Parenting- Day 81

1 John 5:14-15

14 And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. 15 And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.

ANSWERS TO PRAYER

Parenting tests this passage like few other experiences. Because we love our children, we assume we know what is best for them. We pray for God to honor our plans and are shocked when God sometimes leads us down a more difficult path, with testing and pain.

For me, the turning point came when I realized I was looking at God as a "cosmic vending machine." When I prayed, I somehow felt He was obligated to comply on my terms. Then, a friend gave me a simple guide that changed my perspective on prayer. He said, "Prayer is asking God to align you with His will, rather than asking Him to be aligned with yours."

God knows what you and your children really need. When we pray, He is at work answering those prayers, but in a way that suits Him and His work. Faith trusts the wisdom of His answer, even when His answer is different from what we expect.

To truly pray for God's will to be done, we must trust that His will is what's best for our family.

Parenting- Day 80

Luke 17:12-19

12 As he entered a village there, ten lepers stood at a distance, 13 crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy. 15 One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” 16 He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan. 17 Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” 19 And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.”

GRATITUDE FOR BLESSINGS

Reading this story, we are tempted to judge the "ungrateful nine". But, how often do we take our own blessings for granted and fail to thank the Lord? Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men (Ps 107:15). Many times, we enjoy the gifts but forget to thank the Giver. We are quick to pray in times of trouble, but slow to praise when things are going great.

Be consistent in turning to God in both trial and triumph. Show your kids a grateful heart and an understanding of the Source of all good things (James 1:17).

Parenting- Day 79

Luke 17:3

3 So watch yourselves!

 “If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive.

FORGIVING BY FAITH

The apostles' response to this teaching is very interesting. I doubt they were having trouble with rebuke; most people are good at that. But, forgiveness is another matter — we can find it very hard to forgive those who have caused us pain, especially if it's someone we loved and trusted. Our relationship with our kids makes us especially vulnerable.

Notice that the apostles' request was for the faith to forgive, rather than for more love. Although love is essential, real forgiveness requires faith. It is not natural. It takes a living faith to obey Christ and forgive others. When we are obedient and forgive, we trust God to take care of the consequences, handle any misunderstandings, and work everything out for His glory (Rom 8:28).

Love motivates us to forgive, but faith activates forgiveness so God can use it to work blessings in the lives of His people.

Parenting- Day 78

Galatians 6:1-2

1 Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

DISCIPLINE WITH EMPATHY

Empathy is harder for some of us than for others. Learning to be more empathetic with our children may require taking some time to remember what it was like when we were their age. Walking in their little shoes can help us understand why they do what they do. Sometimes we forget we were children once, too.

Interestingly we may find the things we struggled with at their age cause us the most anxiety in parenting. We may be frustrated when the same issues reappear in our children. This remembrance can have two outcomes — we can anxiously step in to fix the problem, which usually results in an overblown response that makes the situation worse. Or we can remember our experiences and use them to relate to our kids. God may be using your child's struggles to sanctify both of you.

When your child's struggle causes you extraordinary anxiety, be alert — God may be teaching both of you.

Parenting- Day 77

2 Corinthians 8:20-21 

20 We are traveling together to guard against any criticism for the way we are handling this generous gift. 21 We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable.

THE EXAMPLE OF SPENDING

The Macedonians had given money to Paul to give to the believers in Jerusalem. In this passage Paul acknowledges the importance of spending that money responsibly. He knew men were watching and he wanted to be sure his actions were above reproach.

Think about how this applies to parenting. Your kids see practical demonstrations of faith when they see you studying the Bible or praying. But, they are also watching and learning from the way you spend your money. You may not realize what a powerful testimony your spending can be and how much it reveals the things you treasure. "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matt 6:21). Take some time to pray and consider what your lifestyle and spending communicates to your kids.

Your faith is prominently displayed by the way you spend the wealth God has given you.

Parenting- Day 76

Psalm 27:13-14 

13 Yet I am confident I will see the LORD’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. 14 Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.

