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Faith Not Fear, God Building Moments

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“Why” seems to be a common word for most children. At this time we are all hearing that question with greater frequency. Why are we not going to school? Why can’t we go visit Nana and Papa? Why can’t I invite my friends and family to my birthday party? So many questions! Is it possible to answer these questions? It is difficult to answer these questions as each day brings us new information on Covid 19.

However, we can bring assurance, peace, and hope to our kiddos through our words and countenance. Sure, we are uneasy too, but we must keep our focus on God who is unchanging. Therefore, by keeping ourselves anchored to God we will be better equipped to lead our children to faith not fear.

We are with our kiddos 24/7 these days. Therefore, nourishing our souls might be the time when we are being fed together as a family. As you try to plan for the day incorporate God Time that will help you share and grow together. Be intentional in this season of life. Make a plan now to grow closer to God and your children in this time. We serve an awesome God! Make this awesome God real to your children! Remember, God parted the Red Sea, dropped Manna from heaven, Jesus healed the blind and lame, there is Nothing to Hard for God!

Below are some resources that will help us all focus on Christ

Welcome to Scripture Lullabies

https://www.kididdles.com/lyrics/inspirational.html

https://www.wycliffe.org/resources/kids

https://radio.keysforkids.org/
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https://www.whitsend.org/

https://www.pinterest.com/truthsfortots/parenting/

https://www.pinterest.com/truthsfortots/scripture-memory-ideas/

For Children
Listen to Recent Episodes

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment. Praying that we share our wonderful Lord and Savior with the next generation…what a story they will have to share!

Cathy Jo Johnson

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Going for Gold or Going for Crowns

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Daily Truth:   “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize?  Run in such a way that you may obtain it.  And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things.  Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.”

 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

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What were once dreams for the 2016 Summer Olympians are now reality.  Let the games begin!

There have been many stories about the place but what about the athletes?  They have worked hard and dreamed big.  What characteristics do these elite athletes have in common? Can we apply these characteristics to Christian parenting?

The Olympians fight through setbacks and injuries while becoming the elite athlete they each are today.  Do we focus on the situations in our life or do we focus on the prize? (Eternity with Jesus Christ and laying crowns at His feet.)  Prayer is important for the Christian.  Keep a family journal of prayer requests and answered prayer so children can see God.  Come back to those answered prayers in time of difficulty and remind children that God helped in the past and will help in the future.

  • The Olympic athletes must eat well in order to fuel their bodies to perform at this elite level.  As Christians we must feed on the things of God. Spending time with God in prayer and reading His Word are imperative if we want to finish this life well.  In order to teach our children to love the Lord we must spend time with God first and then share that love with our family.  Pray with your children before school. Have Bible fact night at the dinner table once a week.  Pray for a missionary before dinner. If your hear an ambulance pray for all concerned.  Be creative and see how many ways you can point your children toward God in a day.
  • Practice is imperative in order to become an Olympic athlete.  Have a time of Bible teaching with your children.  Memorize Scripture as a family.  Use teachable moments in nature to teach the things of God.  Practice is repetition and adding creativity to the repetition is key.  Make learning the things of God repetitive, fun, and creative.
  • Encouragement from mothers and fathers has is a theme as we learn about the athletes.  Parents and grandparents have a great responsibility to encourage our children in the things of God.  Just think of Hannah in the Old Testament and her son Samuel.  She brought him a coat each year he was growing up with Eli as an act of love and support.
  • The medal winners are thankful for the people who have helped them on the journey toward perfection of their specific sport. As Christians do we provide encouragement to others? Do we praise God for His Word that imparts so much and are we thankful for the Holy Spirit that wants to guide us in all things?  Let children see your praise and thankfulness of God and others. Help your children think of  “random acts of kindness”  to bless others.

