The millionaire’s four-year old daughter-- I had never seen her before. Now, there she was just yards up the beach.
Brisk wind held seagulls in near mid-air suspension over blue sky touching blue water. But now my attention was focused on the millionaire’s daughter. And her father.
I had my camera. I wanted a picture. But . . . a camera could not adequately preserve the scene. A few degrees cooler than playing-on-the-beach weather--they frolicked exuberantly on an abandoned expanse of sand. So engaged with each other, I doubt they noticed me. They zoomed a yellow toy front-end loader around a freshly created sandcastle. If their laughs and hugs were the loader’s fuel, it would run forever.
I stood there suspended in my thought world. My mind grabbed images of several under nurtured kids I care about.
With emotions continuing to ping pong, I walked towards the man. A stranger. I extended my hand: “You must be a millionaire.”
He replied, “I’m not a millionaire.”
He didn’t know my brain was contexting our conversation through the words of Jesus. "For what does it profit a man, what does he benefit, if he gains the whole world, and yet forfeits his soul—forfeit the vital force of his life?” And along that gain-the-whole-world path, what else will be traded in for the allurement? Maybe a four year-old daughter?
“You’re doing what’s important,” I said. “In my eyes you’re a millionaire.”
Our concluding twenty-five second conversation gave me zero clues to the “millionaire’s” financial status. Then feeling compelled, I placed my hand on his shoulder: “Bless you.”
That same hand extends to all who properly nurture the children in their lives: “God bless you.”
If you do not? Change. Today can be your day to become a millionaire.
8/26/06
8/20/06
8/19/06
RESTORATION PROJECT
Chet was always talking about his 1933 Chevy restoration project. Then he e-mailed pictures: “Thought you might want to see the finished product –Chet.”
Wow, nice car!
With all his car talk, it’s difficult to wedge my world in. I need to e-mail him.
Chet, I do restoration also. Surprised? I found this 2000 model in a trailer park east of here. Looks sound on the outside, but I noticed a lot of inside damage. Her name is Samantha.
Monday I drove into to the trailer park. In a flurry, the regular kids claimed their seats in my van. And a new child was buckling up. “Samantha’s going with us,” Tyler said. “Samantha,” I said. “Do you know where we’re going?” She formed the word best she could: “Chuch.” Yes, off to Monday night children’s church.
Smiling at Samantha’s eagerness, I could have driven away with this precious package. I thought, “This is wrong.” I was a stranger and had never met her parents.
A child can sustain significant damage when they lack nurturing, love, and discipline. Six-year old attention-starved Samantha’s problems quickly surfaced.
Chet, the Old Testament closes with: "God will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers . . ."
“God will restore.”
Great. Let God do all the dent-banging restoration . . . well, we know that’s not God’s way. God asks us to partner with Him.
Hey Chet, let’s take the “33” Chevy to the trailer park-- give some kids a ride. Maybe, you could talk to Samantha’s dad. He might listen to you. You’ve struggled. God restored you with His Jesus plan. Actually, He’s continually fine tuning you. Me too.
Still, God allows us on His restoration team. And He’s looking for more help.
Are you available?
Wow, nice car!
With all his car talk, it’s difficult to wedge my world in. I need to e-mail him.
Chet, I do restoration also. Surprised? I found this 2000 model in a trailer park east of here. Looks sound on the outside, but I noticed a lot of inside damage. Her name is Samantha.
Monday I drove into to the trailer park. In a flurry, the regular kids claimed their seats in my van. And a new child was buckling up. “Samantha’s going with us,” Tyler said. “Samantha,” I said. “Do you know where we’re going?” She formed the word best she could: “Chuch.” Yes, off to Monday night children’s church.
Smiling at Samantha’s eagerness, I could have driven away with this precious package. I thought, “This is wrong.” I was a stranger and had never met her parents.
A child can sustain significant damage when they lack nurturing, love, and discipline. Six-year old attention-starved Samantha’s problems quickly surfaced.
Chet, the Old Testament closes with: "God will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers . . ."
“God will restore.”
Great. Let God do all the dent-banging restoration . . . well, we know that’s not God’s way. God asks us to partner with Him.
Hey Chet, let’s take the “33” Chevy to the trailer park-- give some kids a ride. Maybe, you could talk to Samantha’s dad. He might listen to you. You’ve struggled. God restored you with His Jesus plan. Actually, He’s continually fine tuning you. Me too.
Still, God allows us on His restoration team. And He’s looking for more help.
Are you available?
