RELATED VERSE: AND FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS

A Letter to Read/Use As A Guide With Your Children

Dear Children,Remember what your football pants looked like right after your game? They were filthy, weren’t they?! Now, let’s say, when I saw the damage that was done to your clothes, I decided to send you all to the garage instead of the laundry room, so you could “strip down” in there. I then told you (and myself), that I would deal with the muddy mess of clothes later. And then, what if your dear Mother, somehow, got distracted in the day (imagine that!) and forgot all about the big-time-muddy-mess in the garage? And finally, let’s say, the pile sat another day, and then another . . . . Children, answer this simple question for me: Would your pants in the pile be clean or dirty? Yes, you’re absolutely right, they would still be filthy! As a matter of fact, they would probably be dirtier than the day they were first put there. They would definitely have grown a powerful stench, and the mud would have had time to sit, and settle in.Sweet ones, my point here goes back, once again, to your heart. You, like I said before, have sin in your life now, and always will. Do not let this discourage you; because, remember, you also have the “Great Cleanser” of the heart, Jesus Christ, who continually washes you from this sin. However, it is your responsibility to bring your sin before Him. If you do not confess your sins, they will remain in your heart. And not only that, they will grow! Confess your sin, my children. Do not hide your wrong-doing “in a corner” or “under a rug”; it will be uncovered. And do not belittle your sin, casting it off as trivial or frivolous; it will grow. Finally, do not wait to confess your sin, so you can “enjoy” it just one last time; it will have time to fester and spread.Remember also, children, your sin affects more than just you. For example, say Bink was the first one to get all muddy in the football game. But then, he tackled Emmy. You can be sure some of the mud that was all over him spread to Emmy during his tackle (even if the tackle was done gently). Do you see what I’m saying? Take this truth to heart. Please, children, remove all the pride that might keep you from falling on your knees before a holy, yet forgiving God. Like I said, He’s waiting for you to ask. He is so faithful to forgive! So, my sweet ones, go boldly to the throne of grace, with a truly repentant heart and confess your sin to the One who can purify your soul. I can assure you, through God’s Word, if you confess your sin, you will receive His forgiveness. Then, in faith, you will walk away from His throne of grace, fresh and new, ready to serve Him once more.

I love you

Teaching Tools/Activities For Your Children

• Obtain a white board and erasable markers. Have your child scribble all over the white board to represent sin.
• Have your child ask you, “Will you please clean the white board for me?” Do so until all marker is erased.
• Explain to your child that just like he/she had to ask for the white board to be cleaned, he/she has to ask for Jesus to clean their heart; and Jesus will do this willingly.

A Prayer To Pray Over Your Children

Dear Heavenly Father,I pray my children would always come before You with a humbled heart, ready to acknowledge and confess their sin before Your holy presence. You are full of amazing grace! A broken and contrite heart, O God, Thou will not despise (Ps. 51:17).Please, dear Lord, I ask that You would keep my children from trying to “hide” their sin from their daddy and me, as their parents, or from You. Continue to enlighten us, and make us very aware of the intentions of their heart so their sin may be “nipped in the bud.” May this process of quick confession keep their sin from growing, spreading, and then collapsing all around them.Impress on their hearts, dear Lord, these two things: No matter what, their sin will be exposed. And also, no matter what, their sin will bring consequences, not only on themselves, but also on the lives of those they love the most. Convict them of these truths, O God. But at the same time, help them to remember that You, dear Jesus, never come to judge and condemn us to death; but rather to SAVE and provide for us a beautiful life, both now and forever!I do ask for the prompting of Your Spirit to always help them to think before they speak, and think before they act. And in a time of temptation, may they always call on You. Please remind them, dear Father, Your Son, Jesus, was also tempted by Satan, yet He prevailed! Also reveal to them that they can have His Holy Spirit to be their strength in time of weakness, so that they, too, can also prevail. God, if they have found themselves deep in the pit of a certain sin, please show them the “way of escape” that You offer every time!Then, dear Lord, give them the continual desire and ability to choose this way of freedom! May they yearn for the pleasure and joy found in Your eternal presence, rather than being satisfied with the fleeting pleasures and enjoyment found in this temporal world. I ask, dear Father, when they do confess their sin before You, they will then be awed by the beautiful growth that always comes when a weakness of the flesh is turned into a God-filled strength.Finally, I pray You would reveal to my children any sin in their heart that they may not even be aware of. May they take time to examine themselves as they read Your Word and pray to You. Bring to the surface any impurities that they need to confess to You, their “Great Cleanser.” Wash [them] with hyssop, and [they] shall be clean . . . (Ps. 51:7). I believe You can make them completely white, dear Father. Make them believe it, too. May they come humbly before You to ask for a purified soul.

