1 Timothy 1:5: “But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” 

THIS IS WHY WE TEACH

Every teacher I know is tasked with preparing and carrying out a lesson plan for their students.  Most of the time these plans are formulated to meet existing school guidelines.  What if every lesson plan prepared by every teacher in the world had the goals specified in our verse today?

What if everything we taught our children had these three goals in mind?  As you taught little Gertrude how to cook, you had in mind love, good conscience and faith.  As you taught Elrod how to mow the lawn these three goals were forefront in your mind.  What if?  Do you think the outcome of the “lesson” would be different?  I bet it would.

TEACHING MOMENT

How about today, as you show your child how to do something, you keep love in mind?  Can you teach them how to have that good conscience by raising your voice and screaming at them?  I think not.  As you teach them God’s Word, faith grows in you and them.

Our goal as parents should be the same as what Paul tells Timothy here in this verse.  We should not attempt to teach one single thing without putting these three goals in place.  But as with most everything we teach our kids, we have to model it for them.  This is especially true with this lesson.

Father, you have given me the greatest lesson planner ever written. Teach me how to use it to teach others how to have that love from a pure heart.  Show me how to teach them to live with a good conscience.  Finally, Lord, show me how to model a sincere faith.

Psalm 27:1 “The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?”

NO FEAR

Are you afraid of the dark?  Were you as a child?  It’s a pretty normal thing.  When you can’t see what’s going on around you it can be a little uncomfortable.  Aren’t you glad the Lord is called light?  He can light the darkest places.  His light is bright, unlike that flashlight you pulled out of the drawer when the power went out, only to find the batteries were just about dead.  Lol.

David says in this Psalm that he is confident in Whom he trusted.  He calls God his light, his salvation and his defense.  So, there is no fear.  There is no need to dread.  That brings peace.  Don’t you want peace?  That God who was all those things to David is the same God who is those things to us.

TEACHING MOMENT

The next time you put your child to bed, turn off all the lights.  Make it as dark as possible.  Then read this verse to them by flashlight.  Talk about how the Lord is the only light we need.  The only danger your child has in the dark is if they are walking and trip on something.  There is NOTHING that can touch them unless God allows it, and if He does, it’s for their good.

Now it is important for little Johnny to know, however, that he should not intentionally put himself into dark places, unless the Lord has directed him there.  Believers should never choose darkness.  We should be drawn to light.  But there may be a time when the Lord sends us in a “dark place” with His light.  If He does, rest assured He will be our salvation and defense.

Are you in a dark place right now?  Do you feel like the darkness is closing in around you?  Don’t you think it’s time to let the light of the Lord shine?  He can light the darkest days.  He can shine through you, if you let Him.

O God, be my light today.  Shine through me so others will be drawn to You, like moths to a street light.

GOD CAN EVEN USE YOUEsther 9:32 “The command of Esther established these customs for Purim, and it was written in the book.”

AN ORPHAN QUEEN

This little verse may seem inconsequential.  I mean what’s the big deal about a queen establishing a custom.  Well, you have to remember who Esther was.  She was an orphan who had been raised by her uncle.  She was a nobody who had been chosen to be one of King Ahasuerus’ wives.  She became his favorite wife whom he made queen.  Quite a rise from nothing, don’t you think?

And who do you think was behind this?  Yep, God.  He knew that the wicked Haman would plot to kill the Jews, so the Lord placed Esther in a position to protect them.  God used an orphan queen to rescue her people and then establish Purim so all Jews in future generations would remember the faithfulness of God.

TEACHING MOMENT

God loves to use children.  He can use yours!  Our job, as parents, is to prepare them to be used.  We need to saturate them with the love of God.  We need to build them up in the Word of God.  So, when God speaks, they will recognize His voice.  Who knows what God may choose to do with your child?  He may use little Gertrude to cure cancer.  He may use Elrod to be the next great evangelist who preaches to that last people group which ushers in the return of Christ.

But it is so important that we tell our children that God wants to use them in just the right way.  God created them in His image and knows exactly how He has gifted them.  He doesn’t call them to do someone else’s task. He has already prepared a path for just them, if they will follow.  Their path will be like no one else’s.  God is an exact God who does exactly what is necessary at exactly the right time in the exact perfect way.