8/12/06
SALTY WORDS
I really hadn’t taken a close look at her, as she spent a long time browsing the used children’s books. But when she looked up at me, I knew the stupidity of my question. The words just slipped out as I realized she looked about fourteen: “How many children do you have?”
“I’m pregnant,” she said. “How old are you?” She told me she was sixteen. “That’s pretty young,” I replied, probably with that disapproving wrinkle above my eyes communicating even more.
My mind swirled around with things to say. The Bible says, “Let your words always be full of grace.” And knowing that the Bible continually emphasizes heart attitude, facial expressions should be grace-toned also.
I thank God, He arrested my thoughts. I heard a voice in my head, “She’s already heard, many times, everything she’s done wrong.”
So I started helping Kimberly find children’s books. And just listened. It was like a grandpa listening to his granddaughter hip hop from one subject to the next. Kind of strange, since I had never met her before.
Without proper words, it is difficult to arrive at an understanding of a person’s situation. The Bible verse continues; adding an ingredient to grace-filled words. “. . . seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.”
That’s exactly what I was hoping for-- an opportunity to respond with a dash of hope, a dash of life direction, a dash of God into our conversation.
Kimberly looked through more stacks of children’s books. Casually mentioning, “I like to read.” When the conversation took a convenient curve, I responded: “Do you ever read the Bible?”
Words, like salt can be used to sting a wound or enhance palatability. One repels; one attracts. How’s your sprinkling going? Need improvement? Me too.
“I’m pregnant,” she said. “How old are you?” She told me she was sixteen. “That’s pretty young,” I replied, probably with that disapproving wrinkle above my eyes communicating even more.
My mind swirled around with things to say. The Bible says, “Let your words always be full of grace.” And knowing that the Bible continually emphasizes heart attitude, facial expressions should be grace-toned also.
I thank God, He arrested my thoughts. I heard a voice in my head, “She’s already heard, many times, everything she’s done wrong.”
So I started helping Kimberly find children’s books. And just listened. It was like a grandpa listening to his granddaughter hip hop from one subject to the next. Kind of strange, since I had never met her before.
Without proper words, it is difficult to arrive at an understanding of a person’s situation. The Bible verse continues; adding an ingredient to grace-filled words. “. . . seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.”
That’s exactly what I was hoping for-- an opportunity to respond with a dash of hope, a dash of life direction, a dash of God into our conversation.
Kimberly looked through more stacks of children’s books. Casually mentioning, “I like to read.” When the conversation took a convenient curve, I responded: “Do you ever read the Bible?”
Words, like salt can be used to sting a wound or enhance palatability. One repels; one attracts. How’s your sprinkling going? Need improvement? Me too.
8/5/06
A KERNAL OF WHEAT FALLS
As I walked up to the casket, bagpipe music softly wailed “Amazing Grace.” I knew Patty was in heaven, still I felt like crying. Is it acceptable to ask, “Why would one of the kindest people I know die at age forty-nine?
Some eulogies are spread so thick with the frosting of compliments that you wonder if they’re really talking about the person who died.
Admit it; you’ve experienced this.
With Patty, no frosting was needed to sweeten or to smear over flaws in her life.
Days leading to her death, I had been pondering Jesus’ words; letting them infiltrate my brain. “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”
Our lives are initially a single kernel of wheat. Completely focused on our own wants, needs and desires; at the end of life a single life has been bettered—your own.
Then there is the dying seed scenario.
Here’s how it works. Patty never drove. She usually walked or rode her three-wheel bike to her numerous volunteer activities. She helped at a nursing home with her church, at school she mentored children, and if there was a charity walkathon, she was probably involved. Patty was prolific in sending out cards—condolences, get-wells, on and on. She was even taking piano lessons to fill a need in the small church she attended. Her pastor said in the eulogy: “Patty probably shared Jesus with more people than I ever will.”
By serving the needs of others, Patty produced many seeds. She improved the lives of countless people.
Most why-death questions are never answered. There is a much more important question.
How? How did you live the time God gave you?
Some eulogies are spread so thick with the frosting of compliments that you wonder if they’re really talking about the person who died.
Admit it; you’ve experienced this.
With Patty, no frosting was needed to sweeten or to smear over flaws in her life.
Days leading to her death, I had been pondering Jesus’ words; letting them infiltrate my brain. “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”
Our lives are initially a single kernel of wheat. Completely focused on our own wants, needs and desires; at the end of life a single life has been bettered—your own.
Then there is the dying seed scenario.
