Proverbs 19

Posted on May 19, 2010 by Jody Neufeld

Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is perverse in his speech and is a [self-confident] fool. v. 1 (Amplified Bible)

‘Integrity’ means I have a set of values that guides my life. It is personal much like my relationship with Jesus. Some would equate it with their “good name”. The values do define who I am. Integrity has no price. It cannot be bought or compromised.

Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes. v. 2 (NLT)

I have heard some wise people say, “The Spirit without the Word – you will blow up!” and “The Word without the Spirit – you will freeze up!” and finally, “The Spirit and Word together – you grow up!” Jesus said He did not come to get rid of the Law but to complete it (Matthew 5:17). And Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit in a promise (John 14:16). As His disciples, Jesus shows me that I am to temper my zeal with the knowledge of His wisdom. Moving ahead of His timing is just as disobedient as dragging my feet and not moving.

People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord. v. 3 (NLT)

Oh, how often I have found myself in my prayers telling God what my plans are … and then asking Him to bless them! A wise friend offered a prayer a few years ago that has stuck with me. “Lord, may I come along side Your plans.” When I come toward God’s plan, then I am moving in the right direction. Moving down life’s path my way is foolish and when it doesn’t work – it’s always easier to blame someone else – even God. Taking responsibility for my mistakes, my sins, is the beginning of repentance which turns me in God’s direction and brings blessings of forgiveness and restoration.

He who gets wisdom loves his own soul. He who keeps understanding shall find good. v. 8 (WEB)

Solomon repeats again the words of Proverbs 4:7. Must be important!

A foolish child is a calamity to a father; a quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping.

Fathers can give their sons an inheritance of houses and wealth, but only the Lord can give an understanding wife. v. 13-14 (NLT)

God makes an understanding wife. If you hear Henry say that he is blessed by me, all the thanks goes to God! God has truly changed me like the potter changes a lump of clay into what His vision sees in me.

If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord —  and he will repay you! v. 17 (NLT)

Mercy to the needy is a loan to God, and God pays back those loans in full. v. 18 (The Message)

What a wonderful promise! And remember: God’s promises are extravagant. I may think that I am giving but God promises a return on my ‘investment’.

Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter end. v. 20 (WEB)

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. v. 21 (NLT)

Listen! Listen! Listen! God has been patient to teach me patience. He has taken me around the teaching mountain many times because He wants so much for me to learn His important lessons. It is when I hear His voice and know His purpose in my life that I learn the joy of walking in the middle of His will.

Fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm. v. 23 (NLT)

Jesus is my friend but He is also Mighty God. There are days I need that ‘closer than a brother’ friendship but I must never forget to Whom I am so close!

If you stop listening to instruction, my son, you will stray from the words of knowledge. v. 27 (WEB)

The word of the day is – LISTEN!

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Proverbs 18

Posted on May 18, 2010 by Jody Neufeld

Fools care nothing for thoughtful discourse; all they do is run off at the mouth. v. 2 (The Message)

Here I go again today! Hearing about how much I should use my mouth! God is so faithful to make sure I do hear Him!

The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters. The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook. v. 4 (WEB)

The various translations are all over the map on what this really says. So I am just going to comment on what it is saying to me. A person’s words are murky and sometimes difficult to see clearly in truth. But wisdom from the Holy Spirit is like an arrow or laser through those murky waters. There is a reason that Jesus promised the Holy Spirit. He knew I would need Him.

To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good, nor to deprive the innocent of justice. v. 5 (WEB)

Letting someone – slide by – because it’s easier or more expedient is not God’s way. God says He will balance the scales of justice. I am not to cross His line into revenge but to let God be the judge.

A fool’s lips come into strife, and his mouth invites beatings.

A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are a snare to his soul. v. 6-7 (WEB)

Do you have a definition of ‘fool’? Today, for me it’s about when I do not turn to God first. The world may see a fool as someone without common sense or ‘good judgment’. But I know better than that. It is God who has truth and wisdom in a world that is spiraling in madness. It is in God that I trust.

Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you really want junk like that in your belly? v. 8 (The Message)

I don’t have much more to say than what The Message said. Gossip can ‘taste’ like Godiva chocolate, not necessarily cheap but still just as bad for me.

