Tag Archives: fathers

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

 

03.01.13
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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
02.22.13
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Devo: God’s Workmanship #AnchorFAM #ParentingByDesign #Poiema

The Greek word for workmanship is poiema, from which we get our word “poem”. It is used also in Romans 1:20 where Paul explains that God’s eternal power and divine nature can be seen in nature, His poiema. Paul tells us that all of creation contains works of incredible art created by God to demonstrate and reflect His glory, and that our kids are part of the art show!

If God was willing to put that kind of love and care into creating our children and preparing a path for them to follow “for good works”, doesn’t it make sense that we should work to find God’s path for our kids and surrender any path we may have dreamed up without Him?

God is the great artist and He is preparing a work far greater than any of us can see. It involves all of us. And we can participate by finding the role he created for each of us in His great design. Let’s resolve to stop trying to make our own primitive finger painting, and join the rest of God’s creation in His work.

Let’s surrender our independent plans and assume our role in the greatest work of art ever created!

God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live. This is why he sent Christ to make us what we are.

Ephesians 2:10

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
02.20.13
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It Takes a Village: Grandchildren Aren’t Just for Spoiling #AnchorFAM

From what I hear, grandchildren are God’s reward for making it through all the years of worry your children caused you. You can play with grandchildren–and give them back when it’s time for diaper changes or bedtime routines. Having grandchildren is like a mulligan from God–you can make up for some of your parenting mistakes by doing it better with them.

While you now enjoy a break from the physical work, God still has important spiritual work for you. “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them” (Deuteronomy 4:9).

Here’s a special salute to all the grandparents who for whatever reason have to (get to) raise their grandchildren. What a gift of love! You rock!

This is also for everyone over 60–the world needs honorary gramps and grannies. With the stories you tell children, you have a fabulous opportunity to share the good news of God’s forgiving love. The offerings and gifts you give keep the Word moving in the ministries you invest in. Even from your nursing home, your prayers can reach around the globe and change lives.

The seniors who gave you extra mentoring and love when you were little are eagerly awaiting your arrival in heaven. Well done, good and faithful servant!

“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children—

02.19.13
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It Takes a Village: Feed My Lambs #AnchorFAM

“Ora na azu nwa”–Nigerian Igbo proverb.

Some of you who are single or married without children may be thinking, “Well, this whole parenting thing is for somebody else.” Not true. The African proverb is right–it really does take a village to raise a child.

You may not have a child but are connected by blood, marriage, and faith to many young ones. God considers you a key part of the discipling process. Parents are often exhausted and overwhelmed by the day-to-day care of their children. They need and welcome as many Jesus-loving, hug-giving adults in their lives as possible.

After his triumphant resurrection, Jesus commissioned believers to feel a sense of communal responsibility for children. He told his main man Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?’ ‘Yes, Lord’, he said, ‘you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs” (John 21:15).

Whether you’re an auntie or uncle, a Sunday school teacher or a neighbor, a community or church volunteer, a coach or a teacher, Jesus is thrilled that you are willing to be part of his village, thrilled that you place such high value on his little people, thrilled that you are helping to feed his lambs.

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter,”Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, ”Feed my lambs.”

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.”

02.15.13
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Being a Child of Parents: You’re Adopted #AnchorFAM

You’ve heard of dual citizenship, in which a person actually carries two passports? Did you know that you hold dual family membership?

The Bible says that your baptism actually represents a moment in which God the Father publicly claimed you and accepted a lifelong obligation to do for you what good fathers do for children they love. I guess that makes your baptismal certificate your adoption papers: “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Galatians 3:26,27).

This is great news, especially for people whose own earthly families are missing some pieces. If your biological father was missing in your life or is deceased, you are not fatherless anymore. If you are an only child, guess what? Your adopted family is huge, and you’re connected to them all. If you are single and longing for a feeling of belonging and connection, Christ your Savior loves to compare himself to a bridegroom. You’re engaged! The wedding feast is coming soon.

God is proud publicly to call you his daughter or his son. May I invite you to be just as proud to call him your Father?”

For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ haveput on Christ.

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.”