The computer upon which I am typing this post is a very elderly Acer Extensa 5620 laptop which was given to me when it had reached the end of its useful lifespan as far as the original owner was concerned.  It originally came with Windows XP installed.

Windows XP failed years ago and was way too slow so I installed Linux (Ubuntu) which I kept regularly updated and always ran much faster than Windows.  Ubuntu always kept running with no problems at all.

But occasionally I needed to use a program that was not available for Linux computers – the eTax program once a year, and iTunes when I needed to repair the children’s iPads, iPhones and iPods every time they stuffed them up.  I also used a Windows program about once a year on average to make a DVD from a PVR capture (only because I knew the program from years ago and was too lazy to look up any Linux program to do a job which I very seldom did!).

So I partitioned my hard disk and set up my computer to normally boot into Ubuntu, but with a menu visible for 5 seconds at start-up allowing me to boot from the Windows partition if I really wanted to. My Windows partition has been loaded with Windows XP, Windows 7 upgrade, Windows 8 in various preview versions, Windows 8 Pro (which I actually bought!), Windows 8.1 in various preview versions and, until last week, Windows 8.1 Pro.

I have never been really happy about any of the Windows versions since XP; I have been working with menus on computers for more than thirty years now, and prefer them to having to click a mouse on “tiles” on the screen to start my programs. For this reason, although Ubuntu initially installs with the Unity desktop, I always use the Gnome Classic desktop, which is menu-based, instead.

So a couple of days ago, I decided to upgrade my Windows partition to Windows 10. I am currently running Windows 10 Pro Technical Preview Evaluation copy. Build 10049 (just in case anyone happens to be wondering).

My laser printer is a Brother MFC-L2700DW which does everything I want it to do and is WiFi enabled which means I can print to it from any of our four phones, five tablets and one iPod, as well as the MacBook Air, the Dell laptop, the Compaq laptop, the Asus netbook, and any visitors’ electronic devices.  I can also, at least in theory, print via the Internet from anywhere in the world that has an Internet connection. I have not tried that last feature yet!

Our colour printer, an HP ink-jet item is also WiFi enabled, but I don’t give out the password as it guzzles ink at an incredible and very expensive rate.  So if anyone in the family wants to do colour printing they need to come and see Dad.

Because I have kids and visitors who own so many electronic devices I run five WiFi networks in the house two on 2.4 GHz and three on 5 GHz frequencies.

Now the Brother printer is only capable of connecting to the two 2.4 GHz wireless LANs; its system is totally unable to “see” the three 5 GHz LANs.

So no worries! You just use one of the higher speed networks for all your browsing and switch networks when you actually want to print.

Now I installed Windows 10 and discovered that my elderly Acer was only capable of connecting to the three 5 GHz networks, but not to the two 2.4 GHz networks which have one printer on each.  I have no idea why this is, but its system is totally unable to “see” the two networks that have printers connected.  Perhaps there is an applet somewhere in the Control Panel that allows one to choose which ranges of WiFi networks one wants to use, but I have not bothered to look for it.

In all the messing about this week, my laser printer “lost” its WiFi function so I decided to reinstall it.  I downloaded the latest drivers from the Brother web site and followed the prompts to set it up as a wireless printer.  Didn’t work, did it!

What I eventually had to do was install it manually to one of my 2.4 GHz networks, which was totally invisible to my computer, then uninstall the printer, then connect the printer using a USB cable and install it to my laptop again as a local USB printer.  Since my laptop never moves from beside the printer this was no hassle at all.

Every bit of electronic gadgetry in our house is now able to print successfully to the laser printer!

Now! Will somebody please tell me why, when I attempted to type the brand name “Asus” referring to my old netbook, the auto-correct feature kept on attempting to tell me that my netbook was an “Anus” instead?

The Fourth Session of the conference was focussed as follows: “What is our Christian response to the anti-association laws in Queensland and their enactment as well as to the spread across the country of these types of laws?”

Copyright notice: As I memorised scriptures from the NIV for more than thirty years, the majority of scriptures quoted will be from that version, therefore I include here the copyright notice for the NIV:  “Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.” Some that I wasn’t certain about have been copied in NIV form from www.biblegateway.com and others will be either KJV or my head-modified version of KJV, which was the version from which I memorised all scriptures until about 1978.

I must add that the reports in this post are very far from verbatim reports of what was said by the speaker. I took very abbreviated notes during the sessions.  I have filled out those very brief notes with what I think I heard the speakers say, not necessarily what they actually said.  It is more of a report on how what they said made an impact on me.

