THE BIBLE IS FUNDAMENTAL

We have probably all heard the saying "Reading is Fundamental" which indeed it truly is. Without reading and knowing how to read you can not do too much else in life. The A B C's and teaching children to read from a very young age is critical to good child development.

This idea for this devotion came to me as I sat in the parking lot of the library at Redstone Arsenal. I observed parents and children there for the annual summer reading program. That is a fond memory of mine from childhood and we made certain our sons participated in things like that as well, or just did them at home with me.

Even more crucial is reading the Bible. If you are a parent reading this devotion today with babies or toddlers why not start from a very young age reading to them and read them Bible stories and the actual word of God? If you go to a baby shower why not tuck in a little book for babies and children from your local Christian bookstore? I even had a teddy bear that played the tune  "Jesus Loves Me". Take the opportunity to hide the word of God in the hearts of not only yourself but the younger generation.

2 Timothy 3:15(NIV) says 'And how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.' There is not some "new parent" rule book that says that you only have to read nursery rhymes and things like that to them. I remember this one book we had about Noah's Ark I read to our two sons a great deal and it ended with "I'll never bring a flood again to cause all flesh to die and the symbol of my vow will be a rainbow in the sky." I am not sure if they still remember it, but I sure do!

What is more important? Storing nursery rhymes in your head or storing up God's word in your head. When little ones are in the church nursery what a great opportunity it would be to have the workers reading Bible stories to them. I know there are some that do.

Psalm 119:11(NIV) says 'I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.'

Start today and everyday and make sure the Bible is fundamental in your life and the life of your family. In Jesus' name. Amen.

PRAYER: Father in heaven I thank you for your word which is fundamental to good spiritual health. Every day put the desire within me to read it. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Note: Sorry for lateness of today's post but I am in Arizona and this is first chance I had today with Wi Fi. 

KEEP THAT HORN PUT AWAY

Have you ever been around people who like to tell others of their accomplishments or perhaps you have done it? Maybe it is an attempt to prove their worth or brag about an award or feat they achieved. Or it  might be purely unintentional. I admit I have been guilty of this and try not to. Perhaps you have the sticker on the car that says "My Child is an Honor Student". Or maybe a decal that says "26.2"? Recently I got convicted about a decal on my car and removed it. It simply said "I Served". I did not want to give the impression of boasting. Whatever it is we do is much nicer when someone else notices and praises us and not our own mouth. It is always best to try to stay humble. I feel it is something to pray for ourselves and everyone in our family.

Humility is a character trait to develop. Don't "toot your own horn" so to speak. The Bible says 'Let another praise you and not your own mouth'. Also the word of God says 'Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall' in Proverbs 16:18(NIV). Even when you do a good deed it is best not to go tell everyone. Proverbs 27:2(NIV) says '

Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.' Would you rather be around someone who brags or a person who shows great interest in others? Get into the practice of trying to be interested in others. Live for God and give Him the glory when you achieve an honor. There is nothing wrong with getting rewarded, being able to run marathons, being smart, and all sorts of other things but it is best to remember who it is who helped you achieve where you are. To God Be The Glory! PRAYER: Forgive me Lord if I have ever "tooted my own horn". Help me to learn to take compliments graciously and to give you the glory for the wonderful things you have done. In Jesus' name. Amen. Click link for powerful song of praise. http://youtu.be/0iZm9__sJL8