Children for Jesus ministry

How Does Spiritual Growth Happen?

You can grow in spiritual maturity by persevering in following God’s plan through the trials and challenges of your life (James 1:2-18) and living a life that is Spirit-filled #— that is, learning to be aware of and listen to God’s Spirit, lives within all Jesus followers (Ephesians 5:18; Romans 6:11-14).

Community also plays an important role in character growth, brings God’s Word to life, gives prayer a life-changing impact and is vital for telling others about Christ.

REASONS FOR OUR GREAT VALUE (6)
We are unique creations, crowned
with glory and honour, fearfully and
wonderfully made – Ps. 8:4-5, 139:1-4.
We are made specially & in a unique
way

Spiritual Growth
The Importance Of A Positive Attitude
INTRODUCTION
1. A good start toward spiritual growth is achieved when we...
a. Accept the challenge to obey God's command to grow - 2 Pe 3:18
b. Believe we are capable of growing with God's help - Ph 4:13
c. Set both behavioral and functional goals as described in the Scriptures
1) Striving to develop Christ-like behavior - 2 Pe 1:5-8
2) Seeking to determine and develop our function in the body of Christ - Ro 12:3-5
d. Create good habits that slowly but surely help us reach those goals
1) Habits that change our behavior (Bible reading, prayer, etc.) - 1 Pe 2:2; Ph 4:6-7
2) Habits that utilize our functions in the body of Christ (assembling, participating)
- He 10:24-25; Ro 12:6-8
2. For spiritual growth to continue, however, requires maintaining a positive attitude...
a. Believing that all our efforts will be worthwhile - e.g., 1 Co 15:58
b. Encouraging us to persevere through difficult times - e.g., 2 Co 4:8-9
[Paul certainly had a positive attitude. But why is a positive attitude so important to spiritual growth...?]
I. IMPORTANCE OF A POSITIVE ATTITUDE
A. THE DANGER OF A NEGATIVE ATTITUDE...
1. Illustrated in the example of the twelve spies of Israel
a. Ten did not believe they could take the land of Canaan - Num 13:31
b. Their negative attitude discouraged the rest of Israel - Num 13:32-14:4; cf.
32:7-9
c. It led to Israel complaining and rebelling against God - cf. Deu 1:26-28
d. It prompted them not to believe in God - cf. Deu 1:29-33
e. It resulted in many dying in the wilderness - Num 14:26-38
2. When negative attitudes are allowed to develop...
a. We stop believing in God and in ourselves
b. We stop trying to do what God wants us to do
c. We discourage those around us
d. We fail to reach the goals God has placed before us
B. THE VALUE OF A POSITIVE ATTITUDE...
1. Illustrated in the example of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem
a. The people had a mind to work - Neh 4:6
b. It helped them overcome ridicule by their enemies - cf. Neh 4:1-3
c. It led to the rebuilding of the walls - cf. Neh 6:15
2. When positive attitudes are maintained...

Dear God,

In the morning, O Lord, I will direct my song and my prayer unto You and will look up. (Psalm 5:3)

Good morning Lord! This is the day that you have made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. With gratitude, I thank you for preserving my life for one more day. With gratitude, I thank you for your ultimate gift of love for me, in the form of your son and the sacrifice of his life on my behalf. Because of this overwhelming gift that I often cannot comprehend, I humbly submit to you. I know Lord, that I am a mere human and cannot instruct you, but you Lord can instruct me. So teach me your ways that I may rely on your faithfulness. Teach us to number our days and to use our time wisely.

I don’t know what this day holds, but I know that you hold the day. It was you that laid the foundations of the Earth and therefore understands every part of it. I know that you keep the sun in the sky, the stars in place, and have created this Earth for me to inhabit and enjoy.

Throughout this day, may I be keenly aware of your presence in everything I do – as I commute to work, drop children off at school, keep house and speak with my neighbors. May my life be a living example and may others see Christ in me. There are many that are hurting in this world – may I be a salve to someone today Lord, in a way that I can’t even imagine. May my words be seasoned with salt and minister grace to all that hear. May my actions be aligned with your Word.

Prayer for children to say in school
Dear Father,
We pray our school will be filled with love We pray our learning will be full of truth We pray our playground will be full of joy We pray our friendships will be full of forgiveness We pray our teachers will be full of wisdom We pray our community will be full of hope May we run with your love Build on your truth Play with your joy Share your forgiveness Rest in your wisdom Every day
Amen

Experts say that children who feel important and worthy have higher self-esteem and a more positive outlook on life.

Image via Unsplash.com/
Many parents strive for perfection in raising their kids. This is an unrealistic goal, to say the least, and it’s not how mom and dad should be focusing their efforts.

Making all the right decisions, doing all the right things and being infallible -- that’s not what children need from their parents and it’s not what they want. They just want to be seen, valued and loved unconditionally.

According to child psychologist Dr. Robert Myers, children who feel important and worthy have higher self-esteem, a more positive outlook on life and healthier relationships. He also points out that these children tend to have an easier time handling conflict, are more respectful of others and are generally more well-rounded individuals.

“When kids feel valued, loved, heard and respected, they develop an identity based on these responses,” wrote licensed child and adolescent therapist Támara Hill in her PsychAlive article, “6 Things Kids Need From Adults to Feel Valued.” “Most children don’t demand much. They simply want to have a place in the world and in the lives of those they love.”

As parents, we have the power to show our children just how much they matter to us -- in what we say, in what we do and in how we act. In fact, in my 14 years of being a mom, I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that my behavior has on my children's sense of self-worth.

Here are 19 super simple things that I try to do regularly to show my kids how much they mean to me:

1) Tell Them You Love Them
This one's at the top of my list simply because it's the easiest and most powerful way to let your kids know how much they matter to you.

Hug them, kiss them and tell them “I love you” every single day. You can even say how lucky you feel to be their parent -- and say it often. These seem like such little things, but for kids, it makes a world of difference to hear their parents express genuine affection for them.

2) Ask Them About Their Day
Always ask them about their day to show them that you’re interested in what goes on in their lives -- the good, the bad and the ugly.

3) Give Them Your Undivided Attention
When you ask them a question, or when they're trying to tell you about something, make sure to give them your undivided attention. Put the phone down and look them in the eyes as they’re speaking.

4) Give Praise When Praise Is Due
Praise them when they’ve done something worthy of praise. Tell them you’re proud of them for even the smallest of accomplishments.

5) Say "You" More
Make a conscious effort to begin or end sentences with the word “you.” “You are funny,” or “I like reading books with you.” This is a subtle way to ensure the focus of your words is on them.

6) Remind Them of Their Strengths
Regularly remind them of all of their good qualities, and encourage them to continue honing those strengths.

7) Spend More Quality Together
Take some time to engage in one-on-one activities. They don't need to be anything fancy: a simple walk will do. Even if it’s only for a short time, it’s quality time that you’re dedicating to them.

8) Set Clear Boundaries
They may not like them, but they respect them -- and they know they need them.

9) Laugh With Them
Laughter isn't only the best medicine -- it's also the best way to bring people closer together. Sharing in an experience that makes you both laugh reinforces and strengthens your connection to each other.

10) Show Up
Attend their extracurricular actives as often as you can. Even if you can’t stay the whole time, just showing up speaks volumes.

11) Push Them -- But Not Too Hard
Encourage them to try harder, while acknowledging the progress they’ve already made.

12) Respect Their Space and Their Feelings
..Even when you can't relate. Letting them know that you hear them is all that matters.

13) Know What's Going On at School
Try to forge relationships with their teachers, and keep yourself apprised of what projects and assignments they’re working on. Let them know that you're around if they need help with homework, and if something is beyond your knowledge, don't be afraid to hire a tutor or homework helper to step in.

[RELATED: "Do You Need a Homework Helper?"]

14) Don't Talk Down to Them
They may be little, but they’re still humans and deserve to be treated with respect.

15) Know Who Their Friends Are
Make the effort to actually know their friends' names -- not just, "That girl with the blonde hair" or "That kid who wears a lot of purple." And make sure to ask about them often.

16) Let Them Into Your World
Open up and give them a glimpse into your own vulnerabilities (when appropriate). Just make sure you're still respecting the boundaries that you set, and that you're not "oversharing." At the end of the day, you're still the parent, and they're still the child.

17) Ask Them What They Think
Ask for their opinions on things and respect their ideas. You don't have to agree with them on everything; the important part is to make them feel heard.

18) Be Patient With Them
Forgive them for their mistakes and remind them that you make mistakes, too.

19) Acknowledge When You're Wrong
If you make a mistake or are wrong about something, don't be afraid to say "I'm sorry." Not only will they appreciate your self-awareness and humility, but they'll also be more likely to learn from your example.

. - Psalm 118:24 –
This is the day the Lord has made;
VLet us rejoice and be glad in it.
- Psalm 119:105 –
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

God always love as and He will allow,we are He's children