MC: Brady March – Longriders CMC Melbourne: Harking back to the theme of the second session this morning, he shared a very powerful testimony: His wife sent an e-mail to him which had as an attachment a photo of a leaf-drawing by his four year old daughter which asked the question: “Why is daddy always at work; always with Longriders; always at work; always with Longriders?” This arrived at his office at 7 o’clock at night on a day when he had been in the office since 7 o’clock that morning. The e-mail stopped him in his tracks and made him reassess priorities and get his life in balance.

Mike Tamplin – God’s Squad – Brisbane – quoted Matthew 22:15-22  “Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words.
They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?”
But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?”
“Caesar’s,” they replied.
Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.”
This scripture about giving both to Caesar and to God reminds us that we are to have respect for the laws made by the governments that are elected by us.
Also see Romans 13:1-7 : “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honour, then honour.”
This scripture relates to being subject to governing authorities. Scripture gives us God’s laws; man’s laws, on the other hand, are an ass! So is it right in God’s eyes for us to break man-made laws? We must be very sensitive in framing our response. God is just incredible!

Greg Pendlebury – Brotherhood Sydney: Media constantly re-use images of the Milperra and Sydney Airport incidents to constantly feed the imaginations of the public so they will believe how very bad, bikers are.
Media wants public to be fearful of anyone on motorbikes.
The government wants the police to appear to be tougher than the bikers.
Romans 13:1-2 “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”  While this scripture tells us to be subject to governing authorities, being subject to them does not mean blindly obeying everything they say.
We must resist laws that are plainly wrong; not ignore them, but resist them. The Prime Minister and Members of Parliament are not God, they are human, and can get things wrong. They have the legitimate right to make the laws, and we have the legitimate right to resist laws and argue against them when they promote injustice.
How do the anti-association laws measure up against God’s word? God hates injustice. These laws are unjust – they make taking part in community activities into a crime punishable by six months in gaol.
Proverbs 6:16,19 “… the Lord hates … a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”  There is no doubt that these laws stir up conflict in the community.
Proverbs 14:31 “whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honours God.” The whole chapter points out the results of oppression.
Psalm 11:1-7  “In the Lord I take refuge.
How then can you say to me:
    “Flee like a bird to your mountain.
For look, the wicked bend their bows;
    they set their arrows against the strings
to shoot from the shadows
    at the upright in heart.
When the foundations are being destroyed,
    what can the righteous do?”
The Lord is in his holy temple;
    the Lord is on his heavenly throne.
He observes everyone on earth;
    his eyes examine them.
The Lord examines the righteous,
    but the wicked, those who love violence,
he hates with a passion.
On the wicked he will rain
    fiery coals and burning sulphur;
    a scorching wind will be their lot.
For the Lord is righteous,
    he loves justice;
    the upright will see his face.
This psalm shows us it is not okay to oppress people.

Romans 13:1-7 was mentioned yet again: Romans 13:1-7 : “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honour, then honour.”
The Old Testament teaches us the concept of “Shalom”.
All crime is a breaking of the ten commandments.
The anti-association laws do not address crime but focus on breaking up friendships – the innocent are being punished – these laws are designed to punish people for what is not a crime – these laws destroy community and have a dehumanising effect.
The government has made normal everyday activity into a crime. VLAD is a tough law, but not a just law. Isaiah 1:17 tells us to: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed [or correct the oppressor]. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
Our aim is to see the bad law changed. God’s views of justice should be reflected in the laws of the land. VLAD does not reflect the laws of God.
As we work towards this, we must keep the gospel at the top of our minds; our prime role is to make disciples of others.

Macca – God’s Squad Brisbane: What is a Christian response to the anti-association laws?
Luke 6:31 says “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Romans 12:2 says “Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
The anti-association law is an unjust law. We must ask God to give us a clear vision so that we know where to stand and what to stand for.
Micah 6:8 says, “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Psalm 133:1-3 : ”

Kev Daly – Tribe of Judah, Brisbane: He began by referring to 1 Peter chapter 2:13-17: “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honour the emperor.”
Good citizenship: we do not have to obey every law that is passed. The VLAD law does not specifically mention motorcycle clubs: any person with any criminal past may be named as a person with whom it is illegal to associate. It is possible that this law, as it is worded , could be used to make association with members of, for example a golf club or a football club, to become illegal. Could the Titans [Qld rugby league football club] be named as a criminal organisation?
In Oct 2015, the VLAD law is to be reviewed. The Attorney General of Queensland, Yvette d’Ath, also Minister of Justice, affirms that the newly-elected Labor government will see that the VLAD law is enforced. The government has also announced that there will be replacement laws announced by the end of this year. Which is right? Are we just being fed more politically expedient lies?

There was some considerable general discussion about our response to the anti-association laws. Several people were appointed to work on a statement from the conference over dinner.

