From: December 8, 2014
Parenting is a holy stewardship. Our children are a gift from God and He instructs us to “discipline” them. The word “discipline” used here could also be translated “to bind, chasten, correct, instruct, reform, reprove, or teach.” This is a full-time job, which is why many parents struggle. For they themselves are so undisciplined in their personal lives that they find it difficult to hold their children to any standard of behavior. To truly be able to discipline your children, so that you know the blessings of this proverb’s promise, you will need God’s power and wisdom. Submit your own life first to God, then depend on Him for strength to help parent your child.
From: December 8, 2013
Our plans for building a house for our family, or for the church may be well-intended, but will not succeed without the Lord. Can you furnish your house with love, joy and peace without the Spirit of God? It is good that you work to provide food, shelter and education for your kids, but who will shepherd their hearts? Who will save their souls? Who will prepare them for eternity? When we decide to BE the family of God, He will BUILD the house. As Jesus told Peter, “Upon this rock, I will build my church.” Let God build your house.
From: December 8, 2012
We labor and go into debt installing marble countertops, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors and flat screen TVs, then wonder why our spouses are unhappy and our kids ungrateful. Give your house to the Lord. Invite Him to be the Builder. We need Christ to be both foundation and builder at our house and the church house too.
From: December 8, 2011
Children are not born with self-discipline. Parents must apply external discipline which teaches self-discipline. Of course, this requires self-discipline on the parents part. Our children often reveal our own problems with anger and self-control. This should drive parents to prayer!