Category: Parenting

Honor Your Dad

“Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.” Proverbs 23:22 (ESV) A few years back while driving through heavy traffic, I heard this powerful question on the Christian radio station I was listening to, “What did your dad do right?” That question captured my heart and gripped my soul. I turned the radio volume down and I began to pray a prayer of thanksgiving to God for the specific things my dad did right. Then, the Lord prompted me to call my dad and share with him what I felt that he did right. That phone conversation was one of the most meaningful interactions I have ever had with my dad since my parents’ divorce which had taken place when I was seven years old. Perhaps you had an engaging father who walked with God and lead your family spiritually. You have so much to be thankful for. Maybe your dad did not have a vibrant relationship with the Lord and he was not a model father to you. Father’s Day may generate painful memories that you have to navigate with God’s grace. Take some time today to think about what your dad did right. You may want to consider writing down some specific things your dad did right and give God glory for each item. If your dad is still alive, give him a call, write him a letter, or text him to express what he did right. You will honor your father and you will bring him such joy and pleasure as you share your heart of gratitude with him. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to celebrate the faithfulness of God and the value of your earthly father. If you are a parent or a grandparent, live in such a way as to enable your children and grandchildren to generate an extensive list of what you did right! Following Jesus Every Day, Stephen Trammell

Tags Devo

Children Parenting Psalms

Heritage from the Lord

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.” Psalm 127:3-5 (ESV) Maybe you have heard parents remark that they want you to do as they say and not as they do. Of course, you would define that behavior as hypocrisy. God wants us to live in such a way that we encourage others to do as we say and as we do. We are to strive to live in such a way that the way we live lines up with what we say. Did you know that you will multiply what you model? Now that is convicting! That means that it truly does matter how you live your life. It truly matters how you conduct your daily living. Your beliefs and your behavior both matter to God and impact others. So how do you live a life of love? Imitate God! What kind of love does God want you to model? God wants you to model sincere love. God wants you to set an example for others to follow. In other words, be a model to follow. Model the kind of life that draws others to Christ. Live the kind of life that models the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. May your children and those in your sphere of influence become fully devoted followers of Christ as a result of the sincere faith and love that you are modeling before them. Children are a heritage from the Lord. Riding HIS Wave, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Mary On Mission Parenting

Multiplying What You Model

Post author By Stephen Trammell
Post date May 14, 2014
116 Comments on Multiplying What You Model

“And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:38 (ESV) Why did God choose Mary to give birth to the Son of God? In His perfect wisdom, God chose Mary because He knew she would willingly make herself available for His use. Mary affirmed her availability by saying, “I am the Lord’s servant.” She honored God by her posture of availability and humility. She demonstrated such a beautiful portrait of being receptive and responsive to God’s will. Mary declared, “May it be to me as you have said.” In other words, she was acknowledging that she belonged to God for His glory. If Mary were to have written a personal mission statement, it would have looked like something like this: I exist to bring glory to God by serving God’s purpose in my generation. Mary modeled full submission to God’s will. She had the unique privilege of rearing Jesus. Can you imagine the magnitude of that assignment? Her servitude was exemplified throughout his earthly life. In one of the darkest moments in Jesus’ life before the cross, Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, “And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.’” (Matt. 26:39 ESV). Jesus responded to God’s assignment with the same abandonment and surrender that Mary modeled in their home. Jesus was blessed with an earthly mom who made herself completely available for God’s use. She modeled what she wanted to multiply. What is being multiplied through your life? Are those you are investing in becoming more like Christ because of your influence? Are you willing to make yourself available for God’s use and model Christ before a world in desperate need? Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Example Love Parenting

Model What You Want to Multiply

Post author By Stephen Trammell
Post date January 13, 2014
60 Comments on Model What You Want to Multiply