Amen

Scripture references in letter:

Ps. 32:1-5; Pr. 16:18; James 5:16; I John 1:8-10, 2:1-2

Scripture references in prayer:

Pr. 28:13; Num. 32:23; Matt. 4:1-11; I Cor. 10:13; II Cor. 3:17; II Cor. 12:9-10; Ps. 139:23-24; Lam 3:40; Ps. 51:1-2, 7,10-13.

RELATED VERSE: AND FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS

A Letter to Read/Use As A Guide With Your Children

Dear Children,I’ve got another fun little story for you:The four of you children decided it was an excellent day to play some football in the back yard. Being football season, the football “bug” had bitten Bink, and his enthusiasm with the sport was quite catchy! Everybody excitedly “suited up” with any kind of gear that could be found around the house. The teams were chosen: the girls, the Fighting Iris, would play the boys, the Bumble Bees. This was a pretty fair match-up considering the sizes: the girls the biggest and smallest players, Maggie (9) and Emmy (3), while the boys had the two medium-sized players, Bink (7) and Davis (4).Now, the only rule by the referee, your Mother (who thought is best to watch the game from the kitchen window), was: if there were BIG tears, the game would be over that instant. So Bink, whose goal was to play football until the moon came out, made sure his tackles towards Emmy would be done with much gentleness and grace. However, towards Maggie, he would show no mercy!And what a grand day of play it was! The game consisted of lots of running, and tackling, and throwing, and screaming; and then, more running, and tackling, and throwing, and screaming. Bink used his toughness and knowledge of the game; Davis used his speed and agility; Maggie used her size and insight; and little Emmy’s display of “total body sacrifice” was phenomenal! Each player made at least one incredible touchdown, causing the game to come down to the very last second, and the very last play...Finally, the referee, who stepped out onto the porch, blew the whistle, and the game was over! (Now, because I’m your mother, who loves both the Fighting Iris and the Bumble Bees dearly, I’m not going to say anymore about the score. You can each use your imagination, and create your very own hero/heroine ending.)It was now time to shake hands and come in. And, in you all came! Each of you was red-faced, and your hair was wringing wet with sweat. The boy’s hair stood straight up on its ends, while the girls’ stuck to the back of their neck and on the sides of their cheeks. But more than your sweaty appearance, you were all delighted in the fact that your “football pants” were covered with mud stains. This, in your minds, was real- live proof that you each had played one awesome football game!The first thought in my mind was, “Yikes!”, followed by an “Ugh!”, and then, a sigh, “How in the world am I going to get all those terrible stains out?!” After taking a deep breath, and trying to change my focus from the mud-stained pants to the eager blue eyes standing before me, I proceeded to congratulate each of you for the great sportsmanlike conduct that was exhibited, and the “tough-as-nails” attitude that was displayed. I was so very proud to be the mother of such great football players! Then, I shuffled you all out, telling each of you to quickly strip down in the laundry room. Soon afterwards, I filled the washing machine with very hot water, used almost a full bottle of stain remover on the mud-covered clothes, and gave them all a heavy-duty washing. Guess what, kids? Your “uniforms are sparkly clean (with a few exceptions of soft gray stains at the knee). They’re ready for a re-match! Let game two begin. . . .Did you like this story? Now, listen to the simple yet profound meaning behind your football game. When you believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior, you become a beautiful child of the one true God. Rejoice in this promise! However, also know, without His grace, there is nothing good in your heart, or mine. As a matter of fact, when we listen to our flesh, we continually cover our heart in sin every single day! You know the deep muddy stains you got on your uniforms while you played? Well, when we sin, that’s what our heart looks like. Mud (sin) is caked all over it. However, sweet ones, remember there is HOPE! Just as I put your clothes through a great cleaning to get the stains out, we too have the “Great Cleanser,” our Jesus, to wash out the sins of our heart! Only by His blood, which was shed on the cross, can we be clean! And He wipes out all the stains (not leaving any dingy gray areas!) Again, realize Jesus is the source of all the good in our hearts! Do you know this truth? Do you want this truth? Let Him wash you, dear ones. He alone can make you clean and righteous before a pure and Holy God. May I, and much more importantly, may the God of all good, hear you sing with great joy and confidence the words to this beautiful song:“What can wash away my sin?Nothing but the blood of Jesus.What can make me whole again?Nothing but the blood of Jesus.Oh! Precious is the flow,That makes me white as snow.No other fount I know.Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”One thing to remember, children, you need to always ask Him to clean your mud-caked heart. Please know your salvation is forever secure when you confess Jesus as your Savior. However, the act of confessing your sin before Him is a daily habit, because we daily sin! He waits for you to ask for cleansing, and for healing. Go to Him, sweet ones, and become “whiter than snow.”I love you

