Sowing the Seed

Since my last post "The Farmer and the Seed," I've been thinking a lot about sowing God's Word into the hearts of my children. So often in my walk with the Lord, I'll start thinking on a certain truth and all of a sudden, it will show itself in all different areas of my life. As the old saying goes, "when it rains it pours. . ." That's how I feel the Holy Spirit often works with me! And boy, when this starts happening I want to listen :)

After I had posted about sowing seed and started thinking anew on that truth, I was loaned some DVDs by an author named Ginger Plowman. She has written Don't Make Me Count to Three and Wise Words For Moms (which have both been very influential in my parenting and I highly recommend). Her talks reiterated in my mind the urgency to speak God's Word to my children

. . . in everyday life

. . . no matter what

. . . whether I see fruit

. . . or not.

I am to sow seeds of righteousness in them and leave the fruit of righteousness up to the Holy Spirit.

"Sow for yourselves righteousness;

reap steadfast love;

break up your fallow ground,

for it is the time to seek the LORD,

that he may come and rain

righteousness upon you."

Hosea 10:12

My ESV commentary says of these verses, "Sowing that which is right and good brings a harvest of blessing from the Lord. . . God must give the harvest." When we speak the Word to our kids, we are addressing their hearts and not just their actions. This is so very important in parenting.

How practically do you do this? Well, the book of Proverbs certainly is practical. So, I started reading through it again, writing down the verses that I could use in my everyday talk with my children. . . that apply specifically to certain childish behavior. (Wise Words for Moms is a chart, laying out additional verses that you can use when speaking to your kids) And then, lo and behold, I heard that our summer evening series at church is on the proverbs!! All of this, I know, is God's providential, loving hand upon my life, sanctifying and growing me. . . and O, I am so very THANKFUL!! We are not alone in our parenting. He gives wisdom to ALL who ask!

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God,

who gives generously to all without reproach,

and it will be given him."

James 1:5

Thought I would share a few of the Proverbs I have come across that I've been using, or hope to use, in my everyday talk with my children:

"The wise of heart will receive commandments,

but a babbling fool will com to ruin." (10:8)

"Hatred stirs up strife,

but love covers all offenses." (10:12)

"Whoever heads instruction is on the path of life,

but he who rejects reproof leads others astray." (10:17)

"Like a gold ring in a pig's snout

is a beautiful woman without discretion." (11:22)

"Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise

but a companion of fools will suffer harm." (13:20)

"A soft answer turns away wrath,

but a harsh word stirs up anger." (15:1)

"A glad heart makes a cheerful face." (15:13)

So today, dear friends, may your hearts be glad and your faces cheerful as you sow seeds of righteousness!!