We may never earn an Olympic medal but we all have the ability through Christ to earn a crown that we will want to lay at the feet of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize?  Run in such a way that you may obtain it.  And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things.  Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown but we for an imperishable crown.”         1 Corinthians 9:24-25

“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?”  1 Thessalonians 2:19

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”  James 1:12

“And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away”. 1 Peter 5:4

“Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”  2 Timothy 4:8

When this year’s Olympics come to a close and the medal count is posted consider the importance we are placing on the rewards God gives to us.  Are we teaching our children about God’s rewards?  Our we teaching them to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, strength, and mind?   Let’s run this race well and teach to our children what counts for eternity.

To create interest with your child about the Olympics and then springboard to Biblical concepts please check out my Olympics Pinterest Board.

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

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God’s Goodness Abounds

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Daily Truth:  “They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness, And shall sing of Your righteousness.”  Psalm 145:7  NKJV

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How many times have you locked keys in your car, forget a dear friend’s birthday, or miss an appointment?  We have lives that are fully scheduled. It is nearly impossible to remember everything on our plates if it were not for the alarms and calendar on our phone, computer, or sticky notes on mirrors and in cars.  Our memories are on overload.

To remember God’s goodness and intentionally share those things with our children takes planning and purpose.  How are we going to praise God if we do not remember what He has already done.

The Practice of Praise by Spurgeon shows us exactly in the title that praise takes practice. Practice is the “repeated performance or systematic exercise for the purpose of acquiring skill or proficiency.”

Spurgeon tells us that the first step to  “mental philosophy of abounding praise” is to take “careful observation.”  We must take note of things we want to remember.  Do you take notes when you listen to a sermon, take pictures of your children at special events, or have Pinterest boards full of ideas that you want to remember?

If we want to remember something, we will need to have a way that helps us to remember what we have observed.

“The first thing, therefore towards the plentiful praising of God is a careful observation of His goodness.”  Look for God in the moments of life.  A child’s first step (which I have recently enjoyed with our grandchild),  freshly picked dandelions given to you by your child, a beautiful snowfall,  waves rolling in by the sea are some of the moments we have committed to our memories.  There are sad observable moments as well.  In the words of Spurgeon, “Let rebellious spirits murmur as they may, goodness is enthroned in God’s kingdom, and evil and suffering are intruders there.”

“The greatness of the goodness is on some occasions made manifest by the evil from which it rescues us.”  I think of the Olympian, Louis Zamperini, who was tortured relentlessly after being captured in World War II.  No one knows the blessing of health better than those who have been through great physical, mental, and spiritual pain.

We need to practice careful observation of God’s goodness.  Arrange photos and mementos in your home of wonderful family memories.  This helps to provide an anchor so you can “abundantly utter the memory of [God’s] goodness.”  By looking at good memories we can “link one idea with another” and thus associate God’s goodness with observable moments.

We know how a child can observe a tiny ant carrying a small piece of dirt that goes entirely unnoticed by us yet it is an amazing thing to a child.  In this busy world, we too need to observe those things around us with child-like eyes of wonderment.

Dear Lord, help us to see things in this world with wonder and awe of you.  Please give us this child-like wonder to observe with intention so we will fall more in love with you and the world you have created. Help us to purposely make memories  that will remind us of your goodness.  Help us to share your love and goodness through our praise of you with the children you have entrusted to our care.

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

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A New Year Filled with Praise

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Daily Truth:   “So will I ever sing praises to your name, as I perform my vows day after day.”   Psalm 61:8 ESV

 A New Year filled with Praise

A brand new year presents new goals and a fresh start!  Ready, set, what….?

Well below freezing temperatures, car won’t start, home with a cold that turns into a sinus infection, children that have strep throat…and on it goes.  Plummeting from lofty goals to the nitty gritty of life stifles great intentions for the new year.

The first week of the new year is gone. My heart grows faint and my energy is spent.  It is time to get focus back while still caring for the needs of others…all is placed on auto pilot.

We all have circumstances that effect our lives and try to alter our focus. Digging into God’s Word and seeking Him for guidance is what this year and each day require.

Psalm 61 brings hope to my soul.  In this Psalm David is thought to have been in exile after crossing Jordan while running from Absalom.  David wants to stay away from conflict especially since it is with his son who is trying to take command.   David cries out to God, “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”  Then, in verse 8 David says, “So I will ever sing praises to your name, as I perform my vows day after day.”