WAIT

Twenty-four hours a day. Seven days a week. We are constantly called to make parenting decisions on the fly. The pressure can be overwhelming. In the process, our nerves and faith are tested. Perhaps this passage is most applicable when demands are greatest. It takes courage to wait on the Lord when your mind is screaming to "do something!" But until God has strengthened your heart, your actions can be impulsive and ineffective. Instead of relying on your own snap judgments, trust in the goodness of God and wait for His guidance. He will supply you with the strength and wisdom you need (Heb 13:20-21).

Under pressure, be patient and wait for the Lord to strengthen your heart and guide your actions.

Parenting- Day 75

Luke 12:36-37 
  
36 as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks.37 The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat!


ANTICIPATING CHRIST'S RETURN

Since Jewish weddings were held at night, a bridegroom's servants would anxiously wait for their master to come home. They wanted to be ready so they didn't keep the new husband and his bride waiting at the door. Jesus used a parable to illustrate how believers should likewise enthusiastically anticipate and prepare for His return.

As we raise our kids, it is easy to focus on the here and now rather than the things of heaven. The issues of the moment — potty training, homework, being in the starting lineup, or choosing a college can cause us to lose sight of our real purpose on earth. Instead of preparing for our Master's return, we often choose to serve ourselves instead.

When we live with our eyes on the eternal, it is more difficult for the things of the world to ensnare us. Show your kids an example of the freedom that comes when we filter our experiences through an eternal perspective.

Be an example of someone serving the Lord and waiting anxiously for His return.

Parenting- Day 74

Luke 12:25-26 

25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? 26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?

WORRY

Do you worry? Most of us do, and yet Jesus tells us very clearly we have nothing to worry about. In fact, He tells us it is counterproductive! We don't need to worry because we know how our story will end. If our hope is assured (see Heb 11:1), we shouldn't be concerned about the sorrows of today or tomorrow. "Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow," said Corrie Ten Boom; "it empties today of its strength."

How do we inoculate ourselves against worry? The answer is faith. When our hearts are fixed on God, we see life from an eternal viewpoint. We are able to put God's goals first. The question we must keep asking is, "Where is my heart?" If my heart is fixed on worldly things, I will always worry because the world's treasures are uncertain. If my heart is fixed on God, I will rest in His power and strength.

Great faith can cancel out worry.

Parenting- Day 73

Luke 12:2

2 The time is coming when everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all.

HYPOCRISY

How often does fear drive you to do something you ought not to do? Fear can be driven by a need for approval from others, a need for control, envy of another lifestyle, or concern about being left behind by your peer group's march to "success." These fears are summed up in the concept of "fear of man."

The Bible tells us fear of man will prove to be a snare because it is a substitute for fear of God. When we are concerned with our standing before men, we strive for worldly things rather than Godly ones. That striving is not hidden from God. He sees our hearts and knows the fear that motivates us. We may try to justify our efforts to gain approval, control, or a better lifestyle as advancements to be used for God's work, but He knows the real fear that motivates us.

The remedy for hypocrisy is to fear God alone.

 

Parenting- Day 72

Luke 11:1-2

1 Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” 2 Jesus said, “This is how you should pray:

“Father, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon.

THE NECESSITY OF PRAYER

Jesus' disciples were given the power to do miracles, but they recognized the source of real power was prayer. They knew Jesus and John the Baptist were men of prayer. Even they had a need to pray to accomplish the great tasks the Father had for them.

Jesus taught them the Lord's Prayer. He showed them true prayer is not asking for man's will to be accomplished, but rather aligning yourself with God's will to bring His Kingdom's power and strength to bear on earth's problems. He promised God would answer prayers offered in that spirit and for that purpose.

Phillips Brooks said prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance; it is laying hold of His highest willingness. Prayer is not an attempt to change God's mind, but to get ourselves to the place where He can trust us with the answer.

Pray for God's will to be done in your family, and God will answer your prayer.

Parenting- Day 71

Luke 10:20

20 But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.”

THE GREATEST GIFT

Christ sent 70 disciples out into Judea and they did great miracles in His name, winning many to Him. They came back rejoicing in what God had done. Imagine Jesus meeting and celebrating with them for the work they had done. But, there was real potential for spiritual pride.

While Jesus wanted to celebrate their victories, he added the perspective that, as great as their victories were, an even greater cause for celebration was their own salvation. He reminded them that what was done for them was even greater than the work they accomplished.