After the fourth session, I decided not to wait around for dinner or to attend the meeting afterwards.

On the Sunday morning, I attended the breakfast and the biker’s church service which was held at Zillmere.

The letter which was agreed upon and signed by representatives from the clubs reads as follows:

“The VLAD laws in Queensland, Consorting laws in NSW, the old SOCCA laws in SA, and similar laws in other states, change the nature of the crime from ‘What you do’ to ‘Who you meet with’.

The laws result with people being punished for innocent activities. They make it a crime for some people to meet socially, have a meal together, or go to the footy. The VLAD laws apply to a club or a league or any other group of three or more persons, by whatever name called, whether legal or illegal.

Every Queenslander has the potential to be impacted. The National Christian Motorcycle Club and Associations Conference calls on all governments, Federal and State, to repeal all laws that punish people for association, rather than for crime.

All crime, no matter who commits it, should be investigated thoroughly, tried justly, and punished appropriately.

We do not believe these laws fit with the ideal of giving people a fair go.”

The third session of the conference focussed on “Hard riding, hard drinking and other excesses are common in biker culture. Since we are called to be in the world but not of the world, how do we live this out in a way that both honours Christ and is respectful of our motorcycle brethren?”

Copyright notice: As I memorised scriptures from the NIV for more than thirty years, the majority of scriptures quoted will be from that version, therefore I include here the copyright notice for the NIV:  “Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.” Some that I wasn’t certain about have been copied in NIV form from www.biblegateway.com and others will be either KJV or my head-modified version of KJV, which was the version from which I memorised all scriptures until about 1978.

I must add that the reports in this post are very far from verbatim reports of what was said by the speaker. I took very abbreviated notes during the sessions.  I have filled out those very brief notes with what I think I heard the speakers say, not necessarily what they actually said.  It is more of a report on how what they said made an impact on me.

Ian Forest-Jones – Brotherhood CMC, Sydney: Ephesians 6:19-20: “Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”
We must choose a “life verse” from the scriptures so that this verse becomes truly a part of us.
Ian made a longish reference to “American Sniper” which is apparently a recently-released movie that I have not seen. Many references were made to “Kyle”, but I didn’t really understand what he was talking about.  I gather this Kyle married and had a daughter, but became so busy with his military career that his relationship with his family was affected drastically.  This section was related more to the topic of Session Two, I think.
The more we know about Jesus, the more we love Jesus, and the more we obey Jesus.
Be witnesses.
Matthew 28:19-20 says:”Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Like [the apostle] Paul, we must share with others the truths we have discovered for ourselves about Jesus.
John 3:16-17 says: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” We are good at memorising verse 16, but never forget that verse 17 follows it.  However we communicate with our fellow bikers we are not to condemn them.

Bonny – Longriders CMC, Adelaide began by expressing the importance of acknowledging the Aboriginal owners of this land.

Then he shared about David Unaipon whose picture appears on the back of the $50 note, who was full- blooded aboriginal in South Australia who was affected by Christian missionary named George Taplin, who wanted to get aboriginal people saved but destroyed their culture in his attempts.
We need to speak Jesus into people’s lives, not “churchism” into their culture.
We must be legitimate without compromising our Christian principles.
Be sure that it is God who is calling you to his ministry and not just you calling yourself to your own invented ministry.
Love the people, care for the people, but do not destroy their culture.
The Stolen Generation was a result of the missionary people’s ideas about Christianity.
It’s not your ability that’s important but your availability.
1 Corinthians 9:19-22: “Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” We must become like those to whom we are ministering, so that we may be enabled to share the gospel with them.
1 Corinthians 9:26-27: “Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” While we become like these guys in the biker culture, we do so without adopting their sinful practices – we avoid joining, for example, in their sexual practices.

Glenn, from Disciples for Christ:
These scriptures say it all:
1 John2: 15-17: “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.  The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
Do God’s will while you are in their culture; don’t get sucked in by the world’s lusts.
1 Corinthians 9:19-22: “Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.”
And if the ones to whom you are ministering happen to pick up on the ways you are different: Matthew 5:12 “Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
People are carefully watching us, so be a Godly man or woman in Christ.

Adrian Austin – Pilgrims CMC, Gold Coast:
Pornography is a very serious issue in motorcycle culture. Difficult to deal with even after becoming a Christian – lots of prayer is needed.
Proverbs 16:7: “When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
We need to pray “Lord, use me.” before entering any and every ministry situation.
Find out what God has written for your life.
In any situation will you be an influence or will you be influenced?
Have the rule book for life (God’s word) written in your heart.

The MC, Carl Brook – Ambassador’s CMC, Sydney  followed up with Psalm 27:7: “Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me” … if you stuff things up, don’t try to hide it, just be honest.

