Spiritual Growth
Prayer Has Unlimited Resources
Faithful. Being “full of faith” implies a closeness with our heavenly Father. In the Winter Olympics the dance skaters are judged on their closeness to one another. They have to skate-dance as one, to move as one. Our faithfulness to our Lord will be seen in our closeness to Him, our oneness with Him.
“So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you.”
Love. True friends are the ones who are always in our hearts. Even after a long separation, conversations take up right where they left off. If a friend dies, we may continue to think of things we would like to share with the person. Love’s bond between fast friends is strong enough to weather any storm, to take the buffeting of any gale.
As the holidays approach, I know that Christmas isn’t all about food, gifts, parties or clothes; it’s all about Christ!
I truly do want to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ and focus on becoming more like Him. That’s what all Christians should do. But, how can I do that, and what must I do?
The book of Colossians, in chapter 3 verses 1-4, gives us some very practical instructions as to what we must do.
So, if you’re serious about living this new life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ ? that’s where the action is. See things from His perspective. (The Message by Eugene Peterson)
You might ask, does this mean I can’t have fun, go to parties, and give gifts.How about other things, things that represent Christmas to me?
As we look further into Colossians 3, we see that Paul describes what a Christian must be doing.
“Don’t lie to one another. You’re done with that old life. It’s like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you’ve striped off and put in the fire. Now you’re dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with His label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete.
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense.
Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.” (The Message by John Peterson)
Have you ever gone shopping, hoping to find the perfect garment? You perhaps, may go from store to store looking for the perfect one. We want the one that flatters our figure, the perfect color to complement our complexion, and something that’s not too short or too long. And, let’s not forget about the price…we also want the perfect price.
We must also be active in putting on our new wardrobe. We must take care of our new garment properly, carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions. We mustn’t throw it down or let it get dirty and wrinkled. No, our new wardrobe must last a very long time.
Just as consciously as we say no to a second helping of chocolate cake, so we must also consciously follow the instructions given to us in the previous verses.
As we put on the new wardrobe God has given us, let’s remember, our new garments are never to large or too small. They are always perfect, designed just for us with the most prestigious label imaginable. The label reads; Made Just For You. With Love, Jesus.
Mama brushed her own shoes (only one or two pair of serviceable black) every time she went out–at least until she married Papa and he began doing it for her. He would smile with pleasure as he brought up a high shine with the deft flicking of the brush and a steady wrist. Making Mama pretty delighted him.
Mama tried to make me, her only daughter, into a lady, too. However, I grew up with a distinct preference for my brother’s jeans (they didn’t make them for girls back then) and tennis shoes. Mama would sigh and determinedly wrap my hair in rag curls every Saturday night.
Mama’s dictum about handkerchiefs and shoes would hardly hold up in this day of tissues and track shoes. So what does it mean to be a lady?
Peter, in his instructions to wives (1 Peter 3:1-6), recommends ‘the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.’ In this day, when just listening to the news in the morning can keep one’s heart and mind in turmoil for the rest of the day, maintaining ‘a gentle and quiet spirit’ is no small task.
Peter points us to Sarah as an example. She was submissive to her husband, calling him “lord” (KJV) or “master” (NIV). If I tried that with my husband, he would look at me with astonishment and perhaps ask if I were ill. Actually, I don’t think Sarah was always so submissive; she must have seemed like a harridan when she confronted Abraham with her irritation with Hagar. Even though the Abraham-Hagar union had been her own idea, she blamed Abraham and demanded that he send Hagar away. It could not have been a ladylike confrontation.
However, Sarah must have learned many things in her long life–submission being one of them. Perhaps as she learned submission to God, she found submitting to Abraham easier. I know that when I am irritated with my husband, I find that my relationship with the Lord has cooled. Submission in marriage, one to the other, follows submission to God. Then a gentle and quiet spirit follows.
We used to sing a chorus by Albert W. T. Orsborn:
‘Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me,
All His wonderful passion and purity;
Oh, Thou Savior divine,
All my nature refine
Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.”
Several years ago when Billy Graham was asked what he thought about the ‘God is dead’ movement he replied, ‘It can’t be true, because I just talked with Him this morning.’ Indeed, God is very much alive; He still speaks and His voice can be heard.