Here’s how it works. Patty never drove. She usually walked or rode her three-wheel bike to her numerous volunteer activities. She helped at a nursing home with her church, at school she mentored children, and if there was a charity walkathon, she was probably involved. Patty was prolific in sending out cards—condolences, get-wells, on and on. She was even taking piano lessons to fill a need in the small church she attended. Her pastor said in the eulogy: “Patty probably shared Jesus with more people than I ever will.”
By serving the needs of others, Patty produced many seeds. She improved the lives of countless people.
Most why-death questions are never answered. There is a much more important question.
How? How did you live the time God gave you?
7/29/06
FIRST COMMUNION
“All the little girls get dressed up in new white dresses,” Mike said. With a few laughs, he also described the seven-year old boys in exuberance-restraining suit coats and neck ties.
I had asked Mike, “What does first communion mean to you?” Over the weekend he had attended his granddaughter’s first communion ceremony. I was actually probing for a more meaningful answer. So I refocused my question: “What’s the spiritual significance?”
Recently I had been replaying the memories of my first communion. At the initiation of communion, also called the Lord’s Supper, Jesus said: “Do this in remembrance of me.” At age forty-one, I solemnly, with deep gratitude in my heart remembered that Jesus died on a cross for my innumerable sins.
Sacred music quietly played, my thinking had flowed to the heavenly importance of this moment as I stood in line. My wife touched my shoulder, startling my brain to take the journey back to earth. She asked me to look her in her eyes.
We held hands as we faced each other. Softly she spoke, “I forgive you for everything you’ve done to me.”
I became undone.
Fifteen years as an ungodly husband, the massive trash pile of sinful transgressions towards her was shameful.
Are there many life-challenges more arduous than forgiving people of the wounds they inflict?
Communion—Jesus said: “This is My blood . . . which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
Do you really want to understand communion, the forgiveness of Jesus in a tangible way? Stack on the scales the sins Jesus has forgiven you; weigh those against the sins of another who you refuse to forgive.
Thump. My scale just bottomed out. I know I must forgive others, if I want to experience true in-remembrance communion with Jesus.
I had asked Mike, “What does first communion mean to you?” Over the weekend he had attended his granddaughter’s first communion ceremony. I was actually probing for a more meaningful answer. So I refocused my question: “What’s the spiritual significance?”
Recently I had been replaying the memories of my first communion. At the initiation of communion, also called the Lord’s Supper, Jesus said: “Do this in remembrance of me.” At age forty-one, I solemnly, with deep gratitude in my heart remembered that Jesus died on a cross for my innumerable sins.
Sacred music quietly played, my thinking had flowed to the heavenly importance of this moment as I stood in line. My wife touched my shoulder, startling my brain to take the journey back to earth. She asked me to look her in her eyes.
We held hands as we faced each other. Softly she spoke, “I forgive you for everything you’ve done to me.”
I became undone.
Fifteen years as an ungodly husband, the massive trash pile of sinful transgressions towards her was shameful.
Are there many life-challenges more arduous than forgiving people of the wounds they inflict?
Communion—Jesus said: “This is My blood . . . which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
Do you really want to understand communion, the forgiveness of Jesus in a tangible way? Stack on the scales the sins Jesus has forgiven you; weigh those against the sins of another who you refuse to forgive.
Thump. My scale just bottomed out. I know I must forgive others, if I want to experience true in-remembrance communion with Jesus.
7/22/06
BIBLE--BY CLIFF?
Ten-year old Michael’s soft expressionless demeanor sparked: “I’ve got my Bible.” I noticed the name “Cliff Miller” engraved in the lower right hand corner of Michael’s second-hand Bible.
Spark two: “Can you show me Jesus?” He simply wanted to see Jesus’ name in his Bible. Before I could help, Michael said, “I’ve found Jesus.” I could see his finger up towards the front of the Bible. It was planted on the word-- “G-E-N-E-S-I-S.”
Well Michael has many things to learn. He sure is eager.
Michael’s attention next was drawn to the inscription of “Cliff Miller.” “That’s who wrote the Bible,” Michael said. “Cliff Miller.” I told him that wasn’t the case. He doubted what I said. Why would his name be on the book near the spot typically reserved for the author’s name?
Michael was heading to the right spot—a Bible study. The evening’s focus: “The Holy Bible.”
The Bible says: “All Scripture is inspired of God.” The original Greek language conotates a God-breathed creation. God breathed into Holy men’s lives as they wrote Holy messages to transform followers of His Holy Word into Holy people.