Teaching Tools/Activities For Your Children

• Instruct your child to take a white sock outside and get it muddy. (Notice how quickly your child obeys this request!) Now, put it in a bowl of hot water and bleach, and scrub it clean. You may need to repeat this procedure depending on the muddiness of the sock.
• Compare the once muddy sock to the now white sock. Talk about how Jesus does this to our hearts through forgiveness.
• You may also illustrate “forgiveness” by allowing your children to cover their hands in finger paint. Then, have them rinse their hands off in a bowl of clean water. Watch the stains wash away!

A Prayer To Pray Over Your Children

Dear Heavenly Father,I pray my children will fully understand the concept of forgiveness. May they know it only comes through believing in the life, death, and resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ. He is the Savior that you have so graciously sent to all who believe! Thank You, O God, my Father! And thank You, O Jesus, my Friend! You became the unblemished, sacrificial Lamb who was led silently to be slaughtered----for me. You were pierced through for my transgressions, and crushed for my iniquities. You chose to take my scourging, and my death, so that I could be healed and FREE! I praise You for this “tragic,” yet beautiful truth.O God, open the eyes of my children’s hearts so they, too, will see this extreme and unconditional love that was poured into the divine sacrifice of your Son on the cross. Help them to realize their sin (not just the Romans and Jews of that day) caused the lashings on His back, the beatings of His body, and the crown of thorns on His head. Make them realize, they spit in His face, and drove the nails through His hands and feet. Finally, convict them of the fact, their sin in their life today made Him hang with outstretched arms two thousand years ago. And yet, dear Jesus, sweet Savior, while You hung there in death, You caused HOPE to prevail! Your love reached the ends of the earth, and Your forgiveness flowed with it. Again, thank You, O God, for this “tragic,” yet beautiful truth!O, dear Heavenly Father, I humbly pray, my children would not reject You by being satisfied with living in the pleasures of their sin. Instead, may they fully embrace the only One who can possibly make the mud- caked human heart as white as new fallen snow.May they desire You to graciously cleanse and purify their hearts, O Lord, setting them free from the bondage of sin as they live their life now. Also, I praise You that you have saved them from eternal separation from You in their death later; this being a tragic reality, which will fall on anyone who rejects You as the One true way to salvation. O God, I praise You again for the beautiful truth of eternal life that is imparted to all those who believe!

Amen

Scripture references in letter:

Ps. 14:2-3; Ps. 18:16-19; Acts 10:38-43; Rom. 5:8-11; Rom. 10:9; Acts 13:38-39; Is. 1:18

Scripture references in prayer:

