Alive and Full of Power

How can I pour into my children's lives that which I do not have in my own life?

How can I give them truth if I do not have it?

I want God's word to be at the forefront of my mind, ready to answer, ready to sow into the lives and hearts around me. As I spend time with Jesus my life is changed. As I walk in the Spirit I have power to do as He leads me. As I am in His word I have confirmation of that which His Spirit leads. It's not just about having the word in my mind. We know that Satan knows the word and he also twists it. We must have it dwelling in our hearts, believing it and living it. As we live the word in our lives our children will be effected. As we pour the truths of God's word into our children's lives when we arise out of bed, sit down, eat a meal, train behaviors, deal with sin, go to bed and everything in between we will see fruit in their lives.

Hebrews 4:12 (Amplified Version) says,

"For the word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two -edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and (the immortal spirit) and of the joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart."

The word of God cuts through our nature and reaches to the deepest part of our being. In child training it isn't meant to beat our children upside the head. It is a light for the path they are to follow. His word points to Him. 

It is all about Jesus. 

Today, as we wipe dirty faces, cook a meal, clean a mess, train a child, teach a lesson, kiss sweet faces, discipline, train  and confirm our love for them,  let's walk in the Spirit of God, living in the power of His Holy Spirit and plant the word of God into the lives around us. There is no greater power!  

May our lives be "alive and full of power" as we live His word today. 

"Being Examples To The Flock"

"Tend (nurture, guard, guide, and fold) the flock of God that is [your responsibility], not by coercion or constraint, but willingly; not dishonorably motivated by the advantages and profits [belonging to the office], but eagerly and cheerfully; not domineering [ as arrogant, dictatorial, and overbearing persons] over those in your charge, but being examples (patterns and models of Christian living) to the flock. And then when the Chief Shepherd is revealed, you will win the conqueror's crown of glory."

1 Peter 5:2-4

I'm well aware these words were written for pastors, elders and leaders in the church and yet how apt this is to us as parents. We have little ones watching our every move. They love what we love. They mimic our patterns and repeat our words. They are our disciples; eating with us, going everywhere with us, learning from us. 

As mothers it is natural to nurture our babies yet as we come face to face with their sin nature it becomes easy to become exasperated with them, quick to speak and slow to listen, quick to react instead of train and reach the heart. It's easy for me to be overbearing and domineering. I like everything to be in order and just right but I hinder God's work when I work on my terms. 

I also have to keep my motivations in check. Oh, it's easy to want my kids to behave so that I get a "well done" applause from the world around me. It's easy for me to react for the wrong reason but absolutely wrong before the Lord. 

My goal and aim must always be to please my Lord and Savior. My motivation must be eternity, His plan for my children, reaching their precious hearts for Him. As I live my life in humility and live my life as an example  that pleases the Father what blessings will flow on both sides of eternity.

Parenting is not the easiest role and yet I must say that it is the most rewarding.

My children are young. I have three wonderful, rambunctious boys; seven, five and ten months and a very busy, sweet two and a half year old daughter. The treasures of my day come in kisses and hugs, half broken flowers, cuddles on the couch and caresses on my skin. Oh, these little ones melt my heart. The truth is...they are amazing and they are sinners. Oh and it's no secret...so am I!

If I mother my children the way that comes most natural to me I will misrepresent my God. If I do things my way my kids might turn out okay but I don't want my kids to turn out just okay. I want them to love God and love others. I want my children to make an impact for eternity and I want their hearts to be sold out for Jesus! That means I need to do things God's way, with His leading. Because I'm His I've been given His Spirit that lives and dwells within me, He is my guide. As I yield my way and let Him lead my words, my actions, my aim and focus of every day I find fruit in my life and my children's lives that only He can give. 

He shared this with me today from Peter's letter.

"Tend (nurture, guard, guide, and fold) the flock of God that is [your responsibility], not by coercion or constraint, but willingly; not dishonorably motivated by the advantages and profits [belonging to the office], but eagerly and cheerfully; not domineering [ as arrogant, dictatorial, and overbearing persons] over those in your charge, but being examples (patterns and models of Christian living) to the flock. And then when the Chief Shepherd is revealed, you will win the conqueror's crown of glory."

1 Peter 5:2-4

A Gentle Shepherd

I love the heart of our God. 

"He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young."

Isaiah 40:11

He feeds us. He gathers the little ones in His arm  and carries them.

He gently leads those who are with young. 

Do you need leading? 

I do. Every day I need His leading and He never fails to guide me as I surrender my way and follow His lead. 

What area do you need leading today?

He will lovingly and gently guide you.