Let me set the scene, the Israelites (possibly numbering more than 2 million at this point in time) have been driven from Egypt after the ten plagues and they’ve entered the wilderness and have no idea where they are going. God knows the weakness of the people, so He is taking them the long way about to avoid conflict with the Philistines. But the people essentially have no idea where they are going. 

God knows where they are going. God has a plan. He’s had a plan. He’s known since Abraham where He was going to bring this people. But the Israelites—they don’t know where they are heading. They know they are heading to the land promised to Jacob. But they don’t know the way and they certainly don’t know the plan. 

God comes to them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. He goes before them and they are left to follow the cloud or the fire, depending on the time of day. God doesn’t give Moses a map—He gives them Himself as a guide. 

Day by day, moment by moment, the people just have to look to God and go where He leads. They have to match His movement and His timing. They can’t see the plan—but they can see Him. 

 In my life, I’m so often looking for the plan. I want a map. I want to know where I’m going and how I plan to get there. Maybe it is personality, but I think it is human nature in large part. I want to know what God wants me to do, not in a “right now” sense, but in a planned way. 

I even find myself looking back on where He has led me and the things He has brought me through and try to figure out how that is fitting into some big picture. Sometimes it fits, sometimes He’s led me to do things that make no sense to where I am. But even in looking back, I’m trying to figure out the plan. Where on earth (or heaven) is He bring me? 

That’s just not how God leads us. Honestly, it is probably for the best. The wilderness may be necessary to build up strength, grit, and faith to face the giants that unknowingly lay before us. If we saw the giants before we went through what we’ll need to go through, could we take that step to start? 

God is calling us, not to look for the plan, but to look to Him. He is calling each of us to follow his movements and timing moment by moment. He is calling us to trust that He will fight for us (Exodus 14:14), we just need to follow Him. We may not see the point or the plan, but we will get a glimpse of something even better- Him. 

Other Posts You Might Like:

• Choose Today
• Word Before World
• Shoes Too Big to Fill

Bibles for Your Journey

• CSB Notetaking Bible
• NLT Wide Margin Bible
• NASB Notetaking Bible
• CSB Lifeway Women’s Bible
• ESV Study Bible

** This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate links support your favorite content creators, like me.**

The post Moment By Moment appeared first on Notes From the Parsonage.

The Pastor decided he wanted to read the New Living Translation of the Bible this year. This is a “thought for thought” translation, which differs from the English Standard Version he usually reads, which is more “word for word”.

I have accidentally created a Bible snob, so when he said he needed a physical copy of the NLT, I knew that meant it needed a certain level of fanciness since he has become accustomed to the ESV heirloom Bibles.

Before he got hooked on the ESV heirloom Bibles, he loved his thinline reference Bible. So, I decided to try to bring those two things together in choosing a Bible for him. It needed to (1) not break the bank, (2) still feel a little fancy, and (3) hopefully be a thinline reference Bible.

Positive Features of the NLT Thinline Reference Bible

There were several cover options available for this Bible (brown leatherlike, black leather, brown leather, teal leatherlike, etc.) but I went for the olive green genuine leather cover. It is a textured, pebble-like leather that is a super dark green. The cover feels very nice in hand.

This Bible has classic Bible paper with golden gilding. The paper isn’t the type that gets stuck together easily. The font is also well-spaced and easily readableI also like the Visual Bible Overview in the back of the Bible. It has full color maps and charts that are helpful in understanding the Scriptures.

The Bible has a Smyth-sewn binding that lays flat (for the most part) when open. It does struggle to lay flat in the very front few and very back few pages due to it not being heavy enough.

This is a great size Bible. It is thin and has that “flop” in hand. It is about 5.5″ x 8.75″ in size and less than 1″ thick!

The cross-reference are minimal and are tucked neatly at the bottom of the page, so they aren’t distracting from the text. It does have the words of Christ in red.

Places the NLT Thinline Reference Guide Could Use Improvement

It only has one single ribbon marker! We all know, I think four ribbon markers should be standard (Old Testament, Psalms, Gospels, Letters). Three is acceptable. Two is okay. One is just a crime. Since The Pastor is using this Bible for his reading through the Bible, one will work.

Overall Impressions with NLT Thinline Reference Bible

Overall, The Pastor likes this Bible, which was the goal. It isn’t my kind of Bible, but it wasn’t for me. (I am not the biggest fan of two-column Bibles and I like more “stuff” in my Bible– notes, wide margins, etc.) But for what he wanted and needed, it is perfect. It was under $100 (under $50 when I bought it, actually), is a little fancy with the genuine leather green cover, and is a thinline reference Bible.

