And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones? Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land. For the LORD your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were gone over: That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever. Joshua 4:21-24
In our Bible study on Thursdays, we’ve been talking about teaching our children what God is doing in our lives. It’s easy to talk to them about what God is doing in their lives: obedience, sharing, me-first. That about sums it up for our household lately! It’s a little harder to be open about our own spiritual lives. We don’t often talk about what God is teaching us, our questions about the Bible, or why we are changing a part of our lives. Sometimes we think we have to have the answers before we talk. Perhaps being open about something private is contrary to our culture or personality. Surely there are some things not appropriate to share with our children, but instead of focusing on what we shouldn’t share, why not think about what we can share?
In Psalm 78, Asaph tells us we should be telling our children the praises of God and his mighty works, his great power. I’ve been praying that God would work in my heart, but also that He would give me a opportunity to tell my children what He is doing. Here is how God is answering that prayer:
The other day, I was reading Proverbs 3 at breakfast, and chuckled. David wanted to know what was funny, and I read him the passage. I told him that mommy chuckled because King Solomon is right. Wisdom and God’s Word are better than anything we could wish for, better than rubies. I smiled because I was thinking how much I enjoy books. King Solomon tells me that wisdom is better than books, even good books. I needed the reminder, and that’s why I chuckled.
I can sing to them at breakfast, and they listen. This is what I sang this morning:
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul:
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart:
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever:
The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold:
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
from Psalm 19
How are you changing in response to God’s Word, this week?
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