Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Real Help for the Modern Family: How to raise great kids

My message from April 22, 2012


Real Help for the Modern Family:  How to Raise Great Kids

Intro
Real help starts with God! 
Philippians 4:13  I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.

We also need help from each other!
-like Lincoln Hall needed after reaching the summit of Mount Everest.  He went crazy due to lack of oxygen.  His sherpas left him because they didn't think he was alive.  Then along came Dan Mazur, who was leading a high paying group to the summit.  He had to make a choice-- continue on or abandon his quest for the summit to save Lincoln's life?
-Dan Mazur chose the greater goal of saving Lincoln’s life
-Sadly, months earlier, over 40 climbers passed by David Sharp as he lay dying.  He did not survive.
    -However, David made several critical mistakes that led to his death—  the “could have been” rescuers
        may not have been able to save him
-Notice then:  We must help unhealthy families!  (Rescue them) 
                         -we must make personal sacrifices to save dying families around us
                      Healthy families need to do the right things to stay safe
                         -we must seek help, prepare for future dangers, do the next right thing

That is the reason for this series….“Real Help for the Modern Family”

Today: How to raise great kids
Genesis 2:24;   Deuteronomy 6:5-10;  Proverbs 22:6

What is a parent supposed to do?
1.  Parenting = the process of training our child to leave!
Genesis 2:24  “That is why a man LEAVES his father and mother…”
Proverbs 22:6  “Teach a youth about the way he should GO; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
-We must raise our kids, send them out, so they can raise their kids
-Raise Great Kids = Future Great Home!

2.  Parenting = leading our child to  find and follow Jesus Christ
1 John 5:12  The one who has the Son has life. The one who doesn’t have the Son of God does not have life.
Deuteronomy 6:5  Love the Lord your God with all our heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength

How to raise great kids
Deuteronomy 6:6-10
1.  Demonstrate-  live it out, show them how to live for Jesus

2.  Teach- explain, break it down, age appropriate learning
3.  Practice- every moment is a teachable moment!
       -in the car, at the meal table, enjoying entertainment, chore time

Proverbs 22:6
4.  Expect!  
-we get what we aim for, we rarely get more than we aim for
-“the way”  each child has a particular

7 Tips from Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours by Dr. Kevin Leman
-Healthy Authority
-Accountability
-Reality is the Teacher- let my child fail!  (Great teacher!)
-Actions more than Words- follow through, no empty threats
-Keep Going (persevere, modify if needed (only God is perfect!)
-Relationship before Rules (unconditional love)
-Walk my Talk (you can’t lead where you won’t follow)

Remember, we are trusting God to help us do this!
Philippians 4:13  I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.

How to raise great kids
What is my next right step?
Follow Jesus personally 

Dedicate your kids to Jesus
 -lead them to find and follow Jesus 

Reach out to each other!  
     Who have you encouraged lately?
     Who are the encouraging people you are surrounding your life with?

Get help AS YOU do then next right thing!
-attend worship, join a Connection Group, start serving people somewhere
-turn from wrong behavior and start doing what is right

No comments: