Theme of the Week: Raising Godly Kids
Bible Verse: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10
Scripture Reading: John 16:16-33
I hate roller coasters.
I firmly believe that God intended my stomach to be where He put it, and no man-made torture device should move it.
But for others, roller coasters are a source of hearty laughter and immense happiness.
Ups and downs. Nerves and fears. Exhilaration and excitement. All wrapped into two and a half minutes of pure terror.
What a great illustration of life. The ups and downs. The nerves and fear. The exhilaration and excitement. All wrapped into a few years of pure adventure.
As dads, it can seem that our worlds are all we focus on. But that is not how Jesus modeled things for us. He had the world on His shoulders and yet was able to meet everyone just where they were.
In John 10:10, He says that He came that we may “have life and have it abundantly.” That means He wants us to enjoy this life as much as God intended Adam and Eve to enjoy it.
Are we intentionally building life and joy in our families? Play games. Go for walks. Sit around a nice fire. Laugh. Go for ice cream. Find ways to live life abundantly with your kids.
But there is more.
In John 16:33, He also says that in this world we “will have trouble. But take heart! (He) has overcome the world.” That means He is with us when life gets hard.
Are you with your kids when things are hard? Listen to their struggles. Be the shoulder they can cry on. Give them a hug. Be the safest place for them to go when life is hard.
And whether you have them laughing till they ache, or you are holding their tears in your shirt, point them to Jesus. Let them see that He is in their joys and the struggles too.
I have done three roller coasters in my lifetime, and there is one thing I learned: I could get through them when I had someone beside me. Someone who showed me how to live life in the midst of my chaos. And it was worth it.
Prayer: Jesus, Thank You that You are with me in my joys and struggles. Help me to see how I can be with my kids in theirs. Amen.
Reflection: Read John 16:16-33. See how Jesus is present with the disciples, and think of ways you can be present with your kids.
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