You Be You Meets I Am Who I Am.

Before we get to today’s article, I just want to mention that am writing from the perspective of a man that has experienced many of the challenges of which I write…. and those spiritual battles continue daily. The articles are implications of what it means to obey the commandment to raise your children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. They require some reflection and are particularly for Christians who, as Peter would say, are diligently seeking to confirm their calling and are making every effort to supplement their faith. Said more succinctly, serious Christians. If you know other believers who desire to walk more faithfully with the Lord, please forward an article to them and tell them to sign up for future articles. Thanks so much!

You Be You Meets I Am Who I Am.

The world is telling lies to our children and they are not just believing the lies, they are embracing them. When I say the “world”, I am referring to a system of beliefs that is against God in every way and seeks to teach people that belief system, so they will never believe in Jesus Christ. This is not another Netflix conspiracy movie. It is not the latest conspiracy theory that is being promoted on the internet. No, this is a fact that is clearly taught in the Word of God and is one truth that is not disputed among Christians. The ruler of the system is the fallen angel Satan, and he has been a liar and deceiver from the beginning. He hates God and he hates God’s people, and he is a master at blinding people from the truth.

But even though this is a well known fact among believing Christians everywhere, Christian parents don’t seem to know that it is happening to their children every day and therefore, do nothing about it. So, how does Satan do this you say? The answer is really quite simple. He recognizes the weaknesses in the heart and mind of a child and exploits them using God’s design for love, worship, and learning.

Let’s think about some examples. First, what does the world tell a young person when he fails at a task?  Rather than teach a Christian way to handle failure, it tells him, “You did great! You are awesome.”  When a young person continues to fail in their pursuit of a dream that they clearly cannot attain, the world says,  “you can do anything you set your mind to.” When someone in authority tells a young person that they should obey, the world says, “adults don’t know anything, and you have a right to rebel.”  When things are not going the way a young person wants, the world says, “just withdraw from the world and create your own.” “When people are telling a child that they are making terrible decisions, the world says to kids, “ignore all of that noise and just follow your heart.” And if you really want total freedom, the world tells kids, “you are only going to be happy if you throw off all chains that are holding you back, even your gender.”

Lies, lies and more lies, all delivered to your children through Instagram, YouTube, chat rooms, television, and movies. It is a never-resting system that produces innumerable false content daily for your child. But wait, there’s more. Satan exploits the God-created need for every person to worship and experience love, so he uses all of these tools to indoctrinate children to believe that ungodly celebrities are worthy of their worship. And guess what, we all attempt to emulate the people we worship. So, he uses these people as pawns in his system so our children can love them and model their young lives after them. They are the movie stars, the musicians, and the athletes that entertain America.

This is not hidden by Satan. It is all out in plain sight for parents to see.  And anyone can plainly see the worship that is taking place in our young people. Have you ever wondered why young people are wearing crooked hats on their heads, bury their heads inside of a hoodie, suddenly have a desire to color their hair pink? Just go online to see the latest meaningless fashion. Our children want to be like them and they believe if they mimic these godless people, they will be liked by their friends. That’s small potatoes compared to our children cutting themselves or considering suicide. Why? Because they are believing the lies about how to be valued, how to be liked, and how to feel good about yourself.

And the great destroyer, Satan is in no hurry. He uses another principle that he learned from God- that you get great results when you sow and reap. He is willing to begin his sowing in our kids at 2 years old, water and fertilize that crop for 10 years, and reap a harvest of sin when they hit the teen years.

But what have the Christian parents been doing all this time? Why are they not more diligent and not allow their children to be “worked over” by the devil and his minions? I can only speculate. Is it possible they don’t fully understand the teaching from God that tells us that the children are in bondage to sin?  Or maybe it’s hard to embrace the fact that our children are fallen when we see them as sweet and precious in their early years? Whatever the reason, the truth is parents cannot expect children to discern what is good and true in this world. They simply have no filter.

There is another possibility and that is some Christian parents have not let go of worldly thinking themselves. The parents have adopted some of the ways of the world and their own filter has been damaged. Is their flesh secretly longing for the world’s version of freedom and happiness and therefore are part of the gateway that Satan uses to the hearts of the children? If so, it’s not us against the world and Satan, it is us against us. That’s hard to contemplate.

