SPECIAL ACTION PLAN: Pray throughout this week for the Purpose Driven Church conference hosted at Saddleback this week. Pray for all of the churches attending, for Pastor Rick, and for all of the volunteers and staff helping to put on this conference.
"It takes wisdomto have a good family, and it takes understanding to make it strong." Proverbs 24:3 (NCV)
5 PRINCIPLES
Part 1 (last weekend)
1. Accept their uniqueness completely.
"God works through different people in different ways" 1 Corinthians 12:6
2 enemies: comparing & conforming
2. Affirm their value constantly
"Not even a sparrow can fall to the ground without our Heavenly Father knowing it . . . and YOU are far more valuable to God!" Matthew 10:29, 31 (NLT)
3 reasons you are so valuable
3 ways to affirm someone's value
3. TRUST THEM WITH INCREASING RESPONSIBILITY
(Jesus) 3 Ways To Help People Grow Responsibility
- TRUST THEM IN SMALL THINGS
"Whoever can be trusted with a little can also be trusted with a lot." Luke 16:10 (NCV)
- TRUST THEM WITH POSSESSIONS AND MONEY
"If you cannot be trusted with worldly possessions, then who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?" Luke 16:11 (NCV/NLT)
- TRUST THEM WITH SOMETHING THAT DOESN'T BELONG TO THEM
"And if you cannot be trusted with things that belong to someone else, who will give you things of your own?" Luke 16:10 &12 (NCV)
Love never gives up, never loses faith,is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:7 (NLT)
"My son, pay attention to me, and watch closely what I DO." Proverbs 23:26 (NCV)
Action Plan: As a family, make a plan to start entrusting your children with more responsibility. Look back at the above points and come up with at least one way you can entrust them in each area.
4. CORRECT WITHOUT CONDEMNING
"The Lord disciplines those he loves, just like a father corrects the child thathe delights in." Proverbs 3:12
Punishment = penalty for the past No!
Discipline = correction for the future Yes!
How to discipline and not punish:
- Never correct in anger
- Choose my words carefully (no harmful words)
"If you refuse to discipline your children, it proves you don't love them; if you love your children, you'll be prompt to discipline them." Proverbs 13:24
Discipline your children while they are young enough to learn. If you don't, you are helping them destroy themselves." Proverbs 19:18 (TEV)
"FATHERS, don't keep on scolding and nagging your children, making them angry and resentful. Instead, bring them up with the loving discipline that God approve, with suggestions and godly advice." Ephesians 6:4 (LB)
"Don't use harmful words . . . Use only helpful words, the kind that build up . . ." Ephesians 4:29 (GN)
Action Plan: How can you remind yourself to never correct in anger, and to choose your words carefully? Think of a reminder system for these points, whether making a note for yourself or asking your spouse to remind you.
5. LOVE THEM FIERCELY AND UNCONDITIONALLY
"Be kind and loving to each other, forgiving each other justas God forgave you in Christ." Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
"Love knows no limitto its endurance, no end to its trust, no fading of its hope; it can outlast anything." 1 Cor. 13:7 (Ph)
"The mountains and hills may crumble but my love for you will never end; so says the Lord who loves you." Isaiah 54:10 (TEV)
"Reverence for God gives a man deep strength; his children have a place of refuge and security." Proverbs 14:26 (LB)
Action Plan: Read Pastor Tom Holladay and Chaundel Holladay's book Love-Powered Parenting. Click here to purchase the book from the Saddleback Books webpage (click on Parenting tab).
Doable Discipleship: This week's episode of Doable Discipleship looks at our call to be servants in our relationships. New episodes release every Tuesday. To watch or listen,click here.
Talk It Over: Have you ever discussed the weekend message in your small group? Talk It Over provides weekly small group discussion questions as a way to bring the weekend message into your small group. To view this week's Talk It Over,click here.
