TFG Blog

One of the prominent arguments I hear frequently in Christian circles including from my own mouth is how the state of the nation and its culture took a definitive turn downward when prayer was removed from public schools. This certainly seems to be apparent and difficult to argue against. But is it the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help us God? First of all, prayer was removed from public schools and not all schools. There are many private schools that make the same definitive decision not to emphasize prayer to our Lord and Savior. Is that the governments fault? Shouldn’t we search our individual hearts for the wellspring of this blame game? I don’t want this thought of mine to be considered a shill for Big government because I’m anything but that. I do however think we as the family of believers would fare much better if we focused once again on the supreme commandment of our Savior.

 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, - Matthew 28:19-20

 We are relieved when we see ethical leaders in government, business and the church are we not? Where do these ethical leaders come from? The family is the fuel that fortifies the public square and it is the Lord through the power of the Holy Spirit that fortifies the family.  Psalm 78 is instructive in our role to disciple as Jesus stated in Matthew only here in Psalms it speaks of parental discipleship.

We will not hide them from their children, Telling to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done.  –Psalm 78:4

Revival begins in the homes of those who put their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and live it out into the community. The failing of the culture began with dry bones being scattered throughout Christian homes everywhere and the question we should ask is that which God asked Ezekiel.

The LORD asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”  I said, “LORD and King, you are the only one who knows.”

Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones. Tell them, ‘Dry bones, listen to the LORD’s message. The LORD and King speaks to you. He says, “I will put breath in you. Then you will come to life again... Then you will know that I am the LORD.”’” 

So I prophesied just as the LORD commanded me to... But there was no breath in them.  Then the Lord said to me, Prophesy to the breath... Then they can live.

So I prophesied just as he commanded me to. And the breath entered them. Then they came to life again. They stood up on their feet.  They were like a huge army.

- Ezekiel 37:3-9

 It is my prayer that we as the family of believers will heed the commandments of our savior Jesus Christ and begin to breathe life into the dry bones of our faith and disciple this generation of young people to understand who the Lord is and what He has done for us. 

 Does anything illustrate the Pavlovian principle like the seatbelt sign being turned off at the end of a flight? Ding! And the instinctive response is to stand as everyone does almost in unison like your team just scored a basket, goal, touchdown or fill in the blank to suit your own personal sports connotation. Even folks with window seats stand bent over awkwardly like spelunkers waiting for their respective turn to move. Just like Pavlov’s dogs, we too have been trained to provide instinctive responses.

Keeping with the airline reference, I was traveling on business a few weeks back and overheard a woman having a discussion on an interesting topic with the travelers around her. At first it was just the normal banal banter that takes place on the return flight on a Friday afternoon. The woman was traveling with her child and the other travelers seemed to be not related but interested in the discussion. I began to tune in when the woman lamented the Disney shows and their poor representations of dads and parents in general. I’ve spent considerable time on this soapbox myself. The surrounding travelers agreed with her and even added examples of their own. All seemed to have a very good understanding of what parenting ought to be. Then it happened. Just like that instinctive speech kicked in just as if Pavlov had rang a bell and we were defeated. Instead of iron sharpening iron or Braveheart riding up to encourage the fellow parents gathered there, I heard the standard voices of fear and defeat similar to what Joshua and Caleb experienced the first time Moses knocked on the door to Canaan. “It’s a sign of the times”. “It’s Hollywood being Hollywood”.

Are we being held captive by this culture hostile to Biblical principles or are we hostages to our own fear? One way to overcome this peer pressure is to understand what is at stake. General “Mad” Anthony Wayne a legislator and Brigadier General in Colonial America understood the stakes when he lead the assault on a British outpost on the Hudson river called Stony Point. After capturing the fort, General Wayne reported to General George Washington the following.

“The fort and garrison with Col. Johnston are ours. Our officers and men behaved like men who are determined to be free.”

 Have we as the family of believers lost our determination for freedom?

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom”. – 2 Cor 3:17

I wasn't planning on taking Ruth with me to Fiesta Texas, but when mom came up behind me and said: "Conner? I know you won't want to do this, but..." I knew exactly what she wanted from me. I'm seventeen years old! I'm half a year from adulthood and she wants me to drag a doll around Fiesta Texas? This is when mom put her begging into all or nothing mode.  "Ruth needs an adventure! This would be so much fun!!" We're talking about Ruth, the doll, right? I hardly think she would notice the difference between being squished in my bag at a crowded theme park and sitting on the shelf at home.  "Plus I could tweet about it!" She continued.  Oh no... Moms new twitter obsession is becoming frightening.