There is only one true model for our children, only one way to defeat the world and the devil, and that is Jesus Christ. We can teach Jesus to our children through every life experience. Jesus submitted to authority (his Father); Jesus experienced the abandonment from His friends; Jesus experienced physical pain; Jesus served others; Jesus loved others so much that He died for them; Jesus was rejected by crowds of people. I could go on, but the point is this- we have a person who is the perfect model for our children but guess what- we musttalk about Him.

We must talk about Jesus all the time. For some that might feel awkward or maybe we are concerned that we might sound like Bible thumpers. If that is your concern, you need to repent. We can’t talk too much about Jesus. He is not a seasonal character; He is our God and He calls us to actively walk and talk with Him daily. He is the only hope you have for your children because when the modern day mantra of “you be you” meets I Am Who I Am, the devil is crushed.

THIS WEEK’S SPOTLIGHT:

Title: All Things For Good Written By Thomas Watson And Read By Michael Lee

Description: One of the great Puritans, Watson writes based on the great promise from God that all things work together for good to those that love God. The book will expand your faith in God’s promises and His attributes and give a great comfort to your soul.

Apple Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things-for-good-by-thomas-watson-and-read-by-michael-lee/id1703108941)

YouTube (https://youtu.be/cCMPuNsv6dE).

Read it online at www.ModernPuritans.com

Title: Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God, By Jonathan Edwards And Read By Michael Lee

Description: This famous sermon by Jonathan Edwards will sober you up to the awesomeness of God. It is updated in modern English by Modern Puritans.com

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-sinners-in-the-hands/id1695783947

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjGDaS1xyeRC8vUJFwsxxaX

Title: The Duties Of Parents From The Booklet By J.C. Ryle. Read By Michael Lee

Description: From the famous booklet written by Pastor J.C. Ryle. Pastor Ryle gives us 17 points of Christian parenting on which to focus our attention. His words are timeless and apply to parenting today as much as it did 100 years ago.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-the-duties-of/id1676664853

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgfoZGiRgzptFs7g07vkwU5

“Why Should I Believe Anything About Jesus Christ?” Written By Various Authors And Read By Michael Lee

Description: This Podcast features three famous recordings of booklets written by John Blanchard that will strengthen your own understanding on the death and resurrection of Christ and also serve as a great evangelistic tool for a friend or family member. The first booklet is called, “Ultimate Questions.” The second booklet is called, “Why The Cross?” And the third booklet is called, “Jesus, Dead Or Alive?”

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-why-should-i-believe/id1692832161

YouTube: Each of the John Blanchard booklets has its own recording. See below.

Ultimate Questions.  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQggMxnbCbkLux2C6QB1W0VG

Jesus- Dead Or Alive? https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjeqfP9L1olkHULFCNHVDDF

Why The Cross? https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgJEuKxJL0dgjCDM85tyqrQ

Christian Behavior, written by John Bunyan. This is a wonderful fairly short book written by the great John Bunyan to help Christians understand that their lives should be full of good works! Bunyan takes us to Titus 3:7-8 and brings practical application to all areas of the Christian life. You will be blessed by this great saint!

Apple Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-christian-behavior-by/id1716196912

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjUQ_MpGbnqwrBVi7TgRKi3

Choose Your Master: God Or Money. The links are immediately below-

Description: This is one of the most written about topics in the Bible because it is one of the most dangerous to the Christian. Listen in on the good and bad experiences of the author and strongly consider the Bible’s teaching on stewardship.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-choose-your-master-god/id1683382182

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQiHoB3-tBm1qDDbxxpQAvTl

Title: All Things For Good Written By Thomas Watson And Read By Michael Lee

Description: One of the great Puritans, Watson writes based on the great promise from God that all things work together for good to those that love God. The book will expand your faith in God’s promises and His attributes and give a great comfort to your soul.

Apple Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things-for-good-by-thomas-watson-and-read-by-michael-lee/id1703108941)

YouTube (https://youtu.be/cCMPuNsv6dE).

