“The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.” Matthew 13:20-21 (NIV)
This week we will discuss ways to prevent the scorching heat from withering our children.
“The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the Matthew 13:20-21 (NIV)
Today we are going to look closer at how we can keep our kids rooted in God’s Word and a relationship with Him.
“A farmer went out to sow his seed….Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.” Matthew 13:3, 5-6 (NIV) This month we are looking at the seed that fell on the rocky places and how that seed sprang up quickly because it had little soil. When the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they hadn’t developed roots… So how do we provide good soil for our kids?
“Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart.” Matthew 13:18-19 (NIV) This week we will take a closer look at the meaning of the eaten seed.
“Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.” Matthew 13:3-4 (NIV) Today we are going to look at the first obstacle to growth in The Parable of the Sower.
When someone asked Jesus why He spoke in parables, He said “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of Heaven have been given to you but not to them.” (Matthew 13:11) What an interesting thought! Jesus told stories that some people would only hear on the surface level, but to others, the secrets of the kingdom of Heaven would be revealed! I don’t know about you, but I want to be one of those people that learn the secrets to God’s kingdom and how I can apply them to my life and in my role as a mom, don’t you?
Jesus sent the disciples out to share the good news and minister to others once they had been equipped to do so. Likewise, once we give our kids a sense of purpose, equip them to bear good fruit, and model sharing Jesus’ love with others, it’s time to send them out. Just like Jesus used a boy who was willing to share his lunch to feed 5,000, God can use our kids too. In fact, children have a unique position and faith that allows them to impact the world around them in significant ways.
This week we will look at how Jesus modeled ministry with His disciples as a way to teach them to share God’s love with others. “And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people” (Matthew 4:23)
When my daughter was twelve-years-old she started serving on our preschool worship team at church. One day I let her lead the large group lesson with our preschoolers. I was absolutely amazed by how well she did on her first try! I noticed her teacher-like intonation with the kids, how she kept them engaged throughout the lesson, and how she naturally spoke at their level without me even telling her to do so. Then it hit me. She had been watching ME teach the preschoolers since she was a preschooler herself! I didn’t need to teach her anything- she had been learning all along just by watching me.
Guest Blog: Beth Meverden
Every day on the way to school, I quote the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:14-17) and the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) with my children. I throw in others to make sure they’re still hidden in their hearts
Why do I focus on those passages with my children? Because when times get tough and they start to wonder if God is with them or how to handle a specific situation, my prayer is that the Holy Spirit will bring those verses back to mind and give them encouragement and guidance.
When the disciples heard their purpose, to be fishers of men, they were so excited that they dropped their nets to immediately follow Him. It’s interesting that in Jesus’ first encounter with His disciples, rather than work on their sin issues or build their flawed character, Jesus calls them to a purpose of making disciples. Oftentimes we think that our children need to be fully mature before God can use them. We think they have to fully know and understand God’s Word and work through their many character flaws, and then when they are older, God will give them a purpose in His kingdom. But Jesus shows us a different model.
