Raising Godly Children

Family dedicated to God through worship

Family dedicated to God through worship Rev 4:11

Worship means to honour something above everything else.

(Explain further to the children that anyone or anything can become an object of worship, taking the place of God, if we think of it as being the most important thing at any given time)

Activity 1: Ask each family member to make a list of important people/important things in your life. Then draw a circle around the most important people/person or things.

Discussion 1: Have a discussion about whether it is possible to think of God as most important every moment since we have to go to school or work and focus on other activities.

At this point, explain to the children that firstly, worship is not just a physical exercise, our heavenly father wants us to worship in Spirit and in truth Jn 4:24.

Secondly, even our day to day activities can bring honour to God if we do excellently and our work is praised by others. For example, if you do well in a subject or sports and you get a prize, the people around you think they are praising you, but as a worshipper who knows that God must be honoured above everything else always, you should return the praise to God in your Spirit. This can be done on the spot as we can talk to God everywhere.

In addition, even when we do not get a sticker reward or prize, as long as we do our daily activities (school/work, play, eating, caring for others etc) as unto the Lord, we are bringing honour to our God Col 3:23. This is an act of worship to Him Rev 4:11

How should we worship? Jn 4:24

Activity 2: Ask your children to mention ways of worshipping (take note of whether they mention what you just discussed)

Their list is likely to include: singing, playing instruments, dancing.

Emphasize what you just learnt that worship is not limited to the list above. It includes any act that brings glory to God.

Activity 3: Make a plan of how to teach your children to sing, dance, encourage them to play instruments especially if you have noticed they are gifted in this area.

Suggestions:

Karaoke

Create a play list for family dance

Plan to learn some choruses, hymns and psalms together as a family

Plan a summer worship concert. You can invite friends, if possible.

Benefits of worship

We are created to worship God rather than worship God because we want to get Him to meet our needs. However, worship is immensely beneficial to us.

Worship attracts God’s divine presence and if we worship permanently, then we become carriers of God’s presence all the time.
In God’s presence we find rest, joy and pleasures Ps 16:11

*We need to intentionally teach this generation to reference God in worship; to worship in Spirit and in truth, not just by lip movement or listening to a song absent mindedly.

Reflection:

Why do I have to worship God always?

How does God want us to worship him?

How many songs or hymns can I sing in a row?

Family circle: Pray that God will baptize you afresh with the Spirit of worship.

ARROWS AND ARCHERS (Part 2)

You are welcome to another family bible time. This is a continuation of the last topic arrows and archers. The aim of this post is to examine challenges against arrows and how to overcome them using bible characters.

It is important that the first part of this study be done before this. Click here

Activity 1– do a quick recap of part 1 of this series, ask the children what is required of them as arrows.

Many stories from the bible reflects how the devil uses all sort of means to oppose and corrupt whatever God intends John 10:10-11. He started with Adam and Eve (Gen 3:1-7), continued all through old testament into the New testament tempting our Master Jesus Christ in order to derail him Matt 4:1-11.

The devil has not stopped, he continues to throw challenges to attack God’s intentions, and this includes the purposeful arrows that God has given us Ps 34:19. The bible advised that we should not be ignorant of the vices of the devil, so we will look at some stories in the bible. We will identify the challenges thrown at some arrows fashioned by God and learn to avoid falling prey 2^nd Cor 2:11.

Joseph the 11^thson of Jacob was indeed an arrow, purposed by God for greater things, but the devil did not spare him Gen 49:22-23. His challenges include:

Household challenges: Joseph was obviously his father’s favourite and this was not hidden, this became a tool in devil’s hand, and it created strife among his brethren- favoritism and sibling rivalry. Gen 37:3

Activity 2: if you have more than a child, find out if any of them feel that they are not the favourite, explore reasons why and attempt to set things straight. Also ask the children if they have favourite amongst the parents—attempt to make them understand that any act of love is coming from both parents and one should not be favoured above the other. Make necessary amendments.