I. God wants us to be acquainted with His voice, to recognize it when He calls to us. He speaks to us in a variety of ways.
On occasions He will speak to us audibly so our human ears can hear. Adam heard the voice of God on many occasions, but he will never forget the time when The Voice called him, “Adam, where art thou?” (Gen. 3:8). While Moses tended sheep in the wilderness he heard the voice of God calling him: “Moses…the place whereon thou standest is holy ground” (Ex. 3:4,5). Exiled on the Isle of Patmos, John said, “I heard a great Voice” (Rev. 1:10); it was Jesus. Paul will never forget the time when a light shone from heaven and a Voice called him: “Saul, why persecutest thou Me?” (Acts 9:4). There are many other similar incidents recorded in Scripture.
God’s voice speaks to us as we read the Bible. On many an occasion it seems as though the words leap out of its pages and strike our hearts. The written Word is so important it was purposely inscribed so it could be oft repeated to continuously remind us of what God desires to share with us. The Ten commandments is God speaking to His people. “And the Lord said…” (Ex. 20). In the days of King Josiah it was the written Word of God when read to a backslidden Israel, that caused the people to repent and turn from idolatry (2 Kings 23:2).
God’s voice quietly speaks to our hearts. On occasions, God’s voice can come like the sound of mighty rushing waters, but when God spoke to Elijah it came as a “still small voice” (1 Kgs. 19:12). He comes gently and kindly to whisper His love and to assure us He is aware of our plight and is at our side. His tenderness in no way diminishes the power and authority of His voice.
God’s voice is heard in our conscience. (Rom. 2:15; Heb. 9:14). Through their conscience — God spoke to Joseph’s brethren — Gen.42:21; to David — Ps. 40:12; to Belshazzar — Dan. 5:6; to the Pharisees — Jn.8:9).
God’s voice comes to us by His Spirit. Paul and Barnabas were “Sent forth by the Holy Ghost” (Acts 13:4). “The Holy Ghost said, separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work where unto I have called them” (vs.2). No doubt this came through prophetic utterance, using the tongue of a believer anointed of God. God also speaks privately to our hearts by His Spirit. “When He the Spirit of Truth is come, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). See also Romans 8:14,16, 26.
God’s voice comes to us at times through visions and dreams. He spoke to King Solomon in a dream saying, “Ask what shall I give thee.” (1 Kings 3:5). Egypt’s Pharaoh received a dream that was a message from God (Genesis 41:28). God spoke to Cornelius in a vision (Acts 10:3). He also gave Peter a vision that directed him to minister freely to gentiles (Acts 10:10,13,15). God spoke to Paul in a vision, giving him a new direction for ministry (Acts 16:9). Ezekiel heard God in a vision: “The vision which I saw…and beheld the glory of the Lord…and He said unto me…” (Ezek. 43:1-7).
Nature and all of creation is God’s voice speaking to us. “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Ps. 19). Nature’s amazing panorama is God’s way of speaking to people about His power and majesty. (Romans 1:18-20; Ps. 97:6). “He left not Himself without witness” (Acts 14:17). Planets, mountains, rivers, and all living creatures are part of God’s voice to us.
God’s voice is heard in our circumstances. The plagues of Egypt spoke to Pharaoh (Ex. 7:16). Israel’s captivity was God’s voice speaking to them to confess their sin, repent, and return to Him. Israel crossing the Red Sea was God’s voice to Israel, to Egypt, and to the world, declaring that He is a Mighty Deliverer and worthy to be praised. We need to recognize God in both our negative and positive circumstances.
God’s voice is clearest — through His Son Jesus Christ, who is called “The Word.” (Jn. 1:1). “God…hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son” (Heb. 1:1,2). Through Jesus, we can have a clear understanding of God the Father. “He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father.” ( Jn.14:9). God reveals Himself through His Son as a kind, generous, patient, forgiving God, and willing to accept us all. “Come unto Me all…”
II. The Purpose of His Voice
To communicate with us. He reveals Himself as The Almighty, Omniscient, Omnipresent, Eternal and Immutable God. His voice teaches us He is loving, generous and gracious.
To Fellowship with us. “If ye abide in Me I will abide in you.” (Jn. 15:4). “I knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with Me” (Rev. 3:20; Mt. 18:20; 1 Cor. 1:9; 1 Jn. 1:3).
