Genesis 49:26-50

As parents, do we seize opportunities to make meaningful investments in our children’s lives? Some examples would be keeping our promises, tracking the progress of their spiritual condition, pronouncing a “blessing” (or blessings) upon them, and demonstrating our love for them through our words and actions. Let’s elaborate on these objectives this week.

As moms and dads, we desire to share meaningful lessons with our children as they grow toward adulthood. Since much of what they learn is “more caught than taught,” we would be wise to model the concepts and behaviors that we want to instill, even as we offer instruction (realizing we can learn from our kids, as well!) Let’s consider areas where educating and exemplifying can have a positive effect.

Have you ever heard the saying, “They really lived down to their name?” Not really. It is more likely that you would have heard it said that one lived up to their name. When one lives down to their name, it suggest there wasn’t much hope of good for them. In this series we look at the life of Jacob.

In a world full of struggle and disappointment, each one of us will wrestle with bitterness at one time or another. But left unchecked, bitterness is a destructive poison that steals our joy and the joy of those around us. Pastor and counselor Stephen Viars shows us how to process bitterness biblically and effectively, so that we move from life's greatest hurts to a life filled with joy.