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Posts tagged ‘children’

Why Churches Must Address Noise Levels for Children

My daughter recently wrote about churches and the loudness of the music. If you have not read it, please do. Here is the link Why Churches Should Consider Noise Levels for Children with Noise sensitivity.

I am thankful for my daughter being as high functioning on the Autism spectrum as she is. I know that many other parents have it so much worse than I do. My heart goes out to all of the parents who are trying to figure out what to do. I don’t know why there is more people being diagnosed with autism. However, I am beginning to see it as a test for the churches, after my daughter showed me a verse in the Bible. Here is the verse.

  •  Matthew 18:5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

This is Jesus talking in the above verse. My daughter looks at things differently than I do. She said that to reject a child is the same thing as rejecting Jesus, because those who receive a child in the name of Jesus receives Jesus. Think about those words.

Then she pointed out that the public library is more sensitive than the church is to the needs of the children. So, the test is will the church receive children who are different? Failure to receive all children in the Name of Jesus is failure to receive Jesus.

I am not saying that children should not be taught as much as possible how to behave in church. I am saying that children should be loved, considered, cared for, and appropriate accommodations provided for.

Here are some examples of what a library system is doing.

Notice how accommodating the library is. Various items are being provided by the library to help the children. Unnecessary light and sound elements are being turned off. The library is normally a quiet place. They are going above and beyond by offering to turn off any additional sound elements. I am thankful that the library is offering this. I have not had to use this with my daughter, because the library is already quiet enough for her. Everyone on the spectrum has different issues. It is not a one size fits all kind of thing. I am grateful that the library is trying to do something. I hope and pray that the churches step up and try harder to communicate with the parents about what the needs are and how they can help and support. I do know that the number 1 thing that they can do is take it seriously when the people say that the music is too loud.

At the church we are currently attending, the music is loud. With earplugs my daughter is able to sit/ stand in the back. She is unable to go to the front of the church because of the music.

Joyful Days at the Rainbow Playground

There is a playground where all the children play. They all are different, yes, they know but they also know God loves to see them all play. Jesus loves the children of the world. He loves to see them play all day on the swing that flies up so high. On the seesaw and on the monkey bars they play so happily.

Playground by Bell

The playground is so pretty like a rainbow in the sky. The playground is full of color all around. Every color that you know. The children don’t just play but read to their dogs. Jesus loves to see them play and be happy. On the slide and merry-go-round. They play so happily because the children know that God loves all of them

The children love to run around playing happily in the sun all day long on the rainbow playground. They play because they know that God loves them so.

By Bell

The Truth About Abortion

Molech is an ancient demon who demanded the killing of humans. The younger the human was the more he liked it. Today he is still wanting human sacrifice. It is just called by another name. It is now called abortion. Just look at what the Satanic Temple says about abortion.

Feb 2023 press release by the Satanic Temple.

Notice that is considers abortions to be a religious ritual. The last sentence says that “the procedure is an essential part of a religious practice.”

The Bible calls Molech an abomination.

  • 1 Kings 11:7 Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon.

In the epic poem Paradise Lost, John Milton writes:

“First MOLOCH, horrid King besmear’d with blood
Of human sacrifice, and parents tears,
Though for the noyse of Drums and Timbrels loud
Their childrens cries unheard, that past through fire
To his grim Idol.”

In the book of Isiah God asks a question.

  • Isaiah 49:15 Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.

The Greek Philosopher Plutarch talks about the music that would accompany the sacrifices of children and its purpose:

  • “… and the whole area before the statue was filled with a loud noise of flutes and drums so that the cries of wailing should not reach the ears of the people.”

If you would like to know what God says about children, please look at this article:

God’s Perspective on Children in Scripture

God’s Perspective on Children in Scripture

What does the Bible say about children? It has much to say regarding children and families.

