2016年1月23日
從小開始
Lessons for Little Ones
读经: 箴言22章1-16節
Reading: Proverbs 22:1-16
教養孩童，使他走當行的道。-箴言22章6節
Start children off on the way they should go.- Proverbs 22:6
全年读经: 出埃及記7-8章;馬太福音15章1-20節
Bible in a Year: Exodus 7–8; Matthew 15:1-20
一天，女兒告訴我她在學校用餐時遇到一個困難，我馬上想到該如何幫她解決問題。但再三思量後，我有了不同的想法。我想或許上帝允許這件事發生，是要讓她看見上帝的作為，使她更加認識上帝。因此，我並沒有急著出手幫忙，只帶著她一起禱告。結果，完全不需要我幫忙，問題就解決了！
這件事情讓女兒經歷了上帝對她的關愛，祂不但垂聽、也回應她的禱告。聖經上提到，這樣的教導的確有必要從小開始，如果我們「教養孩童，使他走當行的道，就是到老他也不偏離」 （箴言22章6節） 。當我們讓孩子從年幼時期就能認識耶穌和祂的大能，那麼即使他們在日後迷失了，也可以再回到主的懷抱，同時這也為他們的一生奠定靈命成長的基礎。
想想看，你如何使孩子的信心增長呢？可以帶領他們欣賞上帝在自然界的奇妙創造，與他們談談上帝曾經如何幫助你，或帶著他們一起為生活上的美事獻上感謝。上帝要透過你，讓世世代代都知道祂的美善。
親愛上帝，求祢在我們的下一代中興起愛主的信徒，
教導我如何激勵年輕一代來信靠祢。
今日為基督而活，為下一代留下榜樣。
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When my daughter described a problem she was having in the school lunchroom, I immediately wondered how I could fix the issue for her. But then another thought occurred. Maybe God had allowed the problem so she could see Him at work and get to know Him better. Instead of running to the rescue, I decided to pray with her. The trouble cleared up without any help from me!
This situation showed my little one that God cares for her, that He listens when she prays, and that He answers prayers. The Bible says there's something significant about learning these lessons early in life. If we "start children off on the way they should go, . . .when they are old they will not turn from it" (Prov. 22:6). When we start kids off with an awareness of Jesus and His power, we are giving them a place to return to if they wander and a foundation for spiritual growth throughout their lives.
Consider how you might foster faith in a child. Point out God's design in nature, tell a story about how He has helped you, or invite a little one to thank God with you when things go right. God can work through you to tell of His goodness throughout all generations.
Dear God, I pray that You will raise up believers in the next generation. Show me how I can encourage young people to trust in You.
We influence future generations by living for Christ today.