Some people need volumes of information to aid in their Biblical evaluation process. It’s available. All the scientific and historical facts any true seeker could ever desire.
Now Michael, when shown what the Bible said, instantly believed that God inspired every word found in the Holy Bible. Not a doubt.
Sure, a person can doubtingly explore reasons why the Bible can’t be true.
And then there’s Michael’s approach. As Jesus said, “The person who humbles himself like this child is greatest in the heavenly kingdom.”
The Bible-- God’s powerful, life-changing Word. His Gift to humanity.
Our part in it? Choose our reading attitude. Humble, eager to learn; call it a Michael-attitude-- a show-me-Jesus attitude.
Spark two: “Can you show me Jesus?” He simply wanted to see Jesus’ name in his Bible. Before I could help, Michael said, “I’ve found Jesus.” I could see his finger up towards the front of the Bible. It was planted on the word-- “G-E-N-E-S-I-S.”
Well Michael has many things to learn. He sure is eager.
Michael’s attention next was drawn to the inscription of “Cliff Miller.” “That’s who wrote the Bible,” Michael said. “Cliff Miller.” I told him that wasn’t the case. He doubted what I said. Why would his name be on the book near the spot typically reserved for the author’s name?
Michael was heading to the right spot—a Bible study. The evening’s focus: “The Holy Bible.”
The Bible says: “All Scripture is inspired of God.” The original Greek language conotates a God-breathed creation. God breathed into Holy men’s lives as they wrote Holy messages to transform followers of His Holy Word into Holy people.
Some people need volumes of information to aid in their Biblical evaluation process. It’s available. All the scientific and historical facts any true seeker could ever desire.
Now Michael, when shown what the Bible said, instantly believed that God inspired every word found in the Holy Bible. Not a doubt.
Sure, a person can doubtingly explore reasons why the Bible can’t be true.
And then there’s Michael’s approach. As Jesus said, “The person who humbles himself like this child is greatest in the heavenly kingdom.”
The Bible-- God’s powerful, life-changing Word. His Gift to humanity.
Our part in it? Choose our reading attitude. Humble, eager to learn; call it a Michael-attitude-- a show-me-Jesus attitude.
7/15/06
LUCKY'S DONUT
I had already driven by the quirky Cambodian restaurant once—or was it twice. Lucky’s Donut. My thought-it-would-be-simple search for a van bench seat with seat belts was heading toward mini-expedition proportion.
God, all I need is a salvaged, You know, cheap seat. Minimal hassle please. That’s very close to what my wife and I prayed the night before. Shrugged shoulders, “no’s” and seatbeltless models were all I found. The price?-- $350 to $600.
I needed a break to gather my thoughts. Lucky, served a favorite of mine—shrimp fried rice. So tasty.
The Bible says: “Those led by the Spirit are sons of God.” Spirit led . . . even for a van seat? Sure. But sometimes we needed to stop. Yes stop, and see how the Spirit will lead us in God’s direction.
I asked the only other patron, “Do you know where there’s another RV salvage place?” Soon I was out the door with a new destination.
When I made my final turn, I spotted a mega-RV dealer. But they only sold new rigs. I felt compelled to keep driving.
Hmmm. What’s that sign say? “RV Surplus, Indoor Flea Market.”
Shorty, the man at the counter said, “I’ve got one left.” We walked through two adjacent rooms. He unlocked a door. Down three steps, he unlocked another door. “It’s brand new. It’s just dusty,” He said. I got excited: “How much?” Shorty said, “Twenty dollars.” I questioned him about its lack of seatbelts. “I’ve got some upstairs; I’ll give them to you.”
Is it difficult to tip the scales of your mind from lucky moment to Spirit led experience?
I handed Shorty the only money I had with me—a twenty dollar bill. I left the building grinning. I raised my hand heavenward: “Thank you Father.”
God, all I need is a salvaged, You know, cheap seat. Minimal hassle please. That’s very close to what my wife and I prayed the night before. Shrugged shoulders, “no’s” and seatbeltless models were all I found. The price?-- $350 to $600.
I needed a break to gather my thoughts. Lucky, served a favorite of mine—shrimp fried rice. So tasty.
The Bible says: “Those led by the Spirit are sons of God.” Spirit led . . . even for a van seat? Sure. But sometimes we needed to stop. Yes stop, and see how the Spirit will lead us in God’s direction.
I asked the only other patron, “Do you know where there’s another RV salvage place?” Soon I was out the door with a new destination.
