Children are a gift from God. Every single life, every single infant. Doin' our best, we commit the rest. Parents, you can do your part and trust God to grow em up even if it takes a bit longer. He delights to do that.

Been kinda musin' on infants and their growth process (Liney and I now have grandson, Heath -- just arrived). Grateful he's doing well, and wondering about all the nutrients needed for an infant's growth to best happen. It's the parent's realm of course, but is very normal for all to consider and think about.  

What else on growth? Man, I like this g-parenting. We already have a wonderful granddaughter in Florida (nicknamed Naners)! Love to spend time with her!!

A lot of organizations and groups promise spiritual growth these days and some even encourage their devotees in applying some Scriptural principles ..even wisely applying em like all sound Bible Study groups and healthy Christian churches daily do.

God came and walked here among people, and Jesus didn't found a chain of restaurants, a law firm, or some hardware store to benefit humans. What did He leave behind for the growth and blessing of those He loves? It was one thing -- a healthy local (not flawless) Christian church. Remember how the Church was born in that upper room on the Day of Pentecost? And you know in Church History how not all so called churches since then.. have been healthy or growing (sadly lots of sinning by sinners has happened in churches). Some today are still filled with and led by puffed up, rebellious and presumptuous people dead inside.  

A not-yet baby (inside and then outside of a womb) can't really begin to grow as a baby. Duh! How can a not-yet-repentant-born-again-baby Christian begin to grow spiritually? 

Factoid: There is zero spiritual growth happening in someone's personal experience apart from the Word of God. Plain and simple. Have you sought to.. do you still seek to live independently from the Living Word? Many so called churches and groups try to do this and yet claim to be helping people grow towards spiritual maturity. Dads, start now. Regularly lead your family towards the Word. Regularly, faithfully do your part and get them to a healthy church. If it ever turns.. not healthy any more due to some abuse of power or whatnot, then prayerfully appeal showing respect.. and or quickly lead them to another healthy Bible teaching church. Act smart! 

Regeneration inside is so important. Are you in Christ, or merely religious.. or not at all religious? The Apostle Paul challenges us to grow up IN the faith saying, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, men who have gone astray from the truth saying…” (2 Tim. 2:15-18 nasb).

Jesus assures us several times in the Bible that if we turn and trust.. If we repent and believe in Him accepting Him as our Lord and Saviour… if we respond to His Gospel, He will be faithful to respond to each of us and enter into a relationship with us. That's so SO important! 

Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all ; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” (John 10:27-29). Jesus said....

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him.” (Revelation 3:20). So invite Him in today -- all need to be a baby Christian at some point in time before passing into eternity.

You know the Bible promises eternal life to every person who repents and believes -- receives Jesus Christ.

“The witness is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1John 5:11-13).

God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). On the basis of this promise, you can know that Christ lives in you and that you have eternal life from the very moment you invite Him into your life.

How can you and I grow as Christians? We can grow by wisely obeying the Lord in applying His word.

All Christians also need to love proper hermeneutics which provide any student of the Scripture with the basic guidelines and rules for “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15) so that there will be gobs of growth and no error in their minds.

“If you don’t listen to theology today, that doesn’t mean that you’ll have no thoughts about God, rather it means you’ll have wrong ones (bad theology).” – C.S. Lewis

Ask, what does this passage say about God, about Jesus Christ (God the Son), about me in relationship to Him and with others? In the word, I’m looking for the hows the whens the wheres and whys of that passage. What’s one thing in the text that God wants us to know, and wants us to do? Of course we need to go to and ask God for the specifics (not just the general ideas) to do.. regarding our own personal calling. Listen, the plain, obvious meaning of truth is the true meaning in the word. I think that we should take the Scriptures literally, unless the Scriptures specifically say “this is like unto.” There is a danger in spiritualizing what we read in the Bible: (i.e., Brother, the fruit here doesn’t really mean fruit like we know fruit.  No it represents the Lord’s pleasure. Go deeper dude.) Some people go too deep -- deeper than Jesus would.

