Christ asked this question because He wanted to be sure the disciples understood He was showing and teaching them His love through His actions. Since Christ, our Lord and Master humbled himself to serve the disciples by washing their feet, then the disciples and you and I should be willing to serve others just as Christ did.
Sometimes, you may do service for reward or recognition. This is not the attitude of service that Christ was looking for. Christ said, “Whosoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant” (Mark 10:43). If your goal is to please God, you will do so by serving others with a humble heart. Even when you are not thanked or noticed, remember God knows about your good work and He is pleased with you. Jesus said, “For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you” (John 13: 15). Jesus is the teacher and He taught the lesson through His example. He wants us to serve one another with a humble heart.
Develop a Heart to Serve
The word “serve” is defined, “to do service for, aid, help and take care of the needs of others.” An attitude of service is motivated by a humble heart to truly serve another without expectations of reward or personal gain. How does a parent teach his child to have the attitude of true servant hood?
Plant the seed of true service in your child’s heart by emphasizing the importance of considering the needs of others as more important than his own. Paul wrote, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” (Philippians 2:3). This verse is not saying to put oneself down. Lowliness means that one knows who he is—a sinner and that by the grace of God he is saved. In Christ’s own words the greatest love a man can have is to “lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Jesus’ sacrifice for us is even more powerfully poignant in that “while we were yet sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Paul is telling us to put aside selfishness and consider the needs and interest of others as more important. Doing this shows an attitude of true humility and a respect and common courtesy for others.
From an early age a child will mimic a parent’s every move. All parents have experienced their child talking just like them into a plastic phone, fixing a meal in toy pots and serving her dolls or pounding a plastic hammer in an effort to fix something. Not only are actions copied by a child, but
attitudes as well.
Serving our family and friends by “doing” is something we all strive for. It is the attitude we have when we “do” that is important. As you go about your day cleaning the house, doing laundry, fixing the meals, washing and or fixing the car, is your attitude cheerful or are you resentful? If you want your child to be cheerful in serving, set the example of a cheerful attitude in your service. Let your children see it is not a burden for you to serve and do for them, but you do it because you love them.
Teach your child that possessions do not give birth to happiness. Giving and serving others is one way of serving God. There is a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is wrapped up in possessions. When the possessions are gone, the toy is broken and the party is over what is left? True joy comes from embracing Christ by serving others.
Jesus Christ is our quintessential teacher. Christ came to serve all of mankind and He did so with a heart of humble service. Christ never turned anyone away. He served those He knew as well as the stranger. He didn’t just serve by “doing” the service, but He exemplified the attitude of compassion, interest and concern for all who came to Him. If you are hesitant about getting involved because something more will be expected of you than what you wish to give, your child will learn only to serve within his comfort zone. Do not limit your service to family and friends. Take your serving attitude everywhere with you. Hold the door open for an elderly woman at the store, rake the leaves for a sick neighbor or visit a resident at a convalescent hospital. There are many opportunities everyday to serve another.
Developing a heart of humble service does not come naturally. Over time your children will learn by your example how to have a humble heart. A humble heart means to appreciate and respect the worth of others. Your commitment to serving others with a loving and humble attitude will rub off on your children.
Plant the seed of true service in your child’s heart by emphasizing the importance of considering the needs of others as more important than his own. Paul wrote, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” (Philippians 2:3). This verse is not saying to put oneself down. Lowliness means that one knows who he is—a sinner and that by the grace of God he is saved. In Christ’s own words the greatest love a man can have is to “lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Jesus’ sacrifice for us is even more powerfully poignant in that “while we were yet sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Paul is telling us to put aside selfishness and consider the needs and interest of others as more important. Doing this shows an attitude of true humility and a respect and common courtesy for others.
From an early age a child will mimic a parent’s every move. All parents have experienced their child talking just like them into a plastic phone, fixing a meal in toy pots and serving her dolls or pounding a plastic hammer in an effort to fix something. Not only are actions copied by a child, but
attitudes as well.
Serving our family and friends by “doing” is something we all strive for. It is the attitude we have when we “do” that is important. As you go about your day cleaning the house, doing laundry, fixing the meals, washing and or fixing the car, is your attitude cheerful or are you resentful? If you want your child to be cheerful in serving, set the example of a cheerful attitude in your service. Let your children see it is not a burden for you to serve and do for them, but you do it because you love them.
Teach your child that possessions do not give birth to happiness. Giving and serving others is one way of serving God. There is a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is wrapped up in possessions. When the possessions are gone, the toy is broken and the party is over what is left? True joy comes from embracing Christ by serving others.
Jesus Christ is our quintessential teacher. Christ came to serve all of mankind and He did so with a heart of humble service. Christ never turned anyone away. He served those He knew as well as the stranger. He didn’t just serve by “doing” the service, but He exemplified the attitude of compassion, interest and concern for all who came to Him. If you are hesitant about getting involved because something more will be expected of you than what you wish to give, your child will learn only to serve within his comfort zone. Do not limit your service to family and friends. Take your serving attitude everywhere with you. Hold the door open for an elderly woman at the store, rake the leaves for a sick neighbor or visit a resident at a convalescent hospital. There are many opportunities everyday to serve another.