“Praises to your name” draws my focus back to God and off myself.  No matter what circumstances we find ourselves praise should be in our hearts and roll off our lips.

Isn’t that what we try to teach our children?  In order to teach our children about praise they must see us praising God under any circumstance.  Yes, it is difficult when life goes in a different direction than planned or desired. But remembering the many trials of David and others in the Bible we understand that “there is nothing new under the sun” and we too will make it through as long as we put our focus on God and our trust in Christ.  Praise His name daily.

This reminds me of a book I read several years ago entitled, The Practice of Praise by C.H. Spurgeon.  I am now rereading this book and will in the next few weeks share Scripture and Spurgeon’s thoughts on praise.

“Now, our desire is that we also may praise and magnify the name of the infinite Jehovah without restraint or limit, and may especially have our hearts enlarged and our mouths opened wide to speak abundantly of His great goodness.”  Spurgeon

May your days be filled with warmer temperatures, cars that work,  healed bodies, and mostly, praise for our Lord Jesus Christ whatever the circumstance.

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

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Hope for the Future

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Daily Truth:   “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

 Jeremiah 29:11

Light shines through the darkness.

The news heard on the radio, TV, computer, or phone of violence and heartbreak can be overwhelming at times.  How about you?  Do you feel the same way?  Is there any hope?

It is good to know that God knows the beginning from the end.  (Isaiah 46:10)

Violence and hatred seem to be abounding everywhere in our cities, in outlying areas, and in the world around us.  Our families are not immune to the increasing danger and risks.  Is there hope?  As my mind raced and my concerns grew I thought – I must bring “every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5) and not get caught up in emotion.

As I looked to Scripture for guidance I thought about Jesus.

  1. Jesus, God’s only Son, left the perfectness of heaven to come to this world with all of its sinfulness.  God placed Jesus in a manger as a helpless baby with an obedient young girl and young man who loved God.  Are we as parents obedient to God and His Word?
  2. God protected Jesus from King Herod who sought to kill this “newborn king”.  God can protect our children too.  Do we cry out to Him for protection?
    Do we believe that God will do what He said He will do?
  3. God provided a place for Jesus to grow and learn in the wise counsel of earthly parents as they sought God’s will for their lives.  Do we seek God’s will for our children and our families?  Have we placed our trust in Jesus Christ?
  4. Jesus began His ministry at just the right time. Even though there were scoffers and enemies at every turn Jesus kept right on teaching.  Do we let the world dictate what  is truth or do we stand up for God’s Word where the only “Truth” is found?

Jesus never did anything wrong, yet in God’s perfect plan He allowed Jesus to die on the cross for the sins of the world.  But, Jesus did not stay dead.  He arose from the dead!

Christ is now sitting at the right hand of God interceding on our behalf. (Colossians 3:1)

When we see and hear about violence and heartbreak in the news or maybe in our own lives, take heart!  Jesus has overcome the world and He will do the same for us.

Keep on keepin’ on with loving, teaching, praying, nurturing, laughing, and crying out to God as God has given us hope – Jesus Christ our LORD.

We have a bright future!

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

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If you have not placed your trust in Jesus Christ please follow this link. 

Father’s Hands: A Picture of Strength

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Daily Truth:  “My Father, Who has given them to Me, is greater and mightier than all [else]; and no one is able to snatch [them] out of the Father’s hand.”  John 10:29

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My father’s hands holding my newborn nephew.

 

This week, with Father’s Day approaching, I have been contemplating a father’s hands.

You see, a person’s hands can tell so much about them.

A father’s hands can show and teach so many character qualities that we would want to see in our children.

A father’s hands can shape and mold.

So, Father’s Day holds mixed emotions for our family.

We of course celebrate all the wonderful things about my hubs and what an outstanding father he is to the kids.

Yet, I can’t help but be overcome with the fact that all though I can remember all the qualities that made my dad a wonderful father, I can’t share those with him.