Now, if you need more “stuff” in the Bible, Tyndale does have the Filament app that goes with this Bible. There is a QR code in the front on the Bible that you can download to use along with the Bible. You don’t need the app, but if you want all the extras and don’t want them in the Bible– you can still have both. The Pastor was worried there would QR codes throughout the Bible, but there is only one in the front.

If you’re looking for a thin, simple Bible with easy to understand thought for thought translation, the NLT Reference Bible would be the perfect choice. You just may need some extra bookmarks.

Other Posts You Might Like

• Omega Heirloom Bible Review
• Heirloom Bible, Alphas Edition, Review
• Heirloom Bible, Heritage Edition Review
• ESV Pocket Bible Review

** This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate links help support your favorite content creators without costing you any extra.**

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For 2026, I chose the CSB Study Bible as my primary study Bible. We’re reading through the Bible Project’s chronological reading plan and I’m looking forward to diving in with this new Bible. The CSB Study Bible stood out among other options for me this year.

I don’t always buy a new Bible for a new year. Last year, I read the NASB (1995) on the Bible app on my phone for my primary Bible reading. I worked full time, night shift in a hospital for most of the year, so I needed something easily on me and the Bible app worked well for me for that purpose. However, I found myself missing having a physical Bible in my hands each day. I also enjoyed reading the NASB, which is more on the word for word translation side of the spectrum and opted to go the opposite this year for some variety so I can “hear” the Scripture differently.

Again, I don’t always swap it up so dramatically. In fact, I used the ESV for daily Bible study for several years in a row before last year. I went super rogue one year and read the Complete Jewish Study Bible, which I appreciated. I’m just saying, I mix it up sometimes, I don’t sometimes. I have no hard and fast rules. I typically do try to stick to one version all year for my personal study.

The CSB Study Bible is not small. It is quite a hefty Bible with a lot of extras. I chose the brown genuine leather. The leather is soft and untextured, but wrinkles in the hand when you’re holding it open. The leather doesn’t feel particularly thick. Now, this isn’t a premium leather— just a basic leather cover. I’m hopeful it will weather and wear well, but the quality isn’t great, so I’m not sure it’ll be much better than imitation leather in the end. Also, if you compare my pictures to the product pictures, you’ll note the color is very different. The pictures I saw prior to buying this Bible were a variegated, worn looking deep brown. In person, I got a smooth, mid-tone brown.

The paper is quite slick. It has full color maps, pictures, and artwork throughout– so the paper is a bit more magazine-like at times. I chose this Bible for all these features. However, in terms of paper quality, the slick finish makes the pages stick together a bit and make it a little hard to flip and navigate. I wasn’t going to use Bible tabs in this Bible, but because of the slick paper and some of the formatting that make navigating it a bit slow, I opted to add Bible tabs anyway. (Looking back, I might have chose the indexed version if I had known how I’d feel about trying to find 1 Corinthians.)

There are full size maps in the back and smaller full color maps throughout. There are articles throughout. Each book has a lengthy introduction with art work. There are study notes, cross references, and even word studies throughout the text. There is a three-year and one-year reading plan included. Again, so many extras.

The text itself it two column with cross references between the two. The margins are not wide. I really debated giving up the wide margins because I know how much I write in my Bible. Ultimately, I decided the extras were worth trading my margins. It also has the words of Christ in red.

We know I think 4 ribbon markers is the appropriate amount for any Bible. The CSB Study Bible comes short there, only having 2 ribbon markers. There is also a dedication page, but no birth, death, or baptism record.

Ultimately, I’m going to be happy with the CSB Study Bible this year. It is a pretty substantial, budget-friendly genuine leather Bible. It has so many extras (not even including the online help portion) to aid in daily Bible study.

Study Tools I’ve Chosen for This Year:

• Sharpie S-Note Highlighters
• Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pens
• Xeno Lunatic Lunny 0.38mm Pens
• Mr. Pen Round Transparent Sticky Notes
• Mr. Pen Transparent 3×3 Sticky Notes
• Mr. Pen Transparent Bible Journaling Sticky Notes
• Washi Tape Set
• Mr. Pen Kraft 3×3 Sticky Notes
• Mr. Pen Highlighter and Pen Set
• Strong’s Concordance of the Bible
• Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary

Other Bibles I Considered This Year:

• She Reads Truth Bible
• CSB Single-Column Personal Size Bible
• LSB Holy Bible, Journaling Edition
• NLT Every Woman’s Bible
• The Jesus Bible
• KJV Giant Print Bible, Holman Handcrafted Collection

** This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate links do not cost you more to use, but by using them to make purchases, you support your favorite content creators.**

You May Also Like:

• She Reads Truth Bible Review
• ESV Personal Study Bible Review
• ESV Journaling Study Bible Review
• Bible Tabs

The post CSB Study Bible Review appeared first on Notes From the Parsonage.

