Sunday, August 26, 2007

don't leave home without it

This morning, I preached from Proverbs 4:5-9 on the value of wisdom--one of the most important survival skills for the spiritual life. At the end of our worship services, we prayed for our students, teachers and administrators. It was a very moving experience.

Our time together left me wondering how biblical wisdom would manifest itself in the lives of my three children, Grant, Pearson and Jenna. I recalled a list that I offered my congregation in a July 2006 message on parenting. As I release them to their respective 3rd, 7th and 9th grade experiences tomorrow morning, I pray that they will, with godly wisdom, continue to remember...

1. …that the world revolves around God
[Genesis 1:1, Acts 17:24-28]
2. …that God has created them for a divine purpose
[Ephesians 2:10, Jeremiah 29:11, Psalm 139:16]
3. …that God offers salvation through His Son Jesus
[1 John 5:11-12, Romans 10:9-10, John 1:12-13]
4. …who they are in Christ
[1 John 3:1, 2 Corinthians 5:17]
5. …that God is discovered in His Word and through prayer
[Jeremiah 15:16, Proverbs 15:29]
6. …that worship is a lifestyle
[1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 10:31]
7. …that God dwells in His church in a mysterious way
[Ephesians 2:22, 3:10]
8. …how to live extravagantly for the King and His Kingdom
[1 Corinthians 4:2; Acts 20:24]
9. …that all people matter to God
[Psalm 8:4-5, James 3:9-12]
10. …that this world is not our home
[Philippians 3:20-21, 2 Peter 3:11-14]

From “Letting the Vine Grow Wild” (Proverbs 22:6) ● July 30, 2006

3 comments:

Leilanni said...

Great message this morning! By the way - on the Pine Cove story . . .I think it takes a BIG person to admit they were wrong, especially to their kiddos. So if wise people are teachable (yes, I really was listening this morning!), then I'd say you allowed the Spirit to teach you something in that moment . . .and that seems to be a mark of wisdom :-)

Unknown said...

Excellent prayer David. Thanks for the reminder and as I pray that over my own kids, I also pray that their Dad and I will remember those things everyday even though it's been sooo many years now since our last "first day of school".

Teresa

Anonymous said...

I love this list! This is something I will share continually with my own children. Thanks for all you do.
Julianna