Strong

Seven hundred years before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Isaiah proclaimed that the Messiah was coming. Isaiah described the coming Savior with four names that explain his character—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Yesterday, we considered the name Wonderful Counselor. Today, let’s look at the name Mighty God.

I recently watched a game where one team’s best player could not participate. His injuries kept him out of the action. The cameras showed him pacing up and down, cheering from the sidelines, but unable to go out on the field. His skills were missed, and his team ended up losing the game. The enemy knows he can’t take us off God’s team, but he can sideline us. He can’t separate us from God’s love, but he can render us ineffective. Satan is always working to put us on the injured reserve list.

Do you ever make excuses? Excuses like, “The people I work with hold me back.” “I don’t have the skills for the job.” “My parents screwed me up, it’s their fault.” “I don’t have time.” “People expect too much from me.” “God expects too much from me.” When God called Moses to a great assignment, he was full of excuses.

Strong and courageous. That is the call on every Christian parent. We need to stand firm and resolute in forming the hearts and minds of our children. If we don’t, there are plenty of people standing in a long line who want to control the next generation. Check out today’s passage.

Many Christian homes are filled with books on parenting. The books address everything from discipline to college decisions. Most of the books are good as far as they go, but there is one Book that must be on the top of the pile. Honestly, we would be better served if we would put down all the other books and pick up “The Book”.

“It’s time to grow up and get serious about your walk with Christ.” Those are the words that parenting shouts at us. It’s no longer just about you (it never was!). Every parent takes on a heavy responsibility, and with that should come humility. Our gut churns with a farrago of emotions that range from excitement to downright fear. Every parent can relate to Joshua’s feelings in the opening chapter of this book.

God makes his light to shine on us. I love the concept, but what does that mean? We have been using Psalm 118 this week as a guide for praying for our children. So, let’s wrap up our time by asking God to shine his light on them. Our prayer will explain what this powerful truth means.

What does success look like? What does God’s success look like? There are often two different answers to those questions. Our success doesn’t always look like God’s success. But his “win” is the only success that matters.

Do you ever feel like you are being pushed hard? Feel like you are falling? Happens to us all and to our children. This week we are using Psalm 118 as a guide to praying for our children (and grandchildren). Today’s verses speak to the real-life experience of being pushed hard.