Can your children tell if you have been with Jesus?

By Linda Ranson Jacobs

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“……they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13b (NIV)

Single parents have many roles to fill.  As we parent alone most of us have to work an outside job in order to support our family alone. We also serve as cook, chauffer, nurse, disciplinarian, mechanic and fulfill a dozen other roles. One of the most important jobs we have as single parents is to teach and model a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Modeling a relationship with Christ is a life style. Some of you will have to consciously change your life style to incorporate a daily walk with the Lord. I can hear many of you saying, “But you don’t understand, I don’t have time to read and study the Bible. I’m lucky if I get one scripture read and dash off a quick prayer.” A lifestyle with Christ is more than that. It’s trusting and depending on Him. It’s living with and in Christ. It’s Christ living through you. It’s not about reading scriptures as something you check off your daily to do list.

In the book of Acts Peter and John had been arrested. When Peter was questioned the Bible says he was filled with the Holy Spirit and he gave testimony about Jesus Christ. The scriptures go on to say, “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13 (NIV)

Peter and John’s life and their attitude toward the high priest and other men who arrested them gave testimony that they had been with Jesus. Does your attitude give testimony that you have been with Jesus? Do you complain daily or do you praise the Lord? Do you try and see the good in various situations?

Try developing a new ritual that will help you exemplify Christ daily. At the evening meal, have everyone tell three good things that happened. Be sure to share the positive things that happened to you also. For some of you this might be a struggle but persevere. You can then turn the good things that are happening into a time of praising the Lord and thanking Him for His goodness.

Have you been with Jesus today? Why not spend a moment with Him right now.

“My times are in your hands…” Psalm 31:15a (NIV)

Linda Ranson Jacobs of Healthy Loving Partnerships for Our Kids can be contacted at   Linda@hlp4.com.

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