I wonder... would life's interruptions count as opposition? I honestly don't believe my connection with God has been interrupted - I've been learning some things during this break from posting. In the interest of consistency, I'll pick up where we left off reading through Philippians with parenting in mind.
Philippians 3:3-6
Paul defines the opposition as those who put confidence in outward religious practices. He contrasts this attitude with those who worship God, those who place their identity and significance in Christ. He compares physical circumcision, or an outward sign of being set apart for God, with spiritual circumcision. We are set apart by Who and how we worship, as we focus on Christ and give Him the glory.
Circumcision in the Old Testament times reminded the people of God's promises to them, including the hope of the Messiah who would bring complete forgiveness from sins. Further, they were a people set apart for God's purposes, to share the good news about God's promise with other nations. Spiritually, circumcision referred to cutting away the old sinful nature. As followers of Christ, we take part in this spiritual circumcision. We cut rebellion out of our hearts, confess our sins, and turn back to God in sincere repentance.
As we teach our children, we make mistakes. We cut away our efforts to parent in our strength alone. We turn to God for HIs help to have the wisdom and patience to meet our children's needs. We look to Him for the right words to say to our children in specific situations. On our own we cannot do this; our confidence is solely in Christ.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Protection against opposition
Philippians 3:1-2
Paul summarizes what he wrote in chapter two, saying finally, rejoice. In chapter four he says it again, rejoice. As we work to serve God in His purposes and build connections with fellow believers, we will have joy.
Paul says he doesn't mind writing them the same things again. His encouragement, teaching, reminders, and admonitions serve as protection against false teaching and those who oppose Christ. In chapter four Paul specifically discusses guarding our minds against these things. First, though, he describes the opposition. The false teachers we face today focus on man, not things of God. Even in the church we may find a list of customs and rules people say we must follow to worship God.
If we are aware of the opposition (of various kinds) our children will face, we'll find the patience necessary to teach or speak the same things over and over again. Our concern for our children's welfare motivates us to review lessons often to strengthen their learning. We never stop encouraging our children to make wise choices.
Paul summarizes what he wrote in chapter two, saying finally, rejoice. In chapter four he says it again, rejoice. As we work to serve God in His purposes and build connections with fellow believers, we will have joy.
Paul says he doesn't mind writing them the same things again. His encouragement, teaching, reminders, and admonitions serve as protection against false teaching and those who oppose Christ. In chapter four Paul specifically discusses guarding our minds against these things. First, though, he describes the opposition. The false teachers we face today focus on man, not things of God. Even in the church we may find a list of customs and rules people say we must follow to worship God.
If we are aware of the opposition (of various kinds) our children will face, we'll find the patience necessary to teach or speak the same things over and over again. Our concern for our children's welfare motivates us to review lessons often to strengthen their learning. We never stop encouraging our children to make wise choices.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Networking
Philippians 2:25-30
Paul encourages and builds quite a network of believers through his correspondence. He wants to send Timothy to Philippi and he wants to see his friends himself. Paul says he will send Epaphroditus to the Philippians because they heard and were concerned about his welfare.
We can support this same fellowship and sense of camaraderie among parents in our community. As I raised my children, they participated in community soccer, scouts, church youth groups, and events at our neighborhood elementary school. We became acquainted with several families and discovered they engaged in some of the same activities we did. We developed working relationships and enjoyed the shared endeavor of parenting.
If you are the only Christian in your neighborhood, seek to develop relationships with fellow parents at a local church or other community organization. You may also find other Christian parents within a local elementary school with whom you can share encouragement in the faith. God's Word encourages us to build a network to share His love.
Paul encourages and builds quite a network of believers through his correspondence. He wants to send Timothy to Philippi and he wants to see his friends himself. Paul says he will send Epaphroditus to the Philippians because they heard and were concerned about his welfare.
