10 Practical Ways We Love Our Children

A while back I heard a message from Dr. Danny Aiken, President of Southeastern Seminary, at our Church. In the message he spoke on building family relationships and gave 10 practical ways to show love to our children (grandchildren, niece's, nephews). Trust they will be as much a help to you as they have been to me.

1. Get down on their level.
   ~ Bend down when you talk to them
   ~ play the things they want to play
   ~ roll around on the floor with them
   ~ have fun.
   
   
2. Loving our mate.
   ~ Speaking words of kindness and respect to your spouse in the same way you would speak to your friends.
   
   
3. Discipline them.
   ~ Be consistent wherever we draw the line. "The rod of correction (used in a responsible way) imparts wisdom, but a child left to itself disgraces his mother." "Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul." Proverbs 29:15, 17
   
   
4. Look at them.
   ~ Looking in their eyes shows them they are important to you and what they have to say is valuable.
   
   
5. Touch them.
   ~ They need hugs.
   
   
6. Spend time with them.
   ~ Love is a four letter word ~ best spelled out TIME.
   
   
7. Listening to them.
   ~ "My dear brothers(sisters), take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." James 1:19
   
   
8. Blessing them rather than cursing them.
   ~ There is such incredible power in our words ~ our words either tear down or build up. Use only words that will build our kids up ~ "I'm so proud of you" goes a long way in building a child's self esteem.
   
   
9. Having fun with them.
   ~ Always look for teachable moments. "These commandments I give you today are to be upon 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." Deuteronomy 6:6-7
   
   
10. Introduce them to a perfect parent.
    ~ Pray for them daily and tell them about God, the perfect Father. "Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12 ". . . And by Him we cry Abba, Father. The Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are God's children." Romans 8:15-16

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him."

Psalm 127:3

Treasured Possession

We all have something we treasure. What is the thing you treasure most?


When I was a young adult, I would have to say, I treasured "possessions" most. The constant thought that kept running through my mind, was "if only I had . . . . if only I had." A nicer car, a better house, new clothes, etc. My identity was wrapped up in what I had or thought I had to have, not in the One who had given His life for me and promised to supply all my needs. "His divine power has given us everything we need for life (food, clothing, place to live, transportation) and godliness (His Word that shows us how to live in a way that brings Him glory) through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness." 2 Peter 1:3 (see also Matthew 6:25-34)


God was very patient with me as He began to show me my heart and teach me that all those "possessions" I thought I wanted could NEVER bring me true happiness and that my identity is found in Him alone. Although there is nothing wrong with having external "things", it does become wrong, when having to have those "things" consumes you and becomes your most treasured possession. Matthew 6:21 says, "Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be." What consumes your thoughts?

Today, the thing I treasure most is His Word. His Word that is "sweeter than honey", "more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold", "preserves my life", "comforts", "is my counselor", "is eternal", "gives me peace", and the list goes one. Check out Psalm 119 and find more promises of what the Word is or does. Let me know what you find.

"When Your Words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my hearts delight, for I bear Your name, O LORD GOD ALMIGHTY." Jeremiah 15:16 Warren Wiersbe says, "Meditation is to your inner person what digestion is to your body; you make the Word a part of your life and you grow." "Follow my advice, my son (daughter); always treasure my commands. Obey them and live! Guard my teaching as your most precious possession." Proverbs 7:1-2 Is God's Word your most treasured possession? If not, ask Him to put that desire in your heart.

"Your hands made me and formed me;

give me understanding to learn your commands.

May they who fear (reverence) You rejoice when they see me,

for I have put my hope in Your Word."

Psalm 119:73-74