This post originally appeared in the Doorposts column on the John and Charles Wesley Center for Christian Thought and Apologetics. You can find the original post here.

Looking for Community

You will not find so much loathing as you will find in an online mom’s group. As a new mom looking for a way out of the loneliness that accompanied leaving the bustling world outside my home for the bustling world inside my home, I found myself surrounded by seasoned women who did nothing but disparage their husbands and curse their children. These women were proud to be “hot messes” and took great pride in their attempts at “self-care”. Their entire lives revolved around painting themselves to be Cinderella for their families. Poor them. They had to change diapers. Poor them. They had to provide snacks for hungry toddlers. Poor them. They had to vacuum the living room. And I could see how this thankless work could become a burden, but I could also see that this was exactly what I’d been praying for. 

Loneliness Not Required

Motherhood doesn’t have to be lonely; it isn’t meant to be. As Paul writes to Titus, the Church should be offering the community opportunities that new mothers so desperately need. (And young fathers, and singles, and seniors.) He knew that young mothers would need mentors. Older women would need someone to pour into. He knew young men would need to be guided. Older men needed a way to give back. I find it fascinating that Paul knew what the alternative would be. Reviling of the word of God. (Revile: loathe: curse: disparage.) Reviling that man should not be alone and the two will become one. Reviling that children are a blessing and inheritance from the LORD. Sound familiar? 

Needing the Real Church

When we look at our own church community, we tend to think about what they can do for us. We want a community that looks exactly like where we are in life. We’re Goldilocks going from church to church saying, “Too old,” “Too young,” “Too formal,” “Too casual,” “Too big,” “Too small”—looking for that one “magical” church that we can declare is “just right”. But that’s not the Church Paul is describing. We don’t need to find others exactly where we are to be benefitted by a community of believers. We need whomever God has sent us in our local church.

As a young mom, that meant a few moms a decade older than me and a lot of grandmothers and great-grandmothers. I loved the church I had my first children in. I might not have taken all their advice (I wasn’t going to feed my babies raw eggs or give them sugar wrapped in cheesecloth as a pacifier), but I did appreciate their experience. They were hard-working women who stood alongside their husbands and raised strong kids in church. I needed them! And I like to think they needed me, too. Even though I really only had baby rolls and toddlers crawling under pews during service to offer. (And some amazing glazed carrots.) That is what the Body is meant to be. I didn’t need to wallow. I needed to learn to be strong, self-controlled, and work hard in my home. 

Middle Motherhood Needs the Church

Now, I’m a middle mom. (I just coined that term), I’ve got teenagers (and babies), but I’m not “done”. But I know where I fit in my church community. Encouragement. Teaching what is good. Training young moms to love their kids and their husbands and to work hard in their homes. I know where I fit into this picture. (Thanks, Paul.) I’m sometimes the one still needing training. I’m now sometimes the one doing the training. But we all have our place because we aren’t meant to do this alone. We all need one another in the body. And it seems that is especially true of mothers. (See how much emphasis Paul is putting on the church ladies?) 

Advice to New Moms

If you’re a new mom, forget the mom groups. Just open up to the women God has already given you. If you don’t have a church home, find one. Settle in. Get to know people. Let them get to know you. Find your mentors. Don’t revile the things God has blessed you with. You get to care for those babies. You get to serve your husband. You get a home to manage, clean, adorn, and care for. These are blessings! Don’t be tricked into thinking a blessing is a curse. 

All Moms Need the Church

If you’re not a new mom, forget mom groups. Open up to the women God has already given you. If you don’t have a church home, find one. Settle in. Get to know people. Let them get to know you. Find people you can pour yourself into. Find people who can pour themselves into you.

We Need the Church

I know this is largely focused on moms. Mostly, that is because I am a mom. But also, because this openness and mentorship type relationship isn’t common for women. Men tend to seek out mentorship. Women tend to be more competitive and seek out places to vent. But men, be open with the men in your life. Find community and accountability. Don’t revile the things God has blessed you with. I need all of you there. And you need me.

Other Notes from the Parsonage Posts You Might Like

• Choose Today
• Shoes Too Big to Fill
• Get Out of Crisis Mode
• Word Before World

Things I Have to Say

This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate links are a great way to support your favorite content creator. Using them does not cost you more, but we receive a small commission that helps support this blog and our ministry.

The post I Need the Church appeared first on Notes From the Parsonage.

This article originally appeared on The John and Charles Wesley Center for Apologetics and Christian Thought. You can find the original article here.

First, Some Context on Choose Today

Before he dies, Joshua gathers the tribe of Israel, and they present themselves to Yahweh. Yahweh wants to renew His covenant with these people. He reminds them of all He has done for their fathers before them. He reminds them of all He has done for them.