We can support this same fellowship and sense of camaraderie among parents in our community. As I raised my children, they participated in community soccer, scouts, church youth groups, and events at our neighborhood elementary school. We became acquainted with several families and discovered they engaged in some of the same activities we did. We developed working relationships and enjoyed the shared endeavor of parenting.
If you are the only Christian in your neighborhood, seek to develop relationships with fellow parents at a local church or other community organization. You may also find other Christian parents within a local elementary school with whom you can share encouragement in the faith. God's Word encourages us to build a network to share His love.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Fellow workers
Philippians 2:19-24
This passage reminds me of verse four, chapter one in which Paul thanks God whenever he remembers his fellow workers. He hopes to send one of his close friends to Philippi. He values Timothy's concern for others. Paul mentions again the human tendency for selfish behavior, with people looking out only for their own interests. Timothy's life is an example of the servant's attitude illustrated by Christ, as described in chapter two.
Together Paul and Timothy have a commitment to God's work and a concern for fellow believers and their spiritual well-being. They invested time, energy, and resources into people's lives for God's glory.
Consider other believers you know and how they have helped you by example. Encourage othrs by sharing the good news about how you see God at work. Through Timothy's example, Paul reminds us to maintain an attitude of service as we go about the work God has for us.
This passage reminds me of verse four, chapter one in which Paul thanks God whenever he remembers his fellow workers. He hopes to send one of his close friends to Philippi. He values Timothy's concern for others. Paul mentions again the human tendency for selfish behavior, with people looking out only for their own interests. Timothy's life is an example of the servant's attitude illustrated by Christ, as described in chapter two.
Together Paul and Timothy have a commitment to God's work and a concern for fellow believers and their spiritual well-being. They invested time, energy, and resources into people's lives for God's glory.
Consider other believers you know and how they have helped you by example. Encourage othrs by sharing the good news about how you see God at work. Through Timothy's example, Paul reminds us to maintain an attitude of service as we go about the work God has for us.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Shining Like Stars
Philippians 2:14-18
If we are aware of God's purposes in our lives, we will be able to do that which He calls us to do--joyfully. Our lives will shine as we give God's Word--the truth--to those around us, in word or deed. Our faith in God's plan and His work enables us to sacrifice and serve with a willing heart.
These are important concepts for our children. People often complain and argue, and young people are no exception. Each year we saw attitudes of complaining and arguing and we talked with the children about having attitudes that would honor God. Turning away from negative attitudes leads them to a pure and blameless life--a child with a positive attitude and a willing heart is less likely to get into trouble. These young people will also become a shining example to others and their peers will be drawn to that example.
Even if parents cannot always speak aloud the phrase, "honor God," in their community, they can instill in their children and their children's friends principles and attitudes of joy, willingness, cooperation, and effort as opposed to whining, complaining, and arguing. You can help your child realize the benefits of positive behavior. As Paul says, your life shining as you hold out God's truth to those around you will ensure that your labor, sacrifice, and service are all for Christ's glory.
If we are aware of God's purposes in our lives, we will be able to do that which He calls us to do--joyfully. Our lives will shine as we give God's Word--the truth--to those around us, in word or deed. Our faith in God's plan and His work enables us to sacrifice and serve with a willing heart.
These are important concepts for our children. People often complain and argue, and young people are no exception. Each year we saw attitudes of complaining and arguing and we talked with the children about having attitudes that would honor God. Turning away from negative attitudes leads them to a pure and blameless life--a child with a positive attitude and a willing heart is less likely to get into trouble. These young people will also become a shining example to others and their peers will be drawn to that example.
Even if parents cannot always speak aloud the phrase, "honor God," in their community, they can instill in their children and their children's friends principles and attitudes of joy, willingness, cooperation, and effort as opposed to whining, complaining, and arguing. You can help your child realize the benefits of positive behavior. As Paul says, your life shining as you hold out God's truth to those around you will ensure that your labor, sacrifice, and service are all for Christ's glory.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Small Steps of Faith
Philippians 2:12-13
One thing I appreciate about Philippians is its simplicity. Paul repeats the same concepts again and again. In these first two chapters he writes about obedience and God's purposes. As we read through Philippians and discussed our situation, we kept coming back to these same themes. We realized God wanted us to be about His business, working to accomplish His purposes. To maintain the attitude of Christ, we had to be open and willing to be emptied of self so that God could work in us and through us.
