Bible study

It’s Time to Read

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

I remember a practice that my dad started in our household when I was a child. I don’t remember when he started it or when it ended it, but it ended after I left home. Every night before we went to bed, my dad would call all seven of us kids into the living room to read the Bible and pray together as a family. It didn’t matter what we were doing, we had to stop and go to the living room immediately. My dad sitting in his recliner would call out, “It’s time to read!” And we would all gather and spread ourselves throughout the large living room. Some of would sit on the couch and others would be sprawled on the floor. My dad would then pull out the worn old Bible story book and open it to the next story. Once he was finished reading, we would all kneel and pray. One night my dad would lead in prayer and the next night my mom would. After one of them prayed, we all would recite the Lord’s prayer together. And then it was bedtime.

It sometimes felt aggravating to stop what we were doing so we could have family devotions, but now it’s one of my favorite memories of my childhood.

There would be nights that my dad wasn’t home to read to us, so my mom would do it. On those nights, we got to choose one of the kid’s Bible story paperback books for her to read. These books were written more on a child’s level of understanding, and we loved those books. I hope one of my siblings has that book collection and read them to their children when they were young.

I’m not sure how many times my dad read through the Bible story book, but it must have been hundreds. Once he finished the last story, he would start at the beginning and read it all the way through again. And we never got tired of listening to those stories. They were still as interesting and precious to us each time they were read.

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 6:6-7

I recently read an article where the writer shared a similar story of her childhood that she’s started with her own family. At dinner time every night, everyone at the table would pray out loud. The article mentioned that her dad said that if you were old enough to talk, then you could pray. So everyone did. And I think that’s a really great practice for families. Being able to pray out loud in front of others is not for the weak. I mean. No one wants to be judged for the way they pray. But sometimes it’s a bit uncomfortable to pray in front of people who are only acquaintances and not close family members.

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

I wonder. How many Christian families today have instilled such practices in their homes? How many parents set aside a few minutes a day for family devotions and prayer time? Is it so unusual? I mean. If you’re a faithful follower of Christ, how do you train and disciple your own children? Do you expect their Sunday School teachers, children’s church leaders and your pastor to be the only godly examples for your children?

These practices that call for spiritual growth and enrichment in a family don’t have to be perfect. At times, they might be a bit messy, depending on the age of the kids. But it’s a necessary practice to establish early in a child’s life. It gives them the safety net of learning to express and practice their faith in front of those who won’t judge them for what they say or don’t say. Teach them how to pray. Be the example they need to feel comfortable praying for others and with others. Give your kids a list of topics to pray for. Teach them the Lord’s Prayer and what it means.

Read the Bible to your kids. Most parents read books to their kids while they’re very young, so why not throw in Bible stories or the Ten Commandments or the Sermon on the Mount or the miracles of Jesus? There are so many action stories in the Bible that peak curiosity and interest in a young child, as well as teaching them how to live out their faith in difficult circumstances. There’s the story of Creation. David and Goliath. Daniel in the lion’s den. And these are just a few examples.

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4

The Apostle Paul wrote to a young man who had traveled with him on missionary trips. Timothy had been raised by godly parents and a grandmother, all who taught him the Scriptures from a young age. Paul encouraged him to continue in his faith by remembering those biblical teachings, because Paul knew the truth of those sacred teachings would never grow old. They would be a stronghold in the life of one who would be persecuted and martyred for his faith. Those same Scriptures are what will be the glue that holds us together in our times of great trial. It’s never too early to start teaching your child the sanctity of Scripture and prayer.

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:14-15

Children in Church

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The children’s workers at our church got a break on Easter Sunday. All the children were in the adult service for the entire time. Usually, the children go to Children’s Church right before the message. But not this Sunday. And since it was Easter, there were many visitors. The sanctuary was packed. And with all the kids in attendance for the entire service, it was a bit chaotic. Usually the kids are really quiet and don’t get up and run in and out of the service. But this week was different. With the smaller kids mixed throughout the crowd, they just couldn’t sit still for that long. It’s understandable. Their attention span isn’t quite that developed yet. Everyone survived the service, but I’m sure the parents were happy to walk out the church doors that morning.

I see the elementary aged kids in the church service with their parents each week. They actually are well behaved. They’re not running in and out of the service. They’re not making noise. They stand and sing the songs. They participate in communion. They are learning the art of worship. And yet they run out the double doors of the sanctuary like it’s nobody’s business when it’s time for Children’s Church.

Oh. I have to say that for the Easter service, the children’s leaders made activity packets for each child. In those packets were activity sheets, crayons, candy and I think I saw cookies or crackers. There were items to keep the kids entertained, so they didn’t get too fidgety. And it worked. The activity packets were a hit for all ages.

When I was a kid, I had to sit in the adult service every Sunday. There was no children’s church. There were no activity packets. No one had cell phones or tablets. I remember the cheerios my mom would bring in her purse. But we had to sit still and listen. And we opened the hymnal and sang. We stood during the Scripture reading and bowed our heads during prayer. We participated in the service, but quietly. And we learned the art of worship.

