Date: Mon, 10 May 1999 2:30:1
Subject: Neil Anderson Devotional for Monday, May 10, 1999
To: Dr. Rowland Croucher <>
From: DEVOTIONALS.NET <>

  N E I L   A N D E R S O N   D A I L Y   D E V O T I O N A L
             from Freedom in Christ Ministries

May 10

SURVIVING A CRISIS

A house divided against itself falls (Luke 11:17).

Satan's strategy is to use a problem situation to put you and
your spouse at odds with each other. Jesus said, "A house divided
against itself falls" (Luke 11:17). Many times I have said to
parents, "Don't let this pull you apart." Inevitably they glance
at each other, because that's precisely what's been going on.

"If you would have been more firm with our child, this wouldn't
have happened," one blames.

"It's because you didn't set the standards by having family
devotions every night," the other retorts.

Or if they did have devotions, "You just read to the children,
you never communicate with them!"

"If you were home more often, I'd have more time to communicate
with them!"

There may be a grain of truth in every statement above. But it's
history, and tearing each other down will only make the problem
worse. You must be united in order to survive the crisis.
Character-bashing is from the pit.

Many parents are intimidated by a child's threats or find it
easier to give in to a temper tantrum than not to. But you cannot
let a rebellious child rule the home. It takes an iron will and
the grace of God to stand your ground and not let your child
control you. Sad are the children whose parents let them rule the
roost. Even sadder are the children whose parents rule without
love. If you manage to control through loveless intimidation and
force, your child will be emotionally crippled. Rules without a
relationship lead to rebellion.

Any crisis in the home can make or break you. You can choose to
grow through the crisis and become a better person than you were
before. Romans 5:3, 4, encourages, "We also exult in our
tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;
and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope."

Lord, I refuse Satan's strategy to divide our home by quenching
our love or overemphasizing rules. Help me do my part to keep our
home united in You.


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http://www.ficm.org/ . 

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