Tag Archives: anchor

05.22.13
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† Devo † Stumbling Blocks #AnchorFAM #ParentingByDesign

Our example has a huge impact on our kids. There are liberties we have as adults that we can enjoy because we have the experience and maturity to keep them in perspective. But, these same liberties may be a trap for our kids because they don’t have the same experience and maturity. What was a freedom to you can turn into enslavement for a child who tries to emulate your behavior.

We may have to sacrifice some of our freedom because of our children’s immaturity. We may rethink our choices about drinking, movies, and TV, and even the words we use, and modify our activities because we don’t know the areas in which our kids might be prone to struggle. Until they can filter our actions through a more mature perspective, we may need to lovingly refrain from some of our liberties so that our actions will not become stumbling blocks to them.

Think about your example to your kids. Are they wise enough to copy everything you do?

Then let us no more criticize andblame andpass judgment on one another, but rather decide andendeavor never to put a stumbling block oran obstacle or a hindrance in the way of a brother.

Romans 14:13

 

05.21.13
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† Devo † Offerings #AnchorFAM #ParentingByDesign

We may look at the things we do for God going to church, tithing, Bible study as favors to Him and expect Him to appreciate our sacrifices of time and money. A sense of entitlement may even develop as we expect Him to reward us. However, God doesn’t need our sacrifices. He owns them already!

True worship recognizes that all things belong to God, including our time and our children. Every heartbeat is His gift. This perspective encourages us to make our offerings as true worship because we realize we have no claim on the things of this earth. It is only because of grace that we are able to have fellowship with Him and offer those gifts in the first place.

Don’t be resentful for being called to give back to God; see it as a privilege and opportunity to express your love and faith.

I will accept no bull from your house nor he-goat out of your folds. For every beast of the forest is Mine, andthe cattle upon a thousand hills orupon the mountains where thousands are. I know andam acquainted with all the birds of the mountains, and the wild animals of the field are Mine andare with Me, in My mind.

Psalm 50:9-11

 

05.20.13
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† Devo † Time Management #AnchorFAM #ParentingByDesign

God wants our eyes to be fixed on Him. The world offers many distractions, and we may substitute our obedience for earthly indulgence. The more we do this, the more we learn to settle for less. John Piper, from his book A Hunger for God, notes, “If we don’t feel strong desires for the manifestation of the glory of God, it is not because we have drunk deeply and are satisfied. It is because we have nibbled so long at the table of the world. Our soul is stuffed with small things, and there is no room for the great.”

Our children listen to us say we want to do God’s will, and they watch us to see how it is done. Let your example be that of a deep relationship with Christ that satisfies and compels you to seek His will over your own.

Approach the banquet of God’s fullness, and bring your children with you!

Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen tomorrow. What is the nature of your life? You are [really] but a wisp of vapor (a puff of smoke, a mist) that is visible for a little while and then disappears [into thin air]. You ought instead to say, If the Lord is willing, we shall live and we shall do this or that [thing].

James 4:14-15

05.04.13
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Devo: Big Problems With The First Family #AnchorFAM

Let’s talk about the big problems of the first family.

No, I’m not referring to the President and the First Lady, but to the original first family, Adam and Eve. They were also the first family to have big problems–I mean big problems. Adam and Eve sinned by disobeying God, and their sin infected the whole human race.

They had two boys, Cain and Abel, and the problem of sin carried over to their children’s lives. Cain became so jealous of Abel’s blessings that he murdered him.

The first family had real problems–from Adam and Eve’s simple disobedience, to seeing one of their children murder his brother. The family of man still struggles with the same problem of sin today. But God has a solution in the person of Jesus Christ, Who came to save us from our sin problem. When a person looks to Christ, in faith, for salvation from sin, it breaks the negative chain of sin that enslaves people and families.

And they answered, Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ [give yourself up to Him, take yourself out of your own keeping and entrust yourself into His keeping] and you will be saved, [and this applies both to] you and your household as well.
(Acts 16:31 AMP)

04.13.13
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Devo: Many Enemies in the Home #AnchorFAM #Parents #RightFromTheHeart

Enemies In The Home

There are many enemies within the home seeking to destroy the family. Let me share a few:

Busyness. Everyone is over-committed, mostly through workaholism and activity-itus. This is true for all ages with our over-organized children’s activities.

Lack of spiritual and moral leadership by the father. Approximately 34% of all births in the U.S. are to single moms. Even in some families that have a dad, he’s often absent or practically non-existent.

Negative influence of media and technology. Kids spend more time with the TV than they do with their parents, and its influence can be overwhelmingly negative. It’s a substitute for family communication. Internet pornography is devastating marriages and perverting how some men view women.

Parents, a vibrant relationship with God through Jesus Christ is the best way to battle the many enemies within the home.

