Grandparents

I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
2 Timothy 1:5

Generationally I remember being introduced to church by my parents and the reinforcement of values and Christian character by my great aunt and uncle which were like grandparents to me. And so in turn I feel responsible as I am a grandparent now to pass down the things I value to my grandchildren. These things I value the most and feel are the important things to share with my grandchildren.

1. Pray for them.
I pray for their salvation. I pray for their parents as they instruct and guide them to maturity. I pray for a shield of protection around them from the darts of the evil one. I pray for God's Word to be rooted deep in their hearts. I pray for contentment and peace and a boldness to share Christ with those that they come in contact with. I pray God's Word over them with other moms at Moms in Prayer. I also pray that they would one day value prayer as we model prayer for them.

2. Share Jesus.
I share with them the love of Christ as is in the Gospel story whenever possible. I was never so blessed though as when my grandson shared with me the Gospel as found in John 3:16. 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.

3. Love each one.
I try to make sure that there is plenty of love and encouragement to go around. I also try to make time for each one to feel special.

4. Worship and sing.
I sing those Christian songs as they grow. I start when they are babies and take them to worship with me as they grow. Or, I go to their churches and worship with them. I like them to know that our faith doesn't just happen on Sundays or just in church but it is for every day of their lives.

4. Family.
I value having family time together. Whether it be fun time in the summer or together time at the holidays. We love playing games, sharing meals, or just being together.  

I know there are many other things grandparents can do with and for their grandchildren. These just seem the most important to me. I think the important thing to remember is that the role of a grandparent is important in a grandchild's life.

Just as I Am

2 Corinthians 5:21

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us,
so that in him
we might become the righteousness of God.
NIV

Romans 5:8

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
NIV

 

Just as I am, without one plea,

but that thy blood was shed for me,

and that thou bidst me come to thee,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

 

Just as I am, and waiting not

to rid my soul of one dark blot,

to thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

 

Just as I am, though tossed about

with many a conflict, many a doubt,

fightings and fears within, without,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

 

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;

sight, riches, healing of the mind,

yea, all I need in thee to find,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

 

Just as I am, thou wilt receive,

wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;

because thy promise I believe,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

 

Just as I am, thy love unknown

hath broken every barrier down;

now, to be thine, yea thine alone,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

 

Text: Charlotte Elliott, 1789-1871
Music: William B. Bradbury, 1816-1868

Luke 24:45

 

 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

 

 

Holy goose bumps! And, praise and thanks to God.

 

I was at prayer group last week when someone read a verse out of Romans. Then one of our members said, "I used to not understand Romans, but now I do."

 

Jeremiah 29:12-13

 

 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

 

 

It is one thing to know these verses, but in the moment to experience the verses right before your eyes is a special blessing. God encouraging us to keep on keeping on. To persevere and never give up.

 

Hebrews 12:1-2

 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

Moments like those really make me feel like dancing!

 

All thanks be to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.