Tag Archives: children

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)

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)

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. 

•

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

 

03.23.13
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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)

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)

02.21.13
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Devo: Price and Value #AnchorFAM #ParentingByDesign

Do you ever get caught up in gawking at the “lifestyles of the rich and famous”? The media offers us a front row seat to the excesses of the super rich. Their houses, cars, clothes, and hobbies are all paraded before us as examples of “success”. Hasn’t it always been true that “men praise you when you prosper”?

In light of the world’s preoccupation with achieving “the good life”, isn’t it ironic that anything with a price, no matter how extravagant or expensive, will have zero eternal value? Help your kids fight materialism by focusing on eternal significance. The most effective way to communicate this message is not with your words, but with your example. Take a moment and ask God to reveal any blind spots you might have in this area. Commit to making one change, no matter how small, that more effectively demonstrates what you truly value.

Teach your children not to confuse price with value.


Don’t let it bother you

when others get rich
and live in luxury.
   Soon they will die
and all their wealth
will be left behind.
 
   We humans are praised
when we do well,
and all of us are glad
to be alive.
   But we each will go down
to our ancestors,
never again to see
the light of day.
Psalms 49:16-19
02.18.13
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Being a Child of Parents: Teach Your Parents to Become Children Again #AnchorFAM

Little children are so used to having everything automatically provided for them–clothing, food, shelter, transportation–that trust comes naturally to them. This makes it easier for them to believe in Jesus too. They simply know that Jesus loves them. They simply trust that Jesus will help them.

As we grow older, however, and grow more self-sufficient and self-reliant, we lose the faith that everything we need will be provided. Adults know that they have to work for everything they get. The problem comes when adults get confused and start to think maybe they have to work for God’s love and earn his blessings.

Grown-ups may think if they act better, swear less, drink less, or give more, they might earn a better place in heaven. Perhaps the “achievers” come to think that they are better than other people and deserve everything they plan to get from God. Or worse–perhaps they fear that because they have made so many messes they have forfeited God’s favor.

Let Jesus whisper this in your ear. Ready? “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).

This kind of “second childhood” isn’t senility. It’s reality; it’s a very happy state of mind to live in.

“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn andbecome like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

02.14.13
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Being a Child of Parents: Join the Team; Love the Team #AnchorFAM

I think most of us underestimate our own selfishness. It’s so much easier to see it in other people, and I know I’m not always paying attention when people (family included) send me hints about my own.

Teenagers especially struggle with this. They are naturally pushing away from their parents. They are trying on masks to figure out who they are. They are trying to be their own person and not just get sucked into their parents’ identity. They crave independence. Their youthful energy makes their parents seem like old fools and their younger siblings like embarrassing baggage.

All of us are born with an attitude of “What’s in it for me?” and “What are you going to do for me?” Cain’s angry shout to God, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” is still our native language. God has a better way: “Serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Galatians 5:13,14).

Our Servant-Savior, Jesus, provides both the healing forgiveness we all need as well as a role model to help those who feel themselves drifting away from their families. Realize that you are not quite as smart and slick as you think you are, nor are the other members of your family quite as dumb as you think they are. Your family is God’s gift; it is your team. Love your team.

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ”You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

02.13.13
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Being a Child of Parents: Forgive Your Parents #AnchorMEN

I love saying “Father, forgive me” because he always answers that prayer right away. There is no bottom, no end, no limit to Jesus’ forgiveness.

But then comes the hard part–“as we forgive those who sin against us.” God says he wants me to be equally as generous in forgiving other people. “As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:12,13).

If you’ve read this far, you’ve heard me encourage you to appreciate all that your parents have done for you. But let’s get real–they have hurt you too. They are sinners and have sinned against you. Millions of Americans have grown up in homes with parents who are alcoholics, who have sexually abused or permitted the sexual abuse of their own children, or whose adultery and betrayal broke up the household. What hurts do you still carry with you? Where do you go with that anger?

The past cannot be changed. What can be changed is how you choose to remember it. As the Lord has helped you by forgiving your sins, he can help you also to let go of your anger so it will not punish, torment, poison, or imprison you any longer. Let it go.

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved,compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

02.12.13
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Being a Child of Parents: Honor Your Father and Mother #AnchorFAM

If you surveyed one hundred teenagers about their parents, how many would respond, “My parents are precious, valuable people whom God has given to me for my good. I appreciate their guidance, life principles, correction, and rules”? Hah! Probably not too many. Sadly, parents are more likely seen as jailers or parole officers who arbitrarily limit children’s freedom.

