For Parents
Raise your children in the love of God. Let us watch our behavior at all times and live a holy life before our children, and the world. Let our life shine because we may be the only Jesus that the world may ever see. Parents, don’t think our children aren’t watching us. Did you ever see our little ones mimic our behavior as they play with their toys? Little girls play dress up like their moms. Boys copy their dads in acting rough and tough. More often than not, if children are abused physically and mentally, they grow up and treat their own family the same way. It is a hard cycle to break without the Lord. My family fell into a fatherless home when my husband died, and I had to be a mom and dad. This was very hard considering I had three boys and one girl. I give all the glory to Jesus for taking care of us because it was not easy.
I encourage you to teach your children from young age, and they will not depart from the word of God. Even if they drift for a season, the Lord is always there to protect and guide them through. They could be in bed or in a bar, but whatever they are doing, the Holy Spirit is there. I went through this with my own children as they became young adults. As their mom, I could not meet or understand their heart, but Jesus knew, for the Bible says He knew them before they were formed in the womb.
Jesus lived on this earth as a man. He knows what it was to be tempted; He understands what we face in this life. My children needed more than me, they needed Him, and knowledge of Him is the best gift we could give them. My children and I are not perfect but through Jesus, we all grew more into His image each day.
Just as I taught my children, they then taught their children how to serve a loving God. What a wonderful legacy. I am very thankful because where would we be without Him. Everyone is much older now, and though some lose their way, I know God is there and pray they find their path in Him again.
I remember the day my parents’ and grandparents’ prayers were answered; the day I gave Jesus my heart. I had friends over my house and they were all listening to music and smoking pot. The song “Amazing Grace” came on the radio and caught my attention. I thought, “Why is this song on a rock and roll station?” At that moment Jesus asked me if I wanted to serve Him, or if I wanted to stay in the evil world of sin. I said yes to His request to give my heart to Him, and a burden was lifted off of my shoulders. A year later my husband died. I am so grateful the Lord came to me prior in His all knowing love because without His presence, my family would have never made it through that tragic loss.
I will serve Him for the rest of my life because I love Him. How about you?
Provers 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Ephesians 6:4
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
6-And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
7-And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
Proverbs 1:8-9
8-My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
9-For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.