It occurred to me that Jesus wasn't trying to lessen their accomplishments; He was celebrating with them a reward much greater than even their tremendous effort deserved. Their greatest reward was something they could not earn.

We can get caught up in the work ethic of our culture, and there's nothing wrong with hard work. But, we need to remind ourselves and our kids the greatest gift is free.

Parenting- Day 70

Mark 6:30-31 

30 The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught.31 Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.
 

NEED FOR REST

Christ sent the disciples out in two's on their first mission trip to preach the kingdom of God and to cast out demons and heal the sick. Their trips were hugely successful, and they returned to report what had happened. The people around apparently were aware of their success as well because they were besieged by requests for their time, so much that they had no time even to eat!

Imagine the feeling — flushed with success, with people clamoring for your attention and begging for a little of your time. It had to feel pretty good to be needed like that. Yet Jesus recognized boundaries were necessary or the disciples were going to be used up in a hurry. They needed time to rest.

You are no different. Your kids may demand every minute of your time and it may feel pretty good to be needed that much. But you must be aware that you are limited in energy and you will be no good to anyone if you don't get some rest now and then.

Taking time to rest and revitalize is as important to your kids as it is to you.

Parenting- Day 69

Mark 9:28-29 
28 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? 29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

 SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE

After the Transfiguration, Jesus, James, John and Peter came down the mountain. A dad met them, with his son who was possessed by a vicious demon. The other nine disciples had attempted to cast the demon out without success. Jesus rebuked the demon and cast it out of the boy, returning him to his father.

These nine disciples had just returned from their first successful mission of preaching and healing, yet they were unable to cast out this one demon. Why? Perhaps, because they had neglected the spiritual disciplines of fasting and prayer. When Jesus explained the failure as a lack of prayer, it must have been very humbling.

Spiritual discipline is necessary for all aspects of life, and particularly for parenting. The challenge of raising kids demands you turn to God each day and give Him the best of your time. How else can you hear His wisdom?

Consistent spiritual discipline prepares you for the challenges of parenting.

Parenting- Day 68

Luke 7:41-43 

41 Then Jesus told him this story: “A man loaned money to two people—500 pieces of silver to one and 50 pieces to the other.42 But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?” 43 Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the larger debt.”

“That’s right,” Jesus said.

 JOY IN TRIALS, PAIN IN TRIUMPHS 

Jesus told this parable at a dinner hosted by a Pharisee. A "sinful" woman had pushed her way to the feet of Jesus, crying, wiping His feet with her hair and pouring perfume on His feet to the disgust of the guests. Even more amazing to the gathered guests, Jesus welcomed her, recognized her faith and forgave her sins.

Jesus compared the Pharisee and the sinful woman. Both needed forgiveness, but only one recognized her need. Her sins were overt and obvious, and she had nowhere to turn but the Savior. His sins were covert and hidden from all but God. His success led him to be prideful and oblivious to his great need for a Savior.
Be careful with a compliant child. It is tempting to forego a consequence because, "She is always so good!" But, we all need some failure to recognize our need for grace. Don't let your child be carried away from God by his triumphs.

Parenting- Day 67

Genesis 22:10-11

10 And Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice.11 At that moment the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!”

“Yes,” Abraham replied. “Here I am!”

SACRIFICE

We marvel at Abraham's obedience when the cost was so high. But many of us are willing to sacrifice our children too — not on an altar — but to the expectations of this world. This sacrifice requires no knife, but is executed in subtle day-to-day compromises. Overcrowded schedules that squeeze out time for relationships. Messages communicating significance in a child's "success." Pressuring kids to perform because we see them as reflections of ourselves. Investing our time and money chasing after power, beauty, and fame.

We are bombarded with false messages defining our worth and the worth of our children by worldly standards. Like Abraham, God is calling us to bring this sacrifice to a halt. But we must look past the temporal and see with eternal eyes. We must choose to worship the Creator instead of the creation.

Surrender your kids to God and spend the time necessary to uncover His plan for their lives.

Parenting- Day 66

Colossians 1:10-11
  
10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.  11 We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy,

ENDURANCE AND PATIENCE

Some parents are blessed with compliant children who always want to please mom and dad. Others have kids who are prone to testing the boundaries. This constant rebellion can push a parent to the brink of their patience and endurance.