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV) Did you know that you will multiply what you model? Now that is convicting! That means that it truly does matter how you live your life. It truly matters how you conduct your daily living. Your beliefs and your behavior both matter to God and impact others. So how do you live a life of love? Imitate God! Maybe you have heard parents remark that they want you to do as they say and not as they do. Of course, you would define that behavior as hypocrisy. God wants us to live in such a way that we encourage others to do as we say and as we do. We are to strive to live in such a way that the way we live lines up with what we say. What kind of love does God want you to model? God wants you to model sincere love. God wants you to set an example for others to follow. In other words, be a model to follow. Model the kind of life that draws others to Christ. Live the kind of life that models the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. What are you multiplying? You know the answer: whatever you are modeling. Model what you want to multiply. May your children and those in your sphere of influence become fully devoted followers of Christ as a result of the sincere faith and love that you are modeling before them! Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Father Parenting Proverbs

Honor Your Dad

“Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.” Proverbs 23:22 (ESV) As I was driving to the office earlier this week, I heard this powerful question on the Christian radio station I was listening to, “What did your dad do right?” That question captured my heart and gripped my soul. I turned the radio volume down and I began to pray a prayer of thanksgiving to God for the specific things my dad did right. Then, the Lord prompted me to call my dad and share with him what I felt that he did right. That phone conversation was one of the most meaningful interactions I have ever had with my dad since my parents’ divorce thirty-six years ago. Perhaps you had an engaging father who walked with God and lead your family spiritually. You have so much to be thankful for. Maybe your dad did not have a vibrant relationship with the Lord and he was not a model father to you. Father’s Day may generate painful memories that you have to navigate with God’s grace. Take some time today to think about what your dad did right. You may want to consider writing down some specific things your dad did right and give God glory for each item. If your dad is still alive, give him a call or write him a letter to express what he did right. You will honor your father and you will bring him such joy and pleasure as you share your heart of gratitude with him. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to celebrate the faithfulness of God and the value of your earthly father. If you are a parent or a grandparent, live in such a way as to enable your children and grandchildren to generate an extensive list of what you did right! Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 161: Proverbs 22-24) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Children Parenting Psalms

Heritage from the Lord

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. 5 Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.” Psalm 127:3-5 (ESV) Maybe you have heard parents remark that they want you to do as they say and not as they do. Of course, you would define that behavior as hypocrisy. God wants us to live in such a way that we encourage others to do as we say and as we do. We are to strive to live in such a way that the way we live lines up with what we say. Did you know that you will multiply what you model? Now that is convicting! That means that it truly does matter how you live your life. It truly matters how you conduct your daily living. Your beliefs and your behavior both matter to God and impact others. So how do you live a life of love? Imitate God! What kind of love does God want you to model? God wants you to model sincere love. God wants you to set an example for others to follow. In other words, be a model to follow. Model the kind of life that draws others to Christ. Live the kind of life that models the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. May your children and those in your sphere of influence become fully devoted followers of Christ as a result of the sincere faith and love that you are modeling before them. Children are a heritage from the Lord. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 147: 1 Chronicles 26-29; Psalm 127) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Mary On Mission Parenting

Multiplying What You Model

Post author By Stephen Trammell
Post date May 14, 2010
51 Comments on Multiplying What You Model

“‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May it be to me as you have said.’ Then the angel left her.” Luke 1:38 (NIV) Why did God choose Mary to give birth to the Son of God? In His perfect wisdom, God chose Mary because He knew she would willingly make herself available for His use. Mary affirmed her availability by saying, “I am the Lord’s servant.” She honored God by her posture of availability and humility. She demonstrated such a beautiful portrait of being receptive and responsive to God’s will. Mary declared, “May it be to me as you have said.” In other words, she was acknowledging that she belonged to God for His glory. If Mary were to have written a personal mission statement, it would have looked like something like this: I exist to bring glory to God by serving God’s purpose in my generation. Mary modeled full submission to God’s will. She had the unique privilege of rearing Jesus. Can you imagine the magnitude of that assignment? Her servitude was exemplified throughout his earthly life. In one of the darkest moments in Jesus’ life before the cross, Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matt 26:39 NIV). Jesus responded to God’s assignment with the same abandonment and surrender that Mary modeled in their home. Jesus was blessed with an earthly mom who made herself completely available for God’s use. She modeled what she wanted to multiply. What is being multiplied through your life? Are those you are investing in becoming more like Christ because of your influence? Are you willing to make yourself available for God’s use and model Christ before a world in desperate need? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Example Love Parenting

