“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:1-4
“Train up a child in the way he should go,
even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
How do you go about raising your children right? Better than the advice of any “expert” are the truths and principles found in the Word of God. These have been gleaned from Scripture for our benefit and the benefit of our children.
We must:
1. Teach them to respect authority. (Eph. 6:1-2)
2. Teach them to honor their parents. (Eph. 6:2)
3. Accept them as they are. (Eph. 6:4)
4. Give them time with you. This includes your discipline, supervision, affection, and closeness as a family unit.
5. Allow them some breathing room and teach them to make decisions.
6. Express trust in them.
7. Encourage them without comparing them with someone else.
8. Teach them how to accept failure.
9. Stand with them in great difficulties.
10. Include them in family decisions.
11. Be willing to admit when you are wrong.
12. Learn how to discipline your children properly.
13. Train your children in spiritual principles.
14. Teach your children to Whom they are ultimately accountable.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
What’s Important to a Child?
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:1-4
What is important to children? What makes children feel safe and secure in the home setting?
1. They need to feel that they belong to the family unit. Children need to feel that they are wanted, that you delight in them, that they have the tenderest place in your heart.
2. They need to feel a sense of worth. They need to know that you think they are somebody special - there’s no one like them.
3. They need to feel competent to do what is expected of them. It is destructive to one’s self-worth to be expected to do something that is beyond your ability to perform.
All of these are essential to the good spiritual, mental, moral, and emotional health of any child.
Parents, as you look at your children, can you see all three of these elements strongly developed in his or her life? You have the opportunity to change those areas which are weak or nonexistent. With Christ as your life, you can humbly ask for forgiveness where you’ve failed and start again in your attempt to parent that little one who is a gift of life from the Lord.
Children need to feel that they belong and possess a sense of self-worth and a level of competency.
What is important to children? What makes children feel safe and secure in the home setting?
1. They need to feel that they belong to the family unit. Children need to feel that they are wanted, that you delight in them, that they have the tenderest place in your heart.
2. They need to feel a sense of worth. They need to know that you think they are somebody special - there’s no one like them.
3. They need to feel competent to do what is expected of them. It is destructive to one’s self-worth to be expected to do something that is beyond your ability to perform.
All of these are essential to the good spiritual, mental, moral, and emotional health of any child.
Parents, as you look at your children, can you see all three of these elements strongly developed in his or her life? You have the opportunity to change those areas which are weak or nonexistent. With Christ as your life, you can humbly ask for forgiveness where you’ve failed and start again in your attempt to parent that little one who is a gift of life from the Lord.
Children need to feel that they belong and possess a sense of self-worth and a level of competency.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
The Message of Marriage
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, because we are members of His body. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.” Ephesians 5:25-32
It is so interesting to note that those who oppose the institution of marriage often attempt to use Scripture to support their position. Often it is claimed that the Bible teaches from a man’s viewpoint and thereby demotes the status of women.
Nothing could be further from truth. When a Christian husband follows the New Testament teaching on marriage, he increases the self-esteem and worth of his wife. The net result is a woman who has an unmovable confidence in her relationship with her husband and whose “emotional cup” is filled to overflowing.
Paul puts a lot of responsibility on the husband, but he does it with one word - love. The role of the husband is to be carried out under the direction of the Spirit of God and according to the admonition to love his wife.
Christian husband, are you devoting yourself to showing love toward your wife in every matter you face, every hour of the day? “What is love?” you ask. Love is giving yourself in service to your wife with a servant spirit. Under that definition, do you qualify as a loving husband? Will you commit yourself to becoming that kind of husband?
“Love...bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Cor. 13:7
It is so interesting to note that those who oppose the institution of marriage often attempt to use Scripture to support their position. Often it is claimed that the Bible teaches from a man’s viewpoint and thereby demotes the status of women.
Nothing could be further from truth. When a Christian husband follows the New Testament teaching on marriage, he increases the self-esteem and worth of his wife. The net result is a woman who has an unmovable confidence in her relationship with her husband and whose “emotional cup” is filled to overflowing.
