Training Children

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Training children is a great responsibility that is given to parents by God. He has many things to say about the subject. One of my favorites is (Proverbs 22:6) “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart.” Notice the words “train up a child”. Train is another word for teach. Therefore, you are suppose to teach children not raise children. If God had intended for us to raise children, he would not have said teach or train a child. My mom has always explained it this way, you raise tomatoes, and you teach or train a child. The major differences between raising tomatoes and teaching children are this, tomatoes only need water, sunlight, dirt, and fertilizer while children need love, mercy, discipline, food, clothing, shelter, and guidance just to name a few things.  In addition, tomatoes cannot walk, talk, or learn.

God is not silence on the reasons for teaching children, what to teach children, or how to discipline them. He will give additional help if you simply ask him. Remember he is the only perfect parent. It is amazing to me how man who is imperfect has decided that one of the main forms of discipline talked about in the Bible is wrong. I am referring to corporal punishment or a spanking. It is spoken of many times in Proverbs. One notable place is (Proverbs 13:24) “He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.” The verse does not give anyone the right to beat a child, but it does say correct the child. In other words, making children listen and obey shows that you love children. Think about it this way. If you love a young child, you will not let him touch a hot stove. You will instead make the child however necessary get out of the kitchen. So why would you allow a child to talk on the phone half the night or hang out with friends who are a bad influence. There are many ways of making children obey such as talking to them, grounding them, and spanking them. Who cares if the child says, “I hate you.” Just smile and say, “I love you.” However, even though we are the parents, and we have the right to discipline our children and train our children in the way we see fit, we should always remember that Jesus says “Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.” (Colossians 3:21). This means that we should not put so much pressure on them to be prefect that it is impossible for them to be successful. Basically, remember that just like you, they are still human, and they will make mistakes sometimes.

There are several things that God commands parents to teach to children. Notice that God commands the parents to teach the children. I have recently heard someone say parents are only responsible for 20% of teaching children and teachers are responsible for the other 80%. Is this what God’s commandment saying? Why is it that God does not give this commandment to the schoolteachers or government? Maybe it is because children learn many valuable skills before going to school. Think about it. Children learn to walk, talk and play before the age of 4. They do not go to school until at least the age of 5. Therefore, parents are responsible for teaching children's manners before they go to school. In addition, parents are responsible to make sure that their children are getting a good education on reading, mathematics, science, history, language arts, and any other important school subjects. Yes, teachers may be able to teach mathematics to children better than parents, but that does not release them of their God given responsibility. There are still many things that the parent must do to help ensure that their children are learning math. Those things include making sure their children get to bed on time, get up on time, do their homework, listen in class, have all necessary materials, ect. Some may say that they can not make sure that their children listen in class. That statement is false. Children  will behave on average better at school than at home. Therefore, if they are made to listen to instructions at home, they will listen at school. Parents need to remember that children learn the meanings of words by listening to and watching those around them. A child has never said anything that he or she did not hear somewhere. Therefore, if you want your children to be respectful to others, you must act respectful at all times in front of him or her. If you want your child to learn about Jesus, you must tell them about Jesus. Remember that God commands that you teach your child his commandments. A great suggest is to teach Proverbs chapter 3 to them. This proverb explains how they can live a long healthy prosperous life. Notice how it starts out with obedience, “ My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:” (Proverbs 3:1).

Here are some more reasons to train up a child in the correct way. All children are
the future generation. For example a 5-year-old will be 21-years-old in 16 years. That means that he will be consider legally an adult. He or she will have all the rights of an adult. Our children will be able responsible for the running of this country. So think about our children’s behavior. Do you really want some of the children in this country to be in charge? Why or why not? I suggest praying and then taking a good long look at your own children. If you like want you see, praise God. If you do not like what you see ask God for help and then follow his instructions.

Freezing Children

In the 1960’s Marcus and Ann started to church. They had two children, Paul who is 4 years old and Karen who is 6 months old. They lived about 50 miles from the church.

One cold Sunday morning, they got up early and drove to church for Sunday school. Then they stayed until after church that night.

Marcus drove a truck made in the 1940’s. It did not have a heater in it. It had been freezing all day. On the way home that night, Ann had the children wrapped up with homemade quilts. However, they were still very cold and crying. Marcus and Ann were freezing too. That is when Marcus said, “We are going to stop at that house up ahead.” Ann asked, “Do you know them?”. Marcus replied, “No, but I see smoke coming from there fireplace. We are going to stop there and get warm.” Therefore, they stop at the house. It was about 11 pm, but somehow the lights were still on.

Everyone got out of the truck. Marcus went and knocked on the door. An old man and lady came to the door. The couple could plainly see that Marcus, Ann, and the children were freezing. Marcus explained that they did not have a heater and it was very cold.