Rom. 5:18-19; Is. 53:4-6; Matt. 26:63-68; James 4:8-10; John 3:34-36

RELATED VERSE: GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD

A Letter to Read/Use As A Guide With Your Children

Dear Children,This is a very important letter, so listen up. I want you to be sure to find your security in God alone, nothing else. The truth is, dear ones, security in anything else will never be found. Rest in Him; rest in His Word. Do not put your security in yourself. Do not put your security in things, tangible or intangible.Concerning self: Once again, I am speaking from experience. You see, children, most of my young life I have been dissatisfied with the way I look, and I still struggle with this today. You know the thick red burn scars you’ve seen all over my thighs? Well, they are the result of a traumatic accident, which happened when I was three years old. Hot grease covered the front of my small body, and the damage it caused is still evident today. I have to admit, I have never liked these scars. In fact, I’ve hated them with a passion a lot of the time. I remember praying at night when I was young (and even during my teenage years), asking God to miraculously take them away so that I would be “normal” in the morning. Because I was a swimmer, I was faced almost daily with the looks of disgust I would receive from others because of these scars. It was unbearable at times!But you know what, sweet ones? Because of my scars, I was stripped of any kind of security I could have put in myself. Instead, I was forced to run (by God’s wonderful plan) into His loving arms to find my strength and confidence. I remember praying each day before entering the pool deck at the University of Texas, where the men and women practiced at the same time. I would pray, “Okay, God, You’re gonna have to go out there with me. Here I go...” And then, I would open the door to the locker room and walk—with HIM. I know for certain I would not have prayed this prayer if these scars were not on my legs. As a matter of fact, I think I would have walked--- with pride, instead. So, do you see, children, although I hate the scars, I have learned to love what these burns brought about my life: A Great Security in God Alone. For where I am weak, through Him, I am strong!Sweet ones, God may have made you a certain way, physically, you don’t like; or He may cause things to happen (through His loving hand) that will be questionable in your eyes. I want you to know, first of all, never question your Maker. The “flaw” you see in yourself, may be the one lure which pulls you towards Him. Also, remember, He desires your whole heart, not just a part of it. And if you are His child, He has promised to cause all things to work together for good, even this “flaw.” So be secure in Him and the way He has made you.Now concerning things: Children, be careful where you stand. There is only one solid Rock, and His Name is Jesus Christ. Everything else (money, power, fame, outward beauty...) is based on self-reliance. And please know these foundations only promise to crumble beneath your feet! I had to learn this lesson, too. For years in swimming, because I so desperately wanted to be number one, I was putting all I had into the sport for me, instead of for Him, the One who gave me the strength, ability, and speed to swim. Even though I was a professing Christian, who loved God very much and sought to honor Him, my heart would not let go of seeking success and fame for myself. And when I came up (what I thought was) empty-handed, I was left defeated and ashamed. However, through this, I learned the meaning of this great hymn...“On Christ the solid Rock I standAll other ground is sinking sand,All other ground is sinking sand.”I so want you, my sweet ones, to grasp this truth for yourselves early in life. Learn to stand, with great confidence, on the solid Rock, which is Jesus Christ.

I love you

Teaching Tools/Activities For Your Children

1. Wrap up with your children in a big blanket or comforter. Talk about how this makes them feel: warm, safe, secure.2. Explain, security in God’s love can surround us each and every day. He is ever-present!3. Also, compare standing on a rock to standing in sand. Which is more secure and safe? Tell them Jesus Christ is our Rock, the Rock of Ages!

A Prayer To Pray Over Your Children

Dear Heavenly Father,I thank You for each one of the children which You have uniquely created and generously given to [Mac] and me. What a blessing these jewels have been! I cherish them with all my heart, and cannot express in words my humble appreciation to You for allowing me to have these [four] lives to love and raise up in accordance with Your words and Your ways. Please, God, forgive me when I fail, or when they become more to me than they should be. Help me to continually remember they are Yours; You give them every beat of their heart. Thank you.Dear Father, I ask that my children also would realize they belong to You. Help them to know, You have created them exactly the way You planned from the beginning. Convince them, You are pleased with Your creation and each is “fearfully and wonderfully made” in Your sight (Ps. 139:14). May they realize, You don’t make mistakes; and You love them just the way they are! Help them to receive this everlasting love, dear Father, then rest securely in it.Also, dear God, I continually pray for my children to know they are not here by chance; but You, the Most High God, have a reason for creating them, not only as they are, but also where they are. May their passion in life be to confidently and courageously honor their King, in their unique way. Give them insight, dear Lord, into what You have planned for each of them. Make them aware of their particular strengths and weaknesses, helping them to realize, You can use both of these to bring honor and glory to Your Name. May they never be too proud to share their weaknesses with someone who may need a brother or a sister to hold their hand in any kind of struggle. In the same breath, I pray they would humbly use their strengths to hold someone else’s hand, lifting them up out of the miry clay through Your Spirit. I pray, the security my children have found in You, dear Lord, would be a might instrument used to draw others hearts to You, O Rock of Ages.

