Here is a bouquet of flowers for all the mom’s that are visiting. Happy Mother’s Day!
If we were sitting down together face-to-face we could talk about being moms and how it is a tough role but one that is always rewarding. We could talk about the joys, the struggles, and all the in-betweens.
I would want you to know how vital your role is and how being the godly influence to your children is going to be life-sustaining. I would want you to know and feel that you are an important person in their lives and in their hearts.
We want to do it well. We want to do it right. What is right? If only those little bundles of joy came with a manual and one that didn’t make you feel like you were doing it all wrong. One that was simple and maybe had checklists.
When I first became a mother, what I wanted for my child was happiness, safety and for him to feel loved beyond measure. I wanted him to be confident and to grow up to be successful at whatever he did.
Since I have had children, God has taught me so many things about what is important. While all those things are important, none of them can be surpassed by my desire for my children to know and love God with a sincere faith.
Although we may often think of the Bible as a manual for life we sometimes miss the small details that can really offer the guidance we are seeking.
2 Timothy 1:5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced is in you as well. (BSB)
Timothy. He was the recipient of this letter. When Paul was leaving Ephesus, he left Timothy in charge over the church. As Paul writes this letter from prison, he points out something that is vital to not only moms but parents.
As parents, we can sometimes desire our children to have and be many things. Happiness, however, is usually at the top of our lists.
Paul, however, is looking at the big picture in Timothy’s life and he is not saying, Timothy, you had a great upbringing. Your mother and grandmother always strived to make you really happy and I can see it paid off.
Timothy’s mother and grandmother had given Timothy a greater gift than any worldly thing they could have possibly offer him. They had passed on their sincere faith.
Later in 2 Timothy we see why Timothy has this sincere faith. From infancy, you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15
Timothy had a Jewish mother and a Greek father (Acts 16:1). If any of you grew up in a house where parents had two different belief systems, you may know this kind of tension.
While Paul was on his mission trip, he had clearly met these two women, Eunice and Lois. He knew them and their heart for the Lord. He knew that they were Jewish women who had raised Timothy and taught him what they had of the Old Testament Scriptures.
They knew it well. They instilled it in Timothy. When the opportunity arose, they were ready to accept the Messiah they had spent their lives worshipping.
While teaching our children about God and the Bible can be fundamental in their deciding to trust God as their personal Savior, we cannot make the decision for them. They do not automatically receive their faith because we have faith.
That shouldn’t intimidate us. That should motivate us. The hope that we have in us is a hope that we should want for our children. It should be our greatest desire and it should motivate us to make the commitment to teach them the Scriptures so when they grow up they don’t depart from it (Proverbs 22:6).
What can we learn from Eunice and Lois.
Put God first in your own life. Paul knew these women and it was obvious to Him what they believed. He called their faith sincere.
Teach your children scripture. Make sure they know it well because it will make them wise to receive salvation.
Your “name” doesn’t have to be great to make an impact. Eunice and Lois are only mentioned by name one time, yet their role was so vital in the church because they raised a man to know the scriptures. Paul would “pass the baton” to Timothy after his death and Timothy would play a major role in the early church.
Your ministry role as mom or parent is a gift, it should be your first priority because it has an eternal impact.
You are the first Jesus your children will see. Follow Him well so they, too, can follow in His footsteps. Seek Him in all you do.
One of my favorite verses encourages us how-to Seek the Lord and His Scriptures with our children and is found in Deuteronomy 11:19-20
Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
Personal Reflections:
As a parent, what do you or did you do to influence your children to have a love for the Lord?
What decisions in your life do you feel were good decisions to help your children come to know Jesus as their personal Savior? Be specific.
If you could mentor a younger family, what advice would you give them?
What things in your life do you need to re-prioritize to make room for God or to make Him first in your life?
Please, share your thoughts and answers to these questions in the comments below and encourage the mother’s and parents here.
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This week’s featured friend is Liz Giertz from My Messy Desk. After serving in the military and becoming a mom, Liz began to share her creativity through crafting, writing, and sharing her passion for the Lord. Thank you, Liz and husband, Matt for your dedication and service to our country. We do appreciate you. You can find Liz and her story here.
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Thanks so much for hosting!
Thanks for joining us, Debbie.
Jaime, I so wish I had truly known God better when my children were young and not just thought I did. Early in my walk, it was all about rules and doing the Christian thing, not near as much about the heart. I thank God that He has taught me so much and for His grace in my children's lives. And now I have an opportunity to teach what I've learned to my grandchildren. Thanks for hosting each week. Happy Mother's Day! It's a high calling!
My oldest has such a sincere heart. I have always tried to tell him to let people see his heart. I, too, believe the necessity for a sincere faith and teaching kids about Christ's grace. Thanks always, for your wisdom and for joining us, Donna.
Thank you for the bouquet of flowers — and of words!
Happy Mother's Day to you as well!
You are very welcome, Michele. I hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day as well.
Thanks for those gorgeous lilacs and the linkup! And, for featuring Liz – she is one of my favorite online blogger friends!
They were certainly for you. I have lilacs in front of my house and last week they smelt divine. If we were closer, I could have picked you a bunch and brought them by. Have a great Mother's Day, Susan.
Such great encouragement here, Jaime! Thanks so much for sharing and for hosting! Happy Mother's Day to you as well, and to all your dear readers!
Such kind words, Carlie. I always appreciate you joining us here, Have a great Mother's Day, friend!
so great that you are featuring Liz and her beautiful heart and desk!
She has a great messy space. Thank for joining us, Sue! Happy Mother's Day!
Jaime- thanks for this encouragement! The reminder that your name doesn't have to be great to make an impact spoke to my heart. Mothering 5 kids is the hardest job I've ever had and I need God's grace every day.
Happy Mother's Day Jaime!
I am glad to hear that you are encouraged, Julie. We all nee this don't we. Mothering is a hard job but one that you know has more rewards. The impact and love you show your kids will allow them to be eternally grateful. So glad you are here, friend! Happy Mother's Day to you!
Happy Mother's Day Blessings to you.
Thanks for hosting and have a wonderful rest of the week.
Thank you so much, Patrick. I do appreciate your kind words. Thank you for joining us here every week!
This is so encouraging!
I am glad you enjoyed it. I hope you are encouraged. We moms have to stick together in the encouragement field! Happy Mother's Day to you!
Great encouragement for moms, Jaime, or for any of us who have influence on the lives of others. Happy Mother's Day week!
Anyone who reaches the heart of other's for Jesus is leaving quite a legacy. One that cannot be replaced by any worldly gestures or actions. Thanks for joining us, June!
Hi Jaime and Happy Mother's Day. Thank you for the link up.
Hi, Patricia. I am glad you are joining us. Happy Mother's Day to you, friend!