Next Gen – The Everyday Prayer

Re: Verse reading–Psalm 127:3-5; Proverbs 22:6; Deuteronomy 6:1-9 (day one)
“These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.”–Deuteronomy 6:6-7. “The primary responsibility for discipling a child toward faith and obedience to Christ belongs with parents. No church can fully or adequately substitute for the influence of a parent’s instruction and encouragement. The church works in partnership with parents. We offer training and encouragement as we work together to lead children to Christ and to a life of obedience.”–FBCSA Next Gen Report, 2012. For 3500 years it has been clear. Parents are, first, to have God’s commandments on OUR OWN hearts. From this intense, vital, personal relationship with the Lord, we are to TEACH OUR CHILDREN a similar love. What a privilege! Lord, help us!

RE Verse reading–1 Timothy 4 (day seven)
“If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.”–v 6 (NIV). Paul is proud of Timothy. Proud of his work in Ephesus. He has high hopes for this young pastor. Part of Timothy’s preparation for ministry was his home. “I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice.”–2 Timothy 1:5. A 1st Century testimony to the value of “Next Gen” ministry! At FBCSA, we believe that children and younth should SEE faith lived out in their parents, that one of our roles is to encourage and train parents to give this “clay-shaping” testimony. Even without a Father’s influence, Timothy was prepared for ministry by his mother and grandmother. He was “brought up in the truths of the faith”.