The picture above is one of my favorite pics of my dad.  You don’t see his face, but the picture depicts all that he was.  It’s all in my father’s hands.

What do a father’s hands represent?

A father’s hands represents kindness.  They show that even though evil things happen, his hands will show us the kindness we need to see.

A father’s hands represent gentleness.  Who else’s hands can be so full of strength yet, can hold a newborn with utmost care.

A father’s hands represent love.  It warms my heart to see my hubs holding the hands of my kids.

A father’s hands represent protection.  They remind us that he will do everything in his power to protect us.

A father’s hands represents strength.  They show us that they will pull us up when we need help, but will let us go when it is time.

A father’s hands represent sacrifice.  They remind us of the hours that are put into providing for his family.

A father’s hands represent determination.  They show us that many things can be accomplished with hard work and a “never-give-up” attitude.

A father’s hands represent patience.  I am reminded of this everytime my husband allows the boys to “help” him with jobs around the house.

Our Heavenly Father’s hands bring such vivid pictures to mind.

I am reminded of the story in John of Thomas.

Remember, he was not with the other disciples that saw Christ after His resurrection.  Can you imagine the excitement and breathless wonder of the disciples as they tell Thomas that Christ is indeed risen like He said.

Then Thomas’ response is something like a “party pooper”.  “Yeah, well, except I see the nail prints in His hands and can put my hand in His side, I cannot believe a word you say.”

Nothing like putting a damper on a good mood.

Then 8 days later, the disciples are once again gathered together in a room with the door shut and the Lord miraculously walks into the room.

Thomas doesn’t believe even then it is Christ until Christ says to Thomas to touch the nail prints of His hands and thrust his in hand into Jesus’ side.

That’s when Thomas’ faith is restored.

In John 10, Jesus is talking to the Jews because they want proof that He is the promised Messiah.

Jesus explains to them that all the miracles He is doing is proof that He is the Messiah, yet they don’t believe because they are not His sheep.  In other words, they didn’t have a personal belief that He was the Messiah.

Jesus makes the statement that once we are His no one – not man or the powers of Satan – could pluck those who believe out of His Father’s Hands.

Our Heavenly Father’s hands show us His amazing love, His power over death, Hell, and Satan, His protection, and His gentleness.

As we come to Father’s Day, remember the lessons that can be taught our children by our Father’s hands.

Until next week,

Rebekah Klink

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Less Time Gives More Time

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Daily Truth:    “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”  Ecclesiastes 3:1

 

Summer time is finally here!

I love having the kids home for summer.

I love no set schedule.

I love the spontaneity of summer.

Maybe it’s because my kids are getting older and we are getting out of the toddler stage.

Or maybe it’s because my oldest will be starting junior high in the fall (a fact I am still trying to wrap my mind around).

Or maybe it’s because my youngest will be starting kindergarten in the fall (yet, another fact I am trying to grasp).

Or maybe it’s because I am slowly realizing how quickly the time with my children is flying by and what little time I have left with them.

Every summer the kids make a summer “wish list”.  This list can include things as simple as playing play dough to things more elaborate as taking a day trip.

Each summer we try to check off as many of those items as we can.

Here is what I plan to do.

1.  Less time on the computers more time playing. (I better get this blog done quickly!)

2.  Less time worrying about clean clothes more time playing in the rain.

3.  Less time keeping the house clean more time making messes.

4.  Less time saying “yes” to others and more time saying “no” to a schedule.

5.  Less time making a “to do” list more time playing with the children.

6.  Less time making plans more time making memories.

7. Less time getting my things done more time doing what the kids will like to do. (Thus their summer “wish list”.)

8.  Less time expecting more time laughing.

9.  Less time hurrying more time slowing down.

10.  Less time worrying and more time enjoying.

I will have time in the fall while all the kids are in school to “catch up” on things that should get done.

This summer take less time doing the ordinary things of life and take more time enjoying the extraordinary.

