...for our admonition...

"Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come."
1 Corinthans 10:11

On Fridays, we have been spending time going through various Bible stories, to examine the circumstances and responses and consequences of various ones to the trials and challenges and tragedies they faced.

We have touched on Moses, Paul and Silas in prison (falsely accused, beaten...), David's encounter with Goliath, Jehoshophat (the battle belongs to the Lord). Of course, much more could be said about each one and we didn't take the time to study each story in context, but the common denominator is that God is in control and nothing is too difficult for him. He is faithful.

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At last week's Believers' Conference, there were some interesting and helpful points made in regard to the home and raising children and the need for parents to go against what is normal in society in order to train their children. As we consider the lessons we are learning in trusting the Lord in our trials and even our thoughts, there seemed to be a connection.

It was told that at a Bible college, the need was recognized to begin a "worldview" class, as it was apparent that many incoming students did not have a biblical worldview. Actually, a significant percentage of the incoming students had not even read the Bible through. It was acknowledged that these were areas which should have been better addressed in the home.

Now, when many of us were married, we may have been required to undergo several weeks of premarital counseling by the elders of the church. For several weeks perhaps, we met with the pastor or a godly couple and looked at books and Bible verses. For Dave and me, it was helpful as, it was the only training we really ever received in what the Bible taught for marriage.

However, God has a better plan for teaching about marriage, parenting, worldview and everything else. Though his WORD is powerful and living and active and sufficient, parents are told of a powerful way of teaching his word in Deuteronomy 6:7,8:

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Here again we see how efficient God is! First, his words must be in OUR hearts, the parents. Then we teach them all through the day, as we talk and teach and as they observe our ways.

Many an idealistic newly married couple or new parent has been confronted with the tendency, good or bad, to follow the pattern laid out for them by their parents. "A child lives what they learn," as the poem goes. God of course designed the family for that very function. Even as we struggle to follow and model Christ to our children, God is using our example.

My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.

Proverbs 23:26

As we continue to look at our responses and thoughts in relation to our trials, etc., we can remember that we are teaching our children much more than we may realize. They will learn to mirror our responses to whatever the Lord allows in each day....an overflowing toilet, an inconsiderate neighbor, false accusations, family problems, misplacing the keys to the car. This is both a powerful tool for discipleship and a sobering reminder.

And this is yet another way in which we see that God's purpose in OUR trials extends beyond our lives into the lives of others, especially our children (young or old). Our decision to pursue obedience to the Lord, taking our thoughts captive, counting it all joy will have an impact with the potential to draw many others to the LORD!

I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.

O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.

I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.

Psalm 34