Last week my hubby and I went with some friends from church to see a new movie titled “The Forge.” It is another Christian film from the Kendrick brothers who also produced “Facing The Giants”, “Fireproof,” “Courageous,” “WarRoom,” “Fly Wheel” & “Overcomer.”
I love their films for the scripture, prayers and celebration/support of Godly marriages between men and woman. In this movie The Forge they show (imperfect) men accepting responsibility as Godly leaders in their homes, jobs and society. Discipling other men to teach their children (and other’s) Biblical principles by their words, lifestyles/examples.
In the area of raising children, have often heard people say that they do not wish to influence their children one way or the other. They want them to make up their own minds in what to believe.
And though it is true that we each have free will to choose what to believe, it is our responsibility, especially as Christian parents, to bring up our children with Biblical values.
In the early years I recall drilling it into our son that he would attend college. Not a terrible thing, but I regret not encouraging his own relationship with the Lord more during those early years. With that said, our son has a wonderful job, precious family, and I know that is inspired by God.
I believe in planting good seeds that will grow and remain later in life learning to become totally dependent on the Lord, so that they can stand independently. Blessed to be a blessing.
So to mainly focus on the academics, and being a success is not wise for our children.
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Mark 8:36-37
You know, when I met Jesus I called on Him by faith, and after I met Him (in the spirit) I KNEW there was no other way to God but through His Son Jesus.
This happened in 1996 when our son was eight years old, and prior to that I had talked to him about God. Now, before this I didn’t attend church but I would drop him off at Sunday school, because I believed it was the right thing to do. But my words and actions in our home reflected a worldly view, not a Biblical one.
Now, after I was born again, I immediately began sharing God’s word with him and teaching him about Jesus, and how and why to trust in God.
(And God is so merciful! He will help us make up for “lost” time that we might have missed. Our son gave his live to Christ just a few years later.)
Not long after that, I received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, a revelation of the love of Jesus, through His word, changed my life forever. Our son witnessed the transformation first hand.
For example, addictions fell off of me, and depression left! It was powerful! (And I didn’t enter a clinic or use meds, I went to the Word of God and He took care of the rest. Amen!!)
You know, if we do not take a strong stand for Godly morals and values the philosophies of this world will shape the minds of our children.
There is a spiritual battle going on for all of our hearts, especially our children.
“The whole world is under the sway (influence) of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19)
Satan’s agenda is to “steal, kill and destroy” mankind, and the easiest way is to target the families, especially the children.
And we understand that there are demonic influences trying to change the image of family as God designed.
By weakening the Godly influences in their lives within only a few generations, a whole nation can be destroyed. The moral fabric which was designed to preserve and keep order will deteriorate from within. They will stop fearing God. (Reference/respect.)
We want our families, friends and others to be offered the opportunity to be reconciled back to God as we have been. To know their Heavenly Father who loves them, created them and wants to have a relationship with them through Christ Jesus.
And though taking our children to a spirit filled church grounded in the Bible is a good thing. Just hearing the word of God one or two hours a week is not enough to counter all the lies and unbelief being poured into them the rest of the time..
Our children ARE being brainwashed, to trust in themselves, feelings and emotions, and their own abilities. We should not allow the world to train up our children in the way they want them to go. To disbelieve in God as our Creator, and in His Son “Jesus as THE way, THE truth, THE life and the ONLY way to the Father.” John 14:6
In trying to free their minds we are raising up generations who are so confused, and in such bondage. For example, they need affirmation that they are born male or female, not confirmation of feelings and emotions that can change from season to season, and year to year.
Acts 10:38 declares that, “Jesus went about doing good, healing all who were oppressed of the devil, for God was with Him.”
You know, when it comes to gender, God is not confused, He “created them male & female.” But contrary feelings and emotions can be fed/encouraged by demonic spirits/agendas. I have heard many testimonies of complete deliverance from transgenderism, homosexuality and on and on. Jesus said, “It is the knowledge of the truth that sets us free.” John 8:32
But children need to know this truth, and you can love them without agreeing with things contrary to the word of God. In fact, it is love to tell them the truth
They need a moral compass to guide them, and draw them near to the Lord Jesus, and then they can do all things through Christ who strengthens them, leads them, encourages them, helps them, instructs them, heals them and loves them unconditionally.
I know what I have said here is not popular, and I will probably receive criticism for it. But I am saying these things because I love you enough to tell you the truth.
Here are some scriptures to consider …
“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. … You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Deut. 6:4-7
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,”which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. Eph. 6:1-4
Be courageous parents!
“Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
(Parenthesis mine.)
Contact Brenda Groves at: bkgroves1996@yahoo.com
