Part of the WEEKLY WORD Series, No.1: SERVANT They say the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. (I don't know who 'they' are and I don't really like being compared to an apple but in any case...) This phrase is apparently of Eastern origin and frequently used to assert the continuity of family characteristics. For example, if your father had an anger problem, you, as a son, might have hints of the same issue or at least it may be attributed to you by others.
Parents or soon-to-be parents: How will you raise children who have the heart of a servant? It's a very important question. Personally, it's something I want them to pick up from me (I certainly pray they don't pick up any of my negative characteristics!). Whether we acknowledge it or not, they will end up serving someone or something in this world. I took a quick stroll, metaphorically speaking, throughout the short years that Daniela and I have been parents. I observed and continue to observe the ways in which our boys observe us. When it comes to serving, we have the unique responsibility to raise them in the ways of the Lord. Here are three questions to ask as you embark on this journey... You have longed for sweet peace,
And for faith to increase, And have earnestly, fervently prayed. But you cannot have rest, Or be perfectly blest, Until all on the altar is laid. Refrain: Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid? Your heart does the Spirit control? You can only be blest, And have peace and sweet rest, As you yield him your body and soul. Would you walk with the Lord In the light of his Word, And have peace and contentment alway? You must do his sweet will To be free from all ill -- On the altar your all you must lay. [Refrain] O we never can know What the Lord will bestow Of the blessings for which we have prayed, Till our body and soul He doth fully control, And our all on the altar is laid. [Refrain] Who can tell all the love He will send from above, And how happy our hearts will be made, Of the fellowship sweet We shall share at his feet When our all on the altar is laid! [Refrain] Author: E. A. Hoffman (1900) Tune: [You have longed for sweet peace, and for faith to increase] Source: Lead Me, Guide Me (2nd ed.) #660 ---Elisha Hoffman (1839-1929) after graduating from Union Seminary in Pennsylvania was ordained in 1868. As a minister he was appointed to the circuit in Napoleon, Ohio in 1872. He worked with the Evangelical Association's publishing arm in Cleveland for eleven years. He served in many chapels and churches in Cleveland and in Grafton in the 1880s, among them Bethel Home for Sailors and Seamen, Chestnut Ridge Union Chapel, Grace Congregational Church and Rockport Congregational Church. In his lifetime he wrote more than 2,000 gospel songs including"Leaning on the everlasting arms" (1894). The fifty song books he edited include Pentecostal Hymns No. 1 and The Evergreen, 1873. Every families definition of 'family time' is different. For some, it's a sacred event or tradition and violators are held accountable. For others, they only get to it when they get to it. It's unintentional. On one side of the camp, you have those who treat family time as strictly a spiritual event. No laughing, no smiling, no games, everyone must be properly aligned, Bible or hymnal in hand, and so on. On the other side are those who say family time needs to be all-encompassing and fun. It's all about games, outings, activities that awaken the mind and body, good food, the list goes on. Elsewhere, there are are those who try to find a healthy balance.
The Bible doesn't specifically address this concept of family time or movie night. But then again, the Bible doesn't specifically address a lot of things, like if Christians can drink wine/alcohol or if it's okay to smoke. In Psalm 119: 105, we see that God's Word is a lamp to our feet (the things that are close and within view) and a light to our path (the things that are in the future or not clearly seen). We live by faith and Godly principles. We don't walk around in life with a long checklist of things we can or can't do or things we should or shouldn't do. So, is movie night okay for Christians? |
ALTARPRENEURwith Danny & Daniela Kovacs
WHYNo family is an island. Join us as we share candid discussions, Biblical advice & resources to help keep God at the center of your faith, family and career. MICROBLOGS
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