Living Free Everyday

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Today's Scripture
"Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it." Proverbs 22:6 NLT

Thoughts for Today
School age children should be given definite chores or responsibilities in your home. Chores appropriate for this age would be carrying out the garbage, making their bed, clearing the table.
You might consider offering payment for extra chores. It is a good way to teach them the value of work. Their basic duties should not be compensated. They need to learn that they are expected to help simply because they are a part of the family.

Consider this…
At 5-6 years, you might want to start a small weekly allowance (perhaps $1-$2) if you have not done so already. Encourage them to save one portion, to tithe one portion, and allow them to choose how they use the remainder. Teach and encourage generosity.
By age 9 or 10, it is helpful to let your children open their own bank account, in their name. A way to encourage saving is to offer each month to match the money they have deposited. They can learn to save for specific items, or special occasions, as well as learning delayed gratification. A child's own bank account can be a source of great pride and can go a long way in promoting responsibility.

Prayer
Father, help my children to develop a sense of responsibility. Give me wisdom and patience in teaching them. In Jesus' name …

These thoughts were drawn from…
Godly Parenting: Parenting Skills at Each Stage of Growth (http://www.livingfree.org/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=17&Itemid=2) by N. Elizabeth Holland, M.D. This study addresses parenting skills from the time of conception until the child has reached adulthood. It suggests methods for raising healthy, godly children in an increasingly secular society. Specific emphasis is placed on communication and teaching skills, discipline, protection and sexual issues at each age. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
If you are the parent, grandparent or teacher of children about 8-11 years old, we encourage you to consider our new curriculum for children...
Insight Group: Empowering Kids for Life (http://livingfree.org/index.php?page=shop.browse&category_id=13&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=2). Join J.C.(Jesus Cares) bulldog as he teaches children how to "live free" by setting appropriate boundaries. Using the eight objectives from 2 Peter 1:3-11, the Empowering Kids for Life workbook and facilitator's guide will give children the tools they need to build their own "tower of power" to avoid life-controlling problems.

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Today's Scripture
"You surely know that your body is a temple where the Holy Spirit lives. The Spirit is in you and is a gift from God. You are no longer your own." 1 Corinthians 6:29 CEV

Thoughts for Today
Begin to teach your school age children about drugs and alcohol. It is very common today for children in grade school to be offered drugs, especially tobacco, alcohol or marijuana. This is true, unfortunately, even in many Christian schools.
Teach them that drug use of any type is not acceptable, and is, in addition, against the law. Teach them to say NO! Ask them how they would handle a situation where drugs were offered. Listen to them and avoid condemnation, but be sure they understand the boundaries you have set and why you have set them.

Consider this…
Teach your children that using anything that harms their body is not pleasing to God. As believers, our bodies are his temple and we should keep ourselves clean and pure for him.

Prayer
Father, help my children understand that their bodies are your dwelling place. Help me teach them the dangers of drugs and prepare them to say NO. Help them make right choices. In Jesus' name …

These thoughts were drawn from…
Godly Parenting: Parenting Skills at Each Stage of Growth (http://www.livingfree.org/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=17&Itemid=2) by N. Elizabeth Holland, M.D. This study addresses parenting skills from the time of conception until the child has reached adulthood. It suggests methods for raising healthy, godly children in an increasingly secular society. Specific emphasis is placed on communication and teaching skills, discipline, protection and sexual issues at each age. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
If you are the parent, grandparent or teacher of children about 8-11 years old, we encourage you to consider our new curriculum for children…

Insight Group: Empowering Kids for Life (http://livingfree.org/index.php?page=shop.browse&category_id=13&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=2). Join J.C.(Jesus Cares) bulldog as he teaches children how to "live free" by setting appropriate boundaries. Using the eight objectives from 2 Peter 1:3-11, the Empowering Kids for Life workbook and facilitator's guide will give children the tools they need to build their own "tower of power" to avoid life-controlling problems.

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Today's Scripture
"Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6 AMP

Thoughts for Today
Although school is now an integral part in the teaching of your children, you remain their ultimate authority. Don't neglect their training during these years. God has appointed you as their parent, their authority, and you must continue to make choices and decisions that will affect their well being.
Now you may begin to allow them more freedom in some choices. Even when they make bad ones, they will gain valuable insights and a deeper understanding of consequences.

Consider this…
Spiritual teaching and training are vital. Continue regular church attendance. Take them, don't send them. Allow them to discuss what they have learned in Sunday school. Have regular family prayer time, letting them participate. Encourage them to pray before bedtime and as they begin each day. You are instilling habits that will remain with them throughout their lives.

Prayer
Father, help me to lovingly train up my children in the way they should go. And may my life be a godly example to them. In Jesus' name …

These thoughts were drawn from…
Godly Parenting: Parenting Skills at Each Stage of Growth (http://www.livingfree.org/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=17&Itemid=2) by N. Elizabeth Holland, M.D. This study addresses parenting skills from the time of conception until the child has reached adulthood. It suggests methods for raising healthy, godly children in an increasingly secular society. Specific emphasis is placed on communication and teaching skills, discipline, protection and sexual issues at each age.

