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Spending Time
2 Samuel 15:2, 5-6 'Whenever anyone came with a complaint to be placed before the king for a decision … [his son] Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him. Absalom behaved in this way toward all the Israelites … and so he stole the hearts of the men of Israel.' (NIV)
 Absalom, the son of Israel's king David, stole the hearts of his nation from his father. Over the years, it seems, David had spent very little time getting to know his son. If you have children, this is a great day to spend time with them! Somebody said, 'If you're wondering what to spend on your children this year, spend time.' Someone else observed that, 'For a child, love is spelt T.I.M.E.' I know it's easier said than done, especially in our busy 21st century calendars, but we need to spend some uninterrupted time with our kids doing what they enjoy doing. Just over one generation ago, children spent an average of four hours each day in conversation with an adult. Today, they get just 15 minutes, and much of that time is spent with them being corrected for something. The great message of Christianity is that God has time for us. He doesn't busy himself with everything else and forget the children of his love. He invests himself in us, at a level that we are able to understand. That's what the incarnation was about. As parents, we all have days when we think, 'I'm a failure at this. I'm losing the battle with my kids.' But, with the Lord's help and a little rescheduling here and there, we can make up for lost time. Make a start today…
Prayer: 'Lord, help me to make time in my schedule to invest in the next generation. Thank you that you always have time to invest in me.'
© 2003-2004 Mal Fletcher
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You are right that we often shrink back from fully expressing our convictions because it puts us "out there". We must realise that the world looks at us at the same time as they hear us. We must learn the lessons & press on.
Eme, United Kingdom
I love the Next Wave International website. It's been a source of encouragment and direction. A powerful package all in one! "DYNAMITE". Thanks.
Brendon, Australia
I was close to tears when I read the excerpt from Mal's new book "The Future is X". He reminded me of things from my past which were so dramatically true.
Antonio, Portugal
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