Parents, teachers, and grandparents all have a responsibility to train and build children up in the Lord. Sometimes we may feel this task is overwhelming. We get discouraged by the negative influences and feel like we are failing.

We have hope!

The task of building godly characteristics and values into our children is not fully upon our shoulders. The Lord is with us. He is the ultimate architect and builder. The Lord has said “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

When you feel like it’s no use, your children aren’t listening to anything you have said, or only picking up on bad examples. Keep your focus on God. Keep praying. Continue to be a godly example.

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

2 Timothy 1:7 KJV

Watch for those “thank you, God” moments.
They may not come as soon as you like, but keep watching.

Teaching children is a challenge. Many times you think they are not paying attention or could care less. Don’t let what you see now bring you down. God has a bigger picture. When you are reviewing a lesson, talking to a parent, or watching children play, you may find the “thank you, God moment” you thought they did not learn.

For our family devotions each child needed to bring something that was their favorite, special item. Without any prodding or suggestion they brought their Bibles. We are not a perfect family. Each day has it’s own struggles. It was encouraging to see this “thank you God” moment.

We are learning and growing in Lord through God’s grace. Be encouraged that your are not the only person in the world trying to build up your children. We are in this together. Daily we are learning, making mistakes, asking forgiveness, and trying again.

Don’t give up! Give it to the Lord! Let Him help and guide you!

Jesus gives us many treats.

He loves us and wants the best for us. Let’s look at the word

“TREAT”

and see some of the treats Jesus gives us.

T – Target

We need to focus on Jesus as our target. His example is a treat to us. He shows us how to live and helps us to be all He made us to be.

Have children through an object at a target. After each child has had a turn, talk about how we don’t always hit the center of the target. Jesus is our target. To hit the target we must first except the best treat He has for us.  Doing good things will not get us the best treat Jesus has for us.

R - Rose again
Jesus rose again to give us the very best treat we can ever have. It is a free treat that will cost you nothing. There is nothing we can do to earn this treat it is a gift from Jesus.
How can Jesus give us this treat? Jesus, God’s Son left heaven and was born as a little baby, lived a sinless life, died on the cross, and rose again. By doing this He provide us the best treat of all, forgiveness of our sins. Sin is the naughty things do. The Bible says we are all sinners and have done wrong.

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 KJV

If we have not asked Jesus to forgive us of our sins, we cannot hit the target. We fall short. No matter how many good things we do, we will not be able to get on target and receive forgiveness of our sins. (Label objects with good things and throw them short of the target.)

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV

The only way to receive Jesus’ treat of forgiveness is to pray and ask forgiveness for your naughty sins and tell Jesus you believe He never sinned, died to take away your sin, and rose again.

E – Everlasting life

Jesus gives us another treat when we except His gift of forgiveness. It is everlasting life.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 KJV

Someday our earthly bodies will die and be buried. By accepting Jesus treat of everlasting life we will not face a terrible punishment for our sins. Instead, we live live in heaven forever. In heaven no one will hurt you or let you down. There is no pain. The problems you have on earth will be taken away.

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:4 KJV

Heaven is filled with many wonderful treats. It will better than anything we have on earth.

A – Always with us

Jesus is always with us and wants to give us the best treats.

“He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5 KJV

When you are sad, lonely, hurting, upset, or anytime, Jesus is with you. You can talk to Him in prayer, learn about Him, and get help from the Bible. He gives us His treats of love and care.

T – Thank Jesus

We can thank Jesus for all the treats He gives us.
Sometimes we still sin, mess up, or do wrong after we accept Jesus treat of forgiveness. When we do wrong, all we have to do is tell Jesus we are sorry and He will forgive us. Then we need to do our best to obey and do what the Bible says. Jesus loves you! He wants to give you the best treats. Will you accept His treats today?

You might enjoy “Don’t Be Tricked By Satan” http://lois-graham.com/dont-be-tricked-by-satan/

Peace

Peace is the absence of conflict or hostility. God does not want us to be hostile and continually having conflicts. He wants us to have peace in our lives. God is the giver of peace.

His peace is the best peace.

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.”
2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)

It does not matter what size your problem or circumstance is, God is with you and can bring you peace. Anytime, anywhere, and anyplace, God is there.

The hymn “Wonderful Peace” tells of the peace God gives to us.

Wonderful Peace
Author: W.D. Cornell – Composer: W.G. Cooper

1. Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight,
Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm;
In celestial-like strains it unceasingly falls,
O’er my soul like an infinite calm.

Chorus:
Peace! peace! Wonderful peace,
Coming down from the Father above;
Sweep over my spirit forever I pray.
In fathomless billows of love.

2. What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace,
Buried deep in the heart of my soul;
So secure that no power can mine it away,
While the years of eternity roll.

3. I am resting tonight in this wonderful peace,
Resting sweetly in Jesus’ control;
For I’m kept from all the danger by night and by day,
And His glory is flooding my soul.

4. And methinks when I rise to that city of peace,
Where the Author of peace I shall see,
That one strain of the song which the ransom’d will sing
In that heavenly city will be:

5. Ah, soul! are you here without comfort and rest,
Marching down the rough pathway of time?
Make Jesus your Friend ere the shadows grow dark;
O accept of this peace so sublime!

We can find calm in the midst of the storm through the peace of God. His security can wrap us tight and give us rest. Take comfort in the shadows of life knowing God is near.  As a child of God, we will be able to see the Author of Peace in heaven someday.

Find best peace in God peace!

Bring Christ’s peace into your home through daily reminders of God’s countless blessings with Blessings Blocks.