This is when I began to mentally argue with myself. The devilish form of myself on my right shoulder was goin' at it with the angelic me on the left. Finally I convinced myself to take Ruth with me. I could not deny mom her simple request.  After all, I've been a desperate tweeter before. So, with my bag full of sun screen and money I grabbed Ruth and we headed for the car. "Ruth" I said to her, discarding my current sanity. "You can be so inconvenient." Cruel, I know, but she didn't seem to take it too hard, she just stared at me with that winsome smile and those dark eyes.

Before I knew it, Ruth and I were in the church van headed for the park. She didn't exactly fit comfortably in my bag but I didn't want to walk around all day with only her head protruding from the top so I searched for a different approach. Aha! Lightbulb! I grabbed my towel, snuggled Ruth in it and stuck it in my bag. The only thing still visible was a tuft of her hair protruding from the middle of the towel. This'll work. I slung the the small yellow backpack over my shoulders and headed for the entrance.

"Oh you brought your doll" says the lady at the desk, "how cute". Her voice was slightly condescending and I noticed that maybe she was trying too hard not to laugh. "C'mon, ma'am." You've never seen a seventeen year old carry a doll around before? ReaIly?  Not ever? I tried to convince myself.  I smiled politely at the lady and walked forward to have my bag checked. I was preparing to defend my bag of veggies as I handed my bag forward, but what came next completely surprised me.

I turned just in time to see the man, who was supposed to be checking my bag, recoil his hands quickly. The look on his face reflected one of sheer horror. Seeing his obvious confusion as to what was sticking out of my bag I tried to reassure him without breaking down with laughter. My hand shot up and I started talking to him like a cop would talk to a hostage-holding criminal.

“It's just a doll. No worries” I told him slowly. His physical stance didn't change, however. “it's just a doll” I told him again, reaching my hand into the bag to reveal the rest of Ruth's head. She just smirked, obviously finding this guy very entertaining. After this awkward encounter he just handed me the bag, not even bothering to search the rest of it. I have a feeling he wasn't prepared for anymore strange surprises.

The rest of the trip was fun and just as entertaining. Ruth got to see the park, and then eventually... The inside of a locker. (We didn't want her to get wet). All in all, it was a good trip.  It started with a lesson in humility and obedience as I was acosted by my mothers will that was drastically different than my own.  Maybe it was good I took this journey with Ruth.  After all, these are lessons she herself taught us (Ruth 1:16-17, Ruth 2:22-23).

The following excerpt is from an article that I previously wrote that was published in The Old Schoolhouse magazine Fall 2011.  I am re-publishing in this newsletter in recognition of Father's Day 2012. 

As I write this note, the paraphrased words of Mordecai in the fourth chapter of Esther ring clearly in my mind: "Who knows but that you have come to this royal position for such a time as this."Seems initially like pretty lofty stuff. But as dads, are we not sitting in the same position, overseeing the family's royal crest? Aren't we called to lead our families to the knowledge of Christ? Do we not have the purpose of reflecting to our family and neighbors faith, hope, and most importantly the love of Christ? These are certainly royal objectives, because they are ordained by the King of kings, our Lord Jesus Christ. But do we treat them as royal objectives? Do we as fathers stand steadfast between our children and a broken world that is aggressively making overtures for their hearts and minds? Do we as fathers promote the love of Christ to our children in our daily expression? A daily expression, which is akin to Jesus' words to take up your cross daily,should begin in the home and radiate out from there.

As a dad you should actively show your daughter that she is worth fighting for says Meg Meeker in her book, Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters. Your son needs to know from you that he measures up. The relationship between the daughter/son and the father is critical to show them how to focus on the Lord as their only source of hope. This is not done solely from the Paternal Pulpit. We as dads must mix in a healthy dose of humility and love. They need your help to understand trials and the consequences of their choices, because it is in these challenges they will discover the true nature of God. They should never doubt that you love them and will fight for them without hesitation and without end.

Who knows but that we as dads have come to this royal position for such a time as this-to turn off the TV, computer, and phone and to patiently talk with our children as we sit at home, walk along the road, lie down and get up. Who knows but that we have come to this royal position for such a time as this, to lead our children through individual relationships to a commitment of faith in Jesus Christ. This commitment to Christ will equip our children to stand firm to the end and be saved as the world grows increasingly dark and the love of most grows cold.Who knows but that we have come to this royal position for such a time as this to provide a refuge that will keep our children strong, so they can learn to love their friends and enemies as they love themselves,because love covers a multitude of sins. Let us heed the call to refocus on the family as the core of society and to make it healthy once again by seeking the Lord earnestly through family prayer, praise, devotionals, and yes, even fasting. We are called to walk a path fraught with one battle after another as we swim against the cultural current. But if we persevere, God promises character and hope.What better objectives are there? It truly is a great time to be a dad. I thank the Lord for this royal appointment . . . at such a time as this.

