Thoughts for Life: Keeping the Family Rituals

Sirmal Marthenis shares with us, "It is 9 pm and the 'ritual' begins.

The children drink a glass of milk, followed by brushing their teeth and getting ready for our sacred time together.

It has become a habit to close each day with a simple family devotion.

We read a story from a children's Bible story we've read cover to cover three times, but the kids love the stories in the Bible.

Children are not concerned with repetition. They love it when the story teller brings life to the same old story by narrating it with passion and conviction.

As I read the stories, I am also learning. I am awed that God spoke and a beautiful world was created.

I am reminded of His grace when He chose a group of undeserving people to be His people and through them brought salvation to me in Jesus Christ.

The same stories taught me, again and again, the simple message of faith and trust in God who works His good in the lives of people.

'Why did Jesus have to die?'

After reading the story, I ask my kids simple questions. They in turn ask me the more difficult theological questions.

'What type of body will we have after we die?'

'Will grandma (who is not yet a Christian) go to heaven?'

Children’s questions can be challenging. I have to craft my answers in simple ways for them to understand.

I thought family devotions was where my children grew in their faith, but it turns out I am challenged to grow as I wrestle with their questions.

'Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.' Deuteronomy 11:18-19

God’s Word leads us to stretch to know Him. Through it He encourages us to 'come to Him as little children,' and learn with a pure and honest heart. God connects with us through His Word.

A family devotion is a simple way to 'tie' God’s Word to our children’s hearts.

It takes commitment, sacrificing that TV program, putting down the newspaper, or leaving the dishes in the sink a little longer.

But the fruits exceed the sacrifices. Our children are nurtured in their faith and they also teach us child-like faith.

Listen to God’s command and be determined to set aside a sacred moment with your family."

Keeping the Family Ritual - Sirmal Marthenis

Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net.

Sirmal Marthenis is a pastor serving in the Presbyterian Church in Singapore.

Sirmal accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior as a young person.

He and his wife Serene, have been married for eight years.

They have three children -- Christopher age seven, Naomi and Hannah, ages five and three.

(Used by permission http://www.christiandevotions.us/ and
Sirmal Marthenis Emphasis added)

Marriage

By James Cagle

"Marriage presents a special picture,

Of Christ Jesus and His bride;

A relationship thus chosen,

To show us heaven on this side.

Marriage starts with a covenant,

A promise, if you please,

Between a man and a woman,

That they will keep till their decease.

As partners they avow

They will hold each other up;

For all life’s joys and sorrows,

They’ll drink from the selfsame cup.

Their strength and glory is love

That they first show to the Lord,

Who draws them close together,

And weaves a threefold cord.

As these who form this marriage

Make Christ the very center,

Then they will share a friendship

That’s pure and strong and tender.

May these in holy union,

Who now bind themselves together,

Rejoice in all God gives them,

And their love for one another.

So let this man and woman

Keep Christ first in their hearts,

Then all the forces of evil,

Shall never set them apart."

Let’s pray:

Father, as it was stated by Sirmal, family rituals are very important, and we agree.

James also helps us understand our responsibility in our marriages.

Christ wants us to reflect how He loves the Church and that we're to follow His example; to love one another.

I ask that this become a reality in my life, in Jesus' Name. Amen

Today’s Bible verse: Is. 51:16a "And I have put my words in thy mouth and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand."

Today’s quote: Dave Ramsey - “Love your children enough to let them make their own mistakes while they’re still under your protection.”

Some thoughts today: In spite of the trends of the day, there are those who believe what God's Word says and directs, and acts accordingly.

- Raising children is not for the weak-in-heart. A lot of challenges! Heb. 12 Jesus endured the Cross for us. He saw what His purpose was. Do you see the purpose of raising godly children? Are you willing to sacrifice for them?

3rd- Tuesday’s post: #89 The Miracle for Pastor Everett C. Peter Wagner

5th- Thursday's post: #90 Prophetic Intercession C. Peter Wagner

7th- Saturday's post: Do You Have Empty Jars? Barbara Suiter

8th- Sunday's post: Cancer (his story) James Cagle

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has some thoughts for us to consider: It does seem, that
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we need, too.