In what ways can we ensure our children "inherit it forever"? 1 Chronicles 28:8—Foundation Verse “So now in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the LORD, and in the hearing of our God, I say: Keep and carry out all the commandments of the LORD your God, so that you may possess this good land and leave it as an inheritance to your descendants forever.” The Heart of the Charge David ties two clear responsibilities to a lifelong inheritance for our children: • “Keep” (guard personally) the commandments. • “Carry out” (perform actively) the commandments. The blessing (“possess this good land” and “leave it … forever”) is not automatic; it flows from consistent covenant obedience. Guarding Our Own Walk • Personal holiness is the parent’s first safeguard (1 Timothy 4:16). • The righteous “walk blamelessly and do what is right” (Psalm 15:2), creating a spiritual climate their children naturally breathe. • Hypocrisy forfeits credibility; holiness preserves it. Teaching Diligently at Home • Deuteronomy 6:6-9—commands on heart, discussed “when you sit… walk… lie down… rise.” • Use everyday moments: meals, chores, drives, joys, sorrows. • Keep instruction practical, age-appropriate, and saturated with Scripture. Modeling Authentic Faith • Paul urged, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). • Let children see repentance when you fail, gratitude when blessed, courage when pressured. Creating a Scripture-Saturated Environment • Display, read, and memorize God’s Word (Colossians 3:16). • Music, art, conversations, and entertainment should echo biblical truth rather than compete with it. Cultivating Covenant Community • Regular, glad participation in gathered worship (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Intergenerational fellowship allows children to witness testimonies, answered prayers, and seasoned wisdom. • Accountability among believers strengthens perseverance. Practicing Generational Faithfulness • Psalm 78:5-7—“He commanded our fathers to teach their children, so that the next generation might know.” • Share family stories of God’s faithfulness, answered prayer, and mission involvement. • Celebrate spiritual milestones: baptism anniversaries, first Bible, service projects. Praying Expectantly • Job “regularly offered burnt offerings” on behalf of his children (Job 1:5). • Ask boldly for saving faith, lifelong obedience, and spiritual fruit (John 15:7-8). • Thank God in advance, affirming His covenant character (Numbers 23:19). Trusting God’s Covenant Promises • Isaiah 59:21—“My Spirit… and My words… shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your children… forever.” • Acts 2:39—“The promise is to you and to your children.” • Our faithfulness is the God-ordained means; His faithfulness is the unbreakable guarantee. Putting It All Together—Practical Checklist • Examine and repent of personal sin quickly. • Schedule family Scripture time daily. • Engage every child in corporate worship weekly. • Memorize one verse together each month. • Serve in church or community as a family quarterly. • Track answered prayers in a shared journal. • Bless each child verbally with Scripture before bedtime. By guarding our own obedience, diligently teaching, and depending wholly on the Lord who keeps covenant, we position our children to “inherit it forever.” |
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