Thankfully, you can turn to your Heavenly Father. He knows what you're going through because He's experienced countless acts of rebellion from all of his children but one. God's promise is to strengthen you with His power "so that you might have great endurance and patience".

God gives parents of rebellious children the patience and endurance they need. Ask!

Parenting- Day 65

Ephesians 4:26-27

26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry,27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

ANGER

Anger is not always wrong, but what we do with our anger determines whether we are acting righteously or sinfully. We should be angered by acts of ungodliness, unrighteousness, injustice, and inequity. These things anger God as well.

But if you are angry because someone has disturbed your pride, self-sufficiency, status, prestige, or power, your reaction will likely be sinful. And sinful anger is often expressed in harshness, cruelty, bitterness, and a lack of control.

We must examine our hearts when our kids make us angry. If it is righteous anger, let it motivate you to take action and deliver consequences. Sin needs to be addressed, and we honor God by delivering those consequences with empathy and love. If it is sinful anger, pray for the courage to confess it, repent, and resolve it.

Examine your anger to determine the motives behind it.

Parenting- Day 64

Psalm 119:67

67 I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word.

THE VALUE OF TRIALS

This psalmist was ridiculed and persecuted for his faith by people of higher authority and position than him, but he remained strong by diligently studying God's Word. In fact, he tells us the persecution or "affliction" was necessary to keep him from straying. "It was good ... to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees."

When we are successful, we tend to want to take personal credit. When we face trials, however, we tend to turn to God for answers. How could this happen? Why me? What did I do wrong? If seeking those answers causes you to turn to Bible study and prayer, you may have part of your answer. Trials teach so much better than triumphs. Perhaps that is why Paul urges us to "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds," (James 1:2).

Trials can motivate us to seek God's truth and wisdom.

Parenting- Day 63

2 Timothy 3:14-15 

14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

BIBLE STUDY FOR KIDS

Timothy was raised in a godly home by a mother and grandmother who taught him the Scriptures. He was surrounded by the Word "from infancy" in preparation for the time when Paul would lead him to salvation through Christ. This early immersion in the Word of God prepared him for the message of Jesus.

It's never too early for your kids to start learning the Bible. There are excellent storybooks with pictures for the very young and more sophisticated versions for older kids. Eventually they can graduate to owning a Bible of their own. In fact the early years are some of the most productive, because your children will be excited to learn from you. Make an effort to lovingly introduce Scripture when your kids are young. This time doesn't last forever, and it is a lot harder to do when they get into the teenage years.

It is never too early to start a Bible study with your kids.

Parenting- Day 62

Romans 12:1-2

1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

GOD'S MERCY

The parenting journey is full of mistakes. We will never be perfect. But, we can be comforted by the fact that God knows us, He knows the mistakes we make, and He loves us just the same. He doesn't expect perfection.

God expects us to offer our parenting as an act of worship. When we renew our minds by internalizing His truth, and parent according to His plan for success, He is pleased. You know what this is like — when your child presented you with a project they made you hung it on your wall or refrigerator because it represented their love for you. It wasn't the artistic excellence you prized, but the motivation behind it. It is no different for God.

Renew your mind and parent your kids as a spiritual act of worship to please God.

  

Parenting- Day 61

1 Samuel 8:1-3

1 As Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons to be judges over Israel. 2 Joel and Abijah, his oldest sons, held court in Beersheba. 3 But they were not like their father, for they were greedy for money. They accepted bribes and perverted justice.

NO GUARANTEES

The godliest parents in the world are not guaranteed godly children. Why? Because children are free will creatures living in a fallen world, just like their parents. They have the choice to follow our example and the instruction we give them, or not. All would agree that the prophet Samuel walked with God as faithfully as any man. Yet his children turned out so poorly the people demanded a king to replace them as judges. God honored Samuel's faithfulness in many ways, but his example was not reflected in the choices of his children.

Parenting is a journey with an uncertain destination. We can't count on a good result just because we are faithful. There is no formula that will assure you your children will follow Jesus. You must place your trust in God, surrender your children to Him, follow God's will the best you can, and leave the results to Him.

You must trust the result of your parenting to God.

Parenting- Day 60

1 Timothy 4:16

16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.

