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 Sunday Sermon

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The Reflection of You
Mike Reeves
May 9, 2004
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Mothers' Day
I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a
clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my
prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled
with joy. I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in
your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now
lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift
of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not
give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of
self-discipline. - 2 Timothy 1:3-7
Five contributions a mother makes in her home:
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Transparent tenderness
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Authentic spirituality
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Inner strength
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Unselfish love
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Self control
As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you,
but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little
children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you
not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become
so dear to us. Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we
worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we
preached the gospel of God to you. You are witnesses, and so is God, of
how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. For you
know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own
children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of
God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. - 1 Thessalonians
2:6b-12
Five contributions a father makes to the home:
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Fond affection
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A transparent life
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Unselfish diligence
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Spiritual authenticity
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A positive influence
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old
he will not turn from it. - Proverbs 22:6
If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.
If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship,
he learns to find love in the world.
- Dorothy Nolte
mothers... and fathers,
your children are a reflection of you.

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