Paul puts a lot of responsibility on the husband, but he does it with one word - love. The role of the husband is to be carried out under the direction of the Spirit of God and according to the admonition to love his wife.
Christian husband, are you devoting yourself to showing love toward your wife in every matter you face, every hour of the day? “What is love?” you ask. Love is giving yourself in service to your wife with a servant spirit. Under that definition, do you qualify as a loving husband? Will you commit yourself to becoming that kind of husband?
“Love...bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Cor. 13:7
Friday, August 27, 2010
The Key to Harmony in the Home
“...and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ. Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church.” Ephesians 5:21-29
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4
Martin Luther dealt with matters of theology and with matters of daily life as well. Concerning a man’s place in the home and in society, he wrote, “A Christian man is the most free lord of all, and subject to none; a Christian man. is the most dutiful servant of all, and subject to everyone.”
The common thought among men of the world is that they determine their own fate, design their own destiny, and recoil at the idea of accountability. But that mindset leads to tragedy for the individual and for his family.
Through Paul’s teaching, we again see the validity of godly truth which is completely opposite to what the world believes, follows, and practices. The key to real, successful manhood is not the pursuit of selfish gain but the ability to submit to others in godly wisdom and self-control. Paul was accused of turning the world upside down with his teaching. When followed, this principle of submission can turn your world right side up.
“The purpose of life is not to find your freedom, but your master.” -P.T. Forsyth
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4
Martin Luther dealt with matters of theology and with matters of daily life as well. Concerning a man’s place in the home and in society, he wrote, “A Christian man is the most free lord of all, and subject to none; a Christian man. is the most dutiful servant of all, and subject to everyone.”
The common thought among men of the world is that they determine their own fate, design their own destiny, and recoil at the idea of accountability. But that mindset leads to tragedy for the individual and for his family.
Through Paul’s teaching, we again see the validity of godly truth which is completely opposite to what the world believes, follows, and practices. The key to real, successful manhood is not the pursuit of selfish gain but the ability to submit to others in godly wisdom and self-control. Paul was accused of turning the world upside down with his teaching. When followed, this principle of submission can turn your world right side up.
“The purpose of life is not to find your freedom, but your master.” -P.T. Forsyth
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Walking in the Spirit
“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ. Ephesians 5:15-21
The epistles of Paul are filled with instructions for living the Christian life. Don’t confuse them with the long lists of Old Testaments commands, curses, and blessings. These are New Testament admonitions (instruction, guidance, suggestions) which point to renewed mind and heart, not just conformity to rules and regulations.
Paul often speaks in a warning tone of voice: “...be careful how you walk...do not be foolish... understand...do not get drunk...but be filled with the Spirit, speaking...singing and making melody...always giving thanks...be subject to one another...”
This is the pattern for the child of God. Those in the world do whatever their conscience will allow. Those who are bought with the blood of Christ observe a different law and are motivated by a pure love for and fear of God.
How do you live the Christian life? First, by entering into that life by being born again by the Holy Spirit (John 3:1-21). Then you learn how to walk in the Spirit and abide in Christ (John 15).
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16
The epistles of Paul are filled with instructions for living the Christian life. Don’t confuse them with the long lists of Old Testaments commands, curses, and blessings. These are New Testament admonitions (instruction, guidance, suggestions) which point to renewed mind and heart, not just conformity to rules and regulations.
Paul often speaks in a warning tone of voice: “...be careful how you walk...do not be foolish... understand...do not get drunk...but be filled with the Spirit, speaking...singing and making melody...always giving thanks...be subject to one another...”
This is the pattern for the child of God. Those in the world do whatever their conscience will allow. Those who are bought with the blood of Christ observe a different law and are motivated by a pure love for and fear of God.
How do you live the Christian life? First, by entering into that life by being born again by the Holy Spirit (John 3:1-21). Then you learn how to walk in the Spirit and abide in Christ (John 15).
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Walking in the Light
“For you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.