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate." Psalm 127:3-5 

“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.” Proverbs 17:6- “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” 1 Peter 2:2 3 

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." 3 John 1:4 

Glad there are groups applying some Scriptures out there, but what and who are those who can help a believer benefit, and really grow unto maturity with in a Bible teaching Christian church... that you know other groups aiming to do good in the earth... really lack? Well, the Bible says of God in relation to His church.. "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." Ephesians 4:11-32 kjv 

Yes, you and I need church fellowship with other red-hot, growing Christians ..in order to grow up right. Ask yourself what are new and veteran believers going to miss staying away from a healthy church clearly puttin' out all the counsels of God by a skilled healthy-minded spiritual pastor? A whole lot, cuz God set things up this way for His Body's well-being, protection, nourishment and spiritual growth. I love all the Bible promises of growth for families and childen that we can memorize and claim. Got a few minutes? Here's some more...

- "All your children shall be taught by the Lord, And great shall be the peace of your children." Isaiah 54:13
- “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” Mark 9:37
- "When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'" Mark 10:14
- "See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven." Matthew 18:10
- "Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children." Proverbs 17:6
- Train up.. "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6 (They each must decide, but don't have to wait until they are old before they turn to/back to Christ.)
- God knows exactly what you need and He's never late. "He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the Lord." Psalm 113:9 See verses in context. 
- "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:13-16 niv
- The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven? Don't be Causing any to Stumble while Here.
- "At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." Matthew 18:1-6 Facebook.com/shareJesus

- What is baby dedication? Is child / baby dedication biblical?
- What does the Bible say about infant baptism / paedobaptism?
- Is christening in the Bible?
- Did God actually punish David and Bathsheba’s innocent child with death? Nope.
- When does a life in the womb become a human being?
- What does God in His Bible say about abortion?
- How should a Christian view the Roe vs. Wade decision?
- What does the Bible say about hermaphrodites?
- What does it mean for a Christian to grow in faith?
- How should Christian parents respond to having a child with Down syndrome?
- I want a baby, but my spouse does not. What do we do?
- What does it mean that baby Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes?

I enjoy listenin' to li’l children sometimes -- so interesting, so profound and so funny at times. But I’ve never viewed these creatures as flawless or worthy of worship like some parents view them. You know, they just aren’t. Duh!

And their false view of em, can perhaps be brought down to normal.. to how it really is. 

Facts: A child could speak the right direction that you adults [me included] oughta take (could happen -- it indeed will happen in the future millennium. Isa. 11:6). Today, babies are born sinners -- you were and I was born that way. Go do a careful study on depravity and where it came from. 

“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb,

The leopard shall lie down with the young goat,

The calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them."

Facts. Cuz of one man’s sin, all people have been affected on this planet. People are born sinners cuz of Adam and Eve who sinned. It’s true, and you don’t have to teach kids how to sin, it comes naturally. 

Facts: All kids have huge value, you do too (enough so that Jesus died on the Cross for you). Please do value children though. The Bible in Psalm 127:3 says that: “Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him.” I didn't always show this like I should have as a dad (flawed), but valuing our children means providing for them, protecting them, properly caring for them, rightly teaching em... and of course earnestly praying for them. You can do that daily. See Job 1:4-5.

"Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me!" Psalm 51:5

Originally posted by kedisininhatunu

Do you desire to one day become a parent? 

It’s so horrific that every year thousands of children are neglected or abused by adults in different ways. It’s also a tragedy that thousands of other children are put on pedestals..and so much so that they actually direct their families where they wish or feel like in each moment. Personally, I listen to their longings for things and do want to bless kids, but really.. some kids come to believe and feel that the rules of society should not.. do not apply to them, and that they can live their lives as they wish. Some dads feel like this too. 

These following non-PC words can help us understand how much our society has changed and how much we’ve lost our clear perspective of how things really are regarding children and “family”. This following quote is from the Minnesota Crime Commission, and was published in 1926 -- it’s actually helpful and good to muse on. 

