Empowering Parenting: Love, Time, and Words Matter

Devotional

Day 1: The Healing Power of Touch

Touch is a language of love that transcends words, offering comfort and connection. It is a fundamental way to communicate care and presence, especially to children, whose emotional and psychological development benefits greatly from appropriate physical affection. As children grow, the nature of touch may evolve, but its significance remains. It's crucial to adapt the way touch is expressed to suit the changing needs of a child's age and individual comfort. This adaptation ensures that the message of love and acceptance continues to be conveyed effectively, providing a stable foundation of security and self-worth.

"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!" (Psalm 127:3-5a ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate appropriate, loving touch into your interactions with the children in your life today, and how might you need to adjust this as they grow? [44:47]

Day 2: Prioritizing Time as Love's Reflection

Time is a non-renewable resource, and how one chooses to spend it reflects their priorities. For parents, the act of dedicating time to their children is a powerful expression of love and value. It's not merely about being physically present but engaging in meaningful interactions that foster a deep emotional connection. The challenge of balancing work and personal commitments can make it difficult to carve out this quality time, but it is essential for building strong relationships and conveying to children that they are important. The moments shared with children are fleeting and irreplaceable, making it all the more important to prioritize them now.

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16 ESV)

Reflection: What is one activity you can do with a child in your life this week to show them they are a priority to you? [57:08]

Day 3: The Constructive Force of Encouraging Words

Words have the power to shape reality, particularly in the lives of children. Encouraging talk goes beyond avoiding negative speech; it involves actively speaking words that build confidence, instill value, and affirm character. In a world where children are bombarded with messages from various sources, including social media, it is vital to counteract negative influences with positive, life-giving communication. By catching children doing good and praising them specifically, adults can reinforce positive behavior and contribute to a child's sense of self-worth and identity.

"Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." (Proverbs 16:24 ESV)

Reflection: What specific encouraging words can you offer to a child today to build them up and affirm their value? [01:02:18]

Day 4: Standing Against Cultural Tides

In a society that often contradicts the values parents wish to instill in their children, it is crucial to be vigilant and proactive. Creating a nurturing environment that supports the growth and development of children requires intentionality and perseverance. Parents and caregivers must be aware of the cultural messages that children receive and actively work to provide a counter-narrative that aligns with their values. This may involve setting boundaries, having open discussions, and being a consistent example of the principles they hope to pass on.

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2 ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively create a home environment that reinforces the values you wish to instill in your children, despite cultural pressures? [01:06:45]

Day 5: Embracing Identity in God's Truth

Words can leave lasting impressions, and hurtful words can cause deep wounds. However, healing is possible through the power of prayer and the truth of God's Word. Recognizing that one's identity is rooted in the love and purpose of the Creator allows individuals to break free from the pain of past negative words. Embracing this truth enables a person to live in the freedom and confidence of being a beloved child of God, no longer bound by the lies that once held them captive.

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." (Psalm 139:13-14 ESV)

Reflection: What negative words from your past do you need to release, and how can you affirm your identity in God's truth today? [01:09:20]

Sermon Summary

In my sermon, I began by greeting the congregation and reflecting on the joy of worship and the importance of being present, especially after celebrating Easter Sunday. I then introduced the new series on parenting, emphasizing that the principles discussed are applicable to everyone, not just parents or grandparents, but to all individuals as relational beings.

I delved into the heart of the sermon by discussing the unchanging challenges of parenting, particularly in a culture that often works against the values we try to instill in our children. I highlighted three key principles: appropriate touch, abundant time, and encouraging talk, drawing from the biblical account in Mark 10 where Jesus welcomes children, rebukes the disciples for hindering them, and blesses them with loving touch and words.

I spoke about the importance of appropriate touch, sharing the story of King Ferdinand II's experiment, which tragically showed that children need emotional and relational nourishment as much as physical sustenance. I stressed that as children grow, especially during preteen years, the need for appropriate touch changes but does not diminish. For girls, it's a critical time to receive loving touch from their fathers to prepare them for the challenges ahead, while boys may require more creative expressions of affection.

Regarding time, I lamented the struggle many parents face in balancing work, activities, and quality time with their children. I pointed out that despite the scarcity of time, we always make time for what we truly value. I urged parents to prioritize their children, as life is fleeting and the moments we have with our children are precious and irreplaceable.

I then addressed the power of words, drawing from Proverbs 18:21, to emphasize the life-giving or destructive power they hold. I shared the alarming impact of negative social media feedback on children and the importance of countering this with abundant positive affirmation. I encouraged parents to speak life into their children, to catch them doing good, and to affirm them with specific, loving words.