So, are you where this exact God wants you to be?  Or have you decided you know better than Him?  That is a dangerous path.  Surrender afresh to Him and allow Him to put you back on the right path.  He wants to use you, just like He used that orphan queen.

You are a Father to the fatherless.  Thank You, Lord.  Be my Father. Direct my path today.

JUST TOUCH ITEsther 5:2 “When the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king extended to Esther the golden scepter which was in his hand. So Esther came near and touched the top of the scepter.”

FAVOR EXTENDED

Can’t you just picture this scene in your mind?  Queen Esther dressed in her royal robe approaches the inner court of the king.  She knows this action is risky.  She hasn’t seen the king in a month and there is no telling in what kind of mood he will be.  She could be dead in minutes.

It doesn’t say, but I believe Esther probably sent a prayer up to the Lord.  “Oh God, please don’t let him kill me.  Please let him extend the golden scepter.”  She approaches and sure enough, the king smiles and extends the scepter.  Esther reaches out and touches the scepter accepting his offer of grace.

TEACHING MOMENT

When was the last time you extended your child grace rather than law?  Many parents are so focused on keeping the rules that they forget the importance of teaching grace to their children.  Sure, we need to be consistent and hold our children accountable.  But there are times when giving grace teaches so much more.

This is a wonderful passage to use to teach that to our children.  Stories like this in Scripture paint a picture in such a way that the image is burned into their little brains.  You could even use a prop as you read this to them.  Let them reach out and touch a golden scepter.  More importantly, let them experience grace when you could give punishment.

Do you remember the last time God gave you grace instead of law?  Boy, I do.  It was, well, TODAY.  All I deserve is death, but He gives me life.  All I deserve is eternal punishment, but He gives me eternal reward.  Why?  It’s not because of anything I have done.  It’s all because of Jesus.  Don’t forget that.

Father, as I approach Your throne room each day, I thank You that Jesus is right beside You.  He is the golden scepter which You extended to me on the day of my salvation, and He is the same one that is extended to me today.

Esther 3:5-6 “5 When Haman saw that Mordecai neither bowed down nor paid homage to him, Haman was filled with rage. 6 But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone, for they had told him who the people of Mordecai were; therefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus.”

JEALOUSY AND RAGE

Don’t you just love the story of Esther.  It would really be a good movie, don’t you think?  There’s intrigue, love, jealousy, revenge, danger and rescue.  And of course, we have the villain, Haman.  He hated the Jews.  Why?  Because of one Jew – Mordecai.  Mordecai refused to pay homage to Haman, and that burned Haman up.

Haman was a proud man who thought he deserved unquestioned admiration.  Obviously, Mordecai recognized something in this scoundrel that did not deserve respect.  So, he took a stand which could have cost him his life.  Mordecai would bow to no man, only God.  Haman would have none of that.

TEACHING MOMENT

Okay, so how do we apply this passage to our kids?  Our children need to learn to respect those in authority.  There is no doubt about that.  But there may come a time in their lives when they are faced with a tyrant whom they must stand up against.  Taking a stand could cost them their job.  It is doubtful their life would be in danger, but the way this world is going, that could happen too.

Taking a stand and being true to your beliefs is never risky, in the eyes of God.  Mordecai knew, as do we, that God had his back.  He trusted that God would handle his enemies.  Our children must learn that too.  God will deliver His children, sometimes in very creative ways.

What are you facing today that threatens you?  Are you facing a Haman in your life?  Just trust the Lord.  He will see you through.  Be true to God’s Word and allow Him to work in and through you to glorify His name.  Let Him direct your decisions.  Let Him lead you through this trial.  He promises He will.

Father of all, I trust you to see me through.  Give me the courage to stand for you, no matter the cost.

Psalm 14:1 “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, they have committed abominable deeds; there is no one who does good.”

WRONG BELIEFS

I know, I know.  You are probably saying, “You shouldn’t use that word “stupid.”  Well, it just so happens that the Hebrew word nabal means just that – stupid, foolish.  Do you remember David’s wife, Abigail?  Her first husband was named Nabal.  He was named properly as he was foolish and stupid.

