Once there was a woman in my life, that I loved dearly.  She taught me Bible and rewarded me for memorizing passages of Scripture.  She made the stories come alive with her flannel graph illustrations.  The first passage I memorized was Psalm 100.  It was a life shaping, confidence giving habit that she encouraged me in.  Any good that I have done, Kate, has a part in.  Although she has been in heaven with our Lord for many years, I still often think about her.

I thought about her after an early breakfast meeting with our Junior Bible Quiz coach this morning.  He told me this morning stories about children who have quoted scripture that help them make good decisions.  As he did there was a huge smile on his face.  I’m sure that his love for the Scripture and for children bring a smile to God’s face as well as many parents and children.  He and his team have been doing for our children what Kate did for me, decades ago.  He is another busy man.  A husband, dad, deacon, family physician, and a participating member of other organizations.

It makes me think of Maxwell’s quote from yesterday’s post.  “If you want something done, find a busy person.”  

Most children are going to come to us and say, “Dad/Mom, I’m feeling insecure or I need to be close to God, or I want to build in my life God’s Word to prepare me for the future.”  We have to take seriously our responsibility to prepare our children to become men and women after God’s heart!  Read the Bible with your children and pray with them.  Give them the tools they need to memorize the Bible.

One of the greatest gifts a mom or dad could give to their children is to involve them in Junior Bible Quiz.  Practice with them at home and help them hide the Word of God in their hearts.  You’ll be so grateful you did as see them empowered by God’s Word to make good decisions.  As they become teenagers you’ll be even happier with your wise decision.  When they become adults and the Word of God guides them in their decision making, your older years will be even more pleasant.  You’ll also be surprised by how much you learn and grow yourself.

Kate, thank-you for helping me believe, I could memorize Scripture and rewarding me for doing so.  I will always be grateful that God brought you into a six year old boy’s life.

“How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey. Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life. Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:103–105, NLT)  

Peace!