Timeless Truths: Kids: Who's idea was this? #1-4

#29 Timeless Truths: Kids: Whose Idea Was This? #1-4

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of min and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”

Jesus speaking in Matthew 7:24 [NIV]

Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift?
    the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?
Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows
    are the children of a vigorous youth.
Oh, how blessed are you parents,
    with your quivers full of children!
Your enemies don’t stand a chance against you;
    you’ll sweep them right off your doorstep.

(Psalm 127:3-5 MSG)

Key Questions.

Is it possible to be successful and have a healthy family?

Is it possible to raise faithful children in today’s world?

Let’s look at the way God treats His children.

KIDS NEED:

1. LOVE WITHOUT LIMITS.

…let us love one another, for love comes from God. (1 John 4:7)

• Unconditional love is essential.
• That doesn’t mean there will be no pain or sorrow.

But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to him… (Luke 15:20)

• We must choose to love up close.
• But, love is NOT all you need.

KIDS NEED:

2. BOUNDARIES WITH A BASIS IN GOD’S WORD.

⁶ These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.  ⁷ 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. ⁸ Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ⁹ Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. 

(Deuteronomy 6:6-9)

• Studies show that the number one (#1) influence on successful adults is a strong value system.
• While children are in your home, they are God’s will for your life.
• The Ten Commandments were given to protect us. The primary responsibility for teaching these is on the parent.
• You cannot parent in your spare time.

He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, 

and for his children it will be a refuge. (Proverbs 14:26)

KIDS NEED:

3. DISCIPLINE WITH DIRECTION.

Discipline your children while you still have the chance; 

indulging them destroys them. (Proverbs 19:18 MSG)

• There are no perfect kids or perfect parents.
• Punishment is based on the past.
• Discipline looks to the future.

1. Be quick to discipline.
2. Be calm while you discipline.

• Lack of discipline sets up children for failure.

KIDS NEED:

4. ASSURANCE (time) WITH AFFIRMATION (talk).

Parents, don’t come down too hard on your children or you’ll crush their spirits. (Colossians 3:21 MSG)

• The older kids get, the more negativity they face.
• Parents ought to be/need to be cheerleaders for their children.

The Fear-of-God builds up confidence, and 

makes a world safe for your children. (Proverbs 14:26 MSG)

Thanks to Dr. Keith Newman for essential teachings in this post.

Next Thursday's Timeless Truths Series: Kids: Whose Idea Was This? #5-7

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