Isolation: Joseph was sold into a strange land Gen 37:28. One of the devil’s tool is to isolate and tempt (similar with Jesus, David, Eve)
Temptation: Temptation comes in various forms, and what is a temptation to one child might not be a problem to another. In Joseph’s case, he was tempted by Potiphar’s wife to engage in immorality Gen 39: 7-10. Arrange one to one time with each of your children and identify their struggles/weakness and offer support. It may be a habit or a behavior.
Unjust treatment: Joseph went to prison for wrong accusation, this was an attempt by the devil to discourage him Gen 39:20. The bible records the possibility of this happening and how believers should respond James 1:2-4.

Activity 3: Discuss similar real life situations when you experienced challenges and how God helped you. Explore similar situations in the lives of the children, if applicable.

For instance, children can feel isolated when all their class mates are having a discussion about something ungodly and they choose not to join others. Parents should praise and encourage them to keep doing what is right.

Further reading: Read through the life of David from when he was first mentioned in the bible till when he was anointed king (or any other bible character) and identify similar challenges under the headings mentioned above.

How to live in continuous victory over battles against arrows:

Maintain your role as partners with God. You are a partner, not the owner. Always ask God for further instructions to guide the arrows in your care, keep them sharp and focused. Refer to previous post for scriptural examples.
Support your child to establish a growing relationship with God through worship, bible study and effective communication with God (prayer). Refer to helpful resources from previous posts.

Reflection:

Do you know your role as an arrow?

Do you understand that there is a battle against all arrows?

Do you know what steps to take to win the battle against arrows and remain a conqueror?

Family circle: Take turns to pray for each arrow asking God to help them overcome any challenges that have been identified.

ARROWS AND ARCHERS

Behold, children are a heritage and gift from the Lord , The fruit of the womb a reward. ‘Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. ‘How blessed [happy and fortunate] is the man whose quiver is filled with them; They will not be ashamed When they speak with their enemies [in gatherings] at the [city] gate.’ Psalm 127:3-5 (Amp)

This passage is mostly used when talking about children, but the complete passage talked about the arrows (children) as well as the warrior/ archer (Parents). We cannot talk about an arrow without a bow and better still without an archer, because an arrow is useless without the other two.

Activity 1: pray for someone you know that is waiting on God for the fruit of the womb, that they will receive this gift speedily in Jesus name. Exo 23:26

The usefulness of an arrow is in hitting a desired target, this cannot be effectively achieved without a skillful archer, this is synonymous to giving a tennis ball to a golfer. No matter how sharp an arrow is, it’s potential will always be limited by the skill of the person shooting it.

Going back to our bible passage, the bible described children as gifts from God, they are put in our custody by their maker, to care for, tend and groom, every child needs to understand that they are from God, but in the custody of parents. These arrows are created for specific targets, and they come with specific instructions from their manufacturer Jer 1:5. God’s plan for these arrows are good and not evil, the target is always something great, that gives glory to God and advances His kingdom Jer 29:11

God expects that the archer in custody of these arrows develop the required skills to direct the arrow to the God ordained target, so we cannot ignore that part of the warrior in our bible passage. Psalm 127:5

Children are the arrows, they need to be kept sharp so that when they hit the target, they are able to cause desired effect Prov 22:6. They also need to remain in the direction of the target in order to fulfil purpose Prov 22:6, 2Tim 3:15. The world we live in makes dusts that blunts arrows and will attempt to keep them blunt. Also, winds will blow in attempt to change their course away from target.

Parents are the warrior, we need to know the instruction that comes with the arrows entrusted into our care and then develop necessary skills to be able to direct them to their target. For instance, Mary was given specific instructions about the baby she was to conceive, same for Samson’s parents who were given specific instructions about their unborn child. Luke 1:30-33, Judges 13:3-5.

Activity 2: What do we do as arrows and archers to ensure these things? Discuss using the bible characters below.

Examples are used to communicate principles, let us see scriptural examples that reflects arrows (child/children) with specific targets and warrior (parents) that ensured they fulfilled this purpose or did contrary:

Samuel. 1Sam 1:10 . 1Sam 1:22-24. 1Sam 3:19-21.
Timothy. 2Tim1:5
Jesus Christ. Luke 1:30-33, Luke 2:41-43
Samson. Judges 13:3-5

Benefits of sharp arrow in the hands of skillful archer Psalm 127:5

Joy to God and the archer (Parent)
Glory to God
Fulfilment of God ordained purpose

Reflection:

Do you understand the role of parents as archers?

