Psalm 127:3-5

“Children are a heritage from the Lord,

    offspring a reward from him.

 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior

    are children born in one’s youth.

Blessed is the man

    whose quiver is full of them.

They will not be put to shame

when they contend with their opponents in court.”

This week we have a shortened week, as we have an extra day meant to spend with our families.  Some families will be able to get away for a mid-winter mini-break.  Others may just enjoy the rest from daily tasks and schedules at home.  Regardless of how it is spent, the hope and idea is to give families a chance to check in with each other, and I hope, to enjoy each other.

As a parent, I see how God has given children as a gift and as a heritage; a joy, and a responsibility. God created families and the ties that bind them together.  As a Christian, I also know that my children are His first and that their joy will ultimately be tied to Him.  So as you take this moment in your February schedule to focus on your family, also take the time to bring your children before the Lord in prayer.  Pray for protection - from sin in their lives and from the sin in the lives of their authorities.  Pray for teachers and others to teach them what is good and right. Pray that God would guard against anyone who would plot evil against your children, including themselves.   Pray for faith to be firmly planted so they are convinced, convicted, and converted to be children of God, knowing He loved them first. He loves them so much that He made a way for them to be His eternally and wants to be in a relationship with them.

                                                                                                                 Rachel Sikma