Through Our Gates

T BAR M BLOG

Sibling Rivalry

If you have a sibling…you’ve had rivalry. On some level, at some point, we’ve all been there! How do we navigate this normalcy as parents? Katie Tucker gives us some great biblical truth to help us out. Scripture If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, […]

Teaching Kids to Guard Their Heart

How do we teach our kids to guard their heart? Sean points us to truth we can rely on when it comes to keeping the wellspring of life just that…well. Scripture "Above all else, guard you heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23 Reflect The phrase “guard your heart” is thrown around […]

Guys, Set Boundaries

Maybe you’ve heard the saying, “Eyes are the window to the soul.” Read Johnny’s insights reminding guys of the importance of setting boundaries…it matters to the soul. Scripture “Let your eyes look directly ahead and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.” Proverbs 4:25 Reflect Today, YES TODAY, our eyes are bombarded […]

Love Well…All of ‘Em!

Ever been scared to talk to someone who you are certain doesn’t follow Jesus, or certainly doesn’t “look like” they follow him? Us too. Why do we get that way? Kelli breaks down ways we can have a simple conversation to get to know a person beyond our stereotype. Scripture Then He said to His […]

Christ Centered Marriage

Who has priority in your family household—the kids? Your spouse? You? The dog? Some of you may be laughing, but I bet there are a few of you out there who are saying, “This is hitting close to home”. Scripture Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul […]

Kids Mess Up, Let’s Love ’em Through It

Kids are bound to make mistakes…how do we react in love? How can our kids know we are FOR them even through their growing pains? Ben reminds us how our heavenly Father reacts when we make mistakes. Scripture “God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us” […]

Go Beyond First Impressions

Getting to know someone means getting past first impressions. Ashley reminds us it’s worth the effort…and how we can make the effort. Scripture “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” John 7:24 Reflect I was at a coffee shop with a close friend last week and asked her to tell me what she […]

Community is Worth It

It takes effort to be known, and it’s risky. The Bible tells us it’s worth it. Will encourages us to be a part of authentic community. Let’s do it. Scripture “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But […]

Model Realities of Relationships

Relationships aren’t always perfectly wrapped with a bow tied neatly on top. They get messy and hard and remind us of why we need Jesus. Daley lines out how we can model the real-ness of relationships…even when we’re not perfect. Scripture “He must become greater, and I must become less.” John 3:30 Reflect I first […]

Tell the Truth

When is the last time you have felt the sting of telling the whole truth? That sting is followed closely by refreshment and peace…that lasts! Read Ben’s encouragement for us to keep striving to be truthful people. Scripture Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Proverbs 12:19 Reflect Life […]

Teach the Dangers of Pornography

Do you have a child age 11 or above? Statistics show they have more than likely been exposed to pornography. Before you throw in the parenting towel…read how guest author, Jonathan Pokluda encourages us in the battle. Scripture Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who […]

Tough Questions Show Trust

As parents we are guaranteed to get questions from our kids that catch us on our heels. Shane helps us take a humble (not the easiest) approach to having difficult conversations with our kids. Scripture “…clothe yourselves with humility toward one another…” 1 Peter 5:5 Reflect How can a parent react in situations like being […]

Handling Hard Questions

Parenting is definitely not for the faint of heart. It takes everything we’ve got and even more dependence on the One who made those creatures we’re responsible for raising. Johnny has some practical encouragement for us. Read on! Scripture “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season…” 2 Timothy 4:2 Reflect Our […]

Having a Quiet Time

Do the words “quiet time” seem nearly impossible when you think about your daily schedule? Jesus tells us to “Come and see.” We can come before Him and see the blessings He has for us in His Word. By doing this you will be a great example for your children. Scripture Be still and know […]

Relationship vs Religion

Being religious is tough sometimes. It seems to require our best behavior. Thankfully our Savior doesn’t require our best behavior to have a relationship with Him. He meets us right where we are. Judah’s words point us right to truth on this topic. Scripture “Draw near to me as I draw near to you.” James […]

Serving, Who and Why

We can all find ourselves not so willing to serve after we’ve signed up to volunteer for something. Don’t you just hate it when that happens! Will reminds us to check the “Who” and the “why” we’re serving in the first place. Scripture “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working […]

The Importance of Discipleship

There is such great value in sharing our lives intentionally with each other…God’s story is known more fully. Nothing better. Jessica points us to the best example of discipling we can get. Scripture But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine…For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness […]

Is God Real?

How do we know, I mean really know, God is real? Ever have that question come at you from a child? It can be a doozy! Chief lays out the simple truth of it all. Check it out. Scripture “You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “that I am God.” Isa 43:12b Reflect Have you […]

Oh no! I messed Up!

I think we can all agree it is no fun to fail. Surely we can also agree we’ve all done it. Most of us have hopefully learned and grown from failure. Will implores us to lean in to our gracious God when failure comes. Scripture “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, […]

Social Media – All About Who?

How can we use the JOY (Jesus, Others, You) principle when it comes to social media? Amanda points us to some real life ways. Scripture You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask […]

Extend Grace

When is the last time you’ve been SO thankful for grace extended to you? God gives it abundantly so we can too! Scripture But whatever I am now it is all because God poured out such kindness and grace upon me—and not without results: for I have worked harder than all the other apostles, yet actually I […]

Snapchat…What About It?

Social media is a part of our lives – like it or not. To begin our month on managing social media, Seth introduces a biblical way to parent our kids regarding Snapchat, and social media in general. Scripture Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to […]

Handling Disappointment

We all face disappointments in life. How can we trust God when they happen? Cole guides us in truth to do just that. Scripture For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 […]

The Mentality of a Servant

When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up? Chances are it wasn’t “A Servant”. Chief guides us in learning from the ultimate servant. Scripture “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” […]

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