So to follow this up I wanted to offer some resources that may help with more of the “how” in this calling.   Here ya go:

Bibles

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones.  This is by far the best Bible I’ve seen for the little ones but I must say that reading this with our kids has really had an impact on my own journey.  It’s not one of those children Bibles that tries to link the Easter Bunny to Jesus.  It takes you to the heart of the gospel and paints the Bible into grand story about redemption.  Also has some great artwork.   You can get it online or at Lighthouse Christian Bookstore in Auburn.

The Family Reading Bible A great resource that guides you in the tradition of reading the Bible together as a family.  Passages are broken down into chunks and also offer questions/discussion points as well.  Available at amazon.com and Lighthouse Christian Bookstore.

Books

Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Ted Tripp.  Great book that deals with the parenting role of authority, the work of shepherding the heart and the life vision you want your kids to have when they embark out on life.  Very practical book and easy to read.

Parenting is Heart Work by Dr. Scott Turansky and JoAnne Miller.  In the same vein as Ted Tripp’s book – getting deeper than behavior modification and going towards the heart.

The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian.  This book really leads parents in cultivating a life of prayer for their kids and by doing so, knits your hearts to theirs in deeper ways.

Online Resources/Blogs/Podcasts

Orange Parents Offers some good podcasts and articles in reclaiming your role as the spiritual guide.

All Pro Dad This is a great organization led by Tony Dungee and friends.  Dads – go to this website and sign up for “The Play of the Day”, a daily email that offers practical advice and guidance.  So go for it – us Dads need this kind of stuff.

iMom This is the mom version “All Pro Dad” and also offers a daily email for Mom’s.

And to top it off – here’s a little inspiration for us all for impressing the word of God into our kids hearts.

I know many of you have more resources to share as well – so leave a comment and share them with us all.

In preparing for this I’ve been thinking about these words that the Prophet Isaiah spoke out, “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth:  It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:10-11.

I’ve been thinking about how the word of God that we will study together will be like receiving the rain and snow from heaven…it will nourish, make bud and flourish, yield seed.  This gets me excited for all of us.  And not just for us, but for the world as well.

I’m praying that we would be shaped by His word and be transformed more like Christ.  But not just for us, so that we can feel good about ourselves and that we are all spiritual and in good with God.  But for the sake of the world that we will engage with the love of Christ that lives in us.

So come and be shaped by his word.

Journey Bible Class from Cornerstone Church on Vimeo.

(Props to Matt Leroy and Love Chapel Hill for the cool video inspiration.)

Been feverishly working in these last weeks to finalize the content for our Journey Bible Class that starts next week at Cornerstone.  This first 5 week session will be “How to Study the Bible.”  In all this work of preparation I have found that it is doing something in me.  I’m again remembering just how incredible God’s word it…it’s wisdom, its beauty, its ability to speak truth into our lives.  I love how David puts it in Psalm 19:

7 The instructions of the Lord are perfect,
reviving the soul.
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The commandments of the Lord are right,
bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are clear,
giving insight for living.
9 Reverence for the Lord is pure,
lasting forever.
The laws of the Lord are true;
each one is fair.
10 They are more desirable than gold,
even the finest gold.
They are sweeter than honey,
even honey dripping from the comb.
11 They are a warning to your servant,
a great reward for those who obey them.

His Word revives the soul, gives light to the eyes, brings joy to the heart!  I love it.  It is sweeter than honey…honey from the comb.

Lord I pray that you birth a new hunger in me and in our church for your Word.  May we meditate on it day and night.

This is all coming out of a vision to equip and teach people in spritual practices…like how to study God’s word and live in it…allowing our lives to be shaped by His story of searching after us.  We’re starting out with a 5 week class that’s on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8pm.  Our hope is to continue with short classes through the year that offer people more resources and avenues to grow their roots deep into Christ.  You can learn more and sign up here at Cornerstone’s website.

See you there!