June 13, 2020 – From The Darkness Into The Light

FAMILY TALK NIGHT LIGHT FOR COUPLES – SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020

Posted on June 13, 2020June 12, 2020 by Child Of God

Healthy Hope

“Faith is being sure of what we hope for.” Hebrews 11:1

Hope based on the realistic expectation that something can or will change is a powerful, positive, driving force. It motivates us to do our best and helps us achieve what may seem impossible to others. But naive hope that’s grounded in wishful thinking can be deeply disappointing and even destructive. I (jcd) know a woman—I’ll call her Martha—who was hurt repeatedly by her father’s lack of interest in her. As long as Martha continued to hope he would change, she suffered a fresh wound whenever he missed an important family event or failed to consider her feelings. I urged Martha to realize that her father was emotionally blind—he was incapable of seeing her needs.

Once she began to accept his “handicap” as permanent, her pain lessened considerably. Your partner’s temperament or experiences may prevent him or her from fully comprehending your feelings and frustrations. My advice is that you change what can be altered, explain what can be understood, teach what can be learned, revise what can be improved, resolve what can be settled, and negotiate what is open to compromise.

Then determine to accept the rest. As you overlook these few “unresolvables” in your relationship, you’ll develop a perspective that brings realistic hope for an honest and satisfying marriage.

Just between us…

What kinds of changes do we hope to see in each other? Are our hopes realistic? ‘
Would it help our relationship to accept our “unresolvables”?
What in our marriage gives you the greatest sense of hope?

Father, thank You that You are “the God of all hope.” Tonight we look to You for help in bringing honest, healing hope to our marriage. Show us what we can change, show us what we should accept, and bless us with hope. Amen.

From Night Light For Couples, by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson
Copyright © 2000 by James Dobson, Inc. All rights reserved

FAMILY TALK NIGHT LIGHT FOR PARENTS – SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020

Posted on June 13, 2020June 12, 2020 by Child Of God

Praying For Keeps

“Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” John 16:24

My (JCD’s) grandmother prayed for her six children throughout their formative years, but her youngest son—my father—was a particularly headstrong young man. For seven years following his high school graduation he rejected the teachings of the church. Yet my grandmother never stopped praying.

One evening my Uncle Willis, who loved Jesus passionately, went looking for my dad (who was visiting his parents’ home) as the family prepared to go to church. “Jim,” he said, “aren’t you going with us to the service tonight?” “No, Willis,” my dad said. “I’m through with all of that. I don’t plan to ever go back again.” Willis said nothing. But as my father sat looking at the floor, he saw big tears splashing on his brother’s shoes. I’ll go, my dad thought, just because it means that much to him.

At the service that evening, James Dobson Sr. invited Jesus Christ into his heart—a decision he never wavered from the rest of his life. God answered the prayers of my grandmother by placing a key person at a critical crossroads. If you pray with persistence and confidence, He will do as much for your children, too.

Before you say good night…

Do you pray for your kids with persistence and confidence?

How have your prayers already changed the lives of your children?

How can you help each other to keep praying even when you’re tired or discouraged?

Lord Jesus, You have taught us to “pray always and not give up.” Strengthen us, Lord, to do this for our children. As long as You give us breath, help us to pray for the special lives You have entrusted us with, and to never give up or let up until we are all together in Your presence. Amen.