Encouragement for Today - December 12, 2011
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December 12, 2011
What's Your Message? |
"Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them." Deuteronomy 4:9 (NIV)
My heart breaks as I see my girls struggle. Navigating the waters of school, I watch as waves of rejection slam against the boats of their hearts.
Often, I feel like I'm in the storm with them. Why do I feel vulnerable when I see the tears in their eyes?
Perhaps memories of my own turbulent teen years are not far gone. Painful remembrances of growing up come to the surface: confusion, a boy's brush-off, constant over-analyzing myself.
Yet my girls' struggles also bring thankfulness to my heart. I'm so grateful God sent amazing friends into my life when I was a young woman. I'll never forget friends who helped me discover that no man - be it a dad, boyfriend or even a husband one day - could fill the love gap in my heart. Only Jesus can fill what He created.
I am also thankful God placed me here, in my girls' lives, to share with them this same truth. You see, when Jesus showed me He was the only one who can fill the emptiness of my heart, He didn't just give that truth for me!
Jesus gave me His truth so I can pass His radical love onto my kids and hopefully my grandkids one day.
As today's key verse tells us, "Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them." (Deut. 4:9) We have opportunity and influence in the lives of your children and others.
What is one truth God has revealed that you can pass on to your children, your children's children or young people in your world? Are there revelations or treasures from His Word, glimpses into His heart that He's given to you? If so, they are not just for your benefit, but also for the benefit of your family and those in your sphere of influence.
Has the Lord given you a clear understanding of forgiveness? Teach your child the process of working through a grudge.
Have you experienced the Lord's healing? Come alongside those in your life as they mend.
Do you cling to hope because God has lifted your spirits? Share that with another who's in the middle of grim circumstances.
Let's not take for granted all the Lord has done in our lives. Instead, let's intentionally ask God to show us our message so we can naturally share it with others, passing on the truth and stories of God's faithfulness for generations to come.
Dear Lord, help me be intentional today to share with my children, and others in my life, all of the truth You have set to work in my heart. Help me make the most of the message You have given me and pass Your Word on to the next generation. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
RelatedResources:
Looking for a way you can connect to your girl and learn about God's radical love together? His Revolutionary Love: Jesus' Radical Pursuit of You by Lynn Cowell is for girls ages 13-18. It is a great study for moms and girls to bond over!
Visit Lynn's website for a free small group guide for "His Revolutionary Love" as well as other free resources for investing in your child.
Visit Lynn's website where she shares ways to be intentional about sharing God's truths with your child. She's also giving away a copy of her CD "Building a Bridge to Your Child's Heart," as well as a Starbucks gift card!
When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!
Application Steps:
In the next 24 hours, look for an opportunity to share with your child, or someone you love, one truth the Lord has made real in your life. When you connect a teaching to a story, it helps stick in the heart of your listener!
Ask the Holy Spirit to make you aware of times your child is most open to hearing testimonies from your life. Think of these in advance so when the time comes, you are ready to share.
Reflections:
God has given revelations to me: treasures from His Word, glimpses into His heart. He has entrusted those to me not only for my benefit, but for the benefit of my family and those in my sphere of influence.
Power Verses:
Deuteronomy 6:6-9, "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." (NIV)
© 2011 by Lynn Cowell. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