Developing a heart of humble service does not come naturally. Over time your children will learn by your example how to have a humble heart. A humble heart means to appreciate and respect the worth of others. Your commitment to serving others with a loving and humble attitude will rub off on your children.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Rejoice
Jesus’ body laid in a dark, musty cave for three days and nights. Then, without warning the earth began to shake with a violent earthquake. An angel of the Lord descended from the heavens and rolled away the massive stone that covered the entrance of the tomb. The soldiers began to shake with fear as they saw the angel sitting on the stone, shinning brightly. The guards fell to the ground and passed out with fear.
As Mary and Mary Magdalene approached the tomb they rejoiced at the angel’s news that Jesus was alive! As they ran to find the disciples and tell them the exciting news, Jesus stopped them and said hello. They fell on their knees and worshiped Him. They were full of joy as they realized their Lord was alive.
There were many people who celebrated the resurrection of Jesus! They were thrilled to know their Savior and friend was alive! Just like them, we should be excited that our Savior and friend Jesus is alive! The Devil thought he had won a great victory over Jesus, but really he lost by a land slide. The moment Jesus rose from the dead, He gave us the joy of knowing we can live forever. The best part is that Jesus was resurrected and ascended to heaven to become our high priest. Jesus Christ shall return to establish the Kingdom of God on earth and rule as King of kings with His saints forever.
Teach your children to rejoice in the Good News of the Gospel!
As Mary and Mary Magdalene approached the tomb they rejoiced at the angel’s news that Jesus was alive! As they ran to find the disciples and tell them the exciting news, Jesus stopped them and said hello. They fell on their knees and worshiped Him. They were full of joy as they realized their Lord was alive.
There were many people who celebrated the resurrection of Jesus! They were thrilled to know their Savior and friend was alive! Just like them, we should be excited that our Savior and friend Jesus is alive! The Devil thought he had won a great victory over Jesus, but really he lost by a land slide. The moment Jesus rose from the dead, He gave us the joy of knowing we can live forever. The best part is that Jesus was resurrected and ascended to heaven to become our high priest. Jesus Christ shall return to establish the Kingdom of God on earth and rule as King of kings with His saints forever.
Teach your children to rejoice in the Good News of the Gospel!
Encourage Giving
Help your children experience the joy of giving by getting them involved in a
service project. If your child has a talent or a hobby he or she can share with others, encourage using their talents to help others. Here are a few suggestions:
• Serve a meal at a shelter or food kitchen.
• Collect jackets, sweaters and coats for the homeless or migrant workers.
• Make a blanket for Project Linus. Website; www.projectlinus.org
• Help at an animal shelter.
• Become an Ombuddy and visit convalescent hospitals.
Teach your child to give from the heart not only to family, but to those less fortunate
too.
service project. If your child has a talent or a hobby he or she can share with others, encourage using their talents to help others. Here are a few suggestions:
• Serve a meal at a shelter or food kitchen.
• Collect jackets, sweaters and coats for the homeless or migrant workers.
• Make a blanket for Project Linus. Website; www.projectlinus.org
• Help at an animal shelter.
• Become an Ombuddy and visit convalescent hospitals.
Teach your child to give from the heart not only to family, but to those less fortunate
too.
I am Third
The author of the following story is unknown. It is a nice story, which may help you reinforce with your child the importance of putting God and others before oneself.
There was a boy who was very popular among others his age. He was an excellent leader in his school groups. One of his friends visited him and saw a homemade plaque in his room with the words "I Am Third" on it. His friend asked him what it meant and he replied, "It is the motto I try to use in my life. It means "God is first, others are second, and I am Third.'" The driving force in our lives should be trying to please God. Secondly, we should take into consideration the needs and pleasures of others. With our own pleasures subordinated, we will truly be the humble servants of God.
Follow up this story with memorizing II Corinthians 9:7 with your child.
“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, ‘not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
There was a boy who was very popular among others his age. He was an excellent leader in his school groups. One of his friends visited him and saw a homemade plaque in his room with the words "I Am Third" on it. His friend asked him what it meant and he replied, "It is the motto I try to use in my life. It means "God is first, others are second, and I am Third.'" The driving force in our lives should be trying to please God. Secondly, we should take into consideration the needs and pleasures of others. With our own pleasures subordinated, we will truly be the humble servants of God.
Follow up this story with memorizing II Corinthians 9:7 with your child.
“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, ‘not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
In Pursuit of Kindness
A kind heart is one of the best virtues we can give our children. Kindness is an attractive quality that will affect a child’s life in a positive way. Putting the needs of others ahead of ones own, taking the time to encourage and not destroy cultivates a harvest that is filled with happiness and success. When parents teach their children to help the poor, feed the hungry, visit the sick, lift up the downtrodden
and give shelter to the homeless, they are teaching a lifestyle that is the standard of Christ.