We talked with the children about their faith and their walk with God. We recognized that for many, the way to salvation would indeed be a process, needing to be "worked out." The first steps were small and halting as we sought to develop a sense of worship in our little community, a need for God to work in our lives, and how to live a life of faith.
"The feat of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10). We stand in awe at how God works in people's lives. You may be the only Christian in your neighborhood, at your child's activities, or in the local school, but you can ask God to accomplish His purposes through you. You can work with one or two people with whom you have established relationships to help them take small steps of faith toward salvation, in fear and awe of a living, merciful, and just God.
One thing I appreciate about Philippians is its simplicity. Paul repeats the same concepts again and again. In these first two chapters he writes about obedience and God's purposes. As we read through Philippians and discussed our situation, we kept coming back to these same themes. We realized God wanted us to be about His business, working to accomplish His purposes. To maintain the attitude of Christ, we had to be open and willing to be emptied of self so that God could work in us and through us.
We talked with the children about their faith and their walk with God. We recognized that for many, the way to salvation would indeed be a process, needing to be "worked out." The first steps were small and halting as we sought to develop a sense of worship in our little community, a need for God to work in our lives, and how to live a life of faith.
"The feat of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10). We stand in awe at how God works in people's lives. You may be the only Christian in your neighborhood, at your child's activities, or in the local school, but you can ask God to accomplish His purposes through you. You can work with one or two people with whom you have established relationships to help them take small steps of faith toward salvation, in fear and awe of a living, merciful, and just God.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Our Example
Philippians 2:5-11
Jesus is our best example of a servant's attitude. He willingly set Himself aside in complete obedience to God. When I read this, Hebrews 5:8 comes to mind. Jesus "learned obedience from what He suffered." Our goal is to serve God by serving others, regardless of the cost to us or how those around us behave. Even while "eating dirt" we learn we are where God wants us, doing what He wants us to do. As servants, we learn to set ourselves aside as Jesus did.
This passage in Paul's letter has been called the "Kenosis," or Jesus' emptying of Himself. When I read that Jesus "made Himself nothing," it reminds me of what Jesus said to His disciples, "greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). Someone once said that means to just set your life aside.
As parents, we are called to set our personal lives aside on a daily basis as we minister to our chldren. We learn to shift our focus from our own problems to those of our sons and daughters. This ability to refocus brings clarity and peace to our lives.
The next time you walk into your child's room, take a minute to ask God to help you focus on his or her needs. Ask Him to give you a servant's heart, an attitude that is "the same as that of Christ Jesus."
Jesus is our best example of a servant's attitude. He willingly set Himself aside in complete obedience to God. When I read this, Hebrews 5:8 comes to mind. Jesus "learned obedience from what He suffered." Our goal is to serve God by serving others, regardless of the cost to us or how those around us behave. Even while "eating dirt" we learn we are where God wants us, doing what He wants us to do. As servants, we learn to set ourselves aside as Jesus did.
This passage in Paul's letter has been called the "Kenosis," or Jesus' emptying of Himself. When I read that Jesus "made Himself nothing," it reminds me of what Jesus said to His disciples, "greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). Someone once said that means to just set your life aside.
As parents, we are called to set our personal lives aside on a daily basis as we minister to our chldren. We learn to shift our focus from our own problems to those of our sons and daughters. This ability to refocus brings clarity and peace to our lives.
The next time you walk into your child's room, take a minute to ask God to help you focus on his or her needs. Ask Him to give you a servant's heart, an attitude that is "the same as that of Christ Jesus."
Friday, September 9, 2011
Attitudes
Philippians 2:3-4
Parenting is not about us, it is a sacrificial endeavor. Parents spend much time and do many things in their childrens' interests rather than their own.