Do you understand the role of children as arrows?

What must you do to keep the arrows sharp and win the battle against raising Godly children?

Family circle:

Pray for wisdom and the right strategy to target your arrows.

Pray for each arrow you have been blessed with asking God to keep them sharp and useful for His glory.

GATES AND WALLS

Case study: Renovation of the broken walls of Jerusalem led by Nehemiah. Neh 3:1-3&31-32; 4:6

Ancient cities were often fenced round with walls and gates, we know of Jerusalem, Jericho and others (Isa 62:6. Josh 6:20). After Jerusalem was attacked and the inhabitants were taken captive, the city was ravaged, her walls broken down and her gates burnt with fire. The news of these atrocities made Nehemiah unhappy and by divine favour, he got permission from the king of Babylon to embark on a renovation project (Neh1:1-3. Neh2:5-6).

Scriptures then recounts how the wall and gates were built in record time because every household decided to build the wall in front of their house as well as the gates they are responsible for (Neh3:1-3 & 31-32. Neh4:6).

Let us take some time to talk about the usefulness/importance of walls and gates in a building:

Boundary
Protection/ Security
Control

In our world today, there are so many unsolicited and subtle vices from media, workplace, school, magazines, games easily creeping into homes, diluting our spiritual values and consecrations, breaking down the spiritual walls and burning down the gates of our family altars that are supposed to keep us unspotted from the world (Psalm82:5, Gal5:19-21). Therefore, it is important that we deliberately ensure the stability of our walls and keep our gates secured James1:27, Rom12:2, Prov 4:23. In order to keep our hearts and our homes from the influence of this corrupt world, we need to ensure spiritual walls and gates are put in place.

This does not happen by chance, it is a deliberate effort to ensure that the we are influencing the world spiritually whilst avoiding the corruption in the world. We should ensure that things don’t just happen spontaneously in our heart or homes without it being checked.

For instance, what music do we listen to?, what movies or TV programmes do we watch?, what video games do we play?, what books do we read?, what relationship do we keep? What habit do we encourage or condemn?

Do you need to put boundaries in place to disallow jealousy, selfishness and other loveless characters? For instance, when a platter of food is placed on the family table, discourage the habit of someone eating a lot without considering others.

Parents we need to know that our children observe a lot from us, and we should ensure that the things we advise them to do corresponds with the things they see us do.

It takes deliberate effort, no one builds a wall by chance or by mistake, it takes deliberate effort and planning. If we don’t put these checks in place, the devil can easily sow tares in the home while men are asleep. Matt13:24-26

Back to our story, everyone repaired the wall and the gate allocated to them and Jerusalem was fortified again in record time.

Activity 1: Discuss as a family areas that you think needs boundary, security and control in order to prevent corruption from the world. (If we don’t take action, any cracks will eventually lead to a wide gap and subsequent collapse of the wall).

Activity 2: Discuss steps that should be taken to ensure walls and gates in the identified areas without judging anyone.

The walls of Jerusalem was built in record time even in the midst of opposition because every family took responsibility for the wall and gate next to them and at the same time kept watch against intruders Neh4:7-9, 13, 16-17. If every Christian home does the same, taking conscious effort to influence people around them with the gospel (build), whilst keeping themselves unspotted from the worldly influence (armed watch) then the world can be effectively influenced to a great extent for the kingdom of our God.

But remember, it starts with fixing your wall and gate.

Reflection:

Have you identified the vices that are causing cracks in the walls of your home?

Have you identified gates that are wide open allowing anything and everything the world has to offer into your home?

What will happen if you don’t take action?

Family circle:

Take turns to pray for one another based on the areas that you have identified e.g pray against the spirit of quarrelling, impatience, unkindness, wrong choices, laziness etc.

# take responsibility!

Who is your helper?

The helper is the Holy Spirit promised by Jesus for he said he will not leave us as orphans.

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another [a]Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans [comfortless, desolate, bereaved, forlorn, helpless]; I will come [back] to you. Jn 14:16-18 (Amp version)

But the [a]Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you. 27 Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.] Jn 14:26-27 (Amp version)

The first step before receiving the Holy Spirit is to accept Jesus as your saviour.
Have you done so?
Have your children done so?
You can say this prayer:
Lord Jesus, I believe you died for my sins to save me and give me everlasting life. I accept you as my saviour, come into my live today and abide with me forever. Amen

You can request for a free e-book to titled ‘I AM SAVED, WHAT NEXT’ to explain salvation and the role of the Holy Spirit to your children.

