Tag Archives: AnchorFAM

05.23.13
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† Devo † Glorious Suffering #AnchorFAM #ParentingByDesign

Because we know God’s plan will lead us home to heaven, we can endure suffering along the way. In fact, if today’s suffering is “achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Cor 4:17), we ought to be able to count suffering as a blessing instead of a curse. Nonbelievers do not have this perspective on suffering and must achieve their glory now, because their future is eternal suffering apart from God.

We don’t know what it will be like in heaven, but we know that today’s suffering is our training for an eternal future of ministry in the presence of the Father. Trials prepare us for that futureÑthey are God’s curriculum for eternity.

Treat your family’s trials as opportunities to glorify the Father and as training for your future.

[You should] be exceedingly glad on this account, though now for a little while you may be distressed by trials andsuffer temptations, 7So that [the genuineness] of your faith may be tested, [your faith] which is infinitely more precious than the perishable gold which is tested andpurified by fire. [This proving of your faith is intended] to redound to [your] praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) is revealed.

1 Peter 1:6-7

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

05.13.13
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Devo: Parenting Preschoolers #AnchorFAM

This directive from Proverbs gives us great instruction on rearing our children:

*Train up means to lead and to teach; teaching your preschooler to obey and to understand who is boss.

*In the way he should go means being a student of your child. God has created each of them uniquely, and we want them to discover who God wants them to be.

*When he is old he will not depart from it. “Old” doesn’t mean teenager or young adult, but aged man.

Along the way, some kids break their parents’ hearts, but God’s Word offers hope that they will eventually come around. Take time to be a leader and a student of your children when they’re small, and there’s a far better chance they’ll listen to you and do what’s right when they’re old.

Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6 AMP)

05.12.13
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#MothersDay Devo: Starting Point For Being A Good Parent #AnchorFAM

Parenting is an overwhelming calling. We get started with no experience, and by the time we have experience, it’s often too late. So much is out of our control, and there are so many negative influences in our children’s lives.

To be a good parent, where should we begin?

The most important starting point is for Mom and Dad to love and respect each other. Why? Because so much of the identity of our children is wrapped up in Mom and Dad. So much of their security is knowing that Mom and Dad really love each other. This means that even if you’re divorced, don’t make the mistake of tearing down your child by tearing down your ex. Build up your child by portraying your ex in the best possible light, even when it’s difficult.

Parenting is tough, but the most important way to be a good parent is to love your spouse. God commands it, and our children need it.

So that they will wisely train the young women to be sane and sober of mind (temperate, disciplined) and to love their husbands and their children, To be self-controlled, chaste, homemakers, good-natured (kindhearted), adapting and subordinating themselves to their husbands, that the word of God may not be exposed to reproach (blasphemed or discredited). (Titus 2:4, 5 AMP)

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)

04.14.13
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I don’t want to hear any more opinions on @Lecrae (until you see this)!

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)

04.01.13
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Devo: Marriage And The Future #AnchorFAM #Equality #SisterWives #Incest #Koran #Mormon

Consider the logical result of same sex marriage. If modern man suddenly decrees that what has been immoral and illegal for thousands of years in every society is now moral and legal, how can he then deny a man the right to marry two, three, or four wives (especially since Islam’s Koran teaches this is okay)?

If same-sex marriage is right and good after being wrong for thousands of years, how can society deny the right for two consenting adults who want to be married–even though they may be father and daughter, mother and son, or brother and sister? On what basis could society say this is wrong, but same-sex marriage is okay? Same-sex marriage ushers in a multitude of legal quagmires that will result in moral chaos.

Let me suggest something outrageous. Let’s trust God, Who originated marriage as a lifetime commitment between a man and a woman. That’s still, after all these years, the best way to go.

“You shall not do according to all that we are doing here today, everyone doing whatever is right in his own eyes, (Deuteronomy 12:8 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

 

03.29.13
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Devo: Parental Respect #AnchorFAM

There’s a common problem in many homes today. Disrespect. Refusing to consider each other’s opinions, interrupting when someone’s talking, never apologizing for a mistake. Sounds like I’m talking about children, doesn’t it? But, parents, I’m actually referring to the way you behave.

Maybe you’ve seen it – a parent spewing anger or yelling careless words to control a child. You may have even done it yourself. It’s an easy trap to fall into. After all, such methods do create compliance – at least for that moment. But does it really make sense for a parent to demand respect by acting disrespectfully themselves?

Disrespect is an attack on a child’s self-worth. Parents who scream, belittle, interrupt, and lecture endlessly will erode the connection between them and their child. And without connection, parents face a never-ending struggle. As author Josh McDowell says, “Rules without relationship equals rebellion.” Over the long run, disrespect from a parent will lead to less compliance from a child, not more.

Another important consideration is what a parent’s behavior models. As you’ve probably already noticed, kids don’t need help learning how to be disrespectful. It’s part of the fallen nature at work within all of us. But that’s why it’s even more crucial for parents to keep themselves under control. It models for the child how to resolve conflict with another person while treating them with respect.

Listen, I understand how tough it is to raise kids these days. But parenting with respect not only shows a child how deeply we value them, but the need to respect others as well. Today, ask God to help you model a life worth imitating.

Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. (Hebrews 13:7 ESV)

03.24.13
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Devo: What Is Your Ultimate Authority For Making Decisions? #AnchorFAM

What is your ultimate authority for making important decisions? Is it your knowledge? Intuition? Your experience? is it people you want to please? Is it contemporary culture? Is it a synagogue, church, or certain spiritual leader?

I want to suggest God’s Word. God has created you for a purpose. He knows how you work best. The way He speaks through His written Word, and it is perfectly true. It applies to every age, race, and nation.

The Bible is clear on some things like murder, stealing, adultery, and forgiveness. When it doesn’t speak to a specific issue–like which mutual funds to invest in, whom to marry, or stem cell research, it gives perfect principles we need to know in order to make the best decisions–those that are pleasing to God.

So try reading it. Start with the New Testament. Ask God to speak to you through His Word. When it comes to living well, God’s Word knows best.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, (2 Timothy 3:16 ESV)

03.23.13
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Devo: A Great Prayer For Your Children #AnchorFAM

We need to pray for our children. For many years, my wife has prayed a prayer from scripture for our three sons. Here are some ideas for you to try:
* Pray that they will increase in the knowledge of God. Most parents’ greatest hope for their children is that they will be happy, but a fulfilled life comes from knowing God. Without God, there is a nagging emptiness. Lots of people know about God, but knowing Him personally is different. We all know a lot about our nation’s president but only a few know him personally.
* Pray that they live a worthy life. Pray that their lives have an impact for good, and that they will be people of trustworthy character.
* Pray that they’re strengthened in God’s power. The world and evil influences will seek to pull our children down. They need God’s power to be strong, resist temptation, and do the right thing.
* And, thank God for each child. They are unique creations of God.

We all need to pray for our children. I hope these thoughts help.

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, (Colossians 1:9 ESV)