ROOTED IN THE WORD
"And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up."
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NLT)
Children are a sacred trust of the Lord. When you first become a parent, it can be a bit overwhelming. There's a tiny life that is wholly dependent upon you for survival. Newborns are physically incapable of providing for themselves. Children still need caring, committed, compassionate guidance as they get older and more independent. And what could be more caring than laying a foundation of God's Word?
The passage above instructs us to instruct our children in the ways and Word of God. We're to repeat them again and again to our children. Good news, you're probably already pretty good at repeating things to your children! We're told to go over the Word at home, while traveling, and at all times of the day. So, let me ask you this—when was the last time you intentionally reviewed Scripture with your child? If you don't have a child, when was the last time you made the Word of God a priority in discussion with someone?
We must first commit to God's Word ourselves. What does that regular rhythm of spending time with God in His Word look like for you? I'm a bit hesitant to ask this, as I have known many well-intentioned believers who have spiraled into a legalistic trap when it comes to daily quiet time. If I might offer a word of encouragement in this regard, you'll never be perfect in your pursuit of Jesus. Take heart—He is perfect, and grace abounds. Sometimes, we can get stuck before we even start out of fear of failure. Just start! Open your Bible and meet your Maker there. And if you have been blessed with children or grandchildren, bring them along for the journey. You don't have to be fancy or buttoned up. Just open the Bible and dive in! Discuss what God says and how it applies to our lives.
APPLICATION: What step can you take to grow healthier in your pursuit of God through His Word? How can you take steps with those that have been entrusted to you?
PRAYER: Lord, I ask that You give me a hunger and a passion for Your Word. Help me to pursue You there, and grow within me the conviction to bring others with me on this journey. I pray that the next generation becomes enamored with Your Word. In Jesus' name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?