Grateful Giveaway 2020: $50 WITW Gift Card

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By Theron St. John

This Thanksgiving season, we who have received the free gift of God in Christ Jesus have much to be thankful for. Although 2020 has had its twist and turns, its trials and tribulations, we ought to be reminded of God’s goodness and grace. We deserve death for our rebellion against the Creator of life. If we begin to feel entitled, may we be reminded the one thing we are owed is this death due to the work of our sin. Yet, God has chosen to lavish grace on us in Jesus Christ! Therefore, if we find ourselves prone to grumbling during this season, may the Lord produce in us grateful hearts by His gospel of grace!

To encourage you in that way, Entrusted By God is running its first Grateful Giveaway! We are giving a $50 gift card to the Women in the Word Gift Shop. Earlier this year, we ran a post on this great ministry and have included information below so you can learn more about Jenny Kessel and the Women in the Word Gift Shop.

Want to enter to win the $50 gift card? Follow this LINK!

About WOMEN in the WORD Gift Shop

Jenny Kessel created WOMEN in the WORD Gift Shop because she had a dream and commitment to uplift, inspire, and encourage Christian women. In her gift shop, women can shop for quality products that provide daily reminders of our Lord Jesus Christ. WOMEN in the WORD is a gift shop where you can find gifts for your sisters in Christ and to be inspired in your Christian walk. Jenny, along with her mother, has created many of the designs you will come across as you peruse the gift shop. The list of products includes apparel (in both English and Español), stationery, mugs, jewelry, and other items with unique style and original designs.

Honoring Your Father in Fatherlessland

Theron St. John 1 Comment

By Andrea Guachalla

Now we know why we ought to honor our fathers even if they don’t act like it. It is not because of their wrongdoing and not because of their right doing. The reason we honor our fathers in fatherlessland is that the Lord has made them our parents, and He did so for a reason.

Although it might seem complex to take it to practice, you’ll see that it is the Lord who gives you the means, strength, and wisdom to do so. You can start by…

Praying thanks to God. Give thanks to God in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). That includes thanking Him for the father you have. It’s easy to complain when we think we deserve better, but the truth is that we don’t really deserve anything, everything is a gift from God. If our heart is filled with thankfulness there is no room for grumbling.

Whether you have found peace regarding the father you have, or you still struggle with honoring your father because he’s never there for you, or he hurts you in any way, you can still pray thanks to the Lord. You can thank Him because He is gracious and if you ask, He will enable you to honor your father, and learn through the difficulties that come with that.

Obeying. That’s part of our role as sons and daughters: to listen to our father’s instructions and obey. Important note: we obey as far as his instructions are aligned with the Word of God. Even if he is only partially present in your life or almost completely absent, you can probably recall your father instructing you simple things that were for your good: honor those efforts of instruction by obeying them.

It is true that most often you don’t get great life lessons from your father in fatherlessland, but if you look for instructions worthy of being obeyed, you will find something. It could be as simple as following your father’s examples of being punctual or clean up after your messy room. Whatever it is: obey.

Ask for his advice: This can be very challenging, but if you’re ever in touch with your father ask him for advice. Even if it’s for very simple things. That shows him that you value his opinion and you believe he has wisdom to offer.

Now, I know that when you don’t have much contact with your father, you may get a weird look from them when you ask for their advice because they are not used to being asked for their opinion to guide your steps, even in some occasions they might not be open to even try to offer advice of any sort. But just the fact that you are trying sends a very valuable message and whether they are conscious or not about it, he knows: he is being honored.