Beware lest there be among you a man or woman or clan or tribe whose heart is turning away today from the Lord our God to go and serve the gods of those nations. Beware lest there be among you a root bearing poisonous and bitter fruit, (Deuteronomy 29:18 ESV)

04.12.13
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Devo: Save Your Mate #AnchorFAM #TriedByFire #Fireproof

A fine Christian woman, for many years, suffered spiritual abuse from her wicked husband. Although he was a good provider, loved the children, and made a good companion in every other area of life, he detested his wife’s religion. After years of spiritual suffering, she went weeping to her pastor, stating that she could take no more. She said she must either give up her experience with the Lord or divorce her husband. Her wise pastor encouraged her to wait and pray. Not too many months later, she had the privilege of leading her husband to repentance.

In the Corinthian church, there were wives and husbands who were suffering similar abuse. They talked with the apostle Paul and rather than give them a release for their burdens, he challenged them by stating: Think of it: as a wife you may be your husband’s salvation (The New English Bible). The fact is a mate most often has tremendous influence over the decisions of the one to whom they are married.

Perhaps you have relatives or friends who give you spiritual abuse. Do not despair. Take heart, for the same God that saved the jailer and his house can work in your home or circle of friends. Paul, ever realistic, does add: But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace (1 Corinthians 7:15).

For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. (1 Corinthians 7:14 ESV)

03.31.13
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Fundamental Question #Grace #Discipline #Prodigal

Your sibling did something horribly bad! They cheated on a test, no. They shaved the cat, no. They took dad’s new car for a joy ride, yeah that might work.

Not only did your sibling take the car out, but they damaged a good portion of the driver’s side. Dad is going to be extremely upset.

Your sibling thinks it was fun, funny, & that its no big deal because Dad will just get it fixed. At least that’s how you see it. You just know your sibling will take no responsibility when it comes to the consequence.

You know that you’ve gotten in trouble a lot with day. He helped you learn your lesson & be remorseful of your mistakes. But your sibling doesn’t seem that remorseful.

Ironically, you recall when you did the same thing. You took Dad’s car & got into an accident.

What do you do? 

A) Do you pretend that nothing ever happened? 

Dad won’t notice, or if he does you’re not responsible so you don’t need to say anything or do anything about it. 

B) Do you help your sibling escape the blame & consequence by creating a believable story? 

Lie to Dad. Tell him it wasn’t your siblings fault. Tell him someone must have stole it. 

C) Do you speak up to Dad & tell him the whole truth about what happened?

Your sibling might despise you, but they might just need to learn a lesson or morality & values. Wouldn’t you want to be disciplined now before you veer too far off the path? Why not do your sibling the same favor. 

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In conclusion:

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”

(Matthew 7:12-14 ESV)

Songs I find that suit this subject are;

HOW LOW

AMEN

MISCONCEPTION

WORK TO DO

SNITCH

 

03.02.13
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Devo: Spiritual Wimps or Spiritual Men #AnchorMEN

So many men today are real spiritual wimps. Not spiritual men, but spiritual wimps. Men, if you’re not interested in being a real man, the kind of leader in the home that God is calling you to be, this is not a message for you. Go on being gutless wonders just like so many men out there are when it comes to spiritual leadership in the home. But if you’re interested in being a real man, realize God has called you to lead.

Jesus Christ tells us we’re to be servant leaders–not dictatorial leaders–but servant leaders, like He was with His church and is with His church today. He gave His life for us. So, men, wake up. Our families need us. Our nation needs us to be real men–spiritual leaders in the home. And, remember, you lead your family by allowing Christ to lead you.

For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.” (Genesis 18:19 ESV)

03.01.13
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Devo: Excited About God #AnchorFAM #ParentingByDesign

Are you excited about God? Do you talk about the amazing things He has done in your life in the morning, over dinner, and when your kids go to bed? That’s the attitude the early believers had, and it was the impetus for spreading the Word in the earliest days.

Kids are attracted to great stories, and they want to be a part of something dynamic that stirs their blood. We do our kids a big favor when we make being a follower of Jesus something that is exciting and rewarding, rather than a tedious effort to follow a bunch of rules. Recognize God’s movement in your life and tell your kids about it. Make Christianity exhilarating.

When the God of heaven and earth touches your life, it is exciting! Share those stories with your kids.

We cannot keep quiet about what we have seen and heard.

Acts 4:20

02.28.13
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Devo: Not ‘How’, But ‘What’

Our response to painful situations in life demonstrates the level of trust we have in God. This is true in our lives and the lives of our kids. God has told us many times that He allows trials to perfect us and make us more like His Son. Trials are not to be dodged or avoided as much as they are to be endured for the sake of the lesson.

Asking God the right question in the middle of a trial is an expression of your trust in Him. The question should not be, “How am I going to get out of this?”, but rather, “What am I going to get out of this?” By changing “how” to “what”, you illustrate your dependence on Him to teach you and your willingness to learn.

Teach your kids to substitute an attitude of “what can I learn?” for “how can I escape?” when they face trials.

