To those who fear the Lord and walk in His ways the Lord promises that His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth. (See Psalm 25:13) A friend sent me an article from about the population decline among liberals, feminists and in nations who have walked according to man’s ways. This is a liberal author who is trying to sound the alarm that the Christian’s children will be mighty upon the earth if liberal people continue to follow their path to destruction. To those who fear the Lord there are many great promises in Psalm 112.
Promises to a Noble Man in Christ Jesus:
- As a Person – Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments… his righteousness endureth for ever
- As a Partner – His seed shall be mighty upon earth
- As a Parent – The generation of the upright shall be blessed
- As a Provider – Wealth and riches shall be in his house
- As a Proclaimer – His horn shall be exalted with honour
O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause. Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. (See Psalm 25.)
Joel Beltz has written a wonderful article discussing many of these same issues entitled, The New Baby Boom, in the May issue of World Magazine.
Posted by Chris Hogan on May 27, 2006
This summer our family has been attending the Advanced Training Institute Regional Training Conferences. The programs for each member of the family have really hit the mark in developing character, skills, and many great memories.
One married couple exclaimed, “We have been to many conferences, but this one changed our lives and our marriage.” My good friend Todd told me he could have left after the first day because the messages he heard had made the trip worthwhile.
The theme of the conference is “Pre-Designed for Great Works.” As I have been sharing the vision and new initiatives for ATI and many families have come up to me expressing their joy over the clear focus on three top initiatives that will help them build the foundations of many Godly generations and make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
ATI Top Three Initiatives
- Equip and retain families who are credible messengers of God’s way of life so they can strengthen others.
- Develop a network of support families locally, regionally, nationally, and globally.
- Provide opportunities for fathers to incrementally release their young people to fulfill their life purposes.
Anne and I have been challenged and encouraged by the many wonderful families we were able to spend time with during the dinner and evening breaks. In Big Sandy, Texas, we spent the evenings at the campsites experiencing true koinia fellowship. The prophet Malachi speaks for the LORD when he writes, “Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. (Malachi 3:16-17)
The children were engaged in activities that helped develop their full potential in Christ. Savannah, Olivia, and Benjamin enjoyed the Children’s Institue and learned from the stories told by the older students who invested their lives. Savannah is still reciting the many stories and skits she saw and heard.
Emily and Sophia went to a program for young girls to prepare them to be extraordinary homemakers. They learned about making chores fun and blessing their family through acts of service. They memorized Ephesians 6:10-18 as a group and learned many songs that have added to their growing list of material that they gladly share with their cousins back home.
Josiah went through the Alert Cadet training in which he learned how to build fires in the woods safely, use a copmass, build a shelter while camping, and rappel down a 55 ft. wall. They ran through a obstacle course and did a river crossing. They learned to march to cadence and song and memorized many Scripture passages.
These yearly conferences help us maintain a clear vision for the future and help us realign our goals for each new year. I rejoice when I get to be around so many like-minded people for a few days and then come home excited about being a vessel set apart unto God for good works. Come and join us at the regional conferences.
Posted by Chris Hogan on May 27, 2006
