Day: March 15, 2008

Spiritual Parenting

/ Roye Glass / 1 Comment

I have been thinking about this lately.  It could be the series at church that is sparking the interest… could be that Chili burger from Ross’.  No.  It’s got to be the series….

I mentioned in my Men’s Journey Group the other day about spiritually leading our children and being the dad’s God intends for us to be.  There are also children out there who don’t have a spiritual leader in their home who loves Jesus.  I’ve been thinking about that.  I’ve been thinking about how important it is to be looking out for our children’s friends too. 

When your kids or your kids friends are 40 who is it that they are going to say spiritually mentored them?  Are you spiritually fit to lead your children or others? Is it you who will step up to the call?  I hope so!

Below are some statistics I received from Don Miller from the Belmount Foundation.

The Cost of Absent Fathers

  • 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes. (U.S. D.H.H.S., Bureau of the Census)
  • 75% of adolescents patients in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes. (Rainbows for all God’s Children)
  • 70% of juveniles in state operated insitutions have no fathers. (U.S. Dept. of Justice, Special Report)
  • 85% of youth in prison had no fathers at home. (Fulton Co. Georgia jail population, Texas Dept. of Correction)
  • 90% of homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes. (U.S. D.H.H.S., Bureau of the Census)
  • 71% of high school dropouts come from fatherless homes (National Principal Association Report on the State of High Schools)

a clean heart

/ Roye Glass / Leave a comment

Humility.  Standing up for myself. Staying focused. Keeping anger in check.  Keeping quiet.  Being patient.  Confident. Filled with love. Living. Being a person of mercy and compassion.  Always hoping. Strong. Steadfast. Integrity.

The Bible tells us in Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” (NKJV).  Knowing this helps me.  I’m no different than anyone else… I need freedom from this sin that I was born into.  Thankfully God has made a way for me… for everyone.  He has given us his Son so that we may have salvation and everlasting life.  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16, NIV.

Romans 8:1 reads, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” (NKJV).

I am so glad to know that I no longer have reason to fear living in condemnation and regrets of past sins I have committed.  God, thank you very much for setting me free.  I’m not a prisoner any longer. 

I struggle at times with some people though.  I struggle with giving them the grace that has been given to me.  As if I can bring justice for the wrong that has been done to me or someone else.  I can’t do anything about it… at least from the flesh.  Sure – I guess I could – but that would only separate me from living in the power of God… I would once again return to my sin.  I’m reminded of Numbers 32:23, “…you can be sure that your sin will track you down.” (The Message).

Those things I wrestle with I must lay down before the Lord.  I must know that my Redeemer lives.  I know that Jesus not only watches over me and those close to me… he also watches out for all of mankind.

So in humility I must pray for my enemies.  We must all pray for our enemies.  We must allow love to conquer… To set us free from those things that bind our hearts.  David writes in Psalm 4:4-5, “In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.  Offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord.”

Thank you God for creating in me a clean heart… thank you for renewing a right spirit within me!