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Are you too busy for God? Clarence Simmons explains in this video that tragically, Christians commonly neglect to read the Word of God and spend time in prayer. Failing to consistently read Scripture and spend time in prayer causes us to grow farther away from God and take steps backward in our walk of sanctification. Such individuals often have a very small view of God, lack a strong fear of God, and tend not to take the Word of God seriously. There is no growth of a saved individual apart from the Word of God and spending time with Him – in fact, it is impossible. Spending time in prayer and reading God's Word is absolutely critical to knowing God. Do you prioritize Scripture reading and prayer each day? Matthew 26:41 (NKJV) – “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

How is a parent to raise their children in a godly manner? Clarence Simmons acknowledges in this video that raising children is difficult. When we take the Word of God, we want to use His Word to shape them as much as we can beginning at an early age. We need to teach them the way that they should go, not the way that they would go, apart from Christ. We want to instill things in our children and raise them up in a godly manner, teaching them what is right and wrong. We fashion and mold them by Scripture. Repetition is helpful. Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV) - "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."

Clarence Simmons explains in this video that in many marriages, after a man and woman marry, there is a lack of pursuing each other. This should not be the case. A husband should continue to pursue his wife and tell her that he loves her and appreciates her. Colossians 3:14 (NKJV) - "But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection."

With the continual pressure of society on young people to abandon every form of Christianity, we must teach our children the beauty of knowing the Lord, the hope that is in Him, and the grace that He gives to stand firm. If we are going to see the next generation walking with the Lord and in the power of His might, then that generation will need discipleship - primarily in families. With a culture of chaos all around us, it is our duty to set forth hope for the next generation.

What is the purpose of chastisement? Clarence Simmons explains in this video that the purpose of God’s chastisement can be found in Hebrews chapter 12. That purpose is to conform us more to the likeness of God and to the will of God, that we may be holy. This involves a cutting off of all things that are not Christ-like. While the chastisement is certainly not pleasant, we must realize that God disciplines us so that we can be fruitful and be holy. He is making us more like His Son. God chastens us when we rebel and sin against Him instead of letting us go astray and continue down a path that leads to destruction. How merciful and good He is! Hebrews 12:5-6 (NKJV) – “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.”

Navigating through this world is no easy task. One wonders at times if his family is going to make it without being crushed by the cultural pressure surrounding them! How does a family stand in a world that is aiming to see it fall? We must readily admit that without the aid of our gracious God, we will soon find ourselves swallowed up. We must trust our glorious God, with a daring determination to stand our ground. Joshua is a prime example of how one trusts in the Lord while he holds his ground, when he said those famous words, “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

As a pastor, how should the fear of God affect how you shepherd your church? Clarence Simmons explains that God will hold men accountable for not only how they handled the Word of God but also how they shepherded the people of God. One of our greatest fears should be deviating from Scripture. Being in ministry is the most joyful and distressing job there is because you’re accountable to God. You can’t afford to play around with Scripture and with the flock. We must realize that this is the flock of God. Instead of being served by the flock, they are to serve the flock. Pastors are to teach their congregation Scriptural truths, not catchy illustrations that will tickle their ears. 2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV) – “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

God calls his people to come to him. Not only this, he calls us to come to him boldly and make our requests known to him in prayer. In Moses we see a powerful example of what bold intercession looks like and a model that we can learn from to help us to intercede for those around us. We also see that what follows bold intercession is often a marvelous display of the glory of God. God delights to answer prayer and to show his glory to his people, and these are things we desperately need.

What are parents modeling for their children on a daily basis? Clarence Simmons explains in this video that children in the home need to know that their parents love each other and how important that relationships is. Children will learn a lot about how a husband and wife or a father and mother interact from what they see modeled by their parents. One thing we as parents ought to strive for to teach our children is to love and serve each other. Marriage isn't about getting what you want but how you can serve the other. We ought to model that to our children and encourage them to love and serve others inside and outside the home. Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV) - "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."

The saving grace of God has shone forth in Christ, and empowers us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and to strive after soberness, righteousness, and godliness in this life. This grace also prepares us to look for the return of Jesus Christ, who has pursued us and purchased us with his own blood. This must be the fuel of our motivation to live godly in the here and now.

Clarence Simmons explains in this video that husbands need to repent if they have not carried out their responsibility for protecting, providing for, and loving their wives. They should not be neglecting their wife. And yet, if there is no repentance, there is no change. Take a hard, long look at your marriage and ask yourself how you can bless your wife and strengthen your marriage. 1 Peter 3:7 (NKJV) - "Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered."

What happens when people do not have a fear of God? Clarence Simmons explains in this video that the wrath of God is essentially holiness in action. When there is no fear of God, we offend a holy God because we are acting in a way contrary to His holiness, His will, and His ways, which brings forth the wrath of God. There is certainly a connection between a lack of the fear of God and the wrath of God. When we live in ungodliness and do not fear God, we can be assured that God will subsequently respond with wrath against ungodliness and unrighteousness. We ought to prayerfully consider if there are areas in our life where we do not fear God as we ought. Ezekiel 25:17 (NKJV) – “I will execute great vengeance on them with furious rebukes; and they shall know that I am the Lord, when I lay My vengeance upon them.”