THE VOICES OF OUR CHILDREN

I leave for work most days hearing the voices of our children calling, "Daddy, Daddy, I love you!" I return home to the same robust greeting. Our daughter may ask if she can pray, or our son will hold up my wife's ipod and say "holy holy Lord!". I may hear our daughter recite a memory verse, or our son attempt to sing "Jesus Loves Me".

These are small but powerful reminders of what God has blessed me with as a father. Along with that blessing comes a great resonsibility to teach and train our children in the way of the Lord. I am blessed with three beautiful children who make my day and bring me much pleasure and enjoyment.

When I listen to our children's voices I remember the blessing from the Lord as well as the command in how I am to teach and raise them. Take a moment to reflect on the following words in Psalm 119:9-16 and Psalm 127.

Psalm 119:9-16
"How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
Praise be to you, O Lord;
teach me your decrees.
With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word."

Psalm 127
"Unless the Lord builds the house,
its builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain.
In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep toa those he loves.
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."

- Eric