Bible Pathways 3/5/2001
March 5
Read Deuteronomy 11 -- 13
Moses repeated to the new generation what the Lord had said to their parents, reminding them of how important it is to diligently keep all these commandments which I (God) command you, to do them, to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, and to cleave to Him (Deuteronomy 11:22).
To perpetuate loyalty and love to God in future generations, the Word of God was to dominate every person's life. To accomplish this God said: You shall teach them your children (11:19). What we are in great measure is what our children will be. It is of utmost importance that we teach them to worship God and live to please Him in their tender years' while their young lives are impressible.
His will for our children should be our first concern every day as we teach our children to love the Lord. They should have no doubt that we also truly love the Lord. If the parents' hearts are dominated by the Word of God, it will overflow from our lips: When you sit in your house, . . . when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up (11:19). A Christian is a living epistle, known and read of all men (II Corinthians 3:2). His body is Gods house; his feet walk by Gods feet.
When you walk by the way, you are either taking a step of obedience, near to God or you are hardening your heart against His will.
God has said: You shall rejoice in all that you put your hand to, you and your households need to hear you say the Lord our God has blessed us (see Deuteronomy 12:7).
The ultimate goal of every Christian parent is to train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6).
A large part of what our children will be is dependent upon what they learn about our values in life. That is why it is so important that parents of young children devote their most determined efforts to molding and developing their rapidly developing minds and spirits. It is of utmost importance that parents guide even the youngest child to reverence God, to worship Him, to pray, and to recognize the Bible as the voice of God speaking to their hearts.
Influences outside the home often send very strong messages to our children that are far different from the values we desire them to live by. It becomes increasingly important for parents in this time of moral chaos to provide our children with a strong spiritual environment.
Each of us must ask ourselves: How much time have we spent with our children today? Have we shared our favorite Book, the Bible, with our child while he or she sat in our lap? Did we sing their favorite song or hymn? An important goal in the development of a child through the early years of three, four, and five is to give them a strong sense of self-worth. Children possess unlimited potential and they are important as representatives of God. It is so important for parents to show love to their children without reservation or question through their words and their actions. Also, let them know you are thankful for them and proud of them.
Children need to fear (attitude of deep respect) God and to know that He said: Honor your father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth (Ephesians 6:2-3).
Christ Revealed: Through the burnt offerings which were totally consumed. These typified Christ's total offering of Himself unto death (Deuteronomy 12:6; Heb. 10:5-7).
Word Studies: 11:14 first . . . latter rain means autumn . . . later spring rain; 11:21 fathers means ancestors; 11:24 uttermost sea means Mediterranean Sea; 11:30 champaign over against Gilgal means the flat open country opposite Gilgal; 12:15 gates means towns.
Government Officials: Rep. Tim Holden (PA), Gov. John Kitzhaber (OR), Rep. Todd Platts (PA), and Rep. Don Sherwood (PA) · BPM Staff: Rita Guerra · Pray for Bible Pathway Distributors · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast in memory of Dr. Hash's mother, Iva Ann McElroy · Country: Algeria (31 million) in North Africa · Major languages: Arabic and French · Authorities have virtually ended all open mission work · 99% Muslim; .5% Roman Catholic/Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Ask God for daily direction (Psalms 48:14).
Optional Reading: Luke 20
Memory Verse for the Week: Colossians 1:19
