Boundaries & Children 05/09/11

Proverbs 16:7 tells us; "When a people's lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them." We disussed in a very abridged format "Boundaries & Children" in our message yesterday. What we did not go into, was some of the future consequences of Eli's boundary-less home. What happened was, that Samuel riased his children in the same boundary-less manner that Eli raised his. (See 1 Samuel 8:1) Anyway, my point is this... We often struggle setting boundaries with our children because we have a boundary problem our self! In follow up to the Sunday sermon, I encourage you to sit down with a sheet of paper and record your own boundaries. Until you become familiar with your own boundaries, until you can recognize what made you who you are and where your own personal boundaries my lack, you will never be able to set good, solid, and effective boundaries for your own children. What was your home like growing up? What good boundaries can you remember? Where did you lack boundaries in your home? How do you believe those things have affected you as a person? Who was someone you respected as a child for their boundaries? The truth is, whether self imposed or others imposed you must face your own boundary issues! Start by asking God to reveal to you, who you really are. (See Psalm 139:23&24) Ask Him to reveal to you the who and how relationships and circumstances that have shaped your life. Then, ask Him to bring the healing and wholeness to your life that is necessary to establish your own personal boundaries. Once you know who you really are, then you can train your children in THE WAY they should go. (Proverbs 22:6) The bottom line is simple: we all long for PEACE in our homes and lives. Establishing God's boundaries on a personal level will bring that peace to our homes, and even our enemies according to Proverbs 16:7 God's blessings,
Pastor Mike