The Holy Spirit dwells in all believers (those who have accepted Jesus as Saviour) and never leaves us Eph 4:30
Who do you turn to for help?
Do you always remember that the Holy Spirit is your helper before you turn to anyone else for help.
Activity 1: Ask members of your family to list some sources of help they go to (e.g google, peers, colleagues)
It is not wrong to ask people or systems for help, but whenever you need help, the Holy Spirit should come to your mind FIRST before anyone or anything else. Make it a habit to call on God, a PRESENT help in any situation. Ps 46:1

Activity 2:
Can each member of your family try to remember an instance when you experienced God’s present help OR a time when you failed to turn to God first until you were disappointed by the alternative source you turned to.
Sharing our experiences will help you think about God’s faithfulness in the past and fuel your faith and trust in God.
This post-resurrection season, think about the promise of Jesus and how you can strengthen your relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Reflection:
Do you know the ministry of the Holy Spirit and how to engage the Holy Spirit?
Do you know how to develop intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit?
Do you know about the power of the Holy Spirit?

Please refer to previous notes on the Holy Spirit Parts 1, 2 and 3

Family circle:
Take turns to pray for one another that your relationship with the Holy Spirit will be more intimate and you will encounter the help and the presence of the Holy Spirit always.

God bless you.

LOVE IN THE FAMILY

The ideal family set up is that of a Father, Mother and the children, all under the coverage of God almighty and biblical principles. ‘And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord , choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD .”’ Joshua 24:15

It is not news that there are lots of deviation from this ideal family set up, all in the name of civilization. In the beginning it was not so.

‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.’ Gen2:24

‘And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;’ Rom1:28

Activity 1

Discuss various family settings that exist in our world today. Depending on how matured your children are, mention family settings that do not follow the biblical pattern. The aim of this activity is to establish God’s position regarding marital union as exemplified in Adam and Eve.

One of the most important virtue a family must have is LOVE. Without love, it is practically impossible for a family to exist and fulfill the purpose of God. Love originates from God, and God expects us to manifest love starting from the home and spreading out to the world around us.

God’s kind of love is not just a feeling, it is an action, it is something you are deliberate about.

‘Little children (believers, dear ones), let us not love [merely in theory] with word or with tongue [giving lip service to compassion], but in action and in truth [in practice and in sincerity, because practical acts of love are more than words]. ‘1John3:18Amp

Activity 2

How should I show love to members of my family?

Love has many channels of expression, and the major aim of today’s bible time is to understand the different expressions of love expected biblically from every member of your family, and endeavor to deliberately express them. As we look into these, you will understand how dad, mum, husband, wife or children uniquely express or should express God kind of love.

GOD

God is love. He shows His love in diverse ways. ‘He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. ‘ I John 4:8

HUSBANDS/FATHERS

Husbands, love your wives [seek the highest good for her and surround her with a caring, unselfish love], just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify the church, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word [of God], so that [in turn] He might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy [set apart for God] and blameless. Even so husbands should and are morally obligated to love their own wives as [being in a sense] their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own body, but [instead] he nourishes and protects and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, Eph5:25-29 Amp

‘However, each man among you [without exception] is to love his wife as his very own self [with behavior worthy of respect and esteem, always seeking the best for her with an attitude of lovingkindness], Ephesians 5:33aAmp

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to the point of resentment with demands that are trivial or unreasonable or humiliating or abusive; nor by showing favoritism or indifference to any of them], but bring them up [tenderly, with lovingkindness] in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4Amp

‘For those whom the Lord loves He corrects, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights. Proverbs 3:12Amp

We can see that God expects more from husbands and fathers regarding the practicality of love in the family, the scriptures above can be summarized in the following words: Sacrifice, Protection, Guidance/correction, Provision, Affection. These are the ways men are admonished to communicate love in the family.