Don’t talk idle about him. Let me repeat this passage here:

“For God commanded ‘honor your father and your mother’ and ‘he who speaks evil of father or mother is to be put to death’ ” (Matthew 15:4)

Remember. You don’t want to be put to death. Just kidding! But let’s remember what Philippians 4:8 says: “…whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things”

We are not to dwell on idleness and wickedness, we are not to expose the sins committed against us, we are not to expose our fathers’ faults and flaws openly to anyone. And I know sometimes it gets hard. We are human beings. We might struggle with finding nice things to say about our ever-absent fathers when we know deep down their true selves. But here you have a few things that are good about your father, I urge you to think about these things:

  1. He was made to God’s image
  2. God gave you life through him
  3. He made you a son or daughter
  4. He enables you to love God by loving him

Take care of him: This is a great way of honoring our fathers even if they never show interest in serving us, not paying evil for evil but loving regardless of their deficiencies (Romans 12:17). As our fathers get older they face different struggles and health issues, and that when (if possible and wise) you can step in and help in any capacity is possible for you. Whether your father accepts your help or not, by the grace of God you are at least trying to honor them by responding to their needs unconditionally.

The last point I want to make about how to honor your father is:

Forgive him: Yes, even if your father never apologizes for what he did or did not do. You can overlook his absence or his wrongdoing and forgive him the same way God did with you. Of course, depending on your particular circumstances and the extent of his wrongdoing, and his character, not always it’s gonna be possible to reconcile and have a normal relationship, especially if your father is unwilling to repent and change. But you can surely forgive in your heart and not hold on to resentment.

None of this is possible in our own strength, but it is possible when we focus on our gracious and loving Savior Jesus Christ. Knowing that He gave His life for us sinners, and enabled us to reconcile with God should be your greatest motivation to show love to your father, who like you, is a sinner in need of God. Let’s remember one more time what God says in 2 Corinthians 6:18:

“I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters.”

Other sources:

Jeremy Yong. 2018. 5 Ways Grown Children Can Love Their Parents. The Gospel Coalition. Recovered from: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/grown-children-love-parents/

Why Honor An Absent Father?

Theron St. John 1 Comment

By Andrea Guachalla

In the first blog of these series, we went through some of the reasons people like you and me are citizens of fatherlessland, the struggles that come with that, and what the Bible says about the role of man as husbands and fathers. We also read some passages that prompt us to honor our parents and reached a question that probably every citizen in this land has asked himself before: Why?

The fact that dad is never there, and he doesn’t seem to want to honor his role as a father seems like the perfect excuse for us not wanting to honor them as what they are: our fathers. Because at the end of the day, they don’t really act like fathers, do they? So…Why would I act like a daughter or a son? Why would I honor the one person who hurts me instead of loving me?

Here are two reasons why you should honor your father even if you’re emotionally, physically, or spiritually fatherless:

1) God commands it.

If you love God and the bible is your final authority, this should be enough reason for you to be eager to do it.

The Bible doesn’t say honor your father and your mother, because they are nice, or because they provide for you, or because they support you in any way. God doesn’t mention any condition that your father should meet for you to honor him.

God says, honor your father and your mother AS THE LORD HAS COMMANDED YOU.

And that is enough reason for you to honor your father regardless of who he is, what he’s done, or what he hasn’t done.

2) You’re a son/daughter.

It’s not about your father fulfilling his role as a father, but about YOU loving and obeying the Lord by fulfilling YOUR role as a son or daughter and honoring your father on earth, the same way you seek to honor your father in heaven.

God’s word does not only speak about the father’s role regarding their children but also about our role as sons and daughters.

We read in Proverbs:

Hear my son your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.

(Proverbs 1:8)

And we read it in the New Testament too:

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and your mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land” (Ephesians 6:1)

Now, how do we do that in fatherlessland? How do we honor our fathers, have them in high esteem, listen to their instruction, and obey them? Though it might look different for each one of us according to our circumstances and our relationship with our fathers, the same principles apply to all.

Stay tuned for the next blog where we’ll explore the “How?” of honoring our fathers.

Other resources:

John Piper. 2008. How Does the Command to Honor Father and Mother Relate to God?