For this reason it says,
‘Awake, sleeper,
And arise from the dead,
And Christ will shine on you.’
Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:8-16
Even a casual thumbing through of the daily paper or weekly news magazine shows the discerning Christian the contrast between himself and the world - or it should. Things which once were not even questioned (they were simply “wrong” and were not to be done) are now often defended under the guise of “freedom of speech” or “freedom of expression.” But wrong is wrong. Right is right. Darkness is darkness. Light is light. They are what they are, and their qualities and properties are distinct.
Why do you think Paul taught the first century Christians to “walk as children of light”? It is easy to see the graphic illustration of light versus darkness. Where there is an absence of light, you have darkness. Where there is light - even a little light - you no longer have darkness.
Paul did not indicate concern about the intensity of our light but simply said that we are to be light. Paul’s words in these verses are packed full of personal application for every believer. Here are some how to instructions for living the Christian life. Read them. Heed them. Shine your light.
“Let your light shine before men...that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father...” Matthew 5:16
For this reason it says,
‘Awake, sleeper,
And arise from the dead,
And Christ will shine on you.’
Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:8-16
Even a casual thumbing through of the daily paper or weekly news magazine shows the discerning Christian the contrast between himself and the world - or it should. Things which once were not even questioned (they were simply “wrong” and were not to be done) are now often defended under the guise of “freedom of speech” or “freedom of expression.” But wrong is wrong. Right is right. Darkness is darkness. Light is light. They are what they are, and their qualities and properties are distinct.
Why do you think Paul taught the first century Christians to “walk as children of light”? It is easy to see the graphic illustration of light versus darkness. Where there is an absence of light, you have darkness. Where there is light - even a little light - you no longer have darkness.
Paul did not indicate concern about the intensity of our light but simply said that we are to be light. Paul’s words in these verses are packed full of personal application for every believer. Here are some how to instructions for living the Christian life. Read them. Heed them. Shine your light.
“Let your light shine before men...that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father...” Matthew 5:16
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Shipwrecked Saints, Part 2
“This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith. Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme.” 1 Timothy 1:18-20
How does shipwreck occur?
4. Through carelessness. Any captain or crew member knows that you cannot afford to be careless for a moment. To remain afloat in your spiritual life, you must follow the same rule. Don’t let down your spiritual guard for a moment. Always remain alert.
5. Another cause is storms. But a wise captain has great respect for the power of a storm and also has learned how to sail through a storm.
How do you handle the storms of life? How do you weather them?
We stand in danger of spiritual shipwreck when we see the storms of life approaching and do not prepare for them - or when we allow anxiety and fear to paralyze us. The storms will come as surely as the bright, sunny days come. We can’t control the weather, but we can rely upon the One Who has control of the wind and the waves. His name is Jesus, and He calmly whispers, “Peace, be still.”
Be vigilant. It is possible to sail the seas of life without experiencing shipwreck, but the danger is ever present. “Chart and compass come from Thee, Jesus, Savior, pilot me!”
“When you corner an opossum, he plays dead; when you corner a hypocrite, he plays alive.”
How does shipwreck occur?
4. Through carelessness. Any captain or crew member knows that you cannot afford to be careless for a moment. To remain afloat in your spiritual life, you must follow the same rule. Don’t let down your spiritual guard for a moment. Always remain alert.
5. Another cause is storms. But a wise captain has great respect for the power of a storm and also has learned how to sail through a storm.
How do you handle the storms of life? How do you weather them?
We stand in danger of spiritual shipwreck when we see the storms of life approaching and do not prepare for them - or when we allow anxiety and fear to paralyze us. The storms will come as surely as the bright, sunny days come. We can’t control the weather, but we can rely upon the One Who has control of the wind and the waves. His name is Jesus, and He calmly whispers, “Peace, be still.”
Be vigilant. It is possible to sail the seas of life without experiencing shipwreck, but the danger is ever present. “Chart and compass come from Thee, Jesus, Savior, pilot me!”
“When you corner an opossum, he plays dead; when you corner a hypocrite, he plays alive.”
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