What We Pour Out Determines What They Produce

Remember this nursery rhyme:

I'm a little teapot,

short and stout,

Here is my handle;

here is my spout,

When I get all steamed up,

here my shout.

Just tip me over and

pour me out!

Though, I bet you don't remember it with this image.

This week I found myself a few times all steamed up and letting out a shout of my own,  pouring into our children unkindess, impatience and anger; character traits of a sinful nature which are opposite to the fruits of the spirit I teach them to have.  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  (Galatians 5:22-23) 

I want my children to fear God not man; but when I release shouts of anger they are fearing the latter.

This morning in my time with the Lord I was requesting wisdom and asking for forgiveness for my sins of:  laziness, unkindness and lack of self-control.   I dislike the mother I am when I exemplify these traits and I do not want to pass them on.  The Lord reminded of scripture in James.  Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

The Spirit then began to lay on my heart that I MUST be diligent in disciplining my children promptly, consistently and justly; leading them to the Word of God.  For all scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

He then led me back to James chapter 1:

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.  Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror  and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.  But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. 

If I discipline myself in being slow to speak and slow to anger; if I am consistent in discipling in love and with the Word, which will produce a harvest of righteousness and peace (Hebrews 12:11); myself and our children will know freedom and will live blessed.

Lord,

I praise you Jehovah-Rohi (My Shepherd) for leading me unto green pastures.  I praise you Jehovah-Tsidkenu (The Lord our Righteousness).  You are worthy to be praised.  There is none like You. Thank you for loving me when I don't deserve it, for picking me up when I fall, and showing me how to be a loving parent.  I pray your Words will penetrate deep into my heart and when I begin to get all steamed up, by your grace what pours out of me will be a reflection of You.  I know that if our children see you transforming my heart and life then what my heart desires for them will come to be.  They will live a life which produces a harvest of righteousness and peace and a life of freedom found only in You.