Then, we come to verses 14 and 15 of chapter 24. Joshua tells the people, “Alright, guys. It’s time to be sincere and faithful. It is time to let go of the false gods. It is time to choose if you’re going to be the people of Yahweh or not.” Joshua then lets them know where he stands. “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (v.15). The people gathered answer, “Sure. We’ll do that, too.”

And Joshua responds by telling the people, “You can’t do this. This is hard. You are going to fail, and then it is going to be super bad for you because Yahweh doesn’t like it when His people serve other gods.” But the people double-down: “No way, Joshua! We want to serve the Lord.” So, Joshua says, “Cool, cool, cool, cool, cool… I warned you. But you heard you; you’re choosing Yahweh. Now, put away your idols, and turn your hearts to the Lord.” And they say, “Yahweh is our God, and we will obey His voice!” Joshua then sets up a stone to remind the people of their covenant so that they don’t go back on their word. 

Choosing Today

Like Joshua, I’m calling you here today, before the Lord, to decide who you’re going to serve. Too many Christians are ‘Christian’ in name only (which means they are very much not Christian in reality). You’ve got other gods in your pocket, your calendar, and your checkbook. You keep wondering why your kids are doing the same things your ‘secular’ neighbor’s kids do, while you’re doing the same things your ‘secular’ neighbor does. You’re looking over at Egypt, and you’re wanting the things they have. You’re neglecting to see the work of God in your life and, instead, are coveting the life of your godless neighbor. 

Some of us— well, we’re choosing to be Christian in more than name only. We’re going to actually follow Jesus. I invite you to come along. Choose today whom your family will serve. Will you serve yourselves as so many in our culture do? Will you serve money? Will you serve ease and comfort? Whatever you choose— choose it. Please stop saying you’re a follower of Jesus while you’re living out in the weeds of sin. Jesus has the power to save us, so stop wallowing in your sin while trying to wear His name. Choose. Pick a side. (There are no neutral parties, here.) 

What Does it Really Mean to Choose Jesus?

We’re pressing on. We’re working for His Kingdom. We’re living for Him. We’re raising our kids in His word and on His terms. We’re letting Him shape our lives. We’re seeking and listening to His voice. We’re not content to let another generation rise that doesn’t know His voice. We’re not content to settle for the fool’s gold this world has to offer. We’re bowing before Jesus and no other. If you call yourself a Christian, join me in raising Christian kids at the foot of the cross. 

Joshua wasn’t wrong. We can’t do it; we don’t have the power to live lives worthy of the calling of Yahweh. But Jesus can. By following Him, by letting Him direct our steps, by letting Him live in us and through us, we’ll find our lives shining with the light of Heaven here on Earth. If we obey His voice, in Him, we can. 

So, choose today. Either be the follower of Jesus you claim to be or stake a claim elsewhere.

Other Notes from the Parsonage Posts You Might Like

• Shoes Too Big to Fill
• Get Out of Crisis Mode
• Word Before World
• Faith and Action

Things I Have to Say

This post contains affiliate links. These links help support our family and ministry and don’t cost you any more to use. Using affiliate links is a good way to support your favorite content creators.

The post Choose Today appeared first on Notes From the Parsonage.

This post was originally an article that was part of a weekly column at The John and Charles Wesley Center for Christian Thought and Apologetics. You can see the original article here.

Do you ever feel a little bit bad for Joshua? I mean, can you even imagine being the guy who follows the act of Moses? Moses. THE Moses. He brought the people out of Egypt! He parted the Red Sea! Those are the shoes Joshua has to fill. It is no wonder Yahweh says to him multiple times, “Be strong and courageous!” (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9, 18). Moses dies, and God immediately turns to Joshua and says, “You’re up!” 

I often feel like Joshua must have felt. I feel like I’m walking in shoes far too big for me to fill. The weight of the souls in my care feels like more than I can really bear. I’m supposed to be shaping eight everlasting souls! That doesn’t even take into account the impossible amount of laundry, dishes, and never-ending cooking I have to accomplish. Add to that their entire education since I’m a homeschool mom, and this task is too big! I know I can’t be the only one who sometimes thinks, “Who thought it was a good idea to make me their mom?!” I feel like a little guy plodding along where giants should be running. 

And here is the thing: These feelings are completely correct. Joshua had no power in himself to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land and into the victory God had promised. Joshua had no way of fulfilling that promise himself. What he did have was Yahweh. How could Joshua fill these massive shoes and walk straight into the land of giants? How could he have courage with such a big task? “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9, ESV). Joshua could only accomplish what he was called to do because of Yahweh. He could only lead the people to the Promised Land and victory because Yahweh was with him. 

