prep day: teaching them

God tells us in His word what He expects from us as parents. I remember studying all of what God says about what we are to do as parents before we had kids... it was overwhelming in a since and not in a since because i knew that He didn't leave us alone to do it all but instead provided us with Himself to help us.

In the Bible he didn't say what school you should send your children to, or what you should feed your kids, or even what diapers your baby should wear......

He just said He wants us to do these 5 main things:

1. Recognize they are GIFTS from God and SHOW them love (ways to show them love are below)

Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands. How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates. Psalm 127:3-5

Other verses pertaining to that: Psalm 119:73, Ephesians 6:4, Col 3:21, Psalm 128

2. Be an EXAMPLE for them to follow

                Those who fear the Lord are secure;  he will be a refuge for their children. Proverbs 14:26

Other verses pertaining to that: Prov. 20:7, Prov. 12:7, Romans 2:17-24

3. Tell them of HIM and HIS WONDERFUL DEEDS

We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders. Psalm 78:4

Tell your children about it in the years to come, and let your children tell their children. Pass the story down from generation to generation. Joel 1:3

Other Verses pertaining to that: Psalm 22:30, 45:17, 71:18, 78:6-7, 102:18, 119:90, 145:4, Isaiah 34:19, Eph. 3:21

4.  Teach them HIS WORDS and through that Truth, Faith, and to be Wise.

           So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of Mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.   Deuteronomy 11:18-20

 Other verses pertaining to that: 2 Timothy 1:5, Prov. 27:11, Prov. 28:7, Prov. 24:3-4, Prov. 15:20, Prov. 13:1, Prov. 1:10. Psalm 144:12, Deut. 5:16, Titus 2:3-8, 2 John 1:1-4, Proverbs 30:11-14, Proverbs 23:15-16, 22-25, Proverbs 19:25-27, Proverbs 6:20-23, 3 John 1:4, Psalm 78:6, Duet. 4:10, 

5. DISCIPLINE or Correct your children. (which goes along with teaching them)

                Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. Proverbs 22:6

               Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives. Proverbs 19:18

Other verses pertaining to that: Prov. 29:15,17, Prov. 22:15, Prov. 20:30, Prov. 17:21, 25, Prov. 15:5, Prov. 13:24, Proverbs 4:1, Ephesians 6:1-3, Col. 3:20, Proverbs 23:13-14, 1 Kings 1:5-10, Proverbs 29:21

If we can do these 5 main things then we are raising our kids God's way according to Him...being the parents we were created to be through His strength. We want to give our children goooooood gifts... that last through eternity and are pleasing in His eyes. God said all the other stuff is meaningless compared to this.

So last year i started teaching the boys His words, telling of His marvelous deeds, by the end of 2012 we will have read through every verse and passage in the bible (except for a few minor Adult rated stuff...no need to intro that at 4 years old).

I know my kiddos and so i usually rewrite/simplify the passage if need be to 4/5 year old understanding, do a game, art project, or hands on analogy to teach them God thoughts. And just so you know i am not that creative... God helps me every step of the way...without His help....i could not do it.

So for the next two days i will hermit myself and my goal is to prep for all their school for the next 4 months..... yeah i know ... in two days... well that would be supernatural... but since that is all i have i am going to hope for it.

Last semester we studied who God is, and this semester we will start off with "what God says He wants from us" and then go into "how God wants us to show His love to the world". Below is the first part of passages/verses we will be studying.

I am excited for my kiddos... but especially for me as the Word of God is like my food... it brings life to me.

God wants to be first in your life

A Promise of the Lord's Presence for the Israelites Exodus 23:20-33

The people of God put a calf of gold before Him Exodus 24:1-7, 32:1-33:6

God want to be first in all the Israelites lives Deuteronomy 4:15-40

Part of God's Commandments Deuteronomy 5:7-8

Warning to the Israelites Deuteronomy 13:1-4,18

Things lead Solomon away from God 1 Kings 11:1-13

Jeroboam worships false gods 1 Kings 12:21-13:6, 33-34

Asa tears down the false idols 1 Kings 15:9-22

Ahaziah seek other god's advice 2 Kings 1

You alone are God Psalm 86:8-10

The idols have ears but cannot hear Psalm 115:1-8,11,13 ; Psalm 135:13-18

The greed and the gods of God's chosen people Isaiah 3:1-15

Your idols are as empty as the wind Isaiah 41:21-29; 42:10-25

The idols that do not speak Isaiah 46:5-11

Idol worshipers Isaiah 57:3-13

Israel betrays God Jeremiah 2:1-13, 23-37

The Faithless Bride: Israel and Judah put others before God like a faithless bride Jeremiah 3

