Remnant Ramblings - Sept.

The book of Judges is a sobering account detailing the power of sin and its consequences. Once the Israelites settled in Canaan, the land promised to them, they grew complacent and lost their spiritual motivation. Tribe after tribe failed to drive out the Canaanites from their land, as God had commanded the Israelite people. Perhaps 40 years wandering through the desert and many years spent fighting made them weary and tired. Perhaps they feared the enemy was too strong. In any event, the Israelites failed to follow through with driving out the Canaanites. And it turns out that the temptation to sin turned out to be a much more powerful opponent than the iron chariots of the Canaanites.

Following the death of Joshua, one generation died and the next did not follow God. Each generation failed to teach the next generation the ways of God, and to love and follow Him. Judges 2:10-3:7 is a preview of the nasty cycle of sin, judgment and repentance that Israel experienced time and time again. The new generation abandoned the faith of their parents and began to worship the gods of their neighbors. These are similar temptations our children face on the battlefields of their lives each and every day. Peers have a powerful pull on teens as it relates to the temptation to sin and also how teens view themselves and the world around them. Satan uses this against them and packages idols in all sizes, shapes, and colors in efforts to take their (and all of our) eyes off of God.

It is my desire to raise up and disciple a generation of spiritual power-players and leaders who can stand firm in the Lord in the face of peer pressure and temptation, and who can influence others for the Kingdom to do the same. Parents, would you speak truth, encouragement, life and purpose into your kids as they begin a new school year? Church family, would you join me in prayer for our teens and children as they embark on a new school year? Many times how they start the year can set the tone for the rest of the year. This generation is not only the future of the church, they are a big part of the church with a special purpose RIGHT NOW.

Much love in Christ,

Pastor Drew