Monday, November 18, 2013

Giving Thanks #18 Role Models

Reading role models are such a great thing. Something for parents and grandparents to keep in mind. Let your children and grandchildren see you reading; let them see you reading the Bible. Show them day by day, week by week, month by month, year by year that the Word of God means something to you. Show them its worth, its value. Show them that time with God is never wasted time. Model your priorities; model your faith. It is so important that your actions match your words. Don't model making excuses!
Few Christian families spend time together in prayer and Bible reading. Yet what a priceless experience to have your parents share spiritual truths from the Word of God and to hear your mother or father asking God’s blessing and protection on each person in the family. Finding the time, discovering the best formula, and being patient and persistent are all common challenges associated with family devotions. Strive to be consistent. Your children will develop a love for Scripture and a habitual reliance on the power of prayer. Every family heritage of faithfulness must begin with someone. Perhaps the beginning will be with you. (Woman's Study Bible, NKJV)

From Woodrow Kroll's Taking Back The Good Book. (Chapter twenty-one, "What Parents Can Do.")
Having family devotions is crucial. I'm sold on family devotions. They kept my family connected as the kids were growing up. Now they are keeping my grandchildren connected to their families. Here are ten good reasons why you should have consistent family devotions in God's Word:

1) Devotions provide communication with God (Ps. 25:4-5Ps. 119:145-52)
2) Devotions quench our spiritual thirst (Ps. 42:1-2Ps. 84:2;Phil. 3:10)
3) Devotions are the basis for personal spiritual growth (1 Pet. 2:22 Pet. 3:18)
4) Devotions provide a safeguard against spiritual immaturity (1 Cor. 3:1-3Ps. 119:9-11)
5) Devotions provide insight for daily living (Prov. 10:4Prov. 17:27-28)
6) Devotions prevent schizophrenic faith (1 John 4:1Eph. 4:11-15)
7) Devotions provide daily comfort and encouragement (Ps. 119:81Rom. 15:4)
8) Devotions prepare us to share our faith (1 Pet. 3:15Luke 24:27)
9) Devotions provide daily direction (Deut. 5:27Ps. 119:105)
10) Devotions show our respect for the Bible's Author. (Ps. 19:9-10Ps. 119:127-28)

Having a family time in the Bible will not only be a link between family members, but it will also provide a safeguard against creeping Bible illiteracy in the next generation. (170-171)

From Charles Spurgeon:

The Holy Scripture may be learned by children as soon as they are capable of understanding anything. There is an adaptation in the Bible for human beings of all ages and, therefore, it has a fitness for children. We make a mistake when we think that we must begin with something else and lead up to the Scriptures. The Bible is the book for the peep of day. Parts of it are above a child's mind, for they are above the comprehension of the most advanced among us. There are depths in it where leviathan may swim—but there are also brooks in which a lamb may wade. Wise teachers know how to lead their little ones into the green pastures beside the still waters. ~ Charles Spurgeon, "The Sunday School and the Scriptures"
The teachings of our childhood leave clean cut and sharp impressions upon the mind which remain after 70 years have passed. Let us see that such impressions are made for the highest ends. ~ Charles Spurgeon, "The Sunday School and The Scriptures"
Those who think that a woman detained at home by her little family is doing nothing, think the reverse of what is true! Scarcely can the godly mother quit her home for a place of worship, but dream not that she is lost to the work of the Church—far from it—she is doing the best possible service for her Lord! Mothers, the godly training of your offspring is your first and most pressing duty! Christian women, by teaching children the Holy Scriptures, are as much fulfilling their part for the Lord as Moses in judging Israel, or Solomon in building the Temple! ~ Charles Spurgeon, "The Sunday School and the Scriptures"


© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

1 comment:

Monica said...

Becky, I love how much you put into your posts! Not only do you encourage but you give the tools to make things happen! God bless!