Those who put anything before God are foolish Jeremiah 10:1-16

Idols are ridiculous Hosea 4:11-13a

Israel goes to everyone but God 7:9-10,13b-16b, 14:8

Lifeless Idols Habakkuk 2:18-20

Lost without a shepherd Zechariah 10:1-3

Love God first Matthew 10:34-39

God wants to be first (what must I do? Sell everything) Luke 18:17-30

Anyone who sacrifices to any god other than the LORD must be destroyed. Exodus 22:20

They are like spiritual prostitutes, committing adultery against me by sacrificing to their gods. Exodus 34:15

Do not make idols or set up carved images to be worshiped in your land. I, the LORD, am your God. Leviticus 26:1

So fear the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord alone.  But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:14-15

Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods.  I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood or even speak the names of their gods. Psalm 16:4

You must never have a foreign god; you must not bow down before a false god. Psalm 81:9

If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison. Your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple.  Luke 14:26

 But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent. 2 Corinthians 11:3

Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts. 1 John 5:21

God wants your love

Picture of Jesus and his relationship with the Church (his bride) Psalm 45, Isaiah 61:10

I earnestly search for God Psalm 63:1-8

Joy in His presence Psalm 65

With all my heart Psalm 108:1-5

God asks a question Isaiah 50:2-3

Gods says, "Here I am" Isaiah 65:1-5

Description of a restored relationship Jeremiah 31:1-14

With Faith we are like a Tree Ezekiel 15

We are like God's bride Ezekiel 16

God draws people to Himself Jonah 1:1-16

Passion for God Matthew 3:1-15

Actions speak louder than words (Pharisee claim they were born into God's family) Matthew 3:8-10

Showing Christ's love to all Matthew 5:13-16

Acknowledge God Matthew 10:34-39

I want you not your sacrifices or traditions Matthew 12:1-8

We are Jesus' family Matthew 12:46-50

Make God your center Matthew 16:24-26

To love God is the greatest commandment Matthew 22:34-40

Give sacrificially to Jesus Matthew 26:6-13

Jesus is with you through the trial Mark 6:45-56

The most important thing in life Mark 12:28-34

be genuine in your love for God Mark 12:38-40

Are you a sheep that knows the Shepard's voice - The Good Shepard John 10:1-42

The only way to know the father is through the son John 14:1-7

Simon's heart was not after God but power Acts 8:9-24

Lydia accepts the truth of Jesus and opened her Home Acts 16:11-15, 40

We are his children through Jesus Romans 8:15-30, Galatians 4:1-7

Prayer that we might understand this great love Ephesians 3:14-21

Love God by doing what pleases Him Ephesians 5:1-14

Love God not the world 1 John 2:15-17

We are His children who belong to Him 1 John 3:1-10

"Love the Lord, all you godly ones! For the Lord protects those who are loyal to him, but he harshly punishes the arrogant.

 24 So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:23-24"

"This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you to understand, and it is not beyond your reach.  It is not kept in heaven, so distant that you must ask, ‘Who will go up to heaven and bring it down so we can hear it and obey?’ It is not kept beyond the sea, so far away that you must ask, ‘Who will cross the sea to bring it to us so we can hear it and obey?’ No, the message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart so that you can obey it.

“Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster.  For I command you this day to love the Lord your God and to keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways."" Deuteronomy 30:11-16a"

I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord; therefore, I obey your instructions. Psalm 119:55

I long for the Lord more than sentries long for the dawn, yes, more than sentries long for the dawn. Psalm 130:6

 For your Creator will be your husband! Isaiah 54:5 Look at wedding pictures and talk about how people who follow Jesus are His bride and He will come soon etc. 

Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring. Hosea 6:3

I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices.  I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6

For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. Zephaniah 3:17

My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Matthew 11:27

Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. John 17:23

You have shown me the way of life, and you will fill me with the joy of your presence. Acts 2:28 (Psalm 16:8-11)

The person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes. 1 Corinthians 8:3

Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. 2 Corinthians 13:5

 For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26

I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself.  In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2-3

And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame. 1 John 2:28

And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life. 1 John 5:20

We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one. 1 John 5:19

God wants to be your friend

Noah, God's only friend on earth Genesis 6:5-9:17

God talked with His friend Moses Exodus 33:8-23, 34:33-35, Numbers 12:1-8, Deuteronomy 34:10-12

Hezekiah Seeks God/Hezekiah's 3 Tests 2 Kings 18:1 - 20:10, 2 Chronicles 32, Isaiah 36,37, 38,39

Who can be God's friend? Psalm 15

Who can dwell with God? Psalm 24:3-10

Like a loin cloth cling to God Jeremiah 13:1-11

Through Jesus we can be friends with God Romans 5:9-10

For the righteous Lord loves justice. The virtuous will see his face. Psalm 11:7

 The Lord looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God. But no, all have turned away; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not a single one! Psalm 14:2-3

I have followed your commands, which keep me from following cruel and evil people. My steps have stayed on your path; I have not wavered from following you. Psalm 17:4-5