Model What You Want to Multiply

Post author By Stephen Trammell
Post date January 13, 2010
61 Comments on Model What You Want to Multiply

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Eph 5:1-2 (NIV) Did you know that you will multiply what you model? Now that is convicting! That means that it truly does matter how you live your life. It truly matters how you conduct your daily living. Your beliefs and your behavior both matter to God and impact others. So how do you live a life of love? Imitate God! Maybe you have heard parents remark that they want you to do as they say and not as they do. Of course, you would define that behavior as hypocrisy. God wants us to live in such a way that we encourage others to do as we say and as we do. We are to strive to live in such a way that the way we live lines up with what we say. What kind of love does God want you to model? God wants you to model sincere love. God wants you to set an example for others to follow. In other words, be a model to follow. Model the kind of life that draws others to Christ. Live the kind of life that models the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. What are you multiplying? You know the answer: whatever you are modeling. Model what you want to multiply. May your children and those in your sphere of influence become fully devoted followers of Christ as a result of the sincere faith and love that you are modeling before them! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Jesus Obedience Parenting

Positioning for the Future

Post author By Stephen Trammell
Post date December 26, 2009
57 Comments on Positioning for the Future

“When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.” Luke 2:39-40 (NIV) Can you name the people God used to position you for the future you are now in? Think about their investment in your life. Weigh their deposits of encouragement, feedback, and godly counsel. You are a product of the decisions you have made over your lifetime and a product of God’s grace through others in your life. God chose to use Joseph and Mary to position Jesus for the future God had for Him. They obeyed the law and they obeyed God. They returned to their own town and were faithful in parenting Jesus. Jesus grew, became strong, and was filled with wisdom. God’s grace was upon Him. God could have positioned Jesus for the future without Joseph and Mary, yet He chose to use human instrumentality. Just as God has brought people into your life to position you for the future, God wants to use you to help others. Are you available to be used of God to position others for the future? God wants to touch others through your life. Your personal testimony of God’s faithfulness and your daily walk with Jesus are vital components for being used of God to impact the lives of others. You can make an immediate difference as well as an eternal difference in the lives of those God brings into your path. God has blessed you with every spiritual blessing in Christ so that you can be a blessing to others. Will you make yourself available for God’s use? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Faith Influence Parenting Passion

Sincere Faith

“The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” 1 Tim 1:5 (NIV) Your reputation is based on what others say about you. Your character is based on what you really are when no one is looking. Nothing neutralizes your witness faster than hypocrisy. In reality, you can fool people by projecting a persona that does not line up with the reality of your personal character. However, God sees the unseen and knows the unknown. Paul exhorted Timothy to operate in love from a heart that is pure, a conscience that is well informed, and a faith that is sincere. The value of a sincere faith is immeasurable. Are you for real? Does your public life line up with your private life? Is your faith sincere? God knows the real you. God sees the sincerity of your faith. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalms 139:23-24 (NIV) “All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD.” Prov 16:2 (NIV) Comparing yourself to others will not add value to your pursuit of becoming like Christ. Allow Jesus to be your standard for measurement. Confess any attitudes or actions that distract and damage your relentless pursuit of Christlikeness. Be willing to pray a dangerous prayer asking God to search your heart. Ask God to reveal anything in your life that brings Him displeasure. A sincere faith is worth finding and worth following. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor (This devotional was originally posted in ’07 or ’08. I’m taking a break from writing for a season of personal renewal.) Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Growth Maturation Messiah Parenting

