Who will serve, with selfless ease?
Who will serve, with tenderness?
Who will serve, with gentle touch?
Who will serve, some say too much?
Who will serve, though burdened down?
Who will serve, without renown?
Who will serve, at break of day?
Who will serve while others stray?
Who will serve, where no one sees?
Who will serve, in prayer, on knees?
Who will serve, ‘til sunset’s fade?
The one who serves, in Jesus’ name!
® Maston E. Jackson, 2022
“And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17
The Father identified his son.
Your own child needs to hear:
By acknowledging you are encouraging!
The Father declared his love for his son.
Your own child should never have reason to doubt your love.
“When “love” and “approval” become confused, love loses its identity. The pleasant feeling associated with approval is mistaken for love. To be disapproved leaves you feeling unloved.”
The Father spoke of his pleasure in his son.
Affirm your children and watch them soar!
Mr. Christmas
With a chuckle in his tummy
And a smile upon his face,
He pulled them to his knee
‘Sat them gently into place.
He spoke to them of happiness
And joys too much to tell.
He laughed at wide-eyed innocence,
And voices clear as bells.
He spoke to them of coming
On a very special day,
And answered whispered questions like,
“You’re sure you know the way?”
That He loves little children,
For all it’s plain to see.
It is written in His Word,
“Let them come to Me.”
Maston E. Jackson
1992 © All Rights Reserved
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
The question that plagues most parents is this: How do I accomplish this?
“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:6-9
Be Their Teacher
“And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4
Be their guide. (Guide them to walk with God)
Be their coach.
Learn what makes them feel loved. “The 5 Love Languages” Dr. Gary Chapman
Your love relationship with them will color their view of God.
Your words, actions, and attitude can inspire confidence or doubt in God.
Love their soul.
Avoid provocation. It is a spirit breaker.
“Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.” Colossians 3:21
“7 Ways Fathers Provoke Their Children” Mark Driscoll
Are you intentionally training your child to walk with God or discouraging them with your own selfish attitude?
Many claim to have faith, but few live according to their claim.
“Faith is merely trust with its tennis shoes on.” Maston Jackson
Surrender is not in our nature unless we are overwhelmed by superior force.
Even in the face of superior force, some refuse to surrender. Pride seals their defeat.
1. Admit that God is right.
2. Embrace the adventure.
3. Move at and in God’s direction
“Why should God grant one more thing to men and women who know but refuse to obey His instructions?”
Home was Ur of the Chaldees; modern day Iraq.
He moved to a new neighborhood where he knew no one.
Only danger from family violence (Jacob, who fled to Haran but later returned) and famine caused Abraham’s extended family to leave the land for an extended period of time.
Walking in faith is the best use of life regardless of the other goals you may have.
Beware of embracing faith with personal gain in mind.
Avoid the “What’s in it for me?” trap.
Your faithfulness can become a beacon in their own journey of faith.