The God I know, however, thinks parents are worthy of praise and wants you to think so too. (By the way, this is not just for little kids and teenagers; this is also for you in your 40s, 50s, and 60s.)

“Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you” (Deuteronomy 5:16).

This is not just the right thing to do so God won’t be angry with you and punish you. Honoring your parents triggers the release of a flood of benefit into your life. God has attached a double promise to parent-respecters:

–I will increase the quantity of your life.

–I will increase the quality of your life.

What does it mean to honor your parents? It means cultivating a spirit of gratitude, because they have done far more for you than you will ever know. Because they have made sacrifices you only partially understand to bring you benefit. If it is from them that you first heard about Jesus, it is they who gave you heaven.

“Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”

02.11.13
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Being a Child of Parents: Obey Your Parents #AnchorFAM

You’ve seen what happens when a child has not learned to obey, haven’t you? “Sally, come here. Sally! I mean it, right now. Please, Sally, if you come here, I’ll take you to McDonald’s. All right, Toys ‘R’ Us too.”

It’s disgusting, isn’t it? When parents don’t teach their child that they will say something one time and expect it to be done, that child has learned, “I have power. You don’t mean what you say.”

A child who has never learned to obey his or her parents probably will never be a very good employee, and what’s worse, may never learn to obey God. How can children obey somebody they cannot see if they have not learned the basic concept of allowing themselves to be guided by their own parents? If they can’t learn to obey you, putting a plaque of the Ten Commandments in their bedrooms isn’t going to help them obey God.

That’s why teaching joyful obedience deserves our fullest, strongest attention. After commissioning his apostles to make disciples of all nations, Jesus added, “. . . teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” For their encouragement and strengthening he added, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

Jesus came and said to them, ”All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

02.07.13
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Devo: Parenting Children #RightFromTheHeart #AnchorFAM

The first stage of parenting children in the home is the preschool years. The second stage is the childhood years, ages six through twelve. During these years, parents should practice the baton principle: in a relay race, the most important time is the passing of the baton. If it’s dropped, the race is lost. Parenting children in the home means passing the baton of Godly values to the next generation.

God’s Word teaches us as parents to love God with all our heart, soul, and might, and to diligently teach the commands of God to our children when we sit in our house, when we walk by the way, when we lie down, and when we rise up. We need to teach our kids how to live as we go about everyday life; in short, our kids need to see that our faith in God is real and consistent. This calls for a lot of love for God and for our children. But when done well, the baton of Godly values is handed off to the new generation.

You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. (Deuteronomy 11:19 ESV)

01.21.13
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Devo: Honor Mom & Dad #RightFromTheHeart

One of the more important commandments of God is to “Honor thy father and mother.” It is lived out in three phases of the parent-child relationship:

1. When a child is growing up in the home, he is called to obey. Parents have to teach their children to obey, and children honor their parents through obedience.

2. The second phase begins when the children become young adults. They aren’t as dependent on their parents and they are no longer called to obey, but to respect their parents. This is usually the longest phase.

3. The third phase of honoring parents is caring for them in their old age when they are no longer able to care for themselves. This is a tough transition when children become parents to their parents.

Obedience, respect, and care–the three stages of honoring Mom and Dad. The welfare of the family is dependent on us obeying God’s command.

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. (Exodus 20:12 ESV)

01.15.13
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Fathers & Mothers • Let God Handle Your Baggage #LayingAFoundation #Marriagw

I love people watching at airports. A common sight is a small person ragging a huge load of baggage piled up higher than he or she is tall. Does that sound like your life? Dragging a pile of fear, guilt, failure, and messes that is taller than you?

The Bible’s many human stories teach us the dirty secret of life–we’re all messes. What about the people who don’t look like they have problems? Well, maybe they just hide it better. Can you imagine how long the list would be if we inventoried all our regrets and failures? Maybe you’re burdened by maxed-out credit cards. Are you bleeding over the ripping apart of your family? Have your children made such bad choices that you feel like a failure? Or possibly does everything seem overwhelming? You force yourself to put on a happy face, but you are barely holding things together.

Maybe God has allowed your messes to pile up to the point where you are ready to let him be your baggage handler. Behind all of our troubles is sin. Sin makes us fear that God won’t help us, or worse, that he will just get angrier and pile on the punishment. Here are some sweet words from the apostle John: “I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of [Jesus’] name” (1 John 2:12).

If God forgives you, you can forgive yourself. If God likes you, you can like yourself again. If God will reveal the way out of your problems in his time, you can wait in peace. Baggage? What baggage?”

Children, I am writing you, because your sins have been forgiven in the name of Christ. (1 John 2:12 CEV)