  • God’s original design was for family.
    • Genesis 1:28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
  • Children are a heritage and a reward.
    • Psalm 127:3-5 Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. 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.
  • Childlessness was a source of sorry.
    • Genesis 11:30  But Sarai was barren; she had no child.
    • 1 Samuel 1:9-10 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the Lord. And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore.
  • Pregnancy is cause for joy.
    • Psalm 113:9 He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the Lord.
  • Unborn babies can feel and experience emotions.
    • Luke 1:44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
  • God has plans for children.
    • Jeremiah 1:5  Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
    • Galatians 1:15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,
  • Grandchildren are a source of delight.
    • Proverbs 17:6 Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
  • Children are to be dedicated to God.
    • 1 Samuel 1:21-28 And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the Lord the yearly sacrifice, and his vow. But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the Lord, and there abide for ever. And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the Lord establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him. And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the Lord in Shiloh: and the child was young. And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli. And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the Lord. For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him: Therefore, also I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord. And he worshipped the Lord there.
    • Luke 2:22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
  • Little children have guardian angels.
    • Matthew 18:10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
  • The kingdom of heaven belongs to children.
    • Luke 18:15-17  And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
  • Unborn children are:
    • Designed and formed by God.
      • Psalm 139:13-14  For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
      • Seen and known by God.
        • Psalm 22:10 I was cast upon You from birth; From my mother’s womb You have been my God.
        • Psalm 139:15-16 My frame was not hidden from You, When I was being formed in secret, And intricately and skillfully formed [as if embroidered with many colors] in the depths of the earth. Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
          And in Your book were all written The days that were appointed for me, When as yet there was not one of them [even taking shape].
      • Acknowledged and valued.
        • Psalm 22:30-31 Posterity will serve Him; They will tell of the Lord to the next generation. They will come and declare His righteousness To a people yet to be bor —that He has done it [and that it is finished].
        • Psalm 78:5-6 For He established a testimony (a specific precept) in Jacob And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers That they should teach to their children [the great facts of God’s transactions with Israel], That the generation to come might know them, that the children still to be born May arise and recount them to their children,
        • Psalm 102:18 Let this be recorded for the generation to come, That a people yet to be created will praise the Lord.
      • Brought out of the womb by God.
        • Psalm 22:9 Yet You are He who pulled me out of the womb; You made me trust when on my mother’s breasts.
        • Psalm 71:6 Upon You have I relied and been sustained from my birth; You are He who took me from my mother’s womb and You have been my benefactor from that day. My praise is continually of You.

Biblical Guidance for Raising Godly Children

The Bible offers clear guidance on raising children, providing principles and teachings related to their upbringing. Here is some of the guidance with scriptures.

Instruct, teach, and be a godly example for children

  • Deuteronomy 6:6-7 These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be [written] on your heart and mind. You shall teach them diligently to your children [impressing God’s precepts on their minds and penetrating their hearts with His truths] and shall speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up.
  • Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents], Even when he is old he will not depart from it.
  • Titus 2:3-4 Older women similarly are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor addicted to much wine, teaching what is right and good, so that they may encourage the young women to tenderly love their husbands and their children,
  • Ephesians 5:1 Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father];

Comfort Children, be compassionate towards them, and provide for them.

  • Matthew 18:10 “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.”
  • Psalm 127:3 “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”
    • Children are basically a gift from God. They are a reward from him.
  • Proverbs 31:15 She (the virtuous woman) riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
    • this is talking about her getting up early to see to the cooking of the food.
  • 1 Timothy 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
    • children are most assuredly part of a man’s household.

Children are to be disciplined with love so that they will gain wisdom that results in righteousness and peace.

  • Proverbs 3:12 For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
  • Proverbs 13:24 He who withholds the rod [of discipline] hates his son,
    But he who loves him disciplines and trains him diligently and appropriately [with wisdom and love].
    • This does not mean beat. It means correct and teach by showing the correct way.
  • Proverbs 29:15 The rod and reproof (godly instruction) give wisdom, But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.
  • Proverbs 29:17 Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; Yes, he will delight your soul.

Don’t Frustrate or discourage children; instead teach and instruct them in God’s ways.

  • Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to the point of resentment with demands that are trivial or unreasonable or humiliating or abusive; nor by showing favoritism or indifference to any of them], but bring them up [tenderly, with lovingkindness] in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
  • Colossians 3:21 Fathers, do not provoke or irritate or exasperate your children [with demands that are trivial or unreasonable or humiliating or abusive; nor by favoritism or indifference; treat them tenderly with lovingkindness], so they will not lose heart and become discouraged or unmotivated [with their spirits broken].