DISCIPLINE IS AN EXAMPLE

Being prepared for godly parenting requires a close, daily walk with God. After all, He is the father of all mankind. He has had billions of children! And He has recorded his thoughts and experiences as an example for our parenting journey. Read the Bible through the lens of parenting, and you will be amazed at the wealth of knowledge it contains.

In this passage Paul told Timothy he needed to be disciplined in his life before he could be effective in the lives of others. Later he told him where the ultimate example is found, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Tim 3:16-17 NIV).

Bible study helps you emulate God and lets His wisdom shine through you.

Parenting- Day 59

1 Timothy 1:16

16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.

BEING THE ULTIMATE EXAMPLE

Kids learn some of the most important lessons by watching the most influential people in their lives — their parents. They learn by watching your example in good times and bad. And in the bad times, when you act with anger, ridicule, condescension, selfishness, etc, you will have an extra opportunity to model the humility that results from confession and repentance, and the mercy and grace that comes from being a child of God.

As your children grow, they will see you are not perfect. Hopefully they will seek the source of perfection in the only place it can be found, God. You can show them the way by demonstrating that your response to imperfections is to present them to God with a grateful heart, knowing His mercy and grace will wipe the slate clean. What an opportunity to communicate the gospel message to your kids in a practical, real-life manner!

Be an example of God's patience, mercy, and grace. Your kids are watching.

 

Parenting- Day 57

Colossians 3:1-2

1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.

LOOKING HEAVENWARD

In parenting our discontent and pride can reveal areas where we get caught up in the "things that are on earth." We can be competitive when we compare our children to other kids. We feel validated when they are the star athlete or an academic whiz, but we get upset when they are overlooked or unmotivated. We find ourselves buying into the value system of other parents.

How can we set our minds on things above? Start the day by praising God. Ask Him to reveal your motivations. Recognize where you are seeking the approval of others over the approval of God. Seek His wisdom through Bible study and prayer. God provides the resources, but we "set our minds on things above" when we incorporate them into our parenting.

Make a conscious effort each day to focus on what is eternally important.

Parenting- Day 56

1 Thessalonians 5:14

14 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.

FLEXIBILITY

Each of our children is unique. Some like lots of activities; others prefer time alone. Some are compliant; others constantly test the limits. Some have thick skins; others are easily offended. And each child will change over the years. As a result our parenting approach depends on knowing each child and responding according to his unique personality.

For the undisciplined or rebellious child, admonishment is needed. You will be challenged to deliver consequences consistently and empathetically.

For the discouraged child who is tempted to withdraw, comfort and encouragement are necessary. Learn to listen to their concerns and reflect their feelings back to them as you communicate confidence in their abilities.

A weak child needs help. Maybe he tends toward adherence to "the rules" without understanding there are principles behind the rules. Spiritual wisdom can be passed along by helping the child explore the reasons for his actions.

Regardless of the personality type, God asks us to be patient. God wants us to "know" each child and adapt our parenting style to each particular personality.

 

Parenting- Day 55

2 Corinthians 12:14

14 Now I am coming to you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you. I don’t want what you have—I want you. After all, children don’t provide for their parents. Rather, parents provide for their children.

TO KNOW AND BE KNOWN

What do we seek from our children? Sometimes, we seek validation from their achievements. It feels good to be the parent of the overachieving child. In the end, however, if we seek to be validated by their acts, we are seeking what is theirs. Instead, we should be seeking them. Our kids are not responsible for our well-being; we are responsible for theirs.

Think of your relationship to your heavenly Father. God does not need your performance; He wants only you. To be known by God despite our many faults and failings is our highest reward (see Matt 7:23). It is no different for our children. They long to be known by you for their own merit, not for their ability to perform. To model that kind of love for your children is to model the love of God for us.

Seek to "know" your children for who God made them to be.

 

Parenting- Day 58

2 Corinthians 4:17-18

17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE

God never wastes suffering. Trials work for us, not against us (Jas 1:2-5). If we trust God and surrender to Him, trials will produce patience, perseverance and maturity in the lives of our family. If we rebel and fight against our circumstances, we will remain impatient, impulsive and immature. God allows trials so He can build character into our lives. Warren Wiersbe gives a great analogy, "God can grow a mushroom overnight, but it takes many years - and many storms - to build a mighty oak."

