I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, Which we have heard and known, And our fathers have told us. We will not conceal them from their children, But tell to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, And His strength and His wondrous works that He has done. For He established a testimony in Jacob And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers That they should teach them to their children, That the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, That they may arise and tell them to their children, That they should put their confidence in God And not forget the works of God, But keep His commandments, And not be like their fathers, A stubborn and rebellious generation, A generation that did not prepare its heart And whose spirit was not faithful to God.
Psalm 78:2-6 NAS
Reflection
As summer begins, there are many things that fill our minds and prayers when it comes to children, youth and families. There are so many transitions taking place in their lives, some are exciting like graduation, promoting to the next step or school, like from Elementary to Middle school, preparing to go to college, beginning a job, or stepping into an internship. Some students will go to camp, on a mission trip, or vacation with their family or friends while others may go visit their other parent and/or family that they do not live with throughout the year due to divorced parents. Some may be looking forward to Vacation Bible School and days by the pool while others leave school food insecure, not knowing who will care for them over the summer and if they will be safe or have enough to eat. Please pray for those who are younger than us as you no longer see the school bus and these prayer prompts come to mind.
One of the most significant changes about summer is having more interactions with your children, grandchildren, neighbors and children who attend your church. These days are wonderful opportunities to teach them about Jesus, study the Word of God, share His love and learn to serve others through His love. Vacation Bible School, Backyard Bible Clubs and Christian camps are not babysitting services – they are opportunities to reveal the strength and wondrous works of life with the Lord; a chance to teach them to pray and put their trust in God.
Children and youth today are experiencing anxiety, fear, insecurity, abuse, abandonment, fatherlessness, vigorous schedules, and stresses like we have never seen before. They have screentime that pulls them deeper into confusion, isolation, comparison, and temptation in ways that can only be attributed to the devil himself. We are in a spiritual battle for their hearts, minds and souls. We cannot remain quiet. We are the generation that allowed the world to become what it has become.
We “let it” instead of standing firm fighting and “lighting it.” It is time to take back what Satan has stolen with the Sword of the Spirit and fill the “now” generation of our younger spiritual bothers and sisters with the Word of God throughout the day, every day. It is time now, to restore awe, honor, respect and obedience to our Creator and Savior. This is the time to tell the truth of scripture – not stories like a fairytale – of the historical accounts in the Bible of creation, the flood and ark, Daniel, David and Goliath, Esther, Deborah, Ruth, Jesus, the disciples, Paul and more. There is nothing more significant, mor important to talk about in the car, over meals, at bedtime, first thing in the morning, and throughout the day. This is the time to teach them even at an early age to have a prayer time, Bible study time and worship-filled life. We must make these spiritual habits and these young people a priority, and spend our summer depopulating hell and bringing the children to Jesus, training up warriors and worshippers in this generation and the next.
Will you please join me in prayer?
Lord Jesus, You said to let the children come to You and not to hinder them. Please forgive us where we have let our schedules, exhaustion, and our own spiritual/Biblical insecurity hinder the next generation of our children and children’s children. Forgive us for being the stubborn, rebellious, and fearful generation that did not stand strong in You and for You, and let our nation slide into darkness instead of being the bright light You called up to be. Help us to rise and shine this summer to tell the generations to praise the LORD, and to tell them of Your strength and the wondrous works that You have done in the Bible and our own lives. Teach us to testify, to reveal and not conceal You. In the powerful and mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen!
Serving Him with gladness,
Kathy Branzell
President