Leave your children an inheritance.

  • An inheritance does not necessarily mean that you leave them lots of money.
    • Leaving them with the memory of how you trained them to follow God is worth more than gold or silver.
  • Proverbs 13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, And the wealth of the sinner is stored up for [the hands of] the righteous.

Bring them up in the fear of the Lord by teaching them His Word.

  • Psalms 34:11 Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you to fear the Lord [with awe-inspired reverence and worship Him with obedience].
  • Proverbs 1:1-8 The proverbs (truths obscurely expressed, maxims) of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: To know [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction; To discern and comprehend the words of understanding and insight, To receive instruction in wise behavior and the discipline of wise thoughtfulness, Righteousness, justice, and integrity; That prudence (good judgment, astute common sense) may be given to the naive or inexperienced [who are easily misled], And knowledge and discretion (intelligent discernment) to the youth, The wise will hear and increase their learning, And the person of understanding will acquire wise counsel and the skill [to steer his course wisely and lead others to the truth], To understand a proverb and a figure [of speech] or an enigma with its interpretation, And the words of the wise and their riddles [that require reflection]. The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; But arrogant [a]fools despise [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction and self-discipline. My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not reject the teaching of your mother.
  • Matthew 19:14 But He said, “Leave the children alone, and do not forbid them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
  • Mark 10:14 But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and He said to them, “Allow the children to come to Me; do not forbid them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
  • Luke 2:41 And the Child continued to grow and become strong [in spirit], filled with wisdom; and the grace (favor, spiritual blessing) of God was upon Him. Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year for the Passover Feast.
  • Luke 18:16 But Jesus called them to Himself, saying [to the apostles], “Allow the children to come to Me, and do not forbid them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
    • Remember to frequently bring your children to Jesus.

Prayer to Nurture and Protect Your Kids

Here is a general prayer for the children in your life.


Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray and declare Your Word over my children, surrounding them with faith—faith in Your Word that You fulfill it! I believe and declare that my children are followers of Christ, taught by the Lord, and obedient to Your will. Great is the peace and calm of my children, for You, God, stand against what stands against them, providing them safety and comfort.


Father, You will take care of everything that concerns me. I entrust and release the care of my children entirely to You, Father. They are in Your hands, and I am fully convinced that You are able to protect and hold what I have entrusted to You. You are more than enough!

I believe my children respect and obey their parents in the Lord, recognizing this as just and right. They honor and cherish their parents, holding them in high regard, as this is the first commandment with a promise: that things may go well for them and they may enjoy a long life on earth. I trust that my children choose life, love the Lord, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him, for He is their life and the length of their days. As such, my children are leaders, not followers; they rise above and are never beneath. They are blessed in their coming and going.


I believe and confess that You assign Your angels to watch over my children, to guide, protect, and keep them safe in all they do. You, Lord, are their Shelter and Stronghold, their Glory, and the One who lifts their spirits.


As parents, we won’t provoke or irritate our children. We’ll avoid being harsh or causing them to feel discouraged, frustrated, or inferior. Instead, we’ll nurture them with love, guiding them gently through discipline and advice rooted in faith. We’ll teach them the right path so that when they’re older, they won’t stray from it.


O Lord, my God, how majestic and glorious is Your name throughout all the earth! You have displayed Your glory above the heavens. From the mouths of children and infants, You have established strength to silence Your enemies and those who oppose You. I give praise to Your name, O Most High. In the name of Jesus, the enemy is driven away from my children! They grow in wisdom and find favor with God and people. Amen.


Scripture References
Jeremiah 1:12
Psalm 91:11
Isaiah 54:13
Isaiah 49:25
Psalm 91:2
Psalm 3:3
1 Peter 5:7
Colossians 3:21
2 Timothy 1:12
Ephesians 6:4
Ephesians 6:1-3
Proverbs 22:6
Deuteronomy 30:19,20
Psalm 8:1,2
Deuteronomy 28:13
Psalm 9:2,3
Deuteronomy 28:3,6
Luke 2:52

The Story of Adam and Eve

THE STORY OF ADAM AND EVE

The first man’s name was Adam and his wife he called Eve. They lived in a beautiful Garden away in the East Country which was called Eden, filled with beautiful trees and flowers of all kinds. But they did not live in Eden long for they did not obey God’s command, but ate the fruit of a tree which had been forbidden them. They were driven forth by an angel and had to give up their beautiful home.