One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left. Matthew 19:13-15

I volunteer with the Awana program at our church. I hadn’t worked with church kids for many years, and I find I’m enjoying them. Sure. There’s always at least one who is rowdier than the others. And there’s one who always wants to go first. There’s one who never wants to play the games. There’s one who never wants to memorize Bible verses. There’s one who clings too tightly to his mom. And there’s one who has started to really talk to me. He asks questions. In a round about way, he almost invited me to his piano recital. I think I’ve fallen in love with these kids.

I’ve tried to build a relationship with the kids. I joke with them. I ask about their families. I correct them. They tell me when their birthday is. One boy told me that one of the girls in our group is his cousin. Some of them call me an old lady. One asked if I was married. We’re all looking for connection and acceptance. Even kids. And old people.

After the first week or two of the Awana season, I had convinced myself that I wouldn’t sign up to work with them the next year. I thought this would only be a one-year commitment. But now that I’ve survived a full year, I’m ready to sign up again. Sure. There are nights that I’m worn out when I get home. And just about every Wednesday morning, I’m questioning my decision to be involved. But I go anyway. And I find I’m glad that I did.

Oh. I ran into another volunteer who had started a countdown at the beginning of the year. How many weeks left? And now we’re down to the final week. I believe we’ve survived. I’ve somewhat convinced myself that I won’t be allowed to volunteer in the fall, but I know I’m just being silly. More volunteers are always needed. The more volunteers there are, the more children can be enrolled. And I’m not sure if any other church in our small town offers the program. We get many kids who attend other churches. And that’s ok.

Children are an important part of any church. Families are key to the growth of a church. And I’m proud to say that my church has plenty of children and expectant mothers. We just need more volunteers who are willing to spend a few hours working with the kids on their memory verses. We need volunteers willing to share the gospel with the little ones, so they can learn from an early age about the love of Jesus Christ. We need volunteers who will play silly games with the kids so they can learn godly sportsmanship.

Children in church are important, because yes, they are the church of tomorrow. If they don’t learn the value of Scripture, forgiveness and a biblical walk with Christ while they’re young, we’ve done them a huge disservice. Children’s programs aren’t just about having fun or eating pizza. It’s about teaching them Bible verses and Bible stories that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Children are tomorrow’s leaders not just in business or politics, but also in church and in the home. That means that while it is still today, those children need to be taught sound biblical truths when they are sitting in the church pews, in children’s church and in any other teaching opportunity at church. They need to be taught how to lead and how to follow. When to be silent and when to speak up. When to give and when to receive. When to serve and when to be served.

Will you volunteer to work with the children at your church?

Soldiers of Christ

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

I see them differently now.  I didn’t realize I was holding them to my standard.  Expecting them to be the same as me.  I was struggling with the realization that we’re all not the same.

I’ve been a Christian for many years.  I was taught the Bible from my earliest days.  I’ve always had the desire to be good.  I’ve always known of God and his power.  I’ve always known his love.

Some of them haven’t.

We all come from different walks of life.  Different family issues.  Different hurts.  Different life experiences.  Different regrets.  Different brokenness.  We each come from a different place in life.  Alike but different.

We sit together studying the Bible.  Wanting to learn.  Wanting to have a closer relationship with the God who created us.  With the one who loves us.  With the one who gave His Son’s life for us.  We want to be like Jesus.  That’s why we’re there.

We share our thoughts.  Our struggles.  Our learnings.  We laugh together.  We cry together.  We love together.  We pray together.  We realize God has brought us together when we most needed each other.  We are thankful.

We are sometimes silly together.  We eat pizza together.  We play games.   We learn fun things about each other.  We laugh.  We relax.  We’re friends.

Sometimes we learn sad things about each other.  Sometimes it’s hard things we learn.  Life hasn’t always been easy for us.   We all carry burdens.  We carry each other’s burdens.

We are all soldiers of Christ.  Fighting our battles in our daily lives.  Learning to be brave warriors of the cross.   We wear scars and battle wounds.  Some are seen.  Some are unseen.  Sometimes we struggle to keep the unseen scars hidden.  It feels safer that way.  No one knows.  No one sees.

But when a wound is exposed is when the healing begins.  It’s then that the soothing ointment of love and acceptance is spread over that seeping wound.  The hurts are shared.  The disappointments are relived.  The pain is rediscovered.  It is then that healing begins.  Scarred but healed.

It is a safe place.  A place where everyone cares.  And listens.  No one judges.  We don’t all agree on everything.  We don’t have to.  Our common bond is our need for a Savior.  Our strength is our faith in God.   Our joy is sharing the journey together.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.   And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.   ~Hebrews 10:23-25

We’re all walking the path to heaven.  Each view.  Each bend in the road looks different.  Each of us is at a different mile marker.  But we’re headed in the same direction.  Some will get to the destination sooner.  Others will take much longer.

My prayer is that no one gets off the path.  My hope is that each one continues to learn and grow as we study God’s word.  Heaven is real.  Eternity is forever.  I want to be with each of these women in heaven.  Sharing the rewards God has given to each of us for our faithfulness and commitment to him on this earth.

You see.  Our life on earth is our test.  For heaven.  It’s pass/fail only.  Sixty years.  Eighty years.  Maybe forty-five.  The number of years on this earth seems important now.  But really.  These years are just a blip on the big screen of eternity.  Because eternity is forever.  Forever.   Never ending.

When my time comes, I want to share heaven with these women.