The shoes really are too big. But the secret is that I’m not really meant to fill them. I’m meant to walk with Yahweh as He shapes their souls. He’ll give me the strength and courage I need for the task. He will not abandon me in what He has called me to do. The task isn’t easy. It does take courage. But the Lord is there. So be strong and courageous as you step out into the shoes that are too big to fill, because God is with you.

Other Notes From the Parsonage Posts You Might Like

• Get Out of Crisis Mode
• Word Before World
• Faith and Action

Things I Have to Say

This blog post contains affiliate links. These links provide a small commission on items you may purchase when using these links. These links do not cost you more to us and they support our family and ministry. Using affiliate links is a great way to support your favorite content creators.

The post Shoes Too Big to Fill appeared first on Notes From the Parsonage.

This post originally appeared on the John and Charles Wesley Center for Christian Thought and Apologetics as part of a column called The Doorposts. You can visit the original here.

What is Crisis Mode?

Crisis mode. Those seasons in which you can’t possibly see enough to plan ahead at all—not even to Friday. Those days in which you are struggling to make it to bedtime. Those times when life gets crazy and the kids end up watching way too much TV and consuming way too much fast food. The times when you don’t have the mental bandwidth for a conversation.

We’ve all been there. Sometimes, it’s when you’re adding a new baby to the family. Or when your parent is sick and you’re spending your mental strength getting them and yourself through that. Maybe you moved and your feet aren’t quite under you yet. You’re in crisis mode. You’re just trying to get by each day. You just need to eek into tomorrow. 

There are times when, really and truly, that is all we can do. We can only do this moment and simply cannot think past it. We lean into Jesus, and we just hang on as we pummel to the bottom of the valley. 

Stopping the Cycle of Crisis Mode

But crisis mode doesn’t last forever. Yet, for far too many Christian parents, we spend the majority of our children’s lives parenting in crisis mode. We never get our feet under us. We never see beyond this moment. We certainly don’t plan for the future. Our entire parenting life is spent just trying to eek into tomorrow. We make decisions that aren’t for the long-term good of our family. 

The thief would like for us to continue that way. He’d love nothing more than to steal your joy, intentionality, and love for your family. Our adversary would love nothing more than to destroy any hopes for discipleship and community within the family (and the Family of God). He’d love for you to stay so busy and so tired that you cannot possibly see a way out of this moment right now.

But Jesus has bigger plans for us. Jesus wants us to have abundant life. He wants us to thrive, not just eek by. 

Practical Helps on Getting Out of Crisis Mode

So how do we get there? How do we get out of the cycle of crisis mode? Can we get beyond this moment? How can we reclaim what the thief is trying to steal from our family? 

First, we pray. Often, when we say we’re holding onto Jesus, we’re just holding onto some vague idea of hope. We aren’t actually praying. We aren’t actually reading the Bible. We aren’t actually availing ourselves to His grace in our lives. We’re holding onto the idea that Jesus will be like a fairy godmother and sweep into our mess at some point and just bippity-boppity-boop it all okay. We aren’t truly asking Him to step in; we’re just holding out a weak hope that perhaps He will. Faith is bigger than that, Fam. Jesus is more than that. He is our hope for the future but also our hope for today, for this moment, for this situation.

Pulling Away in Crisis Mode

We pull away from His people, where He works. We pull away from the hands and feet He sends. Waiting around for that magic wand to turn our pumpkin into a carriage. Stop vaguely hoping and find a hope that is deep, real, and lasting. Pray. Seek Him. Give Him your cares in prayer. If your faith is floundering, I suggest keeping a prayer journal so you can watch God at work. Write down the date and your specific requests. Leave some room for the answers. When a prayer is answered, write down the answer and that date. You’ll be surprised at how much and how quickly God often works. We tend to forget. Our vision is short-sighted. We forget we were even praying about the kid’s cough last week because that is gone now, so now, we’re praying for something else which we too will probably forget. But God is faithful, even if our memories are not.

Don’t pull away; lean in. Often in times of crisis (which we’ve established is just a way of life for some of us), we pull away from the Church. We pull away from our friends. We don’t share our burdens with them. We don’t want people to know our struggles, and we certainly don’t want them to help. The thief likes this about us. Isolated people are easier to tempt. Isolated people tend to magnify their own problems. Isolated people are easier to destroy. Don’t pull away from the grace God gives us. He gave us one another. He works through His people. Stay with His people. Let them help lighten your burden. Let them help bring some perspective to your situation. 

Spiritual Disciplines

We tend to pull away from spiritual discipline. We become too busy and too burdened for that “just one more thing”. So, we stop reading our Bible. We stop fasting. We stop feasting. We stop worshipping. We stop listening. We just stop. Shutting out the voice of God doesn’t make the thief’s voice quieter—it amplifies it. Shutting out the voice of God isn’t going to alleviate your burdens—it is only going to make them heavier and make you weaker while trying to carry them. Don’t pull away. 

