Back To School Special

4, September 2005

Dakota Community Church

Back to School Special

Introduction:

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

What did you do to prepare for back to school? Now rivals Christmas for merchants!

- The clothing

- The backpacks

- Sneakers

- Musical instruments

- The dreaded lists of supplies

- The Texas Instruments T183 calculator

What about the Spiritual preparation?

Psalm 127: 1-4

Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.

Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth.

Three back to school tips:

1. Every child is home schooled.

Whether you send your kids off to school everyday or not they are still going to get the biggest chunk of their education from the life they see at home.

Many Christians are concerned that there is no prayer in schools but I am more concerned that there is no prayer in the home.

Deuteronomy 6: 5-9

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

The message, the truth, the life; must be yours before you can pass it on to the kids.

If not you will be dispensing:

- Religion

- Rules

- Regulations

That always leads to rebellion.

If your faith amounts to a bunch of do’s and don’ts, dress codes, and behaviors – you can keep it.

You are trying to teach your kids to swim by correspondence.

Proverbs 22: 6

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Train a child according to his bent. Train them in there own unique way. You need to be involved; don’t try to remove what God put there. Steer it, guide it, encourage and develop it.

- Do not make comparisons!

2. Communication is critical.

When they want to talk – you need to take time to listen.

Parents it is vital that you stay on top of what is going on in your kid’s life.

- What is being taught at school?

- What friendships are growing or dissolving and why.

- What do they enjoy, what do they dread.

- Are there any questions you can answer? No topic off limits.

Tell the truth about drinking and drugs and sex.

Have you talked about crystal meth? I did with Silas and two days later we saw a global news report together that confirmed everything I told him.

- 70% one use addiction rate.

- 90% after two uses.

- Hallucinogenic with bad trips. (Bug arm)

Deuteronomy 6: 7

Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Pray about things together. Tests, bullies, sports; any concern is a chance to live it.

Listen to this Father – Son communication.

Proverbs 4: 1-27

Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.

When I was a boy in my father’s house, still tender, and an only child of my mother, he taught me and said, "Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live.

Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor."

Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way. For they cannot sleep till they do evil; they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall. They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.