When I made my final turn, I spotted a mega-RV dealer. But they only sold new rigs. I felt compelled to keep driving.
Hmmm. What’s that sign say? “RV Surplus, Indoor Flea Market.”
Shorty, the man at the counter said, “I’ve got one left.” We walked through two adjacent rooms. He unlocked a door. Down three steps, he unlocked another door. “It’s brand new. It’s just dusty,” He said. I got excited: “How much?” Shorty said, “Twenty dollars.” I questioned him about its lack of seatbelts. “I’ve got some upstairs; I’ll give them to you.”
Is it difficult to tip the scales of your mind from lucky moment to Spirit led experience?
I handed Shorty the only money I had with me—a twenty dollar bill. I left the building grinning. I raised my hand heavenward: “Thank you Father.”
7/10/06
7/8/06
MAKE JESUS HAPPY
Lydia still remembers hanging the picture of Jesus on her wall. A comforting, tangible token of her family’s faith. I’ve often seen her traditional rendition. Long haired, bearded Jesus stands in the subtle light in front of an arched wooden door. There dressed in a white robe with its gentle glow, He’s knocking on the door just below a small eye-level window.
Lydia was telling me about when her granddaughter Bailey had stayed overnight recently. When she left, Lydia noticed several nickel sized yellow smiley face stickers now adorning her beloved Jesus picture.
Exerting a gentle thumb-nail tug, she attempt removing them. Still her efforts left disfiguring surface blotches.
Next visit, Lydia questioned ten-year old Bailey about the smiley face stickers. Bailey instantly burst into tears. With tears still staining her face, she said, “Cause Jesus looked so sad to me . . . I wanted to make Jesus happy.”
The true value of the picture took an instant hit as Lydia pondered her granddaughter’s words. “Isn’t that how we all should be; shouldn’t we all want to make Jesus happy?”
Now stop a minute. Take a scrutinizing look at the picture.
The picture is a visual presentation of a Bible verse. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
Look at the picture closer. Jesus isn’t sad. His gentle, caring face reflects His serious demeanor. He’s concerned. He’s hoping someone will fling that big, wood door wide open.
Bailey, do you want to see Jesus get a big grin on His face? Open the door. He wants to be with you. He wants to be that friend you anxiously anticipate dining with.
Lydia was telling me about when her granddaughter Bailey had stayed overnight recently. When she left, Lydia noticed several nickel sized yellow smiley face stickers now adorning her beloved Jesus picture.
Exerting a gentle thumb-nail tug, she attempt removing them. Still her efforts left disfiguring surface blotches.
Next visit, Lydia questioned ten-year old Bailey about the smiley face stickers. Bailey instantly burst into tears. With tears still staining her face, she said, “Cause Jesus looked so sad to me . . . I wanted to make Jesus happy.”
The true value of the picture took an instant hit as Lydia pondered her granddaughter’s words. “Isn’t that how we all should be; shouldn’t we all want to make Jesus happy?”
Now stop a minute. Take a scrutinizing look at the picture.
The picture is a visual presentation of a Bible verse. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
Look at the picture closer. Jesus isn’t sad. His gentle, caring face reflects His serious demeanor. He’s concerned. He’s hoping someone will fling that big, wood door wide open.
Bailey, do you want to see Jesus get a big grin on His face? Open the door. He wants to be with you. He wants to be that friend you anxiously anticipate dining with.
7/2/06
DON'T CRY FOR MOSES
I don’t cry that hard very often. It had been a challenging day of facing the hard facts of life in Mozambique, Africa.
Not having used a wood plane in a few years, Moses helped reacquaint me with its delicate function. He knew how to make the aromatic pine curl into a lacy pile on the floor. Amazing.
Moses, with only one leg and only one finger on his right hand, used a series of make-it-work body contortions to efficiently achieve his objective. Though his occasional groans of frustration were heard while performing some of carpentry’s more delicate maneuvers, his sweet spirit remained.
That day, two carpenters built a cabinet together. Moses said, “I’m a peasant” and lives in one of the poorest countries on earth. He must manipulate his bruised body through forced efforts in a daily physical grind. And there’s me. I’m engulfed in tears long after the work day has faded to night.
The thought is overwhelming, overpowering: “God you’ve been so amazingly merciful to me.” Why has God’s wide open flow of mercy flooded over my life? Did Moses get a drip?
The Bible says: “The LORD’S mercies, for they have no end; His tender mercies fail not. They are new every morning.” God’s words must be relevant for Moses. So what mercies flow in his life?