WIVES/MOTHERS

…and the wife [must see to it] that she respects and delights in her husband [that she notices him and prefers him and treats him with loving concern, treasuring him, honoring him, and holding him dear]. Ephesians 5:33b Amp

The heart of her husband trusts in her [with secure confidence], And he will have no lack of gain. She comforts, encourages, and does him only good and not evil All the days of her life. Proverbs 31:11-12

She looks well to how things go in her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) Prov31:27-28a

Women are natural lovers, tenderhearted and affectionate, it is easy for the demonstration of their love to be easily noticed. Their demonstration of love can be summarized as: Respect, Nurturing and Help.

CHILDREN

Children, obey your parents in the Lord [that is, accept their guidance and discipline as His representatives], for this is right [for obedience teaches wisdom and self-discipline]. Honor [esteem, value as precious] your father and your mother [and be respectful to them]—this is the first commandment with a promise… Eph6:1-2 Amp

And this is love: that we walk in accordance with His commandments and are guided continually by His precepts. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should [always] walk in love. 2John1:6 Amp

Children, you also have a part to play in establishing love in the family. You are to ensure that you appreciate the love received from your parents by reciprocating the act of love. The bible encourages us to do this by obeying and honoring our parents.

If we all play our part in showing love in the family, then others will see God in us and they will be attracted to us, and we can easily direct them to the God Himself through the love of Christ.

Reflection:

-Do I recognize and appreciate the love expressed by other members of my family?

-Am I playing my part?

-What are the areas I need to improve on?

Take turns to highlight areas that need improvement in a loving manner, not judging anyone.

Family circle: Father, we thank you for your word and for helping us to see what we need to do to express love as commanded by God, starting from our home. Help us to work on the areas that need improvement in our family.

#Love

#me and my family

YOUR INHERITANCE IN GOD

Text: Ex 23:20-33

Do you know why you are in your current location?

Do you remember where you are coming from?

Have you explained to your children how God brought you to your current status?

This post is about the promise of God to us and our role to ensure our establishment in the land that God gives us.

What has God promised you?

The text above explains God’s promises to the Israelites. We are heirs, sharing God’s inheritance through Christ (Eph 3:6). We are meant to possess the land allocated to us for an inheritance and transfer it to our children and their generations. This is a general promise to all believers, however, there are specific promises to you as a family.

Activity 1: Can you take a moment to think about what these promises might be. Where is your sphere of influence? For instance, are you being prepared by God to dominate and have influence in the sphere of education, politics, agriculture etc. (Adults should do this ahead of the family bible time).

Family discussion: Based on your answers to the questions above, have a discussion about your family inheritance. Explain to your children what God has brought you through in preparation for where he is taking you as a family. For instance, if you have relocated to another country, talk about how the relocation plan unfolded in phases. Testify about the faithfulness and goodness of God you have experienced. Recounting God’s goodness over and over again strengthens your belief as an individual and as a family. Note that the Israelites could not enter God’s rest because of their unbelief.

Ask your children to read the following verses: Heb 3:19, Rom 11:20, Rev 21:7-8

Like the Israelites, you are meant to share with your children the almighty acts of God that you have been experiencing in your journey to the promised land (the ultimate promised land being heaven).

You should also emphasize the instructions given to you by God, so that your children learn to observe them as well and pass it on to their children. Ex 23:24-25; 32-33.

Obedience is key to possessing your inheritance and sustaining your possession of the land the lord gives you.

Activity 2: What does ‘serving their gods’ refer to in this present times? What gods are the people of the world around you serving. Ask your children to mention some they have discovered and discuss why you and your family cannot bow to those gods. (Note: a god is anything that takes the place of God in your life) Ex 20:3-6

Some examples: Job; hobbies e.g games, sport, web surfing; networking.

Ask each family member to examine themselves to see if there’s any thing that has obviously or subtly taken over the place of God in your life. What can you do from now to correct this error?

Family circle: Pray intensely that God will help you as a family to obey his instructions and establish your generation in the land of your inheritance.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS JOURNEY

Setting the scene: 1King 19:9-10, 13-14

There was a time in the life of the revered prophet Elijah, immediately after the mighty feat he pulled in front of the prophets of baal, calling down fire from heaven. He got threatened by queen Jezebel and immediately fled for his life, when God asked him what he was doing in 1King19:9, part of his response was “…I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” vs10

His response did not answer the question, but revealed the utmost worry in his mind “I have been very zealous for the Lord God…I alone am left”

Do you sometimes feel this way at work, school, amongst your colleagues and classmates or people around you?