Parenting the Messiah

“When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it.” Luke 2:42-43 (NIV) Can you imagine what it would have been like to parent the Messiah? How would you embrace the responsibility of parenting the Son of God? Joseph and Mary were devoted to God and faithful to the task. Jesus was unique in that He was the Son of God and was born of a virgin. It is important also to remember that Joseph and Mary had other children (Mt. 13:55-56). If you have ever been separated from your children by accident, you know the terror of the experience. Your heart drops to your feet and your mind begins racing. You frantically search for your child until he or she is found. Your terror cascades into refreshing comfort. The restoration of your valued possession brings instant relief. Jesus was left behind. As the massive caravan moved a day’s journey away from Jerusalem, Joseph and Mary realized that Jesus was not in their company. Luke tells us, “After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions”(Luke 2:46 NIV). That must have been the longest three days of their lives up to that point. Your parenting is not always going to be flawless. You will make mistakes along the way. You may experience some delays and detours along the way. However, you must position your parenting for impact. Ask God for wisdom to make decisions that will benefit your children and add value to their upbringing. Depend on God’s provision of grace to fill in the gaps where you may fall short. Only God can provide the way for you to parent your children His way! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Growth Intentionality Maturation Parenting

Intentional Parenting

“These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” Deut 6:6-9 (NIV) The people of God embraced this confession of faith, known as the Shema, to acknowledge their commitment to the One true God and their obedience to His commandments. Loving God and obeying His commands were the marching orders for the people of God to employ. This way of life was to be personal and familial. It was not enough to love God and obey His commands personally. This lifestyle of obedience to God was to be modeled faithfully and handed down intentionally. With the privilege of parenting comes the awesome responsibility of modeling Christ in the home. God wants our homes to be a place of intentional parenting. As parents, we have been given the assignment to lead our children into a growing relationship with Christ. We are to model what God wants us to multiply through our children. The lifestyle of loving God and keeping His commandments is to be visible in our homes. Our children should not receive mixed signals from us as to what our God-given priorities are. We are to impress upon our children the commandments we have received from God that are upon our hearts. A few years ago I had a parent meet with me to complain about their teenager picking up the habit of smoking. I then asked the parent, “Do you smoke?” The parent immediately affirmed that reality. Why would a parent criticize a teenager for something the teenager learned from that parent? God wants us to intentionally model Christ before our children. God wants us to intentionally live lives of moral purity before our children. What are you impressing upon your children? Are you leading them into a growing relationship with Jesus? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Growth Maturation Parenting Passover Upbringing

Reflecting on Your Upbringing

Post author By Stephen Trammell
Post date January 13, 2009
59 Comments on Reflecting on Your Upbringing

“Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover.” Luke 2:41 (NIV) Growing up in a single-parent family after my parents divorced had its challenges. As one of my close friends likes to say, “A challenge is just an opportunity to excel in adverse circumstances.” As I reflect on my upbringing, the one constant in my life was weekly church participation. My mom brought my brother and me to church consistently with her each week. It was very evident that her walk with God was valuable to her and that her service to God through our local church was important. She faithfully modeled Christ before us and imparted the value of serving God. In the midst of adverse circumstances related to divorce, my mom demonstrated that serving God through the ministry of the local church was worth giving your life to. Joseph and Mary exhibited religious devotion to God and to parenting their children. Each year they went to Jerusalem to participate in the Feast of the Passover. They annually celebrated what God did, as recorded in the Old Testament, when He allowed the destroyer to pass over the children of Israel because they had placed blood on the sides and tops of the doorframes of their houses (Ex. 12:7,13, 23). God’s mercy and grace were exhibited when He chose to “pass over” those who obeyed His command. Joseph and Mary were faithful to travel to Jerusalem each year to participate in this Jewish festival celebrating the Passover. As you reflect on your upbringing, identify the spiritual heritage you received. What did your parents value? What did your parents model? Perhaps you have memories of a healthy spiritual upbringing that have added value to your life. Maybe you cannot recall favorable memories of a healthy spiritual upbringing. In God’s abundant provision of mercy and grace, you can begin establishing a healthy spiritual heritage to pass down to others. You can break generational spiritual neglect and begin to formulate a vibrant love relationship with God worth modeling before others. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Children Family Parenting Stewardship

Space Invaders (6)

