That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace. Psalm 144:12
Our work for Christ is to begin with the family in the home. . . . There is no missionary field more important than this.
Happy are the parents whose lives are a true reflection of the divine, so that the promises and commands of God awaken in the child gratitude and reverence; the parents whose tenderness and justice and long-suffering interpret to the child the love and justice and long-suffering of God; and who, by teaching the child to love and trust and obey them, are teaching him to love and trust and obey his Father in heaven. Parents who impart to a child such a gift have endowed him with a treasure more precious than the wealth of all the ages–a treasure as enduring as eternity.
God wants every child of tender age to be His child, to be adopted into His family. Young though they may be, the youth may be members of the household of faith and have a most precious experience. They may have hearts that are tender and ready to receive impressions that will be lasting. They may have their hearts drawn out in confidence and love for Jesus, and live for the Saviour. Christ will make them little missionaries. The whole current of their thought may be changed, so that sin will not appear a thing to be enjoyed, but to be shunned and hated.
By precept and example parents are to teach their children to labor for the unconverted. The children should be so educated that they will sympathize with the aged and afflicted and will seek to alleviate the sufferings of the poor and distressed. . . . From their earliest years self-denial and sacrifice for the good of others and the advancement of Christ’s cause should be inculcated, that they may be laborers together with God. . . .
God designs that the families of earth shall be a symbol of the family in heaven. Christian homes, established and conducted in accordance with God’s plan, are among His most effective agencies for the formation of Christian character and for the advancement of His work.
Maranatha p. 102
“““““““““““““““““““
Prayer Requests
—– A neighbor emailed us saying: “Please pray for my cousin’s husband, he has cancer and praise the lord he isn’t in pain but is now on hospice.” I feel really bad for both Rocky and Ina. John
—–Please pray that God will guide my children in the way that they should go. L
““““““““““““““““““
Dear Friends,
What a responsible job teachers have! The way they teach can have a decided effect on a student’s attitude and future. When a teacher is unfair, it causes the student to become discouraged. When a teacher does not know how to work the math problems himself, he loses the confidence of his students. When a teacher is both unfair and inept, it causes his students to quit trying.
On the other hand, there are teachers who are excellent. They know their material well and are able to help the students grasp even the most difficult of concepts. These teachers become extra special to us and we remember them throughout our lives.
Most teachers, however, are somewhere in between these two extremes. After the student gets out of their class, even their name forgotten in a few years. After a few decades, their class cannot be recalled at all.
There is Someone Who longs to be our teacher. He is the Great Creator, the Great Redeemer, our Loving Helper. He is “Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isa 9:6 He is interested in every aspect of our lives as though there were no other person in the universe. He yearns to guide us but He will not force us to let Him do so. He assures us, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” Ps 32:8 Think of it! We can be instructed by the Ominiscient One! We have the privilege of sitting at His Feet as did Mary and listen to the lesson that He has for us each day through a study of His Holy Word. (Luke 10:38-42)
May we listen to God’s Guiding Voice. May we “study to show [ourselves] approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the Word of Truth.” 2 Tim 2:15 May we daily hide His Word in our heart that all that we do, all that we think, all that we say may be pleasing in His sight.
Rose