Devotion
Training the Future Generations
Chipo Biti
Childhood is one of the most important phases of a person's life. We learn most of our values while we are growing up. Most of the things that we do as adults are affected by our childhood experiences. This is why we need to make sure that we teach our children the right things while they are growing up. The "right way" to train a child is to bring them up in the things of God. Children are never too young to learn about the gospel. There is a vast amount of materials that you can use to teach children about Jesus Christ and what He came to do for us.
As the child grows, the teachings can become more advanced until they are able to understand the Bible on their own. As parents, teachers, and leaders, we are meant to pour out as much love and wisdom into children as we can, so that they can grow up to do greater things than we have managed to do.
Training a child goes beyond telling them what to do. Children are keen observers. They learn from the actions that they see on a daily basis. If we are trying to train our children to live godly lifestyles but we exhibit behavior that is contrary to our words, our children will choose to emulate our actions over our words.
If we tell children to be honest in their ways, but they see us deceiving others, children will choose to deceive others because they have seen us do it. When you are tempted to yell at someone who is driving recklessly, choose to be patient instead. Your child will keep these lessons for when they are older. The only way to ensure that our children will get to know God and His love is if we choose to teach them about it.
According to Judges 2:10-13, the newer generations of the children of Israel did not know God. They were not knowledgeable of the many things God had done for their ancestors. Because of this, they turned into a rebellious and idolatrous nation. We see similar things happening around us in the modern world. Many people have turned on God and have chosen to fulfil their selfish desires.
Prayer
In order for us to change this, we need to make sure that we train up the future generations in the ways of the Lord so that they can continue to spread the message of the gospel when we have left the world.
Devotion
Give Good Example
Frances Taylor
If we ever needed a reminder of how important it is to practice what we preach, this is it. Not only are we encouraged to help others, but we are also warned about giving bad example or leading others, particularly children, away from the Lord.
I have spoken to many people who say that they became a Christian because of the example of people in their family, friends or strangers whose joy is so great they want a part of it. I also know people who have turned away from the faith they once had because they consider those who proclaim themselves to be Christian are hypocrites. Most people don't start out wanting to be Christians because of doctrine. They are influenced one way or another by people. Are you someone whose life exhibits the joy of knowing Jesus and his saving power? Am I? Do your actions give testimony to your beliefs? A person can go to church each week, Bible classes during the week and give every impression of being a devout follower of ...
Morning Prayer
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Inspiration
There is nothing at all – nothing on the earth and nothing in the spiritual realms – that can separate us from the love of Christ. No matter what any person or principality tries to do in our lives, they will never be able to quash the love Christ has for us. The love God has for us is eternal – it is here to stay for good.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for the love that you have for me. Thank you, Lord, that this love will never leave me and it will never forsake me. No matter what anyone tries, or whatever may come my way, Lord, I thank you that your love will always be with me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
Inspiration
As Christians, we know that we find peace in God. And today, we’re reminded that He promises peace to His people. But we have to do our part, which is listening. It’s when we turn away from wisdom and pursue foolish and selfish endeavors that peace eludes us. But when we turn our ears to His wisdom, He leads us on the path to peace.
Prayer
God, in You I have received peace that passes understanding. Speak Your wisdom to me, and teach me to not be distracted by my own foolish ambitions. Give me ears to hear You so that I may remain close to You and move in Your peace wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, amen.
