March 19, 2010
Teen Moms
Proverbs 22:6

EARS TO HEAR is the radio ministry of FAMILIES. BY GOD. For EARS TO HEAR, here’s Tim Glisson.

Sarie is a teen mother. Having first given birth at the age of 15, four years later she now has three children.

Like many teen moms before her, Sarie has dropped out of high school, has little or no contact with the birth dads, and while public assistance pays her bills it robs her of her self-esteem: the normal story for roughly three quarters of unmarried teen moms.

And there’s the key: marriage – or the lack of it.

Teen pregnancy is not the issue. The Virgin Mary was likely a teen mom. In fact, it may surprise some to learn that the teen birth rate was 50% higher in 1957 than it is today.

No, the issue is unwed moms. And the conclusion by much of society that sex outside of marriage is okay. No it’s not. Teenagers having sex is God’s design: sex outside of marriage is not.

And we as a nation are paying for each and every one of these sins. Financially it’s costing us about 200 billion dollars a year. Morally, how long can we expect God to withhold His wrath?

The solution? A recent large-scale study funded by the Institute of Child Health and Human Development, found that parents’ attitudes and relationships with their teen children could be highly influential. The Bible calls it training “up a child in the way he should go”. Sound obvious: here’s the catch. Where there are no parents to train them up – it’s up to you and me.

If you have EARS to HEAR, please visit our website at FAMILIESBYGOD.org. For EARS TO HEAR, I’m Tim Glisson.

March 18, 2010
Lot’s lot
Genesis 13

EARS TO HEAR is the radio ministry of FAMILIES. BY GOD. For EARS TO HEAR, here’s Tim Glisson.

It is not uncommon for foster or adoptive parents of a teenager to experience stress: teens have it tough, those with a rough background, probably worse. That adopted parents have to bear more of a burden is correct; but that doesn’t make it easier.

Abraham was in that boat with Lot. You remember Lot, best know for watching his wife turn to salt as Sodom burned, Lot was also an orphan; having lost his father Haran at an early age, he was essentially adopted by Abram.

Lot’s life was marked by crisis caused by his poor choices. In Genesis 12 he ignores God and follows Abram into Canaan. When Abram generously shares his wealth in chapter 13, Lot responds with strife and division. In separation Lot further loses his way, this time being captured by advancing kings and freed only thanks to God and Abraham.

Not done, Lot returns to a wicked city, proceeds to offer his virgin daughters to an angry mob, lingers as Sodom is lost, and then finally fathers his own grandchildren.

Not the life of a sold out Christian would you say? But guess what: that’s exactly what the Holy Spirit tells us Lot was: a saved, justified, sanctified, glorified Christian. 2 Peter two calls Lot “just” and “righteous” saved by God.

How did that happen? A father’s love. Genesis 19 says “and it came to pass that when God destroyed, that God remembered Abraham and saved Lot”.

If you have EARS to HEAR God’s heart for the fatherless, please visit our website at FAMILIESBYGOD.org or call 315-687-5322. For EARS TO HEAR, I’m Tim Glisson.

March 16, 2010
The Fatherless
James 5:16; 1:27

EARS TO HEAR is the radio ministry of FAMILIES. BY GOD. For EARS TO HEAR, here’s Tim Glisson.

What happens to the thousands of kids over the age of ten in our Child Welfare System who don’t ever get adopted?

There are a few success stories to be sure, but the majority aren’t. Tales of chemical dependency run rampant. Jail is predictable, homelessness prevalent. Many of the girls are lured into prostitution, either on the streets or in front of the camera.

Worse, the lack of family becomes a generational curse. Marriage is rarely a prerequisite for procreation. When it is divorce rates are in the 80’s. Sons absent a dad grow up not knowing how to be one. Girls absent a dad go prowling for love usually finding it in the first arms available. Pregnancy follows and the cycle continues.

How do you stop it? First through prayer: James 5:16 tells us the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Pray for Godly introductions and interventions so that salvation can occur and healing begin. Pray for His mercy, wisdom, and of course, love.

Then, as the hands, feet and heart of Jesus, we can get involved in their lives. James 1:27 commands us to visit the fatherless; foster the fatherless; advocate for the fatherless; and of course, adopt the fatherless.

As Christians our job is to glorify God. We can do that by caring… for the fatherless.

If you have EARS to HEAR God’s heart for His children, please visit our website at FAMILIESBYGOD.org. For EARS TO HEAR, I’m Tim Glisson.

March 15, 2010
Fred Weir
2 Timothy 2:1-2

EARS TO HEAR is the radio ministry of FAMILIES•BY GOD• For EARS TO HEAR, here’s Tim Glisson.

Fred Weir is a knowledgeable man. As a former elementary school principal Fred knows kids. As a dad and now grandparent, Fred knows kids grow up fast. And as a wise man of God, Fred knows its God’s design that kids have mentors.

Knowing that mentoring must be intentional, three years ago Fred committed to tutor 12 year old Sterling. Knowing that mentoring must be deliberate, Fred came up with a plan. And knowing that mentoring must be relational, Fred Weir scheduled time – daily – to be about his young charge.

On days Fred and Sterling could be together, Fred was Sterling’s teacher: history, math, geography, sports, family or friends, it didn’t matter the subject: when teachers teach students learn.

On days they were apart, Fred and Sterling talked over the phone or exchanged letters. It didn’t matter the topic, when friend’s listen, hearts are revealed.

And on days they couldn’t connect, Fred Weir offered up the greatest gift any mentor can offer his protégé: he prayed for him. It didn’t matter the petition when Godly men pray, God listens.

Fred Weir is a knowledgeable man, and I am a lucky one, because Sterling is my son. Three years ago a twelve year old boy – today a fifteen year old man of God. Thanks Fred.

If you have EARS to HEAR God’s heart for kids, please visit our website at FAMILIESBYGOD.org. For EARS TO HEAR, I’m Tim Glisson.