Sorting Out Priorities

Next, we sort our priorities now. Today. We don’t wait for things to get easier. We don’t wait for things to get lighter. We choose today whom we will serve (Joshua 24:14-15). So, whom do you really serve? Many of us live our lives to serve ourselves. We want to say we are Christian families, but if we look at our priorities, it is clear we are serving the great American god of Self.

How do you know your true priorities and not just the “look good on paper” versions? Look at your calendar. Where is the most time spent? Where is the best time spent? Where is the first time spent? Which parts are written in pen and which in pencil? (Metaphorically, of course; I know some parts might actually be written in crayon.) Look at your checkbook. Where is the most money spent? Where is the first money spent? What parts of the budget are non-negotiable?

If you’re like most American families (even professing-Christian ones), you might be surprised to see that your serving children’s sports and activities above all else. You might find that your entertainment and “me” time have become those non-negotiable, written-in-pen activities. You may find that, while you say you’re a Christian family, nothing about your calendar or bank account will verify that claim. You may find that you’re [actually only just] trying to “squeeze in” those religious things to appease that part of your brain saying, “I’m not doing this life-thing right.” 

Packing in Too Much

We find ourselves living in crisis mode outside of a crisis because we’re devoting ourselves to the wrong things and to too many things all at once. When we choose a child’s sport activity before worship, what we say with our actions is that faith isn’t as important. When we find ourselves choosing personal entertainment over family dinner, what we say with our actions is that I’m more important than the family. (And I’m talking about consistently choosing, not a once-in-a-while thing.) Are we teaching our children that my personal comfort and temporary amusement is more important than Jesus? …than them? 

Evaluate Real vs. Ideal Priorities

Take a long, hard, critical look at your priorities. Pause everything else for as long as you need in order to get first things first. Take a family break from everything that isn’t top-billing. This will help you actually start living the life you intend to be living. It will get you out of crisis mode and just eeking by. 

Those things on pause—don’t add those things back in without thinking through what you’re giving up to have them in your life. Every ‘yes’ also comes with a ‘no’. Be aware of that so you can say ‘yes’ wholeheartedly, with intentionality, and say ‘no’ without guilt.

When you are in actual crisis, go back to these priorities. Start saying ‘no’ to the extras more so you can still live with intentionality and not be crushed under the current burden. (Also, let others help you carry the load.) Live life intentionally. Raise your kids intentionally. Don’t just run from one crisis to the next. When you are in crisis, know which things are immovable and which things are extras. Jesus wants your family to have abundant life. The thief wants to steal your hope, joy, and family. The thief wants to bury you. Don’t help him.

Other Notes From the Parsonage Posts You Might Like

• Word Before World
• Faith and Action
• Dear New Mom

Things I Have To Say

This post contains affiliate links. These links help support our family and ministry. You don’t have to use them, but using them costs you nothing extra but does give a small commission to our family. Using affiliate links is a great way to support your favorite content creators.

The post Get Out of Crisis Mode appeared first on Notes From the Parsonage.

Secular Was Not A Solution to My Problem

When my children were young, I found myself in a homeschooling predicament. The problem was that we are Wesleyan-Arminian Christians, and most Christian homeschooling curriculum is not Wesleyan-Arminian. We haven’t been very good in our tradition with publishing, and we’re especially anemic when it comes to homeschooling resources.

I tried a few Reformed resources, but they didn’t perfectly fit our family. We tried Catholic resources and found that they, too, were not a perfect fit. In my frustration, I made a mistake that I think many homeschoolers might make in my shoes. I started opting for “secular” resources over “Christian” resources, thinking I was opting for a neutral option.

Secular Is Not Neutral

However, I was wrong. “Secular” is not neutral. Everyone has a worldview. No matter how “unbiased” we claim to be, we all have biases. We all have a lens through which we see the world, which is our worldview. In my frustration over comparatively-small theological differences among fellow Christians, I was opting to use resources from a completely different lens. It wasn’t neutral. And I knew it. I had to make more adjustments to make secular resources fit— but I felt like I was just laying my theology on top of a blank book— which couldn’t have been further from the truth.

The difference between the theological differences among Christian resources was more akin to having hazelnut creamer when I wanted caramel creamer. The difference in secular resources with the worldview I wanted to teach my children was more like trying to substitute motor oil for creamer. They were just completely different things. Why was I comfortable using the devil’s resources? Why was I okay with letting the world shape my children? I was wrong. Very wrong.

Does Theology Matter?