It takes an eternal perspective to see beyond today to eternity. Your kids are not likely to be able to do it without your gentle, guiding hand. As you empathetically walk through trials with them, you can model the faith, hope, and love that allow you to look at tough situations as opportunities to grow and develop, and to be more like Christ.

An eternal perspective gives us the ability to see beyond temporary trials.

 

Parenting- Day 54

Genesis 39:1-6

Joseph in Potiphar’s House

1 When Joseph was taken to Egypt by the Ishmaelite traders, he was purchased by Potiphar, an Egyptian officer. Potiphar was captain of the guard for Pharaoh, the king of Egypt.

2 The LORD was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master.3 Potiphar noticed this and realized that the LORD was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did.4 This pleased Potiphar, so he soon made Joseph his personal attendant. He put him in charge of his entire household and everything he owned.5 From the day Joseph was put in charge of his master’s household and property, the LORD began to bless Potiphar’s household for Joseph’s sake. All his household affairs ran smoothly, and his crops and livestock flourished.6 So Potiphar gave Joseph complete administrative responsibility over everything he owned. With Joseph there, he didn’t worry about a thing—except what kind of food to eat!

Joseph was a very handsome and well-built young man

STEWARDSHIP

Joseph was a very good steward. Although he didn't own anything in Potiphar's house, he was entrusted with everything in it as manager. Joseph never laid claim to Potiphar's possessions, but he managed Potiphar's affairs well, knowing one day he would be accountable for the results.

Don't forget that you have been given stewardship over your children, rather than ownership. They belong to God, but He has entrusted you with their care and growth while they are under your care. How might this perspective affect the way you parent?

Children belong to God, and you are God's steward over them.

Parenting- Day 53

Hebrews 5:12-14

12 You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food.13 For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right.14 Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.

MATURING SPIRITUALLY

Carpools. Homework. Sports. Dance lessons. Our day is crammed with activities as we strive to meet the demands of parenting. But sometimes in all this activity we lose sight of the most important ingredient for godly parenting — nurturing our relationship with the living God. Are you growing spiritually, or have you let everyday activities crowd out time for God? The greatest gift we can give our kids is the example of a deep relationship with God and a desire to know His truth. The "solid food" of spiritual maturity will overflow into our parenting as we tap into God's wisdom.

Grow in spiritual maturity by making it a priority to spend time with God.

 

Easter Sunday

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3 

Happy Easter

Parenting- Day 52

Acts 4:31

31 After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.

THE POWER OF PRAYER

In the early days of the church, when the Christians faced problems, they turned to God in prayer and were rewarded with the power of the Holy Spirit. Imagine this scene, where the room in which the people were praying "shook" with the power of God! Time after time, the Bible instructs us to pray and promises us the power of the Spirit, yet we often depend on our own strength to handle the problems of life, including parenting.

How much easier it is to surrender our children and ourselves to God, and rely on the Spirit to empower us to deal with our trials. It takes faith however. A lack of faith causes us to rely on our own power rather than on the Holy Spirit.

Model a belief in the power of prayer and faith in God as you face parenting challenges.

Parenting- Day 51

Zechariah 4:6

 6 Then he said to me, “This is what the LORD says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.

 

THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT

When the remnant of the Jews returned to Jerusalem from the Babylonian captivity, they tried to rebuild the temple, but became discouraged. They had neither the military strength nor the physical power needed to accomplish the task. But, God reminded them it is not human strength or power that accomplishes His will; it is the Spirit. With this encouragement, Zerubbabel and the people completed the temple.

Our culture tells us we must have money, power, beauty, or fame to be successful. But God often works through the small and the weak to accomplish His goals. He asks us to depend on His strength, not ours. When we embrace our weakness, we can receive His strength.

Strength in parenting comes from relying on God's power, not our own.

Parenting- Day 50

Zephaniah 3:15 

15 For the LORD will remove his hand of judgment and will disperse the armies of your enemy. And the LORD himself, the King of Israel, will live among you! At last your troubles will be over, and you will never again fear disaster.