Does it appear that the temptations to fit into the ungodliness or lukewarmness that is around you is louder than the zealousness for God?

Does it look like you seem to be the only one that values living for God and reflecting the lifestyle of His Kingdom?

Do they call you names because you wouldn’t do the ungodly things everyone else is doing?

This must have been what Elijah felt, alone, no like minds, out of vogue, out of place, missing out on the fun and popular trends, he literally said “I alone am left”

Activity1– Discuss within the family, situations that have made you feel this way

Can we look at people from scriptures who have been in similar situation

Joseph, Daniel and his friends, …

Activity2– add to this list and discuss more

What is God’s view about standing alone, when necessary?

Exo 23:2; 2Cor 6:17; James 1:27c

God’s Response to Elijah:

1) Divine strength 1King19:5-8

2) Divine experiences 1King19:11-12

3) Intentional Godly interactions

Our focus today is the last point, if you read the whole chapter of 1Kings 19, God attempted to lift up Elijah’s spirit by graciously allowing him to experience the first two points, but they seem not to help him at all, he remained either in the cave 1Kings19:9 or at the entrance of the cave 1Kings19:13 when God wanted him to go to stand on the mountain 1Kings19:11.

God expects you to go proclaim it on the mountain top that you belong to Him, instead of trying to fit in. He wants you to stand for Him even if it means standing alone, you don’t have to try to be like the unbelievers.

The power of knowing that there are lots of people out there like himself helped Elijah to get back in focus and do what God wanted him to do, he suddenly realized there were people like Hazael, Elisha, Jehu, and another seven thousand people who are like himself. 1Kings19:15-16,18.

Reflection: Friends, you are not alone in the Christian journey, there are families that are like yours, that prays daily, that study their bible, that boldly identifies with Jesus. In fact, there are some having their family bible time right now just like you, don’t feel you are alone like Elijah in the cave. Get on the mountain like Elijah and you will meet Hazael, Jehu, Elijah and the seven thousand. Stand your ground for God like Daniel, and you will see Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego standing with you.

Activity3– Discuss people you know that uphold similar Godly standard like yours and how you can utilize relationship with them to strengthen your devotion to God.

Family circle:

Pray that you will identify God’s attempt to help when you feel like Elijah

Pray that God will lead you to other like-minds in your Christian journey.

Finishing strong

“I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.” Psalm 16:8

All glory to God for the journey of another year. God bless you dads & mums for all you do to nurture the children in your care physically and spiritually.

As we round off the year 2023, please set aside some quality time to review your goals for the year as individuals and family. Do not camp around little success, instead give God thanks and move on to greater heights.

Areas of focus for review:

Spiritual life: personal quiet time, journaling, development of talents Ps 63:1, Matt 25:14-30

Academics: consistent home learning, time management Pr 22:29

Health: healthy diet, exercise 1 Cor 6:19-20

Finance: tithing, offering, wise spending Mal 3:10, Matt 6:19-21

Relationships: family, friends Pr 17:17, Pr 17:22

Please support your children (as appropriate for their age) to go through the areas listed above, taking note of what they did well and what they need to improve on in the coming year.

RGC has offered support through one on one chat, helping children to set spiritual goals and review them during follow-up chats.

If you haven’t done such goal setting/appraisal in previous years and you would like to be supported by the RGC team to do so this year, please reply to this message.

Action points:

-Count your blessings. Make a gratitude list with your children and give God thanks intentionally from your heart.

