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Category: Discipleship

Plan on Detours

We make plans because planning is wise. Proverbs 16:9 says, In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. God never intended us to drift through life without thought or direction. Planning matters. Preparation matters. Wisdom matters. But followers of Christ plan with open hands. Why? Because we know our plans are not ultimate. God is. And when our plans change, break, stall, or take an unexpected turn, it does not mean everything is falling apart. It may mean God is redirecting, refocusing, and refining what we thought was the way forward. Change is rarely enjoyable. Sometimes it is inconvenient. Sometimes it is disappointing. Sometimes it is downright painful. But Romans 8:28 reminds us that God is working in all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Not just the easy things. Not just the successful things. All things. Jeremiah 29:11 reassures us that God’s intentions toward us are good. He is not careless with our lives. He is not improvising in panic. He is the Designer, the Author, the faithful Planner who sees what we cannot see. That is why we can trust Him on the…

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Pastor Karl’s Recommened Kids Bibles

Hello Parents! Pastor Karl here. I’m asked often, “Which Bible should I get my child?” Here are my recommendations for Bibles and some other tools to help your kids get excited about God’s Word! EARLY CHILDHOOD The MY AWESOME GOD Story Book Bible is ideal for parents to read the key stories of the Bible to their young children. Includes a topical index as well as helpful discussion questions to spur some spiritual conversations. LEARN MORE OR ORDER HERE  YOUNG ELEMENTARY As your kids start to read on their own, it’s important to get them a Bible they can read and enjoy. Please, if you want your child to learn and grow from God’s Word, don’t buy them one with tiny print, no pictures in an ancient translation. I recommend The NIrV Adventure Bible! The NIrV is the young readers edition of this fun, interactive Bible that helps children learn about what they are reading through helpful info presented throughout the Bible. LEARN MORE OR ORDER HERE UPPER ELEMENTARY Your preteen children can really start to master the Word of God! Here are some exciting options for them! The Action Bible is the entire Bible presented in very cool comic…

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Kidology Lab Notes: A Rational Faith – What I Learned from Josh McDowell

When I was in seventh grade, my dad made a decision that would profoundly shape my faith and my understanding of Christianity. He pulled me out of school for a Friday and Saturday seminar called “Six Hours with Josh,” led by evangelist and apologist Josh McDowell. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the significance of this decision, but looking back, it was one of the most impactful experiences of my life. My dad explained that it was crucial for me, even as a young man, to own my faith—to believe not simply because it was the faith of my parents, but because I had examined it for myself. He told me that while we come to Christ “by faith,” it is not a “blind faith,” as many critics suggest. Instead, it is a rational faith, grounded in evidence and able to withstand scrutiny. Josh McDowell’s story itself is compelling. A former atheist, he set out to disprove Christianity. However, as he investigated the claims of Jesus, he encountered evidence that changed his life. His journey of skepticism transformed into a vibrant faith, and he has spent decades sharing this transformation with others. His book More Than a Carpenter has…

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Kidology Lab Notes: Henrietta Mears – Pioneer of Modern Sunday School and Children’s Ministry

You teach a little by what you say. You teach most by what you are. – Henrietta Mears We minister today on the shoulders of those who came before us. There are leaders who paved the way, set an example and inspire us to devote our lives to the evangelization and education of children. My mother will always be my greatest influence in children’s ministry – but a woman who had a profound impact on my mom was Henrietta Mears, and so by extension, my ministry is a continuation of the ministry soil she broke, sowed and watered. Let me tell you about her – because whether you realize it or not, you minister in her shadow as well. Children’s Ministry might not be what it is today were it not for her timeless impact. Henrietta Cornelia Mears (1890–1963) was one of the most influential Christian educators of the 20th century, shaping the future of Sunday School and profoundly impacting children’s ministry. As the founder of Gospel Light and the visionary behind Forest Home Christian Conference Center, Mears’ passion for biblical teaching and innovative methods revolutionized how churches approach education and discipleship. Her legacy continues to inspire children’s ministry leaders today,…

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Kidology Lab Notes: Albert Einstein: From Curious Child to World-Changing Physicist

Kidology Lab Notes: Albert Einstein: From Curious Child to World-Changing Physicist Albert Einstein is widely regarded as one of the greatest scientific minds in history. His name is synonymous with groundbreaking theories, profound discoveries, and a legacy that continues to inspire generations. However, before he became a household name as the physicist who developed the Theory of Relativity and won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921, Einstein was a curious, unconventional child whose early experiences profoundly shaped his later achievements. His story not only offers insights into the development of genius but also provides valuable lessons for those who minister to children today. Could there be an “Albert Einstein” in our children’s ministries waiting for someone to nurture their potential? Einstein’s Early Life: Curiosity, Struggles, and Resilience Albert Einstein was born on March 14, 1879, in Ulm, Germany. As a young child, Einstein’s intellectual gifts were not immediately apparent. In fact, he was considered a late talker, with some sources suggesting he did not speak fluently until the age of four. This delayed speech development caused concern for his parents, but it would later come to be understood as part of his unique cognitive style—one that allowed him to…

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