Amen

Scripture references in letter:

Ps. 62:5-6; Ps. 116:5-7; II Cor. 12:7-12; Is. 45:9; Rom. 8:28; Matt. 7:24-27; Ps. 40:1-3; Ps. 94L17-19

Scripture references in prayer:

Ps. 139:13-18; Jer. 31:3; Jer. 29:11-13; Pr. 27:17; I Thess. 5:11; Deut. 32:3-4

RELATED VERSE: THY KINGDOM COME, THY WILL BE DONE, ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN

A Letter to Read/Use As A Guide With Your Children

My Dear Children,I am fervently praying that you all learn early in life how to be a servant to others. Did you know Jesus, King of all mankind, came to earth to serve the mere man He created? His life is the epitome of servanthood!Now, imagine with me, if He were alive (in human form, that is) today. I ask you the now-famous words behind the popular WWJD bracelets, “What would Jesus do?” Here are a few things I thought of:

• He’d get up and fix your favorite breakfast—waffle with butter for Davis, add syrup for Brent, then cereal for Emmy, and bagels with cream cheese for Maggie. Then He’d clean up, cheerfully.
• On the ball field, He’d ask you first which position you’d like to play. Then, without grumbling, He’d take the one not chosen.
• He would wash your hands and feet when they got dirty—with a smile on His face.  He’d make sure you were warm at night, finding you an extra blanket if you needed one, or even giving you His own.
• He would then kneel down and kiss you on the forehead, and say a prayer to His Heavenly Father that you, too, someday would learn of all the mysteries regarding His abounding love for you. Oh children, I so want you to know of the ways of Jesus. He laid down His life for you, and He is asking you to do the same. Now thing about it—WWYD, “What will you do”:
• When your little sister jumps in front of you at the sink to brush her teeth first?  When your big sister is sitting in the comfortable chair that you had planned on sitting in?  When you know your brother is as thirsty as you are, while you’re getting yourself some ice cold water?
• When your Mommy and Daddy ask you to do certain chores inside the house or outside in the yard?

You will find, dear children, that having a servant’s heart is one of the greatest ways to show love for another human being. Practice this concept while you are young, sweet ones, with your brothers and sisters. Then, later in life, it will come more naturally as you begin to serve the one you marry, and also serve your own children. I’m telling you this though—if you haven’t learned servanthood by the time your first child is born, you’re in for a rude awakening (literally). The very moment that newborn-cry pierces your ears for the first time, your life as you know it, has dramatically changed—ready or not!Please know I fully realize having a servant’s heart is hardly ever easy. All of our hearts are so full of SELF. However, there is Hope. Remember Jesus Christ, the best Servant of all time? If you believe in Him, He lives inside of you. Don’t quench His Spirit; instead, ask Him to help you when nothing in your own heart wants to choose unselfish ways. Ask Him to take over, and completely trust Him. Then, He will give you the ability to wash the feet of another.

I love you

Teaching Tools/Activities For Your Children

Have your children practice serving one another one full day. Examples:1. Make each other’s bed.2. Make each other’s breakfast and lunch.3. Do something for parents without being asked.Discuss how servanthood shows love for one another!

