Sept 22, 2020
Good Morning Fellow Travelers,
Read: Job 42:12-16
Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward (Psalm 127:3)
There is no greater blessing on earth than having children who follow us in faith and love for Christ. If God blesses us with children, whether with one or ten, what happiness is ours! If they are saved, children are the only thing that we get to take with us to heaven.
Stop and ponder the immense responsibility of teaching and training our little children in the ways of God. Let’s consider the care and consistency that parents need to exercise in order to guide these children into obedience and godly character. Let’s be faithful in nurturing and admonishing our children and trust the results of our efforts to our faithful God.
As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth (Psalm 127:4). The analogy of the arrows is full of meaning. Children, as arrows, must be made straight and true. The tip must be hardened by fire. The feathers must be secured and fitted properly. Children need occasional discipline and correction.
How committed are you to raising your children for God? Are you more committed to their spiritual success than to their financial or academic success? Is it your goal to raise Christian children who will one day be able to boldly stand up for Jesus? Children who live passionately for Christ and pursue ministry opportunities are a huge blessing to their parents and others.
Children’s growth begins as little olive plants at your table. There you teach them the stories of Jesus, and how prayer changes things. They hear you pray and see your belief and trust in God. They start asking God to meet their own needs. They move on to be faithful youth—strong olive trees bearing the oil of healing to others. In all this, they extend the influence of your godly home to many and live in peace with God’s people. Then, instead of a source of heartache and stress, our children will be a blessing.
~ James Baer