I cracked, I confessed to someone the other day my occasional tendency to be a bad sport when I compete.  Okay, so it really wasn't a huge secret in the first place.  Anyone one who has competed against me before in anything has probably experienced my post game wrath.  Well, I suppose wrath is a bit of an overstatement.  I've never yelled, punched or even murdered anyone in a fit of rage.  That would be a little.. unnecessary.   Instead, I give reluctant hand shakes, flash a forced smile (that could easily be mistaken for a scowl) and repeatedly think, "oh your gonna get it next time my friend."

Keep walking.. keep walking.. keep walking.. stop crushing her hand.. keep walking.. SMILE!

Back in the day, when I played soccer.. my absolute least favorite part of a lost game would be that terrible thing they make you do at the end.  Shake hands with the enemy. I mean, seriously!  Did my coaches not get the idea of cruel and unusual punishment. Not even the enthusiastic cheering of deranged soccer moms trying to make us feel better could cheer me up.  I could not be satisfied till next game.

Mwahahahaha.

As I've gotten older these tendencies have removed themselves from my competitive routine.  But there is still no doubt that I still get very frustrated when I can't accomplish what I had hoped. I still occasionally force a smile.  While I am indeed very competitive, most of what I have said here today has been nothing but a mere hyperbole.  No I am not a sports obsessed wacko.  Don't worry or run away screaming in terror.

While up to this point in the post my writing has been merely entertaining and somewhat exaggerated, I do have something morally relevant to share.  While competition is essentially a good, positive and uplifting thing it can easily become something negative.  How?  When we disregard everything around us and treat competition and winning as the main goal.  Yes, winning is a spectacular goal, I should hope none of you strive to lose.  But is it really an acceptable goal when we disregard feelings in pursuit of it?  Competition is a healthy part of society, there's no doubt about it.  But it can become unhealthy and even detrimental when we begin to treat it as "all there is."  Don't perceive it as an outlet to showcase your pride or promise revenge. Rather, use it as a tool to instill healthy competition and even build friendship. We won't always win, but that's no excuse to give up, we persevere and continue to better ourselves.  Strive and train to win but never lose sight of what it actually means to compete.  Competition is good.. but only when utilized within boundaries.

Hebrews 12:1 says,

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off anything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

Conner Liberto

Wow! Disney Channel! I could go on and on about Disney about how it is not Gods reality , but I will only share a couple points.  The parents on Disney do not like each other their constantly fighting I mean parents fight but not as much as this.  And the children are disrespectful to their teachers , parents, and even friends. They just leave school when they don't want to be there.  And one more thing that I have noticed that in every single episode one person has to be lying whether its  mom dad or someone else someone is always lying.

So as I conclude I say that yes kids must watch Disney to see all the things that you can change in real life (how God defines it in the Bible).  If you agree that Disney is just pretend life or have a different view, I would love to hear it!  Post your comments below...   Join the Discussion!!!.

Sydney Liberto

The great lie that we are not good enough.  Although it's not always openly voiced, we cannot deny it's presence everywhere.  Don't believe me?  Go stand in line at any grocery store and scan the front cover of magazines.  They will often say things like, "Do this for amazing hair" or "10 ways to get your best body for summer." If that doesn’t convince you, flip through a few pages and you'll find articles on how to make yourself better, get more attention from guys, or step by step instructions to improve your love life.  The message is we're not good enough for the world.  In fact, we will never be good enough for the world.  And trying to keep up with its constant trends will help you achieve nothing but emotional exhaustion, low self esteem and even worse despair.  The more you try to please everyone, the more you (without realizing it) degrade yourself and distance yourself from your Creator.  Before long you are doing nothing but hiding behind a plastic smile.  The sooner we realize that our identity comes from God and God alone, the better.

For a few long agonizing years I tried desperately to improve myself in the eyes of others.  Sadly, I wasn't free. I was being held captive to what the world thought about me, and I found my self esteem slowly withering away.  I could find nothing nice to say about myself at all.  I modified who I was depending on who I was interacting with and I became very good at hiding behind my plastic smile. Although no one ever suspected, I felt everything.  It was emotionally draining.

Then the Lord delivered me an Aha! moment.  Why seek the approval of a world that I'm never going to be good enough for, when I already have a God who has told me exactly who I am in his eyes.

{Psalm 139}

When you accept Christ you are given a NEW identity.  Something that won't change.  No matter how much the world changes. What He thinks about us won't change.  And that is a promise.

• You are more than the choices that you've made.
• You are more than the sum of your past mistakes.
• You are more than the problems you create.
• You are more.
• You've been remade.

This is not about what you've done..

but what's been done for you.

This is not about where you've been..

but where your brokenness brings you to.

This is not about what you feel..

but what he felt to forgive you.

And what he felt to make you loved.

Conner Liberto