Surprisingly the old couple welcomed Marcus and his family to their home. At this time in the south, blacks and whites normally did not visit each other. The old couple was black and Marcus and his family was white.

The old couple got Marcus, Ann, and Paul something warm to drink. They also made sure that Karen got warm. They warmed up the quilts before wrapping the children up in them.

This story has been passed down in my family. No one remembers the name of the old couple, but I am sure that God knows their names. It was a miracle that they were still up at 11pm. I know that God blessed that couple because Jesus says, “ Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:34-40).

Back to School

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The Summer of 1967 is coming to a close and it is almost time for school. I, Karen, will be in the 1st grade. My brother, Paul, will be in the 5th grade. We attend a church school.

The Pastor is also the head of the school. He calls a meeting to discuss the new school year. Everyone that wanted to send their children to the church school is required to attend.

At the meeting, the pastor explained the school rules. He announced who the teachers were going to be. Lastly, he announced when school would begin for that year. School would start in about 2 weeks.

Most of the parents then spoke up and said, “Let school start sooner. I want to get my children back to school and out of the house.”

Well, guess what? My daddy, Marcus, stood up and walked to the front of everyone. He said, “I have something to say.” Marcus was the assistant pastor.

He proceeded to say, “If I felt the way you all have seem to, I would go home and get my gun. Then I would stand my 2 children outside against a wall and shot them.”

The people did not know what to say.

After hearing this, I hoped that daddy liked us and wanted us around.

To the day that my daddy died, every time he heard someone say, “I will be glad when the children go back to school or move out.” He would reply, “If I felt that way, I would stand them outside and shot them.

Marcus never shot any of his children. Therefore, he must have loved having them around.

Child-like Faith

Real faith always has a child-like aspect to it. The follow story tells about my mother's child-like faith during before, during and after Hurricane Camille. Like most five-year olds, she did not know theology. She simple trusted in Jesus. My mother told me this story a few years ago. It illustrates what Jesus was talking about in Mark 10:13-16, “…Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”  And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.” Every one that comes to Jesus must come as a child. God the Father is our heavenly Father. When we come to him through Jesus, we are adopted into his family.

Because she had been listening to the word of God, she had some faith. According to the word of God, faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.

Do babies and young children have enough knowledge to have faith in God? Read the story below. I think that you will come to the same conclusion that I have. This is why I try to tell my son about Jesus daily. I am also working to instill the idea of praying to God every day. This story is written from the viewpoint of my mother


I, Karen, started going to church when I was about 6 months old. My daddy, Marcus, worked but he was also a Preacher.

When I an about 5 years old, my parents start going to a Bible school at night. They did not have any money for a babysitter. Therefore, my brother, Paul, and I go with them. We are given crayons and paper to play with. Paul colors, but I just sat and listen as the Bible is taught.

I begin to understand some of the Bible. Everyone said, “God writes your name in heaven”. Every time I ask, “Where is heaven?” I am given the same answer. They would always point to the sky.

At this time, we live out in the country in a ranch style house. It has a porch that goes across the front of the house. At the end of the porch was where I would go to alone to talk to God. I picked a spot in the sky to be my spot where my name was written.

We did not have a television or radio at this time. One day I went to talk to God at my spot. Looking up at my spot, I saw that it was very dark. This greatly disturbed me because it was so dark. I thought that God must be very angry with me for blotting out my name. I told God that I was very sorry for everything that I had ever done wrong. Nothing happened. My spot was still very dark.

I started crying and saying, “Please God, what have I done so bad? You have always cleared my spot before. Please God, don’t be mad at me!” With tears still rolling down my face, I asked, “Why?” I then said, “Fix it, please!” The whole sky was dark, but my spot cleared. I thanked God. He loved me. I was now happy.

Later that day, daddy came home from work. He said, “Hurricane Camille is coming. It is going to hit the Gulf Coast. This is going to cause very strong winds and rain.” I did not get upset or scared, because I had talked to God early and he had cleared my spot.


Later that same night, we loaded our car and left because of the storm. The storm hit our house. It took off the roof and porch. Most of the windowpanes were blown out. Everything in the house got soaked. The American Red Cross came. They gave us new beds and a new sofa. People came from far away to help fix the roof and windows. The man that we rented from paid for the materials. People that I did not even know was there helping and giving to us. God had heard me! He cleared my spot.

I continued talking to God for many months looking up into the sky. Later, we moved to a new location. By that time, I knew that I could talk to God anywhere. At the darkest times of my life, I go alone and talk to God. He always clears the way for me.