Until next week,

Rebekah

 

Praying Scripture for Our Families

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Daily Truth:   “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16

Praying Scripture for our families is the most powerful weapon we have against our arch enemy – the devil. (Ephesians 6:11-18)

Praying Scripture for our families is the best gift a mother can give her children and her husband. (II Timothy 1:5)

Praying Scripture for our families enables us to come boldly to the throne room of our Heavenly Father. (Hebrews 4:16)

Praying Scripture for our families give us peace even in the midst of the most difficult trials. (John 14:27)

Praying Scripture for our families puts power behind God’s promises. (Isaiah 55:11)

Praying Scripture for our families strengthens our relationship both with our Heavenly Father as well as our children and husband. (Romans 8:15)

Praying Scripture for our family helps align our will with God’s will. (Matthew 26:42)

I could give personal examples for each of the reasons for praying Scripture for our families.  Time and space don’t permit me.  Believe me though, when I say that the Lord has shown me amazing things since I started this journey of praying Scripture for our families.

I am going to leave you with a few more tips on ways to implement praying Scripture for our families.

1.  Pray for a life verse for each member. When I started the process of praying Scripture for our families, I asked the Lord to give me specific life verses for each of my kids that I could pray for them.  Each verse that the Lord gave me fit that child specifically.

For instance, this is the verse the Lord gave me for my oldest.

Colossians 1:9-12

9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

Ok.  So it’s a little long.  But this fit my oldest to a “T”.  I then wrote out the verse and pasted it to the back of my Bible.  I encourage you to do the same for each of your children and for your husband as well.

2.  Make a 31 day prayer booklet for your family.  This idea was given to me by a dear friend (thank the Lord for friends that encourage us in the faith).  I am going to work on it this summer.

Basically, you take a 3×5 card and write a verse to pray for your family that day.  Then, list each family member out and write next to their name a specific way you can pray that verse for them for that day.

3.  Get a prayer partner.  This has been the most amazing encouragement to me.  I have a couple of friends that we will text prayer requests back and forth (technology is amazing).  It is such a blessing to know that you have other people praying with you for your family.

4.  Tell your family.  I know this may seem redundant but tell your kids that you are praying scripture for them.  Be specific.

When my oldest went to Costa Rica on a mission trip over spring break, I was a little…ok…A LOT nervous about sending her even though we had complete confidence in the ladies she was going with.  But you know, it’s a mom thing.

So, I took  my fear and decided to use that to pray specific Scripture for her.  Before she left, I wrote her a card for each day with a different verse that I would pray for her that day.  One day it was on safety, another on witnessing, and so on.

She loved knowing the fact that not only was her mom praying for her but that I was praying specific promises for her each day.

I also let my husband know.  He has told me how much he appreciates it.  Often, I have no idea what his day is like, but the Lord brings certain verses to mind and the verses always seem to coincide with something that happened that day.  Amazing how God works that!

5.  Display the verse.  When praying Scripture for our families, be sure to display the verse that you are currently praying somewhere in the house.  It could be on a mirror, on a window, on paper on the fridge, on a chalkboard.

Ladies, may I encourage you to be not just mother’s of prayer, but mother’s praying Scripture for our families.

Found this poem on the internet the other day.  I don’t know who wrote it but I hope it is as much of blessing to you as it was to me.

Some have had kings in their lineage,
Some to whom honor was paid.
Not blest of my ancestors – but,
I have a mother who prays.
I have a mother who prays for me
And pleads with the Lord every day for me.
Oh what a difference it makes for me – 
I have a mother who prays.
Some have worldly success
And trust in riches they’ve made – 
This is my surest asset,
I have a mother who prays.
My mother’s prayers cannot save me,
Only mine can avail;
But mother introduced me to Someone – 
Someone who never could fail.
Oh yes..I have a mother who prays for me
And pleads with the Lord every day for me.
O what a difference it makes for me – 
I have a mother who prays.
Author Unknown

Until next week,

Rebekah

klink

 

Ten Promises for Mothers

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Daily Truth:   “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”

 2 Corinthians 1:20

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Mother’s have a huge job.  We try to meet the needs of everyone in our family.  When children are preschoolers the job requires energy, consistency, and love.  When children are elementary age the job requires the previous skills and the added skills of encouragement and party planner.  As children grow into adolescence mothers need all the previous skills plus the needed skills of master calendar and driver coordinator.

