Given Birth for Trouble?

Friday 25 August
READ: Isa. 65 : 23
MORE LESSON: Gen. 34 : 25 - 30, Prov. 19 : 26 – 27

The desire to have children can be very intense. Every grown up man/woman wants to have a home and subsequently children, and many are desperate about this. Rachael, in Gen. 30 : 1, said to Jacob; ...Give me children or else I die. Some, because of the desire for children or a particular sex have become victims of herbalists, extra-marital affair, etc. Even those who have children do all things possible to take care (physically, financially, spiritually, emotionally) of them and groom them for success in life. However, you need to note some things.
1. Children are part of the good gifts from God – they are His heritage (Psa. 127 : 3). Therefore, those that are yet to have them should rejoice (not worry) because God knows your needs and has all good things in abundance for those that love Him (1 Sam.1: 27).
2. Children are to be a source of joy and happiness (not troubles) in homes. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate: Psa. 127:5. What a blessing, joy and fulfillment!!! However, in many homes children have become the source of heartache, and diverse atrocities. Some have caused their parents hypertension, killed their parents, and siblings, wrecked family business and become devourers. Are you unhappy over any of your children? If yes, God will return their heart to you and God, in Jesus' name.
3. What becomes of these children after birth is far more important than having them. To nurture a child to adulthood is highly demanding-physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially. However, when the child grows beautifully, your heart is filled with joy because your labour is not in vain but is yielding good result.
A child may regretably not bring joy to the family if:
1.he/she turns out not to be a good and perfect child Exo. 2 : 2.
2. the child is not given proper upbringing or he refuses parental upbringing.
3. the child becomes a vagabond.
God's method of training children is found in Prov. 22: 6. Train them based on the instructions in the Bible and by godly example. The questions are: As a parent, are you born again? Are you living based on the principles of God's Word? If you are not you need to repent. A life without Christ is a life of crises/troubles and this will affect not only the children, but also other family members. Naturally, children are good imitators; the child needs to see you do what you preach or teach. One good example is better than 100 teachings or techniques. Children want to follow the examples of their parents. This way, your life and that of your children will bring joy to you, your home and others around you.

Prayer/Action
* I will not be a source of trouble to my parents and family, in Jesus’ name.
* Satan will not take over our children, in Jesus’ name.
* Our children will be tools unto honour in the hand of God, in Jesus’ name.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER
This month, lines will fall to me in pleasant places, I shall have a godly heritage and good result, in the name of Jesus.