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Today's Scripture
"… Your life is safe in the care of the LORD your God, secure in his treasure pouch!" 1 Samuel 25:29 NLT

Thoughts for Today
What makes you feel good about yourself?
We too often seek self-worth in the wrong places. Thinness, performance and control do not equal significance and wholeness. We are important because God designed and created us … because he loved us so much that he sent his only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross so that our sins could be forgiven and we could live with him forever. We are his treasure and he wants to protect us, to keep us "secure in his treasure pouch." When we don't recognize that God loves us unconditionally, we set ourselves up for rejection, shame, guilt, hopelessness and powerlessness.

An eating disorder like anorexia or bulimia can be brought about by a person's attempt to feel better about herself. This problem affects as many as eleven million women and men in the United States alone. Although sufferers are mostly girls and women, an increasing number of boys and men are affected as well.

Consider this…
If you are struggling with an eating disorder, it is vital that you seek medical help, as well as counseling from a professional. And remember that you are special because God created you and loves you unconditionally. In his eyes you are significant; you are his treasure. Through Jesus you can find safety, security and a sense of belonging.

The Bible promises that nothing can separate you from God's love (Romans 8:38-39). Turn to him today. Thank him for loving you. Thank him for making you a special person. And ask him to help you overcome your eating disorder. You can do all things with his help.

Prayer
Father, it is so difficult for me to see myself as an attractive, cared for, valuable person. Help me begin to understand how special I am to you. Help me to see myself through your eyes. In Jesus' name …

These thoughts were drawn from…
Seeing Yourself in God's Image: Overcoming Anorexia and Bulimia (http://www.livingfree.org/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=17&Itemid=2) by Martha Homme, MA, LPC. Written by a counselor with experience helping those with eating disorders, this study is born from her own struggles in adolescence. The group challenges members to find their identity in Christ as they overcome this difficult struggle. This guide offers understanding of distorted body image, denial, and the family systems influence. It also explains how to break free of social pressures and how to restore the temple and tie the recovery process together. A companion booklet Seeing Your Loved One in God's Image, can be used as a quick reference guide dealing with issues associated with eating disorders.

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Today's Scripture
"O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help." Psalm 86:5 NLT

Thoughts for Today
An eating disorder is a perceived external solution to inner turmoil. The focus on body size is an attempt to convert a worry about something inside oneself to something outside. For example, if a person's thoughts of "Am I good enough?" become "Am I thin enough?" she has created an external and measurable scale of her self-worth. When we focus on weight as the source of discomfort, our real problems are not resolved. We are relying on an external substance to alleviate internal distress.

The truth is, nothing we do on our own will give us a lasting peace. Nothing we do will make us perfect … But you know what? That's ok because God loves us anyhow. No matter what we have or haven't done … No matter how smart or pretty or thin we are. We are his children and he loves us unconditionally.

Consider this…
What do we need to do? We need to ask him for forgiveness. We need to rely on him instead of ourselves. We need to let him love us and take care of us.

His love is perfect. His love is unconditional. His love lasts forever. And he loves you.

Prayer
Father, help me remember that even though I'm not perfect, because of Jesus I am forgiven. Help me to stop trying to "fix" myself and instead rely on you and your strength and your love. Thank you for your unfailing love. In Jesus' name …

These thoughts were drawn from…
by Martha Homme, MA, LPC. Written by a counselor with experience helping those with eating disorders, this study is born from her own struggles in adolescence. The group challenges members to find their identity in Christ as they overcome this difficult struggle. This guide offers understanding of distorted body image, denial, and the family systems influence. It also explains how to break free of social pressures and how to restore the temple and tie the recovery process together. A companion booklet Seeing Your Loved One in God's Image, can be used as a quick reference guide dealing with issues associated with eating disorders.

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Today's Scripture
"For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 NLT

Thoughts for Today
Overcoming an eating disorder is not ever simply a matter of self-control. Stronger willpower or healthier eating habits won't make the problem disappear. An eating disorder is a perceived external solution to inner turmoil. Sufferers are trying to feel better about themselves, but they are walking a destructive path.
People on this path need help. Eating disorders lead to all sorts of physical and psychological consequences. It is important to seek medical attention and counseling.

Consider this…
Spiritual healing is also vital. If you are suffering from an eating disorder, consider turning to Jesus for help. Search the Bible for the truth about how treasured you are. God made you and designed you for a special purpose. He loves you unconditionally, and the Bible promises that absolutely nothing can separate you from his love. In Jesus you can find forgiveness, hope and healing.

Try to find a Christian support group where you can talk honestly about your feelings and encourage others. A place of accountability.
Above all, remember that with Christ, all things are possible. Reach out to him today. He won't ever let you down.

Prayer
Father, sometimes I feel so alone. Help me remember that you are always with me. Help me remember that all things are possible with your help and your strength. In Jesus' name …

These thoughts were drawn from…
by Martha Homme, MA, LPC. Written by a counselor with experience helping those with eating disorders, this study is born from her own struggles in adolescence. The group challenges members to find their identity in Christ as they overcome this difficult struggle. This guide offers understanding of distorted body image, denial, and the family systems influence. It also explains how to break free of social pressures and how to restore the temple and tie the recovery process together. A companion booklet Seeing Your Loved One in God's Image, can be used as a quick reference guide dealing with issues associated with eating disorders.

