TEXT: PSALMS 127:3-5 (NLT)
"Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands. How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates."
CHILDREN BELONG TO GOD
Without children, human life on earth will be extinguished in about 120 - 150 years. What a blessing they are to the world. They are given to us blank with a responsibility to nurture them in the way of truth and righteousness. Sad to observe that many parents have failed and are failing in their responsibility to God and their offsprings. Children belong to God and are given to us as a gift to unwrap, cherish, adore and treasure. We need God's help to write the right programme that will bring out the best in them. You will not fail in your responsibility to God and your children/wards in Jesus name.
GOD DESIRES GODLY CHILDREN
God plainly stated that he desires godly children from marriage: "Didn’t the LORD make you one with your wife? In body and spirit you are his. And what does he want? Godly children from your union" (Mal 2:15 NLT). The expectation of God is for us to train our children to be godly. He says we should start from an early age so that we can impart godly virtues in their minds when they are still amenable. "Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it" (Prov 22:6). I want you to declare prophetically as Isaiah did in Isaiah 8:18: "I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel (put the name of your country) from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion." Your children will be a blessing to you and the society. Your hope will not be disappointed concerning your children in Jesus name.
LOVE AND DISCIPLINE REQUIRED
It is not always easy to train up children to be godly, but with God's help, prayers, the leading of the Holy Spirit, godly discipline and copious doses of love and the word of God, it is achievable. Paul in Eph 6:4 gives a useful tip: "...provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." Balancing love and discipline is important in grooming children in righteousness. The word of God says: "Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives." Prov 13:24 says: "Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them." Don't abandon the training and discipline of your children to house helps, neighbours, teachers and their peers, be actively involve. Create time for them and don't be sqiuirmish in disciplining them when they go astray. You are the one given the mandate to mold them. What a wonderful privilege.
The Lord will give you wisdom, resources and grace to train your children to God's expectation in Jesus name.
A POSITIVE TESTIMONY
Hear God's testimony concerning Abraham in Genesis 18:19: "For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him." Lois and Eunice also received excellent reviews concerning Timothy. Many notable servants of God did not get such positive testimony concerning their children. Eli failed woefully in his responsibility towards Hophni and Phinehas. The sons of Samuel did not follow his footsteps, they were not trained and nurtured in the fear of the Lord (1 Sam 8:1-5). Will God testify positively about your responsibility towards your children? God will grant you the grace to train your children in the way of righteousness in Jesus name.
PRAYER:
Father, thank you for the children you have blessed me with, please help me to nurture them in the way that will please you in Jesus name.
CONFESSION:
I and the children the Lord have given me are for signs and wonder in Nigeria and the world.
God bless you. Shalom.