The name of Yahweh is a strong tower: the righteous run to him, and are safe. v. 10 (WEB)

A promise. A God promise. Something to write on my heart and become part of my heart, my spirit.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]. v. 21 (The Amplified Bible)

I have eaten the poison fruit of my sharp tongue. It took God to extract the root of that poison. The fruit of “true,…noble,…admirable,…and praiseworthy” words (Philippians 4:8) in contrast are roots to be fertilized and encouraged to grow in my life. Paul had a gift for speaking, didn’t he? He used his tongue for destruction, met Jesus and was changed to use his tongue to spread the Good News. Two sides of the same coin.

A man of many companions may be ruined, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. v. 24 (WEB)

Jesus. When all others let me down, there is Jesus. He is always there. He knows me better than anyone. He loves me more than any other. This verse, too, is a promise.

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Proverbs 17

Posted on May 17, 2010 by Jody Neufeld

I know several people that read a Proverb a day. With 31 Proverbs, it works out well in a month. Let’s look at a Proverb a day this week and see what God has to say.

Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker.

He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished. v. 5 (WEB)

Jesus’ Bible says that it is the ‘least of these’ that I should serve. Those who experience hurricanes, earthquakes, loss of job; who are in jail; who are needy – what opportunities to serve does God open?

Children’s children are the crown of old men;

the glory of children are their parents. v. 6 (WEB)

The fruit of my grandchildren’s lives may be the truth of what I sowed in my children’s lives. May my children be proud of the truths they see in my life in Jesus.

Whoever rewards evil for good,

evil shall not depart from his house. v. 13 (WEB)

A warning! Get some Holy fear, Jody!

The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam,

therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out. v. 14 (WEB)

Complaining, angry, hurtful words may be followed with an apology but those words can never be ‘recalled’.

He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous,

both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh. v. 15 (WEB)

Have you ever wondered (as a Christian) about sitting on a jury? God teaches me in His word that there are consequences for my actions. His forgiveness is not withheld but there are still consequences.

A cheerful heart makes good medicine,

but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. v. 22 (WEB)

To me, one of the most extraordinary manifestations of God’s love for me is His healing power. In this world that exacts bruises and stabs to my heart every day, Jesus is the Great Physician who has the healing that my heart needs. He wants to give abundantly to heal. Am I willing to soak in His life-giving Spirit?

He who spares his words has knowledge.

He who is even tempered is a man of understanding. v. 27 (WEB)

I don’t know who it was that observed and said, “We have two ears and two eyes and only one mouth. We should make use of them accordingly.” I have learned a lot from my husband, Henry. He is the “even tempered” one in our marriage. He has taught me a lot about meditating and discussing with God first and then speaking it aloud.

My first day with Proverbs gave me a lot to think about. That is a good habit to cultivate.

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Refreshment Time

Posted on May 14, 2010 by Jody Neufeld

[Peter speaking to the crowd at the temple,] “Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, so that there may come times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord,… Acts 3:19 (WEB)

Too often I may think that the act of repentance is for “sinners”.  Those people who have turned their back on God and committed big sins, like murder or cheating on your faithful spouse of 25 years!  Repentance is a good thing, especially for those who commit sins that are not a temptation to me!

People’s desires make them give in to immoral ways, filthy thoughts, and shameful deeds.  They worship idols, practice witchcraft, hate others, and are hard to get along with. People become jealous, angry, and selfish.  They not only argue and cause trouble, but they are envious. They get drunk, carry on at wild parties, and do other evil things as well. I told you before, and I am telling you again; No one who does these things will share in the blessings of God’s kingdom.                Galatians 5:19-21 (CEV)

I am afraid that when I come, we won’t be pleased with each other. I fear that some of you may be arguing or jealous or angry or selfish or gossiping or insulting each other. I even fear that you may be proud and acting like a mob. I am afraid God will make me ashamed when I visit you again. I will feel like crying because many of you have never given up your old sins. You are still doing things that are immoral, indecent, and shameful.                             2 Corinthians 12:20-21 (CEV)

Uh, oh. Sins aren’t big or little, black or white. Anger, selfishness, jealousy, pride, and gossip?  Sin is sin and it separates me from God until I repent.

