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Deut.4:5-9 (TNIV)

5 See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the LORD my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. 6Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say,7 What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to him?  8And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today?  9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

Questions for Reflection:

As I reflect on this passage and the sermon, where are the growing edges for me?

Who are the people that have impacted my spiritual growth the most?  Was it primarily because of information they shared, or who they were?

KidsIf you are a parent, or someone who acts in a role that is about being responsible for kids, you know how challenging it can be to know how to guide and direct them in their process of growing up and becoming all they were created to be.  Our tendency is to make sure we have all the correct techniques, all the right answers, all the right guidelines.  Know the truth and the truth will set you free, right?  If we could just get it right, then our kids would turn out alright, right?

Well, if you have been with this very long at all, and are honest, you know it is not quite as simple as that - at least when it is understood the way it is stated above.  What we sometimes forget is that when Jesus spoke of the "truth" it was not just about, not even primarily about, getting all the right answers, but rather something much more personal.  He said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life.  Truth is as much about who we are and how we live as what we think or believe.  As someone has said, "the most compelling argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian."

Kids, the best thing we can do for them is to be the kind of people God has called us to be - then we can talk about the "what" of what we believe, and only then will it make a difference.  That's what Pastor Fidi invites us to reflect on in the sermon.  If you would like to listen to it once again, or perhaps for the first time, you can click here to access our sermon library.