-Do a honest appraisal of your goals for 2023

-Plan for a more glorious 2024

Goal setting sample

Spiritual	Academic	Finance	Health	Emotional/Relationships
-Read my bible and devotional daily -Write in my journal daily -Meditate on a verse every night and do what the word says -Practice the keyboard 10 mins daily	-Have a regular time for home learning -Read a book every week/learn new vocabularies	-Tithing -Offering -Share toys -Give to the needy e.g clothes	-Eat vegetables, fruits -Drink enough water -Exercise daily	-Show love to my parents-obey them -Show love to my siblings-be kind -Be kind to friends -Be joyful always

Appraisal sample

Spiritual goal
What did I do well?	I wrote in my bible journal using drawings and poems sometimes
Why did I do well?	I like drawing and writing poems
What is the next step?	Share the content of your journal with your family. Discuss what you learn from the bible.
What didn’t I do so well?	I read my bible occasionally and memorized a few verses
Why did I not do so well?	I didn’t have a fixed time for reading my bible
How can I improve?	Schedule a time of the day for reading/meditating on the word of God If you like songs, then try memorizing verses using songs. Do a review after one month to review progress

Repeat the above process for each goal you set previously.

For toddlers, it could be as simple as this;

Goal-say thank you Jesus when I wake-up daily

Nest step: what are you thanking God for e.g thank you Jesus for my food, for my daddy and mummy’s work etc.

Prayer circle: It may seems like a lot to do, but remember that the Holy spirit is our helper. You are not going through the journey on your own Jn 14:16. Pray asking for the help of the Holy Spirit to grow in your relationship with God

RGC team are available to support you with daily prayers, christian books, one to one chat/follow-up, useful tips/resources to help achieve your set goals. Contact us here.

Rocky foundation

Rocky foundation Matt7: 24-27

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

26“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

You are welcome to another family bible time, we are considering a very popular parable of Jesus Christ, and I urge us all to not assume we know this parable but to prayerfully take a close look at it again as a family.

Activity 1: Can each member of the family thoughtfully ask themselves these two questions:

How much of God’s word do I know?
How much of God’s word that I know do I really do?

We cannot overemphasize the importance of the Word of God in the life of a believer.

Activity 2: Can each member of the family take turns and talk about what the word of God means to them?

(Scripture guide for the leader- Matt4:4, Psalm119:105, Psalm119:97-98)

Our Text today describes two men (women, boys, girls, families), both of them built their houses but on different foundations

Activity 3: Ask a child in the family what a foundation is in a building (principles, platforms, anchor, support, rules)

Take note that both houses experienced the same unpleasant situations: rain, floods and winds, these are things that can happen to an individual or even a family to check how strong the individual or the family is, and to see how you will respond as an individual or as a family. They can be in form of challenges, temptations, unpleasant situations, delayed expectations, etc

Activity 4: An adult in the family can explain these (rain, flood, wind) in age appropriate way to the children so they can relate.

The outcome of these two houses are obvious from our text, and the reason for the difference is the foundation. In vs24 of our text, Jesus Christ likened a man who hears and does His sayings (words)to the wise man.

I am sure that from activity 1 most of us will answer that they know the word of God to a significant degree, this is good , well done, keep it up. However knowing the word alone does not guarantee a solid foundation. If you look at the first word of our text, it says “therefore”, whenever you see therefore as the beginning of a verse, please read the previous verses for better understanding.

In Matt7:21 Jesus mentioned that it is only those who does (not just know) the will of God that will enter the Kingdom of heaven, not even those who just preach, prophesied, cast out devils or even do miracles and don’t practice the word. Jesus referred to them as “you who practice lawlessness” Matt7:22-23. Lawlessness simply mean living without the law or disregarding the law. Law in this place refers to the word or the will of God.

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves James1:22

So going back to our text, building on a strong foundation that can withstand the rain and flood and wind simply means knowing the word of God and practicing the word of God that you know.

The house of the other man that built on a weak foundation could not stand the rain, flood and wind, Matt7:27 described the fall as a “great fall” because people had known him as someone who reads and knows the word and expected some stability in his life/home/family because they assumed he was practicing the word as well, but he wasn’t.

Reflection:

The devil is not afraid of head knowledge of the word of God/bible stories. It is having a relationship with God, knowing who you are in Christ and DOING the WORD that the devil fears.
Make up your mind today to apply the same effort you put in knowing the word to practicing it-obedience, giving, forgiveness, Godly relationships, submission, humility etc

Prayer circle:

Make a list of the things in the word of God that the children are struggling to do and prayerfully agree on plans to help them overcome these challenges
Adults should prayerfully work out a plan to start doing the things in the word that they have not been doing before.

Prayer: May the Holy Spirit (the helper) help us all to be doers of the word of God all the time in Jesus name. Amen.