My own journey through 101

I could write a book about parenting, but my meager stint is only a two-hour class on Sundays with the kids at church. I never think of it as less, but I have never been a mom (not yet) and I only learned how to put a baby’s diapers on when I was 26. (This was mainly because nobody thought I would need to know soon, so nobody bothered to coach. Reason: changing diapers comes with maternal instincts)(?).

Ok, so someone once said that we don’t need to be hens to know that the eggs are stale. This could be true, but on the contrary, we (I, for one) all need wisdom from above to know some of life’s most important subjects.

I firmly believe in “training a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it (Proverbs 22:6), so to share with you what God has been teaching me so far, I would give you a handy 101 list instead, which I would fill as I go through life (hopefully fill it sooner). You have probably done any of them one way or the other. 

They come in any order of importance. Here goes:

1. Never, ever “terrify” your kids of “monsters” that are out to grab them - if they didn’t obey you.This sounds childish, and you’re right, it IS, but I’ve heard too many parents quickly pick this “easy” way. And not only is this childish, it also sows seeds of fear in your children, creating a doorway for the spirit of fear to spook them. You may think this is trivial, but the truth is, children start to fear dark places, and does NOT give the opportunity for God’s spirit to inhabit their minds and hearts. Find other ways to train them for obedience instead. Remember, we are raising kids to be Godly and victorious.

2. Be lavish on affirmation (and love!).Most children are bombarded by worldly standards, comparisons, people’s opinions, expectations, criticisms, and all the other destructive things that make them doubt, feel inferior, pity themselves, or lose their confidence. These happen as early as they start school, and unless they are home-schooled, they deal more with these things everyday, even simple issues as a test score that made them feel bad! Parents should always be quick to affirm with what God say in His Word, versus what they hear from other people. A strong foundation is your time with your kids to study the Bible. Back your affirmation with the Word of God, and always assure them of your unconditional love.

Romans 16:20

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. Now, who would like to wrestle with the devil? Any takers?

Like the prophet Jeremiah, we never run out of excuses to God. After all, we are only a "child" so to speak, and a child is fed milk and all these soft chewables that is pleasing to the taste.

Yet God never intended for us to remain a child. You were born to be a mighty warrior in His army!
But the choice is up to you.
Would you stay in your comfort zone? You have been there for the longest, and it doesn't make you any less 'Christian', does it?
Well you can stay like that by all means.
Or you can get hold of your sonship, your real identity, your heavenly citizenship, and start acting like ONE.

A notable preacher once said that like an army camp in a war zone, God's people should be wired and ready 24/7.
Believe me, the devils of hell never sleep while you compromise your Christianity. They never take a break while you choose to watch TV or be in Facebook instead of spending time with your Father. They roam to and fro, all over the earth, like a roaring lion that will seek you, really take you by surprise, and devour you (before you even know it!)
Will you let him trample you, instead of the other way around?
Or will you tell him that's enough, stand on your feet, put on your armor (the Armor of GOD in Ephesians 6:11-18), and crush him underneath your feet?Afterall, GOD has equipped you, not only with a complete armor, but the wisdom on when to fight.*

Praise God for seasons in life. But we always get back up and refuse to be defeated, because our name is synonymous with victory through JESUS. And through our seasons, we learn lessons and know the difference between a victorious life and a barely-get-by.
I know the perfect (and only) place to gather your weapons. Find them at the feet of your Father - complete, not lacking, and more than state-of-the-art. Spend more time with Him and get to know His voice better!

If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world
can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for
another world. ~C.S. Lewis

*(In spiritual warfare, God's wisdom is vital. We can't just go surging against the enemy without God's go signal, especially in specific circumstances.)