But look at this verse.  It says anyone who doesn’t believe in God is stupid or foolish.  That may seem harsh, but I didn’t say it.  God did.  The world tells us we are stupid for believing in God.  They say we are deceived and weak for believing such an entity exists.  They just don’t get it.  They will continue to do no good and to mock their very Creator.

TEACHING MOMENT

Now, I agree we shouldn’t use that word “stupid” around our children, and we certainly shouldn’t call them that name or allow them to use it toward others.  However, we should make sure they know that God considers anyone foolish who refuses to believe in Him.  How does a fool stop being a fool?  He gets educated.  He learns the truth.  And our children need to be taught how to share this truth, this stupid eraser, with someone.

Truth erases ignorance if it’s accepted.  Stupidity can be “healed” if the person will hear and believe.  What better lesson for our children to learn and experience.  How I long for all God’s children to learn the truth.

So, let me ask you a question.  Are you stupid?  Are you foolish?  “Wow, Carl, that’s kind of harsh.”  God says you are if you refuse to believe in Him.  Are you tired of feeling that way?  Then simply take Him at His word.  Let Him educate you.  Let Him show you the truth.  But you must accept it.

Father, let me not be like one of the foolish.  Help me to trust you completely and allow your wisdom to flood over me.

Nehemiah 12:31,38: “31 Then I had the leaders of Judah come up on top of the wall, and I appointed two great choirs, the first proceeding to the right on top of the wall…  38 The second choir proceeded to the left,..” 

REJOICING

These probably seem like strange verses to select to write a devotional about.  Well, I’m just strange like that.  Lol.  Seriously, you have to ready all of Nehemiah to understand why I selected these verses.  They had been rebuilding the wall and getting everything prepared to re-establish worship in Jerusalem.  What better way to celebrate than to have a parade?

So, Nehemiah gets two choirs on top of the wall, and they begin to march around the city singing and praising God.  Everyone in the city could see them and hear them.  He wanted to make sure everyone could take part in this celebration of praise.  Walking the wall also was a strong visual of what the Lord had done through them.  Rebuilding that wall was a huge!

TEACHING MOMENT

Teaching our children to celebrate big movements of God in their lives is important.  They should let everyone know it was God!  Giving praise to Him can encourage others to trust Him.  Giving praise to Him encourages their hearts to continue to trust Him.  And giving praise to Him can point the lost towards Him.

What spiritual victory has your children experienced lately?  How can you help them direct all the praise to the Father?  Why not have a parade around your house?  Get some “instruments” and come up with a song you all can sing to praise God.  I guarantee your children won’t soon forget that parade.

Are you marching in praise today?  Or are you sulking about what God “hasn’t done” for you?  Take a moment and reflect on all that He has done.  Then have a parade in your own mind.  Praise the One who is able to do more than you can ever imagine.  Let Him be your object of praise today.

God, You are the one who has brought me through.  You are the one who defeats my enemies.  You are the one who gives me strength.  For that, I will praise You!

Nehemiah 9:32a “Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who keeps covenant and lovingkindness, do not let all the hardship seem insignificant before You,”

HE’S STILL THERE

The ninth chapter of Nehemiah contains a story presented by some of the Levites who were standing before the people.  They recited the history of Jehovah God with His people.  They covered the whole story.  But the purpose of this story isn’t just a history lesson.  It’s a reminder that God is still with them.

The people hearing this story had returned from Babylonian exile to a city and nation that was unknown to them.  They had the bloodline to be called Jews, but did they understand why?  Most of them did not.  They were Jews just because they were Jews.  That is not enough.

TEACHING MOMENT

As believing parents, we have the responsibility to pass down to the next generation our heritage in Christ.  They say the extinction of the church is only one generation away, unless we continue to share the Good News.  Our children need to understand where they come from.  They need to know how and why we came to Christ.

Passing down our earthly heritage is fine.  But passing down a spiritual lineage is so much better.  I am thrilled to know that my grandchildren have all come to Christ.  I am praying even now for their children to come to Christ.  We parents must do that.