The attitude Paul describes leads to an environment of cooperation, not competition. Each person looks after the interests of the others with the goal of assisting the growth of all, rather than one person seeking to become better than the others. What a difference such an attitude would make in families!
Talk with your children about considering others before themselves--an important, and difficult, lesson for them to learn. Such basic lessons in kindness contribute to our children's emotional, social, and spiritual growth.
I hope you have found joy in fellowship and teamwork with other parents in your community. If we are united in Christ and have His Spirit, He will give us love to reach out to those around us. We can be comrades in our schools and communities, instead of competitive parents. Seek out the young, inexperienced, or new parent who is overwhelmed to the point of exhaustion. Look for and help the parent who is burned out and looking out for their own interests or those who care but exist in survival mode. Watch His joy overflow as you reach out with the good news of God's love.
Parenting is not about us, it is a sacrificial endeavor. Parents spend much time and do many things in their childrens' interests rather than their own.
The attitude Paul describes leads to an environment of cooperation, not competition. Each person looks after the interests of the others with the goal of assisting the growth of all, rather than one person seeking to become better than the others. What a difference such an attitude would make in families!
Talk with your children about considering others before themselves--an important, and difficult, lesson for them to learn. Such basic lessons in kindness contribute to our children's emotional, social, and spiritual growth.
I hope you have found joy in fellowship and teamwork with other parents in your community. If we are united in Christ and have His Spirit, He will give us love to reach out to those around us. We can be comrades in our schools and communities, instead of competitive parents. Seek out the young, inexperienced, or new parent who is overwhelmed to the point of exhaustion. Look for and help the parent who is burned out and looking out for their own interests or those who care but exist in survival mode. Watch His joy overflow as you reach out with the good news of God's love.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Seeking God's Purposes
Philippians 2:1-2
At the time we started reading this part of Paul's letter, we were also working with the children concerning their attitudes. We talked with them about treating one another as Jesus would.
Paul reminds us of all we receive from Christ. We have encouragement, someone standing alongside to help, someone who gives us the strength and courage to love those around us. As we walk with Him, we receive comfort as God comes close with His unconditional love. If we say we are united with Christ, we should also be united in purpose--to become more like Jesus, to love God and those around us--these things to which we have been called by God.
This passages reminds us to focus again on seeking God's purposes daily. Our strength comes from being united in Him. Even if we do not fully understand what He wants us to do, we can join together in our goals for our children and their spiritual growth.
If you walk with Christ, be encouraged by His love. As you seek Him, He will give you strength, energy, and love to carry out His purposes regardless of your current situation.
At the time we started reading this part of Paul's letter, we were also working with the children concerning their attitudes. We talked with them about treating one another as Jesus would.
Paul reminds us of all we receive from Christ. We have encouragement, someone standing alongside to help, someone who gives us the strength and courage to love those around us. As we walk with Him, we receive comfort as God comes close with His unconditional love. If we say we are united with Christ, we should also be united in purpose--to become more like Jesus, to love God and those around us--these things to which we have been called by God.
This passages reminds us to focus again on seeking God's purposes daily. Our strength comes from being united in Him. Even if we do not fully understand what He wants us to do, we can join together in our goals for our children and their spiritual growth.
If you walk with Christ, be encouraged by His love. As you seek Him, He will give you strength, energy, and love to carry out His purposes regardless of your current situation.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Repeated Words
Philippians 1:27-30
Paul goes over the same concepts again and again, in much the same way we tell our children things many times. Perhaps, having experienced what it is like to remind somone of something numerous times, we will be more willing to listen to God's repeated words to us. We will face opposition of various kinds in our areas of influence and ministry. Our children or their friends may show us disrespect; other parents may caution us against speaking about God, telling us what we can and cannot say. Often society as a whole seems to hinder us from parenting God's way. We see unfairness, injustice, and things that are not right, and may find it difficult to explain these things to our children.
