Security for the Children
"Reverence for God gives a man deep strength; his children have a place of refuge and security"
Proverbs 14:26
Mary, the daughter of African missionaries, recalled how her father - the leader of a large missionary thrust - would on occasion call the family together and share something in his life that he felt was not pleasing to God, which he would confess both to the Lord and to his family whenever they happened to be involved.
This he did for at least two reasons: (1) he had a reverential fear of God, a fear that he might grieve or quench the Spirit by acts of disobedience, and (2) he wanted to be an example to his wife and children, not parading as one who was perfect. Like them, he needed to breathe spiritually, exhaling and confessing his sins whenever he became aware of them and inhaling and appropriating the fullness of God's Holy Spirit by faith so that he could keep walking in the light as God is in the light.
He would then ask other members of the family if they wanted to share anything in their lives that was grieving or quenching the Spirit, so that together they might pray for each other. This, Mary said, was such an encouragement to her and to other members of the family, helping her to have a greater sense of security and feeling of refuge, knowing that her father was a man of God who was honest with the Lord and with his family.
The example of her father and mother had played an important role in inspiring her to become a missionary, and now God is using her in a marvelous way for His glory.
In a day when children and young people lack a feeling of security, perhaps more than at any other time in history, it behooves Christian parents to cooperate with God in helping to provide for their families such a sense of security and refuge.
Bible Reading: Proverbs 14:15-21
Today's Action Point:
I will begin to pray regularly that God will grant to me an understanding of His attributes as I study His Word so that I will learn to reverence God and thereby provide refuge and security to those who look to me for leadership.
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http://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2009/12/29/bb_security/
Tags: children, encourage, Holy Spirit, Jesus, joy, love, serve
December 29th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
this was very thing that i want to be happening in my home. As my Husband is a leader in a church. A worship leader & even a minister of word. I want him to live an example for our 3 yr old son to see.
I am trying my best to step out but not finding freedom to take a leadership in the house especially for house devotion.
i am encouraged & challenged by this.
i now ask for a prayer request for my husband to be fully equiped in Gods things so we as a family can See GOD's Will fulfil in...
December 30th, 2009 at 11:57 am
This devotional will be a challenge to the Christian Parents, in this ultra-modern days.
It is indeed impossible for many of us to be honest before our Children and family to reveal many of our commissions and omissions. Even if someone tries, it would be couterproductive.
However, we cannot remain hiding from our Loving Father, in heaven with whom we can reveal our secrets.
Thanks. Wishing you a blessed New Year.
December 30th, 2009 at 10:22 pm
this stories remind me with my father who teach us to love god . i remember when i was a child may father bring us in church every sunday even we dont enough money to spend in our fair he make sure that we go to church every sunday .he also a reader of bible ,he attend also every sunday a bible prayer.now a days i make sure also teach my children the way my father teach us i make sure that every sunday we go to church. i hope that when they grown up they remember the way i teach them.......i...
December 31st, 2009 at 8:32 pm
pride goeth bee 4 a fall God hates a haughty spirit humble ourselves bee 4 a mighty God