Read it online at www.ModernPuritans.com

Title: Critical Considerations For Christian Parents About Your Child’s Education, By Michael Lee

Description: As we search the Bible for answers to the question: How shall we raise our children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord,” we can see that the system for educating children was done primary by the parents in the home. However, the world in which we live now is quite different and the vast majority of parents use an educational system that is outside of the home and is that system is called the public schools, or the government schools.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-critical-considerations/id1678162250

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjnvjc7QuytT2V3lVr53oqa

Title: From Religion To Christ, Written By Peter Jeffery And Read By Michael Lee

Description:  Tired of the many systems of religion that you have observed or been part of in the past? Are you ready to say goodbye to religion? The author Peter Jeffery, agrees! Doing “religion” is empty and will not get you to heaven. There is something more-something much greater. Take a careful listen through this podcast and discover what a real relationship with God actually looks like.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-from-religion-to-christ/id1687134464

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQg_lCngBTcjs_dXT1VYvYWA

Title: Rediscovering The Lost Treasure Of Family Worship. Written By Jerry Marcellino And Read By Michael Lee

Description: Family Worship was once the normal practice that most Christian parents led in their homes. Led by either parent, the children would be taught daily from the word of God, pray and sing songs. It was considered to be a vital part of the Christian life.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-rediscovering-the-lost/id1692401602

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgNq7asslVBsKyq0FC3arMs

Title: Thoughts For Young Men From The Book By J.C. Ryle. Read By Michael Lee

Description: A wonderful book of Biblical truth and advice for young men. Helpful to parents as well as the young men themselves. Full of wisdom for a life filled with Christ. J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) served God in England as a pastor and teacher for more than 40 years. His words are still being used by the Lord today and are applicable to all Christians in all times.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-thoughts-for-young-men/id1673847428

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQixZIaBE95_JRojVSkzq1nl

Title: Stand Firm Written By Peter Jeffery and Read By Michael Lee

Description: So you just became a Christian and now what? Get ready for a life of walking with the Lord and experiencing the joy of knowing you have peace with God. However, you also have an enemy- the devil. Peter Jeffery wants to help by teaching you about the battle with the wicked one and how you can STAND FIRM against his attacks!

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-stand-firm-written-by/id1681861976

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjhDFeGYG5Tt5EWjeuz-e1p

Title: The Duties Of Parents From The Booklet By J.C. Ryle. Read By Michael Lee

Description: From the famous booklet written by Pastor J.C. Ryle. Pastor Ryle gives us 17 points of Christian parenting on which to focus our attention. His words are timeless and apply to parenting today as much as it did 100 years ago.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-the-duties-of/id1676664853

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgfoZGiRgzptFs7g07vkwU5

Title: Choose Your Master: God Or Money. Written And Read By Michael Lee

Description: This is one of the most written about topics in the Bible because it is one of the most dangerous to the Christian. Listen in on the good and bad experiences of the author and strongly consider the Bible’s teaching on stewardship.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-choose-your-master-god/id1683382182

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQiHoB3-tBm1qDDbxxpQAvTl

Title: A Call To Prayer By J.C. Ryle. Read By Michael Lee

Description: This is a passionate plea from the famous preacher and teacher, J.C. Ryle. Although these words were penned more than 100 years ago, the need and application for today’s Christian is greater than ever.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-a-call-to-prayer-by/id167288080

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjaXXgO8P1U-bBFkEMCwdYR

Title: Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices From The Book By Thomas Brooks. Read By Michael Lee

Description: (This is one that you can listen to a “precious remedy” each day). Thomas Brooks, born in 1608, was a Puritan preacher who wrote a number of essays during his time with possibly the foremost entitled, “Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices.” In writing the book’s dedication, he wrote, “Christ, the scripture, your own hearts, and Satan’s devices, are the four prime things that should be first and most studied and searched. If any cast off the study of these they cannot be safe here, nor happy hereafter.” Brooks believed that all Christians have particular weaknesses in their faith and those weaknesses would be exploited in some way by Satan.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-precious-remedies-against/id1671364198

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Last modified: March 23, 2024