Train up a child

Isn't it interesting that the scriptures tell us in Proverbs 22:6 to "Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents], Even when he is old he will not depart from it." The wisdom of Solomon doesn't say train up your child although it's understood. It says train up a child. We all come in contact with children throughout our day. There are children in the neighborhood, nieces, nephews and for me future grandchildren. Our friends have children, you might be a step parent. There are plenty of children we can influence. Think of the children who long for an encouraging word or an "atta" boy or girl. We can influence them with a letter, card or even a simple text message.

I would be remiss if I didn't share one of the most important things we can teach the children, teens or young adults in our sphere of influence; we should teach them to pray. One of the most important things, I told my children was, when you don't know how to pray, the most powerful prayer in the world is "Jesus Help Me." God wants His children to be blessed and succeed in life. Children in our lives need to know this truth. My boys are young men who are "adulting" more and more these days. Last year, Jeff worked for the first time on location at the Super Bowl. This 6'2" young man felt like a little fish in a big pond. He was stepping into areas professionally that were exciting and challenging. Something I told him resonated so much with him last year, that his beautiful bride Ashley asked me to share it recently with her close friend who was struggling with fear and worry.  I have shared this same message with Steven when he gets anxious about work or various situations.  I told both my sons "Remember who you are, you are a child of God, the son of the King of Kings! When you go to work tomorrow, remember you have the Lion of Judah on a leash. Imagine this huge Lion goes before you wherever you go. Nothing can harm you. You are blessed and highly favored and you have nothing to fear."... That will preach! 

We need to remember who we are too, who we belong to and share the same life changing truth with the kiddos in our lives.

I was talking to my mother about this month's message on teaching our children to pray.  She proudly showed me a note I wrote for her over 20+ years ago so she could pray the same prayer with my boys when they used to spend the night with her and my dad.  My parents gave me a great heritage of the importance of prayer and they continued it with their grandchildren. I've included a YouTube video on teaching your children to pray in this issue.  Here's another tip that I remember that might help you in the area of prayer.  Remember this acronym, A.C.T.S when praying start with Adoration: Give God praise and honor for who he is as Lord over all. Confession: Deal with sin or where you need the Holy Spirit's help in your life. Thanksgiving: Verbalize what you're grateful for in your life and in the world around you. Supplication: Pray for the needs of others and yourself. 

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