We should not be surprised that the human imitation of God’s kindness does not come naturally. In fact, ultimately no one is kind (Psalm 14:3; Romans 3:12). It is only as the fruit of God’s Spirit that kindness can be a constant, steady and unchanging fact of the believer’s life experiences.
Jesus makes the understanding of kindness pretty clear. He tells us that showing undeserved kindness to others imitates God’s character. God has shown great kindness to everyone He has made (Psalm 145:9), even to those of His creatures who are ungrateful and wicked. It is through this great Godly kindness He leads all who will listen and learn to repentance, not to rejection of Him (Romans 2:4). In
like manner, we are to respond to people with kindness regardless of their feelings toward us. Whether it is one of love and admiration or one of malice and wickedness, we must respond with Godly kindness. If someone mistreats you because you are a Christian, don’t curse him; pray that God
will bless him. When others are happy, be happy with them. When they are sad, share their sorrow.
People experience happiness through kindness when they feel a sense of achievement flowing from their lives. We become happy when we express kindness through a worthy cause. By doing so the labor of our lives has ultimate meaning. For people to be truly happy there must be a sense of contribution and fulfillment.
Centuries ago, the Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Galatia, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23). What Paul seems to be saying is that God intends for us to be happy people. It is through His spirit in us we are satisfied, provided we put to use the virtues of His Spirit. It is God’s will that we accept each other as brothers and sisters, that we show each other warm kindness and affection and that we lead our lives to achieve great things for His Kingdom.
When you teach your child to be kind, you are also teaching him to respect others. As parents, do you show one another respect? There are days in everyone’s life that not everything goes well. On those days, are patience, kindness and gentleness shown to one another or is the household filled with
anger and tension? This does not mean that everyday of your child’s life should be without a problem, nor should life be seen through rose colored glasses. Storms in the experiences of living are character
building. The key to developing compassion is how you, the parent, handle the storm with the right
response. There is not one event or storm in a child’s life that will develop kindness. It is observing a parent over a period of time and how you react to each difficult situation that will make the difference. Children learn early on by your example. When you discipline your child, do you do it out of love and respect? Punishment should never be done in anger. When your children fight, do you shrug it off as sibling rivalry or do you step in and stop the fighting because in your house it is not acceptable?
In this life there is no way we can be perfectly flawless in our pursuit of expressing Godly kindness as Christ Jesus did, but we can certainly aspire to be as much like Christ as possible. Teach your child that he can have peace, not turmoil in his life, if he practices kindness in his daily life.
and give shelter to the homeless, they are teaching a lifestyle that is the standard of Christ.
We should not be surprised that the human imitation of God’s kindness does not come naturally. In fact, ultimately no one is kind (Psalm 14:3; Romans 3:12). It is only as the fruit of God’s Spirit that kindness can be a constant, steady and unchanging fact of the believer’s life experiences.
Jesus makes the understanding of kindness pretty clear. He tells us that showing undeserved kindness to others imitates God’s character. God has shown great kindness to everyone He has made (Psalm 145:9), even to those of His creatures who are ungrateful and wicked. It is through this great Godly kindness He leads all who will listen and learn to repentance, not to rejection of Him (Romans 2:4). In
like manner, we are to respond to people with kindness regardless of their feelings toward us. Whether it is one of love and admiration or one of malice and wickedness, we must respond with Godly kindness. If someone mistreats you because you are a Christian, don’t curse him; pray that God
will bless him. When others are happy, be happy with them. When they are sad, share their sorrow.
People experience happiness through kindness when they feel a sense of achievement flowing from their lives. We become happy when we express kindness through a worthy cause. By doing so the labor of our lives has ultimate meaning. For people to be truly happy there must be a sense of contribution and fulfillment.
Centuries ago, the Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Galatia, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23). What Paul seems to be saying is that God intends for us to be happy people. It is through His spirit in us we are satisfied, provided we put to use the virtues of His Spirit. It is God’s will that we accept each other as brothers and sisters, that we show each other warm kindness and affection and that we lead our lives to achieve great things for His Kingdom.
When you teach your child to be kind, you are also teaching him to respect others. As parents, do you show one another respect? There are days in everyone’s life that not everything goes well. On those days, are patience, kindness and gentleness shown to one another or is the household filled with
anger and tension? This does not mean that everyday of your child’s life should be without a problem, nor should life be seen through rose colored glasses. Storms in the experiences of living are character
building. The key to developing compassion is how you, the parent, handle the storm with the right
response. There is not one event or storm in a child’s life that will develop kindness. It is observing a parent over a period of time and how you react to each difficult situation that will make the difference. Children learn early on by your example. When you discipline your child, do you do it out of love and respect? Punishment should never be done in anger. When your children fight, do you shrug it off as sibling rivalry or do you step in and stop the fighting because in your house it is not acceptable?
In this life there is no way we can be perfectly flawless in our pursuit of expressing Godly kindness as Christ Jesus did, but we can certainly aspire to be as much like Christ as possible. Teach your child that he can have peace, not turmoil in his life, if he practices kindness in his daily life.
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