I see a lot of people throughout the week, especially A LOT of kids. Why do they act the way they do? There are SO many reasons! When I’m dealing with a student who is having a grumbly day, I wonder what he/she faced that morning before coming to school. By high school, character issues are pretty well formed. What can possibly change a sullen student, or an obnoxious student, or a pity-party student, or a trouble-making student? Only Jesus!
Are you a parent? Are your children a blessing to you? Have you given them security even in the midst of trying circumstances? As a family, we faced several rough spots on this journey called life, but something that my husband once said really made the difference. When I was in the midst of falling apart and I began to notice that my kids were a bit insecure, he said, “Honey, if they see that we’re alright, they will be alright.” He was right!
So what do we do when we’re NOT alright? Dear believer, you run to Christ!
I run to Christ when chased by fear
And find a refuge sure.
“Believe in me,” His voice I hear;
His words and wounds secure.
I run to Christ when torn by grief
And find abundant peace.
“I too had tears,” He gently speaks;
Thus joy and sorrow meet.
I run to Christ when worn by life
And find my soul refreshed.
“Come unto Me,” He calls through strife;
Fatigue gives way to rest.
I run to Christ when vexed by hell
And find a mighty arm.
“The Devil flees,” the Scriptures tell;
He roars, but cannot harm.
I run to Christ when stalked by sin
And find a sure escape.
“Deliver me,” I cry to Him;
Temptation yields to grace.
I run to Christ when plagued by shame
And find my one defense.
“I bore God’s wrath,” He pleads my case—
My Advocate and Friend.
Words by Chris Anderson
Music by Greg Habeggar
Reprinted with permission
I could have highlighted the entire song, but I tried to highlight our problems and God’s wonderful solutions. Life is hard! Satan is real and so are temptations and sin! But Jesus is greater than any trial, any temptation, and difficult situation. When you find yourself thinking that you can’t, remember: GOD CAN! If there’s one fight that’s worth fighting, it’s the fight for our kids! Don’t just give them over to this world’s philosophy! You will regret it for the rest of your life! When we step away from God’s Word, God’s church, and God’s people, we step out from under the umbrella of His blessings, and God promises to rain judgment upon those who forget Him. OUCH!
For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Romans 11:21
You may say, “But I don’t forget Him.” But are you honoring Him? Are you panting hard after Him, longing to know Him better? Do you regularly spend time with Him alone in the Word? Do you desire to be with His people? Or has this world pushed into Sunday AND Monday, and Tuesday…
Kids need to see an honest heart, no matter what the topic, but when it comes to our faith, Satan works overtime to steal our kids away through our less than honest ways.
LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.Psalm 15:1,2
At the end of the day—at the end of this life—I want to know that I did all that I could
- To be right with God
- To be right with my fellow man
- To have done all that I could to draw my children and grandchildren and maybe someday great-grandchildren to walk close to their God
- To have done my part in giving the Gospel
As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?Ps 42:1,2
How about you? Any thoughts?
Beyond Common Sense 