I’m not saying the theological differences don’t matter. There are reasons we’re Wesleyan-Arminian in tradition and not Reformed, Catholic, Charismatic, etc. Those are very valid reasons, and I do think the theology matters. But when it is all said and done, those are still my brothers and sisters in Christ. As long as we agree on the big issues of orthodoxy (basically what’s in the Creeds), we’re following the same Jesus. I should have trusted my kids to those resources over the secular ones. Would that have meant more conversations about points of theological differences? Sure. But those are worthwhile conversations to have. Who doesn’t need to be reminded of their baptism? Or to discuss personal holiness? And would I rather point my kids to Jesus in every way possible? I should have.

What is the Solution?

Do I wish there were more Wesleyan-Arminian resources? Yes. Let’s get on that. Please. But in the meantime, I’m okay with using resources that aren’t necessarily in our theological camp as long as they point to the real Jesus. Because what we choose to use in our homeschool shapes our children. (Education is shaping. Homeschool, private, or public schooling is a shaping activity for our children.) I should have been more mindful of the worldview I was allowing to shape my children. And from now on, I will be.

Other Notes from the Parsonage Posts You May Enjoy

• Godbold Academy: Medieval History
• Godbold Academy: Ancient History
• 2017-2018 at Godbold Academy
• 2016-2017 Homeschool Curriculum Review

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I’m scrolling through Instagram when I wake up this morning and come across a hashtag that gets my mind rolling. #wordbeforeworld . Now, this isn’t the first time I had seen the hashtag. I have seen @wellwateredwomen posting it for several days now. But it was the first time I stopped and took note.

What is the first thing I do when I wake up? Usually grumble about the kids already being awake and lament how late I stayed up the night before. But the first thing I usually choose to do after pulling myself out of bed and getting ready for the day is grab my iPad and start checking social media. I choose to plunge into the world first. Always. The Word part normally comes when I’ve done everything else I need to do for the day. Sure, we get into the Word every morning during Morning Basket time, so I guess I could count that. But before I even do morning basket, I’m checking my social media accounts.

Of course, my mind went to Deuteronomy chapter 6. The people of God are being told not to forget who they are and what God has done for them. They are to teach their children, talk of them in their house, talk of God’s commands walking around going about their day. They are to write them on the doorposts of their houses. And they are to think of them when they lie down and when they rise up.

It got me thinking of the giving of the first fruits, something we remind ourselves when we tithe. We give God the first of what he has given to us. So, what is more valuable than our time? The days, hours, and minutes we have? Why wouldn’t we give the first of our time each day, too?

Essentially, when I choose social media before getting into the Word of God, I’m stating my priorities for the day. Connection, news, self-image- all those things we tie up in social media- I’m saying those are the most important for me. I’m saying that my FOMO (fear of missing out) on the world is more important than my FOMO on God.

I’m not saying there is anything wrong with social media. I think we, as Christians, need to remain engaged in social media as a way to influence our culture. But as all our youth pastor’s warned us, we need to be careful of how we let it shape us. So, I’m not saying we should all pull away from social media. I think a host of evangelism can be done through a screen in our culture.

I am saying that I found myself guilty this morning. I realized I’ve not been putting first things first. I’ve been putting them last. When there is time. At the bottom of the to-do list. And those priorities will never stand. The Word will never shape me because I’m not letting it take the rightful place in my life. That is not anyone’s fault but mine.

I had thought of New Year’s Resolutions in abstract terms. I knew I needed more discipline in my spiritual life and my physical life, so I was just going to abstractly focus on discipline. I now realize an abstract one word focus isn’t going to get me where I need to be. Sure, it will help me think of where I need to be. But I need action steps. I need firm commitments to being disciplined.

So, with discipline as my word of the year, my first practical step is going to be Word before World. That is my first firm commitment to the process of being disciplined. Word before World. I will seek Him first.

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Lent Day One: John the Baptist — Preparing the Way of the Lord

It is fitting that we begin this season of fasting with John the Baptist. Clothed in camel hair and eating locusts and honey in the wilderness, John the Baptist knew giving up worldly pleasures. John the Baptist was far from normal. His birth was foretold by angels. He was born to a barren couple and set aside from birth for a holy life. John was the one who prepared the way for Jesus. While still in the womb, he leapt at the presence of His Savior.

He was “the voice crying in the wilderness”. Can you imagine that being the thing said about you? He preached of the coming Savior, and crowds followed him. You can read about John’s ministry in Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 3, and John 1. Even after John baptized Jesus, he continued to be the wild-haired desert preacher. He made some people very uncomfortable, even made some mad, but he continued to spread the word he’d been given. John the Baptist spoke the truth, and that isn’t always easy for people to hear. In Matthew 14, we read of John’s death, which was far from pleasant.

What worldly pleasures will you give up during this season of Lent as you prepare for the Lord?

What truth has God given you to share? How can your life point more toward Christ?

