ODB: A Firm Foundation
September 26, 2011 READ: Deuteronomy 6:1-9 These words which I command you . . . you shall teach them diligently to your children. —Deuteronomy 6:6-7 Before she was 2 years old, my granddaughter Katie did something that would make any grandpa proud: She began to recognize cars by make and year. This all started when [...]
ODB: Space Scouts
February 8, 2011
READ: Ephesians 6:1-4
You, fathers, . . . bring [your children] up in the training and admonition of the Lord. —Ephesians 6:4
Many of the first astronauts were once Boy Scouts. The scouts were good at capturing the imagination of young boys and instilling discipline to reach their goals—even if it meant reaching for the stars.
On July 20, 1969, the Boy Scouts were busy celebrating at a conference. During the gathering, the scouts were delighted to hear from former Eagle Scout Neil Armstrong, who sent them greetings from space. One of their own had grown up to realize a wonderful dream!
In some ways, the Christian home can be like a loving, spiritual scout camp. The Bible encourages parents to provide a positive growth environment for children in the home. Parents are exhorted to “bring [children] up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). “To bring up” refers to nourishing children by providing resources for their physical, mental, and spiritual needs. “Training” includes concern about all aspects of a child’s development. And “admonition” speaks of providing direction by well-chosen words uniquely suited to each child.
Let’s strive to make our home a place where loving discipline enables the children in our charge to reach their potential for God’s glory.
— Dennis Fisher
What you put into your children’s hearts today influences their character for tomorrow.
Source: Our Daily Bread
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Loading ...ODB: Looking and Learning
January 30, 2011
READ: Deut. 11:18-21
Train up a child in the way he should go. —Proverbs 22:6
As an umpire stood behind the plate at a girls’ softball game, he heard a player’s mother start chanting: “We want a new ump! We want a new ump!” Soon, other parents took up the chant. The ump smiled, then turned toward the crowd and yelled, “I want new parents! I want new parents!” The heckling died away.
It’s important for parents to set a good example, because their children are watching them. Christian parents can encourage good habits and behavior by doing things like:
• Praying for and with them—so they learn how to talk with God. “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it” (Col. 4:2).
• Reading and teaching them the Bible—so they learn God’s truth. “Teach [God’s commands] diligently to your children, . . . talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up” (Deut. 6:7).
• Telling them about Jesus—and leading them to faith in Him. “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).
The best way to set a good example for our children is to live out our faith in front of them. While they’re looking—they’re learning about what matters most.
— Cindy Hess Kasper
Children may not inherit their parents’ talent, but they will absorb their values.
Source: Our Daily Bread
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...ODB: A Child’s Potential
January 16, 2011
READ: Proverbs 22:1-6
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. —Proverbs 22:6
Louis Armstrong was well known for his smiling face, raspy voice, white handkerchief, and virtuoso trumpet playing. Yet his childhood was one of want and pain. He was abandoned by his father as an infant and sent to reform school when he was only 12. Surprisingly, this became a positive turning point.
Music professor Peter Davis regularly visited the school and provided musical training for the boys. Soon Louis excelled on the cornet and became the leader of the boys’ band. His life trajectory seemed to have been reset to become a world-famous trumpet player and entertainer.
Louis’ story can be an example for Christian parents. The proverb: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6) can apply to more than the spiritual and moral aspects of our children’s lives. We should also realize that a child’s giftedness will often determine his or her area of interest. In the case of Louis, a little training in music resulted in a virtuoso trumpet player.
As we lovingly provide to our children godly instruction from God’s Word, we should encourage them in their interests and giftedness so that they might become all that God has planned for them to be.
— Dennis Fisher
Save a child, save a life.
Source: Our Daily Bread
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...Lessons from Four Boys (Part 3)
By Eugene Seah, 23, Singapore Boy 3 and Boy 4 – Gopesh and Gopal At the same school where I met Treben was a pair of twin brothers, Gopesh and Gopal. When I was there, I could not quite tell them apart. About 9 months after the trip, I finally learned how to differentiate the [...]
