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Discipling Our Children
As parents, one of the greatest responsibilities we have is to disciple our children. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says this:
"And
these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk
of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the
way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
This is a call to parents to disciple their children as they live their life.
It is not necessarily going through a curriculum with them, going
through a Bible workbook series, sending them to Awanas or to church
programs, etc. (although these things can be a reinforcement to what is
taught by the parents). This command is for "parents" to disciple their
children...to train them up in the Lord...as they go about their day.
It is a life of worship/discipleship that begins with the parents and
filters through to the children.
Yes, you heard me right . . . discipleship first starts with the parents.
This is a hard realization, but as parents we cannot effectively
disciple our children to Christ until we ourselves have been in the
"school of Christ" being discipled ourselves. It is only as we grow and
mature in the Lord that we as parents can impart this to our children.
It is so easy to try to take the short-cuts, as I mentioned above, and
not take personal responsibility for our own Spiritual walk. There have
been many times that I have caught myself trying to teach or train my
children in some Spiritual matter that I have not yet made a part of my
life. Do you see the hypocracy in that? Don't you think our children
see that? It HAS to start with us! It is God's plan for parents to be
discipled, so that they can in turn disciple their children to Christ,
so that they in turn can then be discipled and then disciple their
children . . . and on and on it goes . . . the raising of Godly seed.
This is what God intended and has set forth in His Word.
I
would like to share with you some resources that I have found that you
might find helpful in the discipling of your children. Again, these are
only to be a reinforcement to what is already happening in your home. Your children must see you LIVING the life of a disciple.
In the process you will gain their hearts, their respect, their honor,
and they will "want" to listen and follow you as you point them to
Christ.
This is an ongoing list that will be added to as time goes on and the Lord brings things across my path.
Now for the resources . . .
FaithBuilders
Questions For Catching Faith
eBook This
looks like a really neat way to start up family conversations about
those things that really matter! These are specifically made to be used
by families at home! They pull together 220 faith-based questions for
families to ask each other and discuss. The eBook also comes with a
download that you can print out on perferated cards so that you have
these questions on cards for easier use! Here are some quotes from the
FaithBuilders website explaining a little about this eBook: Why the Emphasis on Families? For one...its Gods idea not mine. (See Deuteronomy 6:4-9 for proof!) Secondly...Studies
conducted by SEARCH Institute indicate that moms and dads,
followed closely by extended family relationships, are the most
influential factors in whether strong faith develops in the lives of
kids. Youth groups and ministries are important, but families still
take the top spots. FaithBuilders
first purpose is to help moms, dads, kids, grandparents, aunts, uncles,
friends, and neighbors do ministry...do FAITH...right where they live,
eat, breathe, and sleep. Only $6.49
Instantly Downloadable eBook! Click here to go to the FaithBuilders site and learn more about this product.
Raise your 10- to 15-year-old "young ladies" to Be Radiant In
Godliness, Holiness, and Testimony! Sarah Mally's biblical curriculum
features 5 sets of 4 to 7 lessons each, covering topics such as purity,
mercy, evangelism, courtship, and honoring parents---plus 5
motivational CDs with testimonies from other "Bright Lights girls." 286
pages, 5" x 7" 3-ring notebook.
I
am currently going through this with my daughter. It has been really
good and it has challenged me in some areas! (As I said before, it does
really all start with us as the parents!) This comes HIGHLY
recommended! We read through the lesson every Monday and then spend the
rest of the week discussing the topics more and doing any assignments.
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I
am sharing this article on discipleship from my website. I have
started an "Articles & Helps" page where I will be covering various
topics regarding homeschooling, keeping the home, training/discipling
of children, making an income at home, recipes, and much more. If
you would like to keep updated on new articles/products you are welcome
to subscribe to our eNewsletter! I look forward to sharing more
with you as the Lord and time allows! God bless.
In Christ,
Sheri Graham
www.school4jesus.com
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