Encouragement for Today - Sept. 13, 2007
September 13, 2007
How to Raise Successful Children
By Wendy Pope
“Praise the LORD! Happy are those who fear the LORD. Yes, happy are those who delight in doing what He commands. Psalm 112:1 (NLT Chronological Bible))
Devotion:
When titling this devotion I wondered, "I would buy a book with this title?" then I quickly thought of all the well intended help books that have been written but seemed to have produced children who continue to make poor decisions. Despite the valiant effort of numerous authors, our world is still full of young people who don't reach their full potential and settle for less than what God desires for them. My children are young, nine and seven, but no matter how old your children are, you still have the ability to influence their success.
I am reading through the entire Bible for the first time in my life. I have to tell you, it is one of the most exciting things I have done in my journey with the Lord. In my daily reading I stumbled across today's key verse. I have to admit that I read it with familiarity until I got to verse 2:
"Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed." (Psalm 112)
Did you catch that? Reread today's key verse above, then read verse 2. I had to read and reread these verses several times. As I pondered them I realized the truth in the message: the success or lack of success in the life of my children rests on me, in fact, generation to generation. The future of the children God has entrusted to me and the children they will bring into this world (my grandchildren) is affected by my willingness to obey the Lord's commands and to reverently fear Him. The reality of this truth makes me more eager than ever to obey the Lord, not just obey but delightfully obey Him.
I haven't read very many "raising kids books." I don't know much about the reputation and integrity of the authors who write them. I can boast with great confidence, however, in the Author of book that taught me today's truth. His reputation is impeccable and His record is unblemished. His advice on childrearing is trustworthy and when followed will produce the results promised.
I don't know about you, but I am not willing to risk the success of my children and grandchildren on my own plans and ideas for their future. My plan is to put today's key verse into practice, sit back and watch what happens.
Following the words of the Author not only blesses your children and the future generations, but also pleases your Heavenly Father and gives Him the desire to bless you for your obedience. A two-fold blessing - you can't get any better than that!
Dear Lord, You are at work all the time. I want to participate with You by saying “yes” to your commands, and make a difference in my loved one's life today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Out of the Mouths of Babes by Wendy Pope
Don’t Make Me Count to Three by Ginger Plowman
From the Pound to the Palace by Van Walton
Application Steps:
In your prayer time ask God to show you someone who needs encouragement. Tell Him you will say yes to Him. Share your experience of saying yes to God with someone.
Reflections:
Do I hear and understand when God is saying something to me?
Am I delighting in following God’s commands?
Power Verses:
1 Thessalonians 5:11, "So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing."(NIV)
Proverbs 12:25, "An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up." (NIV)
Galatians 5:22, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness." (NIV)
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G,
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