Desiring God. Recovered from: https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/how-does-the-command-to-honor-father-and-mother-relate-to-god

Citizens of Fatherlessland

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By Andrea Guachalla

We who live in fatherlessland know all the scenarios where dad should be there, but for one reason or another, he’s not. We know how it feels to be the only one dancing with their older brother because dad wasn’t there for the “father and daughter dance” on our graduation day, and we know how it feels to go to school with mom instead of dad on Father’s Day.

We know all the excuses, all the attempts of making it up later, and we know for sure that whether it’s because dad is too busy with work, or because he doesn’t live with us, or because he just does not have much interest in spending time with us. We are not living in fatherlessland alone. Although not everyone is a citizen here for the same reason.

Most people here are fatherless because their parents didn’t ever get married, some others are here because of the crazy high rates of divorce that end up having the children being raised by a single mother (very rarely is the custody given to the father). Some others have their father incarcerated, and a lower percentage because their fathers died for whatever reason. According to some research done in the United States, five out of ten children are raised by a single parent, and four out of those five have very little if any interaction with their father.

If you do some research studies made on the goodness of having a father at home for the mothers and children, you would be surprised: Cognitive stimulation, healthy social development, positive impact on the mother and children’s health, and even some things that just sound odd: having a dad around apparently prevents the babies from waking up so often at night.

Of course, there are many studies done on the effects of not having a father, that usually come with emotional and spiritual challenges later in life. Not having a father while growing up might influence your academic performance, social adjustment, and behavior, and is sadly something that many people endure, remember the statistics I mentioned before? All of this brings us to one question: How did we end up here? When did fathers start taking the liberty to not be fathers? And the answer is: sin.

Seeing fatherlessness so often is certainly not in line with what the Bible says about the role of husbands and fathers: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” (Ephesians 5:25)? and “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (2 Timothy 5:8).

Whether your father is Christian or not, the reason he doesn’t fulfill his role is the same: Sin. Instead of having fathers that honor God by loving their wives, providing for the household, instructing, and correcting their children, we are left with fathers who don’t take their role of fathers seriously.

Years ago, I used to get mad whenever I came across this verse:

“Honour your father and your mother, as the Lord has commanded you…” (Deut 5:16),

I would go to the New Testament trying to escape from it, only to find:

“For God commanded ‘honor your father and your mother’ and ‘he who speaks evil of father or mother is to be put to death’ ” (Matthew 15:4)

So we are called to honor our parents, called to honor our father but… Why would I do it when I live in fatherlessland? It’s so easy to justify our ignoring these verses with our circumstances. When we are fatherless to any degree sometimes the only thing we can say when we read those verses is: Why should I? And that’s the question we’ll answer in the second blog of this series.

But now, let me end by saying that though we are fatherless we have the greatest comfort:

If we believe in Christ and repent of our sins, God is our Father:

“And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me,says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18

References:

Don Bosch. https://erlc.com/resource-library/articles/why-we-must-honor-fathers

Frazier, Danielle M. “The Correlation between Attachment Style, Self-Esteem, and the Psychological Well-Being of Fatherless Women Ages 25–55.” PhD diss., Capella University, 2019. https://search.proquest.com/openview/107e0df2285bbd4d9f305d3a51551431/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y

Lynette Kittle

https://www.ibelieve.com/relationships/10-biblical-reasons-to-honor-your-father-even-when-it-feels-impossible.html

The Gift of ‘Something More’

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It is that time of year! For high school and college graduates, it is a time of celebration. For parents of those graduates, it is a time of bittersweet joy and sadness. For both, it is a time of change. This time of change and growth into adulthood will bring new experiences and opportunities. Yet, it may also lead to thinking about the point of life. What is the purpose of my life? What is it that makes me get out of bed in the morning? Even if these graduates are not considering these questions now, somewhere down the road they will. That is why, if you know a high school or college graduate and are looking for something to give them, then consider giving them the gift of Something More. In the book Something More: Finding the Joy and Purpose of Life, Theron St. John shows how believers and skeptics alike desire to live happy, meaningful lives. In a short 50 pages, he shares the problem and solution to this common pursuit of purpose and joy. The book helps the young adult see their need to trust Jesus and to treasure Him above all! This book is a great evangelistic tool for parents and adults to use in reaching young people with the gospel. The discussion questions at the end of each short chapter work well for discipleship meetings. If you are interested in purchasing the gift of Something More for a graduate, you can order it for cheap on Amazon. If you would like to purchase a signed copy from Theron himself for $7 flat (US only), then you can either use the “Ask the Answer” page on this site to reach him or you can e-mail Theron at entrustedbygod@gmail.com.

