Video of the Day: Clip from the 1998 film “He Got Game”
Bible Verse of the Day:
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”[a] 4 Fathers,[b] do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord, Ephesians 6:2-4.
Biblical Connection:
Denziel Washington plays Jake Shuttlesworth, a proud father of the most talented young basketball player in the nation. Unfortunately, Jake ends up in prison for killing his wife in a violent family feud. As Jesus Shuttlesworth, Ryan Allen, grows up without a parent at home, Jake is left to writing letters to his son from a prison cell. When a judge has compassion on Jesus, Jake will have his sentenced reduced if he convinces Jesus to attend college rather than enter the NBA draft.
As a parent of three children, I understand the temptation of trying to live your life through your children. While coaching 4 different sports over 15 years, a few of my parents, fathers and mothers, pushed their children like Jake Shuttlesworth. However, when you’re a high school Bible teacher at a Christian school, there were times I was filled with conviction for exasperating my own children. As a parent, you should want the best your children, but you have to trust God to allow your children to take ownership of their own life.
Closing Song:
At some point in the last few years, I have transitioned from a parent to a life coach for my three children, now all in their twenties. As I pray for each one daily, I ask the Lord to fill them with leadership and maturity so that it is the Holy Spirit speaking and not an exasperating parent.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 