S)"9 Only give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons."
Deuteronomy 4:9 (NASB)
O) There is an interesting thing that goes on with this verse. In the beginning of it, it's very clear that the responsibility of faithfulness to God is on the individual. Remind yourself of the things which God has done for you, and you're not going to depart from Him, ever. But the end of the verse still says to make them known to the progeny. While it's clear that every person must make their own decisions, including our children as they grow into adulthood (according to God's definition, not our own or society's), we still need to put our children in the best possible place to make the right choice.
A) Admittedly, I haven't been telling Bible stories as much as I used to... some of that is because Ella has become such an avid and independent reader herself, and she was the one who requested Bible stories the most. Honestly, though, and to my chagrin, I don't particularly like telling stories, even about my God - who has done such amazing things. As important as it is to relate Bible stories to my children, it's exceedingly important that I am also telling them my own stories about what God has done for me and for our family. As impressive as the Bible is, there's still a distant feel to it. Sharing personal testimonies is the best way for me to help my children realize that Jesus is alive and that there is a very real, very impacting relationship with Him, and with the Father and the Holy Spirit, as well.
P) Father, Your goodness to me is never ending and it cannot be contained! Forgive me for my lack of excitement in sharing these two facts! I want to be excited at every opportunity to share my testimony! It seems utterly ridiculous to me to be excited at sharing my testimony with complete strangers, and then have it feel like a chore to share the same experiences with my own children. Holy Spirit, help me correct this. I know I have an enemy in this fight, so highlight to me all of the areas that need defending. Let me pray about this persistently, throughout my days, that my children will see You for the miraculous, living, active, caring, compassionate, intervening God that You truly are! In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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