A Prayer To Pray Over Your Children

Dear Heavenly Father,I earnestly pray for my children, asking You to give them a servant’s heart towards all those they will encounter: their siblings, their parents, their elders, and their friends.Help them to see clearly, dear Jesus, how You lovingly related to Your disciples – washing their feet, living, and then dying for them. In so doing, You were completely obeying the voice of Your Heavenly Father. May my children understand that these two relationships go hand in hand: When they are reaching for Your hand and obeying Your voice, O God, they can, then, through Your Holy Spirit, reach out to serve their friend or even “enemy” who is standing beside them.O Lord, sometimes it is so hard for me to lay down my own selfish desires (due to stubbornness, pride, or even fatigue) and go that extra mile for someone, including the ones I love the most. Teach me, dear Lord, by Your power working in me, to put others before myself. I pray this so that my children may see a joyful servant before their eyes.God, I also ask You to keep my children from relying on their temporal feelings or wavering emotions when making decisions about how to respond in difficult situations. Keep them close to You, dear Lord, as their stronghold, and convict them quickly when their thinking about a situation is not right. Then, give them Your wisdom and power to correct their thoughts and actions. Help them to put other people’s interests before their own, not matter how hard it is at the time. Please help them to serve others out of their love for You. Remind them that Christ Himself came to serve and not to be served. Then, bless them, dear Lord, with Your peace and joy in the same way as you have so often blessed me, after I have submitted my selfish will to Your perfect one.And finally, I pray, this temporary time with their brothers and sisters, and with us, as their parents, will be a building block for future relationships not only with their spouses, but also with their personal walk with You, Heavenly Father. Thank You, Promise-Keeper, for providing peace to those who seek it. May my children die to themselves to find life in You.

Amen

Scripture references in letter:

Is. 42:1; Matt. 20:32; John 15:12; Eph. 6:5-9; Matt. 7:12; Mark 9:41; Luke 6:35; I Thess. 5:19; John 13:13-15

Scripture references in prayer:

John 13:1, 3-6; John 14:8-12; Matt. 5:38-42; Matt. 20:28; John 12:24-26; I Peter 3:8-12; Matt. 10:38-39

RELATED VERSE: THY KINGDOM COME, THY WILL BE DONE, ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN

A Letter to Read/Use As A Guide With Your Children

Dear Children,One of the hardest tasks your daddy and I have had as parents, is to teach obedience. At the same time, one of the hardest lessons for you as children, has been to learn obedience. The determined look in each of your eyes of “I do it my way!” is all too familiar. However, this look is quickly retaliated with the words that either your daddy or I say so often: “choose to obey.” Know this, children: you can choose to take one of two, and only two, paths. One path is the path of obedience, which brings an abundance of blessing; the other is the path of disobedience, which is full of consequences. For example, take a look In the Bible:

• Noah ‘s obedience saved his entire family.
• Abraham’s obedience gave birth to a nation.
• Moses’ obedience brought freedom to a nation.
• And Jesus’ obedience brought freedom to you and me.

On the other hand,

• The Israelites’ disobedience brought forty years of wandering.
• David’s disobedience brought death to his first-born son.
• Sodom and Gomorrah’s disobedience brought ruin to entire cities.
• And Adam’s disobedience brought the fall, now, until eternity.

Children, do you see the choices you make, good or bad, can affect all those around you?Please regard the rules we make for you as a means of protection rather than a means of entrapment. For instance, a little sting on the bottom for running in the street is much better than being hit by a car, isn’t it? We love you, and that is what is behind “the sting.” You know, God deals with us the same way. He makes rules for our protection; and He disciplines us because He loves us. He wants us to “choose to obey,” and we can obey through the help of His Holy Spirit.If you practice learning obedience to your parents now, it will become the foundation for obedience to your Heavenly Father later in life. Believe me, I know, giving up your own will is a very hard thing to do, and obedience will continue to be hard as you get older. Yet, “choose to obey, “ dear ones. Remember, He loves you, and His strength is ever-present. He is there to help you when you’re standing at the crossroads. Seek Him, and He will make it very clear which path you should take. Trust Him, then walk down the one He has for you. Then, expect blessing upon blessing.

I love you

Teaching Tools/Activities For Your Children

• Practice obedience by playing the “Yes Ma’am, Mommy” (“Yes Sir, Daddy”) game. Give simple, fun-filled orders such as: touch your head, do five jumping jacks, turn in circles three times. Each order needs to be echoed with “Yes Ma’am, Mommy” or (“Yes Sir, Daddy”). Enjoy the smiles and laughter together.
• Use this skill later in the day when giving “real orders.” Tell your children to call on Christ to help them obey. Also remind them of God’s blessings concerning first-time obedience.
• Parents, realize, one of God’s “blessings” of first-time obedience can be as simple as a loving hug from you!

