Children: A Gift From God

Psalm 127; 1 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. 2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. 3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. 4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. 5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

CHILDREN ARE PARENTS RESPONSIBILITY

Deuteronomy 11:19 And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

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

Our duty as parents is to:

• teach them the word
• teach them Godly ways by living as an example
• direct their steps until they are adults (even when they do not want us to)

CHILDREN ARE THE CHURCH’S RESPONSIBILITY
Titus chapter 21 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: 2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

The church should:

• Teach new parents to be parents
• Help parents in stressful times
• Reinforce parents discipline

Raising children is one of the most important duties we are given by God. While performing this duty God allows us to grow in so many ways. Our faith is often tested during this time in life. How we deal with raising our children is a direct testimony of our faith and trust in God as our guide in parenting. He gives us the handbook. It is up to us to use it and study it.

As a pastor's wife it concerns me when people are careful to protect their children from people or things that are harmful yet not careful to protect the same children against evil spirits that are harmful. Children nor teens are strong enough to withstand evil spirits who are seeking whom they may devour.

As a young child I remember when a person was tormented by evil spirits my parents would make sure I was far from the person. In a service when demonic activity would manifest itself my Mom would gather us near her and begin to call out on the Name of Jesus. I am so thankful for Godly praying parents. None of the four of us children were ever perfect. One thing we knew growing up was we weren't allowed to be near people who demeaned the church, ministers, or MOST IMPORTANTLY people who were blantantly against God. Mom and Dad knew we couldn't be near 'fire' without being burned.

Unfortunately the liberal mindset of the world guides are thinking. Too often we tolerate the intolerable. Yes I am a HUGE advocate of showing CARE to everyone. I do so daily. I will continue to do so. However, children should not be exposed to certain things. Years ago our church begin to reach group of young people. Many of whom dabbled in demonic things. During this time Kent and I made many trips to the home of David and Linda Weldon. Until we knew exactly what we were dealing with my children were not permitted to go into that environment. Did it hurt my children? NO! Did it offend the Weldon's? NO! In fact to this very day David and Linda Weldon are like a second set of parents to my children. Redonia and Trent KNOW that whatever they may need if Mom and Dad aren't available they can ALWAYS call on the Weldons.

It is most important that we do everything to protect our children from the evil spirits of this world. Nothing is important enough to sacrifice our children's spiritual lives. If we truly believe in spiritual warfare then we MUST realize people don't have to say anything to undermind doctrine or more importantly Jesus Christ. Rather, evil spirits can do a spiritual work in the lives of our children if we subject or children and do not protect them from the spirits.

Parents, since children are our gift from God we must nurture them as God would have them nurtured. Even scripture mentions giving milk to a child and not meat. Some things children just can not handle! Parents, wake up your children deserve it!