THE CERTAINTY OF OUR HOPE

We can live joyfully in the present when we know the future is secure. As Christian parents, we can approach the trials of life with calm assurance because we know nothing on this earth can keep us from an eternity with God. As your kids experience disappointments — poor report cards, lost games, romantic break-ups, fights with friends — pass along this message of hope.

Our faith is revealed in the way we respond to everyday events. Sometimes we forget the end result for those who trust in the Lord. We will live and reign with Him and for Him. The future is assured.

In trials or in triumphs rejoice in the hope of the coming age and pass that joy on to your children.

Parenting- Day 49

Judges 16:15-16

15 Then Delilah pouted, “How can you tell me, ‘I love you,’ when you don’t share your secrets with me? You’ve made fun of me three times now, and you still haven’t told me what makes you so strong!”16 She tormented him with her nagging day after day until he was sick to death of it.

NAGGING

Delilah nagged Samson until he finally revealed the secret of his strength. The phrase "tired to death" sums up the effects of nagging, doesn't it? Sometimes we give in to our kid's requests, even when we know it's not best for them, just to buy some momentary peace. It comes at a price, however, because we've rewarded the very behavior we want to discourage.

Parents can be good at nagging, too. One reason we default to nagging is because it's easier than following through with consequences. But we have to ask ourselves whether relieving our anxiety for a moment is really producing the behavior we are seeking?

Relationships suffer when we nag. It's not a behavior that earns respect and it can cause our kids to grow "tired to death" of us. Even though it's tough to give consequences with empathy, it's a much more considerate way to treat our children.

Giving consequences with empathy is far more effective than nagging.

 

Parenting- Day 48

Joshua 23:6

6 “So be very careful to follow everything Moses wrote in the Book of Instruction. Do not deviate from it, turning either to the right or to the left.

FOCUS

God has provided guidelines and wisdom on how we should live. But our culture opposes these guidelines and sees God's truth as foolishness. We are bombarded with messages telling us what our children must have or do to "be somebody." Extravagant birthday parties, expensive gifts, violent video games, mature movies, profane music, and inappropriate clothing are just a few of the ways the world attempts to feed us a large helping of "compromise."

In the midst of this barrage we can get distracted. When we look "to the right or to the left" at choices made by other parents or our children's friends, we open ourselves up to the pressures of conformity. We know where the truth lies, however. The trick is keeping our focus on Jesus.

Discipline yourself to focus on Jesus and His truth.

Parenting- Day 47

Day 47 of 280

Joshua 4:20-22 

20 It was there at Gilgal that Joshua piled up the twelve stones taken from the Jordan River. 21 Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future your children will ask, ‘What do these stones mean?’22 Then you can tell them, ‘This is where the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’

STORIES OF REMEMBRANCE

The memorial of twelve stones was a great reminder of God's grace and power. When Israelite children saw it, they would hear the story and learn about God. It kept God's faithfulness fresh in their parent's minds too.

All of us have memories of answered prayers and of God's work in our lives. How often do you share these stories with your children? Faced with trials, it can be easy to focus on our fear rather than remembering how God has provided for us in the past. Each time you experience God's grace, make a memorial of the occasion in your mind (you might even write it down). These are your stones of remembrance.

Offer strength and encouragement by sharing your stories of God's faithfulness with your children.

  

Passion Week

Holy Monday

During this week we will briefly read about, pray about and think about the steps of Jesus, and as we continue our seven day journey to the resurrection of Jesus from the grave we cannot avoid Monday.

JESUS' MONDAY
Monday in the last week of Jesus is marked by the word ‘conviction’.  In western culture we live in a world of convenience and comfort, but Jesus had conviction.  This is one of just a few times in all of Scriptures you see Him visibly angry.  He goes into the Temple, the place where people were to worship God and to lift God up, and He starts turning over tables because they were not thinking rightly and their focus was distracted

Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves.  Matthew 21:12

As Jesus moves toward the cross and the ultimate destiny of being crucified for crimes he didn't commit he wasn't about comfort; actually quite the opposite.   He lived with purpose, with passion, and with deep conviction.   The dictionary defines passion as
a)     Strong and barely controllable emotion.
b)    A state or outburst of such emotion.