Yet Paul says no matter what happens, conduct yourselves as Jesus would. As we strive to work together in a spirit of peace and harmony, others will hear of our love. They will realize we preach the gospel (good news of God's love) by our actions, even when "eating dirt." Even if there is only one other Christian in your neighborhood, stand together as one in the faith and find strength.
Paul goes over the same concepts again and again, in much the same way we tell our children things many times. Perhaps, having experienced what it is like to remind somone of something numerous times, we will be more willing to listen to God's repeated words to us. We will face opposition of various kinds in our areas of influence and ministry. Our children or their friends may show us disrespect; other parents may caution us against speaking about God, telling us what we can and cannot say. Often society as a whole seems to hinder us from parenting God's way. We see unfairness, injustice, and things that are not right, and may find it difficult to explain these things to our children.
Yet Paul says no matter what happens, conduct yourselves as Jesus would. As we strive to work together in a spirit of peace and harmony, others will hear of our love. They will realize we preach the gospel (good news of God's love) by our actions, even when "eating dirt." Even if there is only one other Christian in your neighborhood, stand together as one in the faith and find strength.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Serving
Philippians 1:22-26
Your children may have learned songs in church or at summer camp about heaven and salvation. What a wonderful opportunity to talk with them about our hope. As we meet with others, we can encourage one another with the knowledge that we serve exactly where God has placed us. I hope you discover the joy of being in the place God has for you, knowing He has placed your children in your care. We serve each other as well, working together for growth and joy in our faith and to build the faith of our children.
Even as we long to be with Christ, we remain here as His hands and feet. At times we hold too tightly to the things of this world. Paul strives to find the balance between focusing on that which is better by far--being with Christ--and living here to serve God and others.
Endeavor to team up with parents who are believers and help one another grow in your faith. Seek to realize how and why God has placed you in your circumstances. Remember these words, "who has been given to you, and to whom have you been given?" Who will you minister to today?
Your children may have learned songs in church or at summer camp about heaven and salvation. What a wonderful opportunity to talk with them about our hope. As we meet with others, we can encourage one another with the knowledge that we serve exactly where God has placed us. I hope you discover the joy of being in the place God has for you, knowing He has placed your children in your care. We serve each other as well, working together for growth and joy in our faith and to build the faith of our children.
Even as we long to be with Christ, we remain here as His hands and feet. At times we hold too tightly to the things of this world. Paul strives to find the balance between focusing on that which is better by far--being with Christ--and living here to serve God and others.
Endeavor to team up with parents who are believers and help one another grow in your faith. Seek to realize how and why God has placed you in your circumstances. Remember these words, "who has been given to you, and to whom have you been given?" Who will you minister to today?
Friday, September 2, 2011
Christ is Exalted
Philippians 1:19-21
Paul realized the power of prayer in various situations. He experienced firsthand the promise of Jesus and he can see the possibilities available through God. Even if he is not set free physiclly, his faith allows him to be free from the fear and frustration of imprisonment. He prays that God will be exalted in his life.
To exalt means to honor, to praise, and to glorify. Matt Hannan, the pastor of New Heights Church in Vancouver, Washington, defined "exalt" as "magnify." When we magnify something, we bring it near or closer, as when we look through a microscope or telescope. We want to bring God close to us so we can show Him to our children.
When we meet together, we receive hope and courage to continue on in the place God has set us. Daily we find that God gives us strength. We realize that our lives are in Him.
The good news we share with our children is that God's love will bring them close to Him. Jesus has made a way to bring us all back to God so that we no longer have to be separated from God. We are not ashamed to live as a godly example to those around us, for He will give us all the courage we need.
Paul realized the power of prayer in various situations. He experienced firsthand the promise of Jesus and he can see the possibilities available through God. Even if he is not set free physiclly, his faith allows him to be free from the fear and frustration of imprisonment. He prays that God will be exalted in his life.
