Count Your Many Blessings

October 23, 2007

The old gospel hymn exhorts the Christian to “Count your many blessings.” I have many to count. Near the top of that list of blessings would be our children. If riches were determined by where your children are in their relationship with the Lord, I would be a very wealthy man. It is a joy beyond words to watch our children and to see what God is doing in their lives. They are following Christ and are involved in the life of the church. Our two sons are no longer at home. Both live in different states but both are seeking to follow the Lord and serve Him. Our daughter is a beautiful young lady and she too is consistent in her walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. I could not ask for more. Knowing that a number in our church are raising small children I offer just a few words of encouragement to you that long to see your children follow the Lord. In giving you these I in no way think we have done this perfectly or even done it well for that matter. These are just a few simple concepts worth pondering in the years of raising children.

- The Christian faith is not a set of principles that you teach so much as a life that you model before your children.

- Pray with and pray for your children.

-Have fun with your children.

- Listen to them. Really, really listen!

- Admit your mistakes and ask your children to forgive you.

- Any earthly success that takes you away from your children is really not a success.

- You are the best teacher your children will ever have. Teach from your life experiences.

- Excitement about coming to worship services and joyfully singing and attentive listening to the sermon speaks volumes to your child.

Conversely, the opposite does too. Raising children is filled with challenges but the rewards are great. Don’t lose heart. God is working.

Pastor Chuck