To instruct us. Mt. 7:28,29 “the people were astonished at His teaching.” His voice will guide us through life. He will show us how to live and make our life meaningful and fulfilling. He will lead us “into all truth.” This includes the physical, social, material and spiritual facets of our existence. He wants to be proud of us, so gives us the best of instruction.
To warn us. His voice warns us of hidden dangers and snares set by the enemy. He advises us of the devil’s intent: “Satan desires to have you so he may sift you as wheat” (Lk. 22:31). “Beware of the wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:11). The “devil goeth about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (I Pet. 5:8).
To give us revelation. His voice will show us things to come. He will reveal His will for our lives. He will make known His secrets and His plans to those who live close to Him. (Jn. 16:13).
III. What does He expect from us?
He expects us to stay in touch. He wants us to listen to Him, to keep our hearts (our spiritual ear) in tune with His voice. “If any man hear my voice…I will come in to him” (Rev. 3:20). “He that hath an ear let him hear…” (Rev.2:7, 11, 17, 29). We need to thoroughly acquaint ourselves with His voice, so that another’s will not confuse us and lead us astray. (John 10:4, 5, 27).
He expects us to long for His Voice. “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God” (Ps. 42:1). We need to say to Him, “Speak Lord, for Thy servant heareth” (1 Sam. 3:9). He expects us to meditate on His word: “I will meditate in Thy precepts:” (Ps. 119:15; Josh. 1:8).
He expects us to heed to His word. “Be ye doers of the word and not hearers only…not a forgetful hearer, but a doer…this man shall be blessed” (James 1:22,25). See Romans 2:13. Moses urged his people to gather together with their children, “That they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the Lord God, and observe all the words of this law” (Deut. 31:12, 13). God’s voice will never tell you anything that is contrary to His written Word.
How familiar are we with God’s voice?
Desire to hear it! Listen for it. Familiarize yourself with it. Cherish it. Obey it.
Hagar, a woman of God? Wasn’t she the interloper in the marriage of Abraham and Sarah? Surely she couldn’t be a woman of God! But she was.
WE HAVE TWO STORIES ABOUT HAGAR IN THE BIBLE.
In both of them, she runs away. However, God stayed close to her, ministered to her heart, and told her what to do.
The first time she ran away, she carried Ishmael, her unborn son (Genesis 16:1-16). She had listened to Sarai, not God, and had become Abram’s mistress. Hagar, an Egyptian, may have been Pharaoh’s daughter, a convert to Abram’s God, or she may simply have been one of the slaves, or chattel, that Abram had acquired while he was in Egypt. Her name means ‘fugitive.’ She became well acquainted with the runaway road.
Both Sarai and Abram used Hagar’s body for their own purposes. Sarai wanted a child. Abram wanted descendants. Hagar consented to their ungodly, selfish scheme and became pregnant with Abram’s child. Her friendship with Sarai broke down and she came to despise her mistress. When people who know God determine to get their own way by their own methods, sorrow is certain to follow.
The second time, Hagar runs away with Ishmael (Genesis 21:8-21). Now a young boy, Ishmael had ‘mocked’ during Isaac’s weaning ceremony. Sarai became angry and demanded that Abram send Hagar away. Hagar again found herself in the desert without water and with a dehydrated son. Sensing that he would die, she hid him under a bush so that she would not have to see his dying gasp.
BOTH STORIES CONTAIN FOUR COMPONENTS.
Hagar–the woman who knew better than to be a party to sin, but who consented anyway. In her grief, she thought she had no one to turn to. Her anguish was acute.
The desert–a symbol of bleakness, desolation and despair. Sin will always lead us there, but we never go alone no matter how abandoned we may feel.
Water–the symbol of life, physical life and spiritual life. Each of us errs at one time or another or deliberately sins. When we do, Satan wants to fill us with despair and tell us that our walk with God is over. Hagar’s story reminds us that God has new life for every sinner.
God–He saw her distress, her tears and her regret. He told her what to do and opened her physical eyes to see His provision for her. He opened her spiritual eyes to understand His will for her life and the life of her son.
HAGAR DID THREE THINGS IN RESPONSE.