A Prayer To Pray Over Your Children

Dear Heavenly Father,I thank you for the great amount of determination You have given each of my children. (I have to admit, sometimes that’s a hard thing for me to be grateful for!) I do pray, however, they will commit to use their strong minds for Your glory only. May they always stand firm in You as they fight the good fight of faith, knowing and believing that Your way is the best way. I pray they would study Your Word and listen to the beckoning of Your Spirit. May they recognize quickly when their human desires are not in alliance with what You are asking them to do. As hard as it will be for them to “let go” of their will, I ask that You would give them the strength to do so.Thank you, dear Jesus, for Your perfect example of submission when You went to the cross. Your obedience to Your Heavenly Father has given us access to Your Holy Spirit! O God, may my children understand the magnitude of this gracious act on Your behalf. Please give them this same submissive Spirit in their own hearts, dear Father, so that they, too, may be able to say on bended knee, “Not my will, but Thine be done” (Luke 22:42).Help them, dear Lord, to realize that obedience to You brings blessing- the greatest blessing being the gift of Your unconditional love. For when we obey, we are able to comprehend the awesome truth of Your love being better than life! May they take this love they have received from You, dear Father, and use it as a mighty instrument in leading others into a life of obedience as well. May Your Holy Spirit reign forever in the hearts of my children, as well as in the hearts of those they have brought to You.

Amen

Scripture references in letter:

Eph. 6:1-3; Gal. 6:7-8; Gen. 6:8-9,22 and 7:23; Gen. 22:9-18; Ex. 14:29-30; Rom. 5:19; Num. 14:27-30; II Sam. 12:7-14; Gen. 19:24-25; Ps. 32:8-1-; Heb. 12:5-11; Pr. 22:6; Pr. 3:5-6

Scripture references in prayer:

I Tim. 6:11-12; Ps. 119:9-10; James 4:7-8; Luke 22 40-44; Ps. 63:3; Rom. 1:5

RELATED VERSE: THY KINGDOM COME, THY WILL BE DONE, ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN

A Letter to Read/Use As A Guide With Your Children

Dear Children,Do you remember the Aesop’s fable, “The Tortoise and the Hare”? Well, it’s a wonderful little story packed with meaning. Listen as I retell it to you in my own words:There once was a sleek rabbit who happened to think pretty highly of himself. He could run as fast as the wind, and he made sure everybody around him knew it.One day he came across his turtle “friend” who was slowly making his way toward a nearby pond for a morning swim. “Ha! Ha!” the rabbit mockingly laughed. “Look how very slow you are moving! Can’t you go any faster than that at all?”The turtle looked him in the eyes with certainty (knowing of the rabbit’s character), and said, “I challenge you to a race, and we will see who wins.” The rabbit was quite amused at the thought of racing a turtle, of all things, so he willingly agreed to the turtle’s challenge.They decided how far they would run; and then, asked the friendly fox to be the judge. With a “ready, set, go,” they were off! Of course, the rabbit sped way out in front, very far ahead of the slow-moving turtle. He darted here, and darted there, and ran in circles, just to show off his magnificent speed and agility. However, after a fast and furious beginning, the prideful rabbit was now a wee bit winded. So, he decided to slow down. “After all,” he reasoned to himself, “I am very far ahead of the plodding turtle, and a little playtime among these pretty flowers will do me no harm.” But, then, ... “Ahh,” he eyed a beautiful shade tree! He thought, “What a perfect spot to take a small nap on this unusually hot day. I have time to rest...just a little bit.” And so, he lay down ... and fell ... fast ... asleep.Meanwhile, the turtle kept his mind focused on winning, his eyes set on the course in front of him, and his will steadfast toward the goal. He came moving along, slowly yet persistently, passing the rabbit as he slept. Not only did he pass him, but he was so far ahead of the now wide-awake and frenzied rabbit, that the turtle managed to cross the finish line first! Of course, the swift, yet lazy rabbit was utterly humbled and dismayed.Sweet ones, do you see the point of this fable? The rabbit, loaded with his gift of speed, did not use it properly. On the other hand, the turtle, whose speed was actually one of his greatest weaknesses, never slacked off, stayed focused, and ended up beating the rabbit across the finish line! The rabbit got lazy, while the turtle got busy.Children, I’m asking you to be careful of the sneaky “tool”’ that Satan uses in many Christians today. It’s called complacency. His desire is to sidetrack you. He will try to entice you to take a “short, little” nap underneath a perfect shady tree. Certain areas in which he has mastered this in my generation (and yours) are the television, the computer, and even your favorite hobbies. Remember what I have always said: “Too much of a good thing is not good.” So these things, in and of themselves, are fine. It’s just abuse of, and the excessive use of, these things that pull you away from the desired “race of life” God is asking you to run.Also, please understand that there is a big difference between resting and being lazy. God rested on the seventh day, after six days of creation. And Jesus took time out to rest, after providing for the needs of others. Follow these examples, rest after work. Rest in the Lord so you can regain the physical, mental, and spiritual strength that you need to continue the work He has called you to do –nothing more, nothing less. The shade under His tree promises the refreshing peace and joy of His Spirit. There, you will be revived and renewed once more.Use your time wisely, make the most of your opportunities, stay fervent in spirit, running your race in such a way that you may win the prize. Then, rest in Him. Memorize the verse: “Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you” (Eph. 5:14)Children, I challenge you to be determined not to miss the “Son shining” on you during your spiritual walks with Him. Make time for Him. He is waiting for you..He will help you stay the course, and like the turtle, you will be rewarded greatly!