Repentance has two sides that are equally important in my life.  On the one hand, repentance is about acknowledging my sin.  Taking God’s commands and hearing the Holy Spirit’s voice that convicts me and bowing in submission saying, “Lord, forgive me.  I have sinned against You.”  Repentance is also about forgiveness.  God is holy.  He and sin do not mix.  But God is also a good Father.  He does not withhold His forgiveness from a repenting child.  It is not the number of the words I say but the condition of my heart that moves His hand in forgiveness.  Jesus has already paid for the ‘weight’ of my sins.  All that is required of me is the honest cry of my heart.

Remember what Peter says to the crowd: “Repent! Turn to God. Your sins will be wiped away like they never existed and – there is more! – God will send you refreshing!”  And there is the ‘bonus’.  When I come to the Lord, every day (yes, that is right, every day!), and bow before the Lord, talking and listening to Him, repentance is the good part of it.  It is through God’s forgiveness and my acceptance of His forgiveness that my spirit is refreshed with the healing power of His Spirit.  Our Lord is good.  He freely gives all that I need for a healthy, growing spiritual life.

Shhhhh. Quiet. I am letting the Holy Spirit bring my sin to Light, offering the opportunity to turn, be forgiven, and receive His refreshing. What a great way to start the day!

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Living in the Land of Famine

Posted on May 13, 2010 by Jody Neufeld

There was a famine in the land, besides the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines, to Gerar.  Yahweh appeared to him, and said, “Don’t go down into Egypt. Live in the land I will tell you about.   Live in this land, and I will be with you, and will bless you. For to you, and to your seed, I will give all these lands, and I will establish the oath which I swore to Abraham your father.   I will multiply your seed as the stars of the sky, and will give to your seed all these lands. In your seed will all the nations of the earth be blessed,   because Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my requirements, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.”       Genesis 26:1-5 (WEB)

I heard a pastor preached about this passage.  She made several points but the point that jumped out at me was from these first five verses.  Isaac was living in a land of famine – famine – and God told him to stay there!

When I am in a ‘famine’ I may feel lonely; I may be ‘short of funds’; I may wonder why opportunities are not opening for me to minister in a certain way to a certain group. I ask God to set me free from this famine!  I may even blame satan for keeping me in this time of famine!  What if it isn’t satan keeping me where I am?  What if it is God?

Look at what God says to Isaac.  God says that while Isaac is in this land of famine, He (God!) will be with Isaac and bless Isaac.  God will not be changing Isaac’s circumstances but God will be changing Isaac!

And God does the same thing with me.  God may allow me to stay in my famine in order to bring us closer together and change my heart, increase my faith, and – wait for it! – do more than what I could imagine – build His Kingdom!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles,[doesn’t take us OUT of the troubles! Why?] so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.       2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV, note and emphasis mine)

God looks at situations with eyes that see the big picture.  God is about saving souls and building His eternal kingdom.  But God is also more loving and compassionate that I can imagine.  Just as God promised Isaac, God will be with me and bless me, providing me with all that I need to grow and change in this time of famine.  And my testimony of how God stayed with me through the famine and blessed me encourages others that God will never leave His children nor forsake them.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we won’t be afraid, though the earth changes, though the mountains are shaken into the heart of the seas; though its waters roar and are troubled, though the mountains tremble with their swelling.       Psalm 46:1-3 (WEB)
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Who Are You Going to Call?

Posted on May 12, 2010 by Jody Neufeld

“When my soul fainted within me, I remembered Yahweh. My prayer came in to you, into your holy temple.” Jonah 2:7 (WEB)

From inside the fish, Jonah prayed this prayer.  Some believe that Jonah’s story is just that – a story, an allegory.  If I begin to place parts of the Bible into sections of ‘fiction’ and ‘non-fiction’, it becomes a slippery slope to me. God gave me His Word to teach me and guide me closer to Him.  That is all I know for sure.

