Feed My Lambs (Part 2)

FEED MY LAMBS

by Diana Savastano

(Part Two)

"All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be

the peace of your children." —Isaiah 54:13

The above Bible verse confirms and leaves no doubt that when our children are taught of the Lord great shall be their peace. Taught and peace are the keywords that strike a cord of assurance, making it clear that when our children learn, understand, and live God's word, great will be their peace.

As believers, we are responsible to teach and proclaim the Truth and to be keenly aware of the importance of leading our children directly to God. Explain that there is only one way to God—the Father of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—and that is directly through His Son, Jesus Christ, who died on the cross so that we may have eternal life (John 14:6).

Jesus said He is not only the “Bread of Life” (John 6:35) but also a wellspring of Living Water (John 4:14) with a promise that “whoever” comes to Him will never hunger or thirst again. Because of this, we’re able to walk boldly in the spirit, becoming changed, enlightened, and renewed by the very Word that becomes our Living Bread and Water.

FEED THE LAMBS so they’ll be able to survive in the world, even though they’re not part of the world. Jesus prayed to the Father that we should be kept from Satan—the evil one who has control of the world (John 17:15). Be not deceived, Satan will either come as a wolf in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15) or disguised as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). Either way, his deceptive boldness always follows an insidious path of destruction to push Jesus out of our lives, homes, churches, businesses, and schools.

Thanks and praise be to God for His mighty warriors whose eyes are open to the cunning deceptions, ears are tuned to hear the lies, and voices are bold and unafraid to speak the Truth found in the Word of God.

1 Peter 4:11 - “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

FEED THE LAMBS so they’re not left helpless and unprepared. Tell them about the dangers of being fed at worldly tables where the food appears delicious and satisfying but in reality, it’s stale, tainted, and moldy.

Bring them to a deeper understanding that within the color spectrum of life, there will be hues of joy, shades of sorrow, and tints of suffering. However, through it all, the primary color of a believer’s life is the peace that passes all human understanding and will always be present when the Holy Spirit dwells within.

Let them know that God gives seasons to enjoy and strength to adapt to the changes that will occur through each season. Tell them there's a time to weep, a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance (Ecclesiastes 3:4). Explain that where there is life, there surely will be death and that man dies once, and then the judgment (Hebrews 9:27). Tell them that heaven is a real place where Jesus is seated at the right hand of God the Father (Colossians 3:1). Remember, we're accountable to God for them (Luke 12:48b).

FEED THE LAMBS by preparing them for the many challenges of life that will only be won by overcoming—not once, not twice, but daily.

Regardless of age, prepare them for the battle by the wearing of the full Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18): a spiritual covering that protects and shields from Satan’s schemes and treacheries. Explain that God’s army of believers must wear this protective covering daily so it becomes a permanent, identifiable garment that cannot be penetrated by the Enemy. This Holy Armor is:

the belt of truth,
the breastplate of righteousness,
the boots of the gospel of peace,
the shield of faith to stop fiery darts from the wicked one,
the helmet of salvation,
and the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God).

Ephesians 6:12 defines the Enemy we’re up against in this battle: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

FEED THE LAMBS and pray daily for them when they’re on the mountaintop and also when they enter into the valley. Wipe away tears and comfort them when their lives seem to unravel. Tell them you love them because of Jesus and His unconditional love. Keep their hearts and minds centered on Him and His perfect will for their lives.

When we're obedient to His instructions, we’ll rejoice to see the fruits of this wonderful calling to feed and tend to His lambs. “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9).

Thank you, Father God, for Your Son, Jesus. Thank you for Your Word, which endures forever, never changing but always supplying and strengthening our daily walk with You. Thank you for the gift to teach and to love the children in Your kingdom. May I be a blessing to others, and may others be a blessing to me. In His Love and Holy Name. Amen.

*A Limited Edition Print of "Feed My Sheep" by Kathryn Fincher is available at www.kathyfincher.com.

Tags: