With three young grandgirls, we have already begun our Christmas list for them, and I believe this year it will be less toys, and more experiences. For example, more excursions to the park, picnics, kickball in the backyard and sidewalk chalk art. A friend of ours from church introduced us to the “Superbook” animated Bible story series for children, and they have loved them! The series sticks very close to the word, and represents examples of Godly wisdom to live by in the present world. It is so good!
A few years ago my husband and I watched a really good movie titled “Courageous.” It had a great message!
For those of you who haven’t seen this film, it speaks mainly about (imperfect) Father’s accepting responsibility/accountability as Godly leaders in their homes to teach their children Biblical principles by their own words and examples.
I have often heard people say that they do not wish to influence their children one way, or the other. They want their children to make up their own minds about what to believe. I agree, we should not push- but again- leading them the way go by example.
And though it is true that the good Lord allows us to 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, and a blessed family and I know that is inspired by God.
I believe in planting good seeds that will grow and remain later in life totally dependent on the Lord so 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
And when you meet/know Truth, then you want to share Truth with others. You know, when I met Jesus I called on Him by faith but after I met Him (in the spirit) I KNEW there was no other way to God but through His Son Jesus. God’s greatest “Gift” to the world!
My born again experience 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 dropped him off at Sunday school because I believed it was the right thing to do- (by example of my parents). 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 I started 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.)
A couple of years later when I got filled with the Holy Spirit a revelation of Jesus’ love 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.)
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.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2
There is a spiritual battle going on for all of our hearts, especially our offspring.
“The whole world is under the sway (influence) of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19)
Satan’s agenda is to be worshipped as god- he wants to “steal (the Word), kill (mentally/physically) and destroy (Distort relationship with God thru His Son Jesus, and the good plans He for our lives),”and the easiest way accomplish that is to target the families, through wrong religious teachings, strife/confusion in the home- planting seeds of unbelief/hurt/anger/depression/hopelessness in our children.
It needs to be understood that there are also demonic agendas 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.) People will go the way they want to go and pervert the image of God, “worshipping the creature rather than the Creator.” Romans 1:25
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 Holy 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 their feelings/emotions, themselves and their own abilities, and discredit God’s word- 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. They need a moral compass to guide them into the Truth of God’s word. “The words that I speak to you are Spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63
You know, several years ago a friend of ours from Church introduced us to the “Superbook” animated Bible story series for children, and our grandchildren have loved them! The series sticks very close to the word, and represents examples of Godly wisdom to live by in the present world. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to give their family a good foundation rooted and grounded in God’s word.
And here are some scriptures to consider/encourage you on this path…
“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 the 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
Teaching our children that God wants them to receive His love and friendship through a personal relationship with His Son Jesus- is the best gift we can give them.
(Parenthesis mine.)
Contact Brenda Groves at: bkgroves1996@yahoo.com
