Sermonsnacks "Bedtime Snacks"

"Attracting friends..."

Don Collette — Wed, 07 May 2008 21:33:21 +0000

Proverbs 19:4 (The Message)

4 Wealth attracts friends as honey draws flies,
but poor people are avoided like a plague.

It is never to early to begin to teach our children about money, the good and bad things that it can bring. We should teach our children that friendship is not based on what a person has or doesn't have. We need to share with our children how to handle conflicts with friends and others and how we would respond. We should all attract friends because of the love of Jesus that should be seen in our words, actions and attitude in all we do in work and play.

"Teach them to trust God early..."

Don Collette — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 12:33:56 +0000

Proverbs 3:5-7 (The Message)

5-12 Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track.
Don't assume that you know it all.

One of the most important things we must instill in our children at a very early age is that they need to trust God. They must see us trusting and acting on that trust in faith. We must share our testimony of how God, time and time again has lead us in the way we needed to go, not the way we may have wanted to go. Explain to them how you listen to God's voice, how the Holy Spirit speaks to you, how we must take time to listen. Teach them to trust, listen and obey the voice of God in all they do even as children. Explain to them that God really does care about them and wants them to be happy. As they grow up, it will be second nature to them.

"Teach your children to see..."

Don Collette — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 21:45:41 +0000

Proverbs 29:18 (The Message)
18 If people can't see what God is doing,
they stumble all over themselves;
But when they attend to what he reveals,
they are most blessed.

In addition to the many miracles your children have learned about in the bible they also need to know that God is still busy in their lives today. Explain to your children how God has and is blessing you in all the ways you can. Share with them the times you have "attended" to what He revealed to you and how it blessed you and them. Teach them that God really does care and want to help them. Let them know that He even helps you to know how to help them and teach them what they need to learn. Explain to them during times of confusion, frustration, fear and sickness that God is the one to turn to for answers and special blessings. Share with them what has happened to you in the past when you didn't "attend" to what God revealed to you. You and your children will be blessed now and in the future.

"Discipline is a good thing..."

Don Collette — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 21:36:25 +0000

Proverbs 29:1 (The Message)

1 For people who hate discipline and only get more stubborn, there'll come a day when life tumbles in and they break, but by then it'll be too late to help them.

The sooner we and our children learn about discipline and its use the better off we will be in life. Explain to your children about discipline, what it is, why we need it and what happens if we don't have it. Teach them about boundaries, laws and rules in life and play. When they grow up they will fair much better in work, family, finances and life. Give your children examples of actions and consequences of people/children who have not learned discipline. Help them learn now, before it's to late.

"Getting more costs more...."

Don Collette — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 18:13:20 +0000

Hebrews 13:5-6 (The Message)

5-6 Don't be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, "I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you," we can boldly quote,

   God is there, ready to help;
   I'm fearless no matter what.
   Who or what can get to me?

The sooner we can begin to teach our children (no matter how old they are) that material things will not make us happy, the better off they will be. How much do we want our children and ourselves to "have to" work to be able to have the "things" we want? Be honest with your children about money matters and what it can do both good and bad for them in their lives. Teach them saving their money for the things they want make them more special to them. Tell and show your children by example that God really does care and provide for you and them. Tell your children about mistakes you have made with money and material things and what it taught you. Share every blessing God has done for you and them.