He has a job in a country with extreme unemployment, soon he will be married, he is gradually constructing a house, God has given him an artistic gift and most significant-- he has the mercy God offers to all. Moses is a follower of Jesus.
So the tears weren’t for Moses. This teary-eyed revelation granted me a refocusing of gratitude towards God.
May our merciful God bless you with your own revelation.
Not having used a wood plane in a few years, Moses helped reacquaint me with its delicate function. He knew how to make the aromatic pine curl into a lacy pile on the floor. Amazing.
Moses, with only one leg and only one finger on his right hand, used a series of make-it-work body contortions to efficiently achieve his objective. Though his occasional groans of frustration were heard while performing some of carpentry’s more delicate maneuvers, his sweet spirit remained.
That day, two carpenters built a cabinet together. Moses said, “I’m a peasant” and lives in one of the poorest countries on earth. He must manipulate his bruised body through forced efforts in a daily physical grind. And there’s me. I’m engulfed in tears long after the work day has faded to night.
The thought is overwhelming, overpowering: “God you’ve been so amazingly merciful to me.” Why has God’s wide open flow of mercy flooded over my life? Did Moses get a drip?
The Bible says: “The LORD’S mercies, for they have no end; His tender mercies fail not. They are new every morning.” God’s words must be relevant for Moses. So what mercies flow in his life?
He has a job in a country with extreme unemployment, soon he will be married, he is gradually constructing a house, God has given him an artistic gift and most significant-- he has the mercy God offers to all. Moses is a follower of Jesus.
So the tears weren’t for Moses. This teary-eyed revelation granted me a refocusing of gratitude towards God.
May our merciful God bless you with your own revelation.
6/25/06
SCARED
“It scared me,” Shayna said.
She’s only eight years old. There are a lot of things that could scare her. Some could almost be laughable. What scared her this time? “Mom made me sit on my dad’s lap; she wanted to take a picture of us.”
Why would sitting on her dad’s lap for a photograph scare her? The Bible says, “Fathers, do not irritate and provoke your children. . .” What did her father do?
Shayna was provoked to fear by what her father didn’t do. Not even once prior to this time had he made the effort to see her. Now she was forced to have her photo taken with this scary stranger.
A night of passion, a man and a woman set in motion the formula to bring into existence God’s precious gift—a child. Other decisions were made. And in that process it was decided not to follow God’s guidelines for raising a child.
Instead of scaring a child, the Bible describes a father’s responsibilities: “But tenderly rear them in the training and discipline of the LORD.”
“Tenderly rear them.” The Bible says that children are a gift from God. In that light, they should be nurtured and loved with the utmost focus on their value in God’s eyes. Listen, love, hug these precious jewels.
With “tenderly” as the wrapping for the child rearing package, training and discipline are implemented. Training-- showing a child the way to live. Much of this is through being a living example. Discipline--firm loving methods to block a child’s disobedience and rebellion.
Then we come to the truly more encompassing mandate for child rearing—“Of the LORD.” Raise children in the way God prescribes. For this we’ve been given the Bible as an instruction manual. So read your Bible; do what it says.
She’s only eight years old. There are a lot of things that could scare her. Some could almost be laughable. What scared her this time? “Mom made me sit on my dad’s lap; she wanted to take a picture of us.”
Why would sitting on her dad’s lap for a photograph scare her? The Bible says, “Fathers, do not irritate and provoke your children. . .” What did her father do?
Shayna was provoked to fear by what her father didn’t do. Not even once prior to this time had he made the effort to see her. Now she was forced to have her photo taken with this scary stranger.
A night of passion, a man and a woman set in motion the formula to bring into existence God’s precious gift—a child. Other decisions were made. And in that process it was decided not to follow God’s guidelines for raising a child.
Instead of scaring a child, the Bible describes a father’s responsibilities: “But tenderly rear them in the training and discipline of the LORD.”
“Tenderly rear them.” The Bible says that children are a gift from God. In that light, they should be nurtured and loved with the utmost focus on their value in God’s eyes. Listen, love, hug these precious jewels.
With “tenderly” as the wrapping for the child rearing package, training and discipline are implemented. Training-- showing a child the way to live. Much of this is through being a living example. Discipline--firm loving methods to block a child’s disobedience and rebellion.
Then we come to the truly more encompassing mandate for child rearing—“Of the LORD.” Raise children in the way God prescribes. For this we’ve been given the Bible as an instruction manual. So read your Bible; do what it says.
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