Storytime

Tim Keller once said something like, "What makes the Bible different that other religious scriptures is that it is story sprinkled with instruction, not instruction sprinkled with story."

So I think my biggest challenge as a Christian father is tell my kids God's story sprinkled with istruction. And I think I've found some awesome tools that help me do just that. We use these tools as part of our nightly bed-time ritual. It is story and instruction... every night.

I use the Jesus Storybook Bible to tell my kids the story of the Bible. I first heard of it from my reformed brother, Kurt, who once bragged that he'd found the Best Kids Bible Ever. And you know what... I think he's right. Here's a snippet:

No, the Bible isn't a book of rules, or a book of heroes. The Bible is most of all a Story. It's an adventure story about a young Hero who comes from a far country to win back his lost treasure. It's a love story about a brave Prince who leaves his palace, his throne - everyting - to rescue the one he loves. It's like the most wonderful of fairy tales that has come true in real life!... There are lots of stories in the Bible, but all the stoires are telling one Big Story. The Story of how God loves his children and comes to rescue them.... It takes the whole Bible to tell this Story. And at the center of the Story, there is a baby. Every Story in the Bible whispers his name.

I use the Foundation Verse Pack from Desiring God Ministries... in the English Standard Version (of course) for biblical instruction. We call them our fighter verses... because we fight sin and fear and the devil with our verses. Each card has a picture on the front and a verse on the back. Sometimes we turn the verse into a song or I come up motions to go along with the verse. Those verses tend to sink in the deepest.

So that is how we are trying to tell the Story sprinkled with instruction in our house. Happy storytelling!

Stories & Memory

My oldest Caden, (who survived the first and second day of pre-school just fine)... is really interested in family stories. Before I kiss him goodnight he often wants me to tell or re-tell a family story. He'll say... "Daddy... tell me a story about you and Uncle Matt" or "tell me the story of when I ate peanut butter and you had to call the Rescue Heroes". They are typically short 3 minute vignettes about growing up or a particularly memorable experience.

I've built up a repertoire of about 12 true, family stories that we regularly tell. Sometimes a new memory pops in my mind and I introduce a new story. Each story tells a unique tale... or has its own moral... or shows how a different part of life can be explored. I like the ritual, because there is power in these stories. They are historical and at the same time Caden and I are connected to them. They bond us together not only in the moment of re-telling... but in re-experiencing... together, the memory of the past.

And it gets me thinking about the Power of Memory. Isn't it amazing how much we remember... and to think that God made us that way. God gave us memory. We remember people and places and songs and smells and experiences... some conjure up good emotions and others bad. Some memories we would like to forget... but... they are an integral part of our story.

God explains at least a couple of reasons why he embedded us with memory... the ability to remember our story. And he often encourages the people of God to remember certain things... because forgetfulness can be sinfully foolish. So here are a couple of things that God tells his people to remember...

(1) Remember how you screwed up: The people of God are prone to wander away from God and from obedience to Him. So we are commanded to remember how we and those before us did such wandering... and faced the consequences. (Deut 9:7-12)

(2) Remember how God showed up: God is constantly redeeming... and rescuing his people when they least expect it. He is constantly saving people from themselves and the consequences of their rebellious, hard-hearted stupidity. (Deut 8:17-20)

(3) Remember who you were: We are naturally natural. Not interested in God. Faithless. Following our own way. Cut off from God. Strangers and aliens to the promises of God. (Eph 2:11-12)

(4) Remember who you are: When we cast off our self-reliance and receive the obedience of Christ we become new people. We become truly... spiritually alive. We have life... new life. (Eph 2:13-16; 2 Cor 5:17)

Some might argue that this is living in the past. That would be paralysis. But our lives are a story... and memory of our mistakes and others can have a profoundly positive impact upon our future. Remembering God's grace and goodness and activity on our behalf... can empower us to press on in truth and love.... so did I tell about the time that we fed Caden peanut butter?