As a maturing Christian I find power and instruction in God speaking the world into creation. Throughout the Bible we learn the power of our spoken word. We are instructed to speak those things that are not as though they were. We are forewarned that life and death are in the power of the tongue.
When the poem in the book speaks of God flinging stars in the sky and teaching birds how to fly. I felt like it was misleading our children or implanting the seed for deception later.
Recently, (due to my growth) I began to read to my children from the Bible, mostly the NIV translation. As a result they are very intrigued and I know they are not misinformed. I speak to them at their level of understanding and give them examples from their own life in relation to the text.
This morning reading from Genesis chapter 24-29 about Isaac, Rebekah, Esau and Jacob I thought there are so many sound lessons children can learn from these chapters. There is so much my children can relate to like, siblings with opposing personalities; quibbling and fighting with siblings and the results of doing so. I love discussing how although Jacob lied and deceived his way to his birthright and blessing God still honored his word and blessed him. I feel like it is critical to express to your children that no matter what you do, God still loves you and he will always keep his word. It is okay to fall short but because we love God we ask for forgiveness and try our best everyday to live like Christ.
Even as adults we struggle with guilt and doubt that God will do what he said after we sin. So for us to instill this into our children now will give them wisdom like in Proverbs 5:1 (My son, be attentive to my wisdom (godly wisdom learned by actual and costly experience), and incline your ear to my understanding (of what is becoming and prudent for you)) We are teaching them how to conquer the devil's deception.
Parents, I encourage you to read the Word to your children. It is our duty to do so. The Bible says Deuteronomy 6:4-7 - Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! 5And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6And these words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart; 7and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. It goes on to say Deuteronomy 12:28 Be careful to obey all these regulations I am giving you, so that it may always go well with you and your children after you, because you will be doing what is good and right in the eyes of the LORD your God.
As parents, we all desire that our children walk in the fear of the Lord. I know for myself if I don’t do anything else successfully with my children I will teach them the Word of God. The beauty of doing so, when I put the kingdom first, all those things will be added unto me. So I don’t have to worry about what I’m neglecting or putting off until after Bible Study because those things will be taken care of.
In conclusion, don’t water down the gospel to your children. It is the GOOD NEWS, and we all can accept good news! Meet them where they are, teach them to hide the words in their hearts, and how to apply the Word to their lives. With all the mess going on in their world, bullies, school shootings, stranger danger they need to be properly equipped to be confident in our God and his promises to us.
Tomorrow I will post some challenges my children face and the scriptures we confess our victories with. Please comment and share your children’s victory verses as well so they can be added to the post.
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