They were driven forth by an angel

So Adam and his wife went out into the world to live and to work. For a time they were all alone, but after a while God gave them a little child of their own, the first baby that ever came into the world. Eve named him Cain; and after a time another baby came, whom she named Abel.

When the two boys grew up, they worked, as their father worked before them. Cain, the older brother, chose to work in the fields, and to raise grain and fruits. Abel, the younger brother, had a flock of sheep and became a shepherd.

While Adam and Eve were living in the Garden of Eden, they could talk with God and hear God’s voice speaking to them. But now that they were out in the world, they could no longer talk with God freely, as before. So when they came to God, they built an altar of stones heaped up, and upon it, they laid something as a gift to God, and burned it, to show that it was not their own, but was given to God, whom they could not see. Then before the altar they made their prayer to God, and asked God to forgive their sins, all that they had done was wrong; and prayed God to bless them and do good to them.

Each of these brothers, Cain and Abel, offered upon the altar to God his own gift. Cain brought the fruits and the grain which he had grown; and Abel brought a sheep from his flock, and killed it and burned it upon the altar. For some reason God was pleased with Abel and his offering, but was not pleased with Cain and his offering. Perhaps God wished Cain to offer something that had life, as Abel offered; perhaps Cain’s heart was not right when he came before God.

And God showed that He was not pleased with Cain; and Cain, instead of being sorry for his sin, and asking God to forgive him, was very angry with God, and angry also toward his brother Abel. When they were out in the field together Cain struck his brother Abel and killed him. So the first baby in the world grew up to be the murderer of his own brother.

And the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel, your brother?”

Cain and Abel

And Cain answered, “I do not know; why should I take care of my brother?”

Then the Lord said to Cain, “What is this that you have done? Your brother’s blood is like a voice crying to me from the ground. Do you see how the ground has opened, like a mouth, to drink your brother’s blood? As long as you live, you shall be under God’s curse for the murder of your brother. You shall wander over the earth, and shall never find a home, because you have done this wicked deed.”

And Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is greater than I can bear. Thou hast driven me out from among men; and thou hast hid thy face from me. If any man finds me he will kill me, because I shall be alone, and no one will be my friend.”

And God said to Cain, “If any one harms Cain, he shall be punished for it.” And the Lord God placed a mark on Cain, so that whoever met him should know him and should know also that God had forbidden any man to harm him. Then Cain and his wife went away from Adam’s home to live in a place by themselves, and there they had children. And Cain’s family built a city in that land; and Cain named the city after his first child, whom he had called Enoch.

Lesson 4: A fat hen

Letter Sounds:

  • f
  • b
  • x
  • u

Words:

  • hen
  • fat
  • rat
  • box
  • big
  • run
  • from
  • can

Lesson:

A fat hen. A big rat.

The fat hen is on the box.

The rat ran from the box.

Can the hen run?

Lesson 3: The man has a pen

Letter Sounds:

  • p
  • h
  • e

Words:

  • it
  • his
  • pen
  • hand
  • a
  • in
  • has
  • man

Lesson:

The man. A pen.

The man has a pen.

Is the pen in his hand?

It is in his hand.

MCGUFFEY’S First ECLECTIC READER

“McGuffey’s First Eclectic Reader, Revised Edition” by William Holmes McGuffey is an educational textbook written in the late 19th century. This book serves as a foundational reading primer designed primarily for young children who are just beginning to learn how to read. It combines phonics and sight word instruction with moral lessons and simple narratives to help children develop literacy skills. The book consists of a series of lessons that introduce vocabulary through short passages accompanied by illustrations. Each lesson focuses on different aspects of language, from phonics to vocabulary building, and often includes questions to encourage comprehension and discussion. Throughout the text, there are moral themes such as kindness and respect, illustrated through various characters and scenarios, helping to instill values alongside reading proficiency. As students’ progress, the lessons become incrementally more complex, reinforcing their learning experience and preparing them for more advanced reading materials.