I love you

Teaching Tools/Activities For Your Children

(Discuss the “Turtle and the Hare” fable.)

• Talk about the things which God in heaven may be asking your children to do (for example: obeying parents, making your bed, cleaning your room, stop procrastinating, etc.). Affirm your child for doing these jobs from start to finish.
• Talk about some of the things that “sidetrack” your children (too much, TV, computer, etc.).
• Follow Christ’s example: rest after work. (Remember, resting in Him, is the greatest rest you could ask for.)

A Prayer To Pray Over Your Children

Dear Lord God, Thank You for being our King! And because of the grace given in Jesus, we have become Your appointed ambassadors! I pray each of my children will take this honorary position seriously. Please give them a heart that beats steadfastly for You. Make them very aware of Satan’s tool of passivity which keeps many Christians from being effective for Jesus Christ. Guard them from being lazy, complacent, or satisfied with the “status quo” and mere comforts in life. May they understand that having a sluggard disposition— physically, mentally, or spiritually—will end in poverty only. Empower them by Your Spirit to deliberately turn from this sin. Then, may they use their minds, their bodies, and their hearts in a determined, persistent, and even urgent manner, so that You may be glorified through them. Give them the desire to walk as children of light, pursuing Your goodness, righteousness, and truth. Help them to know You have the ability to shine in all that they do, even when the task at hand seems frivolous or unimportant.Finally dear Lord, I pray, my children will veer away from procrastination (a close companion of complacency). Help them, by Your Spirit, not to put off the specific good works that You have prepared for each of them to do. I pray this prayer with a convicted sinner’s heart, dear Lord. So often I have put off ‘til tomorrow what I should have done today. Forgive me and help me, so that my children will see a diligent worker before their eyes. However, when I pray this prayer, I specifically ask that the “good works” we do, be a result of our love for You, not simply an effort to merit favor in Your eyes. Help my children realize they can add nothing to what You have already given them by grace. So out of love for their Savior, may they seek an active lifestyle, giving Your free love away to others.May they, and I, respond to the gentle “nudging” of your Holy Spirit; and with a steadfast heart, press ever forward for the cause of Christ—for this is why we live.

Amen

Scripture references in letter:

Pr. 6:9-11; Pr. 4:25-27, II Cor. 12:9-10; Is. 32:9; Matt. 11:28; Eph. 5:15-17; Rom. 12:10-13; I Cor. 9:24; Pr. 12:27

Scripture references in prayer:

II Cor. 5:20, Ps. 108:1-3; Pr. 13:4; Eph. 2:8-10; I Cor. 15:57-58; Gal. 6:9-10; James 1:22-27