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By Eugene Seah, 23, Singapore Boy 2 – Treben I first met Treben at a village school in the mountain district. However, it was only at the final leg of the Christmas caroling that I got to know Treben personally. Christmas caroling was a far cry from what it was at home as it involved [...]
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By Eugene Seah, 23, Singapore Boy 1 – Surak Surak was about 8 to 10 years old when I first met him. At that time, I was on a mission trip. The setting was at a Christmas celebration event. The local church had organized a Christmas outreach concert with songs and drama. It was held [...]
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODB: out of the mouth of babes
November 21, 2010
READ: Psalm 8:1-2
Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength. —Psalm 8:2
Psalm 8 begins with a startling contrast. David seems to suggest that while God has revealed His glory in the skies, another persuasive answer to His critics comes in the utterances of a child: “Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength, because of Your enemies, that You may silence the enemy and the avenger” (v.2).
Why is a child’s praise so persuasive? For one thing, it’s because, unlike the impersonal universe, a child can know and love God.
Jesus quoted Psalm 8:2 when religious leaders were scandalized that children were running around in the temple shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” (Matt. 21:15-16). These little ones knew—as those leaders did not know—that Jesus was the long-awaited Son of God.
Some of my most memorable moments as a parent came when I knelt beside our children’s beds at night, and they opened their hearts to God. The simplicity of their love and trust as they prayed touched me deeply, dispelled my doubts and fears, and drew me to faith.
We must never take lightly little ones who believe in Christ (Matt. 18:6,10). Their witness is great, as is the witness in the skies. —David Roper
Children are God’s precious jewels— help them shine for Christ.
Source: Our Daily Bread
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODB: starting young
August 23, 2010
READ: Proverbs 2
My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, . . . you will understand the fear of the Lord. —Proverbs 2:1,5
Addie was a bit worried. Before we all sat down for Sunday dinner, someone had started eating. That’s when our 3-year-old granddaughter said, “We haven’t prayed yet.” She was concerned that we might forget to give thanks.
Her concern was a good sign. It showed that at her young age, Addie was beginning to form one of those good habits that parents teach their children as part of their instructions for life. This little routine, for instance, helps her see the value of prayer and thanksgiving, which can be a powerful resource for her in the years ahead.
Raising children in an age of hostility toward the Christian faith is not easy. Parents wonder how best to help their little ones learn to trust the Savior and live to please Him. Proverbs indicates that a key to directing children is through purposeful instruction by parents (Prov. 1:8) on such things as listening to wisdom (2:2), seeking discernment (2:3), understanding the fear of the Lord (2:5), recalling parents’ teaching (3:1), and gaining insight (4:1). These become habitual when parents give instruction and when children “retain” those words of teaching (4:1-4).
Got kids or grandkids? It’s never too early to begin instructing them in wise living. —Dave Branon
The character of your children tomorrow depends on what you put into their hearts today.
Source: Our Daily Bread
(1 votes, average: 3.00 out of 5) Loading ...ODB: bring them to Jesus
May 24, 2010
READ: Luke 18:15-17
Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. —Mark 10:14
The Scripture reading from Luke 18 about children seemed unusual at the memorial service for David Holquist. After all, he was 77 when he died.
Yet the pastor said the verses fit David, a long-time college professor, perfectly. Part of his legacy was that he took time for children—his own and others’. He made balloon animals and puppets, and helped in a puppet ministry at church. When planning worship services with others, he frequently asked, “What about the children?” He was concerned about what would help the children—not just the adults—to worship God.
Luke 18 shows us the concern Jesus had for children. When people brought little ones to Him, the disciples wanted to protect Jesus, a busy man, from the bothersome children. But it seems that Jesus was not at all bothered by them. Just the opposite. The Bible says that Jesus was “greatly displeased” at the disciples, and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them” (v.16). Mark adds that Jesus took them in His arms and blessed them (10:14-16).
Let’s examine our own attitude about children and then follow the example of David Holquist. Find some ways to help them come to Jesus. —Anne Cetas
God has great concern for little children.
Source: Our Daily Bread
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