She listened to God. She had listened to people and that error had brought her to the desert. Listening is intentional hearing. It takes effort to listen to God, but she exerted it. Oh, that she had intentionally heard God’s voice in her heart first!
She submitted to God. In her error she had submitted to Abram and Sarai and their ungodly plan. Now, in repentance, she determined to submit to God.
She obeyed God. She had learned, through hard experience, the pains of doing her own pleasure. Now, she learned that obeying God would never lead her wrong.
Most parents want their children to love God. We can tip the scales toward a lifetime of loving God by leading our children, early in life, to accept Christ as Savior. By so doing, we will spiritually impact the next generation.
Accepting Christ as Savior is an individual decision. No one can say, “My mother’s faith in God saves me!” Each child must put his own faith into action. He must assent to the fact that Christ’s death and resurrection are able to cancel his own sin. However, mere assent will not save; he must also accept Christ as his Savior. Some folks assent that they are sinners and need a Savior, but never go so far as to accept the covering for their sin that He has provided.
How can we as assenting and accepting believers in Christ Jesus ensure that our faith will pass to the next generation? There are two ways: (1) through our example and (2) through our influence.
Lois and Eunice were not powerful spiritual leaders; they were just housewives, mothers and grandmothers, like most of us. They could say with Paul, “I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him” (2 Timothy 1:12). Paul adjured Timothy, “Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you” (v. 14). His godly grandmother and mother were the depositors who had daily embedded godly teaching in Timothy’s life. Albert Schweitzer once said, “Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing.”
Our example is overt. Our influence is subtler, less obvious: the simple living of godliness.
My mother read her Bible every day and quietly praised God for Scriptures that touched her heart. She often went to bed earlier than the rest of the family. I remember hearing softly murmured prayers for my brother and myself coming from her darkened bedroom. Her quiet influence powerfully touched me. I saw Christ in her.
Why should we fear to spiritually persuade our children? We influence their hygiene when we insist that they bathe and brush their teeth; their health when we ensure that they eat well-balanced meals; their social lives by teaching them etiquette, how to cement friendships and use good social skills. We influence their future work ethic by insisting that they go to school, get good grades and finish their projects. Why shouldn’t we guide our children’s spiritual health by reading God’s Word to them every day, taking time to pray with them and seeing that they attend church with the family?
Several years ago, I was involved in a car wreck. I learned very quickly that the police did not especially want to hear my version of what happened but they did want to hear what the eyewitnesses to the collision had to say.
Now, they could have talked to someone who did not actually see the wreck, but who had only heard about it. However, that would be called hearsay, and the police were not interested in hearsay; they were only interested in the facts. In order to determine the facts, it was necessary for them to interview the actual witnesses, who saw with their own eyes what transpired.
This is the premise of 1 John. Basically he says, I am an actual witness to, had fellowship with, and therefore, have firsthand knowledge of Jesus. We don’t read anywhere in 1 John that he believed hearsay of what someone else experienced; no, he was there. He knew Jesus personally. You might say he was up close and personal, a special friend of Jesus. So, if we want to know about Jesus, it makes sense to listen to what John has to say, doesn’t it?
Personally, I am not someone who just goes along with ‘he said, she said”. In such situations, we can be relatively sure that the truth is embellished or some of the facts may accidentally be left out, and of course, personal viewpoints generally always become a part of the scenario.
As we review 1 John 1:1-4, we read once again John’s testimony. No, he is not in a court of law, but his own hand wrote these facts.
In 1 John 1:1, the subject of the ensuing four verses that form a single sentence in the Greek is, ‘We proclaim.” John is talking about a topic, which we understand to be The Word of Life, namely Jesus.
We are generally accustomed to putting words together when we wish to have conversations, to interact with others, or to describe something: which is what God was doing when he inspired John to write the believers. He was communicating with us through His Son, Jesus. ‘ The Word became flesh and lived among us.” (John 1:14).
Referring back to John’s eyewitness account, he reiterates that he saw with his own eyes, not just a passing glance, but that he REALLY saw, studied, observed, contemplated, and mentally processed his interaction with Jesus.
