BRING JESUS
Sometimes we bring our children to Jesus, and other times we bring Jesus to our children.
BRING JESUS
BRING JESUS
- Encountering the Father, Kingdom Parenting
LET’S ASK JESUS
“Jesus, I need a hug. Will You please wrap your arms around me and allow me to embrace your presence?”
Be still and let Him encounter you. Gather as a family in the living room, in the car, at the dinner table, or bedtime, and ask Jesus together. This is empowering for children because they witness how God communicates with you, which increases their faith, and together you get to encounter Him. Spiritual hearing is a muscle that is strengthened by worshiping and praying. The more you do it, the stronger you become at it.
FAMILY TIME
Kingdom training in your home was never supposed to be a once-a-week event. It is about a lifestyle of little drips. When children start asking parents, “Has Lisa sent another lesson yet?” you know we are doing something right. Kids LOVE the connection time as a family and learning about Jesus in a way that promotes connections, not legalism.
FAMILY MEETINGS
I grew up having ‘family meetings,’ which meant we had to gather and listen to a very long lecture about something. I walked away feeling like I wanted to run away. They were not empowering or life-giving. When I began to have my own family, I, too, wanted to have family meetings but to create a time everyone had a voice, was able to share without fear, and could contribute to the process. I wanted my children to walk away feeling closer, connected, and empowered. We have done just that over the years. When I call out “family meeting,” they stop what they are doing and join me in the family room. They come expectant to be included and heard. We have intentionally gone on family meeting dates where we talk through a particular topic or issue.
Family means all people. Everyone gets a voice, each carrying something vital. Children have a perspective that is needed.
PARENT COACHING
This is a wild season for us, yet God is in the midst of using it for our good. He is allowing things to be seen, healed, and aligned, which is breathtaking. Only God can use this profound season of lack, isolation, and stillness and use it for our greatest transformation. We don’t have to make anything happen; we need to let Him do what He does best – finish the good work He has already begun in each of us.
I have received so many messages from parents who are feeling Him highlight areas that need to come into alignment. If you would like additional help in this season with parent triggers, parenting your child well, or resolving conflict, you can either private message me or schedule an appointment here: Coaching – Let the Children Fly
WHO IS JESUS?
I called a family meeting and told the kids to act like Jesus was in the room and had the love language of words of affirmation. We popcorn-styled, going around and around, calling out the amazing things about Jesus. His character, goodness, faithfulness, the way He loves, is so smart, etc. It stirred up our faith in who He is and anchored us in His ability. So, give it a try today. Tell Jesus who He is.
HEAL MY LAND!
2 Chronicles 7:14 – “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” One small two-letter word is the key to Him healing our land. **IF** What does He consider wicked? We would be wise to know what His heart is so that we can measure ourselves to His standard. Proverbs 6:16-19 (MSG) – “Here are six things God hates, and one more that he loathes with a passion: eyes that are arrogant, a tongue that lies, hands that murder the innocent, a heart that hatches evil plots, feet that race down a wicked track, a mouth that lies under oath, a troublemaker in the family.”
It is easy to read this list and say, “Not me! Goodness, with all of the stories on the news today, I am surely not that bad.” But how about we ask Him?
REPENT – “Jesus, will You please show me if there are areas I have walked in pride?”
REPENT – “Jesus, will You please show me if there are things I have not been fully truthful about?”
REPENT – “Jesus, will You please show me if there are areas I have partnered with anger rather than forgiveness?”
REPENT – “Jesus, will You please show me if there are areas I have desired or acted on revenge?”
REPENT – “Jesus, will You please show me if there are areas I have rushed to speak instead of seeking to understand?”
REPENT – “Jesus, will You please show me if there are areas I have shared gossip or juicy stories not even knowing they were 100% true?”
REPENT – “Jesus, will You please show me if there are areas I have caused my family – immediate or church family – hardship or harm by my words or actions?”
REPENT – “Jesus, I confess I have partnered with _____ by _____. I see that this is not Your will for Your children. Will You please forgive me?”
Now go teach your children about these verses, give examples, and teach them how to ask for forgiveness.
RISE ABOVE
Gather the family in the family room and share this story with them.
The only bird that dares to peck at an eagle is the crow. He sits on his back and bites his neck. However, the eagle does not respond or fight with the crow; it doesn’t waste time or energy on it! It simply opens its wings and begins to rise higher in the heavens. The higher the flight, the harder it is for the crow to breathe, and then the crow falls due to lack of oxygen. Stop wasting your time with the crows. Just take them to your heights, and they’ll fade. The enemy will sit behind your back and bite your neck… “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
Discuss ways they have encountered a pestering crow. It may be through siblings, friends, a hurtful situation, or a lie they believe. Ask, “Why is going higher so important?” Talk through specific ways they can rise above and hold their head up high like an eagle.
In the days ahead, when they are dealing with pesky crows, remind them of this teaching and together ask Jesus how they can SOAR higher in that situation. In a world full of crows… be an eagle.
LET’S ASK JESUS
Ask, “Jesus, if You could write a letter to my child, what would it say?”
AFFIRMATION
The opposite of judgment is not acceptance; it is affirmation. Affirm – af·firm – Verb. 1. state as a fact; assert strongly and publicly. 2. offer (someone) emotional support or encouragement. “There are five common ways parents fail to affirm their children.”
When was the last time you intentionally affirmed those around you in their identity, value, or destiny? It is Kingdom to do so.
LET ME SEE WHAT YOU WANT ME TO SEE
DECLARE THIS PRAYER OUT LOUD. Put your hands on your eyes and pray, “Holy Spirit, I give You permission to remove the scales from my eyes. Let me see what You want me to see with my children.” This also works for adult relationships, conflict, world events, leaders, and heart issues. We want our eyes to see what He sees.