Are You Real?

 

People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these...And he [Jesus] took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10:13-14; 16

Scripture repeatedly tells us that God highly values children. He warns us, “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Matthew 18:6 This warning to those who would cause a child to sin is severe, and it is a reminder of our responsibility before the Lord for our children. It is vitally important that parents live an authentic Christian life before their children. Our profession of faith must match our lifestyle.

I personally knew a very gift man who was asked to resign his church due to alcohol addiction. Recently, he was sentenced to 10 years for improperly touching a 12 year-old girl. This man has a wife who stood by him as a battled his addiction and several beautiful children.

While I am concerned for him personally, I am extremely concerned for his family. I have seen too many children who saw a contradiction in their parent's behavior at church and their behavior at home. As a result, they grow up angry, bitter, and leave the church.

But when children see parents that are living lives that match their testimony; they will be drawn to the Savior and His Church.

Being Open-Handed

 Therefore, I also have lent him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he shall be lent to the LORD.” So, they worshiped the LORD there. 1 Samuel 1:28

One of the most difficult lessons that parents have to learn is to hold their children with open hands because they belong to the Lord. Hannah is the ultimate picture of the “open-handed” parent. She had vowed that she would give her son back to the LORD “all the days of his life” (1 Sam. 1:11). Hannah fulfilled her promise by bringing her son Samuel to live and serve in the tabernacle. The word “lent” used here means to give unconditionally in dedication to the Lord.

Therefore, I also have lent him to the LORD; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the LORD.” So they worshiped the LORD there.

In Luke 2, we see another example of parents giving their child to the Lord when Mary and Joseph present the infant Jesus at the temple in Jerusalem. In doing this, they were not only affirming God’s prior claim on the child’s life, but committing themselves to raise him in God’s ways. We as parents should follow the same example in dedicating our children to the Lord. How God chooses to use them is not for us to decide, but He allows us to partner with Him in directing our children toward His purpose.

Praying For A Godly Marriage

 

He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the Lord. Proverbs 18:22

In his last days, the great patriarch Abraham primary concern was that his son marry a woman of the same 0faith. Genesis 24 The command to marry only within their faith was repeated to Israel throughout the Old Testament. Deut. 7:3; Nehemiah 13:25 The result of intermarriage were devastating. King Solomon married many foreign wives and as a result he no longer “wholly” followed the Lord. 1 Kings 11:1,4 The theme continues in the New Testament: “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.” 2 Cor. 6:14

We no longer live in a culture where parents arrange their children's marriages. But we can pray for their marriage partners. My wife and I prayed continually that God would send godly people into our children's lives so that as they will have partners in faith and life who will strengthen their hearts in the Lord.