That said, I read Jonah’s prayer and I have heard myself say, “I feel the life that I thought I knew, my dreams, my wishes, moving away.  I reach out to You, Lord, because you are the only constant in my life.  Hear me, Lord, and answer my cry for help with the comfort and peace that only you can give.”  I’ve been deep in the belly of the whale of despair.  Looking back, I know that God put me there and brought me out. He put me there because it is at that point that I stop trying to make it on my own. I accept my weakness and realize God’s power.

“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”      Mark 9:23-24 (NIV)

There it is. In the belly of the whale, the only way to look is up. And there is Jesus reminding me that everything is possible when I look to Him and believe in Him.  Jesus does not stop there.  His Holy Spirit helps me overcome my doubt, my un-belief.

All of God’s words are created and come to be by Him. They are useful for teaching me, reprimanding me, correcting me, and showing me the way to a right relationship with my Lord God.  This is the way for me to be thoroughly equipped for every work that God wants me to do (2 Timothy 3:16).

Having then a great high priest, who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold tightly to our confession. For we don’t have a high priest who can’t be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace for help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16 (WEB)

So, we have Jesus who has lived with God in heaven. They have always been. They were there at creation. Let us know that this is where we should put our faith.  Jesus, God-in-the-flesh, knows and has experienced our fleshly weaknesses and has felt the temptations that we have experienced. He refused the temptation and chose holiness every time.  He makes it possible for us to receive God’s love and forgiveness.  When I call out, when I reach out for God’s help, He is always there to meet my need.

Oil spills, job uncertainty, more bills and month than money, marriage covenants breaking, and children bruised and confused. The list is endless. The answer is God. Too easy? Too simple? Maybe I am the one making it difficult and complicated.

Let’s take some time to think about that.

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God Blesses – Even When…

Posted on May 11, 2010 by Jody Neufeld

God will bless you when people insult you, mistreat you, and tell all kinds of evil lies about you because of me.  Be happy and excited!  You will have a great reward in heaven.  People did these same things to the prophets who lived long ago.         Matthew 5:11-12 (CEV)

Here’s a blessing (a beatitude) that we don’t list as often with the others, do we?  What a double-edged sword!!!

God is going to bless me:

*    When people insult me
*    When people mistreat me
*    When people tell all kinds of evil lies about me

And they do it…because of Him, that is God, with a capital ‘G’.

It’s fairly easy for me to think of being insulted.  Yes, I have had lies told about me.  I’ve been mistreated in my life, too.  I think the key words here that all that ‘stuff’ comes because of God.  Did I take the hits because of Jesus?

Have you ever heard dirty jokes in the lunch room?  Maybe nothing overt but innuendos and sly chuckles.  Or maybe there’s just ‘trash talk’ with foul language.  Did you speak up?  Did you politely but firmly ask them not to speak like that or tell the jokes in front of you?

How about ‘dis-sing’ people?  Do you stand there when someone puts someone else down?  And laugh?  Is the silence so loud that it screams, “Go ahead!  I don’t care!”

What is your comment about the man standing at the roadside with a sign in his hands?  Do you hear a voice in your head saying, “Give him that $5 that you have stuck in your change tray?”  “No,” you think, “he’ll just spend it for booze!”  What if it is God saying to give?  Isn’t it also His job to judge?  What the man does with the money…isn’t that between him and God?

These are not questions leveled just at you.  They are passing through me and I must allow the Holy Spirit to sift and shine His light on all the corners of my life, too.  I can’t sweep my house clean unless I allow the Holy Spirit to turn on His floodlights in all the corners and closets.

Remember that song about standing up for Jesus.  Am I His soldier or a wimp?  It is not MY muscle that I flex but it is my choice to show up at the gym to work out with Him!!!

God is not a vending machine where I put in my ‘good work’ coin and out pops a blessing.  The size of the blessing does not come in equal portion to the work.  No, that isn’t how He works.  God is looking for an obedient disciple.  He blesses His obedient disciples with an ever-closer relationship and in His presence the blessings flow.  The blessings are HUGE and extravagant.  They are more than I could ask or imagine.

I am not to the “get excited” place in my persecution!  I read the book of Revelation and I imagine seeing some quiet, unassuming saint sitting on some of those thrones around God’s throne.  They are surprised by their place there but they stood for God when they were called by the circumstances in their life.  They are my heroes.  They are a testimony to me.