"Every baby starts life as a little savage. He is completely selfish and self-centered: he wants what he wants—his bottle, his mother's attention, his playmate's toys, his uncle's watch, or whatever. Deny him these and he seethes with rage and aggressiveness which would be murderous were he not so helpless. He is dirty; he has no morals, no knowledge and no developed skills. This means that all children, not just certain children, but all children are born delinquent. If permitted to continue in their self-centered world of infancy, given free reign to their impulsive actions to satisfy each want—every child would grow up a criminal, a killer, a thief, and a rapist." ~ Reb Bradley

And that my friend is called the fleshly nature, in Judaism it's called yetzer hara (Hebrew: יֵצֶר הַרַע‎, for the definite "the evil inclination"). Yes, the potential is indeed there. I am a sinner and am capable if I choose. That's why I daily so need the Lord. What's your take on this? I like what God says -- see the Bible passages.

Think about it, fleshly willful selfishness is at the root of almost all sins. Most of the quarrels and conflicts we have in life at any age occur because self is either bein' restrained, threatened, challenged, or just ignored. It is all about us when instead it should be about Jesus and how others can know ..and enjoy Him. See James 4:1.

"Remember that children are born with a decided bias toward evil, and therefore if you let them choose for themselves, they are certain to choose wrong. The mother cannot tell what her tender infant may grow up to be—tall or short, weak or strong, wise or foolish—all is uncertain. But one thing the mother can say with certainty—he will have a corrupt and sinful heart! It is natural for us to do wrong. Our hearts are like the earth on which we tread—let it alone, and it is sure to bear weeds!" ~ J. C. Ryle

"Every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood." Genesis 8:21

Are you a mom or dad now? Turn, confess, pray in faith -- come to Jesus today. Your family needs you obedient in Christ today. Choose to follow Him daily. Choose to balance love and proper discipline. Take the lead in demonstrating Christ-like love, wise Bible-application, and the importance of family along with healthy-local-church relationships. You know kids will often copy, mimic -- really reflect their moms and dads. Back in the day looking at how the Israelite's failed to biblically worship the true God we all can learn to do better. The Bible in 2 Kings 17:41 says, “To this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their fathers did.” Proverbs 14:26 states the other side of the coin, “He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.”

You know our society tends to excuse bad behavior in kids and in adults. It tends to misplace all blame for the kid’s behavior too – “it’s completely the parent’s fault”, “it’s the teacher's influence on em, “it’s the (low percentage of) bad cops who corrupt the children" (as if!), “it’s their bad diet,” “it’s completely the school’s fault -- the whole district is lame! (and there indeed are a lot of bad districts to be avoided).” All these things could contribute to delinquency I guess (they do), but they are never to excuse it. Kids do wrong cuz they each choose to do wrong. Listen, all but the smallest children know right from wrong – even the very small are quite capable of deliberate naughtiness! All aren’t me, but personally been there, done that. Proverbs 20:11 says, “Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.” 

Now be edified by the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:25 and 18:2-5.

“I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.

Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.

Christ loved and ministered to kids. Still does today. He wants to use Christians to do this. Pure agape love and Bible truth with patience are key! Yup. Wise ministry to children needs to happen in our day more than ever (my wife Liney is gentle, patient, loving and is really good at this stuff. In a good sense I am proud of her. Though our three boys are grown up and out the door, LIney does this regularly at our church just a mile north of us).  Listen, when each child can understand it, they each need to be won to Christ. Scripture is simple enough, when simply explained a bit, for children to grasp the truth of it.  

God loves you and all kids -- He made em! Yes, and every child needs to hear the Gospel in terms the can get. Some people really hate it when I call them kids, but who cares! Come on. 

When the time is right each child needs to learn about repentance and to repent. And they each need to believe in Jesus Christ so they can be regenerated inside. It can happen. Don’t push it. No pressure. There is a day for each one to be born again spiritually. Facebook.com/shareJesus