Parenting Influence

I am reminded everyday of the influence, I have on my child. Oliver is only two, and the amount of characteristics and mannerisms he has picked up from just watching me is unbelievable. He truly is a child in the likeness of me. A key word in all that I have said is character. As parents, we must ask ourselves, what type of character do we hope of our children. And, as Christian parents, we have an even larger role in making sure our children develop Christ Like character.

As Christians, we must model our lives through the life image of our God and His son Jesus Christ. One night after meeting with our Freshwater small group, I read Matthew 12: 33-35 and God inspired me as a parent. Through Jesus Christ's words, we are reminded as Christian parents just how much of an influence we will have on our children. Matthew 12:33-35 "Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit..." Good people bring good things out of the good stored up in them, and evil people bring evil things out of the evil stored up in them. I am reminded of something James, my homeless friend, told me one lunch time. He said that his grandma told him once, "You live wicked, you die wicked." Although striking, it is very simple and true. We should model ourselves as Jesus Christ, and we will influence our children into making good fruit of themselves, but also influence them to influence good fruit of their children, neighbors, friends, and even their "enemies."

Dear heavenly Father,

Your love and image is special among us as Christians. You have provided a perfect model in Your son Jesus Christ. Fill our spirit with Your sons image, and that we are excited to live out that image in our daily lives. Help us to drive towards influencing our Children to provide good fruit. Help us to look beyond the fact that doing good should not be for selfish reasons to earn a spot in heaven, but influence others in their daily lives.

Through thought, word, and deed I will be You Lord God and Your son Jesus Christ

Enlightenment for Myself

Matthew 4:4 4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

I have spent a greater part of my life wondering how my words, my faith journey, and my positive actions were perceived by others. When I received praise, it was for me in my heart. Like I was providing words of wisdom from my life. Like I hold all of the answers. I know God has blessed me to be a faithful servent and deciple, the problem is, I have been trying to take all the credit for the words and deeds I do on God's behalf. All my thoughts, all my words, and all my deeds should be reflective of how Jesus Christ lived. That when something should happen that God has done through me that warrants a celebration, it is not I who receive the praise by name, but Jesus Christ and God our Father alone.

Dear heavenly Father, You have opened up new doors for me and established relationships that have helped me to look deep within myself. I ask that you continue to walk with me in Spirit, drive my heart to make passion filled bridges, and spread the word and good deeds of You Lord Jesus Christ.

Through thought, word, and deed I will be You Lord God and Your son Jesus Christ. AMEN!