Another inspiring session.

The speakers in the second morning session all focussed on the question: “How do we find a good balance between marriage, family, and Christian motorcycle ministry?”

Copyright notice: As I memorised scriptures from the NIV for more than thirty years, the majority of scriptures quoted will be from that version, therefore I include here the copyright notice for the NIV:  “Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.” Some that I wasn’t certain about have been copied in NIV form from www.biblegateway.com and others will be either KJV or my head-modified version of KJV, which was the version from which I memorised all scriptures until about 1978.

I must add that the reports in this post are very far from verbatim reports of what was said by the speaker. I took very abbreviated notes during the sessions.  I have filled out those very brief notes with what I think I heard the speakers say, not necessarily what they actually said.  It is more of a report on how what they said made an impact on me.

Dave Trevor – God’s Squad CMC, Brisbane: opened the session with a brief devotion. Main points:

What is our mission?
Children, our children, are a part of God’s mission and must not be neglected.
It is not our job to convert the bikers we meet – that is God’s job alone. Our job is to bring them one step closer. Note how Paul described himself in 1 Timothy 1:14-17: “The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example to those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever, amen.”
Twice he describes himself as “the worst of sinners”.
Matthew 12:50 declares: “… whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” We are all family. Matthew 7:21 tells us that there can be true and false disciples: “Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” in everything you do, ask yourself whether you are doing the will of your Father in heaven.

Les Hanson – God’s Squad CMC, Border [The Border Chapter is based on the Coast on both sides of the QLD-NSW border]:

Balance in all aspects of our lives is very, very necessary.
We constantly go in and out of this balance.
He shared a personal example of being out of balance: he was in his office one day, when his PA came in to tell him that his next appointment was waiting to see him. When he opened the door, it was his daughter sitting there. She had needed to make an appointment through his office to be able to see her dad, because he had been constantly so busy with his ministry.
Your family and you are all in this together. Your ministry must be everybody’s ministry with no compartmentalisation. You are always, simultaneously, a father, a husband, a biker, a minister, everything is true all the time.
The “first in best dressed” principle applies. If you are booked to be somewhere with your kid and someone else calls you to a ministry situation you have to know when to say, “i’m sorry, I am committed to a prior booking.” Decide which activity has the priority and remember that your family is your baseline. Sometimes a change might be necessary, but get your priorities right.
Also be aware of which of your regularly scheduled activities need to be changed.
A very important tool is your diary: enter the family commitments as well as the ministry commitments; know what you have planned to do with your time.
Baseline: prioritise with integrity.
Communicate – don’t just assume others will know.
Be a person of your word.
You’re all in it together.
True balance is simply doing everything in life to excess!

Lyn Schoolderman – Pilgrims CMC, Victoria, titled her talk: “The Couple that Rides Together, Stays Together”
She began by sharing some very moving testimony of the last part of her late husband John’s life. John’s nickname was AJ for those who have been around long enough to remember; he passed away November 2009. Lyn shared that in John’s last weeks, she had no idea how sick he really was.  She had placed her work at a higher priority than staying home or at the hospital to look after John. [This part was very moving for me, since I had led and mentored John as firstly an associate and later a member of Christ’s Crusaders CMC in Morwell, years before he met his wife Lyn – I think it was my late father, Jack Smith,  who was talking with John the night he became a Christian]
She shared from 1 Timothy 3:5 “(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)” and Ephesians 5:28-30 “In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, nobody ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church – for we are members of his body.” and Ephesians 6:4-5 “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.”
Always put in the time to look after partner and children and do this maintaining a balance with your ministry.

Colleen Hirst – Brotherhood CMC, Sydney shared in her inimitable fashion (constantly “picking on” Hirsty – her husband, Greg) and kept returning to the book of Malachi.
Malachi 2:14-16 : “You ask, “Why?” It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.  Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth.  “The man who hates and divorces his wife,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “does violence to the one he should protect,” says the Lord Almighty. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful.”
This shows that marriage is God’s good design.
Divorce rates are over-inflated by media.
Christian marriage means it is important to attend church together, sit together, read God’s word together, pray together, and to take all these things together seriously.
She presented scriptural illustrations of many ways to love each other.
As parents we need to understand Proverbs 22:6 which says: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” This verse means we do not just lecture them, we must live an exemplary life in front of them, just know your kids are always watching you.
Leviticus 20 tells us not to sacrifice our children to our religion or ministry.
Zephaniah 3:17 “The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” gives us several illustrations of how God loves us and how we need to love our families.
Malachi 4:6 “And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.” is the very last word of the Old Testament for good reason.

This was a very thought-provoking session.