“TAKE UP YOUR WALLET & WALK!”

Laura and I had dinner this week with some dear friends in Oklahoma where I was scheduled to speak.  We enjoyed visiting with this wonderful couple and their precious little girl.

They were telling us about a time in a Bible class when their little girl was studying the story of Mark 2 where Jesus told the paralyzed man, “take up your bed and walk.”  They asked her to tell the story she had learned in class.  She said, “Jesus told the paramedic, ‘take up your wallet and walk!’” This precious true-life story brought several important reminders.

Thank God for children. Our children bring so much joy and enlightenment to our lives.  God’s Word says, “Children are a gift of the Lord.” (Psalm 127:3) My greatest gift from God in my life is my precious wife. As a couple, the greatest gifts we have received from our Father are our two children. They have always brought tremendous joy to our life. As we look back on their early years we remember the laughter that was a part of our home because of children.  Now, in their adult years we continue to thank God for them every day.  Enjoy your children, celebrate your family, and build good memories that will last a lifetime.

Thank God for Christian parents.  We are thankful for people like this wonderful couple who take time to talk with their daughter about what she is studying in her Bible class.  They are genuinely interested in what she is learning.  They are spending time with her, helping her grow in “wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:52)  Parents, the best gift we can give our children is not money or things, but it is the knowledge of God’s Word, and a Christian legacy.

Thank God for Christian teachers.  While it is not the duty of Bible class teachers, youth leaders, preachers, elders, or anyone else in the church to raise our children (that responsibility belongs to parents), we certainly need teachers, etc who will supplement correctly what children are learning at home.  When was the last time you said thank you to your child’s Bible class teacher? They spend hours preparing lessons, plans, and activities to help our children learn more about Jesus.

Thank You Father for children who bring so much joy into our lives. Thank You for parents who are engaged in the life of their children, those who are giving children what they need most. Thank You, dear God for Bible class teachers and others in churches who are supporting the work that Christian parents are trying to do. Help us to celebrate our families and help us to grow closer to one another as we grow closer to Jesus.