October 23 – Compassionate Guidance

They will not hunger or thirst, nor will the scorching heat or sun strike them down; for He who has compassion on them will lead them and will guide them to springs of water. Isaiah 49:10 

And the LORD will continually guide you, And satisfy your desire in scorched places, And give strength to your bones; And you will be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. Isaiah 58:11 

But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. John 16:13

Just as the Lord guides us, we need to guide our children and grandchildren--with compassion. Both of the passages in Isaiah mention water. Think about

a time when you were really hot and thirsty...and then you got some cool refreshing water. Ahh! That is how refreshing God's compassionate guidance should be to us--giving us renewed strength. How can we encourage others--particularly our families--to be so refreshed?

 Training Tip – Are there any of your family facing discouragement right now? Maybe one of your kids or grand kids is struggling with some issue in school or with a friend. One on one, not at a family together time, discuss that issue with the child in an encouraging way so that he/she knows you really care about them. Help them see some options to their problem and consider some solution, if possible. 

In addition, create a celebration time--just to encourage that child. It should be just that one child and parent time. Be sure to celebrate each child once a month in a similar manner--or in a way that they choose. Some parents have "parent-kid date night" but whatever you call it, it is a way to celebrate and encourage each child individually. Let them talk about whatever they need/want to talk about. This isn't time for a lecture from you--just a refreshing time for them--and probably for you, too. Enjoy your time together--make it fun without spending any money--or much money. 

 Lord, refresh our hearts Lord. Continue to compassionately guide us and direct our paths, and those of our families--leading us in the paths of righteous to give You honor and glory. 

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.