Christian Foundations

DEVOTIONAL ARCHIVE

• Living Free - Sept. 5, 2008
• Living Free - Sept. 4, 2008
• Living Free - Sept. 3, 2008
• Living Free - Sept. 2, 2008
• Living Free - Sept. 1, 2008
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Today's Scripture
I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 1 Corinthians 3:6 NIV

Thoughts for Today
If your child … or someone else you care about … is struggling with a life-controlling problem, the goal should be to place that person in God’s hands and allow Him to work with your loved one on His time frame. As much as we might want to, we cannot manipulate or demand that a person change—only Jesus can change a heart.

As helpers, we can do these three things to help struggling people: 

1. Direct them to focus on Jesus. 
2. Model honesty for them.  
3. Hold them responsible for their own choices.  

Consider this…
Today’s scripture makes it clear that we can plant seed … we can water the seed … but only God can give the increase. It is good to know that although we can create an environment for change by doing those things God has called us to do, it is ultimately He who makes the change in our loved one’s life.

Prayer…
Father, my loved one is struggling with a life-controlling problem. Teach me how to create an environment for change … and help me trust you for your will in my loved one’s life. In Jesus’ name…

These thoughts were drawn from…
Close But Not Too Close by Dr. Jimmy Ray Lee. This 36-page booklet is written primarily for those who want to help someone close to them who is enslaved by the stronghold of a life-controlling issue. It is also designed to help someone who is suffering the consequences of a loved one's problem  

 

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