Jesus First
“Jesus First” by Glenda Alphin.
What kind of example do we portray in front of the children who look to us for guidance? This is a question I have pondered about everyone following me, but I am distinctly aware of it as I consider the young ones who call me “Granna.”
My thoughts go to our youngest daughter, Candace, and the way she is raising their son, Elijah. We taught her to trust Jesus for everything needed and in turn, she began instilling this within him even before the age of two. Candace began praying with Elijah every time he hurt himself while playing. Now, at 26 months, he immediately comes to her or his Pappa if he hurts himself and says, “Pray.” If she happens to mention her head has a booboo (or a headache), Elijah puts his tiny hand on Mamma’s forehead and says, “In Jesus Name, amen.” Before applying medicine or band-aids, they go to Jesus with every problem.
How did Elijah acquire this knowledge? He was taught by example. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Concepts not learned are concepts not taught or “caught.” Our children’s testimonies will only be as powerful as we enable them to be.
Two of our eldest daughter’s children participate in Junior Bible quizzing, and it has been incredible to listen to them quote verses from the New Testament. “In the beginning was the Word…” What powerful information for young children aged nine and seven to know. The desire for salvation is growing amongst the girls, and their three-year-old sister is telling them, “You’re going to receive the Holy Ghost.”
To hear that little one quote John 1:1 and Acts 2:38 brought tears to my eyes. What powerful truths. Of course, she does not comprehend the words completely, but she has already watched her Papi baptize one of her sisters in the name of Jesus. Examples provide knowledge and teach the concept of faith.Consecrated children become discipled adults, which brings spiritual empowerment to the local church.
What kind of teachers are we? “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace” (James 3:17-18). May we consider these words, in Jesus Name.
Information from:
Ladies Prayer International Newsletter
UPCI Ladies Ministries – ladiesprayerinternational-aol.com@shared1.ccsend.com