My mother told this story to me. This is a true story. It illustrates a very important principle. Babies and young children can understand in their own way. They can talk to God. However, it is often in a child-like way with child-like understanding. This child-like “Talking to God” helped Karen to know that everything would be o.k. God cleared the spot. He heard Karen.

Is not this kind of child-like faith we should all have faith. Jesus said, ““…Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”  And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.” (Mark 10:14-16).

Fine Print

Many times, I look around and it seems to me that non-Christians are doing better than Christians are. I do not understand why my husband fails to be able to get contract painting work. I ask

God why this other family-owned painting company can find work, yet they are not Christians. God reminds me that I cannot see what he sees or know what is going on with that family. He also reminds me that he can use the ungodly to bless the godly. 

I then thank God while suppressing a laugh as I remember that when Satan wants to do something he must first get permission from God. Satan must present his plans to God and get permission. God then decides. Then God can either deny access or grant access. However, the fine print is always added when permission is granted. This fine print is kind of like the small print at the bottom of a contract. 

 A great example of this is found in Job. In chapter 1, Satan asks for permission to tempt Job. The interesting thing is that Satan must get permission. 

God answers and says, “…Behold all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand…” (Job 1:12).  Therefore, I can still rejoice even though Satan does not want our painting company to prosper. I rejoice because I know that at this time, he cannot prevent my husband from getting subcontract work. 

All Christians can rejoice because God always adds in fine print. This limits what Satan can do. 

Satan has a plan, but the fine print stops him from being completely successful, unless we stop trusting God.

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Coke Truck

It was a very hot summer day. Berry, Pearlie Mae and their 4 children had been picking cotton. They decided to take a water break. They went to the house to get the water. Berry had a small amount of money. He asked if anyone wanted a coke. Of Course everyone did. He told them to rest, and he would walk to the store. The store was about 2 miles one way.

Berry took off walking to the store. Pearlie Mae told the children to do their housework, while she cooked lunch and supper. She knew all the work needed to be done and they would have to go back to the fields and pick cotton until dark.

Berry had to walk all the way to the store. Back in those days, there were very few cars. He did not see any cars on the way to the store. When he got to the store, the coke truck was there to refill the drinks in the store. Berry was very outspoken. He told the coke man that he had just walked 2 miles for a coke for him and his family. The coke man asked, “Where do you live?” Berry told him. The coke man then said, “If you wait until I fill the drink boxes then I will give you a ride home. I am going to pass your house on the way to my next stop.” Not only did Berry wait, but he also helped the coke man fill the drink boxes.

The Coke man drove and Berry rode on the side of the truck. The coke man drove slowly on the rough dirt road. Berry was very happy not to have to walk home toting the drinks. When they got close to his house, Berry jumped off the truck. Berry then ran ahead of the truck to show the way to his house.

Pearlie Mae and the children heard the truck coming and then saw Berry running in front pointing the way to the house. They started laughing. The coke truck stopped, and Berry got a case of bottle cokes. Pearlie then asks, “I know that you went after a coke, but are you buying the whole truck load?” She had never seen the coke truck deliver cokes to a house before.  Berry replied, “No, just a case.’

This story has been passed down through the generations in my family.

Who Shall Be Saved?

Who Shall be Saved? The disciples of Jesus even asked this question after hearing the teaching of Jesus. Jesus had said, “That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”

The Bible says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever, believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). This scripture is interesting because it says, “should not perish”. I have always wondered why the word “should” was used. Why not the word “will”? Therefore, is it possible to have a form of belief and still not be saved? After careful reading and studying, I have determined that the answer is Yes. James 2:19 (NIV) says, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” In addition, Matthew 7:21-23 (NKJV) says, ““Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”.

Why are some saved and some not? What can we do to know that we are saved? Well, a good start is reading the instruction manual. Just like televisions, cars, and washing machines come with an instruction manual; we also have an instruction manual. It is called the Holy Bible. Simply reading it and applying it to your life and your heart can solve many problems. In addition, the Bible clears says what we must do to insure our salvation. Here are four scriptures that give a clear picture of who will and who will not be saved.

1. Acts 2:38 says, “…Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

2. Romans 10:13 says, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

3. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

4. Matthew 19:26 says, “But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.”


From the scriptures it is clear that those who truly repent of their sins, desire Jesus, call on his name, and then seek after the kingdom of God will be saved. To repent means to renounce and turn completely away from sin. Therefore, it seems that a relationship with Jesus is the most important thing. Those that have a real relationship with Jesus will follow and do the will of Jesus. As we walk and talk with Jesus daily, he will abide with us. Therefore, when we see Jesus' face to face on the Day of Judgment he will be able to say with a smile, well done my good and faithful servant.