I Corinthians 13 has some important things to say about how love your kids in a way that blesses them and brings honor to God. Here are some examples: Love is patient That is what Paul means in Ephesians 6:4 when he calls upon fathers not to provoke their children to anger. This means that love is not a knee-jerk reaction when things don’t go well. Loving your children means understanding them and anticipating how obedience to your direction will be a challenge for them. Don’t be frustrated with their struggles. You are in the process of calling them from death to life. Love is kind Kind actions and pleasant words are the language of the gospel. Don’t allow busy, […]
Wisdom
270 posts
Your children know everything about you. They see when you are sleeping, they know when you have been good or bad, they know when you pout and when you shout. Your kids know all of this without your ever having to say a word. When you stumble and ask God for help — they learn. When you stumble and snap or make excuses — they learn from that, too. If you value your relationship with God above all else, your children will know that as well. What does this have to do with being Santa’s helper? Just this: in Psalm 72:18 we read that “God alone does marvelous things.” However, at Christmas time, for little children someone else is portrayed […]
Contentment is knowing that God has arranged all the events of my life so that at this moment I can live for his glory and experience his goodness. Contentment means I can do everything God wants me to do. I can know God’s peace regardless of my circumstance. Paul talks about contentment this way: “…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11b-13. Here are some […]
Three thousand years ago a father urged his son to get wisdom at any cost. Both his father and mother cherished him. The young boy was God’s gift to his parents after his older brother died in infancy. This father, with the events of the loss of his son, with the words of God’s prophet indelibly etched in his memory, made a passionate appeal to his son to embrace God’s wisdom. His message: “Love wisdom above all else.” This conversation so impacted his son that he repeated it to his own son. The words of the grandfather were handed down to the next generation. Read the power of these words: Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep […]
Suppose you lived in a war zone. The danger might come from guerrilla warfare, or tribal disputes, or ethnic hatred or prolonged civil war or perhaps the jungle of the inner city. For families living in one of these media-neglected zones, going outside to play can be an act of reckless endangerment. In places like this the instructions you give your children are instructions of life and death. If your kids fail to follow your directions to the letter they may pay with their life. An inviting, innocent looking object lying the ground may be a death trap. Failing to follow the exact path you give them to bring water to your home may result in capture or death. If […]
People want justice. Watch the news, listen to the candidates, listen to your three-year-old — justice matters. But whose justice are we talking about? Does your three-year-old offer an unbiased perspective on justice? Of course, the candidates and the media don’t appear to be any more balanced in their understanding of justice than your unhappy toddler. Like Pilate’s question to Jesus, we ask, “what is justice?” Justice cannot be determined by soundbites or clever ads or by passionate personal pleas. The cry for justice fuels unrest and often ends in violence. In the name of justice much harm occurs — both at home and in the streets. Toddlers, teenagers and spouses all want justice. But whose justice do you want? […]
On any given Sunday morning, you may sit next to a friend who is silently, urgently, pleading for help. She desperately wants help, but she is terrified that someone might actually notice her fears. So, each Sunday she tries to look normal and happy, while on the inside she agonizes with a mixture of guilt, desperation, fear and resignation. You see, your friend, who always appears slightly edgy but always eager to please, who quickly offers a nervous smile, is living in an abusive relationship. This scenario is all too real. The ugly reality is that weak men find their security in having women fear them. Your friend thought she had found just the right man. Exploitative, abusive men will […]
“Whatever you need, I’ve got your back!” Sounds like the words of a true friend, someone who will do anything for you. If you are discouraged, this friend will find the bright side. If there is something you want, this friend will help you get it. If there is a dispute with someone, this friend will always be on your side. This friend always has something good to say about you and never gives you a hard time. This friend is someone you can trust. Maybe not. “Friends” who will always do what you need may not really be your friend. Instead, whatever good they do for you comes with a hidden price. The apparent selflessness may be a cover […]
Most of us are not very good at asking for help. Asking in a way that humbly acknowledges your need, that shows respect and appreciation for God and others and does so in a way that is not selfish is a life skill that will benefit you and your children. In 2 Chronicles King Asa provides an excellent example of how to ask for help. Asa is faced with doing battle against an army that is significantly larger than the army of Judah. He needs help: Then Asa called to the Lord his God and said, “Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, Lord our God, for we rely on you, […]
Courage is doing what must be done, even when I am afraid and I think it is too hard. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9) A Prayer for Courage God, please help me to have courage. It is very hard to do what’s right when people might make fun of me or be angry at me. It’s also hard when I’m afraid I’ll fail. Thank you for Jesus, who had the courage to die on the cross for me. Help me to care about pleasing you more than anything else. In Jesus’ name, Amen. This prayer has rich application for […]