On Training Up Children...

Question:  (In reference to videos my son made...)How did you start with him by telling him about God? --Even when we think that they don't understand what we are saying to them?

Reply: If we are excited about God then we are always testifying & pointing to Him; we are laying a foundation that isn't "do as I say, not as I do"--- We are living and proclaiming: "It's true, He lives, He saves, taste and see the Goodness of the Lord!"

Discipline...

"Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

For younger ages and babies simple things like nighttime prayer and prayer before dinner.... if you initiate it, they will eventually join in....even if to just say 'amen'.

Children thrive on expectation...routines and schedules...so if you make the time and start it, then they will fuel it by reminding us.

"Training" is an active discipline, and to do so means that we first discipline ourselves.

Just Talk!...

When they get older.... some of my best moments with the kids are when traveling because they have nothing else to do but sit & think. They ask random questions, talk of 'bullies' at school, events in the news.... whatever the topic, you can educate on the enemy's hand in the matter or see God's glory. It's a great time of dissecting according to the bible....what God thinks about it.... what bad consequences happen and how God loves us and warns us to protect us through His Word. 

I also think of topics to share as well.... or questions to ASK THEM to get their minds churning to draw upon what God's been showing them. When they are my captive audience and 'bored' just about any topic is golden, and asking them what they think or what they know of God and what He'd think... I'm getting them in training to testify as well.

Tertiary Support...

We 'home church'.... but I still send the kids out for other fun things. 

• You could go through a whole summer 'church hopping' Vacation Bible Schools. 
• Concerts, plays, programs, movie night, radio... all things that can back up what you are sharing.

• My boys have all been in AWANA that many churches have which is a scripture memory youth club.  Not only do they study the Word, but they fellowship with other kids & play games etc.  

The Fruit...

"Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth." Psalm 127:4

You know 'warriors' aren't made without training... and the biggest blessing of committing to train your children up in the Lord is that it's really sharpening you.  It causes us to confess His goodness, declare His truth and faithfulness.

And so it is with most pure gifts... our heart is "the BEST" for our kids... but it is US that receive the blessing...

"How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;

They will not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate." Psalm 127:5

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