Endorsements for Something More

Chrissy Colgrove, Women’s Director, Campus Outreach IUPUI

“Something More: Finding the Joy and Purpose of Life is very easy to read, enjoyable, clear, and to the point. The content of the book is simple enough for a nonbeliever to understand, but has depth to challenge the believer. I even think it could work really well broken up in sections and used in an evangelistic Bible study as separate articles with questions!”

 

 

Claudine Broussard, co-author of Seeking Jesus

“Theron lays the groundwork by describing what we pursue to find happiness and purpose. Then, he takes the reader back to Eden and points him to the only One who can satisfy us. Packed with relatable stories and targeted toward young people, it is a wonderful tool for sharing your faith with friends and family.”

 

John Minion, College Student

“I believe Something More is a book that is both edifying to the believer and potentially enlightening for unbelievers. Theron challenges unbelievers to re-evaluate what is presumed to be sources of happiness, joy, and satisfaction. He reminds believers of our rest in Christ–by his death–we are justified and have peace with a holy God.”

Quick Reads for Anxious People (Book Review)

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Welch, Edward T. A Small Book for the Anxious Heart: Meditations on Fear, Worry, and Trust. New Growth Press, Greensboro, NC. 2019. 192 pages.

During this time of a global pandemic, many are anxious. They fear they may test positive for the coronavirus. They worry what impact this may have on the economy and to their own bank account. The antidote to addressing these concerns is to look with trust to the One who is sovereign over it all. That is exactly what A Small Book for the Anxious Heart: Meditations on Fear, Worry, and Trust by Edward T. Welch is about.

Practical Counsel for the Fearful and Anxious

A Small Book for the Anxious Heart is filled with 50 daily meditations that are only a few pages each in length. The book is set up where the reader can read straight through from Day 1 to Day 50 or choose from the collection of meditations. While there is no particular order to the set of meditations, readers can gauge from the title which may pertain to them on a given day. There is a response at the end of each meditation for the reader to reflect on how they can apply what they have read.

Many of the meditations give practical counsel to help the reader in their struggle as the author shares about his own. One of the best examples of practical counsel in this book is the meditation for Day 21 on asking for prayer. The book is comprehensive in nature as Welch takes Days 22 and 23 to provide insight on the impact fear and worry have on the physical body. Of course, the topic of money is given attention in the book as well. Throughout the 50 meditations, though, Welch reiterates fear and faith are linked in this struggle. The reality is fear will not be fully eliminated but that Christians should meditate on what will build their faith and trust in the Lord.

A Critique of Concern

I appreciated the practical counsel and the comprehensive work found in these meditations. I was thankful for defining terms upfront (see Welch pp. 6-8). Yet, while the definitions may have clarified some terms, one word was left wanting: worry. Moreover, how Welch seems to handle worry is built on a faulty foundation. He pointedly says, “know that there are good reasons to worry” (Welch 29). I disagree because the testimony of Scripture defines worry as sin as it reveals a lack of trust in God. Counselor Timothy Lane, in his book Living Without Worry, distinguishes worry from concern and references Bible scholar Dick France in saying worry is not merely concern but that worry is over-concern. Therefore, Welch wants to comfort readers there are good reasons to “worry”, a more appropriate term would be concern. For what it is worth, too, I would be wary of referring to The Message as a translation, as the book does, and use more of the language of a commentary.

