One of the things that we are teaching the kids in the children's ministry at the church that I attend is called VOLT. This is a really great concept that Ryan Weber came up with. It is an acronym that stands for:

V = Verse
O = Own Words
L = Live It
T = Talk to God

I really like this alot, and this is the reason why. Sometimes trying to remember verses can be difficult for kids, or for anyone for that matter. So what this acro teaches them is this: Read the bible. If when reading the bible they feel that God is talking to them, write the verse down. Then paraphrase the verse into their own words, so that they can better understand it and better remember it. Once they can remember the verse, then it is easier for them to Live It in their everyday lives. I feel that once kids begin to "live" the word of God in their everyday lives, talking to God on a daily basis will be commonplace.

I have practiced VOLTing and it works beautifully in my life. I find that not only can I remember what the bible is teaching me, but that I have meaningful conversations with God on a daily basis. I can feel God guiding me in certain directions and talking to me personally. This is a wonderful and warm feeling knowing that God is there with me and is taking my hand and guiding me through life the way that He wants to....the perfect way!

Try VOLTing with your own kids. Try VOLTing for yourselves. You will be amazed at the way that God will be there with you all the way!

God Bless!

"ALL-IN" For God

Today, I had the awesome opportunity to talk with 32 boys in our "Tween" Sunday School service (Tween stands for kids that are in between the youngsters and the teens). The lesson was concerning being "all-in" with God, and what many distractions we have in our lives that sometimes prohibit us from being focused on God.

We read Romans 12 together, reflected in our own words on what God was teaching us. We identified what type of obstacles in our lives interfered with us putting God first in our lives. The boys came up with items such as watching TV, playing video games, and pressures from family or friends. When asked how they thought they could overcome these distraction areas, they responded overwhelmingly by praying about them. God is reaching these kids!

I then challenged the boys with a task for the next week: To wake up every morning, and before they get out of bed, stop, and pray, surrendering themselves to God and asking Him to lead them in the direction that He wants them to go. I explained to them my intentions of holding them accountable to the challenge by asking them to report to the class what they did during the week and how they felt that God had answered their prayers.

I believe that God works in miraculous ways, that His love for his children is immeasureable. I believe that if these kids pray for God to show His way, His way will be revealed. I believe that He will speak to these kids in ways that only they will understand and comprehend. I am anxiously awaiting next week's class so that we can again sit down together, and I can hear the glory of God being expressed from each little man's mouth.

The joy I receive from being with these youngsters and hearing their ideas and convictions, and seeing them come to love and follow Jesus is beyond words. The Lord has truly blessed me with the opportunity to serve Him through teaching these precious young minds!

Let's Be Great Roll Models

Kids are so impressionable. I have heard many parents say that they can't compete with Sports Stars or Music Stars to lead their children properly. To that I can only say, your children only see these stars a few times a week, they see you everyday. Become a star in your children's lives, and in so doing, lead them to Christ.

While some Sports Stars are good roll models and some are not so good, I have found that I have been able to direct my children towards Sports Stars that follow Christ. I get very excited when a player points to heaven after a play, and point out to my children that "all things are possible through God who strengthens me" (Phil 4:13). Tim Tebow wore that verse under his eyes on black tape. My son has often asked me what that was....perfect opportunity for father/son time in the bible.

Parents, be your kid's heroes. Follow and love Jesus with "all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind" (Luke 10:27) and you will be surprised at how your children will respond and want to follow in your footsteps towards God. When you see a Sports Star or a Music Star that puts God first, gravitate towards them. Get excited WITH your children. Form that bond that will last forever. Our kids grow up so fast. We only get one chance to be the roll model that God wants us to be, so let's be Great Roll Models!!

God Bless!