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Today's Scripture
"The LORD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise him—my father's God, and I will exalt him!" Exodus 15:2 NLT

Thoughts for Today
Many godly heroes have had setbacks, handicaps or poor family conditions. Numerous people in history could easily have settled for being a victim, but chose not to.
One godly hero in the Bible was Gideon. He was called by God when Israel was suffering from the oppressive rule of the Midianites. An angel appeared to Gideon, declaring, "The Lord is with you." Gideon saw his family as being the weakest in their tribe and himself as the least of his family. But when the Lord declared him a mighty warrior, Gideon made a choice. He chose to be a victor, not a victim. Following God's instructions, he became a mighty leader and eventually ruled as judge. (Judges 6-7)

Consider this…
We all have disappointments in life. Many of us have experienced unfair treatment by someone, the loss of a job or business, or even the traumatic death of someone we love. Some have experienced a serious personal illness or injury.
In every difficult circumstance, we have a choice. We can choose to be a victim, never overcoming and moving on with our lives. Or we can trust God to show us the way to victory.

Prayer
Father, I thank you that I have a choice”I don't have to be a victim in any situation if I will trust you for victory. Help me remember that even when I go through difficult situations, you are with me and want to help me find victory. I don't have to be a victim with your help, I can be a victor and move on with my life. In Jesus' name …

These thoughts were drawn from…
Godly Heroes: A Small Group Study of Hebrews 11 (http://www.livingfree.org/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=17&Itemid=2) by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. This guide presents a step-by-step study of Hebrews 11. It also features the profile of the characteristics of Godly heroes, written in language that relates to today's living. In this guide you will find definitions, characteristics and examples of the heroes' faith life

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Today's Scripture
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

Thoughts for Today
Being a self-made person is considered a good thing by many, especially in the United States. We tend to have an "I can do it myself" mentality. We somehow feel we haven’t really succeeded if we've asked for help. However, godly heroes recognize that they have weaknesses and are willing to accept their dependence on God and allow him to turn weaknesses into strengths.

When God called Moses to lead the Hebrew people out of Egypt, Moses argued that he had never been eloquent and was slow of speech and tongue. But God wasn't concerned about these weaknesses. He wasn't depending on Moses' strength he was looking for his obedience.

Moses did choose to obey God and to trust him. God made him a great leader of millions of people. Moses' slowness of speech became his strength because it helped him know that he couldn't begin to do what God was calling him to do on his own—he had to rely on God. And God's strength is unlimited. (Judges 6-7)

Godly heroes turn weaknesses into strengths.

Consider this…
Has God called you to do something that seems impossible because of your weaknesses? You feel as though you are not smart enough … or experienced enough … or strong enough? Good! Now you know that you will have to depend on God to get the job done.

Prayer
Lord, I feel so inadequate to do what you've led me to do. I thank you for helping me recognize that I can't do it on my own. I know that as I stop worrying about my inadequacies and start depending on your strengths … the job will get done. In Jesus' name …

These thoughts were drawn from…
Godly Heroes: A Small Group Study of Hebrews 11 (http://www.livingfree.org/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=17&Itemid=2) by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. This guide presents a step-by-step study of Hebrews 11. It also features the profile of the characteristics of Godly heroes, written in language that relates to today's living. In this guide you will find definitions, characteristics and examples of the heroes' faith life.

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Today's Scripture
"Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, 'If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, He will order his angels to protect and guard you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.' Jesus responded, 'The Scriptures also say, You must not test the Lord your God.'" Luke 4:9-12 NLT (suggested reading for this week: Luke 4:1-15)

Thoughts for Today
The third temptation: Satan used Scripture to tempt Jesus to leap from the temple and land safely.
Again, Jesus could have done it, and it would have been the job of the angelic host to protect him. It was not a temptation to do an overt sin, but it was a test of the Father's care. It was a call to have the Father prove his care for Jesus.
Jesus responded by quoting other Scriptures that balanced out the context of what Satan had quoted out of context.

Consider this…
We learn from Jesus' response that we should trust God and his promises, and not test his reliability. He promises to take care of us, but we shouldn't step in front of a speeding car to see what he will do. He has promised to meet our needs, but we shouldn't spend money recklessly.
In all these temptations, Jesus relied on the Scriptures to give him a proper understanding of what he was to do, and he quoted it in times of temptation. He did not take isolated verses out of context but balanced Scripture with an understanding of the true meaning of the verses.
Having experienced temptation, Jesus understands our condition. He is sympathetic, but he is also the perfect standard. Yield to the will of God. Memorize Scripture. Quote it and live it. Make a specific plan of how to do this more consistently as the Lord enables you.

Prayer…
Father, help me better prepare to resist temptation by spending more time in your Word. Teach me to live the Scripture, and bring the right Scripture to my mind when I am facing a temptation. In Jesus' name …