2 Timothy 3:16-17New Living Translation (NLT)
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
You probably have several textbooks laying around your home, whether your kids go to public school, Christian school, or homeschool. But they're not doing much to help you or your child if they're just lying around gathering dust. You don't even know what it says unless you pick it up and read it. You have to study and then put it's principles into practice if you want to learn something well. How much more then should we pick up the BIBLE, study it, and put it into practice? The Bible is our instruction manual for life written by God Himself!
So, we can encourage our kids to read the Word....BUT if they never (or seldom) see you reading it, what does that really say to them? That it's not important! That it's not a priority! That we can live life without it! Making time to read, study, meditate on, memorize, and live by the Word of God is a choice!!! It's a lifestyle that our kids must see us modeling. Do NOT expect them to pick up their Bibles and read them if you aren't. It simply won't happen. Remember the old "actions speak louder than words." Yep, it's true.
I know that you want your children to be in the presence of God. Well, every time that you open your Bible to read it, you (and/or your kids) are stepping into the very presence of God! That is how He speaks to us. He desires to share His heart with you and your kids. But it's our responsibility to crack open His love letter. Every hour you spend studying the Bible is an hour of walking and talking with God.
Commit yourself to memorizing God's Word also - as a family. Let's not just ask the kids to memorize Scripture. Let's join in with them. Is it difficult? Sure thing! But things that are hard are the things that produce character in us. Store it away in your mind and heart, and His Word will:
1) Keep you from sin
Psalm 119:11New Living Translation (NLT)
11 I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
that I might not sin against you.
2) Protect you from false teaching
2 Timothy 3:13-15New Living Translation (NLT)
13 But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.
14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.
3) Fill your heart with joy and peace
Jeremiah 15:16New Living Translation (NLT)
16 When I discovered your words, I devoured them.
They are my joy and my heart’s delight,
for I bear your name,
O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies.
They are my joy and my heart’s delight,
for I bear your name,
O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies.
Psalm 85:8New Living Translation (NLT)
8 I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying,
for he speaks peace to his faithful people.
But let them not return to their foolish ways.
for he speaks peace to his faithful people.
But let them not return to their foolish ways.
4) Proved you power in prayer
John 15:7New Living Translation (NLT)
7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!
5) Prepare you to do good
2 Timothy 3:16-17New Living Translation (NLT)
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
Excerpts from
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