it DOES matter

Song: “Holy Bible, Book Divine” public domain {words, John Burton 1773-1822; music, William B. Bradbury 1816-1868} sung by Shelley and little ones

Recommended resources:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=mbkqLKqTEp8

“More Than A Carpenter” by Josh McDowell

Child Evangelism Fellowship....“Digging for Treasures” 

God has put Sharon on an incredible journey of caring for a child with special needs and it’s an honor to have her share challenges and blessings.  “it DOES matter” how we respond to people in the world who have physical, mental, or emotional concerns. 

Concluding song, “I’m Special To Jesus” copyright 2005 used with permission by Majesty Music, Inc.
https://www.majestymusic.com/

We are living in times of uncharted waters for our generations.  As people experience radical changes worldwide it has also caused some radical behavior which leads to questioning God and His concern for things that really matter in life.  They may ask questions such as “Where are you God?  Do you even see what is going on and do you even care?”  Yes, “it DOES matter” whether we know that God cares.

We’re glad you are joining with us as we listen to this interview with Pastor Keith Carnahan from Maranatha Baptist Church in Missouri.

Mentioned in this episode:

https://www.christianbook.com/cowboy-boots-in-darkest-africa/dr-rice/pd/277305

At times we can all feel drained physically, spiritually, mentally and even emotionally.  But have you “tapped into your Power Source” today?  “it DOES matter” from whom or what we are getting our strength.  Even Jesus’ disciples (followers) asked of Him, “Lord, teach us to pray”.  (Luke 11)  
Today we want to not only talk about Prayer but we want to take time to pray in this episode and we invite you to join us as we use the acrostic ACTS to guide our time together.  No matter what country you live in, 2 Chronicles 7:13 and 14 from the Bible remind us that change, revival, restoration must first begin with Christians.
 
13 If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;
14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Today we remember those who perished during the 9/11 attacks in America.   And we also remember many around the world who are persecuted for their faith in Christ.

Storms are inevitable.  They can come at us in the most unexpected time and ways.  Are you going through a storm of life…financial; spiritual; marital; emotional?  The safest place in the midst of a storm is in the eye.  God’s Word says, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” {Psalm 32:8}  

“it DOES matter” that we have someone to call upon who will help.  Jesus wants to be that Someone to help us.  

God’s promise to help: “A land which the Lord thy God careth for: the eyes of the Lord thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year.” {Deuteronomy 11:12}

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” {Romans 10:13}

During this month of August we are highlighting students who have walked a variety of educational paths.  Some have homeschooled, were in a private Christian school, or attended public schools.  The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 2:15 that we should “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”  As followers of Jesus, “it DOES matter” how we encourage our young people to stand strong in their faith in God.  Not only can they learn from us, but we too must learn from them as they express struggles and victories they may encounter at school or among their peers.  Both ladies encourage people to journal their special times with the Lord as it helps to remember His goodness and interactions in our lives that matter to Him.  It’s awesome to have friends Michelle and Manami with us and we are so glad you our listening friends are joining us on this journey of discovering what really matters to God from a biblical and a practical perspective.  

Luke 2:52 sets the perfect and the well-balanced example of how young lives should be nurtured, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”  Parents can influence their children not only in the 3 r’s: reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmetic, but they can also make a great impact on the minds and hearts of their children.  “it DOES matter” how parents, their first teachers, influence the children that God places in their homes.  We all have heroes in our lives that we want to emulate.  A hero is an example of someone who has outstanding achievements or stellar qualities that you want to follow.  And today it’s awesome to have three homeschool heroes joining us who are siblings and who also had the privilege of being homeschooled throughout elementary and high school. 

Ashlyn, Justin, and Collin offer great advice on how parents and children can have a growth mindset as they learn together through life’s journey.

Collin also recommends parents reading Your Personality Tree by Florence Littauer.

"But the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits."
{Daniel 11:32b} In our society today, the world wants to hold high athletes, or movie stars, or even business entrepreneurs...but "it DOES matter" who we esteem highly.  Not that we put people on a pedestal or on the same level as God, no, but rather God encourages us to give honor to those men and women who are faithfully serving Him with their lives as they serve others.  In this special episode we are delighted to interview our very own Paula from here on the podcast.  Your heart will be blessed as you hear about how she handled separation from family, second language flubbers, adventurous fun, and enduring faith in God as a missionary. 
"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him." {1 Chronicles 16:9a}

We are delighted to have Ruth joining us from NASA today.  You will learn not only how nuts and bolts interface together, but also how we as image bearers of God can be unified as we interface with one another. As an engineering intern, Ruth has a working knowledge of how God, our Master Designer, has a purpose for us as His creation. “it DOES matter” that we understand our purpose in life is to bring glory to God in the way He has designed us.  Ruth reminds us to be a faithful steward: “each area of our life, in the tiny details, such as our everyday interactions with each other and our habits, are important in reflecting the Master Designer.  We are to be living testimonies of our Designer by being conformed to the image of Christ.”    

CHOSEN! Has there been a time in your life where you felt unwanted? Maybe you were chosen last for a team sport, or not at all. Or perhaps you were passed over for a promotion at work. Our guest interviewed this week went through times in life when she felt unwanted. But she also has a peace that God has “chosen” her to be His! And "it DOES matter" that you realize God has chosen you to be His child...you just need to receive His gift of salvation!
Verses shared in today's episode for your further study:
Isaiah 43:2-3; Hebrews 3:13; Proverbs 19:11; Psalm 61:2; Isaiah 30:26; Psalm 23:1; Psalm 145:5; Hebrews 6:10