Tuning the Bow

There is a lot of negativity in the world, and Matt and Tim have talked about it in past episodes. However, they want to talk about some encouraging parenting stories they have seen and heard about and want to pass them on to listeners. Take some time and enjoy your parenting because things will not be like this forever, so slow down and spend some good, quality time with your families this week!

Resource – positivity

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There are simple things in life that can be celebrated, but the question parents must answer is what acts should be rewarded and what acts are expected. In this episode, Matt and Tim discuss these categories and want encouragement to be a part of everyday language without being over-the-top on every little achievement. Keep in mind that God shows unending love every moment, so our encouragement should build others up as often as you can.

Passages – Ecclesiastes 2:18-25; Colossians 3:23; Hebrews 3:13; James 1:2-4

Also, Matthew really does love his mother. He's just not always on top of things.

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It can be crazy to think that people would defend popstars before they defend Christ, but this world is filled with crazier things. In this episode, Matt and Tim talk about why it is important to guard your heart and your children's hearts against desiring things of this world over Jesus. Though there are things that we can enjoy on this earth, we must place importance and preeminence on Christ.

Passage – Colossians 3:1-4

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Lots of people pray, and as Tim and Matt have discussed before, lots of people pray incorrectly. There is a place for prayers that include praying for things, but when "things" take up all of our prayers, it sounds like we are no longer asking but demanding. Listen carefully to how you and others pray. Fill your prayers with biblical thoughts of adoration, confession, and thanksgiving before you pray for supplication and see how close you grow towards God.

Passages – Ecclesiastes 7:14; Galatians 6:3; Philippians 1:3-7

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There is no denying the fact that we live in a sexualized world. Movies and shows have romance in them constantly, and many of these examples are not God-honoring. Tim and Matt want to encourage parents to be shining examples of what biblical romance looks like so that they may teach their children before the world does. Whether it is talking about the love for your spouse more to your young kids or how to pursue a relationship with your older kids, show the Christ in everything you do.

Passages – a few

Resources – God, Marriage, and Family: Rebuilding the Biblical Foundation by Andreas J. Köstenberger and David W. Jones
Making All Things New: Restoring Joy to the Sexually by David Powlison

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We often want our children to experience amazing things, but how often to we put God in that category? In this episode, Matt and Tim want to show why parents should live in a way that shows Christ to their children because that is what pleases God. With a look at the Shemodel and the rich young ruler, we can see what good parenting looks like and what bad parenting creates. Lead your family to Christ and show Him to your kids every day!

Passages – Genesis 6:4-9; Luke 18:18-27; Hebrews 12:4-7

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…sort of. Though we are getting closer to the end of time, parents still have a responsibility to disciple their children. Tim and Matt encourage parents to not just read the book of Revelation but know what it says. Even though these prophetic books are difficult to understand, parents should not be afraid to live with the end in view. Jesus will return, establish His reign, and make all things new, so get your families ready for that time!

Passages – a lot (Matt didn't take notes while editing)

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The difficulty of raising children is matching your words with your actions, and many parents fail in this way. The culture around us pushes children to adopt unbiblical ideas of gender, and the failure of teaching at home adds to the confusion. In this episode, Tim and Matt encourage parents to deeply consider what they are teaching through their words AND actions. The Bible not only teaches people about salvation, but it teaches believers about godly living and understanding.

Passages – Genesis 1:26-27, 3:16-19

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It is easy to treat holidays as just a break from the norm, but should they hold any other purpose? In this episode, Tim and Matt want to show why Easter matters much more than people (or churches) make it out to be. Because Jesus loved humanity so much, He willingly endured the pain and humiliation of death on a cross, rose again on the third day, and is now seated at the right hand of God for us. Make Easter have a greater impact in your life and the life of your family!

Passage – Philippians 2:4-11

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Each year is an opportunity to do something different, and this can also apply to how we parent. For Tim and his wife, they have decided to focus on doing some things that are important but have not been a priority in the past. In this episode, Tim discusses why they have made this decision, and Matt warns about listening to the wrong voices when it comes to making our decisions. Stay in God's Word and obey what He commands.

Passage – 1 John 4:1-6

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