Teaching Our Children to Love God

Teaching Our Children to Love God

Scripture Focus:
"And you shall love the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with your entire being and with all your might." - Deuteronomy 6:5 AMPC

Devotional:
God doesn’t want part of your life; He wants all of it—heart, soul, body, and mind. He doesn’t want the leftovers of our day, our time, or our resources; He wants to be first in everything. Tithing should come before spending, and time alone with Him should take precedence over the hustle of the day. Serving Him should come before entertainment and other activities.

It’s never too early to teach our children to prioritize their relationship with God. Instilling this habit early will help them make the right decisions when they are on their own.

Action:
Reflect on what your life says about your priorities in your Christian walk. Remember, children emulate more than they listen.

The greatest gift we can give our children is setting them in the path of loving God more than anything else 🙏

#AriseAndShine #parenting #training #LovingGod #priorities

Stewardship and Our Children: A Sacred Responsibility

Stewardship and Our Children: A Sacred Responsibility

Scripture Focus:

"Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men,"- Colossians 3:23 AMPC

Action Points on Stewardship:

Model Stewardship:

✅Show your children by example what it means to be a steward of God’s gifts. Whether it’s your time, talents, or resources, demonstrate how to use them wisely and for God’s glory.

Teach Responsibility:

✅Encourage your children to take responsibility for their actions and belongings. Give them age-appropriate chores and responsibilities to instill a sense of duty and care.

Nurture Spiritual Growth:

✅Make prayer and the study of the Bible a regular part of your family’s routine. Encourage your children to develop their own personal relationship with God through daily devotions.

Encourage Generosity:

✅ Teach your children the value of giving. Whether it’s sharing their toys, giving to charity, or helping a friend, encourage acts of kindness and generosity.

Foster a Sense of Purpose:

✅Help your children understand that their lives have a greater purpose. Encourage them to seek and follow God’s plan for their lives, emphasizing that their talents and abilities are gifts to be used for His kingdom.

Promote Excellence:

✅Instill in your children a commitment to doing their best in all they do. Encourage them to work heartily, as for the Lord, and strive for excellence in their studies, activities, and relationships.

Financial Stewardship:

✅Teach your children basic financial principles such as saving, budgeting, and giving. Encourage them to understand that money is a tool to be used wisely and for the benefit of others.

Celebrate Achievements:

✅ Acknowledge and celebrate your children's efforts and achievements, big or small. This reinforces their understanding that their hard work and dedication are valued and appreciated.

By implementing these action points, we can help our children grow into responsible, compassionate, and God-honoring individuals who understand the true meaning of stewardship. Let’s work together to raise a generation that seeks to glorify God in all that they do.

Prayer for Our Children:

Lord, thank You for the gift of our children. They belong to You, and You have given them to us as stewards so that we can partner with You in bringing out that which You have planted in their lives for the extension of Your kingdom. Help us to help them understand that they are not here for themselves but for Your glory. May they understand that everything they are belongs to You. May they live lives that honor You and bring Your love into their worlds. Lord, may their hearts desire always be to hear the words, "well done, good and faithful servant." Bless their going out and their coming in every day of their lives for the glory and honor of Your name. In Jesus' name, amen.

Shalom ☕❤️

Raising Godly Children: What can I do to get saved?

What can I do to get saved? This is a powerful question that each of us asks at one point in time, even our children. The sooner they are able to answer it, the better for them.

Scripture References

Acts 16:30 AMPC

"And he brought them out [of the dungeon] and said, Men, what is it necessary for me to do that I may be saved?"

Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)

"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NIV):

"These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

Ephesians 6:4 (NIV)

"Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."

Prayer:

Lord, thank You once again for the gift of children. Thank You because You entrust these gifts to us so that we may partner with You in raising them. Lord, this morning we pray for the salvation of our children. We know that it is never too early for them to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. Today, Lord, may You give us opportunities to share this wonderful news of salvation with our children. May our role as parents not just be to take them to Sunday School, but may we realize that we have a bigger role in matters of salvation for our children. Give us the courage to speak to them and lead them to You so that they will have the hope of seeing You and dwelling in Your presence. We bless You, Lord, because we know our children belong to You. Help them and help us today. In Jesus' name, amen.

Action Points for daily living 

1. Model Faith in Everyday Life:

Demonstrate your faith through your actions and decisions. Let your children see you pray, read the Bible, and live out Christian values. Your example is a powerful tool in teaching them about God's love and grace.

2. Create Opportunities for Spiritual Conversations:

   Engage your children in discussions about faith, salvation, and God's word. Use everyday moments to talk about God's presence and His plans for their lives. Encourage them to ask questions and express their thoughts and feelings about their spiritual journey.

3. Involve Them in Faith-Based Activities:

Beyond Sunday School, involve your children in church activities, family devotions, and community service. These experiences help them understand the importance of faith in action and build a strong foundation for their spiritual growth.

Shalom ☕💞

Nurturing Our Children: A Path Guided by Faith

 Nurturing Our Children: A Path Guided by Faith

Scripture:

Psalm 37:23 AMPC

"The steps of a [good] man are directed and established by the Lord when He delights in his way [and He busies Himself with his every step]."

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for the gift of our children. Thank You because it is only You who knows their destiny. Thank You for entrusting us to bring them up in partnership with You. Our Father and our God, bless our children this holiday. Shine Your light upon their paths. Bless their going out and their coming in. Lord, may all they do bring glory and honor to Your name. Thank You because You have good plans for them. Thank You because You have endowed them with different gifts. May You help us to fan the flame that You have put in them so that they can shine for Your glory today and always. May this new month bring them times of refreshment and joy. May they love You and desire to know You more each day. In Jesus' name, amen.

Reflection:

God has gifted each of us differently so that we can bring glory to His name in various ways. As Eric Liddell once said, "I believe God made me for a purpose, but He also made me fast, and when I run, I feel God's pleasure." There are no unspiritual abilities, just misused abilities. Reflect on how much pleasure God is getting out of your life.

Action Points:

1. Recognize and Celebrate Gifts:

   - Identify the unique gifts and talents in your children. Celebrate these gifts and encourage them to use their abilities to honor God.

   - Create opportunities for your children to explore and develop their talents, whether through sports, arts, academics, or other activities.

2. Guide with Faith:

   - Use Psalm 37:23 as a guiding principle in your parenting. Trust that God is directing your steps and the steps of your children.

   - Pray regularly for your children, asking God to guide their paths and help them grow in their faith.

3. Create a Supportive Environment:

   - Foster an environment at home where your children feel safe, loved, and supported. Encourage open communication and be a source of wisdom and guidance.

   - Involve your children in family devotions and discussions about faith, helping them to see how their daily lives connect with their spiritual journey.

4. Encourage Service:

   - Teach your children the value of serving others. Find ways for your family to serve together in your community, church, or other organizations.

   - Highlight the importance of using their gifts to make a positive impact on the world around them.

5. Reflect and Adjust:

   - Regularly reflect on your parenting approach and make adjustments as needed. Seek God's wisdom in how to best support and guide your children.

   - Encourage your children to reflect on their own lives and how they can align their actions with God's purpose for them.

By incorporating these action points, you can help your children grow in their faith and use their unique gifts to bring glory to God. May this new month bring times of refreshment and joy for your family. Shalom! ☕💕

Nurturing Our Future: Guiding Our Children Through the Long Holiday

 

 Nurturing Our Future: Guiding Our Children Through the Long Holiday

Scripture:

Psalm 95:3 AMPC 

For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.

Prayer:

Lord, I thank You for the gift of children. Thank You for entrusting them to us. We are grateful for the academic year that we have had and the progress You have brought them. We appreciate Your provision, protection, and their total wellbeing. Thank You for the good plans You have for their lives this holiday. We trust that You are protecting them and safeguarding them all around. Lord, thank You for blessing them in all things, and we look forward to a great holiday together with our children. We declare that no weapon formed against them shall prosper, and any tongue that rises up against them You shall condemn in Jesus' name. Thank You for the heritage that belongs to our children, for indeed You will bless their going out and their coming in from today henceforth. In Jesus' name, amen.

Shalom ☕💖

Action Points for Parents

1. Express Gratitude Daily: Take a moment each day to thank God for your children and the progress they have made. This practice fosters a positive mindset and acknowledges the blessings in your life.

2. Pray for Protection and Guidance: Regularly pray for your children's safety, wellbeing, and guidance. Trust that God is watching over them and has good plans for their lives.

3. Engage in Meaningful Conversations: Use this holiday period to have deep and meaningful conversations with your children. Discuss their experiences, dreams, and any concerns they might have.

4. Plan Family Activities: Organize activities that the whole family can enjoy together. This strengthens family bonds and creates lasting memories.

5. Encourage Positive Affirmations: Speak positive words over your children. Affirm their strengths and encourage them to pursue their passions and interests.

6. Monitor Their Wellbeing: Keep an eye on your children's physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Ensure they have a balanced routine that includes rest, play, and learning.

7. Create a Safe Environment: Make your home a safe and nurturing space where your children feel loved and secure. Address any issues that might cause them stress or anxiety.

8. Celebrate Achievements: Celebrate your children's achievements, no matter how small. This boosts their confidence and motivates them to keep striving for excellence.

By incorporating these action points into your daily routine, you can create a supportive and loving environment for your children to thrive. Remember, your role as a parent is crucial in shaping their future. Let's make this holiday season a time of growth, joy, and togetherness.  

Let us raise a Godly Generation!

Made to Last Forever: A Parent’s Role in Preparing Children for Eternity

Made to Last Forever: A Parent’s Role in Preparing Children for Eternity

Our life today is a preparation ground for what lies in eternity. As parents, our time on earth is not just about our own journey but also about guiding our children towards their eternal future. The question then is, how are we preparing our children for that eternal journey?

Everyday life should be lived in the light of eternity, and this is especially true for parents. There is a grander purpose for our children than just this life. Our parenting goals should reflect our eternal aspirations for them. The deeds of this life are the destiny of eternity.

Matthew Henry wisely said, “It ought to be the business of every day to prepare for our final day.” As parents, it is our responsibility to instill this mindset in our children.

Scripture reminds us of this eternal perspective:

Proverbs 22:6 (NIV):“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NIV): “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

Ephesians 6:4 (NIV): “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”

Action Steps for Parents:

1. Model Eternal Values: Live out your faith and values daily, showing your children what it means to live with eternity in mind.

2. Teach and Discuss: Regularly talk with your children about spiritual matters and the importance of living for eternity.

3. Encourage Reflection: Help your children reflect on their actions and decisions in light of their eternal significance.

Let us, as parents, live each day with eternity in mind, knowing that our actions today shape our children’s forever.

Honor

Ephesians 6:1-3: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother'—which is the first commandment with a promise—'so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.'"

Honoring parents is not a pleasant suggestion to children; it is a command that has a promise attached to it. Failure to follow this command affects the quality of life our children live and their longevity (Proverbs 20:20: "If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness").

As parents, we must be vigilant to what is happening in the lives of our children. Pride and selfishness are idols that drive our children to dishonor us as parents. Whereas it may not look dangerous as it begins, any form of disobedience is a building block for those idols. What may look cute and harmless can grow into an oak of a habit that is not desirable in the life of the child as they grow into adulthood (Proverbs 22:6: "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it").

Parents must take firm action on any behavior that does not honor God, no matter how harmless it may look (Proverbs 13:24: "Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them"; Proverbs 29:15: "The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother").

Action Points for Parents

1. Model Respect and Honor: Demonstrate respect and honor in your own relationships, including how you treat your spouse, parents, and others. Children learn by observing, and your behavior sets a powerful example (1 Peter 2:17: "Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor").

2. Consistent Discipline: Implement consistent and loving discipline that aligns with biblical principles. Address disobedience promptly and appropriately to prevent small issues from becoming larger problems (Hebrews 12:11: "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it").

3. Open Communication: Foster an environment of open communication where children feel safe to express their thoughts and feelings. This helps build trust and allows you to guide them effectively (James 1:19: "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry").