It is an extremely wise and important step for parents to make this a goal: daily plant God’s Word in the hearts of your children. The anointing of God rests upon His Word, and so the power to bless is always present in God’s Word. The Word of God is full of life, grace, mercy, and peace. The Word of God is pregnant with the ability to bless. So God’s Word planted in the heart of a child will bring about powerful and blessed results in the life of any child into whom it is planted.
In Psalm 119:11 we are told, “Your Word have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against you.” God’s Word, when planted in a child or youth, ministers to his or her mind, body and spirit. The Word of God strengthens and nourishes them in their faith, and it shapes their attitude in fruitful and positive ways. God’s Word also enhances every aspect of one’s being (I Corinthians 1:5), including his or her personality and intellect.
The Word of God says in Psalm 119:105, “Your Word is a Lamp to my feet and a Light to my path.” This scripture speaks of another very significant blessing and benefit from the daily reading of God’s Word. The Word of God gives clear guidance and direction for us in every area of life, in either direct statement or principle. God’s Word gives guidance and wisdom about every issue, every subject, and every matter one could face in his or her lifetime. The Word of God helps believers to come to know God’s will and His heart, and more of His point of view, His wise and accurate understanding of life, the world and the people of the world.
In view of the great value and benefits of putting God’s Word into one’s heart, parents are very wise in guiding and helping their children to read God’s Word every day. Parents that are faithful to help their children in this way are giving the gift of helping their children to fill their hearts with the life-giving Word of God.
So, here is a suggestion to wise parents. Take time daily to turn off all distractions – such as the T.V., the computer, the video games, etc. – and sit down with your children and have each of them to read three chapters in the Word of God aloud to you. (Before you read, pray for the Lord to anoint the minds, ears, hearts and understanding of each of you so that you and your children can get the most out of your reading time.) Every parent that commits themselves and their children to this kind of habit – this daily family reading goal will bless their children and family tremendously in many ways.
Another wise goal and investment for us parents is – buy the Bible on CD or in some other audio form. Daily in your home, play, in the hearing of your whole family, the Word of God. As you and the members of your family listen to the reading of the Word of God, each of you will listen and learn and receive much from listening to God’s Word. Listen at home as you are getting ready for work and/or school, listen as you are doing housework or other down time activities. You and the family can listen as you are riding in your car or van on short or long trips. Doing this is a very wise use of time, and its benefits and blessings to your whole family are tremendous.
In summary, parents, it is so wise on our part to make it a high priority to plant God’s Word in our children’s hearts. Remember, God’s Word is pregnant with the ability to bless. Why not help to plant and even pour the Word of God in great abundance into the minds and hearts of our children? Then let’s watch what the Holy Spirit will do in them.
Pastor Joseph Parker is the host of The Hour of Intercession on Urban Family Talk. This show covers topics of prayer, intercession, the Word of God and features interviews with pastors and religious leaders. He is also a contributor to The Stand.
