Friday, February 21, 2014

“Bread or a Stone?” (part 2)

Read again what Jesus had to say about bread and stones in Matthew 7:9-11.

^“You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? ¹⁰ Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! ¹¹ So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.

I think we got off to a good start last week as we focused on what it means to be a parent who gives GOOD things to their kids.  I want to remind us again of two things in the passage above – 1) God, as our perfect Heavenly Father, never gives us a stone but always gives us bread; and 2) as imperfect parents we, at times, give our children stones rather than bread. This Sunday I’ll continue our discussion as we consider what we’re really giving our kids – bread or a stone?  Bread in this context speaks of things that are biblical and godly, while a stone speaks of things that are not. We’ll examine three more topics and give parents an opportunity to ask, “So, in this area of life am I giving my kids bread or a stone?” As I conclude my message, we’ll turn our focus to Psalm 127:3-5 and ask how parenting can, at times, should resemble archery. “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.”

See you Sunday!

pastor jamie