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God Blesses

Posted on May 10, 2010 by Jody Neufeld

[I have numbered the lines, not as verses, but as reference points.]

1. God blesses those people who depend only on him.  They belong to the kingdom of heaven!

2. God blessed those people who grieve.  They will find comfort!

3. God blesses those people who are humble.  The earth will belong to them!

4. God blesses those people who want to obey him more than to eat or drink.  They will be given what they want!

5. God blesses those people who are merciful.  They will be treated with mercy!

6. God blesses those people whose hearts are pure. They will see him!

7. God blesses those people who make peace.  They will be called his children!

8. God blesses those people who are treated badly for doing right.  They belong to the kingdom of heaven.                                                                    Matthew 5:3-10 (CEV)

I think it is a very good idea to read a familiar passage in a translation that you do not normally use.  It may bring a new insight into the passage.  I see more about God.

#1 This translation tells me that when I am “poor” in my own spirit – I have nothing to do but depend on God.  When I weakest, God says, “You are mine, child, and I will take care of you.”

#2 God sees my tears.  He knows what grieves my heart.  God’s comfort covers my questions, my depression, my pain, my confusion, my anger, and brings it all back into alignment and total healing!

#3  I think of Mother Theresa and some others I personally know who do so much – but look for nothing in return.  They quietly go about doing what God has asked of them and receive their reward at the hand of God.  We talk about what they do – too often when they have moved away or died.  They have power in this world because they see no power in themselves…just in their Lord.

#4 To desire such a close relationship with God that there is nothing to do but be obedient will fill me like no baby-back ribs or chocolate éclair ever could!!!  I want that!  And I claim the promise that God will give me what I want!

#5 Mercy – undeserved forgiveness.  Do you know someone that you need to extend that to?  Is there something that you need to ask for forgiveness from God?   Do it today.  Quit putting it off!  There will be a time that you will need forgiveness so make sure you are making deposits into your Forgiveness Account.  Deposits come when God forgives you and it happens when you extend that same forgiveness to another! You do not want to be caught ‘overdrawn’ in your Forgiveness Account.

#6 What makes your heart pure?   The word ‘pure’ means ‘clean’, ‘untainted’, and ‘not polluted’.  So what in your life is a pollutant to your heart?  I think that to answer that personally and truthfully, you have to be willing to let God examine your heart and y our lifestyle and see what that is.  For me it’s not the TV and movie theaters.  It is un-forgiveness and injustice and suffering of the innocent that can take root in my heart.  It contaminates that place where Jesus wants to live.  So – sweep it out!  Don’t let it in the door!  “How do you avoid temptation?”  “Run the other way!” says Rev. Steve Hill.  Good word!

#7 I don’t think a peacemaker is necessarily a pacifist.  If you were raised in a family with many siblings, I would imagine there was a peacemaker.  Someone who wanted everyone to get along.  Someone who tried to connect with ‘dueling parties’ and tried to help them find a point of common interest to ‘get along’.  And so there are peacemakers in God’s family.  They do not battle because they know that God has already drawn the lines and He is the only one who can judge who crossed it and who didn’t.  He is the Father.  I am the child.  I need to keep my place and not try to take His!

#8  I only need God’s approval.  If I know that then I also know that I will receive criticism from others, even friends, who do not see me on the ‘right’ path.   When I seek God and seek His way, check my path against His example and His words, I learn the sound of His Spirit and I walk in His Way.  It’s about God’s Kingdom.  It always is.

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Family: The Omega

Posted on May 7, 2010 by Jody Neufeld

“But seek first God’s Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.”       Matthew 6:33 (WEB)

Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. 22:39 A second likewise is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”         Matthew 22:37-40 (WEB)

Here I am at the end of the week and what principles can I take away from God’s words about family?

If I am betting on having a ‘good’ family, make sure God is running the table. God must be Head of the House. He must be where the family turns not just in the crisis but every day. It must be more than prayers at meals and one hour on Sunday. In every aspect of the family life, God has to be a part of it.

