Deano

What is the mark of a disciple? If you could summarize how disciples of Christ are to be known what would you say? "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34, 35 NIV) Jesus gave this new command to his disciples, this was how people would know they were his disciples; love. One thing I want our kids to know is that they are loved. Here are a couple of thoughts about love. 1. Love is a Sacrifice Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. (John 15:13 NIV) In love their is sacrifice. There are times where you will to give until it hurts. It could be finances, time or energy. When you love you are willing to sacrifice. 2. Love is Sincere Love must be sincere. (Romans 12:9 NIV) Don't give love to get back in return. Love because you love! People, in particular kids, can tell when some...

The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher. (Luke 6:40 NIV) I remember becoming a maths teacher and planning to teach the class some developments on long division. As started to explain the process the students were looking confused. Finally one of my students showed me how they were taught. It was totally different to how I was taught, and it still worked. I realized that I had learnt to do maths just like my teacher. My new students had learnt to do maths like their old teacher. When students are fully trained they will be like their teacher. Jesus taught here the importance of good teaching, because our students will become like us. In verse 39 Jesus gives the story of the blind leading the blind. We need to make sure we are not leading our kids into a pit. We have a responsibility to make sure we are not blind. Jesus gives three short stories which help us keep clear vision. 1. Plank in your eye. First examine yoursel...

I am writing this not to shame you but to warn you as my dear children. Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me. For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church. (1 Corinthians 4:14-17 NIV) Paul was writing to encourage his "children." He wanted to correct some wrong behaviour and in doing so he doesn't want to shame. This is a valuable lesson for us. Hundreds and thousands of kids in our communities need correction and guidance. This needs to be done with encouragement. They don't know any better, no one has taught them how to life in Christ. We are not in the shame and blame business, we are here to encourage and train. Paul also points out their lack of fathers in the faith...

Looking forward to Kidshaper 3D. Taking a team from church. Always get inspired during these days. God never eases to amaze. What to expect this year? Who knows, but will expect something great! Life is better in 3D!

“Our Greatest Treasures are Born into this World.” Your heart will be where your riches are. Matthew 6:21 (NIrV) I totally believe our greatest treasures, or riches, are born into this world. Our treasures are not manufactured, made nor are they melted and moulded. Our greatest treasures are those who are born! That’s right, our children. Nothing is greater than the gift given to us as a son or daughter. Since they are my greatest treasure, my heart is with them also. I love my kids. I love our kids. I love our next generation. One thing that strikes me about treasure is the desire to protect. I love watching Indiana Jones. In his third recorded documentary, The Last Crusade, Indy came to place where the Holy Grail was being held. The Knights, who were caring for the grail, set several traps to protect the Holy Grail from others. They went to great lengths to protect their treasure!! (True story! Indiana Jones movies are documentaries of his greatest adventures and discoveries. :) ) To...