“One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children . . . Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them” (Mark 10:13-14, 16, NLT).
1. Why bless your children?
To add value to their lives, the word bless means add value, spiritual, financial, social, intellectual, i.e., influence for good.
To carry on the family heritage. They have your physical genes, make sure they carry on your positive influence.
They need God’s blessing to prosper in every area of life.
They need God’s covering protection in an evil world. Sandyhook and other school shootings, sexual violence, anti-God attacks, drugs.
2. You bless children by relating to their basic needs.
They must learn and believe in God.
They must have a healthy relationship with their family.
They must prepare to make a living.
They must have a purpose to live for.
They must develop healthy relationships with others (including a mate).
3. You bless children to fulfill God’s purpose in life.
God has a unique plan for every child; “I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for harm” (Jer. 29:11, ELT).
God has given unique gifts to every child, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. “Each person (child) has a special gift from God” (1 Cor. 7:7, NLT).
4. Five essentials for blessing your children.
Meaningful touches. Hugs, kisses (Gen. 27:26), touch hand (Gen. 48:14) and holding (Mark 10:16, Jesus held the children).
Speaking the words of blessing. In the Levitical blessing, “So they shall put My name on the children . . . and I will bless them” (Num. 6:27, NKJV).
Attach high value when you bless. Putting 10s on their forehead is another way of believing in them. Stretch them to see what they can be, not what they are.
Picture a special future for them. Do not restrict them, stretch them. Blessings must be consistent with the i.e., past and present.
You must actively commit to fulfill the blessing. Be their teacher! Pray for them! Family devotions! Give time! Provide money! Bestow your family heritage!
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
All PBC lessons are available online at trbc.org/pbc. Go to www.Hopenow.tv for the current program schedule.
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Dr. Towns' email is ELTowns@liberty.edu
Dr. Towns’ web address is www.elmertowns.com