To exalt means to honor, to praise, and to glorify. Matt Hannan, the pastor of New Heights Church in Vancouver, Washington, defined "exalt" as "magnify." When we magnify something, we bring it near or closer, as when we look through a microscope or telescope. We want to bring God close to us so we can show Him to our children.
When we meet together, we receive hope and courage to continue on in the place God has set us. Daily we find that God gives us strength. We realize that our lives are in Him.
The good news we share with our children is that God's love will bring them close to Him. Jesus has made a way to bring us all back to God so that we no longer have to be separated from God. We are not ashamed to live as a godly example to those around us, for He will give us all the courage we need.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Speaking the Word
Philippians 1:15-18
During our morning meetings, we continued to discuss the concept of "eating dirt," specifically in relation to our children or their friends offending us. Certainly some children--regardless of their background--will always seek to stir up trouble. Whether at school, children's church classes, or youth groups, not every child will participate with a proper attitude and right motives. Even so, Christ is preached through Bible reading, prayer, and service to others.
As parents, we also do not always present the Word as purely as we might to our children. However, we can meet with other parents, encourage one another in love, help each other through the rough times, and Christ will be spoken.
I encourage you to find fellow believers with whom you can meet--in person, by phone, online--whatever works. Ask one or more of these people to pray with you for loving attitudes and proper motives as you "preach Christ," whether by word or deed. As your children participate in community activities, set the example of Christ in serving others.
During our morning meetings, we continued to discuss the concept of "eating dirt," specifically in relation to our children or their friends offending us. Certainly some children--regardless of their background--will always seek to stir up trouble. Whether at school, children's church classes, or youth groups, not every child will participate with a proper attitude and right motives. Even so, Christ is preached through Bible reading, prayer, and service to others.
As parents, we also do not always present the Word as purely as we might to our children. However, we can meet with other parents, encourage one another in love, help each other through the rough times, and Christ will be spoken.
I encourage you to find fellow believers with whom you can meet--in person, by phone, online--whatever works. Ask one or more of these people to pray with you for loving attitudes and proper motives as you "preach Christ," whether by word or deed. As your children participate in community activities, set the example of Christ in serving others.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Eating Dirt
Philippians 1:12-14
At this point in our reading, one of the other group members who worked with middle school age children came in talking about "eating dirt." When others offend us, it speaks loudly of our testimony if we silently swallow our pride and react only with love.
We truly are "in chains" for Christ. Paul refers to himself as a bond servant (Romans 1:1), a slave who has been freed but now is willingly bound to his master for life. We do things in certain ways because of our position in Christ, forgiven and accepted by grace. We give our children second and third chances. We care enough to make the effort to truly know our children and seek what is best for them.
Consider other parents in your community. Many dedicated parents truly care and work with their children to teach and guide them. However, Christians have a source of strength and energy that enables them to rise above the stress and negative attitudes that prevail in today's society. Christian parents carry forth the work of the gospel, showing God's love to everyone around them. Their example encourages all of us to "speak the Word more courageously."
At this point in our reading, one of the other group members who worked with middle school age children came in talking about "eating dirt." When others offend us, it speaks loudly of our testimony if we silently swallow our pride and react only with love.
We truly are "in chains" for Christ. Paul refers to himself as a bond servant (Romans 1:1), a slave who has been freed but now is willingly bound to his master for life. We do things in certain ways because of our position in Christ, forgiven and accepted by grace. We give our children second and third chances. We care enough to make the effort to truly know our children and seek what is best for them.
Consider other parents in your community. Many dedicated parents truly care and work with their children to teach and guide them. However, Christians have a source of strength and energy that enables them to rise above the stress and negative attitudes that prevail in today's society. Christian parents carry forth the work of the gospel, showing God's love to everyone around them. Their example encourages all of us to "speak the Word more courageously."
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Prayers of Love
Philippians 1:9-11
We prayed often at the beginning of our devotional study that God would guide us to accomplish His purposes. As my days and concerns get caught up in many things I want to ask for His best, what God wants in the current situation.
