1. Children – An Invitation to Growth Deuteronomy 6:1-25

2. Perspectives on Children Today “Children have become so demanding that they are now likely to break up marriages rather than save them, according to research that has overturned conventional wisdom.” (Demands of children lift divorce rate, by Tom Robbins – as reported in November 18, 2003 in New Straits Times)“Children have become so demanding that they are now likely to break up marriages rather than save them, according to research that has overturned conventional wisdom.” (Demands of children lift divorce rate, by Tom Robbins – as reported in November 18, 2003 in New Straits Times)

3. Perspectives of Youths Today “There is no one family style for everyone. What is behind the compassion for boys who are fatherless is not compassion. It is adult cover up of adult crimes… legitimizing adult irresponsibility to promote adult choices at the expense of youth.” (from a Boy Scouts Publication in US in 1996)“There is no one family style for everyone. What is behind the compassion for boys who are fatherless is not compassion. It is adult cover up of adult crimes… legitimizing adult irresponsibility to promote adult choices at the expense of youth.” (from a Boy Scouts Publication in US in 1996)

4. Biblical Perspective of Children And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. (Matthew 18:3-6)

5. Biblical Perspective of Children (Matthew 19:13-14)Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (Matthew 19:13-14)

6. Biblical Perspective of Children "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. (Joel 2:28)

7. Biblical Perspective of Children Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate. (Psalm 127:3-5)

8. God gave us children to help us grow!!

9. The Challenge of Passing on a Godly Heritage Teaching of the “Fear of the LORD” (Deuteronomy 6:2)Teaching of the “Fear of the LORD” (Deuteronomy 6:2) –School does not teach that –Culture does not teach that –Media does not teach that You cannot pass on what you do not haveYou cannot pass on what you do not have Our children challenge us to integrity (walk the talk)Our children challenge us to integrity (walk the talk)

10. The Challenge of Investing Time to Teach & Train Every move teaches and trains (Deuteronomy 6:7-9)Every move teaches and trains (Deuteronomy 6:7-9) –Teach –Talk (sit, walk, lie down, rise up) – integrated in life –Bind on hand & frontals of forehead –Doorposts & gates Are we a follower of Jesus Christ as a “way of life”?Are we a follower of Jesus Christ as a “way of life”? Our children challenge us to consistencyOur children challenge us to consistency

11. The Challenge of Raising Up Leadership Importance of the “male” in leadership training (Deuteronomy 6:2, 7)Importance of the “male” in leadership training (Deuteronomy 6:2, 7) God’s design vs. Superior-inferior issueGod’s design vs. Superior-inferior issue When male leadership failsWhen male leadership fails –Primary reason for youth social ills –Distortion of gender development –Failure to understand Fatherhood of God “A good father is better than a thousand teachers”“A good father is better than a thousand teachers” Our children challenge us to priorityOur children challenge us to priority

12. “Am I too late?”

13. Praying for our Homes A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. (Psalm 68:5)A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. (Psalm 68:5)

14. Praying for our Homes Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. (Isaiah 43:5)Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. (Isaiah 43:5) But this is what the LORD says: "Yes, captives will be taken from warriors, and plunder retrieved from the fierce; I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save. (Isaiah 49:25)But this is what the LORD says: "Yes, captives will be taken from warriors, and plunder retrieved from the fierce; I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save. (Isaiah 49:25)

15. Praying for our Homes This is what the LORD says: "Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded,“ declares the LORD. "They will return from the land of the enemy. So there is hope for your future," declares the LORD. "Your children will return to their own land. (Jeremiah 31:16-17)This is what the LORD says: "Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded,“ declares the LORD. "They will return from the land of the enemy. So there is hope for your future," declares the LORD. "Your children will return to their own land. (Jeremiah 31:16-17)

16. Praying for our Homes Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands. His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. (Psalm 112:1-2)Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands. His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. (Psalm 112:1-2)

17. ReflectionReflection Identify the most difficult thing that you are dealing with at home especially with your children. How is that related to God developing you and growing you?Identify the most difficult thing that you are dealing with at home especially with your children. How is that related to God developing you and growing you? What are some negative thoughts or attitudes towards your children? How can you change that and begin seeing the home as the primary place where God will grow you?What are some negative thoughts or attitudes towards your children? How can you change that and begin seeing the home as the primary place where God will grow you?