How good to know that God is with us every step of the way. God wants our families to not just succeed but to flourish.  That is not to say that every step will be easy, but God walks with us through all the ups and downs of child rearing.  He gives us His promises. It is good to know that when things get tough or when things are going well God is encouraging and providing wisdom for us through His Word.

Ten Promises from God’s Word for Mothers

  1. Joy:  “This is the day that the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”  Psalm 118:24
  2. Strength:  “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  Philippians 4:13
  3. Never give up:  “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering; for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23
  4. Protection:  “I am the good shepherd.  The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.”  John 10:11
  5. Sadness:  “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at things which are seen,but at the things which are not seen.  For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
  6. Trust:  “For You  will light my lamp; The LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.” Psalm 18:28
  7. Peace:  “The LORD is my light and salvation;  Whom shall I fear?  The LORD is the strength of my life; The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?”  Psalm 27:1
  8. Stress:  “Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6
  9. Faith:  “Have I not commanded you be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid nor dismayed, for the LORD God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
  10. Words:  “Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith  and love which are in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 1:13

How good it is that God provides promises that mothers can hold on to as we raise our children.

Wishing you a very Happy Mother’s Day!

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

 

 

Praying Obedience for Our Children

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Daily Truth:  “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.”
 Ephesians 6:1

 

 

Praying obedience.

Wow!  That is a huge undertaking.  I think obedience is the behavior we struggle with the most as parents.

We want our children to be able to obey immediately and sweetly.

However, sometimes our pride gets in the way.

Let’s be honest we all love it when our children demonstrate proper obedience and it makes us look good as moms.

Yet, that’s not the obedience we need or want.

We want obedience that comes from the heart.

Two examples from scripture of obedience come to mind.

The first is Samuel (I Samuel 3).

Hannah brought Samuel to the temple to serve and live in the temple when he was a very young boy as part of promise she made to the Lord.

Eli was not known for his tremendous parenting skills.

Can you imagine how hard that must have been for Hannah to leave Samuel with Eli?

I can only imagine that she prayed daily for Samuel’s obedience to God’s commands and not follow the path of Eli’s sons.

Is it no wonder then that Samuel immediately answered Eli when he thought Eli called him in the middle of the night.

Eli eventually realized that it was God calling Samuel and told Samuel how to respond.

Samuel immediately responded, “Speak, for the servant heareth”.

God then used Samuel in an amazing way in the lives of His people.

Then there’s the boy with the 5 loaves and 2 fish. (John 6)

I think this is one of my favorite stories of God using a child especially in the area of obedience.

Here the Lord has been teaching a crowd of over 5,000 men not to mention women and children.

It’s lunch time and there is no way to feed all these people.

The disciples display their great lack of faith in God being able to provide.

Then here comes this boy with only five loaves of bread and two fish and willingly gives his lunch to God to use.

Insert pause – I have a hard time imagining my boys being willing to do this.  They think of the next meal before they even finish the one they are working on.  Although, one of them willingly gave me one of their Cadbury eggs the other day.  So maybe……

Can you imagine the boy’s utter amazement when his little lunch multiplies to feed all those people and then have 12 baskets of food left over?!?

In both of these cases, I have to speculate that there was a mother praying for the willing obedience of their son.

So, why should we pray for our children’s obedience.

1.  Confidence.  The Bible says that honoring our parents is the fist commandment with promise.  (Ephesians 6:1-3)  Our children will have confidence knowing that when they demonstrate proper obedience they are obeying God’s command.

2.  God blesses obedience (Proverbs 1:8-9).  I am not talking about material blessing.  Rather, spiritual blessing and isn’t that what we want for our children.

There are so many verse dealing with obedience, especially in the book of Proverbs.

Take the time this week to find some of those verse and start praying these scriptures for your children,

Remember, we want obedience to penetrate into their hearts and not just to be an action to please us.

Until next week,

Rebekah

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