In his blog post, "Video Discipleship in a Digital Age," author Ste-phen McAlpine explores the question of why so many young church-goers quickly lose their faith when they go off to college. - P35
He sharesthe wisdom of pastor Tim Keller, who surmises that one reason thishappens is that when kids go to college, they experience a truly im-mersive community that they did not experience at church. - P35
As a re-sult, the influence of the secular world quickly overtakes that of theirChristian upbringing.
- P35
When McAlpine spoke about this issue with a friend who had justfinished twenty-eight years as a senior pastor, his friend shared a listof twenty things he wished he had said from the pulpit more often.
- P35
One of them was simply, "Parents, don‘t let your kids play soccer ona Sunday morning." At first glance, this statement may seem imprac-tical and even legalistic. - P35
But McAlpine recognized the wisdom in hisfriend‘s advice. When church is no longer the main focus of a family‘sSunday and takes a backseat to other activities, this makes room forthe secular world to slowly but surely replace the church‘s role in achild‘s life. - P35
True discipleship is not only taught, but also "caught." Whether weare parents or church leaders, we should be mindful that even oursmallest actions send signals to the people around us that will play arole in shaping their worldview. - P35
Therefore, may our words and deedsinfluence those around us to "catch" habits that honor our God. - P35
Joab finds a wise woman and asks her to pretend she is in mourning. Shegoes before David and tells him that her two sons fought, and one of themdied. - P37
She says her family is pressuring her to hand over her son, but she doesnot want to give him up. David tells her to not worry because he will give anorder protecting her son. - P37
David‘s son Absalom has fled from Jerusalem after killing his broth-er, and the king is filled with sorrow over the loss of two of his sons.
- P38
His emotions toward Absalom are conflicted: he longs to have his sonback but also knows he must be punished for his crime. - P38
David seemsparalyzed with grief and is unable to take action, so God uses Joab toinitiate a plan that will move the king‘s heart toward reconciliation. - P38
Justas Absalom‘s sin broke his relationship with his father, our sin is whatkept us distant from God. - P38
But our heavenly Father took the initiativeto send His Son to die for us so that we might be reconciled with Him.
- P38
Let us therefore extend the same mercy and forgiveness to those whohave sinned against us. - P38
Joab sends a wise woman disguised as a widow to King David. Shetells a well-crafted story and asks for mercy for one of her sons, whomher clan wants to execute for murdering his brother. - P38
David assures thewoman that her son will not be put to death for his actions. He hascompassion on the woman and understands her desire to put an end tothe bloodshed in her family. - P38
Through this woman‘s humble plea, Godgently speaks to David so that he might realize the state of his ownheart. - P38
God often works this way in our lives, too, revealing His will tous through people and circumstances. - P38
Let us have the humility to hearHis voice and follow His instruction. - P38
Father, I praise You for sending Your Son so that I may be reconciled with Youand have a relationship with You. - P39
In the same way, please lead me to reconcilewith those I need to forgive. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P39
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