As I concluded, I led the congregation in a prayer for healing from hurtful words spoken in the past, declaring that our value and identity are found in God, not in the negative words of others. I prayed for freedom from those lies and for the truth of God's love and purpose for us to take root in our hearts.

Key Takeaways

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Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What actions did Jesus take when children were brought to Him in Mark 10:13-16?
According to Proverbs 18:21, what power does the tongue hold?
How does James 4:14 describe the nature of our lives?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus was indignant when the disciples rebuked those bringing children to Him? What does this tell us about His view on children? [40:08]
How can the principle of "appropriate touch" be applied in relationships beyond parenting, according to the sermon? [40:57]
What does the sermon suggest about the importance of time spent with children, and how does this relate to the brevity of life mentioned in James 4:14? [57:08]
How can the power of words, as described in Proverbs 18:21, impact a child's development according to the sermon? [01:02:18]

Application Questions

Reflect on your own experiences with touch. How can you ensure that your expressions of affection are appropriate and meaningful in your relationships? [40:57]
Considering the sermon’s emphasis on time, what are some practical steps you can take to prioritize quality time with your children or loved ones despite a busy schedule? [57:08]
Think about the words you use daily. How can you be more intentional in speaking life and encouragement into the lives of those around you? [01:02:18]
The sermon mentioned the negative impact of social media on children. How can you create a more positive and affirming environment for your children or those you mentor? [01:04:42]
Reflect on a time when hurtful words affected you. How can you seek healing and help others find healing from past wounds through prayer and the truth of God's Word? [01:09:20]
How can you model the values you wish to instill in your children or those you influence, especially in a culture that may not support these values? [01:06:45]
Identify one specific way you can show more loving and appropriate touch, spend more quality time, or use more encouraging words with someone in your life this week. How will you implement this? [40:57] [57:08] [01:02:18]

Sermon Clips

"It's no wonder that image is at the root of most critical youth issues. Today, the suicide rate among teenagers and preteen children has gone up exponentially. It's incredible. It's unbelievable. And at the root of nearly all of it is social media. And at the root of what's happening in social media, it is the feedback, the negative feedback that kids get when they post something." [01:04:42](Download clip | Download cropped clip | )

"We all need this. We all need loving, appropriate touch. We all need time. We all need encouraging words spoken into us. It's not just kids, but it's so important with our children. It's life changing. Life death are in the power of the tongue." [01:06:17]( | | )

"Sometimes it seems like it's going to, but it's not going to your precious time with your kids is going to go by in a flash. So you have to work hard at spending some non phone interrupted internet devices, iPads stuff. It's a struggle. I understand it, but we need some time." [58:39]( | | )

"The average parent today spends more time on their devices than they do with their kids. So on average, mom and dad spend nearly five hours a day on electronic devices. Sadly, that's more than less than the four hours they spend on meaningful activities with their kids." [57:08]( | | )

"It's amazing what you can do for your children. If you'll speak words of life and not words of death. And there are seasons with your children where it's hard to catch them doing anything that you can brag on. You feel like I am on them all day long. And so we have to fight to find ways where we can speak encouragement and blessing into their life." [01:01:44]( | | )

"We have to watch the words that we speak. So you want to catch them doing something and say, that's great. That's awesome. I'm so proud of you. You're, you're the most awesome. This kid of all time. You're wonderful. Uh, I love you. Statements are great. I love you because I love you because you're so thoughtful." [01:02:18]( | | )

"Your children need time and they were bringing children to him so that he might touch them. And the disciples rebuked him. And when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said, permit the children to come to me for don't hinder them for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." [48:21]( | | )

"Girls are touched in loving, appropriate ways five times as often as boys. Boys need loving touch just as much as girls, but boys are different in how they process it. You think about, when a boy turns seven or eight, their needs don't change, but they start saying like, ugh, that's not cool." [46:57]( | | )

"Your value is not determined by them. Who you are is not determined by them. It's determined by the God who made you and created you. And He has determined your value and your purpose and your destiny. He has declared your worth. You're worth so much. You're worth so much to them." [01:07:59]( | | )

"It's really hard. Uh, but what's really impressive about NASCAR is the pit stops where these cars come zooming in into the pits and seven guys surround that car and just a matter of 12 to 15 seconds, they can change the tires. They can fill it up with fuel. The guy gets to eat a happy meal." [52:08]( | | )

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