We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him. They are the ones God has chosen for his purpose.

Romans 8:28

02.27.13
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Devo: Counseling Available #AnchorFAM #ParentingByDesign

In times of struggle, we often seek a counselor — a trusted friend or a confidant to talk with about our troubles or from whom we seek guidance and direction. The disciples saw Jesus as their counselor, and were worried when He said He was leaving them. It was then that Jesus promised the ultimate Counselor — the Holy Spirit.

Like the disciples, we are given a Counselor to teach and remind us what Jesus taught (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit is available 24/7 and is absolutely free because Jesus paid His “fee”. He gives us the ability to understand our issues from Christ’s perspective and He exposes the false promises of the world. He offers us “the mind of Christ” (1 Cor 2:10-16).

Do you take advantage of the best counselor in heaven or earth? He is available to you when you trust Christ for your salvation.

But I tell you I am going to do what is best for you. This is why I am going away. The Holy Spirit cannot come to help you until I leave. But after I am gone, I will send the Spirit to you.

The Spirit will come and show the people of this world the truth about sin and God’s justice and the judgment. 
John 16:7-8
02.26.13
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Devo: Complaining and Arguing #AnchorFAM #ParentingByDesign

Traffic, gas prices, long lines, screaming children, demanding bosses. Each day offers lots of opportunities to gripe, complain and argue. Do you take the bait?

Most times we respond to these situations poorly and without thinking, but consider the fact that these can be opportunities to demonstrate our trust in a powerful, loving God. When we approach trials from God’s eternal perspective, they can become opportunities to show our kids that satisfaction and peace are not based on the world’s response to us, but rather our response to the world. Show them you are willing to accept inconveniences without complaining or arguing and make the best of each day regardless. This attitude is a “light” to your children.

Let’s stop complaining and arguing, and show our children we trust in God’s plan.

Do everything without grumbling or arguing. Then you will be the pure and innocent children of God. You live among people who are crooked and evil, but you must not do anything they can say is wrong. Try to shine as lights among the people of this world.

Philippians 2:14-15

02.25.13
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Devo: True Leadership #AnchorFAM #ParentingByDesign

This passage referred to the responsibility of leaders to study and rely upon the law of God as they governed. It kept them humble, centered on God, and guided their decisions so they would not stray from His path. Of course, this wasn’t easy and the Israelite leaders failed many times. When they strayed, God faithfully delivered consequences for their failures.

God’s advice for leaders hasn’t changed! As the leader of your family, recognize your need to learn from God’s Word. When we sacrifice personal study and meditation, we tend to lose our godly focus quickly, both for ourselves and for our family as well. Are consequences far behind?

Part of being a good leader is turning to your Leader for guidance every day.

 

Each day the king must read and obey these laws, so that he will learn to worship the Lord with fear and trembling and not think that he’s better than everyone else.

If the king completely obeys the Lord’s commands, he and his descendants will rule Israel for many years.
Deuteronomy 17:19-20
02.24.13
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Devo: Cleave #AnchorFAM

When God’s Word says of marriage, “A man shall leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife,” the word cleave means to “join together,” “to glue,” or “to cement.” This implies that there will always be pressures on the marriage to pull apart.

Pressures like:

* Busyness that leaves little quality time.
* Work can become all-consuming.
* Demands of children. Children are a blessing and we feel so responsible, but our spouse is to come first.
* Money, how it’s earned, saved, consumed, or wasted. It can become an idol and put before our spouse.
* Health problems. This is the reason wedding vows include “in sickness and in health.”

* Infidelity. This is the big one. This one can be devastating.

Yet when a husband and wife commit to cleave, no matter what, and look to God for strength and help, a marriage can withstand any pressure that seeks to pull it apart.

If a man and a woman have been married less than one year, he must not be sent off to war or sent away to do forced labor. He must be allowed to stay home for a year and be happy with his wife. (Deuteronomy 24:5 CEV)

02.23.13
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Your Children, Their Schools, & the Big Ten #AnchorFAM

The twentieth century was a time of radical change in our education system. A study done of the Fullerton, California, School System compared the problems in the 1940′s to the 1980′s and the differences were astounding. In the forties, the major problems with students were truancy, running in the halls, talking in class, and chewing gum. In the eighties the major problems included teenage pregnancy, violence, stealing, rape, bringing knives and guns to school, drug abuse and vandalism. And with the recent school shootings, the problems are even worse.

When we hear results like this, we realize the tremendous decline of values in our overall society. I encourage you to look to the Ten Commandments. The fact is, you can’t find better guidance for teaching our children how to live a successful life and how to care for their fellow man than the Big Ten. And why not begin by teaching them to your own children? Society will be a better place because of it.

Pay attention, my children! Follow my advice, and you will be happy. Listen carefully to my instructions, and you will be wise. (Proverbs 8:32, 33 CEV)