Setting the Pattern

1 Timothy 1:16 “…for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.”

I took this verse seriously and applied it the day it came up in my morning devotion time.  I know that when you ask God for patience, you will be tested.  I know that the testing, though, produces a greater thing than just you getting through the test – it delivers a lasting deposit into the young lives around you.  The pattern is started and if you continue, the pattern will be set.  Those God has placed around us are taking note of how we handle situations.  When you see your kid freak-out because a sibling spilled milk, take a listen.  Does it sound a little like words and a tone-of-voice you’ve used?  I am guilty.

However, if I remember where MY mercy came from and show patience as a set pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life I better change my words and tone-of-voice.  Do you believe God wants your kids to join Him in everlasting life?  Then change your pattern if it is not set in patience.  I have to.  The Holy Spirit has been sent to help us. 

Now that I’ve seen this verse, I am holding myself responsible to do it.  Will you do it with me?  Let’s set the pattern for our kids’ sake ultimately leading them to everlasting life starting right now.

Sharing Truth

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. - James 4:14

                                          
In 1988 my older sister, Beth, lost her battle with Lymphoma cancer. She was only14 years old, and lived with the disease for 8 months before going home to Jesus. She is the one with the Santa cap on in the pic above. Sunday, April 22, was the anniversary of her death. I have so much respect for my parents. I watched them walk through trial relying on the Lord for strength, which allowed them to grow closer instead of apart (many divorces occur from the loss of a child). They have ministered both by mouth and action to many who have lost a child.

Now, being a mom, the phrase to "lose a child" has a whole new meaning. I allowed Sunday to be a day our family rejoiced over the life of my sister. I explained to my kids where Beth was and that when we get to heaven we will be greeted by Jesus and Beth too! Some may shy away from talking about death with a four year old, but it gave me an opportunity to share with him truth about life and death. That here on earth we have a beginning, our birthday (day we are born), and an ending (where we will meet Jesus face-to-face if He is our Savior).


Death is part of life. It is the sweetest part of life if we know Jesus.
Talking about death with your kids doesn't have to be a scary thing because the conversation that follows is about Jesus. One about TRUE life, how to find it, and His path to heaven.

Has you family encountered a loss of a loved one (Grandma/Grandpa, family friend, dog, cat, ect) is there is an open door to talk about heaven and TRUE life?