Encouragement . . . for the Journey
"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."  1 Timothy 4:12

Investing in your kids . . .
Read a great devotion this morning about investing in our kids.  The writer talked about investing in our kids education, their athletic ability, their musical talents, etc.  All are good things to invest in, but then she asked the question, "what about training them spiritually?"
As Christian parents, we have the awesome privilege of introducing our kids to the perfect parent, God Himself.  Deuteronomy 6:5-7 says, "Love the Lord your God, with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  Impress them on your children.  Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."   Always look for teacheable moments.

I remember when our youngest son was little, we would take "joy" walks in the neighborhood, seizing this opportunity to talk about God our Creator.  Simply put, as we walked we looked for things God had made and then we talked about them.  Great thing to do with older kids as well.  We can all benefit by being reminded of our great, Creator God.  As you're driving and see someone homeless, teach your kids to pray for them.  Pray for policemen, firefighters, walkers and joggers, etc.  You get the picture.  Have age appropriate family devotion/prayer time, choosing the best time for your individual family.  Pray with your kids before they go to school.  Take that extra 30 seconds ~ believe me it will have a great effect on their day. They might not thank you now, but they will later.  Trust me on this one. :)   

Training kids to know God through prayer, reading His Word, singing songs that reflect His glory will have an incredible impact on their lives and ours as well.   

Turn 1 Timothy 4:12 into a daily prayer for kids of all ages:

Lord , , ,
Please keep anyone from looking down on ______________________ today because of his/her age.  Faithful God help them to set an example for those who are believers and non-believers in the way they talk (Ephesians 4:29-30, 5:4), in the way they live their life (Ephesians 5:15, Proverbs 3:5-6), in the way they show Christ's love (1 Corinthians 13:4-7), in faith (Colossians 2:6-7) and in purity (Ephesians 5:3, Colossians 3:1-2, 5, 17).
In the strong name of Jesus, amen!!!