Are you passing down your spiritual heritage?  Are you doing all the Lord wants you to do to make sure your children and grandchildren come to Christ and continue the legacy of faith?  Spend some time around the table with your family, perhaps at an upcoming holiday, sharing your family’s lineage in Christ.

The joy, O God, of knowing You as Father is overwhelming at times.  Help me to refresh the memories of my family’s journey of faith with my children and grandchildren.  Show me how to instill in them the truths I have learned along the way.

Nehemiah 6:14 “Remember, O my God, Tobiah and Sanballat according to these works of theirs, and also Noadiah the prophetess and the rest of the prophets who were trying to frighten me.”

GOD CAN HANDLE THEM

Wow!  You really need to read all of chapters 5 and 6 of Nehemiah.  Today’s verse is just a snippet (don’t you love that word?) of what Nehemiah was up against.  Tobiah and Sanballat, especially, were out to get him.  They did not want to see the wall rebuilt around Jerusalem.  They were lying about him, threatening him and trying to deceive him.  They even bribed a prophet to give him false messages from God.

You see, it wasn’t about what Nehemiah was doing.  It was about for whom he was doing it.  Nehemiah was focused on pleasing God, and darkness can’t stand that.  As governor of Judah with the backing of Artaxerxes, he could have had them arrested or killed.  But he left them in God’s hands.

TEACHING MOMENT

This a wonderful truth for our children to learn.  Let God handle your enemies.  Your child’s job is to please the Master.  If they are doing that, He will handle their adversaries.  Now, He may not handle them in the way they would, but He will handle them when He is ready.  Remember, they are operating out of darkness.  Our children need to realize that.  What do lost sinners do?  They sin.  We should expect no less.

Perhaps, though, our submission to God may draw them to Him.  You just never know.  When your little Johnny or Susie is facing a bully, remind them to love them.  Why?  Because Jesus does.  Will that bully accept that?  Probably not at first.  Pray with your child about that bully.  Mention them by name in their bedtime prayers.  Let them be the focus of intentional prayer.  But let God handle their consequences.

Father and Righteous Judge, You are more than capable of handling my enemies.  Help me to get out of the way and let You work in their lives like You did in mine.  I was once Your enemy, but you loved me to You.

Nehemiah 1:6a “let Your ear now be attentive and Your eyes open to hear the prayer of Your servant which I am praying before You now, day and night,…”

PERKED UP EARS

Our family used to have a dog named Reese.  He was a good dog, and we all loved him.  Reese would lay in the floor near where we sat, and if we called his name, his ears would lift up and he would turn his head to look at us.  Sometimes, when he was sleeping near me on the floor, I would whisper his name just to see his ears twitch.  It seemed he was listening even in his sleep.

Nehemiah is beseeching Jehovah God to listen to his prayers.  Remember, Nehemiah is in captivity in Babylon.  He was the king’s cupbearer, a servant.  He probably felt most of his life that God had stopped listening to him.  But with the news of the condition of Jerusalem, he was begging God’s ear.

TEACHING MOMENT

Children need to know that they always have our ear.  They need to know they can always talk to us, no matter what they may have done.  They also need to know that as a child of God they always have God’s ear.  This story of Nehemiah is a great story of how God heard and responded.  He stirred King Artaxerxes’ heart to let Nehemiah return to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls.  God can do ANYTHING.

Listening is an art.  I often do not listen closely when my wife speaks to me.  We may be watching television and I am engrossed in a show.  I simply don’t hear her until she throws a shoe at me.  Just kidding.  She will usually ask, “Are you listening?”  I need to be better about hearing her, right?

Aren’t you glad we don’t have to wave our hands and jump up and down (or throw a shoe) to get God’s attention?  He is ALWAYS listening.  He is always ready to respond to our need, if we come to Him with humility acknowledging His place in our lives.  He wants to hear us.  He wants to listen to us.  But we have to be deliberate about talking to Him.  Have you been deliberate lately?

Father, help me to focus my prayer time and not be distracted by other things.  Thank You that You are always listening.  Your ear is always bent earthward to hear the prayers of Your children.