Quick Reads for Anxious People

If you are not a big reader but find yourself needing to meditate on biblical truth during this anxious and fearful time, consider purchasing and gleaning from the meditations in A Small Book for the Anxious Heart. If you are looking for a quick read that will remind you where your trust needs to be as you worry and who you need to place your faith in while you face fears, then check out this book by Edward Welch.

I received this book from New Growth Press in exchange for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own and are my honest review of the book.

A Call to Stir Teens’s Affections for Christ (Book Review)

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Barratt, Sara. Love Riot: A Teenage Call to Live with Relentless Abandon for Christ. Baker Books, Grand Rapids, MI. 2020. 208 pages.

When I entered vocational ministry as a youth pastor, I intentionally set out to not be all about pizza parties and silly stories. While my youth group has enjoyed a nice slice of pizza and laughed at tales told, that has not been the focus of their time with the church. Their time under my teaching and in our conversations has centered on what it means to follow Christ. My goal has been and is to challenge these young people to know the cost of following Christ, not going along to live complacent lives. Yet, I know as a youth pastor, teenagers need to hear from more than just the voice of another adult; they would benefit to hear from a fellow teenager who has walked with biblical conviction in a compromising culture. That is why I am glad to introduce you to Sara Barratt and her first book, Love Riot: A Teenage Call to Live with Relentless Abandon for Christ.

Fight for a Generation with Love

Sara is someone who has experienced the teenage years at the time of her writing this book. She is aware of the particular temptations and tests that occur during that stage of life. Within Christian circles specifically, she has witnessed the apathy among teenagers. She wants to face that head-on and fight for her generation. Fight for them with love. To share with them the love of Christ and to call a generation to love others with the love of Christ.

Sara sections her book into five parts: (1) The Call, (2) The Change, (3) The Challenge, (4) The Crux, and (5) The Commission. She addresses the problem upfront and then spends the bulk of the book talking about falling in love with Jesus and following Him even when it is uncomfortable and unpopular. Yet, the vision is much bigger than individual application; a movement is in view. A riot of sharing and showing the love of Christ!

A Counter-Cultural Approach

In the discussion on media in chapter 12, Barratt emphasizes the applications she puts forth are not meant to be done legalistically but as a counter-cultural approach to the compromise and conformity we see in our culture. Her discussion in that chapter is characteristic of the whole book. Sara encourages teenagers to not treat Jesus like they handle Facebook, and she pinpoints their comforts, like free Wi-Fi, to challenge them to step outside of their comfort zones for Jesus. The practicality of the book, too, shines brightly at the end of each chapter with “Going Deeper” questions. She calls for this application in a way that does not come across as a checklist but something done out of love for Jesus Christ. This is seen clearly in chapters 8 and 9 as Sara exhorts and equips teenagers what it means to spend time with Jesus and how to dig into God’s Word. All the practical applications from Sara flow out a love for Christ.

 A Little Clarity

Sara does a tremendous job clarifying for teenagers what it means to follow Christ. Yet, there is one statement she makes on following Christ that needs greater clarification. As she discusses the call Jesus gives to His disciples in Mark 8, she remarks, “He was asking them to follow Him in all ways, no matter what, event to the point of dying the same death for Him that He would die for them” (Barratt 75). While I believe I understand what she is getting at, if the reader is not discerning, they could incorrectly interpret her statement that the disciples could die for the exact same purpose as Jesus did for them. Jesus’ death for His followers was as a substitutionary sacrifice in the place of sinners. Jesus died for their (and our) sins. Therefore, while His followers can die for the sake of Christ, they cannot die for anyone’s salvation. To be sure, I don’t believe Barratt is making any such assertion, but if someone is not careful, then they could incorrectly read it in that wrong way.

Stirring Affections and Igniting a Movement

The minor critique aside, Love Riot by Sara Barratt is a book to stir teens’s affections for Christ. As hearts are stirred in stepping out of comfort zones and living for Christ, this book has the potential of igniting the movement of a love riot, the very point of the book! If you are a teenager who is tired of complacency and wants to commit to following Christ, then this is the book for you! Likewise, if you are a parent or youth pastor who wants to encourage young people to leave behind apathy and grow in their affections for Christ, then pick up a copy of this book for your teenager!