Coloring Page

Coloring Page 2

Lent Day Two: Dietrich Bonhoeffer — Courage for the Sake of Others

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was born February 4, 1906, in Germany. He was a pastor, theologian, and martyr. When the Nazis rose to power in Germany, Bonhoeffer spoke out against them.

At the urging of friends, Bonhoeffer left his home for the United States, to escape persecution by the Nazis. However, he soon regretted his decision and decided to go back home to his people and stand with them. 

“I have come to the conclusion that I made a mistake in coming to America. I must live through this difficult period in our national history with the people of Germany. I will have no right to participate in the reconstruction of Christian life in Germany after the war if I do not share the trials of this time with my people… Christians in Germany will have to face the terrible alternative of either willing the defeat of their nation in order that Christian civilization may survive or willing the victory of their nation and thereby destroying civilization. I know which of these alternatives I must choose, but I cannot make that choice from security.”

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Bonhoeffer returned to Germany and continued to rebel against Nazi power, even helping in forming assassination attempts against Hitler.

On April 5, 1943, Bonhoeffer was arrested and imprisoned. In 1945, he was moved to a concentration camp. On April 9, 1945, two weeks before the United States liberated the camp he was in, Bonhoeffer was executed. “I saw Pastor Bonhoeffer… kneeling on the floor praying fervently to God. I was most deeply moved by the way this lovable man prayed, so devout and so certain that God heard his prayer. At the place of execution, he again said a short prayer and then climbed the few steps to the gallows, brave and composed. His death ensued after a few seconds. In the almost fifty years that I worked as a doctor, I have hardly ever seen a man die so entirely submissive to the will of God.” (Eberhard Bethge, witness to the execution)

Bonhoeffer could have easily stayed in America, safe from the evil on the other side of the world. Instead, he chose to stand up against evil– to stand with his people. He suffered for it, but ultimately, it was the right thing to do. He insisted, “Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.”

“Being a Christian is less about cautiously avoiding sin than about courageously and actively doing God’s will.” (Eric Metaxas) [If you’re interested in learning more about the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, I recommend reading Eric Metaxas’ biography Bonhoeffer.]

Lent Day Three: Amy Carmichael — Showing the Love of Christ

Amy Carmichael was born in 1867 in Ireland. She was the oldest of seven children. As a teenager, Amy started a Sunday morning group for mill girls which grew to over 500 participants.

Amy first became a missionary to Japan but fell ill and had to return home after 15 months. She then went to Ceylon and finally to India, where she found her life’s work.

She mainly worked with girls and young women who were forced into a kind of slavery to earn money for pagan temple priests. Children in India seemed drawn to Amy; when asked why, they would often say it was because of her love. Amy started a home for children in India, saving them from bleak futures in forced pagan temple service.

She rescued more than 1,000 children in India. Amy died in India at the age of 83. Instead of a headstone, the children she rescued put a bird bath over her grave and labeled it “Amma” (the Tamil word for ‘mother’).

“One can give without loving, but one cannot love without giving.”

-Amy Carmichael

“Give me the Love that leads the way
The Faith that nothing can dismay
The Hope no disappointments tire
The Passion that’ll burn like fire
Let me not sink to be a clod
Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God.”

-Amy Carmichael

How could you show others the love of God?

How have you felt the love of God through someone else?

Map of India

Optional Craft: Make a bird bath. Using a terra cotta pot and a pot base (or you could use a glass bowl), paint or decorate the pot, remembering that it will be used upside down. Glue the pot base or bowl onto the bottom of the terra cotta pot. If your pot base has a hole, you’ll want to take some caulk or putty and cover the hole. Once the putty is dry, fill your bird bath with some water and put it outside for the birds to enjoy.

Lent Day Four: Stephen — Love Your Enemies

In Acts 7, we read about Stephen, who was the first person to die for His faith in Christ after Jesus himself died. Stephen proclaimed the Gospel to those who had persecuted Jesus. He wanted them to see that the Messiah had come. They were angry with Stephen for what he said. When they drug Stephen out of the city, Stephen looked into the Heavens and saw Jesus standing next to God the Father, and he told them what he saw. The elders became even angrier, refusing to listen. Instead, they picked up stones and stoned him to death. While Stephen was dying, he prayed that God would not hold his death against those who were killing him.

We easily say, “Love your enemies,” but do you think loving his enemies was easy to do in Stephen’s case? His enemies were killing him, yet he still showed love.

How can you show love to those who wrong you?

Coloring Page

Optional Craft: Get large river rocks and using paint or Sharpies, write on the rocks, “Love your enemies.” This craft is both a reminder of the love shown by Stephen and a reminder to love those who are against us. For younger kids, you may want to write on the rocks and then let them decorate with paint, stickers, or glued on gems.

Back to 40 Holy People: A Lent Devotional for Families.

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