Paul says if our love abounds in knowledge and insight, we will know what is best. This is agape love, a giving love that overflows based on who God is and what He has done for us. Perhaps you've talked with other parents about your children, their social and academic needs, your concerns for their well being. Someone once said, "they won't care until they see how much you care." Paul has a wonderful habit of praying for his friends. His prayer is for success in their Christian life. Wouldn't it be great if we prayed for our children in this way?
We can pray to be vessels of God's love to our children and ask Him to give us insight to help meet their needs.
We prayed often at the beginning of our devotional study that God would guide us to accomplish His purposes. As my days and concerns get caught up in many things I want to ask for His best, what God wants in the current situation.
Paul says if our love abounds in knowledge and insight, we will know what is best. This is agape love, a giving love that overflows based on who God is and what He has done for us. Perhaps you've talked with other parents about your children, their social and academic needs, your concerns for their well being. Someone once said, "they won't care until they see how much you care." Paul has a wonderful habit of praying for his friends. His prayer is for success in their Christian life. Wouldn't it be great if we prayed for our children in this way?
We can pray to be vessels of God's love to our children and ask Him to give us insight to help meet their needs.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
In our hearts
Philippians 1:7-8
Paul's partnership with the Philippians begins with his love and care for them. He reminds them of his affection and says that it is right for him to have confidence that God will work in their lives since he has these believers in his heart.
We hold our children in our hearts; we are concerned about them and their needs--spiritual, academic, social, and emotional. We share the gospel with them, whether defending God's way of living or confirming the truth of God's Word as lived out in our lives.
Our bond in Christ draws us together, whether our children attend Christian or public school. We feel connected with other Christian parents in our church or community, bound by chance encounters or online connections. We long for the fellowship of other believers, asw we work together to serve Him and show His love.
I saw a poster once that read, "Preach Christ to all men. If necessary, use words." Confirm the truth of God's Word daily as you work with your children, even if you feel they will not always listen if you defend the gospel verbally. Pray they would see the truth and respond to share in God's grace, as you hold them "in your heart" in a way those in the world cannot.
Paul's partnership with the Philippians begins with his love and care for them. He reminds them of his affection and says that it is right for him to have confidence that God will work in their lives since he has these believers in his heart.
We hold our children in our hearts; we are concerned about them and their needs--spiritual, academic, social, and emotional. We share the gospel with them, whether defending God's way of living or confirming the truth of God's Word as lived out in our lives.
Our bond in Christ draws us together, whether our children attend Christian or public school. We feel connected with other Christian parents in our church or community, bound by chance encounters or online connections. We long for the fellowship of other believers, asw we work together to serve Him and show His love.
I saw a poster once that read, "Preach Christ to all men. If necessary, use words." Confirm the truth of God's Word daily as you work with your children, even if you feel they will not always listen if you defend the gospel verbally. Pray they would see the truth and respond to share in God's grace, as you hold them "in your heart" in a way those in the world cannot.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Our Partnership
Philippians 1:3-6
As parents we partner together to bring the gospel--God's good news of unconditional love--to our children. We have confidence that what we start God will be faithful to complete. We entrust our children to His care. We work together, seeking to accomplish His purposes.
You may be in a situation in which you feel you cannot talk about God. There may not be others in your neighborhood whom you can turn to for support in raising your children to walk in God's ways. You may not feel there are others close by who have "partnership in the gospel" with you.
Paul also wrote to people living in Corinth, saying that there are many parts, but one body of Christ. If we follow Christ, we have been baptized by His Spirit into one body (1 Corinthians 12:12-13). We may find partners in God's kingdom in a scout troop, on a soccer team, or in our local church. We work together for one common purpose: to share God's love.
You may have already discovered ways you can share the good news of God's love with your own children and other families with whom you come in contact. You are partners with those parents in your goals and desires for your children's growth and success in all areas of life. As you pray for your children, ask God to show you how He wants you to partner with Him to complete His work, that which you have faithfully started in their lives.