I am a people watcher and I enjoy being in a setting where I can observe people. It is especially interesting for me to sit in an international airport somewhere and observe people. One of my favorite airports is in Singapore. People from all over the world pass through the Changi International Airport there. Sometimes people are exhausted from spending hours on a flight, while others are just embarking on their journey and are still fresh and excited. Another group consists of those who are nearing the midway point of their destination. In any case, these situations are reflected in their behavior.
A component of ‘people watching’ which I enjoy, is studying the actions and demeanor of travelers. Some, I merely glance at, while I spend more time watching and contemplating what others are like in their personal lives, even though I never have interaction with them. I may only have a few minutes to watch and observe these people, whereas their friends and relatives have days, weeks, months, and years to become personally acquainted with them.
Incidentally, John also had time to become personally acquainted with Jesus. I trust what he had to say about Jesus. Their relationship endured over a significant amount of time. Hisencounter was not at all like mine, watching people at the airport ? No, his encounter was a very personal one.
I also believe the eyewitness account of John. I trust what he says. His observations are based on his relationship with Jesus over a considerable amount of time. He is a credible witness and his testimony would hold up in a court of law, which is good enough for me.
John tells us that Jesus is indeed the Word of Life, and I believe it. I put my faith and confidence in Him. He is trustworthy; I do not doubt Him. But don’t just take my word for it; decide for yourself! Study, contemplate, and mentally process your thoughts on the Word of Life. Pray that the Holy Spirit will speak through your mind, so you can join with John and declare ? Jesus is indeed the Word of Life.
Occasionally I sit in on one of our Women’s Ministry Bible Studies. Currently they are involved in a study of the Women in the Bible. I would like to share a story with you, and the insight that God gave to me as a’Woman in Ministry’ through this time of fellowship. It’s a story of a woman who was a believer just like us, and she served the body of Christ that she was involved in. (Note the meaning of her name in Aramaic and Greek means ‘gazelle’)
Acts 9:36-42 ‘ There was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas). She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor. About this time she became ill and died. Her friends prepared her for burial and laid her in an upstairs room. But they had heard that Peter was nearby at Lydda, so they sent two men to beg him, ‘Please come as soon as possible!’ So Peter returned with them; and as soon as he arrived, they took him to the upstairs room. The room was filled with widows who were weeping and showing him the coats and other garments Dorcas had made for them. But Peter asked them all to leave the room; then he knelt and prayed. Turning to the body he said, ‘Get up, Tabitha.’ And she opened her eyes! When she saw Peter, she sat up! He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then he called in the widows and all the believers, and he showed them that she was alive. The news raced through the whole town, and many believed in the Lord.’
Verse 39 records that when Peter arrived the room was filled with widows who were crying and showing him all the clothing that she had made for them and telling him all the kind things she had done for the poor. This woman, Dorcas, was in ministry as she took care of the women who had no husbands to care for them. For many of them, the clothing she made was all they had. Many had coats for the winter. (She probably cooked for them too!) The scripture records that she made other garments, they could have been clothing for the poor children in the neighborhood. She was into her ministry. She was serving the harvest. She had a testimony. God raised her from the dead and when she was brought back to life her testimony spread like peanut butter and jelly! (My favorite)
We too have been brought back to life through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, our once and for all sacrifice. As women in ministry, we are called to sing, play and tell about it. As I began to ponder this woman’s ministry and how important she was to her community, I thought about the significance of her name. The Hebrew people did not just name their children after their favorite soap opera star. (Oops!) They were named after the very character of the person. (Do your homework and check it out for yourself) The Lord said to me that the gazelle was created to be a beauty animal. God created the gazelle to be an animal of beauty, can you imagine! My mind began to see a picture of a gazelle running through a meadow. I began to think of how that relates to ministry and me, after all, it was discussed at a woman’s bible study. Then it came to me, we were also created to be just as graceful in our ministry. As people see us do the work of our God, they will be encouraged because the joy of the Lord is our strength. Verse 42 says that after she was brought back to life, news spread all over the place and many believed in the Lord. Just think about it, the story of Dorcas even found its way into the pages of our Bible. We could see her good works and give God praise for it. Romans 15:4 states, ‘The things written in the past were written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.’ Did you know that when you said yes to God regarding the calling on your life, you are affecting eternity in the lives of others? That means that your testimony is recorded forever because others will tell about how they got saved or encouraged. The testimony of Dorcas lives on forever in the pages of our Bible, the Holy Spirit saw to it.