“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Prov 22:6 (NIV) Child-centered parenting is not in alignment with God’s economy. God values order. Where there is order, there is fruitfulness. God established the home for our benefit and for His glory. God’s blueprint for the home includes order. God expects the husband and father to be the spiritual leader of the home. During my upbringing, my parents divorced and as a result, my mother became the spiritual leader of our home. The spiritual leader of the home is responsible to set the spiritual temperature for the home. Thus, the spiritual leader of the home is to be the spiritual thermostat for the home. When our children are elevated to the place of setting the environment for the home, something is out of order. When parenting becomes child-centered, in that everything centers around the wants and wishes of the child, something is out of order. Excessive extra-curricular activities for our children can become space invaders. When our lives and our schedules resemble a perpetual rat race, then something is out of order. We can overload and overwhelm our home by being overextended and overcommitted to too many activities. Instead of pushing our children to be involved in a myriad of activities, what if we had them choose one or two. Would that simplify your famly life? Would your schedule have more space or margin to do life? Who is making the tough choices in your home to keep your family in alignment with God’s economy? Who is guarding the priorities and the order ordained by God for your home? The decisions you make to create space for doing life together as a family will serve as a tangible model for your children to emulate when they become parents one day. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Faith Influence Parenting Passion

Sincere Faith (7)

Faith Inheritance Parenting Passion

Sincere Faith (6)

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” 2 Tim 3:14-15 (NIV) Make good on what your parents leave you. Financial prosperity may not travel through your family tree, yet sincere faith can. Consider what your parents have left you in the realm of faith. What did they model before you as a child? How did they impart sincere faith throughout your upbringing? Were they instrumental in developing your appetite for reading God’s Word? Did God use them to strengthen your prayer life and to fortify your faith in God? Whatever your parents have left you in the realm of faith, make good on it. Maximize what you have been given. Standing on their shoulders, your sincere faith can grow and even multiply through the relationships in your sphere of influence. Paul instructed Timothy to continue in what he had learned from the holy Scriptures. God’s Word is your best teacher. If your parents pointed you to God’s Word and demonstrated an abiding love for His Word, you are blessed. If your parents did not hand down that kind of passion for God’s Word, don’t allow their neglect to immobilize you. Commit to feeding your appetite for reading the Bible and choose to impart that lifestyle to others. What are you doing with what you have been given? Eliminate excuses and embrace daily spiritual disciplines that will enhance your walk with God and impact others for God’s glory. One of the most powerful investments in your day is the investment of time you allocate to reading the Bible. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Faith Learning Life Lessons Parenting

Sincere Faith (5)

“‘Honor your father and mother’–which is the first commandment with a promise—‘that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’” Eph 6:2-3 (NIV) One way to honor your parents is to learn what they know. Recently I visited my dad on the front porch of the nursing home where he resides. My parents have been divorced for over thirty years now. The beauty of the visit was the fact that my mom went with me to see my dad. It was very interesting and meaningful at the same time. One of the highlights of our visit took place when I asked my dad to tell about his upbringing and eventual marriage to my mom. I asked him to help me understand what caused him to take his first drink of alcohol and to help me understand what led him down the path to becoming an alcoholic. Some of the most powerful lessons I have learned in life have come from being reared in a single-parent family since age seven. For me to fail to learn what my parents know would be cheating myself valuable life lessons that could enrich my life. It would be like swimming over an exotic reef without a snorkel and fins to capture the essence of aquatic life beneath the surface. Learn what your parents know. Commit to grow by seeking to know. God has allowed your parents to live life years in advance of you so that you can benefit from their experience. You can honor your parents by learning what they know. Glean all you can from their faith journey. Your sincere faith always has room to grow. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Faith Inheritance Listening Obedience Parenting

Sincere Faith (4)

