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... When it comes to texting, today's teens and young adults are experts. But when it comes to talking, not so much. It's no secret that many of them do not know how to hold meaningful conversations and, generally speaking, they don't seem to like talking.
The information revolution has changed all of our lives, but especially theirs. They practically grew up with phones in their hand, internet has always existed for them and they probably have no idea what dial-up connection is. This familiarity to all things electronics has created a void. A void in communication and human connection. Despite the promises of social media to help connect people, teens worry that technology is coming between individuals. In fact, data show that nearly seven in 10 teens (68%) agree that devices keep them from having real conversations, and a third (32%) says devices sometimes separate them from other people (www.barna.com). As your older brother in Christ, here are a few suggestions to help you get better and more comfortable with communicating with words, regardless of whether you consider yourself to be an introvert or an extrovert. Don't expect the live in the deep end of Christianity if your study of God's Word is always in the shallow end.
Don't expect a bountiful harvest if your sowing scarcely. Don't expect a good day at work with a poor attitude. Don't expect people to respect you when you don't respect them. Don't expect people to follow you if you have no idea where you're going. Don't expect to save when all you do is spend. Don't expect to be sensitive with people if you're insensitive to God. Don't expect intimacy with your spouse if you never make time for each other. Don't expect much from people if you are always giving very little. Don't expect your children to obey you when your walk doesn't match your talk. Don't expect God to forgive you when you don't forgive others. Don't expect to grow if you're not willing to learn. Don't expect people to change if you're not willing to change. Don't expect people to know about the love of Jesus if you never tell them about it. Don't expect someone to go the second mile with you if you can't even go one mile with them. Don't expect people to listen when you're always talking. -Danny Kovacs 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. |
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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