Blog

The LORD of Hosts
    During this season of enforced home time, I have completed a new book. My knowledge of God has increased, as I searched the Scriptures and studied the names of God. One of the names that has blessed me is “LORD of Hosts.” In these times of uncertainty it is comforting to know our God is the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. There are several instances in Scripture where we are reminded that while it feels like the world, the flesh, and the devil are in control, in reality, greater is He that is with us, “than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
    Elijah was tempted to feel alone, but God gently informed him that were seven thousand others who had not bowed to Baal. “Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? ‘Lord, they have killed Your prophets, they have demolished Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.’ But what is God’s reply to him? ‘I have kept for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.’” (Romans 11:2-4)
    Elisha saw heaven’s forces in battle array when others saw only earth’s armies of men. “When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, ‘Alas, my master! What shall we do?’ He said, ‘Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ Then Elisha prayed and said, ‘O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.’ So the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” (2 Kings 6:15-17)
    Jesus was keenly aware of the divine forces at His Father’s command. “Do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once send Me more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53)
    Jesus, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, assures His followers that He has overcome our foes. “I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Family-Ship
    “Family-Ship” as defined by the Steve Revised Dictionary, is when families gather together in the name of Jesus for mutual edification and a time of encouragement. Registrations have begun to trickle in for the week of August 17-20 at Spruce Lake Retreat in the Pocono Mountains of Northeast Pennsylvania. Read more about the event here.

Family-Tivities 
    I received this email recently: “Hi Steve, I have been loving watching your family activity videos! They are so encouraging and doable and we’re going to start incorporating many of the ideas.” J. R.
    Watch them here. The complete list of family-tivities are: Develop the Habit of Daily Bible Reading, Memorize the Books of the New Testament, Walking in the Great Outdoors, Family Traditions, Indoor Enjoyment, Camp Fires, Learn the Greek Alphabet, Backyard Bonanza, According to Their Way, The Ten Commandments, Learn the Books of the Old Testament, Pursue Your Kids, Sing with Paul & Silas, Honor Your Mother, Take Delight in Honoring Each Other, Splendor in the Ordinary, Movie Night, Family Read Aloud, Disc Golf, Star Gazing. 

Come Into His Presence
    The first draft of the book and study guide, Come Into His Presence is ready for your perusal. My motivation for writing it is to encourage parents to connect with God in a deeper way as they taste and see that the Lord is good. I know that my relationship with God colors and impacts how I relate to my family. The more I know God and spend time in His presence, the more I love Him. The more I love Him and am loved by Him, the more equipped I am to love my wife and children as He has loved me. 
    Would some of you be willing to help me by reading it and offering insights and feedback? Those of you that read through the book and send me your thoughts and observations, will receive a free Hymns for Family Worship book and CDs, as well as the finished product when it is published. Learn more about Hymns for Family Worship. If you already have the Hymnbook, perhaps I can recompense you for your time and energy with the Stewardship Curriculum, or a level of Math-U-See or some Spelling You See materials. 
    If you are interested in being a part of this project, respond to this email, or email me directly at sdemme@demmelearning.com. Thank you for your help. In the past, the input I have received from y’all has been invaluable and I look forward to considering your thoughts and ideas.

Steve

PS Jonathan Brush is a good friend of mine and has recently revived Unbound (formerly CollegePlus). I have been praying for this to occur and am happy to share this information with those of you who are considering post high school alternatives. The website is not fully operational, but you can click here to learn more and sign up for more information.