It takes two parents. It is unfortunate that many times this does not mean that ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad’ are married to each other. But Mom and Dad need to be grown-ups and keep their eyes on what is best for the children, leaving their egos at home in the closet. Too often children become ‘collateral damage’ even ‘collateral casualties’ because their parents use them as tools to manipulate and supposedly inflict pain and inconvenience on the other spouse. Children need the gifts that each parent brings to their lives. They may have a non-biological parent(s) that bring a tremendous Godly impact as they show unconditional love that comes from their God-given overflow of love.

Children need to listen to their parents! Parents need to listen to their children! God listens to me no matter how many times I come whining. He listens and doesn’t ignore me because it’s trivial. I matter. God is my example. Taking time (or making time) to listen and speak words of encouragement, wisdom, love, and any thing that produces fruit in the lives of all members must be a priority in the family. Daily attention to my relationship with God shows me the importance of daily attention to my relationship to my family.

God’s love is sufficient. Receiving the love that God has for me fills me with the best love to spill out on to my family. It gives me extra measures that I may need. In my flesh, those that I love the most have the capacity to hurt me the most. God’s love is sufficient. His Spirit supplies me with the gifts of forgiveness and patience and kindness and – see Galatians 5:22 – that of course I will need! Every member of the family will need it!

Family begins and ends with God. He leads through the valleys and will carry every member through when they think they cannot make it. God is there in the celebrations, watching with joy when the family stands together and bends their knees in worship, prayer, and thanksgiving for all the many, many ways He has held them together with His mighty, gentle Hand.

If your family has always walked with God, do not take that blessing for granted but rejoice and give thanks every day for it! If you have not been part of a family that walks with God, grab on to His hand and start today! You and He together are a family. Watch how He is your Father, Mother, Brother, Sister, and Best Friend.

Thank You, Lord, for my family…ALL the generations!

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Family: Children and Parents

Posted on May 6, 2010 by Jody Neufeld

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.”     Exodus 20:12 (WEB

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with a promise: “that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth.”       Ephesians 6:1-3 (WEB)

How quick I was to teach my children this commandment! I do not make light of the importance of teaching children all the commandments. But could it be that the commands about loving God and honoring God were put first for a reason? Am I to be teaching my children about honoring their parents by setting the example of how I honor my Heavenly Father?

Fathers, [and mothers!] do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.      Colossians 3:21 (NIV)

And this verse is not so often quoted, is it? Again, do I look at how my Heavenly Father sets the example of how to be a parent?

Parenting is not for weenies! Once that child is conceived or comes into your life however God makes it happen, it is a 24/7 ministry for the rest of your life. It is prayer, prayer, prayer. And it doesn’t stop when the child is 18 or 21. Your prayer life increases as the child grows older.

Early on we teach children the basics. Things like parameters and consequences for their actions. Teaching a two-year-old that a hot stove hurts is teaching a consequence. A 12-year-old learns that if she doesn’t study and/or do homework and brings home a “C” instead of the “A” or “B” she was capable of getting, then there isn’t movie night or a sleepover or both. Learning consequences at two and twelve is better than not having learned it at 22. My Father does the same thing. He starts out small with consequences but then when I make the conscience decision to do something my way instead of His way – there is a consequence and I do not get the blessings I could have had. Do I share the consequences that I learn from my Father or do I pretend that I always have it together and always have the right answers? Do my children see and hear me turn to God for answers? “James, I am so mad right now. Go to your room and I am going to go talk to God. When I calm down and hear what I need, I will call you and we will talk.”

When children are grown and out on their own and/or married, as a parent my prayer life really ramps up! My teaching them as a did when they were children is over. It is now time for the Holy Spirit to speak to them.

Children do not always have good examples. Sometimes parental examples come through people who are not biological parents. Sometimes the examples are negative examples. I can learn from my own parents’ mistakes. Children, don’t beat your parents up because they weren’t perfect! Learn from their mistakes and don’t do the same with your own children! Allow God to teach you what a good parent truly is!

Finally, raising children up in the truth of my faith and dependence on Jesus is my most important ministry. I can give and give to thousands of others but God holds me responsible for what I give to my children first. How it turns out – God gets all the glory for it – however it is. God never gave up on me. He loves me. As much as I love my children – God will always love them more!

Posted in Colossians, Ephesians, Exodus | Comments Off on Family: Children and Parents