What will be said of the call upon your life? I want to be known as David is known – ‘Debbi was a woman after God’s own heart.’ Let us move on to do the work that God has called us to do with honor, giving God the glory with everything we have. Dorcas had a gift, a gift that she gave herself to. I Timothy 4:14 reminds us not to neglect the gift. We are to give ourselves to it being diligent about it. The more we give ourselves to our gifts, the more others will watch our progress. When you are doing what God called you to do, you make a difference in the lives of others.
Even if you have just started in your ministry, 1 Timothy 4:12 says, ‘Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young.’ That can be in youth and in the first stages of your ministry. Just do something and be comfortable in it. All things work together for good for those who are called according to God purpose. That’s you, girl!
What has God shown you about you and your ministry? Do you face any challenges that you want to talk about? I would like to hear about it!
Verse 21 says, ‘She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet’ (NKJV). I am convinced this virtuous woman was a proactive woman with a vision for the future. Though we read she was busy with many daily household tasks, such as shopping, sewing, and cooking, she also prepared for the future.
In pre-modern cultures, warm days were spent getting ready for winter days. Cold weather could include days of isolation spent indoors. Food had to be stored for the family and the flocks. Winter outerwear had to be made or mended. The house had to be winter-ready and in good repair. In some parts of the world where the winter season was harsh, planning had to be done down to the smallest detail. Work, educational, and entertainment activities were prepared for family members to occupy themselves during the snowy weather. The lady of the house was at the helm of this planning.
The virtuous woman in Proverbs 31 planned well for the winter months. Her household was clothed in scarlet. We know cloth in red, purple, or bright colors was more desirable and expensive in Bible days.
This household manager not only planned for the basic needs of her household, but also planned to provide the very best for them. My four children are ages fourteen, twelve, ten, and eight. What can I do to make sure my children are ready for the future? Goal setting and planning do not come naturally for me. But I know I can gain wisdom from the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 in that area of my life. I know unless I set specific goals, details will be missed and I will look back on this season with regret.
My chief goal is that my children will be followers of Christ. I know a personal relationship with God is something that cannot be transferred to another individual. But I desire to show my children that the life of a believer is the best life, a life of blessing and joy.
I Want Them to Love Church
My husband, John, and I have decided to make church attendance a priority for our family. Even when we are on vacation we attend church. There is no perfect church, but God’s Word says the local church is part of the body of Christ. So we never let our children hear or speak negative words about church.
Though my children have friends from school and in the neighborhood, their best friends are from our church. We regularly have other families from church in our home. God created us to be social beings, so we are committed to guiding our children as they develop Christian relationships.
I Want Them to Love God’s Word
I know adults who do not maintain the daily discipline of reading the Bible. Some have never read a book of the Bible from start to finish. I never want my children to be intimidated by God’s Word. I want them to know it is understandable and is God’s voice speaking to them.
By the age of ten, I require each of my children to read one of the four Gospels. After that they may choose various New Testament books to read.
Then I lead them to Proverbs, Psalms, and some of the Old Testament books. Though I read the Bible aloud to them several times a week, I want them to develop their own devotional time also. When life gets hectic and I know my children haven’t made time for God’s Word, I remind them to read a few verses before they drift off to sleep. Reading God’s Word is a key to their spiritual development and to their own personal walk with the Lord.
I Want to Introduce Them to People of Faith
I want my children to be acquainted with heroes of the faith. So I read aloud to them biographies of famous people like Mother Teresa, Mark Buntain, and Hudson Taylor. My oldest son just finished reading the autobiography of George Mueller, a man of great faith and prayer. Mueller experienced many miracles, often trusting God for daily provision.
We’ve had the opportunity to have various ministers and missionaries in our home. What a joy to hear first-hand experiences from men and women who are dedicating their lives to the service of the Lord. By introducing our children to historical and modern-day men and women of faith, they will see that a life lived for God is the most exciting pathway to choose.
I know that my children must choose to follow Christ for themselves. But if I am wise and plan well during this season of life, then when the winter season approaches I will be unafraid, for all my household will be clothed in scarlet, well prepared for the days ahead.