The Two-pronged Approach

Labor Day edition of . . . 

Good Son-Day!

The book closed on Summer.  Now Autumn Fun!

You will always find Good News here.

The Last Strands of Summer

A Two-Pronged Approach

It is time for me to be the OG I am in regard to training a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it. This is a passage from Proverbs 22:6.

Over the past 25 years, I’ve observed a concerning trend: children are receiving less and less training in the basics of the Bible.  

This biblical knowledge is essential—not optional—and it’s the shared responsibility of both parents and the church to provide it.  

Deuteronomy 6:6-7

6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.

In recent years, we’ve seen a shift in how children are spiritually trained. With fewer families attending church regularly, there are naturally fewer opportunities for children to be taught Bible basics. At the same time, many churches have shifted toward life-lesson messages and single-scripture teachings, which, while valuable, often lack the depth and continuity of fundamental biblical teaching.

The church still has a function in the 21st century. We must not forget the New Testament directive in Hebrews 10:24–25:

24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

This passage reminds us that gathering together matters—not just for fellowship, but for spiritual growth, encouragement, and teaching. The home and the church must work hand in hand to ensure that children are not just hearing about God occasionally but are being rooted in His Word consistently.

During the pandemic, remote work became the norm, offering flexibility but also creating a sense of isolation. As workplaces reopen, many employers are emphasizing in-person collaboration to rebuild community and foster a synergy that’s hard to replicate through screens. There’s a richness in face-to-face interaction—body language, spontaneous conversations, shared experiences—that deepens connection and creativity.

The same principle applies to our spiritual lives. While virtual fellowship has its place, there’s a unique power in gathering with other believers. Scripture encourages us to edify one another—So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Just as the workplace thrives in shared spaces, so do believers when they come together to worship, pray, and grow.

As you grow, love compels you to share that growth with your children—because true love doesn’t hoard wisdom, it multiplies it.

Children today, more than ever, need the foundational truths found in Bible stories and teachings. Every day, they are bombarded by the worst the world has to offer through TV, the internet, and social media. As parents and guardians, we must be intentional in countering that influence with the truth of God’s Word.

As 1 John 4:4 reminds us:

“But you belong to God, my children, and have defeated the false prophets, because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.”

Deuteronomy 6 calls us to be passionate and consistent in teaching God’s Word—not just on Sundays, but daily, in our homes, on the go, at bedtime, and in the morning. Children need to be imprinted with the Word—not just taught but immersed in it.

So, tell Bible stories with joy and energy. Share your personal testimonies. Let your children see how God has moved in your life. When you speak with authenticity and love, they will gladly receive what you’re sharing. This is how faith is passed down—not just through instruction, but through relationship and example.

I highly recommend a two-pronged approach to teaching children the Word of God.

First, introduce them to the essential Bible stories—the narratives that reveal God’s character, His promises, and His plan for us. (I’ll share a list next week.)

Second, provide them with short, powerful scriptures—verses that are easy to memorize and carry deep meaning. These “quick hitters” can serve as spiritual flashlights, lighting up their path in moments of confusion, fear, or decision-making.  

Psalm 119:105

Thy WORD is a lamp unto my feet and light onto my path.

This approach builds both biblical literacy and spiritual resilience, helping your children grow in faith and confidence.

I will end with this delightful scripture . . .

Colossians 3:16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Song of the Week - 

Hallelujah! Sing a New Song to GOD. Sing HIS praise in the assembly of godly people. Psalm 149:1.

"Lightning in the Sky", August 2025, DJ Slow Motion.

One vocal, two instruments, great lyrics.  Jo loved this song on the first play.  Yes, the lyrics have a little ambiguity, but I am leaning towards divine love.  Either way, the song is about love.  All good, all good.

Lyrics

I'm used to walking all alone, fighting on my own

Dealing with my problems. Ignoring all my pains.

With no room for no one's love

Yes

I tried that once before, then quickly had enough

Of being lied to and broken

I'm 30 thousand feet in the air

Gliding through the clouds

Gazing at the stars; clear view of the moon

With You in my heart

The way You make me feel alive

Showers of rain that fills up my eyes

I'm extremely blessed to have You by my side

What is this feeling?

When did it change?

How can sudden be so suddenly?

What's this magic in Your eyes?

That persuasion in Your words

I hope they're not all lies

I'm 37 thousand feet in the air

Gliding through the clouds

Gazing at the stars

Clear view of the moon

With You in my heart

It's like lightning in the sky

The way You light up my life

Thunder in my heart

The way You make me feel alive

Showers of rain that fills up eyes

I'm so extremely blessed to have You

What is this spark?

What is this feeling?

That's in my heart

That's got me wanting to be next to You

Next to You

It's like lightning in the sky

The way You light up my life

Thunder in my heart

The way You make me feel alive

Showers of rain that fills up eyes

I know I'm extremely blessed

To have you by my side

It's like lightning in the sky

The way You light up my life

Thunder in my heart

The way You make me feel alive

You got me soaring

37 thousand feet in the air.