In His extremely focused journey, Monday was the day His passion confronted the apathy in the lives of those who were supposed to represent God.    Our English words for passion and apathy are both derived from the same greek word ‘pathos’.    They are opposites and cannot reside together.    Apathy means ‘without passion’.    If we can see anything in the character of Jesus it is a driving passion to build the Kingdom of God.  There is no room for apathy in the life of a Christ follower.

Perhaps today ask the question.  Am I passionate about what Jesus is passionate about? Have I become apathetic?   The verse on my heart this morning when I woke up and posted on Facebook is Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Passion always moves us, apathy always stops us.  Passion is about conviction and apathy is about comfort.  Passion is about compassion, but with apathy we simply stop caring.  On 'my' Monday, I want my heart to be broken with the things that break God's heart.   Let's be reminded on our journey with Jesus that passion matters.....A LOT. 

Living Hope Church

 

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Parenting- Day 46

 Day 46 of 280

Joshua 1:9
9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

TRUST AND FEAR

God spoke these words to Joshua as he was preparing for battle, but they are just as applicable to our lives today. The key to overcoming fear at work, in relationships, or in parenting, is trust in God. Anyone who has raised a two-year-old or a teenager knows what it means to be terrified and discouraged! And yet God does not ask us to be courageous — He commands it.

How can we build the kind of faith that overcomes fear — fear that our kids will hurt or be hurt by others, abuse substances, make sexual compromises, or not come to know the Lord? Trust in God develops as we obey His Word and experience His love. We may not know God's purpose in many of life's events, but our peace comes from knowing Him.

Trust in God conquers fear in parenting.

Parenting- Day 45

Deuteronomy 30:19-20

19 “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!20 You can make this choice by loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the LORD, you will live long in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”

RELEASE CONTROL

God does not force Himself on us. Even when the consequences are extremely high, He gives us the choice to obey or disobey. How heartbreaking it must be when His children choose death over life.

We can relate as we watch our kids make self-destructive choices for momentary pleasure. Every Christian parent yearns for his or her children to "choose life". Our example and the way we parent has an enormous influence on our kids, but it will never give us total control. Despite all our best efforts, eventually we must accept the fact that we cannot grant our kids an intimate relationship with the Lord. That is something they must choose for themselves.

Good parenting cannot guarantee a good result. For that, we must trust the Lord.

 

Parenting- Day 44

Deuteronomy 11:18-19

18 “So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders.19 Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 

TALKING ABOUT GOD

Is God a part of your everyday conversation with your kids? Or do spiritual topics feel forced and awkward? What we truly value will be revealed in our time, our money and our words. Is your passion for God as obvious as your passion for sports, good grades, or vacations?

When we share God's wisdom moment-by-moment, carpool-by-carpool, breakfast-by-breakfast, the lessons of the Bible come alive. Life provides countless opportunities to illustrate the truth of His Word. When we demonstrate that He is relevant and vital to our everyday lives, we encourage our children to write this truth on their hearts as well.
Demonstrate your love for God by talking with your kids about His influence in your life.

 

Parenting- Day 43

Deuteronomy 8:17-18

17 He did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’18 Remember the LORD your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.

HUMILITY

Few things are more effective in undermining our walk with God than pride. Many of us claim to be dependent on Him, but live our lives depending on ourselves. The way we respond to both our achievements and our disappointments is a powerful testimony to our children.

When your sense of worth soars with success, you are taking credit for positive results. Results, however, ultimately depend on God, not us. In His sovereign wisdom, He uses both good and bad experiences to bring about His plan. When we understand this, we have a better perspective on success and failure. Our talents are gifts from God and, while He calls us to use them for His glory, the outcome belongs to Him.

Model humility in your successes and your failures.

 

Parenting- Day 42

 Deuteronomy 5:9-10

9 You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me.10 But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.

LEGACY

God knows the consequences of sin and pleads for us to obey his commands. He lets us know in advance that our choices will have lasting consequences for us and for our children. Sinful choices can be the beginning of destructive family patterns that often carry on generation after generation.

But God's mercy far outweighs his judgment. Many more generations will be blessed if we choose to love and obey Him. In the face of temptation, remember that the way we live our lives establishes a lasting legacy, either in the form of blessings or punishments. What will we choose to give our children and the generations that follow?

When faced with temptation, consider the legacy that sin passes on to your children.