Our last day in New England included sea kayaking at Cape Cod. I thought you might enjoy a photo of the boys ready to set out, and one of Joshua crabbing with his cousins. Both ventures were successful, though mildly traumatic for thirteen crabs.
As we prepared to head south, we enjoyed a family discussion about Josh’s school schedule for the fall, and the importance of good note-taking and study habits. (His new academy offers a class on academic enrichment.) These are the kinds of life-skills that we all want to impart to our children, and it’s encouraging to think of our kids growing in readiness for college and beyond.
As Jesus prepared His disciples for the future, He seemed always to focus their attention on what really mattered. Matthew 16 records several components of our Lord’s model for discipleship: solid teaching (“beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees”); personal faith (“who do you say that I am?”); and willingness to embrace suffering for God’s glory (“let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me”).
As I think about discipling my own son in these regards, I recognize in the mirror my own continuing need for discipleship in the same areas. How quickly I fall into the trap of wanting an easy life that’s centered on my own happiness here and now.
I need a body of believers in whose gracious company I can be rescued from myself. Maybe you do too.
Let’s be that disciple-making church! In the same chapter, our Lord promises to build His church through His people (16:18). “The gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Wow! I can scarcely wrap my mind around the power, purpose, and privilege that are ours in Jesus Christ. (Hmmm … alliteration for a future sermon?)
Said another way: I need you.
Truth be known, we need each other. By Christ’s grace, let’s stir up one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24). Let’s make disciples for Christ, as we truly become Christ’s disciples.
I am so looking forward to you and your family being with us. Ah, but I love New England and Cape Cod. Two trips of whale-watching at sea! Anyway, I live across the Ohio river in Brookport, IL, seven miles to the front door of FBC. I’ll have to join a group in Kentucky, because very few people at FBC have guts enough to drive the Brookport Bridge. LOL. Again, welcome. You will find my book already in the church library, Service With A Smile and Sometimes Even A Laugh. It is about following my late husband around in the military for 30 years.
We are so looking forward to you and your family being here. I met you at lunch that one day and was with a friend who is Catholic. She was so impressed with you she and her husband are planning to attend church with us on the 4th. They are not practicing Catholics so hopefully they will join us!!!!
Excited for what God has in store FBC! Have a safe trip. Looking forward to August4.
I also am in need of “rescuing from myself”…….looking forward to getting to know you and your family!!
Such an encouragement! I can’t wait to meet you and your family. Looking forward to all that is to come. Blessings to you…Have a great today!
Great blog entry as always! love your humility and true desire to follow Christ in all areas of your life! Your new church has a gem, I hope they see it! :O)