I received this book from Baker Books on behalf of the author in exchange for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own and are my honest review of the book.

Ministries Worth Mentioning: Women in the Word Gift Shop

Theron St. John 1 Comment

Entrusted By God desires to equip everyday people to live as faithful stewards in an entitled culture. One of the means we accomplish this mission is by supporting and sharing about ministries who are faithful to Scripture and committed to serving the Lord and others. The “Ministries Worth Mentioning” series serves that purpose. In this edition, we introduce you to WOMEN in the WORD Gift Shop.

About WOMEN in the WORD Gift Shop

Jenny Kessel created WOMEN in the WORD Gift Shop because she had a dream and commitment to uplift, inspire, and encourage Christian women. In her gift shop, women can shop for quality products that provide daily reminders of our Lord Jesus Christ. WOMEN in the WORD is a gift shop where you can find gifts for your sisters in Christ and to be inspired in your Christian walk. Jenny, along with her mother, has created many of the designs you will come across as you peruse the gift shop. The list of products includes apparel (in both English and Español), stationery, mugs, jewelry, and other items with unique style and original designs.

How WOMEN in the WORD Gift Shop Stewards Well

This desire of Jenny’s to provide a gift shop and service for women comes from an understanding of the gift God has entrusted to her. In her own words, “The Lord has given me a gift to encourage others and I have always wanted to use that gift in a way that would make an impact on the world and bring glory to Him.” With this mission in mind, she also seeks to highlight the talent of domestic artists. What she and her mother do not design themselves, they entrust to upcoming Christian artists.

Yet, the witness of good stewardship from WOMEN in the WORD Gift Shop does not stop there. They support causes which reflect their mission. This support includes 1% of their profits each quarter being donated to one of their causes. In case you are curious, here are the causes WOMEN in the WORD Gift Shop supports:

  • Bside U For Life
  • Thorn
  • Highview Baptist Church
  • Life Changers Outreach

If you would like to read more about these causes, click here.

How You Can Support WOMEN in the WORD Gift Shop

As Jenny and WOMEN in the WORD have been faithful stewards with the gift shop, please consider how you can support this great ministry. To prod you along, think of support in terms of purchasing and spreading.

Check Out and Purchase Gifts for the Women in Your Life

There is SO much in this shop that it would be hard to mention in this post the great selection of gifts available. Please check out the store’s collection here so you can search and see what type of gift you would be interested in purchasing. That said, it is worth highlighting one of the creative gifts that could be for a man or a woman: the hymn board (see left). The creative designs of these hymn boards make them an excellent gift for the hymn lover in your life.

NOTEWORTHY: Due to the effects of the Coronavirus, WOMEN in the WORD Gift Shop has taken a hit and needs a boost. The gift shop is currently running a campaign which ends on May 7. For a reasonable price, you can purchase a “Daughter of the King” T-shirt for the woman in your life, men, or for the women in your friendship circles, ladies. If you want to contribute to this worthy campaign, you can click on the following link: WOMEN in the WORD Gift Shop Campaign by Real Thread.

Spread the Word By Liking WOMEN in the WORD Gift Shop’s Social Media Pages and By Sharing The Ministry’s Links

A Valuable Resource for Special Needs Children (Book Review)

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Joni and Friends. God Made Me Unique: Helping Children See Value in Every Person. New Growth Press, Greensboro, NC. 2019. 32 pages.

The statistics are staggering and saddening. Not many churches are known for being autism and special needs friendly. Some churches, although they may not say it, see families and children with special needs as an obstacle to ministry, not an opportunity for ministry. This must change! Churches need to see the value of every unique individual and family that comes through their doors. That is what makes me excited for Joni and Friends’ new resource, God Made Me Unique: Helping Children See Value in Every Person.

