Ephesians 6:1 - 4 (CEB): 1 As for children, obey your parents in the Lord, because it is right. 2 The commandment Honor your father and mother is the first one with a promise attached: 3 so that things will go well for you, and you will live for a long time in the land. 4 As for parents, don’t provoke your children to anger, but raise them with discipline and instruction about the Lord.
What an amazing time we all had at the Phenomenal Pigskin Party on this past Sunday. Everyone worked hard to make the evening a wonderful success for our church family. The game was well played and very competitive right up to the end. The whooping and hollering for our favorite teams and dancing to the wonderful halftime show just added to the high pitched excitement of the night.
It was wonderful to see all the families that took the time to come out on the inaugural family night. Parents and Grandparents and children of all ages set up their 'comfy' chairs. They sat with each other and talked and shared of their life. There was plenty of food to go around thanks to all those who took the time to prepare it. So many meatballs, pulled pork, chicken wings, hot dogs, sausages, coleslaw, vegetable trays and dip. Potato Chips of all kinds to snack on, Cheese Curls, Nacho chips.
Desserts of all kinds to top off and satisfy that ever present 'need for sweet' craving. It was just a nice way for our church family to come together and fellowship with each other. Praise be to God!!!
1Chronicles 17:16-17 (CEB)
David’s prayer
16 Then King David went and sat in the LORD’s presence. He asked: Who am I, LORD God, and of what significance is my family that you have brought me this far? 17 But even this was too small in your eyes, God. You have spoken about the future of your servant’s dynasty and have chosen me as an important person, LORD God.and
Jeremiah 29:11-13 (CEB) 11 I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the LORD; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope. 12 When you call me and come and pray to me, I will listen to you. 13 When you search for me, yes, search for me with all your heart, you will find me.
At home, we are husbands and wives, Fathers and mothers, Boyfriend and Girlfriend. Some are raising their children and others are 'empty nesters' with children in college or married and raising the next generation. Grand Parents, and Great Grand Parents. As the old song goes 'We are Family'. At Hiss Church we are each others family seeking to share the love we have come to know through the Grace of God. In the eternal equation - we are all members of God's family through Jesus Christ.
Yes, We are all family through the good times and the best of times. We come together to have a party and celebrate what the Lord has done for us. In the not so good times and the worst of times we come together as they did:
Acts4:32-33 (CEB)
32 The community of believers was one in heart and mind. None of them would say, “This is mine!” about any of their possessions, but held everything in common. 33 The apostles continued to bear powerful witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and an abundance of grace was at work among them all.
As I am coming to know, just having been married 22 months ago, there is no such thing as painless parenting (or step parenting a 32 yo married man). Pain - even excruciating pain is a natural part of the family process. Women know better than anyone that pain is just how the family got started (Genesis 3:16). And the aches and pains, the hurts and hassles, have continued to intrude into the parenting pathway ever since, and whether we like it or not, it is here to stay.
That is why a vital faith in Jesus Christ is so crucial to a happy family. God equips us through faith to meet all the challenges of parenting, even in a toxic environment. Consider:
Ephesians 6:1: for example: "Children obey your parents." How? "In the Lord."
Ephesians 5:25: "Husbands love your wives." How? "As Christ loved the church."
Ephesians 5:22: "Wives submit to your own Husbands." How? "As to the Lord."
All these instructions to the family wrap around a core of faith in God's love and in Christ's sacrifice.
Don't try to build your family with out faith in God. Throw yourself on His grace and mercy and pray to Him: "Lord, I know that apart from you, I can't do anything but mess this thing up. So I pray that through the best of times and the worst of times for the strength and courage to hang onto You with both hands. That together, we will make this family work. To your greater glory. Amen
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