O Lord, I give my life to you. Psalm 25:1

The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant. Psalm 25:14

My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” Psalm 27:8

I walk in the Lord’s presence as I live here on earth! Psalm 116:9

Open for me the gates where the righteous enter, and I will go in and thank the Lord. These gates lead to the presence of the Lord, and the godly enter there. Psalm 118:19-20

I pour out my complaints before him and tell him all my troubles. When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn. Psalm 142:2-3a

Joyful indeed are those whose God is the Lord. Psalm 44:15b

God wants us to worship Him

Where it began Genesis 4:25-26

Pour out your best to Jesus (woman perfume Jesus feet) Mark 14:1-9

Doesn't matter where just in Spirit and in Truth Luke 4:19-24

Taking time to celebrate God Exodus 23:14-17

The Israelites give back to God Exodus 35:4-29, 36:4-7

The Israelites set aside a vacation to celebrate God, Feast of Tabernacles Deuteronomy 16: 13-17, Leviticus 23:33-42 (Among the many guidelines God gave the Israelites one of them was to have this Vacation Party), Nehemiah 8:13-18

A Call to remember God's goodness Deuteronomy 8

Israelites Celebrate the Passover Deuteronomy 16:1-8

Moses' Remembrance Song Deuteronomy 32:1-47

David is not Ashamed to Praise 2 Samuel 6:16-23

David's Thank you song 1 Samuel 22

Solomon gives thanks to God 1 Kings 8:22-66

David appointed worshipers of music 1 Chronicles 6:31-33, 25:6-8

When the Israelites Praised God Ezra 3:10-13, Nehemiah 9

Give thanks with singing Nehemiah 12:27-43

David thanks God for rescuing and healing him Psalm 30

Worship with music Psalm 33:1-5

I awake with Praise Psalm 57:5,7-11

Parties for God Psalm 81:1-3

Come let us sing Psalm 95

Enter His gates with Thanksgiving Psalm 100

Israelites remember and thank God Psalm 105

Praise Him at night Psalm 134

Everything that has breath praise the Lord Psalm 150

Praise God even though Habakkuk 3:17-19

Wise men recognize Jesus Matthew 2:1-12

Giving thanks for His miracles Luke 17:11-19

Remember what Christ did through the Lord's Supper 1 Corinthians 11:23-34

Worship looks like this 1 Timothy

"But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren." Deuteronomy 4:9

 I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart;  I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High.  Psalm 9:1-2

(Thank God with beilivers) I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters.[b] I will praise you among your assembled people. I will praise you in the great assembly. I will fulfill my vows in the presence of those who worship you.Psalm 22:22, 25

I wash my hands to declare my innocence. I come to your altar, O Lord, singing a song of thanksgiving and telling of all your wonders. I love your sanctuary, Lord, the place where your glorious presence dwells. Now I stand on solid ground, and I will publicly praise the Lord. Psalm 27:6-8,12

I will sacrifice a voluntary offering to you;  I will praise your name, O Lord, for it is good. For you have rescued me from my troubles and helped me to triumph over my enemies. Psalm 54:6-7

But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence. Let them be filled with joy. Sing praises to God and to his name! Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds. His name is the Lord rejoice in his presence! Psalm 68:3-4

I will lift up the cup of salvation and praise the Lord’s name for saving me. Psalm 116:13

Praise his name with dancing. Psalm 149:3a

He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. We are of the earth, and we speak of earthly things, but he has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else. John 3:31

Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. Hebrews 12:28

True Follower of Jesus/God looks like

Take up your cross and follow me Mark 8:34-38, Luke 9:23-26

Follow me fully and immedately Luke 9:57-62

Be a ready servant waiting for the Master's return Luke 12:35-48

The Narrow Gate Luke 13:22-30

Don't make excuses or you will miss out on Him Luke 14:15-24

You must put God above all else Luke 14:25-35

The father that forgave  (Prodigal Son) Luke 15:11-32

Come first to serve… unlike this world Luke 22:24-28

How to become Children of God John 1:10-13

The followers of Jesus John 1:35-51

Unless a kernal of wheat dies John 12:23-26

Keep seeking God

Jehu doesn't stay faithful 2 Kings 9 and 10

When I am discouraged I will still seek God Psalm 42: 4-8, 11

I am humbled Psalm 131

The ready watchman Isaiah 21:5-12

The men did whatever it took to get to Jesus (paralazed) Luke 5:17-26

He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. John 3:30

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice, the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Romans 12:1

 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

 As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God. Psalm 42:1-2a

The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged. For the Lord hears the cries of the needy . Psalm 69:32-33a

But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “God is great!” Psalm 70:4

 Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor. Proverbs 21:21

It is God’s privilege to conceal things and the king’s privilege to discover them. No one can comprehend the height of heaven, the depth of the earth, or all that goes on in the king’s mind! Proverbs 25:2-3

psst.... pray for me... a lot to do in a little time. :)