As parents we partner together to bring the gospel--God's good news of unconditional love--to our children. We have confidence that what we start God will be faithful to complete. We entrust our children to His care. We work together, seeking to accomplish His purposes.
You may be in a situation in which you feel you cannot talk about God. There may not be others in your neighborhood whom you can turn to for support in raising your children to walk in God's ways. You may not feel there are others close by who have "partnership in the gospel" with you.
Paul also wrote to people living in Corinth, saying that there are many parts, but one body of Christ. If we follow Christ, we have been baptized by His Spirit into one body (1 Corinthians 12:12-13). We may find partners in God's kingdom in a scout troop, on a soccer team, or in our local church. We work together for one common purpose: to share God's love.
You may have already discovered ways you can share the good news of God's love with your own children and other families with whom you come in contact. You are partners with those parents in your goals and desires for your children's growth and success in all areas of life. As you pray for your children, ask God to show you how He wants you to partner with Him to complete His work, that which you have faithfully started in their lives.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Thanking God
Philippians 1:1-3
That first Tuesday morning when I started this devotional study with friends and co-workers who were also fellow parents, I could look around the table and honestly say with Paul, "I thank my God every time I remember you." As parents, we support each other in many ways. We pray for each other during our devotional times. We encourage one another, sharing parenting ideas and concerns about the children in our care.
As Christian parents, we're in this together. God encourages us to support and uplift one another, regardless of our situation. We learn from one another. We speak joy into each other's lives by sharing the triumphs and trials in our daily circumstances.
Perhaps you are the only Christian in your neighborhood or community. Think about how you can thank God for your neighbors or other parents with whom you come in contact, those with whom you share life. A friend once said, "you have been given to them,a nd they have been given to you." Every time you think of your friends and fellow parents, thank God and ask Him to help you speak His joy into their lives.
That first Tuesday morning when I started this devotional study with friends and co-workers who were also fellow parents, I could look around the table and honestly say with Paul, "I thank my God every time I remember you." As parents, we support each other in many ways. We pray for each other during our devotional times. We encourage one another, sharing parenting ideas and concerns about the children in our care.
As Christian parents, we're in this together. God encourages us to support and uplift one another, regardless of our situation. We learn from one another. We speak joy into each other's lives by sharing the triumphs and trials in our daily circumstances.
Perhaps you are the only Christian in your neighborhood or community. Think about how you can thank God for your neighbors or other parents with whom you come in contact, those with whom you share life. A friend once said, "you have been given to them,a nd they have been given to you." Every time you think of your friends and fellow parents, thank God and ask Him to help you speak His joy into their lives.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Living in Community
In today’s fast-paced society, it’s easy to feel isolated. Yet we all long for community. Once we accept Christ’s love and sacrifice for us and decide to follow Him, He calls us to serve Him by serving one another within the context of community. The first place we practice living out our faith is at home, with our families.
Over the next month or so, I'll be posting devotional thoughts for parents from the book of Philippians. I first presented these devotions at a small Christian school to a group of co-workers who were also parents and grandparents. I raised my sons in a Christian community. As they participated in school and community activities, we got to know other Christian families. Many parents find encouragement in the Bible to teach their children, talking about God's Word "when you sit at home and when you walk along the road," (Deuteronomy 6:7), touching their lives with God's love. To all of you, I offer Paul's words of encouragement as we read through Philippians together.
Over the next month or so, I'll be posting devotional thoughts for parents from the book of Philippians. I first presented these devotions at a small Christian school to a group of co-workers who were also parents and grandparents. I raised my sons in a Christian community. As they participated in school and community activities, we got to know other Christian families. Many parents find encouragement in the Bible to teach their children, talking about God's Word "when you sit at home and when you walk along the road," (Deuteronomy 6:7), touching their lives with God's love. To all of you, I offer Paul's words of encouragement as we read through Philippians together.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