A Special Story

With a foreword by Joni Eareckson Tada and the story written by Chonda Ralston, the scene is appropriately set in a children’s class on a Sunday morning at church. The colorful illustrations by Trish Mahoney will invite the children’s attention. Written in rhyme, the story introduces a new kid to the class who has special needs. This gives the teacher, Ms. Campbell, the opportunity to share about special needs, how some disabilities are clear and others are not as evident. Wyatt plays with a toy to help him focus and keep his hands to himself. Jamal is in a wheelchair but is included in activities because “we should never exclude based on a disability”. Along the way, the children learn in passages like Psalm 139 God made each of them with great care and disabilities are not germs but a part of creation. The lesson reminds each kid their value as 1 Corinthians 12 highlights “Every member has value and a part to play”.

A Significant Lesson

There is no way to state the significance of the story of God Made Me Unique. This is as much a book for the church as it is for children. Church leaders should read this book to see the value of all people, particularly special needs children, in their congregations. Children’s Bible teachers should glean from this resource how they can be more sensitive and strategic in their lessons. All adults would do well to read the back section of the book titled “Four Ways to Help Your Child Understand Disability as Part of God’s Plan”. Children are invited to ask questions and gain an understanding on what disability means and how it can be used to serve and minister. If you know a special needs child who could use the encouragement that God has created and gifted them with value, then check out this book. If you know a church leader who could benefit and learn how to better shepherd as a result of this book, then consider getting them God Made Me Unique. It is of the utmost value!

I received this book from New Growth Press in exchange for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own and are my honest review of the book.

A Gift of a Book for Boys and Girls (Book Review)

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Machowski, Marty. God Made Boys and Girls: Helping Children Understand the Gift of Gender. New Growth Press, Greensboro, NC. 2019. 32 pages.

In our culture, there is a lot of confusion. One of the places this is currently most evident is with the gender debate. From a young age, the world is telling kids they can trust their feelings and choose their gender. Yet, for Christians who hold to a biblical worldview, we know feelings are not the most reliable guide and we are stewards over the bodies God has entrusted to us. Knowing the biblical truth and being made aware of the world’s philosophy, how can Christians teach their young ones the truth about God’s gift of gender in a way these children can understand? By reading to them Marty Machowksi’s new book, God Made Boys and Girls: Helping Children Understand the Gift of Gender.

Story Set at School

The book opens with a scene of kids at recess during the school day. Maya likes playing football, but Lucas teases her that liking and playing football will turn her into a boy. This leads to a conversation in class by Mr. Ramirez on God’s design for gender. The class of children learn being a boy or girl is in your blood (it is biological), sin has messed with and mixed up God’s plan and truth for human hearts and bodies, but God has sent Jesus who redeems us. The kids learn the biblical truth about gender and also how to love those who disagree or are confused.

Handled with Care

Marty Machowski handles a touchy topic in our culture today with great care. God Made Boys and Girls stands firm on the biblical conviction God created you and me male or female according to His plan—not based on personality, preference, but your parents and their makeup as God chooses your code—while emphasizing to show compassion by loving those who disagree on this truth or are confused about their gender. The book has a word on stereotypes, encouraging kids not to buy into them and also telling them not to make fun of those who don’t fit into such stereotypes. The structure of the book opens and closes with counsel for parents and caregivers as they speak with their children on this matter, and the story teaches children to understand gender through a biblical framework of creation, fall, and redemption.

Gift of a Book

God Made Boys and Girls: Helping Children Understand the Gift of Gender by Marty Machowski is a gift of a book for boys and girls to hear about the beautiful and wonderful design that God has created them as their biological gender all according to His plan. This gift of a book extends to others as children are equipped to show love and kindness to those who may disagree with them on these very points or may be confused about their own gender. Parents will want to have this resource on their bookshelf to read to their preschool and young elementary children, especially as the need arises (and the need is certainly there)!

I received this book from New Growth Press in exchange for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own and are my honest review of the book.