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” Eph 6:1 (NIV) Are your parents still alive? Have you inherited their faith? Maybe they modeled sincere faith before you consistently or maybe they did not make those kinds of deposits in your life. It could be that one of your parents faithfully handed down the faith while the other parent failed to maximize that opportunity. As children, we are to obey our parents. God has given them the responsibility to model His love and His character before us. God has given them the privilege of knowing Him personally and making Him known relationally. As children, we have the privilege of inheriting the faith. Our responsibility is to pay attention, listen, and obey. We don’t get to heaven by living vicariously through the faith of our parents. We must have a personal experience with God by confessing our sin and trusting in Jesus alone for salvation. Yet, the faith of our parents can be inherited as they model their sincere faith before us. Assess your upbringing. What was your home life like? What part did faith play in your upbringing? Did you grow up in a home where Christ was honored and faith was a natural part of everyday life? Or, were you reared in an environment where sincere faith was invisible? The good news is that you can learn from the deposits your parents made in your life. You can benefit from the presence of sincere faith or from the absence of sincere faith. You can choose to replicate in your life now the faith they demonstrated back then. Or you can choose to elevate a sincere faith that was absent in your upbringing. God can take you to a new level! Stay close to Him! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Faith Influence Model Parenting Sincerity

Sincere Faith (2)

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Tim 4:12 (NIV) Did you know that you will multiply what you model? Now that is convicting! That means that it truly does matter how you live your life. It truly matters how you conduct your daily living. Your beliefs and your behavior both matter to God and impact others. So how do you impart your sincere faith to others? Model sincere faith before others. Maybe you have heard parents remark that they want you to do as they say and not as they do. Of course, you would define that behavior as hypocrisy. God wants us to live in such a way that we encourage others to do as we say and as we do. We are to strive to live in such a way that the way we live lines up with what we say. What kind of faith does God want you to model? God wants you to model sincere faith. God wants you to set an example for others to follow. In other words, be a model to follow. Model the kind of life that draws others to Christ. Live the kind of life that models the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. What are you multiplying? You know the answer: whatever you are modeling. Model what you want to multiply. May the whole earth be filled with fully devoted followers of Christ as a result of the sincere faith that you are modeling. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Faith Influence Parenting Sincerity

Sincere Faith (1)

“I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” 2 Tim 1:5 (NIV) Would those who know you best say that you have a sincere faith? Is your faith genuine? Are you the real deal? If so, then how do you impart that kind of faith to those in your sphere of influence? Make faith a daily priority. Paul affirmed Timothy for his faith. Without hesitation, Paul traced Timothy’s sincere faith through both Timothy’s mother and grandmother. Timothy was the recipient of seeing faith in action in a tangible form through the lifestyles exhibited by his mother and grandmother. They made their faith a daily priority. Each day Timothy examined the sincere faith that lived in his mother and grandmother. Now, Paul identifies that sincere faith in Timothy. Are you imparting your sincere faith to others? Think about the spheres of influence that God has entrusted to your care. The environments may include home, school, work, athletics, recreation, church, and traveling. Your sphere of influence may include children. Is faith a daily priority in your life? Is your faith evident to those in your sphere of influence? God brings people into your life so that you can influence them for His glory. What are you doing with the faith God has given you? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Parenting

Parents

“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Eph 6:4 (NIV) Parenting is a blessing from the Lord. The opportunity to mold and shape a child into a fully devoted follower of Christ is a high privilege and responsibility. God entrusts parents with the task of rearing children. That role can be appropriated in a way that honors God or in a way that breaks the heart of God. You can trace every family conflict to one common denominator: selfishness. When there is conflict, someone is being selfish. Selfishness can invade the realm of parenting quickly. Instead of doing what is best for your children, you can embrace what is best for you personally to the neglect of what is best for them. You can choose to be controlling, driving, demanding, and domineering. Or you can go the other extreme and choose to be distant, detached, and disinterested. Both extremes are unhealthy. Here’s a helpful model to follow: Caretaker (Birth-5 years) Cop (6-11 years) Coach (12-17 years) Consultant (18 & older) Think about how you were parented and compare it to the four stages of parenting. Now, examine how you are currently parenting to see where you are in the process. What adjustments do you need to make in your being parented or in your parenting? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care