The Blessing

Father's day was a real blessing. I hope you told your father how much you appreciate him. We've been working our way through the series "Fighting for the Family." Most of us agree that family is really important, but we also know the pain of broken relationships and disappointment in life. God knows right where you are at and He's waiting to lead you forward to higher ground.

This week we pick up with "Overcoming the Parenting Crisis." If you've read or heard of John Trent's book, "The Blessing" you already know where I'm headed. This Sunday we are going to focus on the importance of blessing your kids.

Too many parents in America today have fallen into the deception that kids raise themselves. The truth is--kids don't raise themselves and if we let it happen, someone or something else will raise our kids for us. Gangs will raise your kids, MTV will raise your kids, peers will raise your kids, or even the school system will raise your kids. But you may not like the outcome!

Kids need the love and directions of parents. The Bible says, "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6). Parents have a responsibility to train their children for success in life and the life to come. "Training" is showing more than telling. You can tell your child the way he or she should go, but what they really need is for you to "show them".

What do you think your your child needs you to "show them" more than anything else? How to make money? How to buy a house? the most important thing you can transfer to your children is "the blessing."

John Trent and Gary Smalley wrote a book entitled, "The Blessing" to highlight the privilege of parenting and the importance of transferring the blessing to your children. the book points out 5 ways you can communicate God's blessing to your children. On sunday we are going to take a look at each aspect of the blessing. I believe this one message could change your life and the life of your child. Join us Sunday morning at the ARC (1701 W. Ash) at 10:15 AM as we are "Fighting for the Family".

Blessings,

Tom