Maintaining an Eternal Perspective

“I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” 

(Philippians 3:14)
 

What are your goals? Are you trying to finish a project? Maybe you're trying to potty train a toddler?  Today, take time to focus on the goal of spending eternity in heaven—a goal that’s reachable thanks to salvation by God's grace and through faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Many parents live in survival mode, being pulled from all directions and juggling ever-increasing responsibilities. In the rush of school, work, and household activities, it’s easy to lose our focus on what really matters: the eternal future of our children and ourselves.  How can you be more tuned in to this “end goal” of spending eternity in heaven? Talk with your pastor or a valued friend to brainstorm what your kids need to know about God and when.  Plan to attend the next Milestone 2:  One Way class for Kids where we ask and answer questions about salvation, baptism, and the Lord's supper.  Plan ways to incorporate Jesus into everyday life—and on an everyday basis.  Make sure everyone’s on the same page. Talk to your spouse, family members, and caregivers about your spiritual priorities, even if you think they already know them. Then be intentional with your choices. Arrange your plans around the big picture goal. If activities start to interfere with what’s really important, evaluate and rework your family’s schedule. When faith becomes the top priority for your family, it will also become the top priority for your children.

Begin a conversation @home about goals for this life—and the life to come—by asking children these questions:
1. What are some things you want to accomplish or achieve 

     during the next week, month, or year?
2. What are some ways to stay focused on a goal and not let 

     obstacles get in your way?
3. What goals do you think Jesus wants us to set as individuals 

     and as a family? How can He help us reach them?

TRAIN UP THE CHILD:

Every year when school starts my phone begins to ring.  The conversations to follow are often about the influences and pressures on students to do things they might not want to do!  The home visit usually follows as well.  My encouragement to parents is that each day to do a quick run through on how your kid’s day went.  We often find ourselves much too busy to even talk about the day.  Especially homes with multiple kids, this issue doubles and triples.  One thing I have always told parents is know the names of the kids that your child is hanging with.  Hanging out brings influence, I can measure the character of a student simply by who they hang with.  Most parents are too busy to investigate who influences their kids, they often make the mistake of believing that if the kid comes from a good home, then his influence will be good to. Satan uses this trap a lot, know the kids your child hangs out with and you might begin to learn a lot more about your own child.  As a youth minister it’s my desire to help families see the importance of developing faith talks as a normal part of family conversation, its immeasurable when considering the spiritual growth of a child.  I really believe that students in faithful homes will look back and contribute their relationship to Christ, and their growth in Christ, to the spiritual efforts provided by the parents.  

'Train up a child in the way he should go'
Proverbs 22:6 

In Him,
Randy Beggs
Youth Pastor 

Turning to God for Comfort

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”  Hebrews 13:5b

Because this month marks the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we’ll be bombarded with recaps of the tragedy. Even if your children weren’t born yet in 2001, they’ll learn about this event and ask tough questions about it. This somber date can be an opportunity to talk to kids about life’s challenges and stresses—and how God shepherds us through them.

Whether children are confronted by the illness or death of a loved one, school bullies, parental job loss, or divorce, these stress factors all bring uncertainty and anxiety. Take time to reassure children of your constant love for them and of God’s promise to never leave us. Be attentive, accepting, affirming, and reliable. As much as possible, maintain the same schedules and rules during crises because structure and boundaries help children feel safe. When changes occur, let children know what to expect. Also encourage your kids to talk openly about their feelings and fears. Most importantly, pray that God will help you all grow closer to him, no matter what obstacles you face.

ASK GOD:
1. To protect your family members and their faith during difficult times.
2. To walk with you and make his love real to you when you’re confronted by crisis.
3. To help you overcome worry and place your trust in God.