For Parents of Teens

We have authority in our homes.  God has given us this authority and we must use it to protect our children, especially our teenagers.  It doesn't matter what they are doing at the moment, we still have authority if we do not become offended, hurt or bitter.  That doesn't mean we use a megaphone, however tempting that might be at times!

Let's pray before we go on. "Thank You Lord that when we train up  our children in the way they should go, when they are old, they will not depart from it (ref. Prov. 22:6). Give us teachable hearts right now to hear and understand your word and may we receive what You want us to receive from this. Amen"

A few relevant scripture verses are:
"Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right." (Prov. 20:11)
"Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished." (Eccl 4:13 italics mine)  What an awesome verse.... there's a warning here for all of us to stay teachable.

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise  so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth. Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." (Eph. 6:1-4 italics mine)

A long and good life is promised to those who honor their parents, whether they have been good or bad parents.  Parents will answer to God  for how they treated their children, especially if they exasperate or frustrate them unnecessarily.

The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself brings his mother to shame (Prov. 29:15)
Are we ever seeing the results of this verse.  So many latch key kids, left to their own devices and we wonder why they are getting into trouble!

Your children might be giving you grief or attitude at home right now but I encourage you to keep doing what you know to do.  I have had to moderate my training techniques with each child because they are all individuals, so keep asking the Lord questions. He is faithful. He'll show you how to deal with each one.

If one style of training doesn't bear good fruit, try another.  If you screw up, tell them you did and that you are learning too.  Kids don't come with operating manuals and we are all learning by the seat of our pants.

I have learned the hard way not to surrender my spiritual authority in the home. My son or daughter might be causing me all kinds of grief and I might want to throw my hands up and say, "Okay, you stand on the word and I'll agree with you."  That might feel good at the moment but no mother or father wants to see their kids suffer.  That's not love.

Even if they are walking in unbelief in one area of their lives, your faith is always stronger because your faith is tied to the King of Kings. Their unbelief is tied to the devil's fallen realm.

So take authority over the enemy in whatever area he is attacking your children.  Remind him that you rule and reign through Jesus and that you have been given the keys to the Kingdom. Whatever you bind on earth is bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth is loosed in heaven (ref. Rom 5:17,19, Matt. 16:19)  Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. (1John. 4:4)

Here are some helpful confessions to declare over yourself:

-Thank You Lord that because we love your word it is very hard for us to become offended. (Ps. 119:165)
-Thank You Lord that we are quick to hear, slow to speak and very slow to become angry and offended.  (James 1:17)
-Thank You Lord for a great guard on our mouths and for setting a watch over our lips.(Ps. 141:3)
-Thank you that we walk in the reverential fear/awe of You and we don't want to hurt those you have entrusted to our care. (Eccl. 12:13, 2Chron. 19:7)
-Thank You Lord that we are on guard against pride and with your help we won't be deceived. (Obed. 3)

In the end I want to say that it is all worth it.  Kids do eventually grow up and realize just how much your tried to prepare them for life. So be encouraged, You with Holy Spirit are an awesome team!

I decree that you are blessed to be a blessing, you are teachable and you bring delight to the Father's heart. In Jesus' name we agree. Amen!

Handling Disappointment

These are crazy times when jobs are disappearing and financial stress is at an all time high.  Families and marriages are feeling the pressure and people's love is being tested severely.

About two years ago the last thing I wanted to do was spend time in my room seeking God and waiting on Him. I was so disappointed at the way things turned out. You know how it is; your prayers didn't get answered the way you were expecting them to and you are left with an ache in your heart. And since God didn't do anything about it you feel, in some way, that He was willing for this to happen.

So I was avoiding my secret place, trying to keep busy and ignore the gnawing in my heart and emotions.  This melody kept coming to me in 'tongues' and I got the interpretation. May it bless your heart and help to heal you too.

The devil knows that if he can get you offended at God, he's cut you off from your source of healing. It is only in God's presence that we are transformed from glory to glory. (2Cor. 3:18)

God has promised that He will cause all things to work together for our good, even the pain and suffering we go through.(Rom 8:37)  It is said that if the devil knew what was going to happen to Jesus at the resurrection, he would never have allowed Jesus to die.

Therefore I want to encourage you to keep singing your pain to the Lord, but like David in the Psalms, end it off with a line or two of thanksgiving.   He inhabits your praise, so that's the fastest way to get the supernatural help of God working on your stuff.

And remember, He allows in His wisdom what He could easily prevent by His power.  He is making something beautiful out of your life!